Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-7-2026 — Tom Lehrer

26th July, 2026: Tom Lehrer.

OK, it’s Sunday.

Which means that yesterday was Saturday, and the day I had a second haircut in the space of a fortnight.

Why … ?

The last time I had one, I used a different barbers: as the regular place I go was shut: a much deserved holiday.

I wasn’t especially pleased with it.

So?

As I had some cash, and my usual place was re-opened?

I had another.

I think Daniels have done their usual sterling job!

~≈💈≈~

Oh, did I mention I’m thingummy do-dah wossname … ?

Rather fond of the work of writer, William Gibson, in other words!

So … ?

I’m looking forward to AppleTV’s upcoming TV version of Gibson’s Neuromancer.

I caught the trailer, this morning: and, going by that … ?

The show is due for release on 22nd January, next year.

I’m looking forward to it.

I don’t think it’s accurate to the text: but … ?

It does look entertaining.

And they look like they’ve got Molly right … !

~≈🪒≈~

Let’s move on.


Yesterday’s Teaser saw Mum* and Debbi† putting in their answers: with Debbi scoring five out of five, and Mum on four.

Let’s see how everyone does with today’s questions, shall we?

Here they are, along with the How To, License and video.

Q1)        Tom Lehrer died on 26th July.   Of which year of the 2020s?

Q2)        He taught maths, where: Harvard, Yale or the University of California, Santa Cruz?

Q3)        His first LP, Songs by Tom Lehrer, was released in which year: 1951, 1953 or 1955?

Q4)        Lehrer’s “The Elements” saw him reciting the elements on the then current version of the periodic table.   This was performed to a tune written by who: John and Taupin, Gilbert and Sullivan or Lennon and McCartney?

Q5)        Finally … ?   Tom’s second LP, More of Tom Lehrer was released in which year: 1957, 1958 or 1959?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers … 

Q1)        Bob Dylan caused a scandal on 25th July, 1965.   By playing what at the Newport Folk Festival: electric guitar, double bass or trumpet?

A1)        Electric guitar.   It caused a storm: cue the music.

Q2)        Mozart’s 40th Symphony was completed on 25th July, 1788.   It’s in which key: G major, G minor or B flat major?

A2)        G minor.

Q3)        The Telegraph Agency of the Soviet Union, or TASS, was established on 25th July.   Of which year: 1924, 1925 or 1926?

A3)        1925.

Q4)        25th July saw the UK hit by record hot temperatures.   25th July of which year: 2017, 2018 or 2019?

A4)        2019.

Q5)        Finally … ?   Iman was born on 25th July, 1955.   In what’s now where: Lusaka, Mogadishu or Nairobi?

A5)        Mogadishu.

Here’s a thought …

“Lacking exposure in the media, my songs spread slowly.   Like herpes, rather than ebola.”

Tom Lehrer.

(“I Got It From Agnes” is included in the playlist … )

And an Tom Lehrer playlist …

The next 10 question sets are on 30th July, 11th August, 26th August and 5th September: they’re about the Beano, World Steel Pan Day, International Dog Day and the Muppet Show.

Your comments, and today’s answers, will be published in tomorrow’s Teaser.

AI is avoided when writing these questions.

Answers are as accurate as possible: at the time of writing.

Decisions about scores are final.

Thank you for coming: have a good day.

*        Hello, Mum!   (TASS was founded in 1925, Mum, rather than 1926.)

†        I don’t think the crowd would’ve worried, Debbi.   Well … not about the double bass, or a trumpet!   But Dylan playing electric guitar seemed to cause genuine outrage!