Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th March, 2020.

15th March, 2020.

Yes: stuff is definitely occurring.

Just so you know.

I know that — here in the UK — there’s a lot of talk about the Corona Virus, COVID 19.

Frankly?   I’m caught between being concerned for those who are ill, annoyance that my local Sainsbury’s has seriously run out of cornflakes, and thinking it’s a bloody fuss over nothing!

I’m also very aware that this year’s local elections have bee postponed until 2021: as a result of the outbreak.

Part of me … ?   Thinks that’s a big fuss, too: whilst being very aware that it’s going to help prevent the spread.

Whilst another part?   Thinks that unscrupulous politicians could permanently postpone elections.

I’ve read enough history to know about the Reichstag Fire …

~≈†≈~

On the the upside: something of a personal upside, but none the less, an upside … 

I ordered a copy of the soon to be released The Faceless Ones: one of the missing Dr Who stories to have been reconstructed.

It’s formally released, tomorrow.

And already been dispatched.

Given it’s been ordered from Amazon?

There’s a good chance it’ll get here, tonight … 

~≈†≈~

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) 15th March, 1935, saw the birth of actor, Judd Hirsch.   In which series did he play Alex Rieger?

Q2) Somalia and Ethiopia sign a truce that ended Ethio-Somali War: on 15th March of which year?

Q3) 51 people were killed in an attack on a mosque in Christchurch: on 15th March, 2019.   Mosque, city and shootings were in which country?

Q4) 15th March, 1962, saw the birth of singer, Terence Trent D’arby.   What — in 2001 — did he change his name to … ?

Q5) Finally … ?  15th March, 1961, saw South Africa withdraw from the … what?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers … 

Q1) 14th March saw the debut of The Mikado: in which year?

A1) 1885.

Q2) In which London theatre?

A2) The Savoy Theatre.

Q3) The Mikado is a what: opera, operetta or comic opera?

A3) A comic opera.

Q4) Who wrote The Mikado’s music?

A4) Arthur Sullivan.

Q5) Who wrote The Mikado’s libretto?

A5) Sir William Schwenk W. S. Gilbert.   (The libretto is the book: the text used for any kind of opera.)

Q6) Which impresario backed the pair: AND the opera?

A6) Richard D’Oyly Carte.

Q7) The Mikado, himself?   Is a fictional version of which ruler?

A7) The Japanese Emperor.   (The role is traditionally sung by a bass, or bass-baritone.)

Q8) The Mikado’s son features in The Mikado.   What’s his name?

A8) Nanki Poo.

Q9) The Mikado’s son?   Is in love with whom?

A9) Yum Yum‡.

Q10) Finally … ?   The Mikado is set in a fictional town … called what?

A10) Titipu.   (Gilbert and Sullivan obviously speak fluent Japanese … )

Here’s a thought …

“Music is my therapy and my straitjacket. Music keeps me sane and keeps my mind on something. It's fragile up there.”

will.i.am, born March 15, 1975.

And a song …

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

Have a good day.

*        I think we’re OK, Olga: son’t quote me on that, though!   I don’t think a mass gathering ban’s going to happen: there’s talk it might, plus the local election’s been postponed.   As I’m writing this?   Radio 4’s Broadcasting House is talking about making extra ventilators!   I’m just keeping my finger crossed for you and your mother!   If she’s anything like mine, she’ll possibly be annoyed, if she gets it!   At any rate … ?   There’s been a few cartoons!

†        Panicking is the last thing on my mind Debbi!   (You know, I forgot it was Pi Day: the other one’s in July, so I may have a chance to do something!).  Oh … there’s a poster doing the rounds … 

‡        Terry Pratchett’s Monstrous Regiment has a male character say, “You should see my Yum Yum.”   I laughed my head off …