Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th October 2024.

14th October, 2024.

You know, I don’t know if I approve.

I follow the news: like many of us do.

And?

I couldn’t help but notice that the US is sending troops to Israel: to help the latter use the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, missile defence system.

Granted, it’s only about a hundred or so troops.

But … ?

I can’t help but think that’s what started US involvement in the Vietnam War: sending in troops as — ha! — military advisers to help train South Vietnamese troops.

I find it mildly worrying.

And also know it’s election year in the US: and wonder if President Biden is trying to get Kamala Harris a few extra votes.

~≈🗳️≈~

Let’s move on.


Yesterday’s Teaser saw Olga*, Debbi† and Mum‡ 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)        Mary, Queen of Scots went on trial on conspiracy charges, on 14th October.   14th October of which year: 1584, 1586 or 1588?

Q2)        14th October, 1983, saw Cecil Parkinson resign his Cabinet post: over a scandal.   What had his post been: Secretary of State for Energy, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry or Secretary of State for Transport?

Q3)        The HMS Royal Oak was sunk on 14th October, 1939: by a German submarine.   Whilst it was anchored, where: Scapa Flow, Lossiemouth or Portsmouth?

Q4)        Elizabeth 2nd opened Parliament on 14th October, 1957.   Which Parliament: the UK’s, Canada’s or Australia’s?

Q5)        Finally … ?   Jim Hines broke the ten second barrier on 14th October, 1968.   In which race: the 100 metres, 200 metres or 400 metres?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers … 

Q1)        13th October, 1923, saw Ankara named as capital city.   Of where?

A1)        Turkey.

Q2)        Ankara’s in Anatolia.   In other words, it’s where: western Asia, southern Africa or north America?

A2)        Western Asia.

Q3)        Angora is an old name for Ankara.   Angora wool comes from what: a goat, cat or rabbit?

A3)        A rabbit.   (Mohair comes from Angora goats.)

Q4)        There’s an ancient Roman Temple in the Altindag area of Ankara.   A temple dedicated to which Emperor: Augustus, Claudius or Antonius?

A4)        Augustus.

Q5)        Finally … ?   The oldest mosque in Ankara has a carved, walnut mimber.   What is a mimber: a pulpit, an alter or a bell tower?

A5)        A pulpit.   (I don’t know where I saw this … but I once read the original mimber — or minbar — was a staircase in the Prophet’s house in Medina: he’d stand halfway up the thing, so he could be seen, when delivering sermons at home.)

Here’s a thought …

“The Irish genius has always stressed spiritual and intellectual rather than material values.”

Éamon de Valera, 14 October 1882 – 29 August 1975.

And a song …


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

Decisions about scores are final.

Thank you for coming: have a good day.

*        Very true, Olga, very true!   (Nice to know the litter-pick went well.)

        Oh, that’s a thought, Olga: this piece floated across my timeline, recently.   It sounds like Columbus possibly was a converso: assuming I’ve got the term right!

†        I’ll try and avoid it, then, Debbi.   And did you hear the news … ?

        Oh, are you thinking of going Lobot, Debbi?   Or just Johnny Mnemonic?   (The film’s not a patch on the short story!)

‡        Hello, Mum!