The Daily Teaser: 18-6-11

Hmmm …

You know, I’ll happily admit to not drinking, I really will.

It’s been — what — some 9 years, now, and I’ve not had one.

But … ?

After some 15 years in the hospitality trade, the history of beer is a fascinating thing.

Did you know, for example, that the initials IPA stands for Indian Pale Ale … ? IPAs* were originally designed to be exported: specifically to be exported to British civilians and troops in the Empire’s holdings in British India.

And most of the breweries that made IPA … ?

Well, it turns out that the breweries that made it were looking to fill a hole, after the collapse of the Russian market for English beers.

It turns out that — according to the item I’ve just seen on the BBC news channel — that Catherine the Great was rather fond of Stout: specifically a high abv version called Imperial Stout.

Apparently, Catherine loved it. Especially the high alcohol content.

Which, it turns out, was originally done to stop it freezing, on the voyage over the Baltic.

To quote Boney M song, Rasputin … ?

“Oh, those RUSSIANS … ”.

Lets get moving on, shall we … ?

Yes, lets … !

»»·««

Yesterday’s Teaser saw both Mr Strict and Debbi going head-to-head: with Mr S getting his answers in firstº°. It also saw Debbi bagging five out of five, with Mr S scoring 4ª. Lets see how they — and you — do with today’s questions, shall we? Here they are, along with the ‘How To’, License and video …

Q1) 18th June, 1979, saw the signing of the SALT 2 treaty between the USA and the USSR: what is the SALT acronym short for … ?

Q2) 18th June, 1767, saw Captain Samuel Wallis sight — and therefore considered to first European to visit — which island … ?

Q3) 18th June, 1928, saw the birth of actor, Paul Eddington, CBE: name either of the tv shows in which he played Sir Jim Hacker.

Q4) 18th June, 1953, saw the abolition of the the monarchy: in which country … ?

Q5) And finally … 18th June, 1901, saw the birth of which Russian Grand Duchess … ?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 17th June, 1579, saw Sir Frances Drake claim Nova Albion for England. How is Nova Albion now known: California, Oregon or British Columbia … ?

A1) California.

Q2) 17th June, 1940, saw all three Baltic states fall under the influence of the Soviet Union: name any of those Baltic states.

Q2) Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.

Q3) 17th June, 1919, saw the birth of actress, Beryl Reid: for which 1968 film did she receive a nomination for the Best Actress Golden Globe … ?

A3) The Killing Of Sister George.

Q4) 17th June, 1972, saw 5 White House staff arrested for attempting to burgle which building … ?

A4) The Watergate Building.

Q5) And finally … 17th June is the Feast day of Saint Joseph of Cupertino. He’s the patron saint of what: Aviators, railway engine drivers or car mechanics?

A5) Aviators.

Enjoy those, everyone: I’ll catch you later!

* At least, as far as I’ve always understood: the Wikipedia entry takes a slightly different view.

º He does have the advantage of time, though: Mr S’s home town is a few hours ahead of Debbi’s … !

ª I was after the name of the building, Mr S … !

° Which, according to an old Teaser tradition, means Mr S has been awarded the First-In-Clap: in other words, the round of applause for getting his answers posted first.