James Lore
The morning after a high school party, James woke up in an unknown closet with this Italian dish all over his face, arms, and ceiling.
What is spaghetti?
James was found by police one night sleeping underneath a electric scooter at the foot of what famous St. Louis landmark?
What is the Gateway Arch?
This St. Louis-born rapper taught the world how to “take off all your clothes” when it’s hot.
Who is Nelly?
After fall break, the Vermont crew returned already sick of this phrase, popularized in SPIA by James himself and most commonly overused as a response to any word ending in -er.
What is “I barely know her!”?
This three-letter abbreviation is used to refer to the university James attended in his hometown.
What is SLU?
James's father's name.
What is James Sykes Sr.?
St. Louis was purchased from France as part of this 1803 land deal.
What is the Louisiana Purchase?
In 2004, this St. Louis-born American Idol winner made a splash by collaborating with Chris Brown on "No Air".
Who is Jordan Sparks?
This is a ominous spanish phrase James misused in Colombia thinking he giving a goodnatured farewell.
What is "Ten Cuidado"?
St. Louis is located along this major U.S. body of water.
What is the Mississippi River?
The percentage of people James thinks pick their nose in Robertson
What is 95%?
The best drink pairing for a night out in St. Louis, especially in a certain brewery’s hometown.
What is Budweiser?
In May, James is going to the concert of this St. Louis rapper, whose name rhymes with a famous missing fish.
Who is Smino?
This St. Louis term is used when you’ve been shortchanged, typically in a drug deal, but also on your food order.
What is “skeeted”?
The estimated population of St. Louis is closest to this number.
What is around 300,000?
James would do this activity in middle school until he blacked out...
What is choking himself?
In St. Louis, the iconic bakery Panera Bread is actually called this alternative name.
What is St. Louis Bread Company?
The street that divides St. Louis into rich and poor.
A true St. Louisan doesn’t say here—they say this instead.
"What is ‘hurr’?"
St. Louis has one of the largest free public zoos in the country, and it’s located in this famous park.
What is Forest Park?
To make money, James and his childhood Vietnamese friend offered this service (using a chainsaw) to his neighbors
What is underage trees cutting?
This is a question St. Louis natives ask to subtly test if you're one of them, often revealing your social class, neighborhood, or background.
What is "Where did you go to high school?"
Who is Akon?
James’s high school coach used to say this phrase of encouragement, meaning the lift they were about to do was light work -- no big deal.
What is “Ain’t nothin’ but a peanut!”?
James taught at this high school during Teach for America.
What is Sumner High School?