Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd November 2025.

23rd November, 2025.

I think we can say Jude — my nephew — has posted his latest video!

Yes, hitting the ‘Like’ button would be very welcome: as would subscribing to his channel.

And mine, if you’re that way inclined!

But I’ll tell you what!

Buying dinner was a job and a half!

We couldn’t place an order through Deliveroo: why, I don’t know!

Then we tried ordering pizza from Dominos.

And couldn’t.

It just wasn’t happening!

It was only then, that I got a message from my bank.

They thought I was being defrauded!

I had to press buttons, and phone them, to find out what was happening!

And assure them that that no: I wasn’t being scammed, my card hadn’t been cloned and I was genuinely trying to order dinner!

And any rate … when we went back to the Dominos site … my payment got declined, again!!!!!!!

I was getting annoyed, by this point: and Jude was definitely underwhelmed.

Both of us were hungry … !

This second time, though … ?

Was my fault: I hadn’t fed the card’s expiry date, properly!

Ever had the feeling you’re being got at?

~≈🍕≈~

That said, I can appreciate my bank’s actions, last night.

Part of their job is to protect their customers from fraud, and to prevent crime.

And?

It’s been a while since I’ve ordered food online: and I’d made multiple attempts to order from different, and very unfamiliar, websites.

So I can’t blame them for automatically going into ‘Protect A Punter’ mode!

But, boy, the timing was wonderful!

About the only upsides to the evening?

Jude managed to get that video uploaded.

We managed to set up — and use — fast user switching, so we could switch between accounts*.

And … ?

Pizza never tasted quite so good!

~≈🍕≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd November 2025

22nd November, 2025.

It’s officially official … I’ve paid my bills … !

Well … all bar the gas bill: and that I can get done, today.

Strangely, though … ?

I’m grateful it’s rain, out: that I’m going to get wet, heading out to pay the thing.

As, going by the predictions for my area … ?

It’s going to be warmer than it was, yesterday!

~≈☔️≈~

Coins … … … 

I have coins.

Which you’d possibly guessed.

But the weird thing … ?

Is that it’s only now — some years after his coronation, and after notes and coins with the King’s face on them started circulating — that I’ve received Charles 3rd coins in my change.

Yes, I know.

That’s not exactly note-worthy.

But … ?

It struck me as mildly coincidental that I have £1·05 worth of the things.

In other words, cash equivalent to an old English coin called a guinea, worth twenty-one shillings back then … 

And £1·05, now.

The reason it struck me as significant?

Is race horses are usually auctioned in guineas*, even now.

And the King, much like his late mother, is a bit of a one for the gee gees … 

~≈🏇🏼≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-11-2025 — World Television Day

21st November, 2025: World Television Day.

It has to be said: I’m feeling quiet … 

Which is odd for me.

Or possibly not: given recent news.

With that said … ?

Gill Veail — Trevor’s sister — has asked me to thank everyone that’s passed on their condolences, after his recent death.

Thank you: you know who you are.

~≈💐≈~

It’s officially official: I have the sun in my eyes.

Which is what happens on a sunny day, when you buy cheap blinds!

Or, at least, have cheap blinds … on a sunny day.

Either way … ?

I can’t complain too much.

Yes, it’s a cold day … but yes, it’s also payday.

Which means I can do something positive.

Like shop … !

~≈🪙≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th November 2025.

20th November, 2025.

I have to say: I was feeling fairly chipper, for most of yesterday.

I’d found out Disney will be releasing the original, theatrical, cut of Star Wars in 4k: at least they will, going by this article.

The theatrical cut: rather than the updated ones released under George Lucas.

I’d found out that the Geldof-penned “I Don’t Like Mondays” had been released on 13th July, 1979.

Six years, to the day, before the Geldof-organised Live Aid was staged: on 13th July, 1985.

Yes: there’ll be a Teaser about the song.

I think the co-incidence will inspired a question or two.

