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The New Yorker Who Mastered the U.K.’s Top Game Show
Brandon Blackwell, a quizzing prodigy from Queens, New York, embarked on a quest to conquer the U.K.’s premier quiz show, “University Challenge.” With a burning desire to improve his quizzing skills and turn it into a full-time career, he made the bold decision to move to London, the epicenter of competitive quizzing, where eight of the top 20 quizzers in the world resided. Armed with a degree in computer science from New York University, Mr. Blackwell enrolled at Imperial College to fulfill visa requirements and join the prestigious “University Challenge” team.
This ambitious and determined young man set out to revolutionize the quizzing landscape with his unconventional methods. He meticulously crafted a system, dubbed BISQUE (Brandon Imperial System for Quiz Efficiency), and honed his knowledge through extensive preparation, including creating flashcards and immersing himself in British history.
Mr. Blackwell’s journey on “University Challenge” was anything but conventional. He encountered setbacks with the team selection process at Imperial College and ultimately decided to quit temporarily to pursue his dream with a more dedicated and enthusiastic group of quizzers. Together with his new teammates, Richard Brooks, Caleb Rich, and Conor McMeel, he implemented strategic training methods and rigorous practice sessions to prepare for the intense competition.
Their efforts paid off as Imperial College dominated the tournament, culminating in a resounding victory in the final against Corpus Christi, Cambridge. Mr. Blackwell’s charismatic and expressive presence captivated the audience, earning him the moniker “The Scowler.” Despite the attention and acclaim, he remained humble and credited his team for their collective success.
Following his triumph on “University Challenge,” Mr. Blackwell continued to pursue his passion for quizzing, landing roles as the Chaser on the U.S. and Australian versions of “The Chase.” With his sharp wit and relentless pursuit of victory, he has established himself as a formidable opponent, often outwitting contestants and claiming substantial cash prizes.
Through his unwavering dedication, innovative strategies, and indomitable spirit, Brandon Blackwell has left an indelible mark on the world of competitive quizzing, inspiring a new generation of quizzers and reshaping the approach to academic competitions. His legacy as a trailblazer and quiz master continues to shine brightly in the annals of quizzing history.
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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Protesters reach an agreement to dismantle encampment
Protesters at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have agreed to end their pro-Palestinian encampment following an agreement reached with the school, university officials announced on Sunday. The encampment, which had been in place for two weeks, will be dismantled by Tuesday, marking the end of what was believed to be the last standing encampment at a Wisconsin college.
University officials had allowed the encampment to remain on a patch of lawn between Mitchell Hall and a busy thoroughfare on the campus’s southern boundary, opting not to involve law enforcement. This approach differed from the response at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where police were called in to remove tents after negotiations fell through. Despite initial efforts to disband the encampment, Wisconsin-Madison eventually reached an agreement with protesters to voluntarily dismantle the camp prior to commencement ceremonies.
Chancellor Mark Mone of Wisconsin-Milwaukee stated last Wednesday that the university had exhibited “the widest possible amount of patience and restraint.” However, he also cautioned that patience was wearing thin and hinted at potential action by the school. Following discussions with the UWM Popular University for Palestine Coalition, the university agreed to advocate for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, condemn the destruction of schools and universities in Gaza by Israeli forces, and hold meetings with protest leaders regarding university investments.
Additionally, the university pledged to urge the Water Council, a Milwaukee organization of water technology companies, to sever connections with two Israeli government-owned entities, Mekorot and the Israel Innovation Authority. Chancellor Mone serves as the treasurer on the Water Council’s board of directors.
In return for these commitments, the protesters agreed to dismantle the encampment beginning on Sunday and completing the process by Tuesday. They also agreed not to disrupt the university’s commencement ceremonies scheduled for Sunday. In a statement, the protesters expressed their satisfaction with the agreement, stating, “After hard fought edits and careful consideration by the coalition, we determined we had obtained all possible benefits from the encampment.”
The resolution of the encampment at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee represents a successful outcome of negotiations between university officials and protesters. By reaching a compromise that addresses the concerns of both parties, a peaceful resolution has been achieved, allowing for the encampment to be taken down without incident.