Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-7-2025 — The Secret Service

5th July, 2025: the Secret Service.

I’ve woken up with several things, today.

Right now?

I’ve a mental image of the Swedish Chef, done up as a Borg … 

… and the phrase “Resistibonk is flumpty” banging through my head.

Why … ?

If I knew that, I’d be earning a fortune.

~≈👨🏻‍🍳≈~

Something else I’ve woken up with … ?

Is a mysterious beeping noise.

One that’s been going on since the power cut a couple of days ago, and is coming from a flat over the road.

• What’s beeping?
• Why is it beeping?
• Is the tenant OK?
• Why is it still beeping?
• Has something serious happened?
• Is the tenant really OK?
• How much Italic lettering can I use?
• What on Earth is going on?

I’m sorely tempted to head over and ask … 

~≈📟≈~

Just as a final thing … ?

My nephew, Jude, was over, last night.

Yes: fish, chips, chicken nuggets and onion rings were eaten.

After Jude managed to upload some videos.

Feel free to hit the like buttons, folks!

~≈📀≈~

As a final, final thought?

One I know I’ve mentioned a time or two?

Somewhere out there is a games company called Steve Jackson Games: best known for Car Wars, and GURPS.

GURPS, so you know, saw a generic role playing game.

You bought the main rules, and designed whatever background world, adventures and additional rules, as needed.

But you could also get pre-prepared backgrounds, and adventures.

Unfortunately for Steve Jackson Games?

They ended up getting severely raided by the US Secret Service after releasing GURPS Cyberpunk: during what the Service called Operation Sundevil.

The raid?

In delaying the release of GURPS Cyberpunk, the raid did Steve Jackson Games substantial financial damage.

The ensuing court case?

Over a raid on a games company?

Has made the Service look stupid, to this day*.

~≈🕵🏾≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4-7-2025 — Independence Day

4th July, 2025: Independence Day.

Did you have a power cut, last night … ?

We did!

At about half past seven.

I thought my fuses had blown, but no, it was a power cut.

One that lasted for about twenty minutes.

UK Power Networks, who are responsible for the electricity infrastructure, were pretty quick in getting a message out.

Letting people know that a cable was at fault, and that electricity should be back on between nine and ten PM.

Thankfully?   The cut didn’t last that long.

Just long enough for me to let the neighbours know I’d had a message about it.

It’s nice to see them … even if it’s at an awkward time!

Heigh-ho!

~≈🔦≈~

Just as a thought … ?

There’s been an announcement … !

Yes: the BBC’s announced that the next classic series to one released on Blu-ray is going to be season thirteen.

There’s no release date, as yet.

But … ?

I’m looking forward to seeing it.

It’s got a couple of favourite stories: including The Brain Of Morbius … !

~≈📀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3rd July 2025.

3rd July, 2025.

Right … it’s officially official: I’ve had my results in!

The ones from my most recent blood tests.

I’m diabetic, so you know: and have to have quarterly blood tests that monitor my HbA1c levels, my glucose levels.

I had the appointment, yesterday: to find out my recent result.

Forty-eight or less can be good.

Mine … ?

Was forty.

Which could be good, or could be bad … but got the nurse practitioner worried enough to ask me if I was having dizzy spells: these and other things, can be symptoms of dangerously low blood sugar levels.

It has to be said, the list of symptoms the NHS has released look familiar … !

She was also worried enough to ask me when I’d next be near the surgery.

That way … ?

I can pick up a blood monitor.

You know: one of the things that means you prick you finger, take a drop of blood, shove it in the machine, which then gives you a result.

We’ll have to see how that goes: but I think I’ll need a form to fill in.

I’ll have one more thing to track … !

~≈🩸≈~

Oh  I caught another episode of Max Headroom, last night: one called “Body Banks”.

Which is quite an improvement on the first two.

It’s still very Miami Vice: but … ?

The pacing’s a bit better: and W. Morgan Sheppard — Mark Sheppard’s dad, for those following these things — makes a return as Blank Reg.

And gets one of the best lines, I should add.

About the only problem I’ve got, so far … ?

Frewer — as ace reporter, Edison Carter — spends a lot of time lugging a video camera around: a camera the size of a suitcase.

Except, of course, the producers should’ve stopped to think.

And thought “It’s the future: cameras are going to be smaller by then.”