But I also — towards the end of the day — learnt some sad news: after being contacted by Gill Veail, yesterday.

Gill … ?

Is the sister of Trevor Veail: who, famously, has commented on Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar for many years.

Has?

I should correct myself, there, and say ‘had commented’.

As Gill contacted me, yesterday, to tell me Trevor had died, yesterday evening.

I’m saddened.

~≈🪽≈~

I got to know Trevor, many years ago: when I worked at what’s now the Hutton Junction in Shenfield.

And was one of the first punters I’d served, there.

You could pretty much guarantee Trevor would be in, most lunchtimes, and ordering at least two pints of Courage Best: as he tended to favour bitters.

And managed to catch my attention, as he was impressively knowledge about Dr Who, and Terry Pratchett’s Discworld novels.

And about various vintage computers: from what I knew, he’d worked on some of the first business mainframes, back in the day.

He was also one of the first people to take part in the quizzes I ran at the Hutton.

And one of the first to comment here, on Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar.

Yes.

Trevor could be a right, royal, pain in the bum, sometimes.

He got barred from the Hutton, at least once

And there’s certainly a few comments, here, that were less than polite: and got firmly deleted.

But generally?

Trevor was a warm, caring human being: which is why I tried to keep in touch with him, in his last days.

He’d had a fall, at home, a few months ago: and had some hard to treat leg ulcers, and cataracts, as a result of diabetes.

I’m also reminded Trevor told me, many years ago, that he’d been diagnosed with some form of autism.

Which possibly added to his struggles.

I couldn’t even tell you if he was able to read those letters, at the end.

But … ?

They were sent: which is possibly the point.

I tried to make sure I kept in touch with someone I saw as a friend.

I’m very aware the world’s a worse place for his loss.

RIP, Trevor.

~≈🪽≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-11-2025 — O Milésimo

19th November, 2025: O Milésimo.

Hmmm … 

I was online, yesterday.

Which you’d possibly guessed.

I was online, after posting the day’s Teaser: trying to answer a question on Quora.

When I got this message;

Quite what happened there?

I didn’t know.

But I was getting the same sort of message from X, DownDetector, and a few other sites.

I was getting those messages from those sites in every browser on my computer.

And getting them after restarting my computer, twice, and restarting my router.

What I did find, after checking with the BBC’s news site?

Was that Cloudflare, the infrastructure provider the sites used to connect to the ’net, was having issues.

Something known as a configuration file had stopped working correctly: and was causing problems with Cloudflare’s security checks.

And refusing to connect people as a result.

The panic is now officially over.

Until the next time this happens … … 

~≈🗂️≈~

Just as a thought … ?

You’re probably very aware the opening episodes of The War Between the Land and the Sea is due to start airing on the 7th December: at least, start airing in the UK, on 7th December.

The BBC have since announced that an edited version of The Sea Devils — the Dr Who story that introduced the creatures — will also air on the 7th.

Yes, I am going to watch that.

But it’ll probably go on the back burner.

December’s looking busy … 

~≈🗂️≈~

Just as a last thought … ?

Can I persuade you an AI-generated, football playing Dalek is something you want … ?

OK, maybe not … 

~≈🗂️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th November 2025 (Six Questions)

18th November, 2025: Six Questions.

I’ve noticed a news piece from the BBC’s news site.

One that tells us car thieves are using expensive bits of kit to steal cars.

You’d possibly guessed something like that was happening, hadn’t you?

Me, too.

According to the article?

The devices work by hi-jacking the signal from the car’s electronic keys — at longer ranger than you’d expect — then using it to open the cars doors.

And, apparently?

The things are being sold on the dark web for at least £20, 000.

No: I don’t want one, before you ask.

For starters, I don’t drive: so stealing a car is a bit stupid!

And?

The piece tells us the government is planning to outlaw these things.

Which probably won’t stop sales of the things: just put the price up.

The reason I mention it?

