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≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-6-2025 — Internet Explorer

15th July, 2025: Internet Explorer.

It’s Sunday … 

And … ?

Lyse Doucet has just bee commenting on the conflict between Iran and Israel.

It’s says something, doesn’t it?

That the BBC’s international correspondent is commenting on a conflict … on a Sunday morning religious programme … 

~≈😐≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s Sunday … and I’m planning on going beck to bed.

Why … ?

I’ve managed to finish a review, late.

I just hope the review makes sense!

~≈🎦≈~

There’s a certain amount of irony doing the rounds.

There’s opposition to the current US president: leading to the No Kings protests.

There were a lot, yesterday: including one encountered by Old Peculiar regular, Debbi Mack.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Debbi Mack (@debbimacktoo)

Seeing the phrase ‘No Kings’?

Always gets me thinking of a line from some of Sir Terry Pratchett’s odder characters.

“Nae king! Nae quin! Nae laird! Nae master! We willna’ be fooled again!”

The Wee Free Men, Terry Pratchett.

Which potentially means protestors are supposed to paint themselves blue, and steal cows.

Go look up the Feegles, if you get the chance.

At any rate, the irony I mentioned?

Is simply this.

Many in the US were holding ‘No Kings’ protests … 

When the Charles 3rd, King of the UK … was attending the Trooping the Colour ceremony, to mark his birthday.

Heigh … ho … !

~≈👑≈~

Sinners — A Review.

13th June, 2025: Sinners.

The Introduction.

What with one thing and another … ?

There’s things I’ve not done for some time.

Made mad passionate love, for example.

Climbed a mountainous hill in search of washing powder, as another.

Or even … had a shower.

No, I tell a lie: I had one of those, this morning!

But I’m burbling, aren’t I … ?

There’s a few things I haven’t done.

One of those?

Is watch a movie.

The last one I saw was Snow White.

So, having a little time on my hands?

I felt something different could be good.

The trailer that caught my eye?

Was for a film called Sinners.

I’m hoping two things, right now.

One?

That Sinners will hold my attention.

And two?

If it does, I’ll have this review finished by tomorrow night … 

~≈🧛🏻‍♂️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th June, 2025

14th June, 2025.

It’s got to be said: I’ve had a late — ish — start!

For various reasons!

So if this post goes up late?

I have an excuse.

Just not one I’m going to admit to … !

~≈🕙≈~

Oh, one thing I DO know … ?

Is that I caught a movie called Sinners, last night.

I’ll have my review up, later.

But, just in case you’re interested?

Here’s the trailer: 

~≈🧛≈~

Ukraine … ?

Is a mess: there’s still a war on, and Russian troops on the ground.

But … ?

Israel and Iran are throwing missiles at each other.

I’m hoping they’ll have enough sense to negotiate some sort of deal.

My personal worry?

Is that they will escalate things.

Israel has nuclear weapons … and Iran is accused of having them.

Frankly?

I’d hate to see those used.

We know what can happen when they are … 

~≈🤯≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-6-2025 — Friday the 13th.

13th June, 2025: Friday the 13th.

Hmmm … 

It’s not often I wake up on a Friday, and find out there’s bombs dropping.

Thankfully!

Except, this morning … ?

I’ve woken up to find Israel is bombing Iran.

In order, the Israelis have said, to prevent Iran building a nuclear bomb.

I’m … 

I’m very aware that the US has pulled staff out of Iran, and wonder this:

• How much did the US president know in advance about this?
• Has he given his endorsement to Israel’s actions?
• How is Iran going to respond?

And, as I write?

Drones are going off in Jordan: on the borders of Iran, from what I’ve understood.

Things look hairy, right now.

~≈🤯≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-6-2025 — The Philippines

12th June, 2025: The Philippines.

It’s official: it’s Thursday … 

And, on a personal level … ?

I’m expecting piece, quiet, solitude … 

And a certain amount of boredom!

I might just have to do something about that.

I’ve got movies in, and TV shows.

But might just end up thumb twiddling … 

~≈🤔≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-6-2025: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (Ten questions.)

11th June, 2025: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

Right … it’s now Wednesday!

And the fact Wednesdays used to be called Hump Day on Twitter?

Is possibly irrelevant … !

The fact today’s themed question set is about the film, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, probably is.

I can still remember seeing for the first time: on an extremely dodgy VHS that fell off the back of a van.

I may just have to rewatch it, at some point.

The quality of that copy definitely left me wondering what all the fuss was about … 

~≈👽≈~

The US president’s actions in sending in the Marines to LA, and authorising the use of rubber bullets leaving me with an earworm … I’m also aware there’s trouble at the proverbial mill.

Or, at least, trouble in Northern Ireland.

There’s riots happening in Ballymena: baton rounds are being fired at rioters using fireworks, cobbles and petrol bombs*.

After what we’re told is an alleged sexual assault.