OK, that’s with some forty odd years of hindsight: coming for a blogger — me! — who has a web-cam the size of a fag packet, and that many police routinely wear body cameras that are even smaller.

But, even so … !

~≈🩸≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2nd July 2025.

2nd July, 2025.

Right … it’s officially official.

Yesterday was the hottest day of the year, so far.

By contrast?

And thankfully?

Today is roughly ten degrees cooler.

And we have rain!

Granted, I’ll be getting wet, when I co out.

But?

I’m not going to boil … !

~≈🌧️≈~

Did I mention I’ve caught the first couple of episodes of Max Headroom?

The US science fiction show, rather than the UK music show that introduced the character.

I’m possibly going to keep watching it: just so I can say I’ve seen it.

But?

It may have been exciting at the time.

But the cyberpunk effort — filtered through a Miami Vice feel, bad soap acting and a retro-VHS look that should have been cleaned up before its DVD release — is … 

Well, it’s not necessarily stunning.

If nothing else, though … ?

Matt Frewer as Edison Carter/Max, is good.

And Max, himself, is as subversive as ever: especially in his outros at the end of the episodes … 

Those make the thing worth watching … !

~≈📺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 1-7-2025 — Quebec (Ten Questions)

1st July, 2025: Quebec.

Right … 

It’s official.

It’s just gone 7:30 on a July morning.

And … ?

The thermostat in the hallway is telling me it’s 26.5℃ in here.

The weather’s going to get warmer.

And … ?

I think I’m going to get sweatier, today … !

Ho … hum … !

~≈☀️≈~

You know, tech news is something that interests me.

So does the gossip.

Something that did catch my attention?

Is the gossip that says that Apple are potential going to be introduction a model of MacBook Air — their lightweight laptop — with an A18 processor.

The processor that powers recent models of iPhones.

There’s possibly a couple of points, there.

I know that — when he rejoined the company in the 1990s — former CEO, Steve Jobs, culled a lot of Mac models: so the company could reduce manufacturing costs

Will this leave the company vulnerable?

I don’t know: but it’s something the management team may need to keep their eyes on.

The other?

Is that the possible model is supposed to be the new low-end, cheap, option.

Roughly equivalent to the current £999 option.

Will that work for them?

Would that appeal to those who would otherwise buy a cheap Windows machine?

Or a Chromebook?

We’ll have to see: a lot of that appeal will come down to price-point …

~≈🧑🏻‍💻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th June 2025.

30th June, 2025.

Right … it’s Monday morning.

So … ?

I’ve got to go to the high street, twice!

I’ve got a weight management meeting in the morning, and a hygienist appointment, this afternoon.

Hopefully?

I’ll end up having lost weight, and have cleaner teeth.

~≈🪥≈~

Just so everyone knows?

Long time reader, Trevor, is now officially out of hospital: and back at the care home he’s been placed in.

If you want to get in touch … ?

You’ll need to write to him: you can get his address from his sister, Gill.

~≈✉️≈~

There’s been a bit of bother.

You’ll probably have realised that the Glastonbury Festival — Britain’s best known music festival — took place over the weekend.

As one act, Bob Vylan, led chants of “Death to the IDF” during their performance.

I grant you, that’s bad.

But … ?

In calling for various responses, the media is doing something any band loves.

Handing them publicity.

Bands love publicity.

It generates interest, means ticket, and buy records.

So … ?

I have to ask Prime Minister Keir Starmer one thing … 

“Why are you giving Bob Vylan, an act that indulges in hate speech, free publicity, Sir Keir?   When I bet you this is the first time most of the country has heard of them.”

I agree, the band’s actions are bad.

But … ?

I suspect the fuss will do their sales a huge favour: just as an earlier fuss handed sales to other bands …

~≈🎸≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-6-2025 — International Day of the Tropics.

29th June, 2025: International Day of the Tropics.

Right … 

I’ve officially woken up with an earworm!

Jain’s Makeba, so you know.

Or, at least, I’ve woken up with bits of it floating around my head: the ‘ooo-eee-woo’ bits used in today’s introduction video.

Why … ?

Well … 

I noticed Jain’s possibly left-handed in that video: given the way she pops balloons and paints zebras.

But didn’t manage to confirm that with a written source — her Wikipedia entry — until a day or two ago.

