The Sorting Hat: Pug's Harry Potter Reading Challenge '12

THIS SET OF QUESTIONS CLOSED 11/19/12 AT 11PM. PLEASE VISIT THE INFORMATION PAGE FOR CURRENT OPEN QUESTIONS. 

This week is all about being sorted. Here is the big moment! What house will you be in? 

Results

Trivia

I'd bet my white stripe that Dumbledore wrote the school song: 

                                                         "Hogwarts, Hogwarts, Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,

                                                           Teach us something please, 

                                                           Whether we be old and bald

                                                           Or young with scabby knees, 

                                                           Our heads could do with filling

                                                           With some interesting stuff, 

                                                           For now they're bare and full of air, 

                                                           Dead flies and bits of fluff, 

                                                           So teach us things worth knowing, 

                                                           Bring back what we've forgot, 

                                                           Just do your best, we'll do the rest, 

                                                           And learn until our brains all rot."                 

Pottermore 

Hufflepugg - it's the only house there is. 

Opinion/Discussion

Did you know that the scribe has The Sorting Hat tattooed on her arm? 

   

Ingrid - Round: 30 Total: 165

Trivia
My head could do with some rubs. - Oreo 
Pottermore 
Yea! As one of the bravest people I know, this fits you. - Willo 
Opinion/Discussion
Hehe! Washing. Lucky hat. I wonder how I can convince the Scribe that I don't need to be washed.... -Leo 

Mark - Round: 0 Total: 65

Trivia
Pottermore 
I know for a fact Mark is a Slytherin... 
Opinion/Discussion

Ashley - Round: 30 Total: 85

Trivia
What's worth knowing... All dogs go to heaven and all pugs go to Hogwarts. -Oreo
Pottermore 
Another Slytherin. - Willo 
Opinion/Discussion
Creepy! We're insulted! 

StarWormwood12755 aka Kim - Round: 0 Total: 60 

Trivia
Pottermore 
We really wish we knew what house StarWormwood12755 will end up in! 
Opinion/Discussion

Trivia 5 Points

What is a single line of the school song? 

                                                                                - Oreo

Pottermore 10 Points 

What is your house? 

                                                                             - Willo

Opinion/Discussion 15 Points 

Discuss your thoughts on the Sorting Hat's Song....

                                                                           - Leo

Freebie 

An iron crest/patch of your house. We have these on our costumes! 

(Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw)

The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-quarters: Pug's Harry Potter Reading Challenge '12

THIS SET OF QUESTIONS CLOSED 11/12/12 AT 8PM. PLEASE VISIT THE INFORMATION PAGE FOR CURRENT OPEN QUESTIONS. 

Results

Trivia
Dry corned beef. - I'm positive Tatum would've happily eaten them for Ron. 

Pottermore 
Quoted from Pottermore: 
   "Where exactly the Hogwarts Express came from has never been conclusively proven, although it is a fact that there are secret records at the Ministry of Magic detailing a mass operation involving one hundred and sixty-seven Memory Charms and the largest ever mass Concealment Charm performed in Britain. The morning after these alleged crimes, a gleaming scarlet steam engine and carriages astounded the villagers of Hogsmeade (who had also not realised they had a railway station), while several bemused Muggle railway workers down in Crewe spent the rest of the year grappling with the uncomfortable feeling that they had mislaid something important."

Opinion/Discussion
Some friends are friends from the beginning.... and never forgotten. 

Ingrid - Round: 25 Total: 135
Trivia - 5
Our scribe says no to dry sandwiches but a pug will never turn down a sandwich. 

Pottermore - 5
I want a go at this Platform - Willo

Opinion/Discussion - 15
What a horrible thought! And perfect analysis! 

Mark - Round: 0 Total: 65
Trivia - 0

Pottermore - 0

Opinion/Discussion - 0

Ashley - Round: 0 Total: 55 
Trivia - 0

Pottermore - 0

Opinion/Discussion - 0

StarWormwood12755 aka Kim - Round: 0 Total: 60  
Trivia - 0

Pottermore - 0

Opinion/Discussion - 0

Hello! 
This is Tatum and for my very last post as guest host I get to ask all the questions! 

Trivia 5 Points 

What type of sandwiches does Ron have? 

Pottermore 10 Points

Detail the magic performed in obtaining the Hogwart's Express. 

Opinion/Discussion 15 Points 

Discuss Ron and Harry's bonding/ new found friendship. 

Freebie! 

