Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th April 2026. (Six Questions)

30th April, 2026.

OK … I’ve had a delivery … !

Did mention I had a copy of the Blackadder boxset on order?

Due — according to initial estimates — to turn up this Saturday, at the latest.

It actually arrived, yesterday: with Dave the Postman.*

Two days early.

I’m happy: I can get on with ripping the thing!

~≈📀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th April 2026.

29th April, 2026.

It’s officially a truth that’s universally acknowledged: a single man who lives on his own really could do with a functioning TV signal.

Yes: it’s official: the communal aerial’s been fixed.

Apparently?   And much as happened in February of this year?

The problem was caused by a loose cable.

Why the cable was loose?

What caused the loose cable?

Is a mystery.

But, given that’s the second time it’s happened, this year?

And has happened a few times, over the years … ?

I know this: it’s going to happen again … 

~≈📺≈~

Did I mention that my nephew, Jude, was here, yesterday?

My nephew, Jude, was here, yesterday.

It’s amazing what you can do with copy and paste, isn’t it?

I say that … because Jude’s very fond of a specific sound effect: and makes sure it crops up in everyone one of the videos he makes, here.

As he has in his latest.

If everybody could hit like, then look for the Fail sound to turn up, he’d be grateful … !

~≈🎥≈~

Just as a LAST thought … ?

Or possibly two?

Britain’s upcoming local elections are due next Thursday.

And … ?

I had a personal letter from Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform: urging me to vote for them.

My initial response?

He, and they, can bugger off for a start!

Which is when I ripped the thing up, and binned it!

I’m also very aware on the on-going problems the Prime Minister’s facing: over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Ambassador to the US.

Which has remembered my of a couple of likes from Sir Terry Pratchett’s The Last Continent.

The story follows the adventures of inept wizard, Rincewind, as he tries to get home from XXXX, the Discworld’s equivalent to Australia.

During his journey?

One of the continent’s inhabitants tells Rincewind that the country imprisons its politicians the minute they get elected.

And, when asked, happily tells Rincewind why.

“It saves time.”

Seems sensible to me … 

~≈🗳️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th April 2026 Teaser

28th April, 2026.

It’s officially the case: that there’s been a lot of too-ing and throwing.

Between me, and another neighbour, and Clarion, our landlords.

The communal aerial’s gone: for the second time this year.

And we’d initially been told that the repair could take until 29th May, this year, to be fixed.

After much towing, throwing, and video posting?

The repairmen are due here, today.

Hopefully, it’ll be a long time before we need them, again.

But, given the last time we needed this fix done?

Was only in February?

I’m wondering how long the fix will last … 

~≈📺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th April 2026.

27th April, 2026.

Right … it’s officially the case: that I’m off to my weight management meeting, this morning.

But … ?

I’ve woken up with the phrase, ‘knob celery’, floating around my head.

Why?

I don’t know.

But I’d love to know if there’s a word along the lines of ‘earworm’: that describes a phrase that’s stuck in your head, rather than a song.

Heigh … ho!

~≈🥔≈~

The King, along-side Queen Camilla, is to head for the US, today.

For the State Visit that’s been planned since before the shooting at the White House.

Personally?

I’d be comfier if it wasn’t happening.

The 47th President isn’t exactly tactful: and could easily open his gob and say something stupid.

But, beyond that?

I’m concerned that — despite White House reassurances — there’s a chance the King could get shot.

I’d rather he didn’t: practicalities* aside, the political implications would be huge.

~≈👑≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th April 2026.

26th April, 2026.

I think we can safely say I have plans.

via GIPHY

Although they’re not plans to take over the world.

I wouldn’t have the budget!

No: instead of taking over the world, I’m planning a piece on ripping — copying — Blu-ray discs, and circumventing the copy protection in the process.

I’ve done the script outline.

Now all I need to do is script the thing, record the video footage, edit the thing together, render, and upload the results to YouTube.

One day … ?

I shall get a life … 

~≈⏺️≈~

There’s been an incident at this year’s White House Correspondents Dinner.

Apparently?

A gunman attempted to break in and shoot some of America’s senior political figures: including the 47th President.

