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

11th September, 2025.

Yay!

It’s Thursday!

Which means I’m going to be watching TV, tonight.

I’ll be watching “New Life and New Civilizations”, the last episode of this series of Star Trek: Strange New World.

Some of the clips look interesting … 

~≈🕰️≈~

There’s a conservative activist in the United States: called Charlie Kirk.

Or, at least, there was.

He was shot, yesterday.

My condolences go to his family.

But … ?

From the little I know, he’d been a very Conservative Christian, and a vocal supporter of gun ownership rights.

So, to me?

It seems ironic that he’s been shot.

And a very good example of Matthew 26:52;

“Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.”

~≈🗡️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th September, 2025.

10th September, 2025.

It’s got to be said: I’ve got the Today programme on, in the background.

And?

They’ve had an especially snotty interview with a police representative.

Lot’s of cross-purpose talking, denials, accusations.

What have you.

I keep hoping the interviewee is going to get especially snotty at the interviewer.

In those circumstances?   I always think of this scene from Good Omens: where a spokesperson for a nuclear power plant gets seriously snotty with a BBC journalist.

And?

I think Sir Terry outlined that scene … after encountering a really aggressive BBC journalist, when he was the press spokesmen for the Central Electricity Generating Board, a spokesman for at least three nuclear power plants.

He was on record as saying he’d like to write about his time working for them … if he thought anyone would believe it … 

I suspect he was sorely tempted, sometimes: or, at least, tempted enough to write that one passage … 

~≈☢️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th September, 2025.

9th September, 2025.

Yay!

He says!

I was at my weight management meeting, yesterday: and I’ve officially lost weight.

Two hundred gram, roughly half a pound.

So, at yesterday’s meeting, I was down to one hundred kilos, roughly fifteen — 15.75 — stone.

Which is an alarming number, when. you see it in imperial measures and remember what I weighed in my late twenties.

But it’s a lot better than it was, only four years ago.

So that’s something.

~≈🥌≈~

Oh, did I mention I’ve been sneakily watching season two of Wednesday?

I’ve been sneakily watching season two of Wednesday!

Billie Piper’s in it, in case you were wondering: playing a recovering pop star who’s now a music teacher.

Which is why I mention it.

It turns out Piper’s not the only singer-turned-actress to turn up in the show.

Nope: last night’s episode saw Lady Gaga turning up as a ghost!

She gets everywhere!

~≈👻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8th September 2025

8th September 2025.

Right, then: it’s officially Monday morning.

But you know that!

You’re also very aware that I’m off to my weight management meeting.

And desperately hoping I’ve lost some.

Weight, that is!

Either way?

I’ll know, later.

~≈⚖️≈~

As an extra thought … ?

I’ve got the Today programme on: who’ve reported that Eli Lilly — the makers of the injectable weight loss drug, Mounjaro — has designed a weight loss pill.

And hoping it will be introduced into the UK, in 2026.

Whether it’s going to be helpful to someone like me — I’ve been using Mounjaro for some time — is a whole other matter.

But … ?

I get the impression from the Today programme that this pill would be aimed at those of us looking to lose weight, looking to supplement lifestyle changes.

Those of us who want to lose weight: not just those of us who need to lose weight.

We’ll have to see, won’t we?

~≈⚖️≈~

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

7th September, 2025.

Right … it’s official: I’ve got my written and video reviews of “Terrarium”, the recent episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, up.

I can only hope the review does as well as Melissa Navia did in the episode!

~≈🖖≈~

I mentioned I was expecting a delivery, yesterday: of some blu-rays, along side a couple of other bits.

The blu-rays?

Included an updated version of The Young Ones: quietly re-coding as we speak.

And included season two of Dr Who: Ncuti Gatwa’a last in the role.

There is still no news about a third season: Disney-sponsored or otherwise.

There’s only talk — and assumptions — that The War Between Land and Sea, the UNIT themed spin-off, will air at some point in 2026.

I’m looking forward to that.

But … ?

I would rather have had a third, Ncuti Gatwa-led, season, rather than the spin-off: that way, the ‘real’ story, the one we didn’t get, couldn’t’ve been finished.

It’s disappointing, knowing we’ve missed something.

~≈👨🏿‍⚕️≈~

One last thing, about the delivery?

