Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-10-2026 — The Deadly Assassin.

30th October, 2026: The Deadly Assassin.

Oh, now that’s sad!

Sir Patrick Stewart has died: after what’s described as a “brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s, and with Lewy body dementia.

A brief journey … 

I best remember him as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation: and can also remember him in I, Claudius, as the villainous Lucius Sejanus.

I am — here’s the word, again — saddened to hear about this.

After all: the man was a seriously good actor.

And … ?

Took one hell of a punt with his career, taking the lead role with a strange little SF show that wasn’t guaranteed to work.

Despite the fact he didn’t unpack his suitcase for some time?

The show was successful.

And influential: I’m convinced the US TV companies behind franchises like Law and Order, CSI and NCIS saw Star Trek: The Next Generation, and it’s host of spin-offs, and thought “Hang on … they’re on to something, there.”

I think the same applies to the revived version of Dr Who.

I don’t know if Russell T Davies and company would have mentioned it to sceptical BBC executives, back in 2005, mentioned the fact TNG showed how successful a revival could be: but would’ve been stupid not to make a point of it!

TNG’s success?   And its influence?

Could not have been possible, would not have been the same, without him.

I also think the show’s success in the UK wouldn’t have possible, without he and the producers decision to cast an English lead.

For that?

I’m grateful to the man: and sad to hear of his loss.

~≈🖖≈~

Just as an extra thought?

I note that the BBC articles have said the Sir Patrick died after a a “brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s, and with Lewy body dementia.

I have mixed feelings, there.

Yes: I am saddened about both his death, and to hear about the diagnosis.

But also mildly grateful to hear his death seems to have come only a short time after diagnosis.

Having seen what the condition can do, I’m grateful the journey was brief: death can be a mercy in these circumstances.

I’d doubt that makes the death easier for his family, friends and cast mates.

My thoughts are with them … 

~≈🖖≈~

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

29th October, 2026.

I think I’m having fun with these intro reels.

At least … having fun with the fact some are doing well on Instagram.

I can only hope today’s as well … 

View this post on Instagram

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

~≈🎞️≈~

On other fronts?

John Healey, the UK’s finance minister, gave his Budget speech, yesterday: announcing the Government’s financial plans for the coming year.

The one thing that caught my eye?

Was an announcement that the Government would be issuing a one-off, £100 entry payment for those of us in houses in Council Tax bands A to D.

I’d qualify: as my flat’s in Band B.

It’s a nice gesture: even if it is just a one off.

My only hope?

Is that it comes through as quickly as possible.

The sooner that cash is in my bank, the quicker I can put it onto my meter … !

~≈⚡️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-10-2026 — The Regiment

28th October, 2026: the Regiment.

Right: it’s Wednesday, the sun’s in my eyes as a result of the clock’s going back … 

And I’ve had a haircut!

That’s a good thing: I was definitely feeling a bit shaggy!

~≈💈≈~

On other fronts … ?

I’ve managed to release a review of the most recent episode of Star Trek that I caught.

If you hit the like button, I’d appreciate it.

I’m also pondering a minor mystery.

I’ve installed the most recent updates to my Mac’s operating systems: going from macOS Golden Gate 27.0.1 to macOS Golden Gate 27.2.

Skipping the more usual macOS Golden Gate 27.1.

I’m grateful for the update, and appreciate it’s freed up some hard drive space, patched some security holes, and added some features to Siri.

I’m just wondering why Apple seems to have missed a number … 

~≈🍏≈~

Star Trek Strange New Worlds — Series 4-Episode 3 — “Human Best Friend” — A Review

23rd October, 2026: “Human Best Friend”.

The Introduction.

Right, then: it’s another Friday.

And yes: this review is being written while I’m doing fish and home-made chips!

I still don’t know why we have fish and chips: I really don’t.

But … ?

So long as I’ve got the ingredients, I’m having a fish supper.

That said … ?

And as a pointless bit of trivia?

The Jewish community’s made many positive contributions to Britain, over the years: more than I can list, but ones that Google can summarise far better that I.

The Burton’s cloths shop was started by a Anglo-Jewish entrepreneur.

Benjamin Disraeli was of Jewish heritage: as Britain’s first Jewish Prime Minister he would have cleared the way for the rest of his community.

And finally … ?

Jewish immigrant, Joseph Malin, was the man who opened the UK’s first chip shop: and did Britain proud in the process.

Why?

He created a cultural icon: an icon that’s British, all the way through!

~≈🥄≈~

At any rate, me banging on about dinner?

Is not what I had in mind for this post!

Nope.

This introduction is to tell you I’m going to watch another episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds.

Hopefully?

Hopefully, by Tuesday, I’ll be able to make sense of this clip from “Human Best Friend” … !

~≈🖖≈~

Just as a note?

When I finished writing this post, I opened the BBC’s News site: to see the sad news that Walter Koenig, the original Chekov, has died at the age of ninety.

The man is going to be much missed.

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-10-2026 — Godzilla (Ten Questions)

27th October, 2026: Godzilla.

Did I mention I was writing a review, last night?

I was writing a review, last night: of “Human Best Friend”, the most recent episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds that I’ve caught.

It’s a very funny episode, I should add: with a couple of scenes that put me in mind of The Hitch-hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

So … ?

I got the thing finished, and wandered over to … whatever website it was … 

Only to be hit in the face with the news: that Walter Koenig, best remembered as Pavel Chekov from Star Trek, and also as Alfred Bester from Babylon 5, had died at the age of ninety.

That’s sad: the man will be much missed!

~≈🖖≈~