And what am I leaving you with? Everyone who earns 20 points this round will get a pack of "Drooble's Best Blowing Gum"! Yes, the real stuff that you can actually chew. Wish me the best! - Tatum, no longer an APARN foster pug

Diagon Alley: Pug's Harry Potter Reading Challenge '12

THIS SET OF QUESTIONS CLOSED 11/9/12 AT 9PM. PLEASE VISIT THE INFORMATION PAGE FOR CURRENT OPEN QUESTIONS. 

Results

Trivia
In the words of Hagrid, "Stalagmite's got an 'm' in it." Stalactites are pointed rock formations that hang from the ceiling (that's why there's a 'c' in it) and stalagmites mound up from the ground (that's why there's a 'm' in it.)
                                                                   - Leo 

Pottermore - Opinion/Discussion
Check out the comments for each of our wands and animals!  
                                                                   - Oreo & Willo 

Players this Round

Ingrid - Round: 30 Total: 110

Trivia - 5
Lazy, uh-huh. Whatever Ms. Right. ;) - Leo 

Pottermore - 10
Very interesting wand you have there, my dear. - Oreo 

Opinion/Discussion - 15
I agree wholeheartedly that every witch needs a cat and I like your logic. - Willo 

Mark - Round: 15 Total: 65
Trivia - 5

Ha! Very inventive, I love it! - Leo 

Pottermore - 5
Just ash huh? You do know I am investigating everyone's wands right? - Houdini

Opinion/Discussion - 5
Oh, I want a hug! I give great hugs! - Willo 

Ashley - Round: 25 Total: 55 
Trivia - 5

Roger! Conical is my new word of the day - Leo 

Pottermore - 10
Do you know what Mr. Ollivander said about especially short wands? - Oreo 

Opinion/Discussion - 10
Professor McGonagall is the best! - Willo 

StarWormwood12755 aka Kim - Round: 0 Total: 60  
Trivia - 0

Pottermore - 0

Opinion/Discussion - 0

This is a very, very big chapter! And we have some really big news! Tatum, our special guest host on loan from APARN has found her furever home! 

Cheers! 

To toast and celebrate this joyous occasion we are giving away a Butterbeer recipe each day this week. We told you those cups would come in handy! 

And to kick it off our very own recipe - what else would it be? But 

PUG's Butterbeer 

Dash of cinnamon sugar

1 tsp imitation butter flavoring

1 ½ cups of cream soda

1/3 cup root beer

1 tbsp Butterscotch syrup/topping

1.      Pour dash of cinnamon sugar in a glass (at least 16 ounces)

2.      Add imitation butter flavoring

3.      Pour cream soda and then root beer into glass

4.      Put entire scoop of butterscotch into cup and stir gently until well mixed

Best served very chilled. Do not store, serve immediately. 

2nd Day of Butterbeer (from Yahoo) 

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup half and half cream
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
Butterscotch
Ginger Ale

DIRECTIONS:

·         Prepare Sauce

Combine butter, brown sugar, half and half cream and salt in a small saucepan and simmer gently for five minutes. Stir in vanilla and let cool.

      Place a tablespoon of butterscotch in a glass, top off with ginger ale to fill. Add 1/4 cup sauce and serve! 
   
     

      Day 3's Butterbeer

    Recipe #13  (From an article on MSN)
    Ingredients:
      4 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup sugar
2 cup warm milk
1 x scant tablespoon vanilla
Pinch salt
    Directions:

      1. Heat butter in saucepan and melt, stirring until butter bubbles

      2. Add sugar and stir slowly over medium heat until medium brown in color

      3. Heat milk in microwave and pour into blender

      4. Blend on low and slowly add sugar mixture

      5. Add vanilla and salt

   Day 4 Recipe   (Also from the MSN article)

   Ingredients:

1   1/2 cups milk
2 teaspoons honey
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons hot chocolate powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ounce butterscotch schnapps
    Directions:

     1. Melt butter and honey together

     2. Add milk, sugar, vanilla, and butterscotch schnapps

     3. Microwave or heat on stovetop until warm

     4. Mix in hot chocolate powder and cinnamon

Day 5 - Frozen Butterbeer by Jessica at Bake Me Away 

1 liter cream soda
1 cup heavy cream
butterscotch sauce to taste (I’m guessing I used ~1/3 cup)

Pour the soda into a large shallow dish (I used a 9×13 plastic container).  Place in the freezer for 30 minutes.  Remove from freezer and if the soda has started to freeze around the edges, break up and rake the frozen bits to the center with a fork.  Put the container back in the freezer for another 30 minutes.  Keep repeating this process (it’s just like making a granita!) until the soda is very slushy.  You’ll want to be able to drink it through a straw.  This took about 3 hours starting with room temperature soda, but could take less if your soda is chilled and if you have a colder freezer.