There were a couple of other bits, as well.

One thing?

A couple of teabag tongs: so I can squeeze out teabags, in the cup.

I’d like to avoid burnt fingers!

The other?

Was some test strips for my blood sugar monitor.

Yes: I can get them on prescription: and intend to put in another request, this week.

But the things come in pots of fifty, compared to the box of one hundred lancets: and go quickly!

~≈🖥️≈~

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds — Series 3 - Episode 9 — “Terrarium” — A Review

4th September, 2025: “Terrarium”.

The Introduction.

Right, then.

It’s just coming up for half past four in the afternoon: and it’s almost time to start dinner.

What I’ll have … ?

Is not something I’ve made my mind up about, as yet.

I’m not necessarily in the mood for red meat: but not necessarily in the mood for chicken.

Or anything with gravy.

Or … well … anything fried … !

I suspect I’ll make my mind up … when I eventually open the ’fridge and see what’s there.

It might just have to be sausages … again … !

~≈🍽️≈~

At any rate … ?

You’ve possibly noticed the date at the top of the post, haven’t you … ?

It’s the fourth of September, 2025: and a Thursday.

Which means I’ll be watching “Terrarium”, the next episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, tonight.

And … ?

I’ll have my written, and video, review of the thing up by Sunday, 7th September.

Hopefully?

You’ll be impressed enough to leave me a comment … 

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6-9-2025 — № 249

6th September, 2025.

Did I mention I have a blu-ray on order?

I’ve got a blu-ray on order: of the classic 1980s comedy, The Young Ones.

Why?

Especially given it’s on the BBC iPlayer?   And I bought a streamed version through Apple’s TV.app?

Well … 

One: the version on the iPlayer is edited to remove language now considered offensive.   The streamed version hasn’t.   I’m hoping the bluray version hasn’t, either.

Two?

The blu-ray version has extras both the TV.app and iPlayer version doesn’t.

Finally, three … ?

I’ve been watching the science-fiction/horror series, Alien: Earth, just recently.

The series features Adrian Edmondson — Vyvyan, from The Young Ones — as a corporate heavy.

I’ve had Vyvyan’s “I don’t want my forehead to rust” line banging through my head, since I started watching it!

Argh!

~≈🎭≈~

I have to admit, I can see why the … … 

Actually, no I can’t: I can’t see why the iPlayer version’s been cut.

Well … I know why: it’s some offensive language in the episode, “Flood”.

Which has always struck me as mildly hypocritical of the BBC.

Especially when the iPlater release of Porridge released on iPlayer at the same sort of time as The Young Ones, just had a content warning: rather than heavy handed editing!

Heigh-ho!

~≈🥣≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-9-2025 — On the Road.

5th September, 2025: On the Road.

Were you here, yesterday?

Then you’ll know two things.

I had my quarterly, HbA1c, test, yesterday.

And … ?

The bulb in the lamp sitting next to me failed.

I’m going to try and get replacement bulbs, today.

They’re needed, I think.

But … ?

And wouldn’t you know it … ?

The damn lamp switched on, this morning.

I think I’m getting a case of the hives … 

~≈🐝≈~

I also had blood tests, yesterday.

And … ?

The results should come in, in about a week or so.

I have a phone appointment on the 26th: which is where I find out the results.

This morning, though … ?

I’ve got the radio on, as always: and the BBC News, and the Today programme, has told me thousands of people will need re-testing for type two diabetes.

As some 55, 000 people have been misdiagnosed with the condition, as a result of wrongly-calibrated equipment.

I don’t think I’m affected: the results from the blood sugar monitor I have, tell me that.

Along side the lack of ill effects from the medications I’m on.

But?

I did have an oddly low reading from the quarterly tests, a few months back.

And have always wondered about that … 

~≈🐝≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4th September 2025

4th September, 2025.

Right.

It’s Thursday: and I’m skint.

Which is understandable: it’s the day before pay, after all.

But … ?

The bulb in my lamp, the screw-in bulb in my lamp with a screw-in bulb fitting, the screw-in bulb in my lamp with a screw-in bulb fitting that I don’t have a replacement for … 

Is dead!

Bereft of life, it rests in peace: if it hadn’t been screwed into the socket, it’d be pushing up the daisies!

