Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4th January, 2021.

4th January, 2021.

Right … with all due apologies?

Today’s intro includes a rather sad joke you can pull off with a pair of tongs.

On an upside?

I boil washed my teatowels, yesterday: the tongs come in handy for fishing them out of the big pot.

On an equal upside?

The earworm’s gone: after a bout of the Barron Knights.

Nope, I’m not telling you what the original earworm was: you’ll never get rid of it!

~≈🌽≈~

While we’re at it … ?

You’re possibly aware that I listen to Radio 4’s Today programme: and, usually?   I don’t expect it to collide with Dr Who, one of my favourite TV shows.

It did, this morning.

With the presenter telling us that — according to a few UK tabloids — Jodie Whittaker will be leaving Dr Who, after the thirteenth series.

That’s a disappointment, if it’s the case.

Covid 19 — and, I suspect, budget reductions — have meant she’s done a lot less work than her predecessors.

We’ll have to wait for an official announcement from either her, or the BBC.

But … ?

I have to ask what the odds are for a very competent black British actor being cast in the role, full time?

Considering one has already been offered the role, and apparently, turned it down?

~≈👩🏻‍⚕️≈~

Let’s move on, shall we?

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Olga*, Trevor†, Mum‡, Debbi^ and Edith putting in their answers: with Olga, Trevor and Debbi scoring ten out of ten, Edith on eight, and Mum on seven.

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

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

Q1)        4th January, 2004, saw the Spirit rover arrive.   Where?   Mars, Jupiter or Venus?

Q2)        The US Congress elected its first female Speaker: on 4th January, 2007.   Who was that speaker?

Q3)        4th January, 1643, saw the birth of Isaac Newton: according the today’s modern calendar.   He held Cambridge University’s Lucasian Chair of what?

Q4)        Burma — now Myanmar — became independent on 4th January, 1948.   From where?

Q5)        Finally … ?   4th January, 1965, saw the birth of ballroom dancer, Craig Revel Horwood.   He’s a judge on which British TV show?   (We want the British title: not the US equivalent.)

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers … 

Q1)        Alaska was admitted to the United States.   On 3rd January pf which year of the 1950s?

A1)        1959.

Q2)        It was what state to join: the 49th, 50th or 51st?

A2)        The 49th.

Q3)        Alaska’s the largest state in terms of area.   What’s the smallest: Rhode Island, New York or Wyoming?

A3)        Rhode Island.

Q4)        Alaska was originally colonised by Europeans from where: the UK, Russia or France?

A4)        Russia.

Q5)        Alaska’s separated from that country, in part, by the what Strait?

A5)        The Bering Strait.   (If I recall the figures correctly, the Strait is 52 miles wide at its narrowest point. The Strait of Dover, the narrowest part of the English Channel, is some 20 miles.)

Q6)        Alaska repealed its income tax in 1980.   After the discovery — in 1968 — of what: gold, oil or silicon?

A6)        Oil.

Q7)        Juneau is Alaska’s what: largest city or capital?

A7)        Capital. (Alaska’s largest city is Anchorage.)

Q8)        The Alaskan town of Barrow is the setting for 30 Days of Night.   The film sees Barrow invaded by what: zombies, vampires or werewolves?

A8)        Vampires.   (Apparently? It was filmed in New Zealand …)

Q9)        Alaska adopted its state dog in 2010.   The dog in question is the Alaskan … what?

A9)        Alaskan Malamute.

Q10)        Finally … ?   Jack London’s White Fang is partially set in Alaska.   The central character is a white … what?

A10)        Wolf: or Wolfdog, a hybrid, if we’re being strict.

Here’s a thought … 

“Discovering that my great-great-grandfather Harry was Australasian clog-dancing champion in 1871 was extraordinary.”

Craig Revel Horwood, born 4th January, 1965.

And, as it’s Matt Frewer’s birthday, a song …

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

Feel free to share today’s video Teaser.

Have a good day.

*        Yeah … those jokes are accurate, Olgaº.   The standard Daleks were in this episode: shooting the ‘new’ ones for not being pure enough!   Take about comedy reflecting life!

It’s not Apple, is it, Olga?   The NDA’s they make you sign, for interviews, are extensive!   At any rate, enjoy it!   It’s how I paid for my pot.   And the tongs.   And several books.   And DVDs.   And blu-rays.   And underwear.   And … You get the picture!

†        I don’t know if they’ve kept that going in this episode, Trevor¹.   I think they’re following more of a Tobias Vaughn thing in this one.   The lack of politics was good: you have to be very careful with it.   Now … were you listening to the Today programme, this morning … ?

‡        Hello, Mum!

^        It’s good to see she’ll be staying, Debbi¹: Mandip Gil’s been seriously underused!   Now … Did you read the intro to today’s post?   We could be looking for The 14th Doctor: assuming the tabloids are right!

ª        Welcome back, Edith¹!   How was yesterday?   And have read my opening for today’s Teaser?   If it’s accurate, we could be looking for the 14th Doctor … 

º        OK, I’ve mentioned Apple, there, Olga.   But every technology company going uses non-disclosure agreements.   It’s how most of them keep their products under wraps.

¹        I don’t know about you, Trevor, Debbi, Edith, but I’d like to see a black actor in the role: Britain’s got a few who’d be good.   I’m thinking John Boyega would be: he’s worked with Jodie Whittaker, and has worked with green screen.   But — if they can afford him! — I’m thinking of Daniel Kaluuya … …