Quizology.Online

Author: Quizologist

  • Bombshell Birthdays, Trashy Climbers and Hockey Hooligans!—Answers

    Jean Harlow.
    Image Wikipedia
    1. Jean Harlow—Jean Harlow, born Harlean Carpenter in 1911, was the quintessential blonde bombshell of Hollywood’s golden age. Rising to fame during the 1930s, she captivated audiences with her vivacious personality, striking platinum hair, and undeniable talent. Harlow’s career was marked by standout performances in films like Hell’s Angels and Red Dust, where she showcased her comedic timing and magnetic screen presence. Despite her glamorous image, she was known for her down-to-earth nature and warmth. Tragically, Harlow’s life was cut short at the age of 26 due to kidney failure, but her legacy as a pioneering Hollywood icon endures.
      Looking north to Mount Everest.
      Image Wikipedia
    2. 8 kg (17.6 lb)—Nepal’s tourism authority announced a new rule requiring climbers of Mount Everest to return with 8kg (17.6lb) of trash more than they produced during their ascent. This measure aims to address the estimated 50 tons of discarded items left on the mountain.
      Alexander Graham Bell, c1914-1919.
      Image Wikipedia
    3. Edinburgh, Scotland—Alexander Graham Bell, born in Edinburgh, Scotland, was an American inventor and scientist celebrated for his revolutionary contributions to communication. He invented the telephone in 1876 and the phonograph in 1886. Bell’s inventive genius is showcased by 18 patents in his name and 12 shared with collaborators. His patents include 14 for the telephone and telegraph, four for the photophone, one for the phonograph, five for aerial vehicles, four for hydroairplanes, and two for selenium cells. Bell’s work transformed the world by enhancing communication methods.
      Flag, which flew over Fort McHenry following the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812, is said to have inspired Francis Scott Key.
      Image Wikipedia
    4. 1931—The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States, penned by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812. Key, an American lawyer, wrote the lyrics after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland, during the Battle of Baltimore. Captivated by the sight of the American flag, the Star-Spangled Banner, still flying over the fort at dawn, he poetically immortalised the resilience and spirit of the American people. The anthem’s stirring words and vivid imagery have since become a symbol of national pride. In 1931, the United States Congress officially designated it as the national anthem.
      Composite photo of 1893 hockey game at the Victoria Skating Rink in Montreal; photo in collection of McCord Museum.
      Image Wikipedia
    5. Montreal—The first recorded public indoor ice hockey game, played in Montreal’s Victoria Skating Rink in 1875, involved two teams of McGill University students. The game’s reputation for violence was already evident as shown by The Daily British Whig of Kingston, Ontario, which reported, the match was marked by “shins and heads being battered, benches smashed, and lady spectators fleeing in confusion.” The McGill University Hockey Club, the first organised team, was formed in 1877; it codified the rules of the game and limited the number of players on each side to nine.

  • Bombshell Birthdays, Trashy Climbers and Hockey Hooligans!

    Marilyn Monroe, 1954.
    Image Wikipedia

    All of the following are connected to 3 March.

    1. An actress born on 3 March 1911 was, according to Encyclopædia Britannica, the original ‘blonde bombshell’; who was she?
      • Jean Harlow
      • Fay Wray
      • Mae West
      Everest Base Camp.
      Image Wikipedia
    2. On this day in 2014, Nepal implemented a system requiring climbers of Mount Everest to return ___ of trash more than they produced during their ascent and descent. Which of these is missing from the previous sentence?
      • 4 kg (8.8 lb)
      • 6 kg (13.2 lb)
      • 8 kg (17.6 lb)
    3. Alexander Graham Bell, inventor and scientist, best known for the invention of the telephone, was born on 3 March 1847. Where was he born?
      • Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada
      • Edinburgh, Scotland
      • Isle of Skye, Scotland
      Flag, which flew over Fort McHenry following the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812, is said to have inspired Francis Scott Key.
      Image Wikipedia
    4. The Star-Spangled Banner, written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, was officially adopted by an act of Congress as the official national anthem of the United States on this day in…
      • 1853
      • 1892
      • 1931
    5. The first recorded public indoor ice hockey game took place today in 1875. It was played in the Canadian city of…
      • Montreal
      • Quebec
      • Vancouver

    Good luck! The answers will be posted later today.

