Ride ‘Em Cowboy — Answers

The answers to the earlier posted questions are below.

Pony Express Statue, St, Joseph, Missouri.
Image Wikimedia Commons

Here are five questions that are related to today’s date, April 3rd. There is also a bonus question at the end.

One

The United States Pony Express, inaugurated in 1860, commenced its first run from one city to another. Can you name both cities in the order of travel of this first run?

Answer: St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California.

The Pony Express was a mail delivery system that operated between St. Joseph, Missouri, and Sacramento, California, from April 1860 to October 1861. Utilising horse-and-rider relays, the service significantly reduced mail delivery time from 24 days to about 10 days. Despite its efficiency, the Pony Express was a costly venture and ceased operations with the completion of the transcontinental telegraph system.


Two

On this day the first flight over Mount Everest took place. In what decade did this occur? 

Answer: 1930s.

In April 1933, two Westland aircraft piloted by Lord Clydesdale and David McIntyre, with observers Stewart Blacker and Sidney Bonnett, became the first to fly over Mount Everest. The expedition, funded by Lucy, Lady Houston, aimed to promote British aviation and gather information for a planned summit attempt. Despite challenges with oxygen supply and weather conditions, the team successfully completed the flight, capturing valuable photographs of the terrain.


Three

The first public handheld mobile (cellular) phone call was made on this day. In what year did this occur and what telecommunications company made the call?

Answer: 1973; Motorola.

Motorola’s Martin Cooper made the first handheld mobile phone call in 1973. The prototype, nicknamed ‘the Brick’, weighed 2 kilograms and offered 30 minutes of talk time.


Four

In 2007, a conventional-train world record was set by a TGV train. In what country was this record set, and to the nearest 5 mph (5 km/h) what was the record-setting speed achieved?

Answer: France; 355 mph (575 km/h).

In 2007, a French TGV train on the LGV Est high-speed line set a new world speed record, achieving 357.2 mph (574.8 km/h) or 159.6 m/s. This was part of Operation V150, a series of high-speed trials that culminated in the record-breaking speed on 3 April 2007. The top speed was reached near the village of Le Chemin, between the Meuse and Champagne-Ardenne TGV stations, where the most favourable profile exists, 12 minutes and 40 seconds after leaving Prény from a standstill, covering 71 km.


Five

Sir Robert Walpole is regarded as the first prime minister of Great Britain. In what decade did he assume this office? 

Answer: 1720s.

The office of prime minister in Britain emerged in the 18th century, with Sir Robert Walpole recognised as the first de facto prime minister, serving from 1721 to 1742. Walpole’s financial expertise, peaceful foreign policy, and adept management of Parliament established his authority and set the foundation for the modern Cabinet system. However, he faced criticism for bribery and corruption and resigned following a failed war with Spain.


Ride ‘Em Cowboy

Today’s title alludes to the riders employed by the Pony Express but it was also the title of a 1942 comedy. What duo starred in it?

Answer: Abbott and Costello.

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello star as peanut vendors at a rodeo show who are forced to flee their boss, they hide on a train, and become cowboys on a dude ranch despite lacking experience whatever.


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