Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-2-2026 — Leslie Nielsen

11th February, 2026: Leslie Nielsen.

Yes: that’s right.

Today’s introduction video, the one at the start of this post … ?

Is actually vaguely relevant.

I’ve got a cheap toaster on order, from Amazon.

One that cost me a tenner: including the delivery charges.

There’s a problem, though.

It’s something I’ve ordered from Amazon: did you honestly expect me not to have a problem?

At any rate … ?

YouGov sent me a survey, yesterday, which earned me fifty pound (£50): enough to buy a toaster, and have a little left to get some shopping.

So … ?

I order a cheap — seriously cheap — toaster: figuring I’d be able to replace the thing, easily, should I need to.

I order the thing, hit the relevant ‘Buy Now’ button, and get told it will be with me, by Friday, 20th February.

Then get an update, a little later: to tell me the toaster’s been ordered … and will arrive on Friday, 20th March.

Yes: Friday, 20th March.

I’m tempted to say “You couldn’t make it up”.

No, really: I’m sorely tempted to say “You couldn’t make it up”.

Except I’ve got the evidence it’s genuine, sitting right in front of me.

I’ve also got evidence of an annoyed email I’ve sent: to Jeff Bezos.

A thirty-eight day wait seems a bit ridiculous: and tells me I should go to Argos, next time*.

~≈🍞≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8-2-2026 — Taxi Driver

8th February, 2026: Taxi Driver.

Poo!

My toaster’s broken!

Or, at least, the slider that lowers the bread into the slots has gone.

The clicky little mechanism that holds the thing in place has gone, I should say. 

Drat, double drat, and dang.

That means I’m going to have to use the oven to make toast: until I can afford a new one.

Ho … hum … !

~≈🍞≈~

One thing I DID manage to do, yesterday … ?

Was order various repeat medications.

Although there may be an issue with 75mg aspirin I take for my heart.

My chemists, Brentwood’s ever reliable PharmChoice, have told me they will be putting in for That repeat: but there is a problem with the aspirin, as there’s a national shortage of the stuff.

However?

I’ve just enough — I hope! — to last me until my next doctor’s appointment.

Hopefully, we should be able to arrange alternatives, if needed.

~≈💊≈~

The Lord of the Rings (1978) — A Review.

1st February, 2026 — The Lord of the Rings (1978).

An Introduction.

OK … it’s a Sunday afternoon: and … ?

I have dinner cooking.

Sausages, so you know: with potatoes.

Exciting stuff, eh … ?

At any rate: it’s quiet, my browser isn’t making my Mac over heat … and there’s laundry doing.

Which has just reminded me: putting things in the dryer, helps … !

At any rate?

I’ve a quiet night in, and a pile of movies to watch.

And … ?

Ever since seeing Ralph Bakshi’s Wizards, a while back, there was something else I meant to catch … 

Catch, review … and tell you about by Wednesday … 

~≈🧙🏾‍♂️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-1-2026 — On Telly

21st January, 2026: Telly Savalas.

OK … it is officially official: my nephew was over last night.

He’s helpful when it comes to cooking oven ready pizza: but the pair of us could not work something out.

Are you supposed to put the garlic butter on the dough balls, when you’re cooking them: or after you’ve cooked them?

The label on the back of the packet only says that you have to “Set aside the garlic dip to warm to room temperature”.

Which wasn’t necessarily helpful!

At any rate … ?

Jude’s latest video is now out.

If you have a clue about doughballs?

Leave us a comment, on the video!

~≈🍕≈~

Today is a day that I’m expecting a phone call from my new work coach, my new Job Centre case worker.

This afternoon, in point of fact.

They’re the second new case worker in the space of three months.

I can understand new staff need training: and that the long-term unemployed can be good clients to be trained on … 

But it’s nice to deal with a familiar member of staff: that continuity of service is reassuring, I think.

~≈✒️≈~

Hmmm … 

The discussions — should I use italics, there, or quotation marks? — let’s start again, there!

The discussions over Greenland continue: with the US president heading for the World Economic Forum, today.

With Greenland’s Industry Minister going on the record to say “We do not want to be Americans”.

I’m not surprised.

Outside reasons of patriotism, outside a desire to not be an American colony, Greenland has free healthcare for its citizens.

Becoming part of the US, however it’s done, however it’s arranged, whatever assurances the greedy idiot in Washington wants to give?

Becoming part of the US means losing that free healthcare, and gaining the USA’s famously expensive system.

Why would anyone in their right minds want to do that … ?

~≈🇬🇱≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-1-2026 — David Lynch (Ten questions)

15th January, 2026: David Lynch.

Yay!

It’s Thursday!

Which means we can dance, sing, and wave our hands in the air: for no apparent reason.

Why?

Well, why not … ?

~≈🪢≈~

I’m something of a Mac fan: which you’d guessed.

So … ?

The news that Apple’s going to be introducing its Apple Creative Suite grabbed my attention.

The suite’s going to consist of subscription versions of their Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor and MainStage, apps.