  • From Monarch Mishaps to Cosmic Capers! (with some grave robbing in between.)—Answers

    Queen Victoria receiving the news of her accession to the throne, 1837.
    [Image Wikipedia]

    The answers to today’s earlier post about a few events from 2 March are shown in bold below.

    1. Eight—On March 2, 1882, Roderick Maclean, a poet who had apparently been offended by Queen Victoria’s rejection of one of his poems, attempted to assassinate her as her carriage departed Windsor railway station. Gordon Chesney Wilson and another Eton College student struck him with their umbrellas until a policeman intervened and escorted him away. Notably, there were eight attempts to assassinate Victoria, with two separate attempts by the same person. In 1842, while riding in a carriage along The Mall in London, Queen Victoria was shot at by John Francis, but the gun failed to discharge. Francis managed to escape, but the following day, Victoria deliberately drove the same route, albeit faster and with a larger escort, in an attempt to lure Francis into a second attempt and capture him in the act. As anticipated, Francis fired at her, but he was apprehended by plainclothes policemen and subsequently convicted of high treason. His death sentence was commuted to transportation for life.
      Publicity poster for King Kong, 1933.
      [Image Wikipedia]
    2. King Kong—The landmark monster movie King Kong had its world premiere. In addition to pioneering special effects by Willis O’Brien, it was the first significant feature film to star an animated character. The film’s final lines were Police Lieutenant: “Well, Denham, the airplanes got him.” Carl Denham responded: “Oh no, it wasn’t the airplanes. It was beauty that killed the beast.”
      British Airways Concorde G-BOAC, 1986.
      [Image Wikipedia]
    3. Toulouse, France—Concorde was a supersonic airliner developed by the United Kingdom and France, first flying on 2 March 1969. Known for its sleek design and ability to fly at twice the speed of sound, it significantly reduced transatlantic flight times. However, high development costs, environmental concerns like sonic booms, and high operating costs limited its use to transoceanic flights. Only 20 aircraft were built, operated by Air France and British Airways, with service starting in 1976. Despite initial routes to destinations like Bahrain, Rio de Janeiro, Washington, D.C., and New York City, financial losses and competition from subsonic airliners led to route cuts, with New York City becoming the only regular destination. A fatal crash on 25 July 2000, resulting in 113 deaths, led to a temporary grounding. Concorde was retired in 2003, with most aircraft preserved in museums. The program was a significant European cooperative venture but never achieved financial profitability.
      Charlie Chaplin’s grave in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Vaud, Switzerland.
      [Image Wikipedia]
    4. Vaud, Switzerland—In March 1978, Oona Chaplin was informed by police that her husband Charlie Chaplin’s grave in Switzerland had been disturbed and his body stolen. The film star, who had died just months earlier, was taken by two thieves, Roman Wardas and Gantscho Ganev, who demanded a ransom of $600,000, threatening the Chaplins’ children. Oona dismissed the ransom as absurd. The police effectively tracked the thieves, leading to their capture in May. Wardas and Ganev, driven by desperation, had hidden Chaplin’s body in a cornfield. They expressed regret for their crime, which Oona forgave, even exchanging letters with them. Wardas was imprisoned for four years, while Ganev received an 18-month suspended sentence. Charlie Chaplin was reburied with a concrete vault to deter further theft. Though a 2014 film revived interest in the odd incident, his grave has remained undisturbed since.
    5. Czech—Vladimír Remek, the first Czechoslovak in space, is also considered the first EU astronaut. He served in the European Parliament and as Czech Ambassador to Russia.
    Charlie Chaplin, The Tramp, 1915.
    [Image Wikipedia]

  • From Monarch Mishaps to Cosmic Capers! (with some grave robbing in between.)

