Kalanchoe is a genus of varying succulent evergreen plants, ranging from shrubs to small trees from southern Africa and Madagascar that thrive in hot, dry climates. Some species are popular as houseplants in Britain, with Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (Flaming Katy, Tom Thumb) being a waxy-leafed, red, yellow or pink flowering popular variety growing to about 28 cm high. Research Kalanchoe
Phineas Taylor Barnum was an American showman who launched the enterprise known as 'the greatest show on earth' . He was born in 1810 at Bethel, Connecticut and died in 1891. His career as a showman started in 1835 but met with little success until in 1844 he exploited Charles Stratton - General Tom Thumb. Barnum supplemented this success with in 1847 by engaging Jenny Lind to sing for 150 nights. In 1871 he began the formation of the 'Greatest Show on Earth', a monster combination of circus, menagerie and exhibition of human freaks. With this show, in conjunction with his partners, Bailey and Hutchinson, Barnum amassed a large fortune. The entire concern was later purchased by the Ringling brothers in 1907. Research Phineas Barnum
Thomas Augustine Arne was an English composer. He was born in 1710 at London and died in 1778. His first opera, Rosamond, was performed in 1733 at Lincoln's-Inn Fields, and was received with great applause. Then followed Fielding's comic opera, Tom Thumb, or the Tragedy of Tragedies. His style in the Comus (1738) is still more original and cultivated. To him we owe the national air Rule Britannia, originally given in a popular piece called the Masque of Alfred. After having composed two oratorios and several operas he received the title of Doctor of Music at Oxford. He composed, also, music for several of the songs in Shakespeare's dramas, and various pieces of instrumental music. Research Thomas Arne
In English folk tales, Tom Thumb is a tiny man. An old, childless couple wish for a son and are granted a thumb-sized boy. After many adventures he becomes a brave, miniature knight at the court of King Arthur. Research Tom Thumb
Tom Thumb is a musical fantasy based on the fairy tale and starring Russ Tamblyn, Terry-Thomas, and Peter Sellers in a story about the miniature
Tom Thumb who brings great joy to a woodcutter and his wife, but two wicked men are determined to take him away and use him in their evil plans. Tom Thumb was directed by George Pal in 1958. Research Tom Thumb
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Research Kalanchoe
