Through Early Morning Fog I See—Answers

These questions all relate to today’s date, February 28th.

Flag of Egypt.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

On this date sometime during the 20th century, the country which is currently represented by the flag above gained independence. Which decade did this independence occur in, and from what empire was independence gained?

Answers: 1920s; British Empire

Egypt, a de facto independent state under Ottoman rule, became a British protectorate in 1914. Despite the 1919 revolution and subsequent negotiations, British control persisted, leading to dissatisfaction, partial independence in 1922 and the ‘reserved points’ clause in the 1923 Egyptian constitution.

Two

In 1983 the final episode of M*A*S*H aired. Who was the only actor to appear in every single episode and what character did they play?

Answer: Alan Alda; Captain Benjamin Franklin ‘Hawkeye’ Pierce.

An American television comedy drama series, aired on CBS for 11 seasons (1972–83), a total of 256 episodes. The show, set during the Korean War, followed the medical staff at a mobile army surgical hospital and received critical acclaim, winning 14 Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. Despite cast changes, the series maintained its continuity through strong performances and writing, with a unique use of multiple plot lines and an antiwar message.

Three

Olaf Palme, a globally recognised politician, was assassinated in 1986. At the time of his death he was prime minister of which country?

Answer: Sweden.

Olof Palme, a Swedish Social Democratic leader, served as Prime Minister twice and was known for his pacifist stance and criticism of U.S. war policy. He was assassinated in 1986, and the case remained unsolved until 2020 when Stig Engström, who died in 2000, was identified as the likely perpetrator although this is widely disputed with many believing the true identity of his assassin is still unknown.

Four

In 2013 Pope Benedict XVI resigned. How many years to the nearest hundred had elapsed since a previous pope had resigned?

Answer: 600 years

Pope Gregory XII had resigned in 1415, 598 years before Benedict. Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Ratzinger, led the Catholic Church from 2005 to 2013. A renowned theologian, he was appointed Pope after John Paul II’s death. During his papacy, he faced challenges such as declining church attendance and the sexual abuse scandal, for which he received criticism. He also advocated for traditional Catholic values and opposed condom use. Benedict resigned in 2013, citing health issues.

Five

Before filming Goldfinger, in which Bond would have to play golf, Sean Connery received golf lessons from which former golf professional and television golf commentator who was born on this day?

Answer: Peter Alliss

Born this day in 1931, Peter Alliss, an English golfer and broadcaster, was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2012. He won 20 professional tournaments, including three British PGA Championships, and played on eight Ryder Cup teams. Alliss worked for the BBC, ESPN and ABC Sports, and designed over 70 golf courses, including The Belfry, contributing significantly to golf course architecture. He received numerous honours, such as honorary degrees and the Golf Foundation’s ‘Spirit of Golf award’. Before the filming of Goldfinger, Alliss gave Sean Connery golf lessons, which sparked Connery’s lifelong love for the sport.

Post Title

‘Through early morning fog I see’ is the first line from the theme to M*A*S*H, Suicide is Painless, the lyrics are at AZ Lyrics.

Through Early Morning Fog I See

These questions all relate to today’s date, February 28th.

Image Wikimedia Commons

One

On this date sometime during the 20th century, the country which is currently represented by the flag above gained independence. Which decade did this independence occur in, and from what empire was independence gained?

Two

In 1983 the final episode of M*A*S*H aired. Who was the only actor to appear in every single episode and what character did they play?

Three

Olaf Palme, a globally recognised politician, was assassinated in 1986. At the time of his death he was prime minister of which country?

Four

In 2013 Pope Benedict XVI resigned. How many years to the nearest hundred had elapsed since a previous pope had resigned?

Five

Before filming Goldfinger, in which Bond would have to play golf, Sean Connery received golf lessons from which former golf professional and television golf commentator who was born on this day?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Flotsam and Jetsam—Answers

Here are the answers to my earlier questions.

These questions are a mixed bag that must have been floating about somewhere in my head.

Sydney Harbour.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

This harbour is an inlet of which sea?