I’m … 

I’m glad the shooter’s been caught alive.

The authorities can ask him what his motives were.

There’s a but.

This is — what? — about the second or third time someone’s tried taking a potshot at the President.

I could ask what the President’s doing wrong.

I don’t know.

But?

The King’s upcoming visit to the US looks increasingly unwise: the President’s not safe to be around …

~≈🇺🇸≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th April 2026. (Six Questions)

25th April, 2026.

Right … The 47th President of the USA is a twit!

No, really!

It’s under his watch that a leaked email from the Pentagon has shown the US plans to ‘review its position’ regarding sovereignty of the islands.

A review that — at a guess — would ignore the fact the people of the Falklands voted to remain a British Overseas Territory.

I can only assume one thing.

That the US President is asleep on the job … 

~≈🇫🇰≈~

I’ve got a box set on order: from Amazon.

Or, at least, I have a blu-ray boxset on order: from a third party seller on Amazon.

It’s due to turn up at the start of May.

Here’s hoping it does.

With my building’s aerial still out of commission, I’d appreciate having something to watch!

~≈📺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th April 2026.

24th April, 2026.

Hmmm … 

There’s a newly introduced fund that’s supposed to help those of us on a low income: called the ‘Crisis and Resilience Fund’.

The arm of the fund aimed at Essex residents?

Is run by Southend Council.

I applied to it, a couple of weeks ago, if you recall: and was happy to wait.

I got the decision letter, a couple of days ago.

I’ve been refused help: as I’m ‘not in financial shock’ … !

My ‘Donate’ button’s in the sidebar … !

~≈£≈~

I’ve been following the progress of the Assisted Dying Bill through Parliament,

And, while I can’t see myself needing or wanting an assisted death?

Think it’s much like abortion: a thing that should be legally available.

Those of us who need it, should be able to get it: freely and legally.

Unfortunately?

The current bill is going through the House of Lords, and looks like it will run out of time.

I think that’s a great shame … 

~≈🏥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-4-2026 — Castile and León (Ten questions)

23rd April, 2026: Castile and León.

Right then … !

It’s payday!

Which means several things.

I’ve just spent ten minutes working out how much spending money I’ve got!

And swearing at the DWP: as the annual increase in Universal Credit doesn’t go very far.

I would say that pay raise is better than a poke in the eye with a blunt stick.

Ha!

Since when … ?

~≈£≈~

One good thing … ?

Is my shorts.

Short videos, I should add!

That’s certainly helped my subscriber numbers.

Thank you, if you’re one of them!

~≈📽️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd April 2026.

22nd April, 2026.

It’s officially official: I receive, tomorrow.

Instead of today!

I got my dates mixed up!

At any rate … ?

I’m looking forward to that.

I can do more shopping and bill paying.

~≈£≈~

I can also be quietly saddened.

I’d put in for help from the new crisis loan fund, a few weeks ago … and got the letter with the results, yesterday.

I’ve been refused: apparently, I’m “not in financial shock”.

I can … 

Well, I can do several things … 

But the only effective thing I can do is whinge!

~≈😒≈~

The only other time I do that … ?   Whinge, that is … ?

Is when my building’s communal aerial goes.

And, yes: it’s gone, again!

The last time this happened was in February: the fault got fixed inside of two days.

There’s vulnerable adults in the building, so Clarion, my landlord, prioritised the repair.

This time?   When I phoned in the repair, yesterday?

I was told it could take twenty-eight days.

Twenty-eight days.

You couldn’t make it up.

Without becoming deeply cynical … 

~≈🤨≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-4-2026 — Elizabeth 2nd (Ten Questions)

21st April, 2026: Elizabeth 2nd.

OK, I’ve done it!

I’ve sent back the camera* I bought from Amazon.

This one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GDY2T7B3

It didn’t, if you’ll excuse the innuendo, have a hole in the bottom.

A mount for a tripod, in other words.

Which means I couldn’t screw it to the tripods I already have, plonk it on my desk, and film myself.

Nor would the camera fit in the cradle at the top of my tripod: with the flip-up screen, the flip up screen that would let me monitor any recording, flipped up.