I have to confess, I like the idea: it seems a cheap way of getting hold of some well spoken of, powerful, software.

But … ?

I’m still not sure I like the idea of renting software: nor — on my money — does it the quoted price seem reasonable.

Given the money?

I’d be happier buying the main app, Final Cut Pro.

If anyone has £300 going begging, I’d love to hear about it!

~≈🪙≈~

Did I mention there’s a young woman called Drew Gulliver floating around various socials?

There’s a young woman called Drew Gulliver floating around various socials.

She’s gorgeous … and seems to have a thing about Dad jokes … !

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Drew Gulliver (@drewgulliver)

Dearie, dearie me … !

~≈🎹≈~

Frankenstein (2025) — A Review

27th November, 2025: Frankenstein.

The Introduction.

I need several things.

Money?

Dinner … ?

An occasional film?

There’s several things I could do with.

And yes: one of them is dinner.

I’ve got a burger cooking as we speak.

Yes: money’s handy.

Payday’s tomorrow, which is nice: but feel free to put something in my tip jar!

That’ll clean up the last of the Christmas, and birthday, presents.

Once dinner’s eaten, though … ?

I’m going to have a change in direction: and watch a movie.

And, yes: you’ve possibly guessed — from the poster — that the film I’ll be watching is very different to the last one I caught.

Given a well done burger, and time?

I’ll have this review done by 1st December. 

~≈🧟‍♂️≈~

Wizards (1977) — A Review.

7th November, 2025: Wizards.

The Introduction.

I have to admit, I’ve been thumb twiddling.

In between writing quizzes, jobhunting, worrying about my health, shopping, thinking about Christmas presents, watching deliveries being delivered, wondering where I put my most recent set of stamps … 

Which reminds me, I need to get stamps … 

At any rate … ?

I have a loose, quiet, evening: and plenty of things I could be watching.

Including the Ralph Bakshi animated fantasy, Wizards.

Considering I caught his version of The Lord of The Rings, many years ago, watching Wizards seemed like a good idea.

So … ?

I’ll be watching it … then telling you about it on Monday night!

I have a busy calendar … !

~≈🧙🏽≈~

28 Years Later — A Review.

24th October, 2025: 28 Years Later.

The Introduction.

There comes a time in a man’s life when he has to do several things.

Eating is generally a good thing, for example.

A wash, every-so-often, doesn’t hurt.

Shopping?

Reading … ?

Those are good: as is going to the toilet.

As and when needed.

The occasional song is nice: I’ve got an Ian Dury tune on the go.

And, every-so-often … ?

A movie.

Right at the moment … ?

I’ve got 28 Years Later sitting in my collection: ready to be watched.

Hopefully?

It will be entertaining.

I’ll let you know by Sunday, 26th October … 

~≈🎥≈~

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 … !

~≈👨‍✈️≈~

Superman: The Movie— A Review

13th July, 2025: Superman: The Movie/Superman.

The Introduction.

Right: it’s official Sunday afternoon.

And?

Dinner — or, at least, a burger — is cooking.

I’ll probably have that with some yummy home made chips.

Made with home grown potatoes, loving bought in a shop, shoved into a cupboard until needed … or chopped up, and shoved into the air-fryer.

Then … you know … cooked … !

Gosh … the excitement … 

At any rate?

I have the evening free: and fancied a movie.

Given the 2025 version is due out at some point … ?

I felt watching the 1978 version of Superman: The Movie — also called Superman — might be an idea.

If things go well … ?

I’ll have this review up by Monday, 14th July: and you can see what I thought.

~≈🦸🏻‍♂️≈~

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 — 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 — 3-4-2025 — 2001: A Space Odyssey

3rd April, 2025: 2001: A Space Odyssey.

I’ve got to confess to feeling mightily fecked off!

I had a 4k copy of Aliens turn up, yesterday.

And was looking forward to ripping it: then watching it.

But … ?

Trying to copy it with MakeMKV, seemed to give the app issues: regardless of which optical drive I used.

So … ?

I thought, as dinner was done, I’d eat: and be in a better mood when trying again.

Oh, and while I was at it … ?

I thought, I know: I’ll update my Mac to the latest version of the operating system, and see if that helps.

Which is when it really went pear shaped!

It seems that the current version of macOS — Sequoia 15.4 — is flawed: and has broken MakeMKV.

So badly that the developers behind it are working on emergency updates, to get the app working, again.

I’m fuming: and angry, and annoyed, and very frustrated!

Mostly at Apple!

I’ve public raved about Apple products for year: and they manage to wreck one of the best bits of software going.

I’m also very aware of the irony.

Especially as — going by MakeMKV’s forums — the version on Windows and Linux is working perfectly.

To paragraph a throwaway line in the original The Italian Job?

Get your wheels in line, Apple!

~≈🍏≈~

On other fronts?

The US president has introduced a pile of trade tariffs: in a move he claims will ‘Make America Great, Again.’

I can’t help but think he’s shot America in the foot.

And can’t help but think of one of Margaret Thatcher’s policies: allowing council house tenants to buy their rented homes … 

Which was partially responsible, years later, for a shortage of social housing: as councils didn’t plough the profits from the sales, back into more affordable housing.

