The Daily Teaser — 31-1-2014

You know, as I write, it’s actually NOT raining in Brentwood.

No, really … !

Speaking personally … ?

I’m grateful: it means I can go out, without getting drenched.

Unlike parts of the UK: which are looking like paddy fields, AND getting more flood warnings.

Again, I’m grateful.

Grateful that, frankly, I’m living nowhere near the Somerset Levels, or a river.

I’m thinking I’d need to use a stronger word than ‘damp’ … !

~≈Î≈~

But let’s move on, shall we?

Yesterday’s Teaser saw both Debbi and Adrence putting in their answers: and saw Adrence* scoring four out of seven, with Debbi† bagging six, and winning the day.

Let’s see how they — and you — do with today’s questions, shall we?

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

Q1) 31st January, 2014, marks the start of the Chinese New Year.   2014 is the year of which Chinese astrological animal … ?

Q2) 31st January, 1929, saw the Soviet Union exile Leon Trotsky.   In which country was he eventually assassinated … ?

Q3) 31st January, 1968, saw the USA receive reports of over 500 deaths: during which Vietnam War offensive … ?

Q4) 31st January, 1983, saw UK drivers ordered to wear seat-belts.   Under that same legislation, who else in the car had to … ?

Q5) Finally … 31st January, 1990, saw McDonald’s open its first restaurant: in Moscow’s Pushkin Square.   How many Russian restaurant does the firm now have: 407, 408 0r 409?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers … 

Q1) 30th January, 1703, saw forty-seven ronin avenge the death of their master: in which East Asian country … ?

A1) Japan.

Q2) The ronin sought revenge after their master was forced to commit seppuku: or ritual … what … ?

A2) Suicide.

Q3) What exactly was WAS a ronin: a cashiered soldier, a masterless knight or an out of work farmer … ?

A3) A masterless samurai, or knight: although they’re not quite the same, that’s the nearest European equivalent.

Q4) The ronins’ master was a lord, in their country: what term is used for a feudal lord, in that nation … ?

A4) A daimyo.

Q5) The slightly curved ronin long swords are called what: scimitar, seax or katana?

A5) The Katana.

Q6) What was the name given to the code of honour followed by ronin … ?

A6) Bushidō.

Q7) Finally … who’s plays the lead character, in the 2013 film version of the tale, called 47 Ronin … ?

A7) Keanu Reeves.

I’ll leave you with this tune from birthday boy, Justin Timberlake … 

And this thought …

“We’ll use a signal I have tried and found far-reaching and easy to yell. Waa-hoo!”

From The Last Of The Plainsmen, by Zane Grey, January 31, 1872 – October 23, 1939

Have a good day.

*        Adrence, I think you’ve just put in your personal best score, there … !

†        Debbi, I just hope that article’s readable!   I’m a bit … um … yeah, Ummm … about it!   (And thinking maybe some sort of glossary of terms would be useful … ?)