The answers to the questions posted earlier are shown in bold.
Bryan Cranston, Comic-Con, San Diego, 2012 Wikipedia
Bryan Cranston—Bryan Lee Cranston is an acclaimed American actor renowned for his roles as Walter White in Breaking Bad and Hal in Malcolm in the Middle. He has won six Primetime Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards and two Golden Globes, with nominations for an Academy Award and a BAFTA. Cranston’s Breaking Bad performance earned him four Emmys and a Golden Globe, and he also won for Outstanding Drama Series as a producer. On stage, he won a Tony for All the Way and another for Network. Notable films include Trumbo, Saving Private Ryan, and Godzilla.
Sir Edwin Landseer By Francis Grant. National Portrait Gallery Wikipedia
Edwin Landseer—Landseer, born in London to engraver John Landseer and Jane Potts, was a prodigious artist recognised early on. He studied under his father and Benjamin Robert Haydon, who encouraged dissections to understand animal anatomy. Landseer’s association with the Royal Academy began at 13, exhibiting as an “Honorary Exhibitor,” becoming an Associate at 24, and an Academician in 1831. He was acquainted with Charles Robert Leslie and visited Scotland in 1824, which influenced him. In 1823, he painted Georgiana Russell, Duchess of Bedford, with whom he had an affair. Knighted in 1850, he declined the Royal Academy Presidency in 1866. Suffering from mental health issues, he was declared insane in 1872.
Crossing of the Strait of Dover by Blanchard and Jefferies, 1785. Wikipedia
Jean-Pierre Blanchard—Jean-Pierre Blanchard (1753–1809) was a French inventor and pioneer of gas balloon flight. He achieved fame with a hydrogen balloon flight in Paris in 1784 and later crossed the English Channel in 1785, earning praise from Louis XVI. Blanchard toured Europe, demonstrating balloons and parachutes, using the latter for a successful escape in 1793. In 1792, he conducted the first balloon flight in the Americas, observed by President George Washington. Blanchard married Sophie Blanchard in 1804 and died of a heart attack in 1808. His widow continued balloon demonstrations until her accidental death.
Rachel Weisz Wikipedia
Rachel Weisz—Rachel Weisz is an acclaimed English actress known for her roles in both independent films and blockbusters. She began her career in the early 1990s, gaining recognition with her film debut in Death Machine (1994) and winning a Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Design for Living. Her breakthrough came with The Mummy series (1999-2001). Weisz won an Academy Award for The Constant Gardener (2005) and a Laurence Olivier Award for A Streetcar Named Desire (2009). She continued to excel in films like The Bourne Legacy (2012) and The Favourite (2018),winning a BAFTA for the latter.
Viv Richards Wikipedia
Viv Richards—Sir Vivian Richards is a retired Antiguan cricketer celebrated as one of the greatest batsmen ever. Representing the West Indies from 1974 to 1991, he was pivotal in their 1975 and 1979 World Cup victories and a runner-up in 1983. Richards made his Test debut in 1974 and scored 8,540 runs in 121 matches, becoming the West Indies’ leading run-scorer. Despite eye surgery in 1984, he continued to excel. Knighted in 1999, he was named a Cricketer of the Century by Wisden in 2000 and inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2009.
Ranulph Fiennes at the Celebrating Captain Scott’s Legacy: 100 Years of Discovery and Diplomacy in Antarctica event in London. Wikipedia
Ranulph Fiennes—Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes is a renowned British explorer, writer and poet, holding several endurance records. He served in the British Army for eight years, including counter-insurgency work in Oman. Fiennes is celebrated for being the first to visit both the North and South Poles by surface means and the first to cross Antarctica on foot. In 2009, at 65, he summited Mount Everest. Recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records in 1984 as the world’s greatest living explorer, he has authored numerous books on his adventures and explorers like Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton.
Maurice Ravel Wikipedia
Maurice Ravel—Maurice Ravel was a distinguished French composer, pianist, and conductor, often associated with Impressionism alongside Claude Debussy, though both distanced themselves from the label. His work gained international acclaim in the 1920s and 1930s, earning him the title of France’s greatest living composer. Ravel’s compositions are celebrated for their intricate harmonies and innovative orchestration, exemplified in Boléro (1928) and his arrangement of Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition (1922). Despite facing bias at the Paris Conservatoire, he developed a unique style blending modernism, baroque, neoclassicism and jazz, known for its clarity and experimentation.