When the soda is almost ready, make the topping.  Beat the heavy cream until it is lightened, but still loose.  (Think beer foam instead of whipped cream.)  Whisk in enough butterscotch to give the cream a definite butterscotch flavor.  I’m staying at a dorm right now and didn’t bring measuring spoons with me, but am going to guess that I used about 1/3 cup.  You can see here how much is missing from the 12.25 oz jar!  But really, go by your own personal taste.
To serve, spoon or pour the slushy soda into clear cups or glasses.  Spoon the foamy topping on top.  You can drink it with or without a straw!  (the latter will give you a nice ‘stache)
Another way to make this could be to freeze the cream soda in ice cube trays, then toss the cubes in a blender.  (If you try this, let me know.)  Of course, an even easier alternative would be to make the non-frozen version by (do I need to say this?) not freezing the soda.

Trivia 5 Points 

What is the difference between a stalactite and a stalagmite? (Scientific and book answers are both acceptable.) 

                                               -Leo

Pottermore 10 Points 

What is your wand? 

                                               -Oreo

Opinion/Discussion 15 Points 

What pet did you choose and why? 

                                              -Willo

If you have not joined Pottermore yet, now is the time! 

Click here!

                                               -Tatum 

The Keeper of the Keys: Pug's Harry Potter Reading Challenge '12

THIS SET OF QUESTIONS CLOSED 11/6/12 AT 12am. PLEASE VISIT THE INFORMATION PAGE FOR CURRENT OPEN QUESTIONS.

Results

Trivia

This, is a dormouse. -Leo

Pottermore

There are 6 tasty little sausages on the stick - that is until it moves away from the fire just a little. - Oreo

Opinion/Discussion

A Keeper of the Keys is someone that is really good at the game keep away. So that will be me. - Willo 

Players this Round

Ingrid - Round: 0 Total: 80

Trivia - 0

Pottermore - 0

Opinion/Discussion - 0

Mark - Round: 10 Total: 50

Trivia - 5

A mouse! and a rat! I would've rather liked Sessalee. Oh, please can we get a cute little dormouse? - Leo

Pottermore - 0

43?! Jackpot! Now I may have one to share with the other pugs. 

Opinion/Discussion - 5

Hand them over! - Willo 

Ashley - Round: 0 Total: 30 

Trivia - 0

Pottermore - 0

Opinion/Discussion - 0

StarWormwood12755 aka Kim - Round: 30 Total: 60  

Trivia - 0

Oh, I don't know. They look awfully tiny and cute to me. Especially tiny. - Leo 

Pottermore - 0

32, that's a lot of sausage. Can I share them with you? - Oreo 

Opinion/Discussion - 10

That should certainly make it easier to keep the keys away, being taller and all. But you know, the bigger they are the harder they fall. 

Trivia 5 Points

What will make Hagrid's jacket wriggle?

                                                                             - Leo 

Pottermore 10 Points 

How many sausages are on the stick? 

                                                                           - Oreo

Opinion/Discussion 15 Points 

What in your opinion is the role of a "Keeper of the Keys?" 

                                                                         - Willo

Freebie 
Because you need something special to put your pumpkin juice in from last chapter, everyone who plays this week will get a Harry Potter cup! 
                                                                        - Tatum

      

         

                                                           

The Letter's from No One: Pug's Harry Potter Reading Challenge '12

THIS SET OF QUESTIONS CLOSED 11/2/12 AT 6PM. PLEASE VISIT THE INFORMATION PAGE FOR CURRENT OPEN QUESTIONS. 

Results

Trivia
This question should have been WHO not what. Poor tortoise! I think the better question should be, why did Dudley have a tortoise?! - Tatum

Pottermore
Maybe it's the dryer, maybe the washer. I like watching our front loading washer but the dryer's booriing. Whatever it is - it's turning counter clockwise. -Oreo

Opinion/Discussion
In the words of Dudley Dursley, "Daddy's gone mad, hasn't he?" And they say I'm crazy! -Willo

Players this Round

Ingrid - Round: 20 Total: 80

Trivia - 5
Absolutely not! -Tatum
Pottermore - 5
Want to come watch the washer with me? -Oreo 
Opinion/Discussion - 15
I agree the police should be called. So who is nuttier? The old man or Vernon? hhmmm. - Willo

Mark - Round: 20 Total: 40
Trivia - 5
Well, you know. Hermio is named for a HP character and he lives in the room with the Tower Garden... - Tatum 

Pottermore - 5
As long as I'm not in it! 