    All the events referred to are related to 2 March.

    Queen Victoria
    [Image Wikipedia]
    1. On March 2, 1872, Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom narrowly escaped an assassination attempt. During her reign, how many such attempts were made on her life?
      • Four
      • Six
      • Eight
    2. Which film, which premiered on this day in the early 20th century, ended with the line “It was Beauty that killed the Beast”?
      • Frankenstein
      • King Kong
      • The Island of Dr. Moreau 
    3. On this day in 1969, the first test flight of the supersonic Concorde took place at…
      • Bristol, England
      • Prestwick, Scotland
      • Toulouse, France.

      Screenshot of Charlie Chaplin in Kid Auto Races at Venice, (1914)
      [Image Wikipedia]
    4. Overnight from the 1st to the 2nd of March, 1978, the coffin of the comic actor Charlie Chaplin, containing his body, was stolen from his grave in…
      • California, USA
      • Vaud, Switzerland
      • Cornwall, England.
    5. On 2 March 1978, an astronaut or cosmonaut made history by becoming the first person of neither American nor Russian nationality to travel in space. What nationality was he?
      • Chinese
      • Canadian
      • Czech

    Good luck, the answers will be posted later today.

  • Gwnewch y pethau bychain mewn bywyd—Atebion*

    (“Do ye the little things in life”—Answers*)

    Saint David
    [Image Wikipedia]
    1. Saint David—Today, March 1st, marks Saint David’s Day. David, a prominent Welsh Christian prelate who served as Bishop of Mynyw in the 6th century and is the patron saint of Wales. His exact birthdate remains uncertain, with estimates ranging from 462 to 512. Traditionally, he is believed to be the son of Non and grandson of Ceredig ap Cunedda. St. David’s profound wisdom is encapsulated in the phrase “Do ye the little things in life.” This timeless advice emphasises the significance of small tasks and details in our daily routines. By cultivating humility, mindfulness, and a present-moment focus, we can unlock the potential for personal growth and spiritual fulfilment. By diligently attending to these minor details, we can pave the way for greater achievements and a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us.
    2. Massachusetts—In 1692, Sarah Good, Sarah Osborne and Tituba were brought before local magistrates in Salem Village, Massachusetts. This marked the beginning of the infamous Salem witch trials. Tituba was an enslaved Native American but little is known of her. The Smithsonian Magazine says —

      Tituba may have sailed from Barbados in 1680 with Parris [Samuel Parris, the minister in whose household the witchcraft erupted], then still a bachelor and not yet a minister. Though likely a South American Indian, her origins are unclear.

      The Smithsonian Magazine
      David Niven with Oscar (1959)
      [Image Wikipedia]
    3. David Niven—David Niven, an English actor, soldier, and author, initially served in the British Army but returned during World War II. He gained fame in Hollywood, winning an Academy Award and two Golden Globes for films like ‘Separate Tables’ and ‘Around the World in 80 Days’. After studying at Sandhurst, he left the army in 1933 to pursue acting. Niven returned to military service in WWII and earned the Legion of Merit for his contributions to the BBC Allied Expeditionary Forces Programme. Post-war, he continued acting, notably playing James Bond in ‘Casino Royale’ (1967), and enjoyed renewed popularity with his memoir ‘The Moon’s a Balloon’. He also wrote a second novel, ‘Go Slowly, Come Back Quickly’, and appeared in films like ‘Death on the Nile’. Niven passed away in 1983 from ALS, remembered as a charismatic Hollywood figure.
      1966 Soviet Union 6 kopeks stamp. Venera 3 Pendant and Medal.
      [Image Wikipedia]
    4. Venera 3 and Venus—Venera 3, the first spacecraft to land on another planet, crashed on Venus on 1 March 1966 after a course correction manoeuvre. A Soviet space probe, Venera 3 was launched in 1965 to explore Venus’ surface. It comprised an entry probe and a carrier/flyby spacecraft. Contact was lost on 15 February due to overheating.
    5. 1872—Established on March 1, 1872, Yellowstone National Park stands as the first national park dedicated to preserving and showcasing the world’s unique hydrothermal and geologic features. Spanning an expansive 2.2 million acres, visitors are afforded unparalleled opportunities to witness wildlife in their natural habitat and explore geothermal wonders. Yellowstone boasts approximately half of the world’s active geysers, as well as awe-inspiring geologic formations like the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River.
    Horace M. Albright, Superintendent of Yellowstone, with some bears at a table in Yellowstone National Park, 1922.
    [Image Wikipedia]

