Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3rd February, 2019

3rd February, 2019.

Did I mention I had an eye test on Thursday?

Yes, I did: he says, quickly checking the relevant post.

It’s one of. those times I’m grate I’m out of work: as the UK’s benefit’s system means I get a free eye Test … 

And free spectacles: so long, of course, as each pair is under a certain price.

I’ve got three on order: one of which I paid for myself, out of the minimal savings I had.

The others … ?   Are the freebies: ones that are double the price.

Frankly?   I’m glad I went to the opticians I did go to.

The other three on Brentwood High Street … are comparatively expensive.

~≈§≈~

Just as a quick thought … ?   And not wanting to totally bore people with Brexit?

I note that — according to the news — Nissan are to pull investment in their plants in Sunderland.

At least, the investment that’s supposed to pay for setting up lines building their popular X-trail SUV.

It’s not explicitly made much of … but I get the impression that Brexit’s been influential in this.

If I’ve understood things, correctly, most companies rely on the Just in Time system to keep stock — and the associated costs — down.

Literally building things only when they’re ordered.

I think that’s possibly what the issue is.

The Backstop*.

Again, if I’ve understood things correctly, the uncertainty over getting parts over the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic, smoothly?

Means Nissan’s decided NOT to make that extra investment, until they know if they can do so, quickly, at little extra cost … and with the ability to export those goods back to the EU.

A hard border between Northern Ireland and the Republic?

Would put a stop to that.

Personally … ?

Things like these have me convinced I made the right choice in voting remain.

But we in the UK made the wrong choice in voting to leave.

~≈§≈~

Let’s move on, shall we?

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Badwolf†, Olga‡, and Debbi^ putting in their answers: with all three 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) The first paper money in what’s was to become the USA, was issued on 3rd February, 1690.   Where: Massachusetts, Pennsylvania or New Amsterdam?

Q2) Harold McMillan made a major speech, on 3rd February, 1960: in South Africa.   He spoke passionately about the winds of … what?

Q3) The Benelux Union was formed on 3rd February, 1958.   Name any one of the three nations that formed the Union.

Q4) Mehmed 2nd inherited the throne of the Ottoman Empire on 3rd February, 1451: for the second time.   He’s also known as Mehmed the … what?

Q5) Finally … ?   3rd February, 1826, saw the birth of journalist and essayist, Walter Bagehot.   Which of his works concentrates on the Parliament and monarchy of the UK?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers … 

Q1) 2nd February, 1979, saw the death — by overdose — of Pistol member, Sid Vicious.   By overdose of what?

A1) Heroin.

Q2) He died in which city?

A2) New York.

Q3) Vicious was facing charges of murdering his (late) girlfriend.   Who was she?

A3) Nancy Spungen.

Q4) Who played Sid, in the Alex Cox directed film about the pair?

A4) Gary Oldman.

Q5) Finally … ?  Sid was the second bassist for the Pistols.   Who was the first?

A5) Glen Matlock.

Here’s a thought …

“One of the greatest pains to human nature is the pain of a new idea.”

Physics and Politics, Walter Bagehot, 3 February 1826 – 24 March 1877.

And a song …

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

Have a good day.

*        Northern Ireland, again … ?   Yesterday saw two shootings in Northern Ireland: in Derry/Londonderry.   Shootings described as being “control communities through fear and violence.”   Shootings I believe may be linked to what’s called the New IRA.   I also believe that that Hard border is a factor in this: the ease of movement between Northern Ireland and the Republic doesn’t mean there’s a unified Ireland.   But that — and a functioning Northern Irish Assembly — keep things working smoothly.   Those shootings?   Tell me I was right to vote remain.

†        Morning, Badwolf!   (I swear, we’ll get you to leave a comment, here!)

‡        Well … if I’ve got it right, Olga, when my toilet went, the green mechanism — in the photo — was what had come away from the bottom of the cistern/tank.   Apparently, that’s why I couldn’t flush the loo: when I flushed I was just pulling the mechanism up.   The plumber had to replace it: and make sure the new part stayed attached.   He didn’t even have to turn off the water.   That sounds like it may be what happened, there!   (I think the exhibition’s on tour, Olga: the Today programme mentioned it …)

^        My USUAL suggestion, Debbi?   Have you tried turning it on and off again … ?   I get the feeling that may not help …