Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4-7-2026 — Independence Day (Ten Questions)

4th July, 2026: Independence Day.

I suspect a lot’s going to be happening, today.

Or, at least, I hope there is!

Personally?

I don’t get paid until this Friday: so I’m not doing any thing exciting.

However, the USA … ?

It’s Independence Day.

So … ?

I’m going to officially wish the country a Happy Birthday … whilst thinking the country has a sillier twit than usual in charge!

~≈🇺🇸≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3rd July 2026

3rd July, 2026.

OK … it’s a Friday … !

And, yes: I’ve had another dose of Mounjaro.

So?

That’s that done for another week.

I’ve also got to head into town: to pick up a couple of things from my pharmacist.

Frankly … ?

My life is a huge mass of adventure, excitement and really wild things.

~≈💊≈~

I follow the technology news: and am something of a Mac fan.

And am very aware Sony have announced that they won’t be releasing games on physical media from 2028.

My nephew, Jude … ?

Doesn’t like that idea, either, before you ask!

At any rate, given the trend away from physical discs?

A recent Apple announcement — that they will be removing DVD support from the upcoming version of macOS — shouldn’t be surprising.

I’m … 

Disappointed … 

And wondering how this will affect a couple of apps I use on a regular basis.

But … ?

It’s not actually surprising … 

~≈📀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2nd July 2026

2nd July, 2026.

Right, then: it’s Thursday!

And I’ve literally rolled out of bed, this morning.

Rolled out of bed … and hit the carpet with a certain amount of screaming, pain … and swearing.

Well … you would, wouldn’t you?

~≈🍁≈~

I’ve mentioned that Rockstar Games next big release in the Grand Theft Auto series — GTA6 — is to not be released on optical disc.

You can buy a boxed version: but it’ll only contain a download key.

In a follow-up piece, published yesterday?

Sonny announced that they would no longer be producing games on disc: that they, too, will be issuing downloadable version … 

Or ‘physical’ copies that consist of download codes in a box.

I’m … 

Well … I’d imagine that decision will disappoint a few people.

One advantage to physical discs is the simple ability to re-sell them, when a player’s done with them.

It’s a good way of off-setting some of the cost of the game.

Another advantage?

Is if the game’s producers take the online version, off-line.

A gamer still has the physical copy.

I think this decision is a shame: ads there’s pros and cons to both formats.

I’m not surprised by it, though.

One of the first modern computers I owned, shipped with a copy of Ubuntu OS: one that shipped with an early form of app store.

Useful, given that you couldn’t buy Linux software in the shops.

But … ?

At the time, I felt that App Store, that download-only model, was the shape of things to come.

Given how that model has spread since then?

Sony’s decision may be disappointing: but really isn’t surprising.

~≈🛜≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 1-7-2026 — New Brunswick. (Ten Questions)

1st July, 2026: New Brunswick.

I think it’s official.

No, I know it’s official.

It’s Wednesday!

Although quite why I thought it was Tuesday, I don’t know.

I spent most of Friday, just gone, convinced it was Saturday.

Why do people’s brain do that?

Tell them it’s Day A, when it’s actually Day B?

I wish I knew.

It would possibly explain a lot!

~≈📆≈~

On other fronts?

I had a letter, the other day: from the NHS hospital that had carried out my most recent stool sample tests.

The letter told me I was — thankfully! —   free of any issues.

I have to admit to mixed feelings.

On the one hand, ‘free of any issues’ means I have nothing that needs removing.

No polyps, no cancerous bodies.

It also means I’ve avoided a colonoscopy.

Which is a good thing: as effective as they are, they’re not exactly comfortable!

On the other hand?

I’ve got the worry that the test has missed something.

And that — as uncomfortable as the procedure is — having a colonoscopy means I could be certain I’m free of bowel cancer.

It’s … well … 

It’s a mixed result, I think.

~≈🚑≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-6-2026 — International Asteroid Day

30th July, 2026: International Asteroid Day.

OK … 

It’s a Tuesday morning: and the day after I’ve been to my most recent weigh-in.

And?

And, I hear you ask?

Yes: I’ve officially lost some six hundred grams.

About 1.3 pound, in Imperial.

That’s good: and offsets the 500 gram that my weight had gone up by.

That’s a result.

~≈🏋️‍♂️≈~

Streamed movies and TV shows … 

I don’t think we can deny it: streamed entertainment, whether we’re talking about games, movies, music or TV shows, are incredibly entertaining … 

And incredibly convenient.