    *Atebion and Answers. I hope my translation is correct but if not please accept my apologies.

  • Gwnewch y pethau bychain mewn bywyd

    (“Do ye the little things in life”)

    Here are some trivia questions which have some connection to 1 March.

    1. The saying in Welsh at the top of this post is attributed to which Holy man who is connected to March?
      • Saint David
      • Saint Joseph
      • Saint Patrick
      Salem Witch Trials
      [Image Wikipedia]
    2. Three women were brought before local magistrates on 1 march 1692 beginning what would become the Salem Witch Trials. In what colony was Salem?
      • Connecticut
      • Massachusetts
      • Rhode Island
    3. An English actor, soldier and author born this day in 1910 who links Phileas Fogg, The Pink Panther and James Bond. As an officer in the British Army he took part in the World War II Normandy invasion. He also wrote the memoir The Moon’s a Balloon. Who is he?
      • Alec Guinness
      • David Niven
      • Richard Burton
      Solar System
      [Image Wikipedia]
    4. What became the first space craft to land on another planet on this day in 1966 and what planet did it land on?
      • Mars 1 and Mars
      • Mariner 2 and Mercury
      • Venera 3 and Venus
    5. The world’s first national park is established at Yellowstone in the US. This establishment took place on 1 March…
      • 1859
      • 1872
      • 1885

    Good luck, the answers will be posted later today.

  • Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happy Hour—Answers

    The answers are in bold below.

    1. Radar O’Reilly—Gary Burghoff played Corporal Walter Eugene Radar O’Reilly in both the film and television series. It was only on TV that he had this full name as he is known simply as Radar in the film. Hot Lips was played by Sally Kellerman in the film and Loretta Swift on TV; Trapper John was played by Elliott Gould (film) and Wayne Rogers (TV). 

