September 2007 Meeting Highlights ...

Richard Lederer unveiled his latest book, Presidential Trivia: The Feats, Fates, Families, Foibles, and Firsts of Our American Presidents. (photo: Larry Edwards)

Richard Lederer

Lederer Tittilates With Trivia

Richard Lederer, a spirited Guild Life Member who flourishes nationally as author, punster, columnist, multi-tasker, actor, parade leader, teacher, toastmaster, critic and clown, spoke at the September 17 general meeting, introducing his latest book, the Presidential Trivia: The Feats, Fates, Families, Foibles and Firsts of Our American Presidents (Gibbs Smith Publishers), price: $11.

Chock full of intriguing, little-known facts, Presidential Trivia includes the chapters "Running Mates" and "First Ladies Rule." It also delves into American legends and their origins, such as the term "OK" (from "Oll Korrect"), spoken globally by millions everyday, as well as the Curtiss Candy Company's chewy "Baby Ruth" bar and the world-renowned "teddy bear" that morphed into Theodore Roosevelt's nickname, which he disliked.

Richard Lederer showed off the cartoon that lampooned President Theodore Roosevelt and gave birth to the teddy bear. (photo: Larry Edwards)

Consider a few quiz questions included in the book (answers below):

1. Who was interviewed by a female journalist during his skinny dip in the Potomoc?
   
2. Who was arrested and fined for exceeding the speed limit on his horse?
   
3. Who introduced the "Good to the Last Drop" slogan adopted by Maxwell House?
   
4. Who was the first to be born in a hospital?

Lederer also has a 2008 page-a-day Presidential Trivia calendar for $14. Guild members who purchase the book or calendar not only get a delightful read, they are contributing directly to the Guild's coffers. Also known as Attila the Pun and Conan the Grammarian, Lederer is generously donating to the Guild all profits from the sales to members, and he will happily sign and personally inscribe each item. Do your holiday shopping and benefit the SDWEG — and be sure to mention the Guild. To order, visit his website: Richard Lederer's Verbivore.

Richard Lederer challenged meeting attendees with trivia question about U.S. presidents. (photo: Larry Edwards)

Sally Parrott got an autographed copy of Richard Lederer's new book. (photo: Larry Edwards)

Richard Lederer discussed his new book with SDWEG past president Carl Nelson. (photo: Larry Edwards)

Prior to Lederer's presentation, Janie Lancaster (left) showed off the magnetic sign she uses to promote her book, Julie & the Lost Fairy Tale; Guild President Peggy Lipscomb- Kazwara looking on. (photo: Larry Edwards)

Quiz Answers: (1) John Quincy Adams, (2) Ulysses S. Grant, (3) Teddy Roosevelt, (4) Jimmy Carter

For a full report on the meeting, see the October newsletter.

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