They're Dead, Jim: 2000-2009 Trivia Quiz

Answer: Charles Schulz

Charles Schulz was the mastermind behind "Peanuts", one of the most beloved and influential comic strips of all time. For nearly 50 years, he chronicled the highs and (mostly) lows of Charlie Brown and his friends, filling newspapers with humor and the occasional existential crisis. Schulz had announced his retirement due to health issues, and in a twist of fate, he passed away the night before his final strip ran in print.

Answer: Timothy McVeigh

Timothy McVeigh was the mastermind behind the Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995, which killed 168 people, including children in a daycare center. Motivated by extreme anti-government views, he carried out the attack using a truck bomb filled with fertilizer explosives. McVeigh showed little remorse and even referred to the victims as "collateral damage." He was sentenced to death and became the first federal prisoner executed in the U.S. since 1963. His actions led to major changes in U.S. domestic security and anti-terrorism policies.

Answer: Stephen Ambrose

Stephen Ambrose was a historian who had a knack for bringing history to life, particularly the heroics of World War II. His book "Band of Brothers" detailed the experiences of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, and later inspired the critically acclaimed HBO miniseries of the same name.

Answer: Dolly

Dolly the sheep was a scientific marvel, born in 1996 as the first-ever mammal cloned from an adult cell using a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer. Her creation sparked both excitement and ethical debates about cloning and genetic science. Though she lived a relatively normal sheep life-aside from constant media attention-she was euthanized at the age of six due to lung disease and arthritis.

Some speculated cloning might have shortened her lifespan, but scientists later concluded her ailments were not unusual for sheep. Even in death, Dolly remains a legend-stuffed and on display at the National Museum of Scotland.

Answer: Rodney Dangerfield

Rodney Dangerfield built a career around one unforgettable catchphrase: "I don't get no respect!" His stand-up routines featured rapid-fire jokes about his bad luck, bad looks, and even worse childhood, all delivered with his signature bug-eyed, tie-tugging charm.

After struggling for years in comedy, he broke through in the 1970s and became a pop culture staple, starring in movies like "Caddyshack", where he stole scenes as the wisecracking Al Czervik. Even in his final days, he kept the laughs going.

When asked how long he'd be in the hospital before heart surgery, he quipped, "If all goes well, about a week. If not, about an hour and a half."

Answer: Shirley Chisholm

Shirley Chisholm made history in 1968 when she was elected to Congress, representing New York's 12th district. A fierce advocate for civil rights, education, and women's rights, she lived up to her campaign slogan: "Unbought and Unbossed." In 1972, she shattered even more barriers by running for the Democratic presidential nomination, becoming the first Black woman to do so. Though she didn't win, her candidacy paved the way for future generations. Chisholm once said, "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair."

Answer: Billy Preston

Billy Preston was a musical powerhouse, known for his masterful keyboard playing and collaborations with legends like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton. His work on "Let It Be", particularly the iconic electric piano on "Get Back", earned him the affectionate title of "the Fifth Beatle." But Preston wasn't just a side player.

He had major hits of his own, including "Nothing from Nothing" and "Will It Go Round in Circles", a favorite of mine.

Answer: Norman Mailer

Norman Mailer was a literary giant, blending journalism, fiction, and social commentary in a way few others dared. His breakout WWII novel "The Naked and the Dead" made him famous, but he didn't stop there. He tackled everything from politics ("The Executioner's Song") to boxing ("The Fight") and even ran for mayor of New York City (it did not go well).

Answer: Arthur C. Clarke

Arthur C. Clarke wasn't just a sci-fi writer-he was a prophet of the future. His novel "2001: A Space Odyssey", developed alongside Stanley Kubrick for the iconic film, changed the landscape of science fiction forever. He also predicted geostationary satellites decades before they became reality, earning him serious sci-fi street cred. Clarke's "Three Laws" of prediction, including "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic," continue to inspire scientists and dreamers alike.

He spent his later years in Sri Lanka, advocating for space exploration and enjoying a good game of chess.

Answer: Corazon Aquino

Corazon Aquino became a symbol of resistance and hope for the Filipino people after the fall of Ferdinand Marcos, who ruled the Philippines for over 20 years. After her husband, opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr., was assassinated in 1983, she stepped into politics and led the People Power Revolution in 1986, which peacefully ousted Marcos and restored democracy to the country.

Her leadership earned her global recognition and the admiration of many. Although she faced numerous challenges during her presidency, she remains a beloved figure in Philippine history.