Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-9-2025 — Death of a King

7:00

16th September, 2025: Death of a King.

Oh, good grief … 

The UK is to have a State Visit: from the current US president.

I’m not exactly enamoured of the man: so I’m hoping that the spirit of the late Janey Godley will move protestors to be really snotty.

I’d not encourage shooting the man: that would turn him into a martyr.

But I would certainly encourage as many snotty protestors as possible.

Here’s hoping.

~≈🪧≈~

On that front … ?

The Today programme has been telling us that — in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death — the US Vice-President has appeared on the dead man’s podcast: to lionise a fallen colleague.

But also, Today tells us, to blame various left wing elements in the US: including what the Vice President calls ‘left wing domestic terrorists’.

I’m reminded of the Reichstag Fire, back in the 1930s.

If you didn’t know, that was an arson attack on the German Parliament building: an attack that Germany’s then Nazi regime used as an excuse to gain further power, and crack down on opponents.

I can’t help but wonder … is the Vice President’s appearance on the podcast an attempt at the same thing?

Is it an attempt for he, and the president, to seize control of the US, and turn it into Nazi America?

~≈🦹‍♂️≈~

Just as a last thought … ?

I’ve JUST had a phone call from 07981 666 460: one that claimed to be from BT, my internet service provider, that claimed my router was faulty, and slower than it should be.

The caller put the phone down, when I told them an inflated speed figure.

As far as I can tell?

They were scammers.

So I’m thankful they hung up the phone.

About the only thing I’m disappointed about?

Was not stringing them on for longer.

I’d love to have heard their reactions when I asked them where the start button is … on a Mac … 

~≈❖≈~

11:52, 16th September, 2025.

As a definite last thought?

I am eternally grateful for social media: and to Scott Jenkins, over on Bluesky.

For pointing out that Elvis died on the 16th August, rather than the 16th September!

Thanking you, Scott!

~≈🙏≈~

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

15th September, 2025.

It’s Monday morning: and … ?

The news is burbling in the background.

Politics in the UK is … messy: as anyone following the career of Peter Mandelson will know.

It turns out the former UK Ambassador to the USA was involved with sex trafficker, Jeffrey Epstein.

Although, to be fair to Mandelson?

I don’t think Mandelson was buying what Epstein was selling.

 Epstein — from the little I know — was trafficking girls and women: Madelson is gay.

But … ?

Well … 

It’s messy for Mandelson.

It’s very messy for Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister.

There’s questions over how much the PM know, before he sacked Mandelson.

Messy … and possibly nasty … 

~≈🫆≈~

At any rate, that’s possibly beside the point.

It’s still Monday, and I’m up early.

And off to town for my weight management group.

I’m hoping two things.

One?

I don’t get wet: the weathr looks like rain’s on the way.

Two … ?

I’ve lost weight … 

~≈⚖️≈~

As a final though … ?

I’ve finally posted my video, and written, reviews of “New Life and New Civilizations”.

Feel free to hit the Like buttons.   Oh, and the Share buttons, as well … !

~≈↗️≈~

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Series 3 Episode 10 — “New Life and New Civilizations” — A Review

11th September, 2025: “New Life and New Civilizations”.

The Introduction.

Right now, I’m not like George Orwell.

Right now, highly civilized human beings aren’t flying overhead: nor are they trying to kill me.

Instead of the Luftwaffe flying over my flat, I have alternating patches of cloud, and clear sky.

Clouds that darkened the sky, leaving the air drenched in torrential rain … 

Then, mere minutes later?

Clouds that have moved: chased east by pleasant sunshine, and bringing the smell of wet concrete.

That’s an attractive smell, I think: and one I can put up with, now the rain has stopped, however temporarily.

~≈🖖≈~

The weather is possibly not why you’re reading this: is it?

No.

You’ve — hopefully! — become so entranced by quizzes and written reviews, that you’ve bookmarked my blog: in an effort to keep up with what I’m doing.

So, I can tell you this.

• I’ve started cooking dinner.
• I’m wondering what the result of my next blood sugar test will be.
• I’m going to watch the last episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Yes: I’m going to be sitting down with “New Life and New Civilizations”: then letting you know what I thought by Sunday, 14th September.

Hopefully?

We’ll have have a big finale … !

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-9-2025 — Sam Neill (Ten Questions.)

14th September, 2025: Sam Neill.

Right … 

It’s Sunday.

And … ?

I’m going to be working on a video, today!