I think the president’s started something similar.

~≈🏠≈~

Just as a last thought … ?

The Trailer for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has dropped: making this series look interesting!

I just have one question.

How much did Melissa Navia, Lieutenant Ortegas, to wear that fright wig???????

She and Jess Bush, Nurse Chapel?

It looks like they’re wearing dead tribbles!

~≈💇‍♀️≈~

Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs — Snow White (1937) — A Review

31st March, 2025: Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs/Snow White.

The Introduction.

It has got to be said: I watch movies, occasionally.

You’ve possibly noticed, haven’t you … ?

At any rate, I watch movies, and feel that I should review them: both here on Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar, and on my YouTube channel, @MrCuddy2977.

Feel free to subscribe, both here, and on YouTube.

It’s very appreciated.

At any rate … ?

It’s a quiet Monday night.

And I felt I should watch a movie.

Something I’ve felt I should do, over the years?

Is simply watch films that have some sort of worth to them.

Which is why I’ve all sorts of things, over the years: Nosferatu, for example, Der Golem, or The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, as others.

More recent ones, too: Close Encounters, or Blade Runner.

I’m using the term ‘recent’, loosely, there: but you get my point.

I’ve tried to see things that are viewed as historically significant.

Which is why — as I’m burning sausages to death — I’m writing this.

It’s to let you know that — given the fuss about the live action remake, and given I first saw it as a child — I going to watch the original Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs.

Even if it’s not my usual thing.

~≈👸🏻≈~

Given all that … ?

Given that, I’m going to give this a watch, tonight: then let you know what I thought about it by tomorrow, Tuesday, 1st April.

Hopefully?

I’ll see you then …

~≈👸🏻≈~

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Theatrical cut) — A Review

23rd March, 2025: Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Right … 

It’s not often I watch two films over the course of a weekend.

But?

It’s another quiet night.

And, frankly?

I fancied a film.

Or, at least, another film: having already caught the 2024 version of Nosferatu, in the past few days.

Yes: of course there’s things I’d rather be doing.

But?

I’ll settle for watching a film.

And … ?

Given that I’ve already seen the Director’s Cut?

I felt retreading old ground could be appropriate.

~≈🛸≈~

Nosferatu (2024) — A Review

20th March, 2025: Nosferatu (2024).

It has to be said: I’m in a mood.

For various reasons.

But … ?

With little to do, I’m in a mood to do something I haven’t done for a while.

One … ?

Play with software.

I’ve got hold of a copy of DaVinci Resolve, just recently: and wanted to play with it.

So … ?   Filming a review seems a good idea.

Second?

Watching a movie seemed good, too: even if I get this finished by Saturday, 22nd March.

I can only hope the Robert Eggers, 2024, version of Nosferatu is good to watch.

I wasn’t totally convinced by the original.

~≈🧛🏿≈~

The Gorge — A Review.

*Spoilers*

28th February, 2025: The Gorge.

If you’re reading this … ?

You’re possibly aware of the day of the week you’re reading this on: but not necessarily when I started writing the thing!

So you know?

I’ve started writing this piece on Friday, 28th February, 2025: with the intention of finishing it by Sunday, 2nd February.

Hopefully.

At any rate?

I have little in the way of cash, or company.

So … ?

I’m going to watch a film.

Then … ?   By Sunday?

Tell you what I thought about it.

Hopefully?

I’ll’ve enjoyed it!

~≈🎬≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-2-2025 — Dracula.

14th February, 2025: Dracula.

I have to admit to feeling slightly rushed, this morning.

Frankly?

Apple asked for me bank card details: despite having not had to, for some years.

Yes, before you ask: it’s definitely a genuine request, I checked the email.

 But quite what happened, there?

I don’t know.

~≈🍏≈~

There’s a woman the BBC are calling Beth: who was involved with a man the Beeb are referring to as ‘Agent X*’.

Who, as it turned out, was both a paid informant for MI5 … and who abused his by-now ex-partner, Beth.

The twists … ?

That Agent X was a Neo-nazi.

And MI5 lied in court about what they knew about him, at least three times.

Going by this piece?

Beth’s sueing MI5, I should add: and wants an apology.

Right now?

Given that my bedtime read is Thunderball?

I can only conclude the espionage business, the real espionage business, is not especially pleasant … 

~≈🕵️≈~

Blade Runner (1982) — A Review.

7th February, 2025: Blade Runner.

The Introduction.

Right … with dinner on the go — fish and chips, as it’s Friday — I have time to write an introduction.

To a movie review.

Yes: it’s a quiet Friday, with little to do.

But watch a film: the Ridley Scott directed, Harrison Ford vehicle, Blade Runner.

I’ve been meaning to catch up with the original cut for some time.

And, after a recent purchase?

I’ve finally got a copy of Blade Runner I feel I can watch.

By the time you read this — on or after Sunday, 9th February, if all goes well — I’ll be able to let you know what I think of the version I’ve seen.

~≈🤖≈~