Opinion/Discussion - 15
Yes, yes. I could definitely see where that would drive you insane! Especially the rooster! 

Ashley - Round: 0 Total: 30 

Trivia - 0
Pottermore - 0
Opinion/Discussion - 0

StarWormwood12755 aka Kim - Round: 30 Total: 60  
Trivia - 5
I sure hope that tortoise tucked himself in well! And at least he didn't get puked on! -Tatum
Pottermore - 10 
I do believe you are right! The scribe and I examined the chapter scene again and it appears the washer is a top loader! -Oreo
Opinion/Discussion -15
We do believe you are right. Hehe. We shouldn't laugh at the mentally unhealthy, but as it's Vernon Dursley.... -Willo 

Trivia 5 Points

What goes through the greenhouse roof? 

                                                                           -Tatum 

Pottermore 10 Points

What direction does the Dursley's washing machine turn? 

                                                -Oreo   

Opinion/Discussion 15 Points

This should be a fun one! Discuss Vernon's insanity. Remember! It's a 3 part question.

                                                                     -Willo

No Freebie right now!

I know, not fair right? But stay tuned! You never know what may arrive between now and Friday.... 

Stay up to date on the challenge by following me, Leo the Brindle Pug on Facebook. 

Update!
Happy Halloween all! In honor of how special this day is in the Wizarding World we are giving  away our favorite Pumpkin Juice Recipe! (Courtesy of Yahoo.com) 

Pug's Pumpkin Juice
(Because if it wasn't puggy, it wouldn't be cool.) 

5 Cups apple juice 
1 cup pumpkin puree 
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 

1. Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and stir well. 
2. Let chill for an hour in the refrigerator. 
3. Strain if too thick or leave it "custard" style 
4. Best if served very cold 

                                                                               - Leo

The Vanishing Glass: Pug's HP Reading Challenge '12

THIS SET OF QUESTIONS CLOSED 10/29/12 AT 8PM. PLEASE VISIT THE INFORMATION PAGE FOR CURRENT OPEN QUESTIONS. 

Results

Trivia

That boa constrictor's origin was Brazil but he was born right there in the London zoo. I guess it's like me, I'm from China but was born over in Scottsdale. 

Pottermore

I guess an alarm clock wouldn't really keep you awake but it sure will wake you up and you can collect one right here in this chapter. 

Opinion/Discussion

At the end of the chapter, the Dursley's lock Harry in his cupboard for the boa constrictor incident. We've always wondered if they let him out to go to his elementary/primary school since the year hadn't ended yet. 

Players this Round

Ingrid - Round: 30 Total: 60

Trivia - 5

So where we going? Brazil or England or Both? - Oreo

Pottermore -10

Well, it was supposed to be broken.... - Willo

Opinion/Discussion - 15

This makes very good sense. Now, that cupboard sounds like the perfect size for some little pugs who play too much. - Leo 

Mark - Round: 0 Total: 20

Trivia - 0

Pottermore - 0

Opinion/Discussion - 0

Ashley - Round: 15 Total: 30 

Trivia - 5

Brazil here we come! - Oreo

Pottermore - 0

Opinion/Discussion - 10

Who wants to go to school? - Leo 

StarWormwood12755 - Round: 30 Total: 30    

Trivia - 5 

Ordering round tickets for our trip at this moment. - Oreo  

Pottermore - 10

Perfectly what I was looking to collect. - Willo

Opinion/Discussion -15

As if you could stop a wizard going to school. Silly Uncle Butthole. - Leo

Throwback

 Trivia 5 Points 

From what country did the boa constrictor originate? 

                                                              - Oreo

Throwback

Pottermore 10 Points

What can you collect that will keep you awake? 

                                            - Willo

Throwback

Opinion/Discussion 15 Points 

Do you think when Harry was locked in his cupboard he was let out to attend school? 

                                   - Leo                                                        

Freebie! 

Our scribe gave away our beautiful bookmarks we had planned for this chapter last chapter. So, our freebie this round is a personalized picture (emailed) of a Pug (of your choice) in a Harry Potter costume for every player that earns at least 15 points. 
                                                                                                  - Tatum

Please leave all your answers in the comments below this post. The official rules have been updated and can be found on the information page.  If you have not read the information page, please do so here. If you still have questions please email our scribe at amberpugs@gmail.com