Musicals
By George!
Inventions
Urban Monikers
Kitchen Helpful Hints
100
He has no heart in The Wizard of Oz.
Who is the Tin Man? Before the hit film version, there was a silent version. Oliver Hardy (of Laurel and Hardy) portrays the Tin Man in that version.
100
This George was a member of the Beatles.
Who is George Harrison? Harrison contributed numerous songs to the band's catalog, including "Here Comes the Sun" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." In addition to his contributions to the Beatles' music, Harrison's solo career produced hits like "My Sweet Lord" and "What is Life." He was deeply influenced by Indian spirituality and culture, which is reflected in his music and his collaboration with artists such as Ravi Shankar. Harrison's Concert for Bangladesh in 1971 was one of the first large-scale benefit concerts, raising funds and awareness for the humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh.
100
This inventor is credited with inventing the telephone.
Who is Alexander Graham Bell?
Alexander Graham Bell's invention of the telephone was inspired by his work on improving communication for the deaf.
100
The Windy City
What is Chicago?
Chicago earned its nickname "The Windy City" not because of its weather, but because of its politicians, who were known for their "windy" or long-winded speeches.
100
Freeze leftover coffee to use the cubes in this.
What is iced coffee? If you add coffee cubes, they won’t dilute the coffee as they melt. You can also freeze ice cubes made with tea for iced tea.
200
She plays Mary Poppins in the film with the same name.
Who is Julie Andrews? Andrews was pregnant when she was cast, and they waited to start filming until after she gave birth.
200
This composer and pianist wrote the opera Porgy and Bess.
Who is George Gershwin? He also composed the songs “Someone to Watch over Me,” “Rhapsody in Blue,” “Embraceable You,” “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off,” and “They Can’t Take That Away from Me.”
200
This inventor revolutionized transportation with the invention of the automobile.
Who is Karl Benz?
Karl Benz patented the first practical automobile powered by an internal combustion engine in 1886, laying the foundation for the modern automotive industry.
200
The City of Bridges
What is Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is known as the "City of Bridges" due to its impressive collection of over 446 bridges, which surpasses even Venice, Italy. These bridges span the city's three rivers (the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers) and are integral to Pittsburgh's transportation network and urban landscape.
200
Never throw away lemon halves after squeezing the juice. They have multiple uses for this generic task.
What is cleaning? You can add salt to them and scour the bottom of copper pots and pans to remove tarnish and bring back their shine.
300
She stars in the 1972 film Cabaret as Sally Bowles.
Who is Liza Minnelli? The character was based on aspiring actress Jean Ross. Minnelli wanted to meet her, but Ross declined because she didn’t like her portrayal in the film.
300
This Australian actor and former model plays James Bond in the 1969 film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.
Who is George Lazenby? It was the only film in which he played the British secret agent.
300
This inventor is known for inventing the first practical electric refrigerator.
Who is Fred W. Wolf?
In 1913, the first electric refrigerators for home and domestic use were invented and produced by Fred W. Wolf of Fort Wayne, Indiana, with models consisting of a unit that was mounted on top of an ice box
While Albert Einstein is not typically associated with inventions, he and his former student, Leo Szilard, patented the first practical electric refrigerator in 1930.
Einstein refrigerator is an absorption refrigerator which has no moving parts, operates at constant pressure, and requires only a heat source to operate. It was jointly invented in 1926 by Albert Einstein and his former student Leó Szilárd, who patented it in the U.S. on November 11, 1930 (U.S. patent 1,781,541). The three working fluids in this design are water, ammonia, and butane. The Einstein refrigerator is a development of the original three-fluid patent by the Swedish inventors Baltzar von Platen and Carl Munters.
300
The Eternal City
What is Rome?
Rome is known as "The Eternal City" because of its ancient history, enduring influence on Western civilization, and timeless beauty.
300
If you don’t have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen (you should), this common baking ingredient will put out a skillet grease fire.
What is baking soda? Just pour on enough to smother the fire.
400
Tevye (TEV-ya) is the patriarch in this musical.
What is Fiddler on the Roof? Zero Mostel played Tevye in the original 1964 Broadway musical, and Topol (TOW-paal) plays him in the 1971 film.
400
This George was the first President of the United States.
Who is George Washington?
George Washington is often referred to as the "Father of His Country" for his crucial role in leading the American Revolutionary War to victory and establishing the foundations of the United States as its first president. His leadership, integrity, and vision for a democratic nation have left a lasting legacy in American history.
400
This inventor is known for inventing the first successful airplane.
Who are the Wright Brothers (Wilbur and Orville)?
On December 17, 1903, the Wright Brothers achieved the first powered, controlled, and sustained flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, with their aircraft, the Wright Flyer.
Interestingly, their first U.S. patent did not claim the invention of a flying machine itself but rather focused on a system of aerodynamic control that manipulated a flying machine’s surfaces. Unlike other experimenters of their time who emphasized powerful engines, the Wright brothers prioritized developing a reliable method of pilot control as the key to solving “the flying problem.” Their meticulous work with bicycles and accurate data collection using a small home-built wind tunnel contributed significantly to their success .
400
The Pearl of the Orient
What is Hong Kong?
Hong Kong's nickname "The Pearl of the Orient" reflects its status as a shining gem of Asia, known for its vibrant culture, stunning skyline, and dynamic economy.
400
To prevent potatoes from sprouting, store them with a few of these.
What are apples?
Apples emit ethylene gas, which helps prevent potatoes from sprouting by slowing down the sprouting process. Make sure to store them in a well-ventilated area.
500
“Getting to Know You” and “I Whistle a Happy Tune” are two songs from this Broadway production and film.
What is The King and I? Yul Brynner starred as King Mongkut (MAANG-kuht) of Siam in the original Broadway production and the 1956 film.
500
This Irish playwright and critic, awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925, wrote the play "Pygmalion," which served as the basis for the musical "My Fair Lady."
Who is George Bernard Shaw?
A prolific writer known for his wit, social commentary, and contributions to the theater. "Pygmalion," first performed in 1913, is one of his most famous works, exploring themes of class, language, and identity. Shaw's sharp satire and keen observations on society made him a leading figure in the literary world of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In addition to his plays, Shaw was also a noted critic, essayist, and advocate for social reform.
500
This inventor is credited with inventing the modern television.
Who is Philo Farnsworth?
Philo Taylor Farnsworth developed the first fully functional and complete all-electronic television system9 image dissector) in 1927 when he was just 21 years old.
Additionally, he developed the first complete all-electronic television system, complete with a receiver and camera. His company, the Farnsworth Television and Radio Corporation, produced these television systems commercially from 1938 to 1951 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
While other inventors also played significant roles in television’s development, Farnsworth’s work stands out as a pivotal moment in the history of broadcasting. His legacy continues to shape the way we experience visual media today.
500
The City of Seven Hills
What is Lisbon?
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is known as "The City of Seven Hills" because it is built on seven hills, offering panoramic views of the cityscape and the Tagus River.
500
To prevent onions from making you cry while chopping them, you can do this beforehand.
What is chilling them in the refrigerator or soaking them in cold water?
Chilling onions in the refrigerator or soaking them in cold water before chopping helps slow down the release of irritating compounds, reducing tears while cutting.