Answer: Tasman Sea

Port Jackson, also known as Sydney Harbour, is a natural harbour in an inlet of the Tasman Sea—a marginal sea of the South Pacific Ocean. It is home to landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge and a hub for recreational events and is managed by Transport for NSW, with parts protected by Sydney Harbour National Park.

Two

In December 2000, Madonna and Guy Ritchie were married at Skibo Castle. In what country is Skibo Castle?

Answer: Scotland (or either Great Britain or U.K.)

Rocco, Madonna and Guy Ritchie’s four-month-old son, was christened in December 2000 at Dornoch Cathedral in Scotland. The couple then married the following day at nearby Skibo Castle.

Three

At a restaurant, an Ameglian Major Cow approached a table and introduced itself as the ‘Dish of the Day’. It then proceeded to describe its body parts, suggesting to the diners which parts they might enjoy eating. In which restaurant and in which book series did this take place?

Answers: The Restaurant at the End of the Universe; The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

A large dairy animal approached Zaphod Beeblebrox’s table, a large fat meaty quadruped of the bovine type with large watery eyes, small horns and what might almost have been an ingratiating smile on its lips.

‘Good evening,’ it lowed and sat back heavily on its haunches, ‘I am the main Dish of the Day. May I interest you in parts of my body?’ It harrumphed and gurgled a bit, wriggled its hind quarters into a more comfortable position and gazed peacefully at them.
— Excerpt from ‘The Restaurant at the End of the Universe’ Chapter 17 Page 273, The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Terry Pratchett

Four

William E. Carter was the owner of a 1912 Renault motor car. In what 1997 film was a replica of his car used as the setting for a love scene?

Answer: Titanic

Carter, an American millionaire, purchased the Renault Type CB Coupé de Ville and arranged to transport it on the RMS Titanic. Carter survived the sinking but no trace of his car has been found. In the 1997 film Titanic a replica of the car was used for Jack and Rose’s love scene in the ship’s hold.

Five

What martial art has a Japanese name literally meaning,  ‘way of adapting the spirit’?

Answer: Aikido

Aikido, a Japanese martial art, emphasises mental calm and control to subdue attackers using twisting and throwing techniques. Originating in the 14th century, it was modernised by Ueshiba Morihei in the early 20th century and later adapted for competition by Tomiki Kenji.

Flotsam and Jetsam

These questions are a mixed bag that must have been floating about somewhere in my head.

Image Wikimedia Commons

One

This harbour is an inlet of which sea?

Two

In December 2000, Madonna and Guy Ritchie were married at Skibo Castle. In what country is Skibo Castle?

Three

At a restaurant, an Ameglian Major Cow approached a table and introduced itself as the ‘Dish of the Day’. It then proceeded to describe its body parts, suggesting to the diners which parts they might enjoy eating. In which restaurant and in which book series did this take place?

Four

William E. Carter was the owner of a 1912 Renault motor car. In what 1997 film was a replica of his car used as the setting for a love scene?

Five

What martial art has a Japanese name literally meaning,  ‘way of adapting the spirit’?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Meet Your Waterloo—Answers

Here are the answers to my earlier questions. 

These questions all relate to today’s date, February 26th.

Napoleon’s Return from Elba 1815 by Charles de Steuben.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

On this day in 1815, Napoleon escaping from captivity ushered in the Hundred Days. From where had he escaped?

Answer: Elba.

The Hundred Days in French history refers to the period between Napoleon’s return to Paris on 20 March 1815 and Louis XVIII’s return on 8 July 1815. This period marked Napoleon’s return from exile, his subsequent defeat at Waterloo, and his permanent exile, which led to the restoration of the French monarchy. After escaping from Elba, Napoleon regained power but faced opposition from the Fourth Coalition, resulting in his final defeat at Waterloo and second abdication.

Two

Who, born in Arkansas in 1932, often sang railroad songs such as Orange Blossom Special; Hey, Porter and Rock Island Line?

Answer: Johnny Cash.