A day or two ago … and a couple of days after I’d written this year’s ten-question, Left-handers day quiz*.

My timing’s abysmal … !

~≈👈≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th June 2025

28th June, 2025.

It’s official: Brentwood is not going to be warm, over the next few days.

Nope.

What the weather people on Radio 4 are telling me … is that we’re expecting what, for the UK, is going to be a heatwave.

I’m going to need to wear a long-sleeved shirt, when I go out … !

Just to keep the sun off!

~≈☀️≈~

Did I mention I’ve been sneakily watching the first series Wednesday: the Netflix series?

I’ve been sneakily watching the first series Wednesday: the Netflix series!

It’s a hell of a lot of fun.

It’s impressive all ’round.

But I’m seriously impressed by Joy Sunday, who plays Bianca.

She has a gorgeous speaking voice!

~≈W≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th June 2025.

27th June, 2025.

Hmmm … 

I’m sure you know that the government of the UK had planned to make big adjustments to various welfare benefits.

Mostly to the health sections of Universal Credit, and to Personal Independence Payment.

But were facing a backbench rebellion in next week’s planned vote on the bill.

However?

Those rebels have mostly climbed down: after the government made concessions.

Hopefully?

That means thousands of people will be unaffected.

~≈£≈~

I usually keep an eye open for news about Dr Who: and am very aware that Disney’s deal with the BBC — that has funded the past couple of seasons — hasn’t been renewed.

But — with thanks to the Tharries channel, along side one or two news pieces — also aware that, apparently, two unnamed, big, streaming services are supposed to be bidding for the rights.

Supposedly, those streamers are HBO Max, and Netflix.

And, supposedly?

At least one of the streamers wants the show to go in a darker direction: something showrunner, Russell T. Davies, doesn’t want: he’d prefer a lighter tone.

Personally?

I’d prefer a darker tone, myself: I grew up on Tom Baker’s scary early years.

If the show isn’t causing nightmares, it’s doing something wrong!

But?

Would be grateful to see the show being aired.

We’ll have to see, won’t we?

~≈🚀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-6-2025 — Harry Potter (Ten Questions)

26th June, 2025: Harry Potter.

Right … it’s Thursday.

And … ?

I’ve got a couple of t-shirts on the way.

Printed ones, with the covers from the old Traveller games, on them.

I’m not sure I’ve picked the right colour for the shirts.

But?

At least they’re on route: and can (hopefully) be used for the next set of videos.

~≈🚀≈~

The one thing that has disappointed me?

Is NOT finding the 1980 cover of Runequest’s 2nd edition, online.

At least, not finding a large enough, good quality copy.

I’d love to have that on a t-shirt: although I realise the woman on the cover isn’t exactly practically dressed.

That armour’s going to chafe!

~≈👙≈~

There’s plans in the House of Commons.

Or — more accurately — the Government is planning to tighten various benefits: including Universal Credit, and Personal Independence Payment, the two I’m claiming.

I really don’t like the idea: anything that threatens the incomes of I and so many others?

Isn’t a good thing.

So … ?

I’m grateful the Government’s negotiating with its own rebel backbenchers: in order to ease the changes.

We’ll have to see how that vote goes: but … ?

Well played, them!

~≈🗳️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th June 2025

25th June, 2025.

Right: I’m up early!

Yes: it’s Wednesday … and I have another hygienists appointment!

Whoopie … dingo … !

~≈¥≈~

I managed to catch some online news, recently: courtesy of the Tech Linked YouTube channel.

It seems that users of Microsoft Windows are having trouble installing Google Chrome.

Installing the browser is being blocked by the parental controls in Windows 11: forcing users to jump through hoops to install the thing.

Now, I’m not a fan of Chrome: I’ve always found it less responsive — on the various Macs I’ve owned — than Firefox or Safari.

I’ve also felt Chrome uses the old Embrace, extend, and extinguish* policy too well for my comfort.

So I’m not impressed by Chrome: but don’t think my dislike means you shouldn’t use it.

It’s your browser, and your choice.

I’m also aware that Google and Microsoft are business rivals.

So … ?

I’m not surprised Microsoft is trying a low blow.

~≈🪟≈~

I have to admit to liking slogan t-shirts.

Or, at least, ones with pictures on them: 2000AD, or Terry Pratchett themed ones, are favourites.

