Scott F

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.

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]
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
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]
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
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.

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]
Three—the Korean War lasted from 1950 to 1953.
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.
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.
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.
4077th—loosely based on the historic 8055th MASH unit.
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.
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]
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.
Amen—Goodbye, Farewell and Amen

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happy Hour

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

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.

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]
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
Alan Alda played Hawkeye Pierce, what was his character’s full name?
- Alexander Hamilton Pierce
- Benjamin Franklin Pierce
- George Washington Pierce
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
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
M*A*S*H was about life in what specific MASH unit?
- 1066th
- 4077th
- 7088th
Who was the US Army Chaplain assigned to this MASH unit?
- Father Matthew Muelken
- Father John Mulcahy
- Father Patrick Mulholland
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
Who wrote the novel MASH which spawned the film and television series?
- Raymond Harlot
- Richard Hooker
- Roger Hustler
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.

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]
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]
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]
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]
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

Blowin’ in the Wind

All about flags with 27 February connections.

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
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
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
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
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?

The answers will be posted later today.

Who, What, When, Where, Why and How: 26 February—Answers

Who

Johnny Cash

Johnny Cash’s music explored sorrow, moral dilemmas, and redemption, featuring a deep bass-baritone voice and the Tennessee Three’s distinctive sound. His free prison concerts and all-black stage attire solidified his iconic status.

What

US Army in Hawaii

*From Here to Eternity*, US theatrical release poster for the 1951 film. [Image Wikipedia]

James Jones’s debut novel, From Here to Eternity, is set in Hawaii in 1941 and follows the lives of US Army infantry company members. The novel, loosely based on Jones’s experiences, won the National Book Award and was adapted into a successful film.

When

1919

Grand Canyon National Park poster (1938).
[Image Wikipedia]

Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona features the Grand Canyon, a natural wonder of the Colorado River. The park, spanning over 1.2 million acres, welcomes millions of visitors annually.

Where

Mediterranean Sea

Elba is a Mediterranean island in Tuscany, Italy, known for its natural beauty and historical significance as Napoleon’s first exile site. It is the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago and part of the Arcipelago Toscano National Park.

Elba, shown here in the Tyrrhenian Sea part of the Mediterranean Sea. [Image Wikipedia]

Why

Portugal wished to control the Congo Basin

Map showing the Congo River drainage basin.
[Image Wikipedia]

The Berlin Conference of 1884–1885, organised by Otto von Bismarck, regulated European colonisation and trade in Africa. The conference concluded with the signing of the General Act of Berlin. The Berlin Conference, initiated by Portugal and supported by Britain, brought together 14 nations to establish a joint policy for Africa.

Western Lowland Gorilla, an endangered species, in the the Congo River basin. [Image Wikipedia]

How

Novelist

Victor Hugo in 1829, lithograph by Achille Devéria in the collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. [Image Wikipedia]

Victor Hugo was a French Romantic author, poet, essayist, playwright, and politician. His most famous works include novels like The Hunchback of Notre-Dame and Les Misérables, as well as poetry collections like Les Contemplations and La Légende des siècles.

Portrait of Victor Hugo, deputy of the Second Republic in 1848, gallery of the representatives of the people of the French National Assembly, Paris. [Image Wikipedia]

Who, What, When, Where, Why and How: 26 February

The following Who, What, When, Where, Why and How all relate to this date: 26 February.

Who

A singer-songwriter born this day in 1932 in Kingsland, Arkansas, US. recorded songs such as Hey, Porter; Cry, Cry, Cry and I Walk the Line and in the 1950s became the top country and western recording artist. He later became a champion for social justice and penal reform.

Who is being described?
- Johnny Cash
- Jim Reeves
- Hank Williams

What

From Here to Eternity by James Jones was published today in 1951 and later was adapted into an Academy Award-winning film of the same name.

What was the novel mainly about?
- Roald Amundsen’s South Pole Expedition
- Roman Catholic Church’s Papal Conclave
- US Army in Hawaii

When

On 26 February the Grand Canyon National Park was established by the US Congress.

When was this?
- 1899
- 1909
- 1919

Where

Napoleon escaped exile from an island on this day in 1815 and made his way to Paris where, on his arrival on 20 March, a period now known as the Hundred Days began.

