Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-5-2025 — World Goth Day

22nd May, 2025: World Goth Day.

Right … it’s now officially Thursday: and I have to head into town.

Medication — Metformin, in this case — has turned up.

Which means … ?

Heading into town to pick the stuff up.

Ho … … hum!

~≈💊≈~

In other news … ?

There’s a woman in Suffolk called Jo Willis: who’s found a spherical chicken egg!

Apparently, finding these has chances of a billion-to-one.

Which gives me a perfect excuse to paraphrase Terry Pratchett: billion-to-one chances come up nine times out of ten.

~≈🥚≈~

In even more news … ?

It seems the government are planning to release prisoners earlier than usual: in a bid to free up prison places.

Including release those convicted of domestic violence … and sex offenders.

With a twist: that the sex offenders should receive treatment, treatment known as ‘chemical castration’, in order to qualify.for early release.

I’m not sure that’s a wise idea.

We give sex offenders long sentences partly as punishment: but also for public safety reasons.

I can also remember reading a few biographies of Alan Turing: who received similar treatment after convictions for his homosexuality.

And came away with the impression chemical castration didn’t work.

I can only repeat the question I’ve already asked.

Is this wise?

~≈👮🏼≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21st May, 2025.

21st May, 2025.

Right … it’s now Tuesday … 

Sorry, it’s now Wednesday!

You can tell I haven’t woken up, yet, can’t you … ?

At any rate, something I meant to mention, yesterday, was simply this.

That — going by my weight management meeting on Monday — my weight hasn’t gone down.

But also hasn’t gone up.

So … ?

That’s a result.

~≈𐄷≈~

You’re possibly aware that both the Co-op, and Marks and Spencers, have been hit by ransomware attack.

And, whilst the Co-op seems to have got off lightly, M&S are still having issues.

Apparently?

They estimate their services won’t be fully online until July.

On the upside for both companies?

Police say they’re investigating some English speaking suspects.

Hopefully … ?

The police can get the suspects, quickly!

~≈🚨≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-5-2025 — Saint Lucifer

20th May, 2025: Saint Lucifer.

It’s official: it’s Tuesday.

And I’ve had a short dream.

No: not one as significant as Martin Luther King’s.

No.

I had a dream … about getting chased up and down the garden by a scary Jack Russell.

Quite what the dream — or Image Playground’s attempt to draw it — means?

I don’t know.

~≈🐶≈~

The US President is hoping for peace in the war between Ukraine and Russia.

At least he is … after a two hour phone call with President Putin.

I’m reminded of Neville Chamberlain: the UK Prime Minister who — in the run-up to World War Two — tried appeasing Hitler’s Nazi regime.

Which didn’t exactly work.

Frankly?

And knowing there’s a historical example?

I think the US President is on a hiding to nothing …

~≈🇺🇦≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-5-2025 — The Commonwealth

19th May, 2025: the Commonwealth.

It’s officially official: I’m knackered.

But that’s what you get, when you’re up early on a Monday morning!

At any rate … ?

I’m off to my weight management group, today.

Hopefully, I’d’ve lost weight.

~≈🏋️≈~

As an up side … ?

I’ve finally manage to get my video review of “The Interstellar Song Contest” finished.

Granted: I think my whole chain of thought — on the poppy front —  could well be wrong: I’ve been reminded that the little girl seen in “The Story and the Engine” was a version of Captain Poppy, from “Space Babies”.

And … ?

Well … 

Feel free to leave me a comment!

~≈⚘≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-5-2025 — The Protectorate of Tonga

18th May, 2025: the Protectorate of Tonga.

Right … I’ve officially made a mess of a video!

At some point, today, this video is going to get taken down … 

Because … ?

I made a hash of the audio … !

I’m currently rebuilding it: hopefully, that won’t affect the viewing figures.

But … ?

That’s what happens when you do late night video editing … when so knackered you don’t double check things!

Arrrggghhh!

