Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th November 2024.

12th November, 2024.

What on Earth happened there?

I’ve paid my council tax for this year: or, at least, had enough help from Brentwood Council’s hardship fund, to cover the cost.

I got a revised, zero, bill in May of this year.

So … ?

Why the council email me, last night: with another revised bill?   For £417?

I don’t know.

Understandably, I’m not a happy bunny.

Frankly?

I’m going to have to take documentary proof that the bill’s been settled, today: and that I’m getting Personal Independence Payment, as that also gets a discount.

But … ?

You’d think the council would keep a record of these things.

~≈🧾≈~

You’ve heard of assisted dying, haven’t you?

The idea that those in severe need can opt to have help in ending their lives: with or without the help of a physician, or family member.

There’s been moves to introduce various bills over the years: moves that have had more attention, ever since author Terry Pratchett advocated for the idea, after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Labour MP, Kim Leadbeater, has introduced a Private Members bill in the House of Commons: that legalises it in the UK.

It’s been published, today.

Personally?

Whilst it’s something I can’t see myself, or any member of my family, wanting?

It’s something I feel is like abortion.

It’s something that must be made legally available to those of us in the UK who need it.

~≈⚱️≈~

Let’s move on.


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

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

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

Q1)        12th November, marks the birth of Sun Yat-Sen. It’s marked as a public holiday, where: the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of China or the Mongolian People’s Republic?

Q2)        Lothair 3rd was crowned as king of the West Frankish Kingdom: on 12th November, AD954.   The Kingdom is now, mostly, part of modern where?

Q3)        Mikhail Chigorin was born on 12th November, 1850.   Famously, he played what: backgammon, chess or poker?

Q4)        12th November is the feast day of Livinus of Ghent.   Ghent is where: Belgium, the Netherlands or Luxembourg?

Q5)        Finally … ?   Akihito was installed as Japanese Emperor: on 12th November, 1990.    He abdicated in which year: 2019, 2020 or 2021?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers … 

Q1)        Washington joined the USA on 11th November.   Of which year of the 1880s?

A1)        1889.

Q2)        It was which state to do so: the 40th, 41st or 42nd?

A2)        The 42nd.

Q3)        The state’s named after who: President George Washington, Baron Jakob von Washington or Martha Washington?

A3)        President George Washington.

Q4)        Washington state shares its name with the US capital.   That capital is Washington … what?

A4)        Washington DC.

Q5)        What’s Washington state’s state capital: Seattle, Vancouver or Olympia?

A5)        Olympia.

Q6)        What’s Washington state’s largest city by population: Seattle, Vancouver or Olympia?

A6)        Seattle.   (Yes: there is a Vancouver in Washington: go look it up!)

Q7)        What’s Washington’s state sport: dog mushing, pickle ball or ice hockey?

A7)        Pickle ball: although it’s usually styled ‘pickleball’.   I think I’ve seen the balls used in all sorts of children’s games.   (And on Cybermen shoulders§.)

Q8)        What US state is to Washington’s immediate south: Oregon or California?

A8)        Oregon.

Q9)        Washington voters approved doctor-assisted suicide in a referendum.   In which year: 2006, 2008 or 2010?

A9)        2008.

Q10)        Finally … ?   Washington’s State Vegetable is a variety of what: onion, cabbage or turnip?

A10)        Onion.   Specifically the Walla Walla Sweet Onion.

Here’s a thought …

“To understand is difficult; to act is easy.”

Sun Yat-Sen, 12 November 1866 – 12 March 1925.

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.

*        I read — somewhere — that we need less sleep, the older we get.   I wish that were true, Olga!

        The meeting went well: I lost four hundred grams, which isn’t bad.   As for the hygienists … ?   I think I screamed the place down!

†        Hello, Mum!

‡        The next one’s on the 18th, Debbi¶!   Hopefully, you’ll’ve recovered by then!

        OK … do walla walla onions go ‘walla walla bing bang’?

§        I’ve got photos, if that’s any help … ?

¶        Didn’t know if it would grab you, Debbi, but it’s now a lot easier to remove backgrounds with Preview …