So, for my next one … ?

I’m thinking a Traveller or Runequest one could be good: if I can find a good enough picture!

~≈ᚹ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th June 2025.

24th June, 2025.

Right … I really need to sort out my TV license!

I got paid, yesterday: and, of course, tried paying off my bills: including the license.

For some reason, though … ?

The card wasn’t accepted: in neither of the shops I tried.

Why?

I have no idea.

I can pay online: and have ordered a new card.

But it was very frustrating, not to be able to pay it.

~≈📺≈~

Talking of TV?

I managed to catch the first episode of the TV series, Wednesday.

I think I preferred Angelic Huston and Raúl Juliá as Morticia and Gomez: although Catherine Zeta-Jones and Luis Guzmán are very good in the roles.

And Guzmán is closer to the original strip in terms of his looks.

The series also sees Christina Ricci — who played Wednesday in the 1990s movies — in a minor role.

Jenna Ortega as the title character, though?

Is very impressive.

And vaguely reminds me of Jerry Ryan’s portrayal of Seven of Nine*, from Star Trek: Voyager.

They both drop breeze-block one liners into a conversation … and steal all the laughs along the way.

~≈🧛🏽‍♀️≈~

Just as a positive thought … ?

I was at my weight management meeting, yesterday: and … ?

Found my weight has gone down by 1.6 kilos: wiping out the 600 gram gains of the previous two weeks.

I’ve not hit my 95 kilos target: but am down to 100kilos.

That’s a good thing!

~≈⚖️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd June, 2023.

23rd June, 2025.

Right … It’s early on Monday morning.

And I’ve got a visitor!

Which isn’t something I was expecting first thing on a Monday morning.

Not when I was going to head out early for my weight management class!

~≈🥴≈~

Talking of weight management?

It’s seems GPs can now prescribe Mounjaro as a weight loss jab: as well as for diabetes, and weigh loss.

That’s a good thing: if it leads to lowered prices for people getting it privately.

And doesn’t lead to a shortage!

~≈⚖️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-6-2025 — Saint Alban

22nd June, 2025: Saint Alban.

As I write, American planes have flown over Iran, trying to bomb people.

What do I mean, ‘trying’: they have bombed people.

Several sites that Iran has allegedly used to enrich uranium, for atomic bomb manufacture.

Does the US, or Israel, have proof of that … ?

Proof they’d be willing, if not happy, to share?

I doubt it.

I feel this is the Gulf War, all over again: bombings, death and damage … on spurious grounds.

~≈‼️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-6-2025 — El-Pee

21st June, 2025: El Pee.

Right … it’s official: it’s Saturday.

And the longest day of the year.

Frankly?

I think I’m going to go back to bed: I had something of a late night, last night.

I had visitors, let’s put it that way!

~≈🥱≈~

You possibly aware that an Assisted Dying bill has been going through Parliament: and that it faced its Third Reading, its final stage, in the UK’s House of Commons, yesterday.

It passed*: and will go to its final stages in the House of Lords in the near future.

And should be law by 2029

Personally?

Whilst I felt struggled with the idea of assisted dying when I first head of it?

It’s something I came to support: especially given how vocal the late Sir Terry Pratchett was about it.

So … ?

I’m glad it’s gone through.

Regardless of how you or I feel about it, the fact the bill approving it has passed this stage means assisted dying will be legally available in due time.

That’s a good thing, I think.

~≈💊≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th June 2025

20th June, 2025.

It’s officially official: Brentwood’s going through a warm patch.

So a long sleeved shirt could be a good idea.

And … ?

It’s the last weekend before payday, on Monday.

I’m looking forward to that.

Getting the bills out of the way would be nice … !

~≈£≈~

OK, I’ve got the radio in: listening to Radio Four’s Today programme.

They’re doing a piece on the newly released 28 Years Later.

It’s something I’m looking forward to seeing, as a fan of the 28 Days franchise.

The piece on the Today programme?

Told me this: that the film had been film on iPhones, drones, and extremely portable action cams.

I’m impressed.

Oh, I knew it could be done: there’s plenty of short, professional, video done with the kit.

But it’s the first time I’ve heard of a feature length movie being shot on these devices.

Kudos to the production team that pulled that off!

~≈📱≈~

It’s D-Day, today.

Or, at least, Crunch Day.

