Rock Songs
In 1976, we listened to lead singer Freddie of this group declare, “You’re My Best Friend.”
What is Queen? Bassist John Deacon wrote the song as an ode to his wife (how sweet!).
The Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 was a major environmental disaster for this state.
What is Alaska? The area of Prince William Sound affected by the spill is still being
restored and researched today.
This is the name of Alda’s M*A*S*H character.
Who is Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce? In an
interview with the Television Academy Foundation, Alda described
the character as a “smart aleck.”
Shoes during this decade trended toward clogs and chunky platforms, with earth
tones and suede often appearing.
What are the 1970s? Platform shoes, wedges, and
other ’70s-inspired footwear have taken off in recent years.
In 1991, Virgin Atlantic made history by becoming the
first airline to put this entertainment device on the back of seats.
What is a TV? Many modern aircraft have touch
screens on each seat back for entertainment like movies, TV, and even games.
This is the decade most closely associated with disco and Bohemian makeup trends.
What are the 1970s? The decade saw two very different looks—one natural, the other glitzy.
One-hit wonder Wild Cherry had a hit with their tune requesting “Play That _____ Music.”
What is Funky? Although they were primarily a hard rock band, the group found a
funkier sound with this tune, and it was a big hit.
In 1975, this major “Big Apple” city in an eastern U.S.
state was saved from bankruptcy by President Ford.
What is New York City? After urging from Governor
Carey and others, Ford signed legislation to give the city
federal loans.
This is where Alda got his stage surname.
What is from his father? Alan Alda was born Alphonso
Joseph D’Abruzzo, and his father was actor Robert Alda.
Dating back centuries, these backless shoes can be highheeled
or flat and have a name denoting a stubborn animal.
What are mules? The mule became popular in the
United States during the ’70s but dates back as far as the
Middle Ages.
In 1970, this aircraft maker introduced its iconic 747, a
wide jet airplane with increased cabin space.
What is Boeing? The first 747 went on its maiden voyage after a champagne toast by First Lady Patricia Nixon.
The modern version of this hair-coiling device was patented in 1980.
What is a curling wand (or curling iron)? The designer was Theora Stephens, who created an efficient wand similar to those used today.
Wings, a group including this former Beatle, had a 1976 hit with their
“Silly Love Songs.”
Who is Paul McCartney? This song hit No. 1 in the United States
that year and peaked at No. 2 in the UK.
In February 1973, Indigenous activists occupied a
trading post and church at Wounded Knee in this state.
What is South Dakota? The demonstration was in memory of the Wounded Knee
massacre from 1890.
As a child, Alda contracted this viral illness that causes pain,
muscle weakness, and paralysis.
What is polio? To treat the virus, his parents chose an Australian-developed regimen
using hot woolen blankets and stretching
Popular in the ’70s were these sandal shoes, with laces that tied up the wearer’s leg.
What are espadrilles? During this decade, espadrilles were often wedges, giving
the wearer extra height and glamour.
Beginning in 1988, airlines began to ban this habit during short domestic flights, to keep the air inside the plane clear and clean.
What is smoking? Until then, many planes had smoking and nonsmoking sections, but in the confined space, the smoke traveled throughout.
Trendsetters in the cosmetic industry were names like Elle Macpherson and Cindy Crawford, both with this profession.
What is a model/supermodel? During the ’80s, both of these women inspired beauty standards and cosmetics trends
In 1984, he released the upbeat rock tune “Dancing in the Dark.”
Who is Bruce Springsteen? The tune is from his popular Born in
the U.S.A. album and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Now often associated with tech, this U.S. state saw the unveiling of the Apple II
computer at the first-ever West Coast Computer Faire in 1977.
What is California? The Apple II was revolutionary because it was the first designed
for average home consumers.
It is the branch of the military in which Alda served after college.
What is the army? He served one year at Fort Benning and six months in Korea.
During the 1980s, these PVC plastic sandals in bright, glittery colors were popular—
and no, they have nothing to do with fruit spread!
What are jelly sandals? Also called jellies, these flexible shoes continued to be
popular into the ’90s.
This airline magnate opened Virgin Atlantic in 1984, to great success.
Who is Richard Branson? Branson’s goal was to create an accessible but luxurious flying experience.
The 1970s saw a trend toward these shimmery, “icy” eyeshadow shades.
What are frosted shadows? The frosty look became a trend again in the early 2000s.
Their colorful rock tune “Back in Black” has been used in multiple commercials as
well as being a radio staple.
Who is AC/DC? With its hard-hitting sound, the song has been used to advertise
cars, whiskey, and more.
In 1987, Senator Gary Hart from this western “Centennial” state ended a short-lived
presidential campaign after an infidelity scandal.
What is Colorado? The sensational case is often referenced as a turning point in
how the media covered political scandals.
Alda also appears as Dr. Gabriel Lawrence in this ’90s medical drama show about a
Chicago hospital.
What is ER? His character on the show has experience as an army doctor.
(Sound familiar?)
In the ’80s, athletic footwear was all the rage, including the classic Air Force 1 from
this brand.
What is Nike? The term sneakerhead originated around this time to describe
sneaker aficionados and collectors.
This airline was the first “no frills” budget airline, with its Skytrains gaining success in the ’70s.
What is Laker Airways? Founded by Freddie Laker, it offered a lower fare with few in-flight luxuries.
Formed in 1976, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel monitored cosmetic ingredients for this.
What is safety? Several safety programs formed in the ’70s, devoted to making sure cosmetic products were safe for daily use.
An icon of the 1990s, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was one of this group’s biggest hits.
Who is Nirvana? The single reached No. 6 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and is still a
favorite today.
In 1977, the Kickapoo tribe was officially recognized by this southwestern state, with
their tribal headquarters located in Eagle Pass.
What is Texas? They also received federal recognition a few years later, in 1983, along
with dual American and Mexican citizenship.
Alda wrote, directed, and stars in this 1981 romantic film alongside Carol Burnett,
playing a couple vacationing with friends.
What is The Four Seasons? The film was remade recently by Tina Fey, who is a
big fan of the original.
Skate shoes reemerged as a major trend in the 1990s, including the slip-ons from
this skate brand with a signature checkerboard
What is Vans? Skater and grunge culture brought popularity to shoes like slip-ons
and Doc Martens.
This large supersonic jet first flew from London to Bahrain in 1976, despite concerns about its noise and environmental impact.
What is the Concorde? Queen Elizabeth’s first flight
“across the pond” in the Concorde was in 1977, from Barbados back to London.
This type of comb was patented in 1970 and is used specifically on Afro hairstyles and tightly coiled curl patterns
What is a pick comb? The uniquely shaped device was patented by Samuel Bundles Jr. and Henry Childrey
The first New York Times fiction best seller for the year 1985 was The Sicilian, by this famed author.
Who is Mario Puzo? The book, a fictionalized biography of Salvatore Giuliano, would stay on the best seller list for 10 weeks.