~≈🏗️≈~

Doctor Who — Series 15/Season 2 - Episode 6 — “The Interstellar Song Contest” — A Review

16th May, 2025: “The Interstellar Song Contest”.

It’s officially Friday … and the day before this week’s episode of Dr Who airs.

And also means I’ve had a visit from my nephew, Jude.

If you’d like to watch his latest video?

You’d be more than welcome to.

~≈💊≈~

At any rate … it’s still Friday!

Which means … ?

I’m looking forward to “The Interstellar Song Contest”, the next episode of Dr Who.

Granted I’m going to be watching through the BBC’s iPlayer service?

I’m aware that it’s scheduled broadcast time puts it after the football, and before Eurovision.

Thankfully, the episode wasn’t cancelled because the football went into extra time.

I used to hate that, as a child.

~≈💊≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th May 2025.

17th May, 2025.

It’s officially not Friday: but Saturday.

And … ?

The day after my nephew’s visited: and uploaded a new video.

Feel free to hit the ‘Like’ button … !

~≈🎮≈~

You’re probably aware it’s Saturday: Saturday, 17th May.

And therefore the day of the FA cup final, night of the Eurovision finals … and the day that “The Interstellar Song”, the next episode of Dr Who is due to be broadcast.

Assuming the terrestrial broadcast isn’t cancelled, or shifted to BBC 2, as a result of the football running into extra time.

I always hated that, as a kid.

These days, at least … ?

I can watch the thing on the iPlayer catch-up service.

But that’s going to be frustrating for UK-based Dr Who fans who aren’t online!

~≈♩≈~

As a last point … ?

I am very aware Ncuti Gatwa, the Fifteenth Doctor, himself, was due to announce the Jury votes in tonight’s song contest.

But has had to pull out: due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

I’d love to know why: I’m nosy, after all.

But … ?

I’m very aware it’s none of my business: so I’ll never find out.

Heigh-ho.

~≈♩≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th May 2025.

16th June, 2025.

It’s officially official: it’s Friday.

And I’m grateful I’ve start this post.

It’s reminded me that I need to take my usual shot of Mounjaro.

Hey … ho … 

~≈💉≈~

On other fronts?

I’ve been paid … 

So … ?

Frankly, that means I can stock my freezer: with extra frozen veg.

As nice as the bag of mixed vegetables I got from my local shop is … it’s got broccoli in it!

“I’m President of the United States and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli.”

George H. W. Bush.

~≈🥦≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-5-2025 — Mike Oldfield (Ten Questions)

15th May, 2025: Mike Oldfield.

It’s officially official: I’ve received an award!

Well, not exactly.

I’ve received a pre-paid card from Southend Council run scheme.

That’s very well timed … especially as I get some benefits, tomorrow!

Either way … ?

I’ve put some money on the gas.

Hopefully, I’ll built up a lot of money on the metre, by winter: that’s when I’ll really need it.

~≈💳≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-5-2025 — The Warsaw Pact

14th May, 2025: the Warsaw Pact.

Peter Sullivan was released from prison, yesterday.

He’d spent thirty-eight years inside: after being wrongly convicted of the murder of Dianne Sindall.

My sympathies go to Ms Sindall’s family: as this means her killer has not been found.

My sympathies are also with Mr Sullivan.

Getting out of prison after that length of time, into a world that’s changed so radically from the one he knew when sentenced … is going to be strange … 

Personally?

I think compensation is due to Peter Sullivan: as should be paid as soon as possible.

And that government — of whatever stripe — should work to make sure mistakes like this don’t happen again.

~≈🪙≈~

A few weeks ago, I put in for extra financial help: from a fund run by Southend Council.

They’ve run a scheme that hands out pre-paid debit cards for some years.

I’ve now, thankfully, had the letter that tells me I’ve been granted one: and how much cash will be on it.

I’ve had the letter … but not the card, and its associated PIN number.

The sooner that gets here, the better!

~≈🪙≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13th May 2025.

13th May, 2025.

Right at the moment … ?

The Today programme’s Thought for the Day being delivered by Dr Paul Gooder: reminding us that body positivity can have an effect on mental health.

