Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-1-2025 — Lord Byron.

22nd January, 2025: Lord Byron.

Right: it’s official: my boiler has been repaired.

The loss of pressure that caused the loss of heat and hot water was not caused by the problem I though was causing it.

I though it was a problem with a pressure valve.

Oh, no.

It was a jammed knob.

One that — as it turns out — I could have done myself … if I’d had an adjustable wrench.

At any rate … ?

My boiler’s now working.

About the only issues I have were that fact the repairman turned up at 20:30, after I’d phoned the repair in at 6:30.

And thet fact I’m trying to avoid any sentence with the word ‘twist’ or ‘knob’ in them.

It sounds ever-so-slightly naughty … !

~≈😏≈~

In the wake of Axel Rudakubana, the Southport Killer, being sentenced?

I notice that there’s various points being discussed:

• The ease he was able to buy knives.
• The number of times he was referred to the counter-terrorism programme, Prevent.
• And concerns about him passed to other authorities.

The one thing that caught my eye?

Was that he’d downloaded what’s described as an ‘al-Qaeda terror manual’ known as the ‘DECLARATION OF JIHAD [HOLY WAR] AGAINST THE COUNTRY’S TYRANTS’.

What I’m not surprised about … ?

Is how easy it is to get how of that … 

~≈💣≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21st January 2025.

21st January, 2025.

I was going to tell you I’d made a point of not watching Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Or mention the theatrical way he signed several Executive Orders.

Mention how he’s pulled the US out of the World Health Organisation, declared a federal emergency on the southern US border, and pardoned the January 6th Rioters.

Mention how pulling out of the WHO may save money: but could certainly affect American lives.

Mention how he’s halted many US government diversity programmes.

Mention how I personally think the man is a bloody idiot.

Or quote a line from Terry Pratchett’s Going Postal*:

“What kind of man would put a known criminal in charge of a major branch of government? Apart from, say, the average voter.”

I won’t, though.

No.

Instead, I’ll have to tell you my boiler’s failed again: and I have to stay in for twenty-four hours, to wait for a repairman.

And that wasting the money that’s on my electricity meter†, boiling water for a bath while I wait?

Means I’m not the only one having a bad day … … 

~≈🧐≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th January 2025.

20th January 2025.

Yay!

It’s Monday … !

And, as ever, I’m up early!

Yes:L it’s Weight Management Day.

And, having maintained my weight, last week?

I’m hoping to have lost something.

Given it’s another cold day?

I’m expecting to lose something by shivering!

~≈🥶≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-1-2025 — Who the Hell is Edgar?

19th January, 2025: Who the Hell is Edgar?

Yes, you’re right!

I am quoting a Eurovision song in the introductory video.

The one today’s teaser takes its title from.

It seem vaguely relevant: although I suspect it would’ve got ma a copyright strike on YouTube!

~≈🐦‍⬛≈~

Oh … whilst we’re on the subject of Edgar … ?

I put an image of him through Apple’s Image Playground app.

Which makes him look vaguely like Kurt Vonnegut.

So it goes … 

~≈🐦‍⬛≈~

There’s supposed to be a ceasefire in Israel.

Supposed to be a ceasefire … 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/ckg0znng8x2t

But, functionally … ?   With Israel blaming Hamas, and bombing Gaza, despite its Cabinet approval of the thing?

Is it any wonder I laugh, when I hear the word, ‘ceasefire’?

~≈💣≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-1-2025 — Lima

18th January, 2025.

Yay!

It’s Saturday!

Which means, I and my nephew, Jude, managed to have dinner together, last night.

Jude also managed to get another video done: and posed for another Image Playground photo.

Quite why my nephew’s got blue hair … ?

I really don’t know!

~≈💇‍♂️≈~

One thing that did crop up, when Jude was here?

Was simply the fact people keep dying.

He was saddened to hear about the death of footballer, Denis Law.

Me … ?

Equally as saddened to hear about the deaths of director, David Lynch, and actor, Christopher Benjamin.

They’re going to be missed.

~≈🪦≈~

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

17th January, 2025.

It’s officially official: I’ve bought a book!

I’ve gone and bought a copy of OgronOOO’s Monster Book, by a chap called Martin Holmes.

It’s an Ogron-themed recreation of the 1970s era Dr Who Monster Book: and — having now read it! — I can tell you it’s fun, very authentic to its source … and has some loving pastiches: especially of the Third and Fourth Doctors.