Where was the island situated?
- South Atlantic Ocean
- English Channel
- Mediterranean Sea

Why

The Berlin West Africa Conference concluded on the 26 February 1885.

Why had it been convened some 3 months previously?
- German Empire sought all territory between the Niger and Zambezi Rivers
- Portugal wished to control the Congo Basin
- Great Britain desired sole control of West Africa south of the Sahara

How

Victor Hugo, born today in 1802, is, according to Encyclopædia Britannica, renowned in France as one of the country’s greatest poets but that is not the case abroad.

How is he widely thought of elsewhere?
- As a musician
- As a novelist
- As a painter

The answers will be posted later today.

First Impressions—Answer

Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Pierre-Auguste Renoir, born in Limoges, France on 25 February 1841, emerged as a key figure in the Impressionist movement. Moving to Paris early in life, Renoir’s artistic talents blossomed while apprenticed at a porcelain factory before he pursued formal studies at École des Beaux-Arts. His association with artists like Claude Monet and Alfred Sisley helped shape the Impressionist style, characterised by vibrant colours and light. Despite initial career challenges, Renoir’s work eventually garnered acclaim, with his 1876 painting, Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette, epitomising Parisian nightlife and becoming iconic.

*Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette*, Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1876)
[Image from Wikipedia]

In the mid-1880s, after a transformative trip to Italy where he studied Renaissance masters, Renoir shifted from pure Impressionism to a more classical style. He married Aline Victorine Charigot in 1890, fathering three sons, including the filmmaker Jean Renoir. Even as rheumatoid arthritis afflicted him later in life, his determination saw him continue painting with the help of assistants, developing new techniques to adapt to his condition. Renoir’s prolific career produced thousands of paintings, celebrated for their sensuality and domesticity, leaving a lasting legacy on art. His conviction that

“the pain passes, but the beauty remains”

captures the enduring impact of his work, preserved in collections worldwide.

*Self-portrait*, Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1910)
[Image from Wikipedia]

First Impressions

*Portrait of Irène Cahen d’Anvers* (1880)
[Image from Wikipedia]

The Portrait of Irène Cahen d’Anvers (1880), shown above, is by which French painter who was born at Limoges on 25 February 1841?
- Paul Cézanne
- Claude Monet
- Pierre-Auguste Renoir

The answer will be posted later today.

85th CDMYW RDS—NSWRS

*Life of Pi* promotional poster[Image from Wikipedia]

Abraham Lincoln
Jennifer Lawrence
Silver Linings Playbook
Argo
Life of Pi
Ang Lee

The post title 85th CDMYW RDS—NSWRS is in full 85th Academy Awards—Answers.

The Academy Awards, known as the Oscars, are prestigious film accolades presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in the United States. These awards recognise excellence in cinematic achievements as judged by the Academy’s voting members.

Jennifer Lawrence (2012)
[Image from Wikipedia]

First presented in 1929, the Oscars ceremony is the oldest entertainment awards event, having been televised since 1953. The awards are symbolised by a gold-plated statuette called Oscar, depicting a knight in Art Deco style.

The Academy presents awards in 23 categories, including Best Picture, Actor, and Actress. Additional accolades include scientific and technical awards, special achievement awards, honorary awards and the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.

To be eligible for an Oscar, a film must be publicly screened in Los Angeles County for at least one week between 1 January and 31 December. Different submission requirements exist for foreign-language films, documentaries and short films, while music awards necessitate form submission by the artists.

The awards ceremony, often held in February or March, is a live-televised event where the major categories, known as the Academy Awards of Merit, are handed out. The first ceremony was held on 16 May 1929, with about 270 guests at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, followed by a post-awards party at the Mayfair Hotel. Back then, tickets cost $5, and fifteen statuettes were awarded for achievements in the 1927–28 period.

Initially, winners were announced three months before the ceremony, with newspapers publishing results at 11:00 pm on the awards night. However, after The Los Angeles Times revealed winners before the 1940 ceremony, the Academy adopted the use of sealed envelopes from 1941 onwards.

Oscar is a registered trademark of AMPAS, and the awards continue to be a hallmark of excellence in the film industry.