h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Why is it a wise idea to take an umbrella with you when, say, strolling amiably along the beach in Florence, Oregon, USA or nipping out for a sandwich and a cup of coffee in down-town Tainan City, Taiwan?


Googling / Wikipedia forbidden.

There are klaxons so may your answer bold but not obvious.

They've been known for rains of fish during freak storms?

A good guess but wrong.

Has this something to do with birds?

a bit to general - please elaborate.

Attacking gulls of the oceanic variety?

Nope.

Guano?

I'm thinking that the two places are linked by migrating birds that attack, or as said, drop their poop on unsuspecting people.

I pooh pooh your poo- poo.

Guano of any description, migrating or otherwise, is not the answer.

Where-else might an umbrella come in handy?

Etymologically, an umbrella is for casting an umbra: a shadow. They originated as parasols, and only later were used to protect against rain.

TRiG.

to prevent bird attacks

a-la Hitchcock's the birds

TRiG.


QI I like etymology: the bit about umbra's is Quite Interesting. +6

However....

"used to protect against rain." -5

So overall +1.

not a bird attack.

Any other kind of animal attack?

not an attack but another kind of animal, yes.

Is it insects?

I've noticed that garden umbrellas confuse them - once beneath one they often don't appear to be able to escape.

Good - trying a different family of animals - clever thinking. :D

It's not to do with insects.

Frogs?

Bigger than frogs