      Theatrical release poster for the 1970 black comedy–war film M*A*S*H. The caption “M*A*S*H Gives a Damn” refers to the Ratings Administration taking issue with the film’s frequent use of the word.
      [Image Wikipedia]
    2. Three—the Korean War lasted from 1950 to 1953.
    3. Benjamin Franklin Pierce—Hawkeye (Alan Alda in the TV series), a central character in the MASH series, is known for his medical expertise, humour, heavy drinking and womanising ways. He becomes the Chief Surgeon early in the first season. Donald Sutherland played Hawkeye in the 1970 film. It is a quote from Hawkeye that provides the title of this post—Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happy Hour.
    4. Mobile Army Surgical Hospital—Mobile Army Surgical Hospitals were U.S. Army field hospital units operational from the Korean War to the Gulf War. Each MASH unit had 60 beds and provided support to army units of 10,000 to 20,000 soldiers, with a low mortality rate due to shorter transportation times.
    5. Jamie Farr—Maxwell “Max” Klinger, an Arab-American orderly in the 4077th MASH unit, initially attempts to gain a Section 8 discharge by cross-dressing and engaging in eccentric behaviour. After becoming the company clerk, he abandons these antics and later marries Soon Lee Han, a Korean refugee, choosing to stay in Korea to help her find her family. In AfterMASH, they move to the US, facing challenges that lead Klinger to bookmaking and eventual employment at a veterans’ hospital.
    6. 4077th—loosely based on the historic 8055th MASH unit.
    7. Father John Mulcahy—a Catholic priest and US Army chaplain, serves at the 4077th. He is known for his compassionate nature, boxing skills, and ecumenical approach to religion. Despite his unshakable faith, he struggles with the importance of his role compared to the doctors’ life-saving abilities. Appearing in the novel, film and television series he is played by René Auberjonois (film) and William Christopher on television with the exception of the pilot episode when George Martin had the role.
    8. Suicide is Painless—is a song from the 1970 film M*A*S*H, performed by characters and The Ron Hicklin Singers. It was composed by Johnny Mandel with lyrics by Mike Altman (the directors 15-year-old-son). The instrumental version became the theme music for the TV series.
      Cover of MASH, by Richard Hooker. 1969 edition, Pocket Books [Image Wikipedia]
    9. Richard Hooker—the pseudonym of Hiester Richard Hornberger Jr., who authored the novel MASH based on his experiences as a surgeon with the 8055th MASH during the Korean War. The novel was adapted into the successful film and television series.
    10. Amen—Goodbye, Farewell and Amen

  • Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happy Hour

    M*A*S*H Final Episode—28 February 1983

    Title card [Image Wikipedia]

    The final episode of the television series M*A*S*H aired on 28 February 1983. The record-breaking episode is described as follows in Wikipedia

    “As of 2025, it remains the most-watched single episode of any television series in U.S. history, and for twenty-seven years was the most-watched single broadcast in television history.” 

    Wikipedia

    Here are some M*A*S*H related questions to operate on.

    1. The only character to be played by the same actor in both the 1970 film and television series was…
      • Hot Lips Houlihan
      • Radar O’Reilly
      • Trapper John McIntyre

      Publicity photo from the M*A*S*H season premiere, 1974. Pictured are: Loretta Swit, Larry Linville, Wayne Rogers, Gary Burghoff, Alan Alda (driver of jeep), and McLean Stevenson. [Image Wikipedia]
    2. The 11 series of M*A*S*H aired from 1972 to 1983 and depicted life in a military hospital during the Korean War. How many years did the Korean War last?
      • Three
      • Seven
      • Eleven
    3. Alan Alda played Hawkeye Pierce, what was his character’s full name?
      • Alexander Hamilton Pierce
      • Benjamin Franklin Pierce
      • George Washington Pierce
    4. In the context of the novel, film and TV series what four words do these letters M*A*S*H represent?
      • Major Aid Station (with) Helipad
      • Military Advanced Support Helicopter
      • Mobile Army Surgical Hospital
    5. Corporal Maxwell Klinger was often seen wearing women’s clothing in an attempt to get a psychiatric discharge from the Army. Who was the actor in this role?
      • Jamie Farr
      • Larry Linville
      • Gary Burghoff
    6. M*A*S*H was about life in what specific MASH unit?
      • 1066th
      • 4077th
      • 7088th
    7. Who was the US Army Chaplain assigned to this MASH unit?
      • Father Matthew Muelken
      • Father John Mulcahy
      • Father Patrick Mulholland
    8. What was the name for the music often described as the Theme from M*A*S*H?
      • None Like it Hot
      • A War for all Seasons
      • Suicide is Painless 
    9. Who wrote the novel MASH which spawned the film and television series?
      • Raymond Harlot
      • Richard Hooker
      • Roger Hustler 
    10. Complete the title of the final M*A*S*H episode Goodbye, Farewell and ___.
      • Adieu
      • Adios
      • Amen

    The answers will be posted later today.

  • Blowin’ in the Wind—Answers

    The correct answers to my earlier post are highlighted in bold.