Yep: my last review of a Star Trek: Star New Worlds episode — or, at least, of a third season episode — will be being worked on, today.

It has to be said, Anson Mount put in one hell of a performance … !

~≈👨‍✈️≈~

There’s a teacher in Southend called Jude Nzemeke: who teaches computer science to primary school children.

In a recent BBC News article, Mr Nzemeke has gone on the record to say he feels teaching computer games — or, at least, how to play computer games — would be a good way of interesting children in computer science.

Is he right … ?

I don’t know.

But playing a lot of Tetris could have made lessons fun … !

~≈👨‍✈️≈~

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

13th September, 2025.

It’s officially official: fish, chips, chicken nuggets and onion rings were had, last night.

Yep: my nephew was over.

And managed to make a video!

If you know anyone who likes Rocket League, feel free to ask them to subscribe.

Jude’s got three-hundred and eight subscribers: and wouldn’t mind getting to three-hundred and ten!

~≈🔟≈~

Just in case you’ve followed Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar for a while … ?

You’ll possibly realise that long time regular, Trevor, hasn’t been stunningly well.

And is now back in hospital.

Apparently, he’s gone down with another infection!

Here’s hoping he recovers, soon.

~≈🦠≈~

Just as a final thought … ?

There’s going to be a performance of Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” at the Proms, tonight*.

So, of course, the damn thing’s been earworming its way through my head, all morning.

Or, at least, the “Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango?” line has.

I don’t mind: not as such.

But … ?

I’m blowed if I know how to fandango … !

~≈💃🏽≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th September 2025.

12th September, 2025.

Right, then: it’s officially official!

It’d Friday: and I’m working on a review.

Of the last episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, so you know.

That should go live by Sunday!

~≈🖖≈~

Oh, I’ve just noticed this piece on the BBC’s news site.

Apparently, more and more school children are hacking into school IT systems: and causing mischief.

Including one incident involving a seven-year-old.

I have just one question.

Why on Earth am I not surprised!

~≈🚌≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11th September 2025.

11th September, 2025.

Yay!

It’s Thursday!

Which means I’m going to be watching TV, tonight.

I’ll be watching “New Life and New Civilizations”, the last episode of this series of Star Trek: Strange New World.

Some of the clips look interesting … 

~≈🕰️≈~

There’s a conservative activist in the United States: called Charlie Kirk.

Or, at least, there was.

He was shot, yesterday.

My condolences go to his family.

But … ?

From the little I know, he’d been a very Conservative Christian, and a vocal supporter of gun ownership rights.

So, to me?

It seems ironic that he’s been shot.

And a very good example of Matthew 26:52;

“Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”

~≈🗡️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th September, 2025.

10th September, 2025.

It’s got to be said: I’ve got the Today programme on, in the background.

And?

They’ve had an especially snotty interview with a police representative.

Lot’s of cross-purpose talking, denials, accusations.

What have you.

I keep hoping the interviewee is going to get especially snotty at the interviewer.

In those circumstances?   I always think of this scene from Good Omens: where a spokesperson for a nuclear power plant gets seriously snotty with a BBC journalist.

And?

I think Sir Terry outlined that scene … after encountering a really aggressive BBC journalist, when he was the press spokesmen for the Central Electricity Generating Board, a spokesman for at least three nuclear power plants.

He was on record as saying he’d like to write about his time working for them … if he thought anyone would believe it … 

I suspect he was sorely tempted, sometimes: or, at least, tempted enough to write that one passage … 

~≈☢️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th September, 2025.

9th September, 2025.

Yay!

He says!

I was at my weight management meeting, yesterday: and I’ve officially lost weight.

Two hundred gram, roughly half a pound.

So, at yesterday’s meeting, I was down to one hundred kilos, roughly fifteen — 15.75 — stone.

Which is an alarming number, when. you see it in imperial measures and remember what I weighed in my late twenties.

But it’s a lot better than it was, only four years ago.

So that’s something.

~≈🥌≈~

Oh, did I mention I’ve been sneakily watching season two of Wednesday?

I’ve been sneakily watching season two of Wednesday!

Billie Piper’s in it, in case you were wondering: playing a recovering pop star who’s now a music teacher.

Which is why I mention it.

It turns out Piper’s not the only singer-turned-actress to turn up in the show.

Nope: last night’s episode saw Lady Gaga turning up as a ghost!

She gets everywhere!

~≈👻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8th September 2025

8th September 2025.

Right, then: it’s officially Monday morning.