Growing up in the 1970s and ’80s?

This sort of thing always reminds me of the Troubles.

~≈💣≈~

Did you ever see a show called The Prisoner: an 1960s series about a spy who resigns his high security job, only to find himself trapped in a mysterious village from which there’s no escape … ?

To this day, it’s still worth watching, I think.

It turns out Inverlair Lodge, one of the places that inspired the series, is now up for sale.

Has anyone got £1, 300, 000 … ?

~≈6️⃣≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10-6-2025 — Frances Ethel Gumm

10th June, 2025: Frances Ethel Gumm.

Death … comes to us all … 

There’s possibly a lot of directions I could go with that statement.

But I’ll go with the sad route.

Yesterday?

Saw the death of writer, Frederick Forsyth.

I was never a fan of his politics: he was a little too high Tory for my tastes.

But the few books of his I read?

Were well constructed: The Fourth Protocol has been on my bookshelves for many years.

~≈📖≈~

The other death … ?

Was that of influential musician, Sly Stone.

Again, I was never a huge fan.

But?

I suspect the was a Family Stone tune for everyone: something he would’ve written.

The man will be missed.

~≈🎹≈~

The fact, in all this, that the US President has sent the Marines into Los Angeles?

Is less relevant: although it reinforces my personal belief that the current US president is a twerp.

It’s less relevant to my day than the fact I’m expecting a phone, early: a call from a lung-checking NHS service.

Hopefully?

I won’t need a hospital appointment, as a result.

~≈🫁≈~

As a last point?

It’s the time of year when Apple holds its World Wide Developers Conference: and makes a slew of announcements.

This year?

They’ve made several announcements, already.

Including an announcement that the next versions of their main operating systems will be macOS/iOS/iPhoneOS/tvOS/watchOS 26: a unified numbering system, in other words.

These will feature a new interface design language.

With lots of glass-like, transparent, elements.

That … ?

Will feature in the upcoming version on macOS — macOS 26 Tahoe — when it’s released later this year.

That version … ?

As well as the new interface, Tahoe will be the last to support Intel Macs.

I can only hope two things.

One?

That Tahoe’s replacement, a replacement that will only support Apple Silicon and presumably remove a lot of Intel code, will use less hard drive space as a result.

Two?

That the whizzy new interface design is readable.

Or, at least, can be turned off in Settings!

~≈🍎≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-6-2025 — The Wise Little Hen

9th June, 2025: The Wise Little Hen.

Right: I’m now awake … !

Early, as always.

It’s Monday: so I’m off to my regular weight management group.

Hopefully?

I’ll’ve lost some weight.

I’ve been plateauing on the same weight for the past three weeks, so I’d like to have lost some!

~≈⚖️≈~

I think Jude — my nephew — has a hidden talent or two.

We had the inevitable family dinner, last night.

So, Jude being Jude, he brought his laptop: to give himself something to do.

It seems he’s got a musical bent: as he was experimented with a music creation site — it’s called BeepBox — while he was there.

And?

And … ?

He managed to come up with this lot.

I’m mildly impressed … !

~≈🎵≈~

Just as a last thoughts … ?

I had a word, last night: from Gill, the sister of long time reader, Trevor.

He’s currently in hospital at the moment: with a Serious urinary tract infection.

Here’s hoping that can be treated, quickly!

~≈🏥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8th June, 2025.

8th June, 2025.

I think … I’ve had an evening.

Ot night, at any rate.

Quite why, I don’t know: but I had a mild case of the trots.

I think avoiding that brand of chicken Kyiv could an idea … !

~≈💩≈~

Hopefully that will clear up.

But there’s a weird co-incidence,

I heard a piece of news on BBC Radio 4’s news bulletin, this morning.

Apparently, scientists have developed a new method of improving gut health.

By feeding people pills made from human faeces.

Human poo, in other words.

I’m tempted to say they’re welcome to mine.

But that would be bad taste.

Instead … ?

I’ll wonder how popular that move’s going to be … ?

~≈💩≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7-6-2025 — Midway.

7th June, 2025: Midway.

It’s officially official!

My nephew, Jude, was over last night: and made a video.

Feel free to hit the ‘Like’ Button, folks: he’d appreciate it.

~≈🧒🏼≈~

Finally … I managed to see my sister’s laptop!

Unfortunately … ?

To a local tech re-seller: rather than to an individual.

It means less money: but at least the job’s done.

Now all I have to do … is take down the adverts … 

~≈💻≈~

A few weeks ago, the US deported a chap called Kilmar Ábrego García to El Salvador.

Mistakenly claiming he was in the country, illegally.

Today … ?

The US government’s decided to bring him back to the US … as they’ve accused him of people trafficking.

Could you make up?

You could.

Really, you could.

But … ?

People would accuse you of being unrealistic …

~≈🦅≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6-6-2025 — UN Russian Language Day

6th June, 2025: UN Russian Language Day.

