Winter Comfort Treats
Cocoa powder, milk, marshmallows, and sweetener combine for this favorite winter beverage.
What is hot chocolate or hot cocoa? Though the drink is thousands of years old, it was popularized in the early 1800s by Dutch chemist Coenraad J. Van Houten. He invented cocoa powder, and that led to its widespread popularity.
During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and exhale this gas.
What is oxygen? Plants make their food from the carbon dioxide they take in during photosynthesis, and they release oxygen as a byproduct.
Capital city of Texas
What is Austin? Located in Central Texas on the Colorado River, it is named for Stephen F. Austin, a pioneer billed as the “Father of Texas.” Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World.”
The daughter of a performer, she recorded “You Light Up My Life.”
Who is Debby Boone? It was the most successful single of the entire decade in terms of chart performance. Her father is Pat Boone.
Route 66’s eastern terminus is in this Midwestern city.
What is Chicago? Route 66 is also known as The Mother Road and U.S. 66, and its western terminus is in the greater Los Angeles area.
On January 8, 1935, this country music icon and former resident of Graceland was born.
Who is Elvis Presley? His mother gave him a guitar for his 11th birthday. A few years later, he won a talent show at his high school. Immediately after high school, Elvis followed his dream and went on tour. He cut his first single the following year.
This warm dessert is made from rice, milk, butter, and seasonings and spices.
What is rice pudding? Historians believe rice pudding originated in India or China and then was brought to Europe sometime before the 1800s. It can be eaten as a dessert, a side dish, or a breakfast food.
This four-letter word means “polluted air that hovers in the lower atmosphere over a community.”
What is smog? The word combines parts of smoke and fog. Car exhaust and industrial waste contribute to smog.
State of Texas nickname that appears on its license plates
What is Lone Star State? The single star signifies the state’s history of independence. Texas was an independent republic before it was a state.
This performer and his band, Dawn, perform “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree.”
Who is Tony Orlando? They also perform “Knock Three Times.” Later, the group became known as Dawn, Featuring Tony Orlando.
This most populous city in Utah is also its state capital.
What is Salt Lake City? It’s the only city in Utah with more than 200,000 people.
The January full moon is named for this canine.
What is wolf? When it was named, it was believed that the wolves’ howls were deafening in January due to hunger.
This decadent treat is a cross between a brownie and a pudding with a molten middle.
What is lava cake? When baked briefly at high heat, the top and bottom are crunchy, and the inside becomes progressively softer until you hit the molten center. For extra extravagance, top with ice cream or whipped cream.
This gaseous substance sends a birthday balloon into the sky.
What is helium? Helium is lighter than air and used in balloons. When inhaled, helium changes the sound of your voice and makes you sound like Donald Duck.
River in Texas that forms the boundary between the United States and Mexico
What is Rio Grande? The United States and Mexico share management of the river.
This singer-songwriter, who was James Taylor’s wife from 1972 to 1983, wrote and recorded “You’re So Vain.”
Who is Carly Simon? She has revealed that at least one verse of the hit song was written about Warren Beatty.
Also known as Beantown, it is the site of the Federal Reserve Bank, which serves much of New England.
What is Boston? The city is known for its baked beans and the Boston Marathon, which is the world’s oldest marathon and takes place on Patriots’ Day.
The First Night New Year’s Eve celebrations started in this U.S. city, with some revelers continuing their celebrations into the wee hours of the morning.
What is Boston? The first celebration took place in 1975 and was designed to offer a cultural alternative to the usual drunken festivities.
A popular hot, mulled drink is made with the juice of this fruit, with oranges and cranberries as optional additions.
What is apple (cider)? Hot mulled cider is made with apple cider and mulling spices, which can include any of the following: star anise, cinnamon, and allspice.
During the mid-1970s, the public learned about this five-letter word beginning with an O, which is a protective layer in the atmosphere.
What is ozone? Scientists told us a hole had formed in the ozone layer, now known as ozone depletion. Chlorofluorocarbons were banned as aerosol propellants to reduce their harmful effects on the ozone layer.
U.S. city located just across the Mexican border from Ciudad Juárez
What is El Paso? It’s in the far-western part of the state, in the Mountain Time Zone. Three states converge at El Paso: Texas, New Mexico, and the Mexican state of Chihuahua.
Her rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is featured in the 1971 film Play Misty for Me.
Who is Roberta Flack? Director Clint Eastwood heard Flack’s version of the song on the radio and contacted her for permission to use it in his debut film.
This state capital is the outgrowth of Fort Nashborough.
What is Nashville, Tennessee? It was named for Francis Nash, a Revolutionary War general.
This American film festival takes place in January.
What is the Sundance Film Festival? It was founded in 1981 by Robert Redford and is held in Utah. In 2027, the festival will move to Boulder, Colorado.
Baked goods, including houses, cookies, cakes, and more, scream winter when they contain this warming spice.
What is ginger? It’s also used in ginger ale, tea, and beer. It’s known as a warming spice, which is why it makes an appearance every fall and winter. Ginger ale, tea, and pastilles are traditional home remedies for upset stomachs and nausea.
In 1963, this bill was first passed into law and helps to reduce pollutants in the air.
What is the Clean Air Act? The act was amended several times, and the Environmental Protection Agency was created in 1970 to enforce it as well as other regulations.
Well-known convenience store chain founded in Texas in 1927
What is 7-Eleven? In 1963, a store in Austin began operating 24/7 on weekends after being forced to stay open until dawn following a University of Texas football game. The store’s management saw the trend and went with it. Soon, other 7-Eleven locations followed suit.
This family group performs “How Deep Is Your Love?”
Who are the Bee Gees? Barry Gibb is the only surviving Gibb brother (Robin, Maurice, and Andy being the other brothers).
This city is the largest U.S. state capital by land area.
What is Juneau, Alaska? Its population of 32,000 is spread over 3,255 square miles.
The Annual Ice Magic Festival in Lake Louise takes place in this country.
What is Canada? The festival is a global competition that culminates with teams of two creating ice sculptures on site, with a 32-hour limit on their work.
As messy as a fruit cobbler, this deconstructed pie has a crunchy top.
What is a crisp? You can use an apple pie recipe to make an apple crisp by omitting the crust and topping it with any crunchy topping, such as rolled oats, brown sugar, and warming spices.
These are the two most abundant elements in air.
What are nitrogen and oxygen? By volume, the dominant gas is nitrogen, at 78 percent. Oxygen supplies only 21 percent of the air we breathe.
First president of the Republic of Texas
Who is Sam Houston? He served two terms as president. “Big Sam” is the nickname for the statue built in his honor that overlooks Interstate 45 in Huntsville, Texas. It measures 67 feet (20 meters) tall and is known as the “World’s Tallest Statue of an American Hero.”
This youngest Gibb brother recorded “I Just Want to Be Your Everything.”
Who is Andy? Although he was too young to be a part of the Bee Gees, he did perform with them once.
This state capital was briefly named Akropolis.
What is Little Rock, Arkansas? The name Akropolis was the result of a land dispute and lasted around a decade before the name was reverted to Little Rock.
On January 1, 1959, Fulgencio Batista was forced out by revolutionaries led by this man.
Who is Fidel Castro? When Castro died, the reins of government were handed to his brother Raúl, who ruled until 2018.