Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th May 2026

20th May, 2026: about Blu-ray Discs … 

Yes: it’s officially, finally, done!

I’ve made a video: about copying blu-rays.

Quite how relevant it is, these days?

Especially given how streaming is more common, and given how the market for blu-ray drives is slowly shrinking?

I don’t know.

But … ?

It feels good to get the thing out of my system.

~≈📀≈~

Apparently?

The Scottish National Party announced an idea, last month: to introduce a mandatory price-freeze on essential groceries.

Which sounds like a good idea: although one that retail organisations will oppose.

Yesterday?

The Treasury announced a similar scheme: although theirs, unlike the SNP’s plan, is a voluntary freeze.

Retail organisations oppose the Government one, as well.

Personally?

I hope something like it goes through: although I feel a mandatory one will have more results than a voluntary one.

We’ll have to see how it goes.

~≈🛒≈~

Do you remember that the UK had a referendum, a few years ago?

No, not the Brexit one: the one about introducing Proportional Representation, back in 2011?

The one that was eventually, rejected?

Yeah: that one!

There’s been nothing in the news about another referenda on PR, recently.

However?

It seems some sixty odd Labour MPs have called for an amendment to the Representation of the People Bill that’s currently going through Parliament: an amendment that calls for a commission to examine the subject, if nothing else.

I can’t help but think two things.

One … ?

That an actual change to the system — rather than just an enquiry that would take years — would be preferred.

And two … ?

I think those MPs are more worried about Reform doing well at a General Election, than they are about a fair democracy … !

~≈🗳️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-5-2026 — World Fair Play Day

19th May, 2026: World Fair Play Day.

It’s officially official: I’ve gained weight … !

I’m … not surprised, somehow: lots of crisps, and a sneaky take-away on Saturday, probably didn’t help!

Granted, my weight’s up by only a small amount.

But, even so: it’s something to keep an eye on!

~≈⚖️≈~

I have to admit, I’m sorely tempted to design a t-shirt.

Or, at least, get one printed.

I’ve even got a couple of Paranoia themed designs in mind.

These: 

They’ll probably get someone offended: we’ll have to see.

~≈👕≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-5-2026 — International Museum Day.

18th May, 2026: International Museum Day.

Right, then: it’s Monday, again.

You knew that: you can see the date as easily as I can.

And, as it’s Monday?

That means I’m off to my weight management meeting, again.

I’m looking forward to that: hoping, I’ll’ve lost weight.

Which, as I was up, last week, would be nice.

The only worrying thing … ?

Is simply this: the weather looks nice, right now.

But it looks a bit changeable, later.

~≈💧≈~

Given the possible leadership election the Labour government’s facing?

I know contender, Wes Streeting, has been criticised for his statements: supporting re-joining the European Union.

I voted Remain in the 2016 referendum: so you know.

But?

I don’t know that I could support rejoining, right now.

Before we left, we’d negotiated things in a way that meant we kept the Pound as our currency.

Granted, we had to co-ordinate monetary policy with the EU and the European Central Bank, but we had a measure of control over what is an internationally recognised reserve currency.

If I’ve understood things correctly, though?

Current EU membership rules mean we’d have to adopt the Euro, should we want to rejoin.

And, presumably, lose a lot more control in the process.

I’ll be honest, if Britain were to reapply to rejoin the EU?

I’d be comfier with a cast iron guarantee that we’d keep the pound.

That’s a guarantee I can’t see a politician — any politician — giving me.

~≈🪙≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-5-2026 — Anyone for Dennis? (Ten questions)

17th May, 2026: Dennis Potter.

It’s officially the case that a man in need of a game controller … has to buy a new one … 

Yes: that’s right … I have a new toy: a new game controller, now happily paired with my AppleTV 4k.

Just so you know?

It’s what’s called a DualSense™Wireless Controller: and something originally designed for the PlayStation 5.

Which caught may nephew’s eyes: he has one of the console’s, himself, and was able to offer advise one button configurations.

Well played, him!

I also have to say “Well Played, Apple”: as I ordered it from them.

They originally told me the thing would be with me, by Saturday, 16th May..

Although the Royal Mail — the people doing the actual delivery — told me it would be with me by this coming Monday, 18th May.

As it turned out?

It turned up yesterday.

And got connected, pretty much immediately, and saw me playing Sonic the Hedgehog.

Exciting, eh … ?

~≈🦔≈~

Actually, now I’ve mentioned Jude?

Yes: he was here, yesterday.

And yes: he’s posted another video: feel free to hit the ‘Like’ button!

~≈⚽️≈~

Just as a last thing … ?

I’ve had today’s edition of Radio Four’s Sunday on, this morning.

It’s a fascinating listen, as ever: and discussing the religious beliefs of various politicians.

Including the three, potential, Labour leader candidates.

Andy Burnham, it seems, is a non-practising Catholic.

Angela Rayner, it seems, is an atheist.

And the third contender, Wes Streeting?

Is a practising Anglican.

Granted: the man would be the first openly gay Prime Minister, if he became PM.

But, to me?

That’s less of an issue for me, than the fact the man is a practising Anglican.

I’d prefer my politicians to be uninfluenced by their faith: to not be openly religious.

~≈🙏≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-5-2026 — The Nickel

16th May, 2026: the Nickel.

Right … online shopping … 

Isn’t it a thing … ?

It is: I now have a couple of bits due from Amazon, and a new games controller from Apple.

One originally designed for a PlayStation 5, in case you’re interested.

At any rate, I ordered those, yesterday afternoon: after I got back home from Brentwood High Street.

I would have done the ordering in the morning.

Except I had an issue: I’ve needed the relevant bank card for that.

You see, I’d transferred money from bank ‘A’ — where my benefits get paid to — to bank ‘B’, which I use for online shopping.

I don’t need bank B’s card for that, just bank A’s.

Then, of course, I thought “I know, I’ll make sure that’s gone through to Bank B.”

Only to find the bank card I needed wasn’t in my wallet!

I think we can say I was stressed: stressed enough to get my arse in gear, grab my various bits, and head for Bank B’s branch in the High Street.

I hate Warley Hill!

I’m reliably informed it’s not as steep as the streets of San Francisco … but when you’re in a rush, it’s not an easy climb.

So, when I got to the bank … ?

I was out of breath.

But grateful they had my card.

I’d left it there on Monday … !

Argh!!

~≈🏧≈~