Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-12-2024 — The Big Fat Review of 2024.

31st December, 2024: the Big Fat Review of 2024.

Right … it’s 31st December, 2024: and the last day of the year.

And … ?

Well, for a start, I’m going to say “Happy New Year” to anyone reading this.

In the exception that it’ll be 2025 by the time you read it!

~≈📅≈~

On top of that … ?

I’m very aware that I’ve had my most recent set of blood tests: and thankful I had lots of water to drink.

I hadn’t had enough, the last time I went in for testing: so the phlebotomist couldn’t get any blood out of me.

I have an appointment with my GP in a couple of weeks: hopefully, those all important sugar levels are down!

~≈🍩≈~

Just as a final thought … ?

I’ve long advocated ripping — copying and transcoding —  DVD and Blu-ray Discs.

For a variety of reasons.

You get a digital copy of the disc you can stream to streaming boxes, one that’s not going to vanish from Netflix/iTunes/Amazon Prime, and you’ve backed up your property.

And — if need be — you can sell that disc to offset the cost of purchase.

I’ve also long told friends that you can use a mix of MakeMKV and HandBrake to do this.

I also use MetaZ: to add thumbnails and metadata.

Yes: the legal situation on this is iffy … 

But it’s both doable, and shouldn’t cause problems: if done purely for personal use.

And also nice to see no less a person than tech blogger, Linus Sebastian, advocating the same process.

I’m just a little disappointed the channel’s taken my comment down.

Maybe mentioning how you can stream the results of the process to an AppleTV 4k wasn’t a good idea … 

~≈📺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-12-2024 — The Ginza Line

30th December, 2024: The Ginza Line.

It’s officially Monday: so I’m up early!

But not necessarily for the reason you think.

Normally?

I’d be getting ready to head for my usual weight management meeting.

Today?

I’m getting ready to head for a set of quarterly diabetic blood tests.

Hopefully?

I’ve had enough water for the phlebotomist to do their job!

~≈🩸≈~

I’ve been known to buy a book, occasionally.

I’ve a couple of comic books, collected editions of the old 2000AD strip, MACH 1, on order*, for example.

But … ?

I’ve also got a copy of Fowler’s Dictionary of Modern English Usage: which turned up, yesterday.

It’s pretty much what it say on the tin, a guide to how to use different British English words, and something I’ll find handy.

I was expecting something around the size of my copies of Harts.

What I got was a breeze block!

~≈📔≈~

Just as a final thought?

Today’s earworm is “Go!”, by PBS.

And … I’ve given Leela, the First and Third Doctors through the Image Playground.

See if you can guess who’s supposed to be who … 

~≈🌠≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th December 2024

29th December, 2024.

It’s officially Sunday … and I’m really thinking I should have more sleep … !

Let’s just said I had a late night phone call, shall we?

And leave it there!

~≈📞≈~

In other news … ?

I’ve finally managed to post my written and video reviews of this year’s Dr Who Christmas special, Joy to the World.

The written version is here.

The video version is embedded, below … 

Hopefully?

My belief that Joy isn’t the companion will get a comment or two … 

~≈🎄≈~

Doctor Who — Joy to the World — A Review

25th December, 2024: Joy to the World.

The Introduction.

You know … I had my  doubts about posting an introduction video to this post.

But?

It’s getting to be something of a tradition that I take my time to write a review of something … 

So … ?

Having a video floating around, telling you something is on the way, seems sensible.

I’ve spent today with my family: celebrating Christmas, having the usual row about trivia, and helping my nephew, Jude, set up his shiny new phone.

There was a lot of swearing … especially when we all realised the damn thing had a charging cable, but no charger!

I got him a laptop for his birthday: tomorrow.

I hope there’s a charger in that!

Charger or no, marking Christmas, and a birthday means it’s going to be a while before this review gets finished!

~≈👨🏿‍⚕️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th December 2024.

28th December, 2024.

Your know … 

I think we can say it’s foggy, out.

Which I have to admit, I like.

Fog can add a certain beauty to the world, I think: a certain amount of romance you don’t necessarily get with sunnier weather.

It’s beautiful, mysterious and adds a certain something.

OK, I know: it’s causing problems at the UK’s airports.

But it looks gorgeous … !

~≈😶‍🌫️≈~

Just as a thought?

I’m hoping bluray drive fans reading this can make a buying suggestion.