Amanda Gorman steps to the podium to recite her inaugural poem, “The Hill We Climb,” during the 59th Presidential Inauguration ceremony in Washington, Jan. 20, 2021. (DOD Photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Carlos M. Vazquez II) Wikipedia
Amanda Gorman—Amanda Gorman is an American poet, activist and model known for addressing issues like oppression, feminism, race, and marginalisation. She was the first National Youth Poet Laureate and published The One for Whom Food Is Not Enough in 2015. Gorman gained global fame in 2021 for her poem The Hill We Climb at Joe Biden’s inauguration, leading to best-selling books and a management contract. She was featured in Time magazine’s 100 Next list and became the first poet to perform at the Super Bowl, delivering Chorus of the Captains at Super Bowl LV.
Ivan Lendl, 1984. Wikipedia
Ivan Lendl—Ivan Lendl is a Czech-American former professional tennis player and coach, celebrated as one of the greatest in the sport. He held the world No. 1 ranking for 270 weeks and won 94 singles titles, including eight majors. Lendl is the only player with a match-winning percentage over 90% in five different years and leads head-to-head against rivals Jimmy Connors and John McEnroe. Known as the ‘Father Of Modern Tennis’, he pioneered aggressive baseline power tennis. Post-retirement, he coached Andy Murray to three major titles and a world No. 1 ranking.
Stanley Kubrick—Stanley Kubrick (1928–1999) was an acclaimed American filmmaker known for his meticulous attention to detail, innovative cinematography and dark humour. Born in New York City, he developed an early interest in literature, photography, and film, teaching himself filmmaking after high school. Kubrick’s notable works include The Killing, Paths of Glory, Spartacus, Lolita, Dr. Strangelove, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon, The Shining and Full Metal Jacket. He moved to England in 1961, where he maintained artistic control over his films, often using groundbreaking techniques. Kubrick’s legacy includes numerous award nominations and critical acclaim.
Production photo of director Stanley Kubrick (left, seated) and actor Tony Curtis (right) on the set of the 1960 film Spartacus. Wikipedia
See question 10. Poster for the film Spartacus (1960) Wikipedia
Ten questions about people who were either born or sadly died on the 7 March—each answer will follow these two words: “I am…”
Question 1. The second man to walk on the Moon. Wikipedia
Born today in 1956 in Los Angeles, California, I played the second man to walk on the moon in From the Earth to the Moon (1998). I did voice work on the animated series Family Guy, Robot Chicken and SuperMansion. I am…
Bryan Cranston
Patrick Warburton
Hulk Hogan
Question 2. Monarch of the Glen. Wikipedia
Born 7 March 1802, I am British painter and sculptor best known for my paintings of animals such as the Monarch of the Glen (above). I am…
Frank Knight
Edwin Landseer
Langford Monroe
Died today in 1809. I am a French balloonist who, with the American physician John Jeffries, made the first aerial crossing of the English Channel. I am…
Jean Pierre Alfred Nadal
Jacques-Étienne Montgolfier
Jean-Pierre Blanchard
Born today in 1970, I am an actor and appeared as as Evelyn Carnahan in the Hollywood action films The Mummy (1999) and its sequel. I was Tessa Abbott-Quayle in the 2005 film adaptation of John le Carré’s The Constant Gardener. I am…
Abigail Cruttenden
Olivia d’Abo
Rachel Weisz
Born this day in 1952, I am a West Indian cricketer described by Encyclopædia Britannica as “arguably the finest batsman of his generation”. I am…
Born today in 1944, I am a British adventurer and explorer who, as part of the Transglobe Expedition circumnavigated the world via the North and South Pole. I also ran seven marathons on seven continents in seven consecutive days. I am…
Benedict Allen
Ranulph Fiennes
Gino Watkins
Question 7. Jayne Torville and Christopher Dean, Dancing on Ice, 2011 Wikipedia
Born 7 March 1875, I am a composer probably best known for Boléro (1928) which gained new popular following after featuring in the film 10 (1979) and the 1984 Olympics when used by ice-dancers Torvill and Dean. I am…
Antonín Dvořák
Maurice Ravel
John Philip Sousa
Born this in 1998, I am a poet and activist who gained international fame when I read my poem The Hill We Climb at Joe Biden’s 2021 presidential inauguration. I am…
Amanda Gorman
Amanda Grayson
Amanda Hunsaker
Born today in 1960, I’m a former American tennis player of Czech descent who was very successful in the 1980s and early 1990s. As a right-hander, I was known for my powerful forehand. I won eight Grand Slam titles, including three consecutive US Open championships from 1985 to 1987. I am…
Goran Ivanišević
Ivan Lendl
Ilie Năstase
Died this day in 1999 in England. In 1960, I took over direction of Spartacus, the slave revolt epic set in Ancient Rome; I am also known for my Odyssey. I am…
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
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
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
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
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.
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)
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
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
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.
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.
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]
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]
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]
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.
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]
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
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
On this day in 1969, the first test flight of the supersonic Concorde took place at…
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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 ___.
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.
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]
Quizology Online 
