Four for Four on July 4: The Local's Kenn Bermel Serves up an American Quiz

It's all about the numbers lately for The Local. Having just celebrated the fourth anniversary of the former Brussels rechristening as The Local Bar and Grill, proprietor Kenn Bermel is taking the reins for the Courtyard Four outlet's Fourth of July quiz, complete with, surprise surprise, an American theme, specifically American history. As American Independence Day celebrations now appear that they will be conducted indoors this year, we asked Kenn four questions about Tuesday evening's special edition quiz.

READ: Where to Celebrate America in Beijing This July 4

What did you learn while researching the quiz?
Kenn Bermel (KB): Well, I learned a lot of interesting facts about US history that made me proud of of my home country, but overall what I found most interesting is that the roots of civil rights, women's suffrage, and so on started much earlier than I'd thought. There were champions of those movements who died before the end of the 1800s.

What's your favorite period of American history?
KB: Pre-World War I history. It was a terrible time to be alive in a lot of ways, but also the most interesting to read about. The US was still figuring itself out and was on shaky ground. The foundations of modern American thought, folk heroes, and myths are rooted in that era.

What is the biggest misconception about the United States among people you meet in China?
KB: The average person's influence on American politics and military decisions. There seems to be this idea that every American could have stopped the war in Iraq, or that every American shares the attitude/views on foreign policy of whoever is currently in power.

Who is buried in Grant's Tomb?
KB: I prefer not to answer it publicly. I'm going to save it for a tie-breaker question for the most outstanding teams.

The Local's Fourth of July quiz starts 8.30pm on Tuesday, with teams up to six people permitted. Hot dogs and hamburgers are available on the grill from 4-8pm, weather permitting. See more July 4 celebrations around town here.

Photo: Fourth of July Specials, the Beijinger