What is it?
A Web site to play mind-stimulating and sometimes frustrating vocabulary and memory games. You have to fill in the blanks on varied subjects -- anything from sports or state capitals to beer commercial jingles. In the “Movie Coaches” game, for example, a player has to name the actor or actress who played the coach in films “Remember the Titans,” “Glory Road” and “Blue Chips.” Each player is given a time limit.
Who's playing it?
Think LeapFrog for teens and 20-somethings. Millard North High School and Creighton University students are buzzing about it.
Why is it hot?
“It's addictive,” said Olivia Northrop, 15. “I can spend hours at a time playing it.”
The Millard North sophomore didn't find out about the game until a month ago during finals week. Students compared quizzes and answers in class, she said. She had to limit her time on the site to every two days. Not all Sporcle players have Northrop's self-control. Some Sporcle addicts get Twitter and RSS feeds from the site every time a new game is available.
Why should I play it?
The vocabulary boost and memories the game triggers are warm fuzzies, but the big appeal is the fun.
Who came up with it?
We don't know who created the Web site or where it was created, but students are thankful for it. Last time we checked the site, the games had been played nearly 3.7 million times, so we're pretty sure others are thankful as well.
– Staff writer Josefina Loza
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