About my only complaint?

Is nothing to do with Martin, the author, nor necessarily of Lulu.com, the self publishing company he used.

The original copy I bought, I bought back in mid-December: which was sent to me through Royal Mail.

That original copy?

Still hasn’t arrived.

There was nothing Martin could do, unfortunately: but Lulu sent me a complimentary, second, copy, via UPS.

Well-played Lulu: that copy got here yesterday.

And … ?

Was well worth the wait.

The OgronOOO’s Monster Book is fantastic: and shows you how much talent Martin has, and how much hard work he’s put in.

And is cheaper than the book it’s based on!

Go buy it!

~≈🐵≈~

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

16th January, 2025.   (Six Questions!)

Right … it’s officially Thursday … 

And … ?

It’s officially quiet … !

I’m planning very little: beyond writing, a little shopping … and possibly watching TV.

One bit of good news that has brightened my day … ?

Is the email that turned up, yesterday.

Apparently?

I qualify for a Department of Work and Pensions Cold Weather Payment of twenty-five pounds.

That will be useful: and something that goes into my bank account by Tuesday.

That can’t come soon enough: It’s been cold!

~≈🥶≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th January 20205.

15th January 2025.

Right … I’ve officially had my blood results in.

And … ?

I’m frankly, relived.

My glucose level, my HbA1C level, is dow for 57, last time: to 52 in the most recent test.

Celebrating with a pile of Mars bars and a sugary cuppa?

Possibly wouldn’t be a good idea … 

But is a reason to feel pleased.

~≈🍫≈~

I have to admit, I’m slowly watching an episode of documentary series, Storyville, called “Eternal You”.

Seemingly?

A site called Project December, and others like it, uses generative AI technology to allow users to talk to avatars of their dead relatives.

I’m watching the episode in parts.

But … ?

I find this use of the technology* fascinating … but also disturbing.

Clearly, there’s a need for it: as much of a need as there is for something like a spiritualist church.

And clearly, a mix of religion and technology is going to get people talking.

I just don’t know if it’s an especially healthy mix: or a healthy use.

~≈👻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-1-2025 — World Logic Day

14th January, 2025: World Logic Day.

Hmmm … 

Did I mention I was at my weight management meeting, yesterday?

I was at my weight management meeting, yesterday!

And … ?

I’ve not lost weight: but I’ve not gained, either.

I’ve mixed feelings about that: after all, my weight’s been on a downward trend for the past few weeks.

It’s … well … 

‘Hmmm … ’ seems to be the best way of putting it.

~≈🥑≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-1-2025 — The City of Saint Mungo

13th January, 2025: Saint Mungo’s City.

Right … it’s officially Monday: and?

I’m off to Brentwood, for my weight management meeting.

Given I lost about four hundred grams, last week?   About 9/10th of a pound?

I’m hoping to have lost more.

It would be nice to have a win, in the new year.

~≈⚖️≈~

Talking of weight … ?

It seems that tonight’s episode of Panorama covers weight loss drugs available on the National Health Service.

Given a recent report that says supplying the drugs could well bankrupt the NHS?

I’d be interested in seeing that … !

~≈💉≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th January, 2025.

12th January, 2025.

It’s officially official: it’s Sunday!

And … ?

The day after I managed to batch cook some stew.

Stupidly, though … ?

I forgot to include the celery I’d bought for it!

If anyone needs a packet, they’d be welcome to it!

~≈🫛≈~

We know there’s wildfires in Los Angeles, at the moment.

And we’re sympathetic to those who’ve lost lives and homes.

What’s strange for me … ?

Is simply the fact that the swish LA suburb of Brentwood is being threatened: and under evacuation orders.

Which is odd to me.

Not “Gosh, wildfires, that’s weird”.

No: it’s just the simple coincidence that seems odd.

I live in the Essex town of Brentwood.

Where we’re getting sub-zero temperatures … 

~≈🧊≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11th January 2025

11th January, 2025.

It’s officially official: it’s Saturday.

And the day after I caught the penultimate episode of Silo, series two.

It’s a fascinating watch.

But there is a downside.

Some scenes are filmed in badly lit areas of the setting: and it doesn’t look especially good.

Hopefully, that’s something that can be remedied …

~≈📺≈~

It’s not that often my home town gets mentioned on the news.

