Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd September 2025.

22nd September, 2025.

It’s officially official: I feel like I’ve been turn out into a dog bowl.

Yes: I couldn’t get a wink of sleep, last night.

Because … ?

Of the Rampaging Trots!

Caused — as far as I can tell — by the fact I didn’t cook yesterday’s lunch, properly.

Can you remind me to cook chicken in the oven, rather than the air fryer?

That way, I know it’s cooked through!

~≈🍗≈~

From what we’re told … ?

The US president has been to Charlie’s Kirk’s memorial.

And hailed him as both an ‘American Hero’, and as a ‘martyr’.

The president’s described Kirk’s death as “an attack on America”.

Can I make a confession … ?

I really don’t like the word, ‘martyr’: the only time I’ve seen it frequently used, is when religious extremists are describing ‘heroes’ who’ve died in the cause, and whose death is seen as free advertising.

“These people are willing to die heroic deaths”, they would say, “and encourage us to fight evil enemies.”

The likes of Al-Qaeda used it of the 9/11 hijackers.

And the Iranian regime used it of suicide bombers in their war against Saddam Hussain’s Iraqi regime.

Frankly?

The US President — a man who should know better — is the last person who should be using the word.

He, as a New Yorker, should know how much damage a martyr can do.

And know what an attack on the US looks like … 

~≈💣≈~

Oh … just as a minor thought … ?

I’ll confess to something else: I’m not the fastest horse in the cleaning stakes.

My mother’s commented about it!

So … ?

It’s only when a friend mentioned she’s visited someone, and noticed the drain flies in their flat, I got motivated.

As I’ve had a similar issue with persistant drain flies around the place.

I’d been trying everything I could think of, to try and get rid of the things.

It’s only when the friend complained of the flat full of the things I remembered what I’d read online.

That the drains flies could be killed by using heavy drain cleaning substance … and that I had some caustic soda sitting around that could do exactly that: seriously clean drains.

That seems to have solved the fly problem for now.

I’m going to get some more soda: and invest in a few toilet blocks.

That could be sensible … 

~≈🪰≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-9-2025 — The International Day of Peace (Ten questions)

21st September, 2025: the International Day of Peace.

Right, then … 

Radio 4’s new bulletin is playing in the background.

And … ?

It’s told us of a cyber-attack on the check-in systems of various international airports.

Apparently, the company responsible for the software that’s being attacked, has described it as a “cyber-related disruption.”

Without being too clear about what sort of disruption they’re mean.

Quite what’s going on there, who is to blame, and how long the disruption will last?

Is beyond me … 

~≈💻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-9-2025 — Man Versus Woman.

20th September, 2025: Man Versus Woman.

I think I’m mildly worried … 

Yesterday?

Russian planes flew through Estonian airspace.

As a result?

The Estonian government has invoked Article Four of the North Atlantic Treaty.

The one that calls a NATO council meeting: to trigger Article Five of the Treaty.

The article that says — if I’ve understood it correctly — an attack on one NATO member is an attack on all members, and sees us declaring war on the invading country.

I’ve lived my live in a country that’s not been involved in major military action since the Gulf War.

I’d hate to see Britain — or our NATO allies — involved in one now.

I’d hate to see a world war, come to think of it.

They’re not exactly pleasant …

~≈💣≈~

You’re possibly aware that cyber attacks happen.

And that, recently, UK attacks have happened to Harrods, Marks and Spencers, Tescos and Transport for London.

Well … if nothing else, the teenagers who carried out the TfL attack have been arrested.

Teens who — going by the description given of their appearance in court — were desperately trying to look cool in court.

Hopefully?

The courts won’t go too heavily on them.

It’s almost a cliche, one that’s been around since WarGames, that says that teenage hackers get hired by impressed tech firms.

So turning their lives around should be encouraged: even given the damage they’ve done.

They are, for the most part, trying to impress girls: rather than be actively malicious.

~≈👨🏻‍💻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-9-2025 — Saint Kitts and Nevis.

12th September, 2025: Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Right … it’s now officially Friday … and?

I’ve been toying with Image Playground, as it’s been tweaked*.

Feeding in photos of myself, and of Bobby the Cat, and appropriately silly prompts … ?

Gets these … 

That second one looks nothing like me … but at leasts the potato looks like a potato, and Bobby looks like Bobby … 

~≈🌅≈~

I’ve got the Today Programme on, again: and keep thinking it would make a good subject for a question set.