I’m left … 

Well, I honestly couldn’t tell you how I feel about this.

But it has been a learning experience.

It means that, should I choose to buy another camera, I’m going to know what to look for.

A hole in the bottom for a tripod mount: or a screen that flips out of the things side.

~≈📸≈~

Oh, about the only other thing I bought, recently?

Is a blu-ray copy of The Day of the Triffids: the 1981, BBC version.

A version that’s fairly authentic to Wyndham’s original text.

About my only complaint?

Is that the box-set is quite vanilla: featuring only the six broadcast episodes, an omnibus version of the story, and an eight minute featurette about the show’s restoration for this release.

I can only hope that — were this to get a 4k version — that extra features would be included.

~≈🫚≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th April 2026

20th April, 2026.

Right then … it’s Monday … !

And … ?

I’m going to be feeling a bit rushed.

I’ve a Job Centre meeting at 13·30: by phone, with my case worker.

I’ve my usual weight management meeting, this morning: as I was up two hundred grams, last week, I’m hoping to have lost a few grams, this week.

And … ?

The camera that’s in the box I’m waving about in today’s introduction … ?

Has no screw for a tripod.

You know those standardised screw fittings, that lets you attach a camera to a tripod?

The fittings that should be on the bottom of a camera?

There isn’t one!

I hope the queue at the post office is short.

I’m feeling rushed … … … … … … !

~≈📷≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th April 2026.

19th April, 2026.

You know, Amazon can be odd, some times.

Or, at least, unexpected.

I was expecting some recently ordered bits and bobs to turn up, tomorrow.

It turns out they’ll be turning up, today.

At the risk of sounding clichéd … ?

Amazon moves in mysterious ways … … 

~≈📦≈~

I’ve been known to follow technology news, on and off.

And take an interest in Open source alternatives to paid-for software.

I’ve been using LibreOffice to organise my quiz questions for many years, as an example.

I’m also aware that many people government organisations, in many countries, don’t like using proprietary software.

Not necessarily because they object on cost grounds: although that’s a factor.

But they object to using Microsoft, Apple or Google, products not on price … but because those companies are foreign.

The three companies I’ve mentioned, as an example, are all American: so respond to American regulation and influence, first.

So many governments feel handing control of their IT systems to American companies, means handing control of their systems to a foreign power: and that using home grown software means keeping control.

Recent French moves to shift to a home grown operating system?

Is an example of this.

The point of my ranting?

Is twofold.

One?

The EU is sponsoring a project called Euro-Office, an open source productivity suite, in an effort to have software under EU control.

Two?

Why isn’t the British government doing something similar?

I don’t know.

But it’s not like Ubuntu, the British made, open source, operating system, hasn’t been around for years.

~≈🖥️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-4-2026 — The Name’s Bonds-Premium Bonds

18th April, 2026.

Right now?

Right now, it’s Saturday.

And the silly jokes I’ve uploaded seem to be doing well.

It’s also the day after I’ve put in an order for stuff from Amazon.

Including a cheap, 4k camera*: and a 2k copy of the 1981, BBC version of The Day of the Triffids.

I’m looking forward to the thing turning up: I’d love to see what the extra features, if there are any, are like.

~≈🥀≈~

You’re probably as aware as I am, that the 47th US president is a bit of a twit.

To put it mildly.

And also aware of the image he deleted from his social network: depicting him as a messianic, healer figure.

The image has been criticised: for looking a little too messianic, and crossing a line.

Of good taste, if nothing else.

I agree.

But also think a couple of things.

One?

Is that this image of the president, and others like it, looks a lot like some of the WW2 era Nazi propaganda, the sort designed to make Hitler look like a hero.

And second?

I grew up one Frank Herbert’s Dune novel: and came away from them convinced the writer didn’t like messiahs.

Or, at least, didn’t like the idea of politicians using religion to gain power.

Devout Republic that Herbert was?

I suspect he’d be spitting, on seeing these images of the President.

“When religion and politics travel in the same cart, the riders believe nothing can stand in their way.”