Is a personal belief.

That the devices were originally sold for legal purposes.

To allow mechanics to get you into your car if you lost the key: or for the engineers or sales staff, to set the car up for a new buyer.

I’m guessing it’s only later that a clever criminal has thought “That’s handy, Harry.   Stick it in the oven!”

Am I right … ?

I don’t know.

But if I am, it’s a very good example of an old line of William Gibson’s.

“… the street finds its own uses for things.”

“Burning Chrome”.

~≈🔑≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th November 2025.

17th November, 2025.

It’s official: it’s Monday morning.

And … ?

It’s off to my weight management class I go.

And, given the weather forecast’s told me it’s going to be cold?

I had a look at the weather forecast for today.

I think I’m going to need a jumper … 

~≈🥶≈~

I have to admit, I watch stuff on Youtube.

Granted, there’s only so many talking heads I can watch … but one video caught my eye, last night.

This one.

That tells how many people have taken to video piracy in the wake of a splintered streaming market.

How — given streaming services are becoming ever more fractured, and expensive — people are turning to other ways of watching content.

And how, given how streaming sites are removing content, many pirates see themselves are archivists, as a result.

Personally?

I can’t say I was surprised by what the video was telling me: especially the bit that says many pirates see themselves as archivists.

Given that An Unearthly Child, the first Doctor Who story, is still not available on iPlayer?

That there’s few other ways of watching these shows, other than pirate copies?

Are you surprised?

~≈🏴‍☠️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th December 2025.

16th November, 2025.

Right then … I am expecting to have a quiet day, today: happily making videos.

And — possibly — getting some sleep: I was up, late, babysitting my nephew.

Who was interested to that games company, Valve, has introduced its own games console: one that doubles up as a regular PC.

Albeit one running SteamOS, rather than Windows.

We’ll have to see if that catches his attention … 

~≈🚂≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th November 2025.

15th November, 2025.

Right … there’s been an announcement!

The BBC has announced that the first two episodes of The War Between Land and Sea will air in the UK on Sunday, 7th December.

With Russell T. Davies telling us that the remaining three episodes will air over the following two weeks.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Russell T Davies (@russelltdavies63)

Going by the publicity I’ve seen, so far … ?

It will air on Disney+, outside the UK: in 2026.

~≈🌊≈~

Now … I have to admit, I’m looking forward to The War Between Land and Sea.

Even though I, like many fans, had issues with the finales of Ncuti’s two series.

Generally?

Russell T. Davies could do very good Whoniverse-theme Spin-offs.

But one thing I have noticed?

Is that this spin-off will air, internationally, in 2026.

I think that difference in dates is going to cause problems.

Is going to cause people to look for the episodes on torrent tracking sites like Pirate Bay.

That’s not something we should be encouraging* … 

~≈🏴‍☠️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-11-2025 — World Diabetes Day

14th November, 2025: World Diabetes Day.

Bugger!

I had an extremely funny introductory video done for today’s post!

One full of wit, humour, and satirical observations about politics!

But … ?

But I managed to bin it, and empty the bin, before Time Machine managed to back up my system, and save it.

Remind me to no kick myself: I’d miss!

~≈⏰≈~

The BBC’s been covering it all morning.

Seemingly?

Sky TV are to start broadcasting a UK version of the venerable US comedy series, Saturday Night Live: and are assembling the team as we speak.

It may do well … 

But … ?

I think Saturday Live/Friday Night Live— the UK series that made stars out of many UK comics — has been forgotten in all the excitement.

~≈☭≈~

Just so everyone knows?

I’ve got two ten question sets due: on the 5th and 17th, of December.

And have just finished the twelve question review of 2025: due on the 31st December.

Hopefully, you’ll enjoy them!

~≈⌘≈~

As a final thought … ?

You’ll remember I’ve objections to the Government’s proposed Digital ID scheme?

I’ve objections to the Government’s proposed Digital ID scheme: mostly based on cost.

