The Daily Teaser - 17-1-2012

Blimey … !

You know, I’ve got be honest, I do like to keep my eye on the technology and scientific news.

And I’ve got to ALSO admit, a couple of things have caught my eye, whilst I’ve been prepping up everything for today’s Teaser.

First off … ?

Going by this report on the BBC’s news site, scientists in Israel are doing some strange things to rats!

I’ve got this weird mental image of a Rat member of the Borg squeaking “RESISTANCE IS FUTILE” at me … !

The OTHER bit of news that caught me is something that’s been coming for a while: it seems that the English-language branch of Wikipedia are to close down for one day — tomorrow — in protest at various far-reaching anti-piracy acts going through the US Congress: you can read the announcement, here.

Let’s get moving on, shall we … ?

Before I turn into The Daily Geek …

««·»»

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi putting in her answers: and, along with a comment about Steve Jobs*, ALSO bagging 5 out of 5.

Let’s see how she — and you — do with today’s questions, shall we? Here they are, along with the ‘How To’, License and video …

Q1) 17th January, 1944, saw the start of the first Battle of Monte Cassino: which Italian city did the Allies hope to capture, at the end of this … ?

Q2) 17th January, 1946, saw which body hold its first meeting: the UN Security Council, the ANC Council, or the EU General Assembly … ?

Q3) 17th January, 1996, saw the Czech Republic apply for membership of what … ?

Q4) 17th January, 1997, saw which European country grant its first divorce … ?

Q5) And finally … 17th January, 2007, saw the Doomsday Clock set at 23:55, as a result of nuclear testing, where … ?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 16th January, 1920, saw the first council meeting of the League of Nations: in which city … ?

A1) Paris.

Q2) 16th January, 1412, saw which family named as the official bankers to the Papacy … ?

A2) The Medici.

Q3) 16th January, 1547, saw who become the Tsar of Russia … ?

A3) Ivan the 4th: also known as Ivan Chetvyorty Vasilyevich, or Ivan Grozny or Ivan the Terrible.

Q4) 16th January, 1970, saw who become Premiere of Libya?

A4) Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

Q5) And finally … 16th January, 2006, saw Ellen Johnson Sirleaf become Africa’s first elected head of state: which African country was she president of … ?

A5) Liberia.

Enjoy those, everyone: I’ll leave you with some Beethoven …

Oh … And a tune from birthday boy, Kid Rock, just as a contrast …

* What’s alarming, Debbi …? Is that the BBC — and the Guardian — have run the odd piece about psychology, over the years: including one about psychopaths (and psychopathic bosses) in the workplace: it’s a touch more common than we think. And usually has me eye Bill Gates and Richard Branson … … … …