The day the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill goes before the House of Commons for another round of voting.

If it’s passed?

It goes to the House of Lords.

If not?

It fails at the last fence.

We’ll have to see how that vote goes …

~≈🗳️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th June 2025

19th June, 2025.

I have to admit, I tried watching a film, last night.

The 2024 folk horror, Lord of Misrule: with Tuppence Middleton and Ralph Ineson.

I have to admit, I gave up on the thing after about half an hour.

Despite — or possibly because of — its similarity to The Wicker Man, despite the beautiful setting, it’s something that couldn’t hold my attention.

Granted, having two teenagers bang on my door, at the twenty minute mark — they got the wrong address — didn’t help.

Even given that?

Lord of Misrule didn’t grab me!

That’s a shame: it’s beautifully shot!

~≈🃏≈~

I was rather interested in the technology news, at one point.

Mildly obsessed and evangelical, to be honest.

But still … interested … 

So … ?

Recent obscure news — that Denmark’s Ministry for Digital Affairs is planning to use forms of Linux and LibreOffice instead of Windows and Microsoft Office — caught my attention.

I’m assuming that a lot of that planned shift?

Is going to be based on cost.

The price of the computer you’ve just bought will include a certain amount for a copy of Windows*.

That amount will be far less for most forms of Linux.

MS Office will cost: even if you’re only paying a cheap subscription for the online version, it’ll cost.

Cost too much: especially compared to things like LibreOffice or OpenOffice, which are free.

But the ministry has also made another point: that they’re making the shift as a way to improve digital sovereignty.

Promoting Danish technology solutions to meet Danish technology needs, and reduce the control handed to foreign companies.

I can only hope that whatever UK government bodies — local and national — make the same sort of decisions, at some point.

It’s about time British governments, of whatever stripe, promoted British technology makers!

~≈💾≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th June 2025

18th June, 2025.

Right … Wednesday … 

To be frank, I was expecting to be up, early: I’ve a hygienist’s appointment, after all.

And?

And … ?

I’ve got that bloody song banging through my head, again!

Frankly?

I’m blaming Bill Gates … !

~≈💃🏽≈~

The world could be getting worse … 

Right now?

Israel is bombing Iran: to try and disable Iran’s nuclear weapons capabilities.

The US president?   Is, apparently, considering helping out: by proving US bombs, and bombers, to reach the underground facilities where Iran is keeping them.

I’m reminded of the phrase ‘WMD’, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and of the Iraq War.

Iraq, apparently, has weapons capable of reaching both British and American territory.

Claims that, as it turned out, were — what’s the phrase? oh, yes — false.

Lies.

Twaddle.

Bollocks.

Hogwash.

Falsehoods.

Untruths.

Just plain trumped-up.

Frankly?

No country is innocent of being armed.

But?

Israel looks guilty of unwarranted attacks.

And the man in the White House, looks guilty of encouraging them.

~≈💣≈~

Talking of the President?

He’s been on social media, overnight: to threaten Iran’s Supreme leader.

And wrote this on Truth Social:

“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding.   He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.”

It’s the sort of empty threat made by wannabe gangsters, plastic gangsters, trying to look hard.

I can only hope the President’s just as plastic.

~≈🫆≈~

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

17th June, 2025.

Right … 

Going by yesterday’s weight management meeting?

I’ve put on another 300 grams!

That was unexpected: I was hoping to have maintained my weight, if not lost.

I have a nasty feeling I’m going to have to do more exercise.

Not something I’m looking forward to: not going up the hills around here.

~≈🧗≈~

Especially as I had plenty of exercise, yesterday: walking to hospital to do another set of diabetic blood tests.

Thankfully?

I remembered to not leave my spectacles, there, this time.

Hopefully?

That’s a good sign: one that hopefully means the results will reach the surgery, this time!

~≈🩸≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th June 2025

16th June, 2025.

I’m up early, again!

Yay!

As ever, I’m off to my weight management group.

And, after the weight going up, last week … ?

I’m hoping it’s down, this week!

Ho … … … Hum … !

~≈Ω≈~

That said … ?

I’m going to be getting some exercise, today.

Because … ?

I’ve got diabetic blood test … again.

Hopefully?

They won’t get lost in the system: and I’ll remember to not leave my spectacles there … !

~≈α≈~