And that our bodies are nothing to be ashamed of.

Which is possibly timely.

And vaguely relevant.

I was at my weight management meeting, yesterday: and found I’d lost some three hundred grams.

About two thirds of a pound, so you know.

That’s all good.

~≈£≈~

Talking of which … ?

There’s been trials of weight loss drugs, recently.

A trial has been done, to compare two weight loss drugs: Mounjaro, and Wegovy/Ozempic.

It’s found that Mounjaro — the medication I use to help reduce my weight — is more effective than Wegovy, a variant of the medication I used to use.

And that famously was blighted by shortages.

I think that’s nice to know: whilst concerned it could lead to shortages.

I’m aware of something, though.

I’m aware the study sponsored by Eli Lily: the company that makes Mounjaro.

So, while the reported figures are interesting, I also think those figures are potentially biased.

That they are — effectively — a huge advert.

That the company has put its product on a par with toothpaste, or moisturiser: products whose adverts frequently contain the phrase ‘studies have shown,’ without telling you about those studies.

Frankly?

The reported figures are nice to know … 

But I’d be comfier if those studies had been done by independent researchers!

~≈🧑🏻‍🔬≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th May, 2025 — Six Questions.

12th May, 2025: six questions.

Right … 

That’s the bank holiday’s over with: until the next lot.

Which means … ?

I’m up early: for my weight management meeting.

Hears hoping I’ve lost some!

~≈⚖️≈~

I’ve started watching a documentary, last night: a potted history of the ZX Spectrum called The Rubber-Keyed Wonder.

It’s interesting stuff: and mentions a company called Ultimate Play the Game, who wrote some of THE games for the platform.

Including Atic Atac and Pssst!, my two favourites.

What really caught my attention … ?

Was the fact one of the sound guys on the film was a chap called Joe Richardson.

I recognised the name: my cousin, Dean Richardson, has a son called Joe, who’s a sound engineer.

I got in touch with him: and found out Joe did indeed work on the film.

It’s nice to know the film’s a family affair … !

~≈🎙️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11th May 2025.

11th May, 2025.

It’s Sunday … and I’ve got the radio on.

And the Sunday programme is talking about the new Pope.

Understandable: it is a religious magazine programme, after all.

It’s interesting stuff.

And possibly one of the few times I can use the word ‘dicastery’ in a blog post.

It’s a department of the Roman Catholic Church, so you know.

And not something I’d get to use in daily life.

I’ll have to see what I can do about that.

~≈🇻🇦≈~

While I’m at … … it … 

I’ve finished reviewing of “The Story & The Engine”, yesterday’s episode of Dr Who.

And made a hash of the video version!

Ho … Hum … !

~≈#️⃣≈~

Doctor Who — Series 15/Season 2 - Episode 5 — “The Story & the Engine” — A Review

9th May, 2025: “The Story & the Engine”.

Right then … it’s Friday and I’m starting a review, early!

And a copy of classic Dr Who story, The Claws of Axos playing the background.

Just to get myself into the mood to watch the next episode of the new series, tomorrow.

By the time you read this, or watch the video version … ?

It’ll hopefully be Sunday, 11th May,

I’ll see you then … !

~≈😷≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10-5-2025 — J. Edgar’s Gang …

10th May, 2025: J. Edgar’s Gang.

Right … it’s officially Saturday: and … ?

I feel tired, still.

I think an early night might be in order.

Which is always awkward on a Saturday: it’s Dr Who night!

~≈😷≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-5-2025 — I Predict a Riot

9th May, 2025: I Predict a Riot.

Rejoice!

We have a new pope!

I mean a metaphorical ‘We’, rather than a specific ‘We’.

Catholics will possibly be pleased that Cardinal Robert Prevost is now Leo 14th.

Americans proud of the first US pope.

The rest of us … ?

Can only sit back and have enjoy the Mass he’s due to take, this morning.

Whilst waiting for his views on things to become better known.

Heigh … ho!