From Dune, by Frank Herbert.

“Beneath the hero’s facade you will find a human being who makes human mistakes.   Enormous problems arise when human mistakes are made on the grand scale available to a superhero.”

From “Dune Genesis”, by Frank Herbert.

~≈🪱≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th April 2026.

16th April, 2026.

It’s official!

I’ve been paid!

That’s a good thing: it means I can pay off a few bills, and indulge my cravings for chocolate.

Suitably low sugar chocolate, obviously: diabetes is unforgiving, like that!

~≈🍫≈~

I’m left handed: you’d possibly worked that out, if you’ve been following me for a while.

I’m very aware there are some who put handedness on a pair with sexuality, and will make a negative moral judgement about you, based on one or the other*.

I’m also not a fan of terrorism: the idea of using violence in support of your cause.

I don’t think violence works, in persuading others your cause is just, and invites violent retaliation from your victims.

So … ?

So I welcome police probes into one group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, who are claiming responsibly for several arson attacks.

It turns out, though, that their name translates as ‘The Islamic Movement of the People of the Right Hand’.

OK: I’m maybe being a little paranoid, here, a little sensitive over nothing.

But their name tells me that — in amongst the antisemitism, and attacks on Jewish, and Israeli, targets — they’re prejudiced towards left-handers, like me.

I don’t think the group will be fire-bombing my flat: I think they’re more concerned with fire-bombing synagogues.

But that name feels like a personal attack.

~≈👎≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-4-2026 — World Voice Day (ten questions)

16th April, 2026: World Voice Day.

Right … I’m awake, and looking forward to tomorrow.

To payday, in other words.

Why?

Well, money’s always handy, isn’t it?

I’ve also woken up with a craving for chocolate.

Why?

Well, if I knew that, I’d be rich … and not complaining about cravings!

~≈🍫≈~

In other news … ?

It’s official: the trailer for Good Omens, series three, has dropped!

That’s all to the good: and gives me something else to look forward to.

I’d like to see how the thing shapes up.

~≈🪽≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th April 2026

15th April, 2026.

Right, then … 

It’s now Wednesday: and, frankly, I’m looking forward to payday!

I get my PIP, my Personal Independence Payment, in a couple of days.

And, frankly?

It would be nice to buy a cheeky takeaway.

~≈🪎≈~

Oh, I caught some TV, last night: the first few episodes of Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord: a spin-off featuring the character from The Phantom Menace.

The show’s dark, doomy, and you can see the influence of Blade Runner from half a mile away.

But … ?

It’s fun!

~≈⚔️≈~

Just in case of emergencies?

I’ve been uploading a series of cheesy jokes to YouTube: feel free to share them.

~≈🃏≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th April, 2026.

14th April, 2026.

OK … it’s Tuesday.

Which means it’s the day after my weight management meeting.

And … ?

I’ve put on two hundred grams.

That’s not want I wanted to hear: but I’m aware that it was under a kilo.

And that my overall weight is still under 100 kilos.

So that’s something to be grateful for.

~≈⚖️≈~

I missed a call, last night: from my surgery.

So … ?

What I’ve done this morning is call them: and arrange for a call back.

Hopefully, that won’t take too long.

But the automated announcement the surgery has built into their phone system told me I was thirteenth in the queue.

Heigh — wait for it — ho!

~≈📞≈~

Blimey, that was quick!

They’ve just phoned: and re-arranged the appointment I had with the nurse practitioner.

And done that in record time!

Here’s hoping the new appointment goes well.

~≈👩🏼‍⚕️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13th April 2026.

13th April, 2026.

OK, it’s officially Monday!

And … ?

I think that — once I’ve got home from my weight management class — I’ll go back to bed.

Early mornings can be a killer … !

~≈🕔≈~

Oh, did I tell you I’ve been playing around with Final Cut Pro?

I’ve been playing with Final Cut Pro.

And finally managed to work out how to make a project vertical, so I could make a YouTube Short on something other than my phone.

Here’s hoping it get’s a few views!

~≈📽️≈~

Did I mention I was floating around Wikipedia, yesterday?