It’s not pining, it’s passed on.

You know the drill, by now!

At any rate … it’s done this, today: on Thursday.

The day before pay day, and the day before I’ll have the cash to replace it.

On a day where I’m up early, to head to hospital for blood tests?

That’s wonderful timing*!

~≈💡≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3-9-2025 — Ebay

3rd September, 2025: Ebay.

Hmmm … 

I mentioned, yesterday, that I hate a meeting with my Job Centre case worker, today.

I wish I hadn’t … !

I managed to head to the relevant website, yesterday, utterly convinced the meeting was yesterday, and panicking, yesterday, because the site was telling me, yesterday, that I was too early or too late, for the meeting.

So I phoned the Job Centre to find out what happened.

They, very politely, told me I’d phoned a day early.

I’d kick myself.

Except I’d possibly miss … 

~≈🦵≈~

I’ve had the Today programme on.

And … ?

They’ve been reporting that — once again — the idea of a digital ID system is being discussed.

I still object.

If the ID in question is something like a bank-card sized card — something like a modern UK driving license — I have to ask who’s paying for that?

Anyone who wants a UK driving license has to pay for it, themselves.

Mine was paid for by the Job Centre: as I need it for ID at a couple of job interviews, but couldn’t afford it.

And not having one was seen as hampering any job interview.

Would I — in theory — have to pay for one myself?   And be able to claim for it through the Job Centre?

I doubt I could afford one, otherwise.

Would this ID card be a smart-phone app?

The same sort of problem applies: I could only afford a new smart-phone because I’m claiming Personal Independence Payments.

Those of us without a smart-phone, and without the means to pay for one, would also need financial help.

Who’s going to be providing the cash … ?

~≈🦵≈~

Graham Linehan is a comedy writer: as I recall, he’s the man responsible for The IT Crowd and Father Ted and has been arrested at Heathrow Airport.

Over some posts on what’s now called X.

Arrested by five officers: who the Today programme tells us were armed.

The number of officers seems excessive.

But, if they were armed, as well?

That’s just a little over the top … !

~≈👮🏼≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2-9-2025 — VJ Day

2nd September, 2025: VJ Day.

Right … it’s officially Tuesday.

And … ?

Frankly, I’m going to be having a quiet day.

After all, it’s not until tomorrow I have a meeting with my Job Centre case worker, and Thursday until I have my quarterly blood tests.

I think putting my feet up could be good.

~≈🦶≈~

As I write … ?

The radio is off.

Just so I’m not distracted.

At the time I did so, Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, was being interviewed on the Today programme: about the many immigrants trying to get to the UK, illegally, over the English Channel.

As I recall, in the last election, one member of Reform called for illegal migrants to be shot, when they landed.

Which, unfortunately, is an idea I find appealing: and may be a deterrent.

I find it appealing: as, I suspect, will many others.

However, I also think it’s an idea that’s very unethical.

I’m also reminded of a scene in a Dr Who story called Genesis of the Daleks.

One where the Doctor asks Davros, the creator of the Daleks, if he, Davors, could launch a plague and kill all life.

The key question I’ve always remembered from the scene?

But would you do it?

It’s one I feel applies to the “Shoot a Migrant” question.

Could you — or me, or them — put a bullet in a gun, point it at a migrant coming off a small boat, and pull the trigger?

Could you?

Cold-bloodedly?

I couldn’t.

But I suspect some could.

That’s not a reassuring idea … 

~≈🚄≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 1st September 2025.

1st September, 2025.

Right … it’s Monday morning.

And I’m officially up early.

My weight management meeting is today: and?

Hopefully, I’d’ve lost some weight.

~≈⚖️≈~

Did I mention I’ve been watching Alien: Earth?   But not planning to review it?

I’ve been watching Alien: Earth.

And not planning to review it.

It’s worth watching, I think.

But the eyeball monster is a little unnerving … !

Don’t watch that video if you’re not keen on gruesome … !

~≈👁️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-8-2025 — The Return of Caligula

31st August, 2025: Caligula.

Did I mention I went to Romford, yesterday?

Via Brentwood Station … ?

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I was going to sell on a recently bought, 4k, import copy of V for Vendetta: having ripped it over the week.

But … ?

The Romford branch of CeX wouldn’t take it.