Johnny Cash, the ‘Man in Black’, was an American singer-songwriter known for his deep voice, rebellious spirit, and songs about sorrow, redemption and prison life. He sold over 90 million records and was inducted into the Country Music, Rock and Roll and Gospel Music Halls of Fame.

Three

On this day in 1914, less than two years since Titanic sank, her sister ship was launched in Belfast. What was the name of the sister ship?

Answer: Britannic

HMHS (His Majesties Hospital Ship) Britannic, the largest hospital ship of its time, was the third and final vessel of the White Star Line’s Olympic class. Launched just before World War I, it operated between the UK and the Dardanelles until it sank in 1916 after hitting a mine, resulting in 30 fatalities. The wreck, the largest intact passenger ship on the seabed, was located by Jacques Cousteau in 1975.

Four

Born in Besançon, eastern France, in 1802, this novelist, poet and dramatist was one of France’s foremost Romantic writers. His characters include Oliver Cromwell, Archdeacon Claude Frollo and Bishop Muriel. Who is he?

Answer: Victor Hugo.

The characters mentioned in the question are in order from his works Oliver Cromwell, The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and Les Misérables. Victor Hugo (1802–1885) was a French Romantic author, poet, and playwright. He was a prominent political figure, advocating for republicanism and social causes. Hugo’s legacy includes his influence on music and his role as a national hero

Five

The first non-stop circumnavigation of the globe began on this day in what decade?

Answer: 1940s

In 1949, the Lucky Lady II, a Boeing B-50 Superfortress, became the first aircraft to circumnavigate the globe nonstop. The 94-hour and one minute journey, assisted by in-flight refuelling, showcased the potential of aerial refuelling for long-range missions. The crew received the Distinguished Flying Cross and prestigious aviation awards for their achievement.

Meet Your Waterloo

These questions all relate to today’s date, February 26th.

Napoleon’s Return from … 1815 by Charles de Steuben.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

On this day in 1815, Napoleon escaping from captivity ushered in the Hundred Days. From where had he escaped?

Two

Who, born in Arkansas in 1932, often sang railroad songs such as Orange Blossom Special; Hey, Porter and Rock Island Line?

Three

On this day in 1914, less than two years since Titanic sank, her sister ship was launched in Belfast. What was the name of the sister ship?

Four

Born in Besançon, eastern France, in 1802, this novelist, poet and dramatist was one of France’s foremost Romantic writers. His characters include Oliver Cromwell, Archdeacon Claude Frollo and Bishop Muriel. Who is he?

Five

The first non-stop circumnavigation of the globe began on this day in what decade?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

Impressionable—Answers

Here are the answers to my questions which were posted earlier.

All of these questions relate to today’s date, February 25th.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, self-portrait, 1910.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

The painter of the above self-portrait was born in Limoges, France, on 25 February 1841. He became an early Impressionist but later adopted a more traditional style. Who is he?

Answer: Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) was a French artist and leading Impressionist painter. He later developed a more disciplined technique, focusing on portraits and figure paintings, particularly of women.

Two

This author, best known by a pen name but also using another — Joseph Kell, was born John Burgess Wilson on this day in 1917 in an inner-city suburb of Manchester, England. After wartime service, he left the British army in 1946 with the rank of sergeant-major. His most famous work, a dystopian satire published in 1962, was adapted into a controversial film in 1971. What is his best-known pen name?

Answer: Anthony Burgess.

Anthony Burgess (1917-1993) was an English novelist, critic, and man of letters renowned for his fictional explorations of modern dilemmas. He wrote over 50 books, including novels, literary criticism, biographies, and musical compositions. Burgess’s works often combined linguistic ingenuity, witty erudition, and sharp social satire. He is best known for his dystopian satire A Clockwork Orange and was also a versatile linguist and literary critic, writing numerous novels, librettos and screenplays.

Three

In 1986, after claiming victory in a fraudulent election which led to a military coup and revolution, President Ferdinand Marcos fled his country. Of what country was Marcos president, and which opposition leader replaced him as president?

Answers: Philippines; Corazon Aquino.