But you know that!

You’re also very aware that I’m off to my weight management meeting.

And desperately hoping I’ve lost some.

Weight, that is!

Either way?

I’ll know, later.

~≈⚖️≈~

As an extra thought … ?

I’ve got the Today programme on: who’ve reported that Eli Lilly — the makers of the injectable weight loss drug, Mounjaro — has designed a weight loss pill.

And hoping it will be introduced into the UK, in 2026.

Whether it’s going to be helpful to someone like me — I’ve been using Mounjaro for some time — is a whole other matter.

But … ?

I get the impression from the Today programme that this pill would be aimed at those of us looking to lose weight, looking to supplement lifestyle changes.

Those of us who want to lose weight: not just those of us who need to lose weight.

We’ll have to see, won’t we?

~≈⚖️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7th September 2025.

7th September, 2025.

Right … it’s official: I’ve got my written and video reviews of “Terrarium”, the recent episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, up.

I can only hope the review does as well as Melissa Navia did in the episode!

~≈🖖≈~

I mentioned I was expecting a delivery, yesterday: of some blu-rays, along side a couple of other bits.

The blu-rays?

Included an updated version of The Young Ones: quietly re-coding as we speak.

And included season two of Dr Who: Ncuti Gatwa’a last in the role.

There is still no news about a third season: Disney-sponsored or otherwise.

There’s only talk — and assumptions — that The War Between Land and Sea, the UNIT themed spin-off, will air at some point in 2026.

I’m looking forward to that.

But … ?

I would rather have had a third, Ncuti Gatwa-led, season, rather than the spin-off: that way, the ‘real’ story, the one we didn’t get, couldn’t’ve been finished.

It’s disappointing, knowing we’ve missed something.

~≈👨🏿‍⚕️≈~

One last thing, about the delivery?

There were a couple of other bits, as well.

One thing?

A couple of teabag tongs: so I can squeeze out teabags, in the cup.

I’d like to avoid burnt fingers!

The other?

Was some test strips for my blood sugar monitor.

Yes: I can get them on prescription: and intend to put in another request, this week.

But the things come in pots of fifty, compared to the box of one hundred lancets: and go quickly!

~≈🖥️≈~

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds — Series 3 - Episode 9 — “Terrarium” — A Review

4th September, 2025: “Terrarium”.

The Introduction.

Right, then.

It’s just coming up for half past four in the afternoon: and it’s almost time to start dinner.

What I’ll have … ?

Is not something I’ve made my mind up about, as yet.

I’m not necessarily in the mood for red meat: but not necessarily in the mood for chicken.

Or anything with gravy.

Or … well … anything fried … !

I suspect I’ll make my mind up … when I eventually open the ’fridge and see what’s there.

It might just have to be sausages … again … !

~≈🍽️≈~

At any rate … ?

You’ve possibly noticed the date at the top of the post, haven’t you … ?

It’s the fourth of September, 2025: and a Thursday.

Which means I’ll be watching “Terrarium”, the next episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, tonight.

And … ?

I’ll have my written, and video, review of the thing up by Sunday, 7th September.

Hopefully?

You’ll be impressed enough to leave me a comment … 

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6-9-2025 — № 249

6th September, 2025.

Did I mention I have a blu-ray on order?

I’ve got a blu-ray on order: of the classic 1980s comedy, The Young Ones.

Why?

Especially given it’s on the BBC iPlayer?   And I bought a streamed version through Apple’s TV.app?

Well … 

One: the version on the iPlayer is edited to remove language now considered offensive.   The streamed version hasn’t.   I’m hoping the bluray version hasn’t, either.

Two?

The blu-ray version has extras both the TV.app and iPlayer version doesn’t.

Finally, three … ?

I’ve been watching the science-fiction/horror series, Alien: Earth, just recently.

The series features Adrian Edmondson — Vyvyan, from The Young Ones — as a corporate heavy.

I’ve had Vyvyan’s “I don’t want my forehead to rust” line banging through my head, since I started watching it!

Argh!

~≈🎭≈~

I have to admit, I can see why the … … 

Actually, no I can’t: I can’t see why the iPlayer version’s been cut.

Well … I know why: it’s some offensive language in the episode, “Flood”.

Which has always struck me as mildly hypocritical of the BBC.

Especially when the iPlater release of Porridge released on iPlayer at the same sort of time as The Young Ones, just had a content warning: rather than heavy handed editing!

Heigh-ho!

