Broadway Musicals
Mary Martin played Maria in this 1959 Broadway musical; Julie Andrews plays the role in the 1965 film.
The Sound of Music
Set in Austria just before World War II, Maria leaves the convent to assume the role of governess before falling in love with the children’s father.
This landmark sculpture depicting four presidents was completed in 1941.
Mount Rushmore
The four U.S. presidents carved into the side of the mountain are George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.
This BBB protects the public from unfair business practices.
Better Business Bureau
Founded in 1912, it serves as a resource for consumers to find credible companies that hold bureau accreditation.
To “86” something is to do this.
to kill or end it
For example, “Let’s 86 that idea we discussed at the meeting.”
Someone who shares a living space with another person in a college dorm is called this.
roommate
Due to today’s economic conditions, many young adults share apartments and houses with roommates to defray costs.
This 1960 musical is named for the first three notes on the musical scale, or solfege.
Do Re Mi
The complete solfege scale is do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, ti, and do.
The musical follows the ups and downs of Harry as he tries to make it big in the jukebox business.
This prestigious global film festival was launched in 1946.
Cannes Film Festival
The inaugural film festival was scheduled for 1939 in Cannes, France, but World War II caused its delay.
The organization FDR founded in 1938 to fight infantile paralysis now goes by this “numisamatic” name.
the March of Dimes
Today, the organization focuses on maternal and infant health.
This number is associated with bad luck.
13
We’re told to watch out for Friday the 13th, but it’s just another day on the calendar.
Wear this detachable waistband with a tuxedo.
cummerbund
The cummerbund originated in India in the 19th century.
The 1963 Broadway musical Here’s Love was based on this film about Santa Claus, released in 1947.
Miracle on 34th Street
In the beloved story, Kris Kringle, a New York City department-store Santa Claus, goes on trial to prove he is Santa.
This president won an unprecedented fourth term in 1944.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
His fourth term ended after just three months due to his death.
This organization partners with individuals in need of a home who can afford to repay small mortgages.
Habitat for Humanity
They work with the future homeowners and volunteers to build the houses. They also provide financial education to the selected future homeowners.
This was 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit for a long time, but newer research indicates the number is falling.
humans’ average temperature
The standard temperature was established in 1851, and thermometers are more accurate today.
This is the name for the rules that govern all aspects of written and oral communication, such as correct subject-verb agreement.
grammar
Word processing programs have incorporated built-in spelling and grammar checkers for decades.
This 1971 Andrew Lloyd Webber production was a rock musical concept album before it was a hit Broadway musical.
Jesus Christ Superstar
The musical loosely follows the Gospels and fictionalizes the relationship between Jesus and Judas Iscariot.
Forrest Mars Sr. partnered with Bruce Murrie in 1941 to create these candies for the military.
M&M’s
Mars was inspired in the 1930s when he saw Spanish soldiers eating chocolate candies with hard shells, which prevented them from melting.
This faith-based international relief organization, currently led by Franklin Graham, is often the first on the ground after a natural disaster.
Samaritan’s Purse
They were on the ground immediately after Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina.
This number symbolizes infinity or infinite wisdom.
eight
Turn the number on its side, and you’ll see the infinity symbol.
This bird holds the distinction of being the only bird that can fly backward.
hummingbird
It can also hover and fly upside down, but it cannot walk.
This 1975 jazz musical, based on reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins’ 1926 play, is named for the city in which it is set.
Chicago
The show explores Watkins’ fact-based reports on crimes and criminals during the city’s jazz era.
Iva Toguri d’Aquino went by this wartime pseudonym.
Tokyo Rose
In 1947, she was convicted of treason for some of the statements she made on her radio broadcasts. In 1977, she was pardoned by President Gerald Ford because, by then, it was unclear whether she had committed treason.
This international organization’s scientists protect marine life and ecosystems and more than 125 million acres of land.
Nature Conservancy
The organization operates in every U.S. state and in more than 80 countries worldwide.
This biblical number is associated with trials or challenges.
40
In Exodus, the Israelites wander for 40 years, and in Deuteronomy, Moses spends 40 days on the mountain.
Mixing this smelly cleaning fluid with bleach is dangerous.
ammonia
The mixture causes a chemical vapor that can burn your throat and cause respiratory damage. In extreme cases, the fumes can be life-threatening.