Snuck away to Pasadena for a few hours today, accompanied by some friends I met via a certain game show, to play informally with the CalTech quizbowl team.

The guys were splendid hosts, in addition to being freakishly intelligent.  The following Q/A exchange was typical — and I am so not exaggerating.

Q: This Pacific island, which takes its name from the word for sulfur —

ding! 

A. — Iwo Jima!

Yipe.

Mostly I kept very quiet.  Although I did get to buzz in occasionally with “human finger!” or “boxers!” or the like.

All in all, the CalTechies were a total blast to hang out around, compete against, match wits with, and dangle prepositions as a result of.  

So, my public thanks.