~≈🥣≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-9-2025 — On the Road.

5th September, 2025: On the Road.

Were you here, yesterday?

Then you’ll know two things.

I had my quarterly, HbA1c, test, yesterday.

And … ?

The bulb in the lamp sitting next to me failed.

I’m going to try and get replacement bulbs, today.

They’re needed, I think.

But … ?

And wouldn’t you know it … ?

The damn lamp switched on, this morning.

I think I’m getting a case of the hives … 

~≈🐝≈~

I also had blood tests, yesterday.

And … ?

The results should come in, in about a week or so.

I have a phone appointment on the 26th: which is where I find out the results.

This morning, though … ?

I’ve got the radio on, as always: and the BBC News, and the Today programme, has told me thousands of people will need re-testing for type two diabetes.

As some 55, 000 people have been misdiagnosed with the condition, as a result of wrongly-calibrated equipment.

I don’t think I’m affected: the results from the blood sugar monitor I have, tell me that.

Along side the lack of ill effects from the medications I’m on.

But?

I did have an oddly low reading from the quarterly tests, a few months back.

And have always wondered about that … 

~≈🐝≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4th September 2025

4th September, 2025.

Right.

It’s Thursday: and I’m skint.

Which is understandable: it’s the day before pay, after all.

But … ?

The bulb in my lamp, the screw-in bulb in my lamp with a screw-in bulb fitting, the screw-in bulb in my lamp with a screw-in bulb fitting that I don’t have a replacement for … 

Is dead!

Bereft of life, it rests in peace: if it hadn’t been screwed into the socket, it’d be pushing up the daisies!

It’s not pining, it’s passed on.

You know the drill, by now!

At any rate … it’s done this, today: on Thursday.

The day before pay day, and the day before I’ll have the cash to replace it.

On a day where I’m up early, to head to hospital for blood tests?

That’s wonderful timing*!

~≈💡≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3-9-2025 — Ebay

3rd September, 2025: Ebay.

Hmmm … 

I mentioned, yesterday, that I hate a meeting with my Job Centre case worker, today.

I wish I hadn’t … !

I managed to head to the relevant website, yesterday, utterly convinced the meeting was yesterday, and panicking, yesterday, because the site was telling me, yesterday, that I was too early or too late, for the meeting.

So I phoned the Job Centre to find out what happened.

They, very politely, told me I’d phoned a day early.

I’d kick myself.

Except I’d possibly miss … 

~≈🦵≈~

I’ve had the Today programme on.

And … ?

They’ve been reporting that — once again — the idea of a digital ID system is being discussed.

I still object.

If the ID in question is something like a bank-card sized card — something like a modern UK driving license — I have to ask who’s paying for that?

Anyone who wants a UK driving license has to pay for it, themselves.

Mine was paid for by the Job Centre: as I need it for ID at a couple of job interviews, but couldn’t afford it.

And not having one was seen as hampering any job interview.

Would I — in theory — have to pay for one myself?   And be able to claim for it through the Job Centre?

I doubt I could afford one, otherwise.

Would this ID card be a smart-phone app?

The same sort of problem applies: I could only afford a new smart-phone because I’m claiming Personal Independence Payments.

Those of us without a smart-phone, and without the means to pay for one, would also need financial help.

Who’s going to be providing the cash … ?

~≈🦵≈~

Graham Linehan is a comedy writer: as I recall, he’s the man responsible for The IT Crowd and Father Ted and has been arrested at Heathrow Airport.

Over some posts on what’s now called X.

Arrested by five officers: who the Today programme tells us were armed.

The number of officers seems excessive.

But, if they were armed, as well?

That’s just a little over the top … !

~≈👮🏼≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2-9-2025 — VJ Day

2nd September, 2025: VJ Day.

Right … it’s officially Tuesday.

And … ?

Frankly, I’m going to be having a quiet day.

After all, it’s not until tomorrow I have a meeting with my Job Centre case worker, and Thursday until I have my quarterly blood tests.

I think putting my feet up could be good.

~≈🦶≈~

As I write … ?

The radio is off.

Just so I’m not distracted.

At the time I did so, Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, was being interviewed on the Today programme: about the many immigrants trying to get to the UK, illegally, over the English Channel.

As I recall, in the last election, one member of Reform called for illegal migrants to be shot, when they landed.

Which, unfortunately, is an idea I find appealing: and may be a deterrent.

I find it appealing: as, I suspect, will many others.