However?

This article, from AV Club, tells us that Sony are to remove roughly 550 titles available from their PlayStation Store.

Despite many customers having purchased theoretically permanent copies.

The removal of those titles, titles people have paid good money for?

Is going to cause resentment.

Especially if — from what the article says — there’s no sign of a potential refund.

And especially when you consider the only effective way of countering this — buying the blu-ray version of a title — means potentially coughing up extra cash for a title you may already own.

Personally, I think that buying blu-rays, and other physical media, is the better option.

Yes: you may well be paying twice.

But yes: you’re not losing access to something you’ve paid for.

Sony, and others, are hardly going to bang on your door and demand ‘their’ property back*.

~≈📀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-6-2026 — the Number 180.

29th June, 2026.

Yes: it’s another Monday … !

So, it’s another weigh-in, at the usual place.

And, given I gained half a kilo, last week?

I’m hoping I’ve lost something this week.

If you could keep your fingers crossed for me, I’d appreciate it.

~≈🏋️‍♂️≈~

The other thing I have to do … ?

Is get some olive oil.

I suffer with earwax.

There’s plenty of ways of dealing with that.

But … ?

I usually find putting olive oil in my ear, helps.

I’m looking forward getting hold of some.

Right at the moment, B. A. Robertson sounds very muffled … 

~≈💥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th June 2026.

28th June, 2026.

Right … it’s a Sunday.

And the day after a recent visit from my nephew, Jude.

You can tell what’s coming, can’t you?

Yes: his latest video’s up and about.

Feel free to hit the ‘Like’ button!

~≈⚽️≈~

Just as an extra thought … ?

With Andy Burnham’s recent election as an MP, and his expected challenge to Keir Starmer’s leadership, and with one thing and another?

There’s points of discussion.

One point, discussed in this piece from the BBC?

Tells us about potential cuts to welfare benefits: in order to help fund what’s called the Defence Investment Plan.

Andy Burnham has gone on the record, to say he will “… reduce the welfare bill by getting more people into work”, in order to fund the thing.

Given he’s gone on the record to say something previous administrations have said?

I’m tempted to laugh in Andy Burnham’s face.

Or, at least, to not vote Labour in elections over the next few years.

I’d be shooting my wallet in the foot.

~≈🦶≈~

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

27th June, 2026.

It’s officially Saturday … !

Which means Saturday things are happening.

Obviously.

One thing I do know is happening … ?

Is simply this.

It’s rained overnight.

Which is nice.

But … ?

It’s not exactly cooled things down … 

~≈💧≈~

I’m not especially a gamer: even though I’ll happily admit to finally finishing the original Sonic the Hedgehog, a few days ago.

That aside, I’m not a gamer.

But noticed this article from the BBC.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6210nj8gpro

One that tells us Rock Star Games latest release, Grand Theft Auto 6, is to be digital only.

At least, not released on a physical disc.

With streamed movies being more common?

That’s not surprising.

But … ?

For those of us who value physical ownership of media — and the ability to watch to play something, even if the online version has been taken down — that’s going to be a blow.

~≈📀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-6-2026 — Ashura

26th June, 2026: Ashura.

OK … when I say “massive amount of drugs” in that opening video?

I’m talking about prescribed medications: including a dose of Mounjaro!

There are times when I really should phrase things differently!

~≈💊≈~

At any rate?

Today looks like it’s going to be another hot day.

Frankly?

I think I’m going to need a lot of cold water!

~≈💧≈~

As a last thought … ?

I’ve been binge watching Slow Horses, over the past few days.

And … ?

I’m enjoying it.

And thinking several things.

Including this: that Sophie Okonedo’s character puts me in mind of George Smiley.

Why … ?

I couldn’t tell you: except she plays Ingrid Tearney, the (by now ex) head of MI5 in a very restrained way.

It’s something to watch, I know that!

~≈🕵🏿‍♀️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th June 2025

25th June, 2026.

Yes: I’ve finally had a haircut!

Yesterday, in point of fact: and not at my usual barbers, as he’s on holiday.

No, I went up Warley Hill, instead of down: and ended up paying a couple of pounds more.

Still … I’m feeling a touch cooler, a touch less shaggy.

Heigh … ho!

~≈💈≈~

I have to admit, I’ve only just read this piece, from the Radio Times: a piece that tells us the show runners from Dr Who, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds were in negotiations to do at least one crossover episode.

Something I know I would dearly love to have seen.

And something I suspect others would, too.