~≈♝≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8-5-2025 — VE Day

8th May, 2025: VE Day.

Yes: it’s officially Thursday.

And, frankly?

I’m expecting to be bored witless!

Bar picking up some medications, that is!

Heigh … … ho … !

~≈Ω≈~

Did I mention I’ve woken up with an earworm … ?

I’ve woken up with an earworm: Moloko’s “Forever More”.

Why … ?

I don’t know.

But both song, and video, are hypnotic.

~≈♬≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7th May 2025.

7th May, 2025.

Yay!

It’s officially Wednesday.

And … ?

I have to confess, I’ve been watching the second series of Star Wars spin off series, Andor.

And?

The opening six episodes have been rather good: and include three written by Beau Willimon, show runner of the US version of House of Cards.

I know science fiction isn’t for everyone … but a wartime drama?

With murky political undertones, paranoia you can cut with a knife, and lots of explosions?

Might just be up your street …

~≈💣≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6-5-2025 — iMac.

6th May, 2025: iMac.

Hmm … 

I was at my sister’s, last night: baby — ha! — sitting my nephew, Jude.

We’d natter whilst he watched YouTube on his PS5, and I watched the snooker final in the front room.

I think we had an entertaining evening.

Although I have to say: I dropped a chip.

And … ?

Ruth’s cat’s like bloody lightning!

~≈🍟≈~

We — and the cat! — had a good evening.

So did Chinese snooker.

As Zhao Xintong beat Mark Williams 18-12: and became China’s first snooker world champion in the process.

Well done, him: it’s one hell of a personal achievement, one I suspect will have a similar effect to Andy Murray winning Wimbledon.

And persuade lots of people in China join snooker clubs.

At any rate: congratulations to Xintong.

Now … will he be able to beat the Crucible Curse … ?

I seriously doubt it!

~≈🎱≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5th May, 2025.

5th May, 2025.

Yay!

It’s Monday morning: a bank holiday Monday morning!

So … ?

There’s no weight management meeting, today.

Which won’t stop me feeling knackered, mind: but I can always have a nap, later!

~≈🛌≈~

You know … the current US president strikes me as a bit of a twit.

And the tariffs he’s imposing?

Are just as silly.

This morning … ?

We’re told he wants to introduce a one hundred percent tariff on movies made outside the US: apparently, movies made outside the US are a threat to the country’s national security.

I’m very aware that — given the amount of movies made in the UK — that this will have a negative impact on UK film studios and producers.

But?

I’m hoping that backfires: as so many US movies — not least the Star Wars and Marvel movies — get filmed in Pinewood.

The president’s not doing his country a favour … 

~≈🎬≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4th May 2025

4th May, 2025.

Dear lord … but I was up late!

The perils of review making don’t get any easier, the older you get.

Whatever!

If nothing else, though … ?

I can say I’ve posted written and video reviews of “Lucky Day”.

And seen quite a good episode!

~≈📺≈~

It’s possibly something I’ll have on in the background … but it seems Mark Williams has got through to Snooker’s World Championship finals.

That starts at noon: and should be interesting.

It sees the Welsh veteran go up against newcomer,  Zhao Xintong.

I can’t help but think Zhao will do very well.

Either way … ?

It seems both players are left-handed.

Speaking as an armchair snooker fan, an armchair snooker fan who’s also a southpaw?

I’m happy to see that!

~≈😀≈~

Doctor Who — Series 15/Season 2 - Episode 4 — “Lucky Day” — A Review

*Spoilers*

 

2nd May, 2025: “Lucky Day”.

It’s officially official: it’s late on a Friday night, it’s starting to get summery … 

And … ?

I’ve got videos being exported as we speak … and a copy of Propaganda’s A Secret Wish on in the background.

They, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and the initial lineup of the Art of Noise were the earliest acts on the ZTT label.

And … ?

I think Propaganda got the short end of the stick, success wise.

But at least the albums are still available: even if the bands, and the label they were on, are long gone.

~≈𝄞≈~

At any rate?

It’s late on a Friday night … and … ?