However, I also think it’s an idea that’s very unethical.

I’m also reminded of a scene in a Dr Who story called Genesis of the Daleks.

One where the Doctor asks Davros, the creator of the Daleks, if he, Davors, could launch a plague and kill all life.

The key question I’ve always remembered from the scene?

But would you do it?

It’s one I feel applies to the “Shoot a Migrant” question.

Could you — or me, or them — put a bullet in a gun, point it at a migrant coming off a small boat, and pull the trigger?

Could you?

Cold-bloodedly?

I couldn’t.

But I suspect some could.

That’s not a reassuring idea … 

~≈🚄≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 1st September 2025.

1st September, 2025.

Right … it’s Monday morning.

And I’m officially up early.

My weight management meeting is today: and?

Hopefully, I’d’ve lost some weight.

~≈⚖️≈~

Did I mention I’ve been watching Alien: Earth?   But not planning to review it?

I’ve been watching Alien: Earth.

And not planning to review it.

It’s worth watching, I think.

But the eyeball monster is a little unnerving … !

Don’t watch that video if you’re not keen on gruesome … !

~≈👁️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-8-2025 — The Return of Caligula

31st August, 2025: Caligula.

Did I mention I went to Romford, yesterday?

Via Brentwood Station … ?

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

I was going to sell on a recently bought, 4k, import copy of V for Vendetta: having ripped it over the week.

But … ?

The Romford branch of CeX wouldn’t take it.

As it had no UK age classification on it!

I used to work at the Brentwood branch, who had a similar policy.

And … ?

I wish I’d remembered that, when I bought the thing.

It would’ve made the trip worth the time!

~≈📀≈~

Just as a related thought … ?

I use MakeMKV to copy discs, and Handbrake to recode those into something I can play on my Apple TV 4k.

One of these days, I’ll try and write about the process, I really will!

At any rate?

The two apps are available for macOS, Windows and GNU/Linux.

But not, going by the websites, for ChromeOS.

Something I was able to confirm with my ChromeBook owning nephew.

At least, Jude was able to tell me the two apps aren’t on the Chrome Web Store.

I believe they’re not available for various reasons: but suspect the developer terms for ChromeOS are partly responsible.

I believe Google wants to keep piracy to a minimum, so words its Terms and Conditions to prevent apps like these on its Store.

Personally … ?

I think that’s a shame.

Those of us who use these apps for legitimate purposes should have a choice of what platform to use.

~≈📀≈~

As a last thought … ?

My written and video reviews of “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans” are out: enjoy them, and the episode!

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds — Series 3 - Episode 8 — “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans” — A Review

28th August, 2025: “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans”.

The Introduction.

Right, then: it’s officially Thursday.

And … ?

I have a version of Strauss the Younger’s “The Blue Danube” playing in the background.

I’ve copied a 4k version of V for Vendetta: and I’m transcoding the copy with Handbrake, so I can stream it to my AppleTV, as and when.

One of these days, I’ll tell you how to do that.

I’m also struggling to make up my mind: about what to have for dinner.

It boils down to three things: sausages, burgers or chicken.

I think I’ll go for chicken: frankly, I’ve had sausages, and burgers, already!

This week, I should clarify!

“Gosh!” I hear you say, “that’s so exciting!”

It’s OK.

I’ll get to the interesting stuff, after dinner.

Yes, it’s that of week again.

Once I’ve had dinner, I’ll be watching “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans”: this week’s episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

It looks promising … 

~≈🖖≈~

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

30th August, 2025.

Right, then: it’s Saturday.

And … ?

For starters, I’ll have finished my Star Trek review, tonight: “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans” is very funny!

On top of that … ?

I’ve caught the most recent episode of Foundation: “Skin in the Game” has seen Lee Pace putting in one hell of a performance as Brother Day*.

What else … ?

Oh, yes: I’ve woken up with MrWeebl’s “Shrimp Glockenspiel” earworming its way through my head.

Why, I don’t know.

But the video has bongo-playing crabs, if that’s any help … ?

~≈🦀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th August 2025.

29th August, 2025.

It’s officially official: I’ve woken up!

And … ?

I’ve woken up with the word ‘Yockenthwaite’ floating around my head … 

I don’t know why: but do know it’s a village in Yorkshire and a character in Roger and the Rottentrolls.

I’ve also woken up with the theme to Josie and the Pussycats earworming its way through my head.

If I figure out why?

I’ll let you know!

~≈😸≈~