I can just imagine such a thing.

Ncuti’s 15th Doctor winding up on the bridge of the Enterprise, and making a pithy comment*: made worse if he’s got Donna Noble† with him!

Or Captain Pike and Dr M’Benga appearing in the console room … after the inevitable Transporter malfunction.

At any rate … ?

It’s something that’s come to nothing: which is a great shame.

A crossover episode could well have been fun!

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th June, 2026.

24th June, 2026.

OK … we have a hot day ahead of us, today!

Going by the predictions for my area, the one on the BBC’s weather website, we’re looking at highs of 34ºC.

And have a red heat warning going into force at 9am, this morning.

It’s going to be toasty, in other words.

Bottled water is going to be needed, I think.

Avoiding alcohol would be a good idea, too.

Alcoholic Drinks are whats called diuretics: they make you urinate, in other words, and leave you dehydrated.

Ever wonder why drinking too much is known as ‘getting pissed’ in British English?

Now you know.

Lay off the hard stuff in this weather!

~≈♨️≈~

I managed to read this piece, yesterday: one that tells us the UK’s government is planning to consult on turning terrestrial TV.

Or, at least, turn off the digital signal.

That’s … … 

That’s sort of inevitable, given the rise of streaming services.

The article also tells us that there’s plans — possible plans — to introduced more subsidised internet connections, ones that would be needed for internet broadcast TV.

That’s a good thing: I know plenty of people without a ’net connection, who could only afford one if they had financial help.

My issue, right now?

Is much like the flawed Digital ID scheme, from last year.

The scheme — for a mandatory digital ID for job seekers — meant users would need a smart phone for the thing.

In the case of at least one person I know, they would need help to buy said phone, AND set it up.

This seems to have similar issues: I know a few people who could afford a subsidised connection … but couldn’t afford a streaming box, let alone a new TV.

Whether it was smart or otherwise.

Yes: turning off the digital terrestrial TV signal could be inevitable.

But?

People are going To need help buying the kit.

~≈📺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-6-2026 — The Referendum

23rd June, 2026: the Referendum.

Right … it’s the anniversary of a well known referendum.

One I mentioned, here, and here.

I sound more undecided than I actually was: eventually voting Remain, as I felt — and still feel — my nephew, Jude, should be able to freely move around the Schengen Area.

Unfortunately?

Others felt differently.

The vote to Leave?

Was and is the biggest mistake of the UK’s life.

~≈€≈~

On a possibly happier front?

I notice, from reading those old posts?

That it was raining on the morning of 23rd June, 2016.

It was raining, again, this morning: thunder storming, in fact.

View this post on Instagram

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

Was that significant?

Meaningful?

Purely co-incidental?

Frankly?

I think it was purely co-incidental.

The UK’s only got so many weather patterns.

~≈€≈~

Oh … I had a couple of new t-shirts turn up, yesterday: a couple of custom prints from an online t-shirt printing place.

The emoji one?

Is getting some positive attention from a couple of Terry Pratchett sites I’m on.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weatentdeadyet/posts/1715039069525281/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2632759343717701/posts/4440545029605781/

The second … ?

Well, the second is from the original West End Games version of Paranoia.

If you want to use the image in your own t-shirt?

Go right on ahead … !

~≈👕≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-6-2026 — Charon

22nd July, 2026: Charon.

Right then … it’s another Monday.

Which means it’s another day at the proverbial races: I’m off to my regular weight management meeting, to see how I’ve done.

Hopefully, I’ll’ve lost some.

And will probably announce the results on the various social media … unless my weight’s gone up … 

~≈🏋️‍♂️≈~

Monday is also the day before Tuesday.

You knew that, along with everyone else.

For me, personally?

It means it’s the day before payday.

I’m looking forward to that: I want to get a haircut, at some point.

In this heat?

That’s sensible: at least it is, to me!

~≈💇‍♂️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-6-2026 — SpaceShipOne

21st June, 2026.

It’s today.

But you knew that!

You’re also aware it’s the Summer Solstice.

So you’re aware — possibly — people have been dancing around Stonehenge.

Which is nice … even though I’d not get up in the morning for it!

This is possibly besides the point.

It’s the Summer Solstice … and, going by the BBC’s weather page, it’s going to be warm for the next few days.

I think I’ll need to drink a lot of water!

~≈💧≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th June 2026.

20th June, 2026.

Right … it’s Saturday morning: and … ?

Frankly, I think it’s going to be a quiet day.