Which of the two drives listed here would be a suitable replacement for a dead Pioneer drive.

I need it to work with MakeMKV with little in the way of issues, or fiddling around!

~≈📀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th December, 2024

27th December, 2024.

Right then … my nephew, Jude, is now, officially fourteen.

And the proud — or possibly confused — owner of a Chromebook.

Whether he’s one or the other?

He was very polite about it.

Especially as I helped him set the thing up, and find out some of its basic capabilities.

You know: where the camera is, how to do screen shots, look up things on line.

And signing into Bluesky, X and YouTube.

Oh, and learn how to do a barrel roll.

I’m mildly jealous of the barrel roll … !

Now … 

Did I mention I got biffed in the face by Bobby the Cat … ?

~≈🐱≈~

Oh, just as a quick thought … ?

I’ve had at least one comment on my review of The War Games In Colour.

From one of the people involved with its colourisation!

I’m grateful to them for leaving it: and pleased I got it!

~≈🖍️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-12-2024 — Living in a Box

26th December, 2024: Living in a Box.

Phew!

Christmas is officially over!

Barring the (metaphorical) hangover, obviously!

I am very aware, though, that I’ve ended up with a lot of gift cards: which will come in very handy!

AND a for Dummies Guide to macOS Sequoia.

I’m also very aware that my nephew, Jude, is now the proud owner of a shiny new phone.

Which took a lot of setting up!

And swearing.

It turns out the model concerned is like a lot of modern phones.

In an attempt to cut down e-waste, it comes with a charging cable … but no charging brick.

You have to use one you already have … or buy a new one.

Jude ended up borrowing Aunty Anna’s iPhone charger … and wait for the three that Grandma, Mummy and Aunty Anna have ordered to turn up!

Christmas, eh?

~≈🎄≈~

The charger situation has got me thinking I’m grateful.

For having enough money left in my account.

It’s Jude’s birthday, today: feel free to wish him a happy birthday on Bluesky and X.

At any rate … ?

I’ve bought him a laptop … and suddenly thought, when I got home, last night “I wonder if there’s a charger in the box … ?”

That could be embarrassing … !

~≈🔌≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-12-2024 — Christmas Day

25th December, 2024: Christmas Day.

Right … it’s Christmas.

We are officially allowed to jump, scream and run around.

Whilst waving our hands in the air.

That is … we’re allowed jump, scream, run around and wave our hands in the air … if we want to make bloody idiots of ourselves.

If we’re not … ?

Hopefully, we’re having a good day.

~≈🎅🏻≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s Christmas Day.

Which means … ?

Presents for one thing.

And the inevitable review of a Doctor Who episode.

Hopefully, I’ll have my review of Joy to the World up by Friday.

But, until then?

I’ll offer you my review of The War Games In Colour.

~≈🎅🏻≈~

Classic Doctor Who — The War Games In Colour — A Review

23rd December, 2024: The War Games In Colour.

The Introduction.

Right … 

It’s officially the case that Dave Brubeck is playing in the background.

The Time Out LP, if you must know.

It’s something I find vaguely meditative.

I’ve also got dinner cooking.

Fish and chips.

Yes: I like others, usually have that on Fridays.

But … ?

I wanted to make room in the fridge.

I’ve been shopping, today … !

~≈🧑🏿‍⚕️≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s the 23rd December: and we’re two days away from this year’s Dr Who Christmas special, Joy to the World.

Something I’m looking forward: and assume that you are, too.

But, first … ?

BBC Four are showing an edited, colourised, version of The War Games, Patrick Troughton’s last story.

I’m interested in watching it: partly to see how the thing compares to last year’s The Daleks In Colour.

And partly to see how a story that — as originally broadcast — ran to some two hundred and fifty or so minutes … services the editing process!

This review … ?

Will be live tomorrow: I’m planning to sleep in between now and then … !

~≈🩺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-12-2024 — Christmas Eve

24th December, 2024: Christmas Eve.

Hmmm … 

Radio 4’s Today programme has a guest editor: Children’s Laureate, Frank Cottrell-Boyce.

I’d only vaguely heard of him.

But it turns out he’s wrote the Opening Ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics.

You have to give him credit, there.

At any rate … ?

One article on the show?

Involved reading out excepts from Noggin the Nog.

Which was fun … !