Isn’t always the thing … ?

You take a medication — Mounjaro, in my case — once a week.

And almost forget to take it … until you make a video intro for a blog post, that reminds you to take it.

Heigh-ho!

~≈💉≈~

Which reminds me … the BBC had a news piece, yesterday.

Apparently?

We’re advised — if we’re female and either pregnant or trying for a baby — to stop using weight loss jabs, like Mounjaro,

I’m not going to worry for myself.

I’m male, for a start!

But … ?

It’s an interesting piece to see.

~≈👶🏻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-6-2025 — Denmark

5th June, 2025: Denmark.

Right … 

It’s Thursday.

And … ?

Waking up with an earworm is not something I was planning!

Especially not that earworm: it’s horrible, isn’t it?

~≈🐛≈~

I think I might need a new phone: possibly.

I was switched over to the new Digital voice thing run by my Internet Service Provider.

It means my landline phone is plugged into my new router, rather than the junction box in the wall.

However?

It seems some of the phone’s features — call blocking, number tracking, what have you — don’t work with the router.

Which is a shame.

I got a call from a Technical Department scammer*, yesterday: one of the usual “Hello, we’re from Microsoft: your PC is causing problems!!!!!!!!”

It would’ve been nice to be able to block that … !

~≈📞≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4-6-2025 — Bradley Walsh

4th June, 2025: Bradley ‘You’re just making sounds now!’ Walsh.

Right … 

I’m using a Mac mini, using macOS Sequoia and Safari 18.5 to write this.

Which you’d possibly guessed.

What you might not have realised is that I had an Openreach engineer ’round yesterday: to upgrade my router.

The earlier version had to be replaced: as BT, my internet provider, has been rolling out a ‘Digital Voice’ upgrade.

Basically?   The upgrade means my phone line now goes through the new router, rather than the box on the wall.

It seems to be working well enough: thus far.

I’m just hoping the costs doesn’t go up, much.

BT did try and introduce an International/Premium Rate blocking service to my revised contract, one that would’ve raised the prices by a few pounds.

Money I’d rather not pay.

Hopefully, that’s gone through.

~≈🪙≈~

Just as a last word … ?

I’m up early.

Again!

But this time … ?

To take part in a (video) meeting, on time, with my job centre case worker.

Here’s hoping the new kit works

~≈📋≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3rd June 2025. (Six questions.)

3rd June, 2025: six questions!

Right … I’ve finally caught up with my sleep!   Which is nice.

And … ?   Going by the results of my weight management group, yesterday?

I’ve still not lost any: but also not gained any.

I’m plateauing, in other words.

That’s not bad: but it would’ve been nice if I’d lost a few grams!

~≈⚖️≈~

I have to admit, I actually got to the meeting, late.

Almost … !

As my TV lost its signal.

Turns out to have been an issue with the communal aerial: as others in the building lost their signals.

The repair man’s due between 12:00 and 17:00.

Which will be fun.

As I’ve also got an engineer due between 13:00 and 18:00: to upgrade my phone line and router.

I think I might need to hoover … 

~≈🧹≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2nd June, 2025.

2nd June, 2025.

I am officially knackered!

Yes: it’s Monday.

And, as ever, I’m up early: so I can head for my weight management group.

Hopefully, I’ll’ve lost a few ounces.

But … ?

I’m feeling slightly more tired than usual … as I’ve finished my written review of “The Reality War”: and the accompanying video … 

Feel free to hit the ‘Like’ button.

I can head back to bed, once that’s done!

~≈😴≈~

Doctor Who — Series 15/Season 2 - Episode 8 — “The Reality War” — A Review

30th May, 2025: “The Reality War”.

I have to confess, it’s Friday.

And … ?

I’m doing what I usually do.

Starting my review of an episode of Dr Who, early.

I am very much aware that — unlike earlier episodes — “The Reality War” is not going to released at 8am on the day of release.

No: it’s going to be released simultaneously with the 18:50 broadcast on BBC1.

So … ?

I’m going to be having dinner, early, tomorrow!

As an extra thought … ?

As I write this, we still don’t know if Disney will be continuing its involvement with the show.

They’ll still airing The War Between the Land and the Sea: but beyond that?

I don’t know.

We’ll have to see what happens!

~≈💊≈~

On a personal level?

I caught The Rubber-keyed Wonder, a documentary about the ZX Spectrum, a couple of weeks ago.

And, as a result?

Had some Atic Atac themed t-shirts printed.

And got hold of Switched-on Bach, the first Wendy Carlos LP.

That’s a fascinating LP to listen to: as it was one of the first albums using a synthesiser.

And it’s something I’ll have on, finishing this post.

~≈💊≈~

At any rate … ?

I’ll be watching “The Reality War”, tomorrow night.

And have this review finished on Monday, 2nd June.

I’ll see you then.

~≈💊≈~