Ferdinand Marcos fled the Philippines on 25 February 1986, seeking refuge in Hawaii with his family and a vast fortune, in part consisting of 22 crates of cash valued at $717 million, 300 crates of assorted jewellery, $4 million worth of unset precious gems, 65 Seiko and Cartier watches, a 12 by 4 ft box full of pearls, a 3 ft solid gold statue covered in diamonds and other precious stones, $200,000 in gold bullion, nearly $1 million in Philippine pesos, and deposit slips to banks in the United States, Switzerland, and the Cayman Islands worth $124 million. While enjoying a lavish lifestyle, Filipinos back home grappled with the economic consequences of his rule. Amongst other things, Imelda Marcos, the ousted First Lady, was found to have a collection of 2,700 pairs of shoes. The revolution that ousted Marcos was fuelled by widespread discontent, with protests erupting not only in Manila but also in the provinces and islands. Source: Wikipedia.

Four

Born in 1943, this musician was a prominent figure in the music world during the swinging sixties. He was originally part of a band where he wrote hits like Here Comes the Sun and While My Guitar Gently Weeps. His sitar teacher was singer Norah Jones’ father. He later enjoyed a successful solo career. Who was he and who taught him to play the sitar?

Answers: George Harrison; Ravi Shankar.

George Harrison, lead guitarist of the Beatles, was known for his significant contributions to the band’s musical direction and his successful solo career. He incorporated non-Western musical influences, particularly Indian classical music, into the Beatles’ sound and later established himself as a solo artist with hits like My Sweet Lord. Harrison was also a prolific music and film producer, co-founding HandMade Films and producing acts for Apple Records. He produced the Monty Python’s troupe’s comedy film The Life of Brian (1979).

Five

In 1570, Pope Pius V excommunicated the English monarch from the Roman Catholic Church. Who was this monarch?

Answer: Elizabeth I.

Elizabeth I, the last Tudor monarch, ruled England and Ireland from 1558 to 1603. Her reign, marked by religious tolerance and cautious foreign policy, saw the establishment of the Church of England and the defeat of the Spanish Armada. Despite numerous courtships, Elizabeth remained unmarried, earning her the moniker ‘Virgin Queen’.

Impressionable

All of these questions relate to today’s date, February 25th.

Question One. Self-portrait, 1910.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

The painter of the above self-portrait was born in Limoges, France, on 25 February 1841. He became an early Impressionist but later adopted a more traditional style. Who is he?

Two

This author, best known by a pen name but also using another — Joseph Kell, was born John Burgess Wilson on this day in 1917 in an inner-city suburb of Manchester, England. After wartime service, he left the British army in 1946 with the rank of sergeant-major. His most famous work, a dystopian satire published in 1962, was adapted into a controversial film in 1971. What is his best-known pen name?

Three

In 1986, after claiming victory in a fraudulent election which led to a military coup and revolution, President Ferdinand Marcos fled his country. Of what country was Marcos president, and which opposition leader replaced him as president?

Four

Born in 1943, this musician was a prominent figure in the music world during the swinging sixties. He was originally part of a band where he wrote hits like Here Comes the Sun and While My Guitar Gently Weeps. His sitar teacher was singer Norah Jones’ father. He later enjoyed a successful solo career. Who was he and who taught him to play the sitar?

Five

In 1570, Pope Pius V excommunicated the English monarch from the Roman Catholic Church. Who was this monarch?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.

First Things First—Answers

Here are the answers to today’s questions.

These questions all relate to today, February 24th.

Photograph of President Johnson,
by Mathew Brady, circa 1870.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

Born in North Carolina in 1808, Andrew Johnson became the seventeenth president of the United States. Already notable as the first president to take office after an assassination and the first to be impeached, he achieved another unique milestone in 1875 — one no other president has matched. What was it?

Answer: He was elected to the US Senate.

Andrew Johnson, the 17th president of the United States, assumed office after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. His lenient Reconstruction policies led to his impeachment by the Radical Republicans in Congress, though he was acquitted. A self-taught man who rose from poverty, Johnson was a skilled orator and a staunch advocate for states’ rights and the Constitution. Following his presidency, he was elected in 1875 to the Senate, representing Tennessee, although he served only a short time before his death later that year. To date, he is the only president to have entered the Senate after his presidential term.