~≈🧌≈~

Syria’s a mess: but you know that.

What with Ẍ amount of war having happened of the past God knows how long.

News came through, this morning: that protestors are outrage that a Christmas tree has been burnt by Islamists.

For all the new government’s talk of diversity, and tolerance?

I con’t help but wonder if there’s worse to come … 

~≈🎄≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd December 2024.

23rd December 2024.

Yes: you’re right.

It is Monday.

Normally, that means I’d be up early: to head for my weigh management meeting.

But that’s off: until 6th January.

I’ve mixed feelings.

I’d like to keep track of my weight, after all.

But?

Sleeping in is a nice alternative …

~≈🛌≈~

Just in case you’re in the UK?

BBC Four will be airing a colourised version of The War Games, Patrick Troughton’s last story as Doctor Who, tonight.

At nine o’clock.

When — or if — it’s getting a blu-ray release?

Or an overseas airing, through the Dr Who Classic channel on YouTube?

I don’t know.

But I’d be interested to see what’s included on the blu-ray version.

I felt last’s year The Daleks In Colour release to be a touch … underwhelming.

~≈🧌≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd December 2024

22nd December, 2024.

Hmmm … 

I’ve got a neighbour who’s very nice.

But … ?

Just contacted me … to ask if I can buy them some beer!

Given the time I’m writing this … ?

I think someone’s got a problem!

~≈🍺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21st December 2024.

21st December, 2024.

Right … it’s now, officially, the shortest day of the year: and — according to the quick Google search I’ve just done? — sunrise is due at 9:20.

There are — as ever — a lot of people at Stonehenge, celebrating the fact.

Frankly?

And much as I’d love to join them?

It looks like it’s going to be raining!

Blow that … and the earworm it rode in on … !

~≈🔔≈~

It’s a day for videos!

As … ?

My nephew, Jude, was over, yesterday.

After we’d done the toying around with Image Playground — I won’t post the picture, they “… make my nose look flared!” — he managed to make a video, and post it to YouTube.

Make of that, what you will!

~≈⚽️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th December 2024.

20th December, 2024: Six Questions

Bugger!

I’ve just wiped out today’s post!

The one I was in the middle of writing!

You’ll have to accept my apologies: and silly images!

~≈🥕≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-12-2024 — A Bit of a Goa …

19th December, 2024: Goa.

Right … I’m at my computers … 

And … ?

The boiler is quite ably humming, as it heats the room.

And the front room … ?

Warming up.

Yummy!

~≈🥵≈~

Just as a quick thought … ?

You’re possibly very aware Apple’s updated a lot of software and features: which includes a lot of improvements to Siri, the voice assistant on both the Mac, and iPhone.

The array of British voices are an improvement: I’m using one with a generic northern English accent, so you know.

The voices are an improvement.

The Dad jokes … aren’t!

~≈🤡≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th December 2024.

18th December, 2024.

Just for once … ?

I’ll give my landlords credit.

Or, at least, their boiler repair team.

The repair man turned up around lunchtime, and was done inside of forty minutes.

Apparently?

What he called the pressure vessel — a balloon-like bag that maintains the water and steam pressure — had failed.

I wasn’t surprised.

It was something that frequently happened to my old Potterton boiler: and for boilers used by my neighbours.

I was surprised about how quickly the chap turned: and how quickly the repair took.

And pleased that the thing’s now working: and keeping my flat warm.

Heigh ho!

~≈⌚️≈~

Something I’ve noticed in the news … ?

Is simply that Elon Musk is in talks with Nigel Farage’s Reform Party: about funding.

I know foreign interference in British politics is common.

As is British interference in foreign politics.

That doesn’t make it right, nor does it make it any less objectionable.

But … ?

I will give Russian, and Chinese, operations credit: for at least trying to keep their activities, discreet!

~≈👹≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-12-2024 — Bhutan

17th December, 2024: Bhutan.

You know, I was going to tell you I’ve started reading Neonomicon: a work by writer Alan Moore, and artist Jacen Burrows.

It looks suitably hard-boiled: and would possibly grab the attention of Old Peculiar regular, Debbi Mack.

I was going to tell you that a neighbour had popped in on Sunday evening: and an interesting evening was had.

Which would possibly get me a look from Olga Núñez Miret, and my mother, the other regulars, here.

Instead … ?

