Shiny Objects
You can hang this on a Christmas tree strand by strand, or you can throw handfuls onto the tree.
What is tinsel (or icicles)?
This tradition originated in Germany in the 1600s, and real silver strands were originally used.
This is short for mayonnaise.
What is mayo?
When you order Chinese food, you’ll get this cookie at the end of a meal.
What is fortune?
No one knows the origin of fortune cookies, but they didn’t originate in China. That flavor you can’t quite put your finger on comes from vanilla and sesame oil.
To get behind schedule is to get behind this ball.
What is eight?
“Behind the eight ball” had nothing to do with the game of billiards, but it was uttered by a bank clerk in a pool hall.
Born May 24, 1819, this Queen ruled over England for longer than any of her predecessors.
Who is Queen Victoria?
She ruled for 63 years and seven months, the longest until Queen Elizabeth II, who has ruled for over 65 years.
On May 27, 1937, this landmark bridge that connects San Francisco to Marin County opened.
What is Golden Gate Bridge?
Opening Day was dubbed “Pedestrian Day,” when only pedestrian traffic was allowed. Its bright orange color allows it to stand out in the fog.
SUBJECT:
NOVELISTS
“[Repeated word] on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?”
What is mirror?
It’s “Mirror, mirror, on the wall” in the original Brothers Grimm tale, but Disney changed it to “Magic mirror, on the wall.”
A trader’s axiom is “Sell in May and [two words].”
What is “go away”?
The saying originated because stocks traditionally showed poorer results during the summer months. It’s important to note that past performance is not an indicator of future results.
It is bread dipped in eggs, fried on a griddle or in a pan, and served with syrup.
What is French toast?
In business, when you’re waiting on your counterpart to come back with a counteroffer, you might say “the ball’s in” this place.
What is in your court?
“The ball is in your court” is a tennis reference.
Born May 23, 1933, she played the role of Alexis Carrington on Dynasty.
Who is Joan Collins?
Her sister Jackie Collins was a prolific novelist.
On May 7, 1847, this medical professional society was established.
What is AMA or American Medical Association?
Nathan Smith Davis was its founder and first president.
He wrote Around the World in Eighty Days.
Who is Jules Verne?
He also wrote Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.
This type of leather used to be worn only from Easter to Labor Day.
What is patent?
Patent leather is now worn throughout the year. Real patent leather starts with a leather base.
Finish the saying: “Gather ye rosebuds…”
What is “while ye may”?
It’s another way of telling us to do things while there’s still time. It’s the first line of a poem by Robert Herrick.
Eggs, butter, and this ingredient are the foundation of cookie dough.
What is flour?
It is possible to make vegan and/or gluten-free cookies by using substitutes for the three foundational ingredients.
When a writer submits something just before a deadline, it’s submitted down to this.
What is the wire?
“Down to the wire” or “under the wire” is a horseracing reference. The phrase entered the general lexicon in America and Australia during the 19th century.
Born May 6, 1856, this Austrian neurologist founded the discipline of psychoanalysis.
Who is Sigmund Freud?
After the Nazis seized his money and property, he sought asylum in London, although he lamented losing his home country.
On May 19, 1910, this comet came as close to Earth as it ever has.
What is Halley’s?
The part of the comet that is visible is the tail, which is actually melting ice that releases some of its particles and rocks.
These little, round embellishments on clothing serve no function but are used to add sparkle to garments.
What are sequins?
In this 1964 film starring Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas, the military plots a coup against the sitting president.
What is Seven Days in May?
It was nominated for two Academy Awards and won a Golden Globe.
This white flatfish has a mild taste.
What is flounder?
Northeastern flounder is also called fluke.
When you’re losing ground but before you’re “down and out,” you’re down for this.
What is for the count?
“Down for the count” refers to a boxer who is knocked down and cannot get up again before 10 seconds has elapsed.
Born May 2, 1885, this actress was best known as a syndicated gossip columnist whose arch-rival was Louella Parsons.
Who is Hedda Hopper?
Can you guess why she changed her published birthdate to June 2, 1890? She wanted to conceal her true age.
On May 26, 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court changed the address of Ellis Island because it said it resides mostly in this state, not in New York.
What is New Jersey?
Since it’s mostly controlled by the National Park Service, the only real effect is that New Jersey now collects sales tax for items sold there.
It is a child’s toy that propels itself down the stairs after a little nudge.
What is Slinky?
It was developed by accident, hit the Christmas market in 1945, and has earned a spot in the National Museum of Play.
It is a phrase describing a casual or carefree attitude, particularly in the face of danger or consequences.
What is “devil may care”?
This white bulb tastes of anise with wispy fronds that resemble dill.
What is fennel?
This crunchy vegetable can be served raw in salads or roasted. The fronds can be used as garnish.
When you throw everything you have at a situation, you are said to engage in this kind of press.
What is full-court?
“Full-court press” comes from basketball and involves an aggressive defense strategy from the moment the ball is in play.
Born May 26, 1949, he won’t lead Britain’s Labor Party in the next election after the resounding defeat by the Tories in the last election.
Who is Jeremy Corbyn?
He campaigned on a second Brexit referendum and more spending on the National Health Service.
On May 14, 1796, British physician Edward Jenner, also known as the “Father of Immunology,” first vaccinated a patient against this disease.
What is smallpox?
He used a strain of cowpox, which is a less virulent disease. He made his discovery when he met a young dairymaid, Sarah Nelms, who was immune, thanks to long-term exposure to the disease.
This shiny finish is popular for cookware and kitchen appliances.
What is stainless steel?
It’s another way of saying you may not receive the same results I have and is often represented by the acronym YMMV.
What is “Your mileage may vary”?
Add egg yolks to vanilla ice cream, and you get this type of vanilla ice cream.
What is French?
French vanilla ice cream has a yellow hue; vanilla ice cream is white.
This sport is where the phrase “wild goose chase” originated.
What is horseracing?
When a horse comes out of the gate fast and the others come behind in wild pursuit, it is said to be a wild goose chase. The phrase was credited to horseracing in the 17th century, but Shakespeare wrote something similar in the 16th century in Romeo and Juliet.
On May 31, 1909, this actor and all-around showman became famous after his starring role in the 1939 film The Story of Alexander Graham Bell.
Who is Don Ameche?
After the film, Ameche became synonymous with telephone.
On May 17, 1954, this landmark Supreme Court case did away with segregation in public schools.
What is Brown v. Board of Education? Prior to the ruling, the “separate but equal” doctrine was in effect.