    All about flags with 27 February connections.

    1. Argentina—The Argentine flag, created during the War of Independence by Manuel Belgrano, and raised for the first time by him on 27 February 1812, features celeste, white, and celeste stripes with the Sun of May. Adopted in 1818, it influenced several Central American flags. A darker version was introduced in 2010. Its colours reflect the Criollos’ spirit from the May Revolution.
      • Flag of Argentina
      Flag 1. Flag of Argentina
      [Image Wikipedia]
    2. Antigua and Barbuda—The national flag of Antigua and Barbuda, adopted on 27 February 1967, symbolises self-government. Designed by Sir Reginald Samuel, it features red, black, blue, and white colours representing ancestry, hope, and life. The sun signifies a new era. The flag’s unique design celebrates local heritage and victory.
      • Flag of Antigua and Barbuda
      Flag 2. Flag of Antigua and Barbuda
      [Image Wikipedia]
    3. Dominican Republic—The Dominican Republic’s flag was designed by Juan Pablo Duarte and adopted on 27 February 1844. It features a central white cross dividing blue and red rectangles, symbolising liberty, salvation, and heroism. The coat of arms includes a Bible, cross, and the motto Dios, patria, libertad.
      • Flag of Dominican Republic
      Flag 3. Flag of The Dominican Republic
      [Image Wikipedia]
    4. Western Sahara—The national flag of Western Sahara, representing the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, features Pan-Arab colours – black, white, green, and red. Adopted on 27 February 1976, with design resembling the Palestinian flag, it includes a red star and crescent, symbolising Islam.
      • Flag of Western Sahara
      Flag 4. Flag of Western Sahara
      [Image Wikipedia]
    5. Japan—The national flag features a white rectangular banner with a crimson-red circle at its centre, symbolising the sun. This design reflects Japan’s nickname the Land of the Rising Sun and is deeply rooted in Japanese mythology, where the sun goddess Amaterasu is considered the ancestor of the Japanese emperors. The flag’s use dates back to the 7th century BC, with the first recorded use in 701 by Emperor Monmu. It became the de facto national flag in the 19th century, officially adopted for merchant ships on 27 February 1870 and later for the Navy. Standardised in 1870, the current form was officially adopted on 5 August 1854, as Japan began opening to the West. The flag’s simplicity and symbolism, with the red sun contrasting against the white background, are highly valued in Japan. Despite its historical significance, the flag’s use has been contentious, especially after World War II, due to its association with Japan’s militaristic past. The flag and the national anthem, Kimigayo, were officially recognised by the Japanese parliament on 13 August 1999, a decision that sparked debate between conservatives and pacifists.
      • Flag of Japan
    Flag 5. Flag of Japan
    [Image Wikipedia]

  • Blowin’ in the Wind

    All about flags with 27 February connections.

    1. Today in 1812 this flag, designed by Manuel Belgrano, was first raised by him in the city of Rosario. What nation’s flag is it?
      • Argentina
      • Bolivia
      • Colombia
      Flag 1
    2. This nation, an archipelago and one of the smallest countries in the Caribbean, adopted this flag today in 1967. What country is it?
      • Grenada
      • Antigua and Barbuda
      • Dominica
      Flag 2
    3. Still in the Caribbean: this flag represents a country which sits on the island of Hispaniola. Where is it?
      • Dominican Republic
      • Curaçao
      • Martinique
      Flag 3
    4. This North African flag was adopted this day in 1976 and the largest city it may fly over is Laayoune. What flag is it?
      • Eswatini
      • South Sudan
      • Western Sahara
      Flag 4
    5. Finally—and without a multiple choice—a flag which was adapted as the national flag for merchant ships on this day in 1870 and is known officially as the Nisshōki—meaning flag of the sun, but more commonly the Hinomaru—ball of the sun. What nations flag is being described?
    Flag 5

    The answers will be posted later today.