Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th April 2026.

12th April, 2026.

Right, then … it’s officially Sunday morning: and I’ve made a video about The Daleks’ Master Plan.

I don’t think it’ll have any effect on the BBC: nor do I think I’ll see an animated version of the story, any time soon.

But … ?

At least I’ve got it out of my system.

~≈📺≈~

OK … I’m something of a tech watcher: even if not a tech expert.

So remember many years ago, buying a (second-hand) Mac that shipped with a version of Ubuntu Linux: as the re-seller couldn’t afford to supply it with a copy of the then current operating system.

So … ?

So, ever since, has been interested in flavours of Linux.

And keep — where I can afford to — a spare computer around, with a version of Ubuntu, for use as a backup machine.

Granted, I’m a huge fan of Apple products: and very aware I’m heavily tied into Apple’s ecosystem.

But also aware having an alternative is important.

I’ve also kept an eye one the few governments — local and national — who use free operating systems.

So was interested to hear that the French government had decided to make the switch.

Partly as a matter of cost*: much open source software is given to home users for free, and at economic prices for enterprise users.

At least, more economically priced than Microsoft, Apple and Google.

The other reason to make the shift?

Is, as the TechCrunch article says, to “further reduce its reliance on U.S. technology”.

The French have long been a proud, and independent, nation: this choice plays to that pride, encourages the French tech industry’s independence … 

And frankly, is something the UK should be copying … 

~≈💻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-4-2026 — The Apple 1

11th April, 2026: the Apple 1.

Right, then: it’s officially official.

I’ve seen another episode of The Daleks’ Master Plan.

And I’m greatly saddened: that so many episodes of the thing are missing.

As wonderful as the remaining episodes are … ?

I’m very aware there’s huge gaps.

And dearly wishing Aunty would release the thing as an animated bluray!

I’d buy one!

~≈📀≈~

In other news … ?

The Artemis 2 mission has safely returned to Earth: with a crew that’s described as “happy and healthy”.

Good for them!

At this stage, the only minor concern is, I’m told, the heat sheilds: although they seemed to have worked, and worked well.

But … ?

I can still remember the Colombia Disaster, the accident that saw a space shuttle burn up on re-entry, because of a defective heat shield.

I can only hope NASA’s keeping an eye on those … 

~≈🚀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th April 2026

10th April, 2026.

Right … 

I have a quote for today’s Teaser.

“I’m never interested in the business of promoting myself.   I really don’t care if people know who I am or what’s said about me.   I’m just here to do a job.”

One that’s wise, insightful, wonderfully wossname, and that’s capable of instilling deep joy in anyone who reads it.

But?

I didn’t make a note of who said it: and the Google search I did for the text showed me nothing!

I hate mornings like that!

~≈⍘≈~

Yes: if you’ve watched today’s introduction video, you’ll know I’ve had my usual Friday dose of Mounjaro.

A dose that can feel like having a strong coffee: like having a case of the jitters.

Why?

I don’t know.

I do know I’ve finally found out how — in Final Cut Pro 12·2 — to do a glitch effect: thanks to this video.

Thanking you, Reggie!

Glitchiness will have to replace knowledge … 

~≈🙏≈~

Just as a last thought?

Most Dr Who fans will know that some lost episodes of The Daleks’ Master Plan have recently been found.

The five surviving episodes have made available on the BBC iPlayer.

It’s a fascinating watch: with a berserk performance from Hartnell, as the First Doctor.

I can only hope the remaining seven episodes of the story are found, and found soon.

Or that an animated reconstruction is done.

Given the story’s length, though?

I get the impression we’re going to have a long wait … 

~≈👨‍⚕️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th April 2026.

9th April, 2026.

Despite what everyone says, there isn’t a war going on.

No, really, there’s not.

Whatever it is that’s going on between the US  and Israel on the one side, and Iran and Lebanon on the other, isn’t a war.

As Old Peculiar regular, and recovering lawyer, Debbi Mack, will remind us?

Wars have rules.

Or, at least, something that vaguely resembles legal standing.

The current situation?

Isn’t a war: more, as President Putin put it, a ‘special military operation’.

Whether it’s a war, or not, apparently, a two week ceasefire has been arranged.

One that’s lasted for about ten minutes, if I’ve understood things correctly.

I have to ask … how naïve do we have to be, to not get cynical, to not laugh, when someone uses the word ‘ceasefire’?

A ceasefire is a very good example of a thing that doesn’t work.

Laughing, in between a ceasefire’s declaration, and its collapse?

Is the only response to its use.

~≈☢️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8-4-2026 — Robin Wright

8th April, 2026: Robin Wright.

Right … there’s help available.

I’ve repeatedly mentioned how helpful the Essential Living Fund run by Southend-on-Sea City Council was: especially for those of us on Universal Credits, or receiving other benefits, and living in Southend, Thurrock or in Essex.

But that the fund had now closed to those outside Southend.

Thankfully?

And due to the current government reworking the source of funds?

Southend Council’s now running the Crisis and Resilience fund for people in Southend, Thurrock and Essex.

That’s all to the good: and yes, I spent time, yesterday, applying for a grant from this new — rebranded? — fund.

Hopefully?

I’ll get something: the prepaid cards the Essential Living Fund handed out were handy, especially for paying off utility bills.

But I’m also aware the Government’s been tightening rules on some benefits: as well as cutting others.

Can you keep your fingers crossed for me, please?

~≈🧧≈~