Certainly, it has for today’s Introduction video: I’ve officially had issues with copyright!

It’s also looking like it’s going to be hot, and muggy!

I hate hot and muggy!

~≈☀️≈~

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

19th June, 2026.

I’m tempted to tell you I’m a potato.

Why … ?

If I knew that, I’d possibly know more about myself than I want to.

Identifying as a tuber — or otherwise — is possibly beside the point.

The point I’m trying to make … ?

Is that I’ve had my internet connection upgraded to a faster speed: and that, as a result, today’s videos has have taken a lot less time to upload.

That’s handy, appreciated … and something that will possibly impress my nephew, next time he’s here … 

~≈🛜≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-6-2026 — Paul Eddington

18th June, 2026: Paul Eddington.

OK, it’s officially official.

I like using the word, ‘official’!

But then, you’d possibly worked that out!

At any rate?

My nephew, Jude, has released his latest video.

Feel free to officially hit the ‘Like’ button.

~≈#≈~

It’s also officially the case: that I’m expecting a BT engineer, today.

Or, at least, a BT-Openreach engineer.

He’s due to upgrade my internet line: so I get faster speeds.

I hope so: I’d hate to pay the extra few quid for nowt!

~≈£≈~

A few weeks ago, I got a new game controller for my Apple TV+: a Sony Playstation one, from the Apple website.

And … ?

Haven’t yet sold on the old one, the SteelSeries Nimbus+, as — as far as I knew — it couldn’t be charged.

Neither could the new one.

At least, neither could be charged by hooking them up to my Mac.

I got a charging block for the PS5 controller: which works nicely, I should add.

But, last night … ?

I tried plugging it into the Nimbus.

Which promptly started charging.

And is now — in theory — capable of being connected: back to the Apple TV, or to my Mac.

We’ll have to see.

But … ?

I’m tempted to sell it on to CeX, the next time I head to Romford … 

~≈🎮≈~

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

17th June, 2026.

Right … I’m officially off into town, again, today.

I have to pick up more medications.

Or, at least, medical kit: I have some lancets to pick up.

And I have to post some test results off: the results of my most recent bowel cancer screen.

Hopefully, I’ll be free of any polyps, this time around: the ensuing colonoscopy isn’t exactly fun.

But?

Both the test, and the procedure, help you cancer-free.

However uncomfortable the latter procedure is, it prevents any future problems.

That’s all to the good.

~≈⍠≈~

Did I mention I’ve caught the first three episodes of Apple TV series, Slow Horses?

I’ve caught the first three episodes of Apple TV spy drama, Slow Horses!

I don’t know that the terminology is accurate: MI5 staff are officers, rather than agents, as far as I know.

But it puts me in mind of Sir Terry Pratchett’s Watch novels.

Both are about a bunch of utter incompetents, utter whittles, as Sir Terry put it, who are redeemed over the course of an series.

And each is as entertaining as the other.

Although Sam Vimes … doesn’t fart like Jackson Lamb!

If you want a team leader you can call ‘flatulent’, the Gary Oldman character is a very good example!

~≈💨≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th June, 2026.

16th June, 2026.

It’s Tuesday: and I’ve had a bad start to the day.

Pages, triggering another bout of overheating, audio components of a video project, vanishing, absolutely no birdsong … !

All that … ?

And I have to head up Warley Hill, to pick up some medication, buy sausages … and get bread … !

Combine that with the speed webpages seem to be loading, today?

Means the sooner my anxiety levels go down, the happier I’ll be!

~≈😡≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th June 2026

15th June, 2026.

Right … it’s Monday … 

So, inevitably?

That means I’m back at my weight management meeting, today.

I’ll probably get some exercise, as well.

After all, I’ve gained weight over the past few weeks: and need to counter that.

That said?

I don’t know if picking up medication, and buying sausages in Sainbury’s, counts as exercise.

Ho … … hum … !

~≈£≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th June 2026

14th June, 2026.

Right … 

I’ve had ongoing discussions with BT: about upgrading my internet connection.

Originally?

I’d put in a request on 28th May, when the company reminded me I was up for renewal.

Only to be told the upgrade was cancelled … as they thought I lived next door … !

It’s taken approximately two and a half weeks, and a lot of calls, for them to correct the mistake — if that’s the right word — upgrade the information on the systems, and name a date for the upgrade.

This coming Thursday, between 13·00 and 16·00 in the afternoon.

Here’s hoping the promised speeds are worth the ƒ®ç∞ïng wait … !

~≈🛜≈~