As it had no UK age classification on it!

I used to work at the Brentwood branch, who had a similar policy.

And … ?

I wish I’d remembered that, when I bought the thing.

It would’ve made the trip worth the time!

~≈📀≈~

Just as a related thought … ?

I use MakeMKV to copy discs, and Handbrake to recode those into something I can play on my Apple TV 4k.

One of these days, I’ll try and write about the process, I really will!

At any rate?

The two apps are available for macOS, Windows and GNU/Linux.

But not, going by the websites, for ChromeOS.

Something I was able to confirm with my ChromeBook owning nephew.

At least, Jude was able to tell me the two apps aren’t on the Chrome Web Store.

I believe they’re not available for various reasons: but suspect the developer terms for ChromeOS are partly responsible.

I believe Google wants to keep piracy to a minimum, so words its Terms and Conditions to prevent apps like these on its Store.

Personally … ?

I think that’s a shame.

Those of us who use these apps for legitimate purposes should have a choice of what platform to use.

~≈📀≈~

As a last thought … ?

My written and video reviews of “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans” are out: enjoy them, and the episode!

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds — Series 3 - Episode 8 — “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans” — A Review

28th August, 2025: “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans”.

The Introduction.

Right, then: it’s officially Thursday.

And … ?

I have a version of Strauss the Younger’s “The Blue Danube” playing in the background.

I’ve copied a 4k version of V for Vendetta: and I’m transcoding the copy with Handbrake, so I can stream it to my AppleTV, as and when.

One of these days, I’ll tell you how to do that.

I’m also struggling to make up my mind: about what to have for dinner.

It boils down to three things: sausages, burgers or chicken.

I think I’ll go for chicken: frankly, I’ve had sausages, and burgers, already!

This week, I should clarify!

“Gosh!” I hear you say, “that’s so exciting!”

It’s OK.

I’ll get to the interesting stuff, after dinner.

Yes, it’s that of week again.

Once I’ve had dinner, I’ll be watching “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans”: this week’s episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

It looks promising … 

~≈🖖≈~

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

30th August, 2025.

Right, then: it’s Saturday.

And … ?

For starters, I’ll have finished my Star Trek review, tonight: “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans” is very funny!

On top of that … ?

I’ve caught the most recent episode of Foundation: “Skin in the Game” has seen Lee Pace putting in one hell of a performance as Brother Day*.

What else … ?

Oh, yes: I’ve woken up with MrWeebl’s “Shrimp Glockenspiel” earworming its way through my head.

Why, I don’t know.

But the video has bongo-playing crabs, if that’s any help … ?

~≈🦀≈~

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

29th August, 2025.

It’s officially official: I’ve woken up!

And … ?

I’ve woken up with the word ‘Yockenthwaite’ floating around my head … 

I don’t know why: but do know it’s a village in Yorkshire and a character in Roger and the Rottentrolls.

I’ve also woken up with the theme to Josie and the Pussycats earworming its way through my head.

If I figure out why?

I’ll let you know!

~≈😸≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th August 2025.

28th August, 2025.

It’s Thursday: but you knew that!

And it’s also the day after I’ve managed to pick up the test strips that go with my blood sugar monitor.

I can excitedly jab my fingers: and test my blood sugar levels.

Once the lancets turn up!

Heigh ho!

~≈💉≈~

You’re possibly aware that two school children have been killed: in a mass shooting in Minneapolis.

The shooter’s motives are unknown: although there’s talk of an online video.

I’ll be honest … after hearing about another mass shooting, one whose victims were in a church, celebrating the start of a new school year, I did something I very rarely do.

I prayed.

No, I’m not especially religious: but I prayed to whoever’s up there.

Prayed that the USA finally decides to change the Constitution’s Second Amendment, the one that allows private US citizens to own weapons.

I realise that’s not simple: that there’s a whole body of US law, and US court judgements, built on that amendment.

But … ?

The fact the right to bear arms is included in the Constitution, and, ultimately, allowed the shooter to legally buy the guns he killed and injured children?

The fact it allows that?

Means the Second Amendment has to change.

~≈🔫≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-8-2025 — World Lake Day. (Ten questions.)

27th August, 2025: World Lake Day.

Right, then: it’s Wednesday.

And I have to go back into town.

