Perplexity

The dating game:

Today's date is 16.3.96. Now

(1x6) - 3 = 9 - 6

or to put it another way:

-(16 x 3) + 9 = 6.

Yesterday was 15.3.96, giving 1+53 = 9 x 6.

Using only the symbols +, -, x, , =, raising to a power (as in 16 above), and as many brackets as you like, which dates from now to the end of April, cannot similarly be turned into sums without altering the order of the digits? A prize of the Chambers Encyclopedic Dictionary will be awarded to the entrant sending in an accurate list of such dates. Entries, by 27 March, to: Saturday Pastimes, the Independent, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DL.

2 March answers:

Appendicitis (pips indicate), Pneumonia (upon Maine), Rheumatism (suit hammer). Winner: Simon Cox (Harrow).