Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-11-2018: Saint Andrew’s Day

30th November, 2018.

Right then … 

It’s officially official: I didn’t get the job at Burger King.

I’m … 

I’ve got a set of mixed feelings.

I’m mildly disappointed.

After all, my last interview, whilst not successful, had a potential spin off: that there’s another vacancy coming up in February that I was welcome to try again.

The one before that … ?

Was the successful one I had for my job in Chelmsford.

On the other hand … ?

I’m very aware that standing around flogging burgers is not something I want to do.

And, frankly?

My health couldn’t deal with all this free staff meals.

No matter how wonderful they are.

~≈§≈~

One thing I know has floated past me in the news?

Is the discussion about China.

Just recently?

New Zealand has decided to not use Huawei, Huawei-made kit or Huawei  for its telecommunications and internet infrastructure: over concerns about the Chinese company’s links to the Chinese government.

Basically?   They feel using it would be a security risk.

The US and Australia have decided to do likewise.

And Canada is reviewing its potential use.

All well and good.

On a personal front?

My question is what is usually is.

Is the UK government doing likewise?

Seemingly not.

My other question?

How many government departments are using locally produced versions of Linux for their offices?

I’m aware that the UK is home to Canonical Ltd: producers of the popular Ubuntu operating system.

My concern has always been cost.

From what little I’ve seen, the overall cost of ownership is lower: with a lot of that being staff retraining.

My other question?

In all probability*, you, me and anyone else will more than probably be reading this post with a US produced web-browser — Edge, Safari, Internet Explorer or Chrome — on a US produced operating system — Windows, macOS, iOS, Android — on a device made and designed by a US company: Microsoft, Apple, Google.

Is Huawei a security risk?

Possibly: a lot of governments seem to think so.

Are US software companies an equally risk?

I don’t know: I’m no expert.

But feel the potential risk is there.

~≈§≈~

Let’s move on, shall we?

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Olga† and Debbi‡ putting in their answers: with both scoring five out of five.

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

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

Q1) 30th November is Saint Andrew’s Day.   The Saint is patron saint of Scotland … and which Italian ‘A’?

Q2) The day is a public holiday in Scotland.   And where else: Romania, Rwanda or Reykjavík?

Q3) Which Scottish University traditionally gives its students a day off, on Saint Andrews Day?

Q4) Scottish celebrations of the day are said to have their origins in the reign of which Scottish King: John Balliol, Malcolm 3rd or James 1st and 6th?

Q5) What’s the Scot’s Gaelic name of Saint Andrew?

Q6) As we’re heading for Scotland?   The Earl of Strathern is which member of the Royal Family?

Q7) What — by population — is Scotland’s largest city?

Q8) Holyrood is the seat of the Scottish … what?

Q9) Udal law is the form of law in Shetland … and where else?

Q10) Finally … Vulpes vulpes vulpes is the Scottish species of red … what?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers … 

Q1) 29th November, 1899, saw the founding of FC Barcelona.   Who’s the current manager of the club?

A1) Ernesto Valverde.

Q2) 29th November saw the UN announce the partition of where … ?

A2) What was then Palestine, now Israel: and — if you’re feeling diplomatic — also called the Holy Land.

Q3) Robert McNamara announced his resignation: on 29th November, 1967.   From which US government post?

A3) US Secretary of Defence.

Q4) 29th November, 1956, saw the government announce it would continue to ration what?

A4) Petrol.

Q5) 29th November, 1830, saw the start of an armed uprising against Russian rule: in which country?

A5) Poland.

Here’s a thought …

“I will venture to say, there is no country existing which is at present more flourishing; no people whose general condition is better, or whose rights and liberties are more firmly secured.”

Lord President, Downie’s Case (1794), 24 How. St. Tr. 187; reported in James William Norton-Kyshe, Dictionary of Legal Quotations (1904), p. 222.

And a song …

Today’s questions will be answered in tomorrow’s Teaser.

Have a good day.

*        I’m very aware that — on a personal level — I’m happy to use Ubuntu.   I also know I’d far rather use macOS.   I’m more familiar with the OS.   I also know the software I use to make the Teaser videos is exclusive to macOS.   And VERY aware that Apple don’t versions of iTunes for Linux.   If Apple produced iTunes, and the iWorks suite, for Ubuntu?   I’d be reviewing that.

†        I’m not surprised, Olga: there’s always that one monarch … !   As for Charles 1st?   If I’ve read the Wikipedia entry right, he’s Ferdinand and Isabella’s grandson!   Clocks, you say … ?   You know, I’m sure I’ve read somewhere, George 3rd — Mad King George — had a thing about clocks … !   (Amazing to see how Carlos abdicated: that’s practically unheard of, these days!   The only one I can think of is Emperor Akihito: he’s dues to step down, next year.)

‡        Amazing what you find out, isn’t it, Debbi?   Apparently?   Dashiell Hammett was a Pinkerton as a young man.   Talk about writing what you know … !   I’ve just seen the Twitter reply, Debbi: Kate Warne, hey … ?   Wow … !