Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th September, 2021.

12th September, 2021.

Nice things and sad things … nice … and sad … … 

Did you ever hear about the Crucible Curse?

Basically?   Any snooker player that wins the World Championship won’t win the year afterwards.

Oh, they’ll win again: Steven Hendry, Steve Davis, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Ray Reardon, have all won multiple times.

Just not the year after their first win.

It’s supposed to be a largely psychological thing.

If I’ve understood it, a player’s first win at Snooker’s biggest event is partially a result of them have low expectations.

And therefore no pressure.

The second year … ?   There’s tons of stress … as everyone’s got their eyes on the defending champion.

So … ?

I heard the news, this morning, that the UK’s Emma Raducanu has won the women’s Championship in New York.

As a qualifier: a complete unknown, coming out of nowhere, and winning the event without dropping a set.

Good for her.

But … ?

I’m thinking the Crucible Curse — or, at least, a tennis equivalent — might come into effect, here.

Can she win the next big event?

Given she’s won this?

Good luck on that Front, Emma.

~≈🎾≈~

Sad things … sad things … 

Did you ever hear of a Spanish singer called María Mendiola?

She was one half of Baccara: the duo that had a huge hit, back in the day, with Yes Sir, I Can Boogie: and died, last night, at the age of 69.

That’s sad: especially when you consider 69 is no age at all!

The least I can do … ?   Is play that song.

It only seems right.

~≈🎼≈~

Let’s move on, shall we?

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Olga*, Trevor†, Mum‡ and Debbi^ putting in their answers: with everyone 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 African and Malagasy Union formed: on 12th September, 1965.   It was dissolved in which year of the 1980s?

Q2)        The USA declared a war on what, on 12th September, 2001?

Q3)        England won the Ashes on 12th September, 2005.   The Ashes tournaments are usually played between England … and whom?

Q4)        12th September is Defender’s Day.   Where: Maryland, New York or California?

Q5)        Actress, Jennifer Hudson, was born on 12th September, 1981.   She won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in which 2006, film: End of the Spear, United 93 or Dreamgirls?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers … 

Q1)        The Nine Eleven terrorist attacks took place: on 11th September, 2001.   When hijacked planes were flown into which US landmark: the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty, or the World Trade Centre?

A1)        The World Trade Centre.

Q2)        That landmark was in which US city?

A2)        New York.

Q3)        The HQ of the US Department of Defence was also hit by a plane.   That HQ is the what: Pentagon, Hexagon or Heptagon?

A3)        The Pentagon.

Q4)        The attack was carried out by al-Qaeda.   At the time al-Qaeda were based where: Afghanistan, South African or Libya?

A4)        Afghanistan.

Q5)        Finally … ?   There were four planes involved in the attack: the last of which crashed in a field in Pennsylvania.   Where was that plane said to have been heading for: New York, Los Angeles or Washington DC?

A5)        Washington DC: the speculation was that the hijackers were hoping to hit the White House or the Capitol.

Here’s a thought … 

“I have a serious shopping problem now.   Each city we go to, my suitcase won’t hold the new clothes, so we have to box them up and ship them home.”

Jennifer Hudson, born September 12, 1981.

And a song …

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

The quizmaster’s decisions about scores are final.

Thank you for coming: have a good day.

*        Oh, right … gotcha, Olga.   I have to confess, my distance sight’s not too stunning, either: although I do have a pair of long distance glasses, sat right by the TV.   I’ll be wearing the on Tuesday, again:  which possibly says something.

        That reminds me, I’ve got Attack the Block bookmarked for another viewing: after Debbi sent me her review.   I’ll have to bookmark Flight 93, as you’ve mentioned.   It’s supposed to be authentic to the events, and quite something to watch.

†        Hmmm … I know telling you to get a Mac’s going to go nowhere, Trevor … but have you thought about putting a lightweight version of Linux on there?   It should help speed things up.   (I’ve got a version of Ubuntu on my main laptop: it’s helpful.   It’s not necessarily going to let you watch Netflix: but iPlayer’s accessible.)

‡        Hello Mum … !

^        There’s upside’s everywhere, Debbi!   Oh, I read your review on Attack the Block: I’m going to have to sit in with that, again!   (You missed the bit where the teens tick Jodie Whittaker’s character off for swearing: funniest bit of the whole film!)