Two

On this day, two earthquakes struck with a maximum Mercalli intensities of VIII (Severe) and IX (Violent). The 1981 Gulf of Corinth earthquake affected the central region of a country while the 2004 Al Hoceima earthquake impacted the northern areas of another. Which two countries were affected?

Answers: Greece and Morocco.

In early 1981, the eastern part of the Gulf of Corinth in Greece experienced three earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 6 Ms over 11 days and maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe), causing widespread damage in the Corinth–Athens area. Nearly 8,000 houses were destroyed, and 20–22 people lost their lives.
On 24 February 2004, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco’s Al Hoceïma Province at 03:27 CET, with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent). The epicentre was located about 13 km south-southwest of Al Hoceima. The earthquake resulted in 631 deaths, 926 injuries, and the destruction of over 2,500 homes, primarily in villages within the Rif Mountains.

Three

In men’s singles tennis, what Australian defeated Pete Sampras to win the 2001 U.S. Open, his first Grand Slam title, and ten months later overcame David Nalbandian on the All-England Club’s grass courts to win the 2002 Wimbledon tournament?

Answer: Lleyton Hewitt.

Lleyton Hewitt, born in 1981 in Adelaide, Australia, is a retired professional tennis player known for his court speed and determination. He won the U.S. Open in 2001 and Wimbledon in 2002, becoming the youngest man to finish a year at number one in the ATP rankings. Despite injuries, he returned to compete in doubles events after retiring in 2016.

Four

Born in 1955, this future billionaire acquired a controlling interest in Pixar in 1986. He played a key role in transforming it into a major animation studio, ultimately leading to the creation of the first fully computer-animated feature film Toy Story in 1995. Later, he sold the company to Disney in 2006. Who is this future billionaire?

Answer: Steve Jobs.

Steve Jobs, a charismatic pioneer of the personal computer era, co-founded Apple Inc. in 1976 and oversaw the launch of revolutionary products like the iPod and iPhone. Despite battling pancreatic cancer, he remained a visionary leader until his death in 2011.

Five

In which modern country was Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Spain, and Archduke of Austria, born in 1500?

Answer: Belgium

Born in Prinsenhof, Ghent, Flanders (now Belgium), Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Spain, and Archduke of Austria, inherited a vast empire spanning Europe and the Americas at a young age. Throughout his reign, he faced significant challenges, including defending against Protestantism, Ottoman and French pressure, and papal hostility. Despite his efforts, he eventually conceded the Peace of Augsburg and abdicated in favour of his son and brother.

First Things First

These questions all relate to today, February 24th.

Photograph of President Johnson,
by Mathew Brady, circa 1870.
Image Wikimedia Commons

One

Born in North Carolina in 1808, Andrew Johnson became the seventeenth president of the United States. Already notable as the first president to take office after an assassination and the first to be impeached, he achieved another unique milestone in 1875 — one no other president has matched. What was it?

Two

On this day, two earthquakes struck with a maximum Mercalli intensities of VIII (Severe) and IX (Violent). The 1981 Gulf of Corinth earthquake affected the central region of a country while the 2004 Al Hoceima earthquake impacted the northern areas of another. Which two countries were affected?

Three

In men’s singles tennis, what Australian defeated Pete Sampras to win the 2001 U.S. Open, his first Grand Slam title, and ten months later overcame David Nalbandian on the All-England Club’s grass courts to win the 2002 Wimbledon tournament?

Four

Born in 1955, this future billionaire acquired a controlling interest in Pixar in 1986. He played a key role in transforming it into a major animation studio, ultimately leading to the creation of the first fully computer-animated feature film Toy Story in 1995. Later, he sold the company to Disney in 2006. Who is this future billionaire?

Five

In which modern country was Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, King of Spain, and Archduke of Austria, born in 1500?

Good luck! I’ll post the answers later.