I’m getting my review of “Lucky Day” started, today.

Although, by the time you read this … ?

Or watch the video equivalent?

It should be 4th May, at the latest.

~≈𝄞≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3rd May 2025.

3rd May, 2025.

Hmmm … 

I think we can say I had an evening, last night: one with not a lot of sleep.

For various reasons.

I think I really need to learn various thing: including how not to get mugged off!

Heigh-ho!

~≈🍺≈~

You’ll possibly have realised I’ve been watching Dr Who, these past few weeks.

And … ?

Looking forward to tonight’s episode: which features a returning Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson.)

I’m also very aware the Mark Williams vs Judd Trump semi-final could be interesting.

Especially as whoever gets through will not be facing Ronnie O’Sullivan, the game’s greatest player, but Zhao Xintong: the man who beat him.

This could be a Chinese player’s year.

~≈🐉≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2nd May, 2025.

2nd May, 2025.

Yesterday … ?

Saw local elections take place in part of the UK: and a parliamentary by-election take place in Runcorn.

Elections that have seen Reform UK do well: they won the Runcorn seats by some six votes*!

I’ll a little disappointed elections didn’t happen here in Brentwood: they’ve been postponed until next year.

I’m disappointed — in part — because my town didn’t get a chance to vote, to have its say.

But also … ?

Because we didn’t get a chance to refuse to vote for a right wing party.

I suspect, though, that had there been an election … Reform would do worryingly well.

Anyone else in charge of Essex would be good!

~≈🤔≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 1-5-2025 — The Illuminati

1st May, 2025: The Illuminati.

It has to be said … I’m annoyed at someone.

And, no, before you ask: I’m not saying who or why.

But I can safely say I went for a nice healthy stroll, last night.

As I’ve found that’s a good way of calming down: a better way — for me — than having a beer.

That’s not a safe option for me.

~≈🍺≈~

Right at the moment … ?

I have a 4k copy of The Terminator, copying onto my system.

I’m pleased.

I don’t think the database I’ve had to install helped: instead, I think the information dumps I sent in helped to update the software’s relevant decryption keys.

Whatever’s happened?

I’m pleased: at least I’ve got a good start to the day.

~≈👩🏽‍💻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th April 2025.

30th April, 2025.

Did I mention my nephew was here, yesterday?

My nephew, Jude, was here, yesterday.

Yes: he’s uploaded more Mikey videos.

Jude’s still mourning, I think.

I do know he’s planning to do more for his regular channel, next week.

That should be something to see!

~≈👦≈~

Oh, did I mention series two of Andor is slowly being released?

More episodes turned up, yesterday.

So far … ?

It’s looking good: although various characters and scenes remind me of all sorts of things.

Mostly the Spanish Civil War, and the French Resistance!

~≈👨🏼‍🎨≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th April 2025.

29th April, 2025.

Right … 

It’s the day after.

“What?”, I hear you cry.

It’s the day after yesterday.

Which possibly means a lot: but there you go.

~≈⚡️≈~

I do know regular reader, Olga, lives in Spain: and got hit by yesterday’s power cuts.

She’s safe: as power is being re-connected.

Quite why the Cut happened?

No one seems sure.

I’d love to know what caused it: as, I suspect would Olga, and the rest of the Iberian Peninsula.

But … ?

I suspect it’s going to be a while before we find out …

~≈⚡️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-4-2025 — Sir Terry Pratchett.

28th April, 2025: Sir Terry Pratchett.

OK: it’s now officially a Monday: and it’s not a bank holiday!

And … ?

I’m up early, for my weight management meeting.

Hopefully, I’ve lost something: but can also look to next week’s bank holiday.

That’s another hour in bed … !

~≈🛌≈~

Oh … there’s local elections on Thursday.

Part from in areas where they’ve been postponed: because the relevant councils are being restructured.

Because it’s in Essex … ?

Brentwood’s is one of those elections.

Right at the moment … ?

I’m not sure whether to be worried, or not!

~≈❌≈~