Because … ?

The test strips — and associated lancets — won’t turn up until today.

At the earliest … !

Don’t you just love bank holiday hold-ups … ?

~≈💷≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th August 2025.

26th August, 2025.

Right … it’s now Tuesday.

Which is nice.

As — hopefully — it means the next batch of test strips and lancets will have arrived at my usual pharmacists.

They could’ve turned up, yesterday.

Except, of course, yesterday was a bank holiday: which always holds things up.

~≈Î≈~

I have to say, though, that strips — and lancets — are surprising.

Although ‘surprising’ is possibly the wrong word to use.

I’m still getting use to using them: so it’s surprising — amazing?   strange? — to me, how quickly I get through the things.

As are some of the results.

Apparently, my safe range is between four, and seven: and I’m supposed to do two tests a day

So getting through the strips, rapidly, is surprising: and getting results between roughly four and eight — 4·4 and 8·6 — seems even more surprising.

Especially when my usual range seems to be around 5·5 and 6·6

What’s more … ?

I don’t know the how figures from the machine — 5·6 mmol*, as an example — relate to the results of the quarterly HbA1c tests I have to take: I believe the HbA1c are supposed to be roughly ten times bigger than the glucose machine’s results.

So my last HbA1c result, ~forty (40), should translate to ~four (4).

Whether I’m right … ?

I don’t know.

Thankfully?

I’ve got an appointment booked with my GP’s nurse-practioner, in September.

I can ask, then.

~≈🪏≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-8-2025 — Nottinghamshire. (Ten Questions)

25th August, 2025: Nottinghamshire.

It’s officially Monday: and officially a bank holiday.

Which means?

I’m up … at a later time than usual.

As my weight management groups got the day off.

We’re back to normal, next week.

~≈🍰≈~

Just in case you’re wondering … ?

I’ve finally finished another Star Trek review: both the written and video versions.

I hope you enjoy it!

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Series 3 Episode 7 — “What Is Starfleet?” — A Review

21st August, 2025: “What is Starfleet?”.

The Intro.

Right, then: once again, we reach a Thursday!

Which means … ?

Yes: you’re right.   I’m cooking dinner, again.

A burger, if you’re curious: with home made chips, and vegetables.

Once I’ve eaten … ?

I’ll be doing what I’ve done for the past few weeks, and watching the next few episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, then telling you about it by Saturday, 23rd August.

If “What Is Starfleet?” is anything like last weeks episode?

There’s a possibility of time machines … 

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th August 2025

24th August, 2025.

Yay!!

It’s Sunday … !

And … ?

The last bank holiday weekend before Christmas.

You can tell two things, right now.

One?

I’m excited!

Two?

My weight management meeting is off, tomorrow.

Which means I get an hour, extra, in bed.

Three?

I can’t afford to go to the Notting Hill Carnival.

Which is good: I don’t have the hips for the costumes …

~≈👯≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd August 2025. (Six Questions.)

23rd August, 2025.

Right, then … 

I think my next Star Trek: Strange New Worlds review is going to take a little longer than I was expecting.

Because?

Yesterday was payday: so I was in town for longer than I am, normally.

It should be up, tomorrow, at the latest.

I just have to make the video: once I’ve talked about Erica Ortegas’ hobbies.

Turns out she’s a petrol head, who likes restoring bikes.

~≈🖖≈~

I had a quick chat with my younger sister, Ruth, last week: about her CD collection.

She still has one: as well as a CD player.

In a day when many of us either stream from Spotify or Apple Music: or have imported our CD collections to our Macs/PCs?

I was surprised she’d not imported her collection across to any of the laptops she’d owned over the years.

Granted: you need a CD drive to do so.

But that, and a copy of Apple’s Music.app?   Or its predecessor, the iTunes.app?

Meant you could import CDs, store them on your computer, and play them in the app.

Ruth, by contrast … ?

Has a Chromebook.

How you import music from CDs, onto a Chromebook?

Bar the fact you’d need an external CD drive, I don’t know.

And, going by the quick Google search I’ve just done … ?

Trying to import them sounds like a complicated mess*.

I think that — the next time my nephew’s over — I may need to persuade him to bring his Chromebook with him.

Him and his uncle may be able to solve this!

~≈💿≈~