Spooky Stuff & Superstitions
The word “halloween” itself comes from this phrase meaning “holy evening.”
What is All Hallows’ Eve?
The machine most likely to cause a line-up on Monday morning.
What is the coffee machine?
This 1984 movie established the 3 rules to prevent a cuddly creature from becoming a monster. (100 bonus points if you can name all 3 rules)
What is Gremlins?
In 2022, TMU’s name change from Ryerson University followed years of consultation and review. The new name was chosen to reflect these three guiding principles identified by the university’s Standing Strong Task Force.
What are equity, inclusion, and community representation (or truth, reconciliation, and inclusivity)?
In astrology, people born between late October and mid-November share this zodiac sign.
What is Scorpio?
This day of the week is considered unlucky in most Western cultures
What is Friday the 13th?
The “reply all” button has caused more of these than any other feature in Gmail.
What is an accident or regret?
In The Shining, Jack Nicholson’s famous line “Here’s Johnny!” was improvised — referencing this real-life talk show host.
Who is Johnny Carson?
This Canadian Lawyer was the first black MP and a namesake of one of Canada’s law schools.
Who is the Hon. Lincoln Alexander?
The gemstone for October symbolizes hope and creativity — but was once thought to bring bad luck.
What is opal?
This powdery, once-valuable substance is used in several common rituals to ward off bad luck and evil spirits
What is salt?
Research shows the average office worker receives this many emails per day (±20).
What is 120 emails per day?
This classic horror movie features a lawyer being eaten by a T-Rex.
What is Jurassic Park?
This office at TMU is responsible for, among other things, the administration of of the Collective Agreements between TMU and its workers? (100 bonus points for naming the head of this office)
What is the Office of the Vice Provost, Faculty Affairs? (Patrizia Albanese)
This song is legally protected by copyright and once earned royalties when sung publicly.
What is “Happy Birthday”?
This gruesome European practice from the Middle Ages sought to memorialize the faces of the dead by casting it in plaster immediately after death.
What is making a Death Mask?
This support office at TMU receives many frustrated service requests from Alishay and others
What is Computing and Communications Services?
In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, these cloaked magical creatures guard the Azkaban Prison and the School of Hogwarts
What are the Dementors?
Prior to TMU’s School of medicine opened in 2025, what decade was the last medical school opened in Ontario? (100 bonus points if you can name the University and the Year)
What is the 1960s? (McMaster, 1965)
This ancient civilization is credited with inventing birthday candles.
Who were the ancient Greeks?
The word “witch” comes from an Old English word meaning this.
What is "wise person"?
The Board of Governors has this many total members.
What is 29?
Before becoming a Halloween icon, Dracula’s legend was shaped by this 15th-century ruler of Wallachia, infamous for impaling his enemies.
Who is Vlad the Impaler (Vlad III Dracula)?
The TMU School of Medicine was developed in partnership with this regional health network, providing both funds and partnership for its Resident students
What is the William Osler Health System?
Statistically, this month has the most birthdays worldwide.
What is September?