• I’m going to tell you I have a working boiler thermostat: after I manfully, and wonderfully, replaced the thing’s batteries.
• I’m going to tell you I’ve got the electric fan heater on.
• I’ve got lots of steam in my flat.

Because?

I’m boiling lots of water for a bath: as my boiler’s packed up!

I’ve got an emergency repair on order.

Which should — apparently — be with me ‘within twenty-four hours’.

Ho-bloody-hum!

~≈🔥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-12-2024 — The Home Nations

26th December, 2024: the Home Nations.

It’s officially official: I’m up early … !

But you’d possibly guessed.

After all, it’s Monday: the usual day for my weight management meeting, and weigh-in.

Hopefully?

Last week, I put on half a kilo: so … ?

I’m hoping to have lost something.

~≈⚖️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th December 2024.

15th December, 2024.

Right … I’ve officially been twitting about with the new Image Playground app.

And … ?

Well, possibly surprised a few friends on Facebook.

Don’t ask!

At any rate … ?

I did some tweaking to some of the wallpapers I’ve built up: and used it for the introduction video.

Heigh-ho!

~≈🖼️≈~

Hmm … 

I’ve woken up, this morning, to … … cold water!

And?

I’ve needed to reset my boiler.

I’ll be honest: I think I’m going to need to keep an eye open …

~≈♨️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th December 2024

14th December, 2024.

That could be interesting … 

The BBC has announced the release of a re-animated version of classic Dr Who story, The Savages.

Or, at least, the blu-ray version is: it’s available to pre-order on Amazon’s UK branch, and due for an actual release on 24th March, 2025.

Frankly?   That’s something to look forward to.

~≈📀≈~

I use Facebook: and have for many years.

It’s changed, over the years.

You used to able to throw a sheep at people: now you can’t.

That’s possibly a very trivial example.

Something that I had noticed, many years ago, was that Mark Zuckerberg — the site’s owner, and founder — had something of an anti-Trump fell.

But this year?

Has donated money to Trump’s inauguration fund.

I realise businesses like Mate, and FB, have to curry a certain amount of political favour.

But that’s not necessarily something I find comforting.

~≈🕸️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-12-2024 — Malteasered!

13th December, 2024: Malteasered!

Hmmm … 

I’ve officially updated to the newest version of macOS Sequoia, version 15.2, one that includes a lot of new features.

Including the much discussed Apple Intelligence features.

And … ?

The Writing Tools look like they could be useful: especially the proofreading tools.

And possibly the rewriting tools: although I don’t know how that one would affect the style of something I write.

But … ?   The List, and Table, tools could be useful.

We’ll have to see.

~≈✒️≈~

I do know that part of the update in the Image Playground: an app that lets you generate images.

That could be fun: although I don’t know how mu use it will be.

But … ?

It’s turned me into an astronaut … 

… that looks vaguely like Alfred E. Neuman … 

~≈😳≈~

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A post shared by Paul Nik Nak Downie (@mrcuddy2977)

I’ve probably mentioned the ‘Ron Says Buggrit’ t-shirts I’ve bought, haven’t I?

I’ve bought a couple of Terry Pratchett themed, ‘Ron Says Buggrit’ t-shirts … !

And … ?

Absolutely no Terry Pratchett fans recognised the phrase: when I wore the thing in Brentwood High Street, yesterday.

But at least a couple of people asked me who Ron was … !

~≈🧑‍🌾≈~

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

12th December, 2024.

It’s officially official.

I’ve got new t-shirts I want to show off.

But … ?

It’s a little too nippy to be wearing them.

Or, at least … a little too nippy to be wearing them … without a jumper … !

Heigh … ho!

~≈👕≈~

A little girl called Sara Sharif died, last year.

Murdered by her father and step-mother.

That, as these things always do, leaves me feeling upset, disturbed and angry.

As it will leave many other people.

Those responsible for her death will go to prison: and get the lovely reception child-killers always do, inside.

But … ?

There will be questions.

• How did this happen?
• How do we prevent this?
• And — last but not least — how could they do this?

I don’t know how it happened.

I don’t know how to prevent this: but suspect lessons could, should and must, be learnt: as they should every time this happens.

How the killers could do this?

I don’t know.

But suspect the only answer I can give you, is the deeply cynical one I always trot out when these sort of killings happen.

‘Very easily’.

~≈👶🏽≈~