Possibly at another time, though!

However?

They’ve floated a news piece that caught my eyes: and probably grabbed the attention of spy-fiction fans across the planet.

Apparently?

MI6, Britain’s intelligence agency, is to launch a recruitment website called ‘Silent Courier’: on the dark web, the section of the World Wide Web hidden from regular browsers.

I really don’t want to be a spy: I doubt I’d be good at it.

But … ?   That wouldn’t stop me trying to find that site, given the chance … !

~≈🕵🏻‍♂️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th September 2025.

18th September, 2025.

Right, then: it’s officially Thursday.

And … ?

I’ve worked out a minor thing about macOS Tahoe, the new operating system I’ve got.

I mentioned, yesterday, that screen shots were now saved in the HEIC format.

After a little experimenting?

It seems it does that if I use one specific keyboard shortcut — ⌘, ⇧ and 5, CMD, Shift and 5 — rather than another: ⌘, ⇧ and 4.

Quite why it does that?

I don’t know.

~≈📷≈~

Oh … I’ve had the Today programme on, again.

You’d possibly guessed.

And … ?

They’ve had former Deputy Prime Minister, Sir Nick Clegg, on, to talk about technology.

Who made the very good point that, for all US tech firms announcing investment in this country, yesterday, the people of the UK still most use US software on US designed hardware.

Apple’s iOS and Macs, Microsoft’s Windows based PCs, most Android phones, usually feature US designed components: whether hardware or software.

And, whilst the the software that underlies both the ’Web and the ’Net, itself, had some elements designed by British engineers?

It’s mostly American.

I’m happily using a Mac: long accused of being a closed ecosystem.

But … ?

Would love to see a British-made operating system — Ubuntu, for example — do well.

But, whilst I’m aware a lot of software services — Microsoft Office, or Spotify — are available, online, to a lot of devices … 

I’m also aware that something like Ubuntu has no killer apps: no apps, specifically designed for it, that would boost sales.

All of those?

Seem to be on other devices … 

~≈👨🏻‍💻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th September 2025 (Six Questions)

17th September, 2025: Six Questions.

OK, OK … !

I made a mistake!

And I’m suitably embarrassed!

I also owe Scott Jenkins, over on Bluesky, a vote of thanks.

For pointing out Elvis Presley died on 16th August, and not 16th September!

Thank you, Scott!

What? He died AUGUST 16, not September. 🙄

— Scott Jenkins (@scottjenkins67.bsky.social) 16 September 2025 at 10:34

~≈🎤≈~

You’re possibly aware that the US president is on a state visit to the UK: accompanied by various hangers-on.

Hangers-on that include Satya Nadella, the Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft: who’s announced that Microsoft is to invest substantial amounts of money in the UK’s AI industry.

He’s said as much in an interview on the Today programme, only a few minutes ago.

The interview also saw him use words to the effect that “people can trust US tech companies”.

Given the bad press I’ve seen around the amount of advertising included with Windows 11?

I laughed.

~≈🪟≈~

Oh … 

I’ve upgraded my computer.

Or, at least, I’ve upgraded my Mac mini from macOS Sequoia (macOS 15.6.1) to macOS Tahoe (macOS 26.0).

There’s a lot of nice cosmetic changes.

Although Apple seems to have changed folder icon colours: so they match the default text highlight colour.

Which I’ve worked out you can change by tinkering around in the Appearance settings.

Screenshots now seem to be saved in the HEIC format: rather than the usual .png format.

Changing screen savers involves an extra step.

Oh, and the Launchpad application launcher has been replaced by an Apps app.

Which is differently organised: and one I’m not sure I like.

This may be unfamiliarity talking: but the Launchpad overlay seemed easier to use and organise: as opposed to Apps, which seems fiddly by comparison.

From the little feedback I’ve had on Mastodon?

It’s getting comments … 

Post by @Cuddy2977@mastodon.world

View on Mastodon

~≈🐘≈~

Oh, I do know Image Playground’s now had a few tweaks: including being connected to ChatGPT.

Which could led to privacy concerns, even whilst it’s making fun images.

You see what I mean: about laughing when Satya Nadella said we can trust US companies?

~≈📷≈~

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*!

~≈💡≈~