I was floating around Wikipedia, yesterday: reading up about the Paul Hardcastle hit, “19”.

I knew most of the spoken audio came from a documentary: but hadn’t realised the documentary was called Vietnam Requiem.

Disappointingly?

The only version of the thing I could find on Amazon, was an out of stock VHS copy*.

It’s a shame it’s not on DVD or bluray.

Outside of the historical interest, it would be good to hear the song’s spoken parts in their original context†.

~≈💿≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th April 2026.

12th April, 2026.

Right, then … it’s officially Sunday morning: and I’ve made a video about The Daleks’ Master Plan.

I don’t think it’ll have any effect on the BBC: nor do I think I’ll see an animated version of the story, any time soon.

But … ?

At least I’ve got it out of my system.

~≈📺≈~

OK … I’m something of a tech watcher: even if not a tech expert.

So remember many years ago, buying a (second-hand) Mac that shipped with a version of Ubuntu Linux: as the re-seller couldn’t afford to supply it with a copy of the then current operating system.

So … ?

So, ever since, has been interested in flavours of Linux.

And keep — where I can afford to — a spare computer around, with a version of Ubuntu, for use as a backup machine.

Granted, I’m a huge fan of Apple products: and very aware I’m heavily tied into Apple’s ecosystem.

But also aware having an alternative is important.

I’ve also kept an eye one the few governments — local and national — who use free operating systems.

So was interested to hear that the French government had decided to make the switch.

Partly as a matter of cost*: much open source software is given to home users for free, and at economic prices for enterprise users.

At least, more economically priced than Microsoft, Apple and Google.

The other reason to make the shift?

Is, as the TechCrunch article says, to “further reduce its reliance on U.S. technology”.

The French have long been a proud, and independent, nation: this choice plays to that pride, encourages the French tech industry’s independence … 

And frankly, is something the UK should be copying … 

~≈💻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-4-2026 — The Apple 1

11th April, 2026: the Apple 1.

Right, then: it’s officially official.

I’ve seen another episode of The Daleks’ Master Plan.

And I’m greatly saddened: that so many episodes of the thing are missing.

As wonderful as the remaining episodes are … ?

I’m very aware there’s huge gaps.

And dearly wishing Aunty would release the thing as an animated bluray!

I’d buy one!

~≈📀≈~

In other news … ?

The Artemis 2 mission has safely returned to Earth: with a crew that’s described as “happy and healthy”.

Good for them!

At this stage, the only minor concern is, I’m told, the heat sheilds: although they seemed to have worked, and worked well.

But … ?

I can still remember the Colombia Disaster, the accident that saw a space shuttle burn up on re-entry, because of a defective heat shield.

I can only hope NASA’s keeping an eye on those … 

~≈🚀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th April 2026

10th April, 2026.

Right … 

I have a quote for today’s Teaser.

“I’m never interested in the business of promoting myself.   I really don’t care if people know who I am or what’s said about me.   I’m just here to do a job.”

One that’s wise, insightful, wonderfully wossname, and that’s capable of instilling deep joy in anyone who reads it.

But?

I didn’t make a note of who said it: and the Google search I did for the text showed me nothing!

I hate mornings like that!

~≈⍘≈~

Yes: if you’ve watched today’s introduction video, you’ll know I’ve had my usual Friday dose of Mounjaro.

A dose that can feel like having a strong coffee: like having a case of the jitters.

Why?

I don’t know.

I do know I’ve finally found out how — in Final Cut Pro 12·2 — to do a glitch effect: thanks to this video.

Thanking you, Reggie!

Glitchiness will have to replace knowledge … 

~≈🙏≈~

Just as a last thought?

Most Dr Who fans will know that some lost episodes of The Daleks’ Master Plan have recently been found.

The five surviving episodes have made available on the BBC iPlayer.

It’s a fascinating watch: with a berserk performance from Hartnell, as the First Doctor.

I can only hope the remaining seven episodes of the story are found, and found soon.

Or that an animated reconstruction is done.

Given the story’s length, though?

I get the impression we’re going to have a long wait … 

~≈👨‍⚕️≈~