There’s some good news about it: the petition on the UK government’s website has had something of an effect.

The proposal will be discussed in the House of Commons on 8th December, this year.

Hopefully, the whole silly idea will be scrapped.

~≈🆔≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13th November 2025.

13th November, 2025.

Yep: I’ve got Radio Four’s Today programme on.

And, yes, the show’s reporting an interesting historical note.

According to an upcoming programme on Channel Four, DNA testing has been what’s left of Adolf Hitler.

Apparently, he had a condition that meant he was more likely to have various neurological conditions.

And an undescended testicle.

If true?

It means we can start singing Colonel Bogey … … 

~≈⚽️≈~

Apple — the computer company — seems to generate rumours.

One of the latest?

Is that it’s supposed to be releasing a low end, budget, MacBook: with an A-series system-on-a-chip.

I wouldn’t expect to be able to afford such a thing: even if it is Apple’s budget option.

But … ?

A body can dream.

After all, it would be nice to own a mobile Mac … and be an improvement on the iPhone sock … 

~≈🍎≈~

As a last thought … ?

There’s a magazine called MacWorld doing the round: it’s been available for many years.

And … ?

One of their infomercial pieces floated across my timeline, a couple of days ago.

Apparently?

You can, with their help, get a dollar-denominated copy of Microsoft Office at just under sixty dollars ($60).

About forty-five pounds (£45), in real money.

Personally?

I’d be turning that down, even if I had the cash.

There’s more than enough free software around, software that opens MS Office files, to make spending the money a stupid move.

~≈❖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-11-2025 — Plymouth.

12th November, 2025: Plymouth.

Wouldn’t you know it … ?

I got my dates mixed up!

I had thought my gas safety check was due, yesterday.

It wasn’t until I opened my emails, yesterday, and got a reminder … that I realised the thing was supposed to be today.

Where do I put my face … ?

~≈🤦🏼‍♂️≈~

As it turns out … ?

Nowhere!

Robert Heath — my landlord’s boiler contractor — have just phoned.

Apparently, their tradesman is off, for some reason.

So they’ve rescheduled for two weeks time.

Ho … … … hum!

~≈🐫≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-11-2025 — The Armistice

11th November, 2025: the Armistice.

Right … I’m officially indoors all morning.

Yes: you’re right.

It’s the laughing, happy time of year, when my landlords sent around a man: to do my gas safety check!

Ho … hum … !

~≈♨️≈~

Did I mention I caught Wizards, the other night?

I caught the Ralph Bakshi directed film, Wizards, the other night.

And … ?

Well, I think my written, and video, reviews could something things up better than I could, right now.

I know this, though: it was nice getting comments, so quickly.

~≈🧙🏽≈~

Oh, I’ve just had a quick look at the Essex news section of the BBC’s news site.

Apparently?

A team lead by a University of Essex researcher has discovered what the team refers to as a ‘carnivorous death ball’ in the Antarctic Ocean.

Which is nice: possibly.

But … ?

I can’t help but think ‘carnivorous death ball’ sounds like a cheesy heavy metal band … 

~≈🎸≈~

Wizards (1977) — A Review.

7th November, 2025: Wizards.

The Introduction.

I have to admit, I’ve been thumb twiddling.

In between writing quizzes, jobhunting, worrying about my health, shopping, thinking about Christmas presents, watching deliveries being delivered, wondering where I put my most recent set of stamps … 

Which reminds me, I need to get stamps … 

At any rate … ?

I have a loose, quiet, evening: and plenty of things I could be watching.

Including the Ralph Bakshi animated fantasy, Wizards.

Considering I caught his version of The Lord of The Rings, many years ago, watching Wizards seemed like a good idea.

So … ?

I’ll be watching it … then telling you about it on Monday night!

I have a busy calendar … !

~≈🧙🏽≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10-11-2025 — Gone for a (Richard) Burton.

10th November, 2025: Richard Burton.

I meant to mention this, yesterday.

But, if you’re on certain benefits in the UK, you qualify for the Government’s Warm Home discount: a £150 payment that goes onto your electricity bill.

Mine … ?

Went onto my meter, on Saturday afternoon.

I’m grateful.

It means that — on my next payday — I can put the money I spend on electricity, onto my gas bill.

The older I get, the worse my circulation feels, so the warmer I prefer it.

Either way, that payment’s welcome.

The fact the batteries had run out on my thermostat, this morning … ?

Wasn’t … !

~≈♨️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th November 2025.

9th November, 2025.

It’s officially official: my nephew was over, yesterday.

And, yes: he’s made another video — you get a round of applause if you find the horse noise — and uploaded it to YouTube.

Fell free to hit the ‘Like’ button!

~≈🎮≈~

We did have a bit of sad news, last night.

Jude and I had dinner — courtesy of Mummy — from the Flying Fish, the local chip shop.

The sad news?

Is simply that Connie, the owner, has decided it’s time to move on: bringing an end to a family owned business that’s been in Warley since the 1980s.

The shop’s last day … ?

Is on Friday, 14th November: pay them a visit, before they go.

Why?

Once the place is closed, they, their food, and their customer service, will be much missed!

~≈🥙≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8th November 2025.

8th November, 2025.

Right … I think we can say I’m working on a movie review: having watched the Ralph Bakshi directed Wizards, last night.

It’s worth watching, I think: but definitely odd.

~≈🎞️≈~

I got emails, yesterday.

Including the inevitable junk.

Including one from MacWorld, telling me about discounts available — in the US! — on the desktop version of Microsoft Office.

Nope: I’m not getting it.

There’s better things to be spending my money on.

Can I make a suggestion?

I’ve always felt that most of us only need MS Office for one or two things: opening and reading Word or Excel files.

So … ?

If you’re looking at buying or subscribing to, the suite, just to open a few Word files?

You’re probably better off exploring the free options, before you waste your money.

~≈🆓≈~

I keep half an eye on the Tharries YouTube channel: as the youngster usually picks up on interesting Dr Who leaks.

And, in a recent video?

Tells us that Paramount — the producers of Star Trek — are interested in taking over as international partners from Disney.

Which could be good news.

Although, apparently?

Paramount wants the back catalogue exclusively on their UK streaming service, rather than the iPlayer.

I don’t know how true that is.

But I’d prefer to see to watch the show for free: rather than have to pay for it.

It’s made in Britain, after all.

~≈🇬🇧≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7-11-2025 — International Inuit Day.

7th November, 2025: International Inuit Day.

Hmmm … 

Have you watched today’s intro video … ?

The one at the opening of this post?

I know it’s not much: but I’m mildly impressed with my work, there.

Mind you … I could just be impressed by the spookiness of the backing track … 

~≈💣≈~

Something I do know?

Is that one trillion dollars — $1, 000, 000, 000, 000 — is about £763, 000, 000, 000 in Sterling.

A lot of money, in other words.

Enough — if the little I’ve understood about economics is correct — to knacker the economy, if it was spent in one go.

Assuming he meets the relevant targets, and according to the renumeration plan approved at a Tesla share holder meeting, yesterday, it’s also the amount of shares Elon Musk will get over the next few years.

Assuming he meets the targets.

I know that’s shares: and the amount of money he gets, cashing them in, can down as well as up.

But … ?

One trillion dollars is a bit much money for one country: let alone one person!

~≈$≈~

As a thought … ?

I’ve heard from the family of Old Peculiar reader, Trevor.

He’s alive and well.

Or wellish.

He’s been transferred from hospital to a nursing home in town.

Here’s hopping it helps his health.

~≈😷≈~

As a last thought … ?

It’s International Inuit Day.

So?

Bobby the Cat’s dressing up, to mark the occasion … 

~≈🐈≈~