But my home town — or, at least, its local council — got mentioned by the BBC’s new website, yesterday.

It seems the local government ombudsman has accursed Brentwood Council of gatekeeping, of doing everything it can to not help homeless people in the area.

And of doing so, despite the two hundred or so relevant applications meeting the relevant thresholds.

I’m tempted to tell you several things.

That the council’s guilty as charged.

And that — as I mentioned in several posts, yesterday — was doing this because it:

• Hadn’t invested in social housing, or …
• Didn’t want the wrong sort of residents in town.

I’m tempted to say #BrentwoodCouncil’s doing this because they haven’t built enough #CouncilHousing. Or because the homeless aren’t #MiddleClass enough … Either way, I’m not surprised by this … www.inyourarea.co.uk/post/news/67...

[image or embed]

— @MrCuddy2977 (@mrcuddy2977.bsky.social) 10 January 2025 at 11:37

I’m not, though.

Instead, I’m going to say one thing.

I’m not surprised by the news … 

~≈🚪≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th January 2025.

10th January, 2025.

Yay!

It’s Friday … !

Which means … ?

Hopefully, my nephew, Jude, will be over.

And hopefully … ?

I’ll be catching the next episode of Silo: the show’s rather good.

~≈⚔️≈~

Oh … JUST as a last thought … ?

I’ve had a new bit of kit arrive for my Mac: a Verbatim 43888, a 4k bluray reading optical drive, one that works with specific bits of ripping software.

Hopefully?

That’ll be useful.

~≈📀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th January 2025

9th January, 2025.

You know … it’s Thursday!

And … ?

I’ve honestly got nothing planned.

Well … bar picking up a loaf and some fruit!

And missing Star Trek Lower Decks.

The fact the show’s over does leave a gap in a Thursday night!

~≈🖖≈~

I do, however, know I’ve been watching Skeleton Crew: the most recent Disney+ Star Wars series.

Yes, I know it’s aimed at kids.

But it’s fun, has pirates … and, after reaching episode seven, last night?

I still don’t know if the Jude Law character is a goody or a baddie*!

~≈🤺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8-1-2025 — Elvis Presley

8th January, 2025: Elvis Presley.

Right then … It’s Wednesday.

But you knew that!

And — while we’re not threatened by wildfires or snow — we’re looking at low temperatures!

I think a jumper’s called for.

Along side trousers, a shirt, warm socks, underwear … and possibly a coat!

It’s not warm … 

~≈🥶≈~

I’m on Facebook: and have been for many years.

And … ?

Given the amount of literal cr*p that gets aired on the site, I’m grateful Facebook has been using comment moderation and fact checking.

But … ?

In the wake of Donald Trump’s re-election?

Meta, Facebook’s owner, has announced it’s to stop using them.

While I’ll be continuing to use the service?

That’s a concerning move from the company.

I’d infinitely prefer Meta to keep fact checkers.

I’d hate to see the return of rubbish on FB.

It’s bad enough on X!*

~≈🄵≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7-1-2025 — John the Forerunner

7th January, 2025: John the Forerunner.

Right … it’s officially Tuesday … and Radio 4’s Today programme has a piece on, about the way McDonald’s staff are being treated.

It’s an on-going thing for the company: some of its franchise managers make Harvey Weinstein look good!

That’s certainly not making the company look good!

But that’s not really relevant to my day.

It’s a day where I have nothing planned: and I’m feeling vaguely lost.

After all, the past couple of weeks have been busy … !

~≈🎅🏻≈~

At any rate … ?

Yesterday was Monday: a day that saw me at the dentist in the afternoon … and at my weight management meeting in the morning!

Thankfully?

I’m down four hundred grams: just shy of a pound.

That’s pretty good: post Christmas!

~≈🏋️‍♂️≈~

As a final thought … ?

You’re possibly aware I claim an extra benefit: called Personal Independence Payment, or PIP.

I had thought I’d be eligible for a free bus pass as a result.

After a phone call, yesterday … ?

It turns up I’m not.

I don’t have enough points in the relevant section of my claim.

That’s a bit of a git: free bus travel could’ve been helpful.

~≈🚍≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6-1-2025 — The Attack

6th January, 2025: the Attack.

It’s officially something I was trying to avoid: but I have to admit … I have an earworm, this morning!

Yes: a song about a baby!

Quite why … ?

I’m blowed if I know!

~≈♪≈~

It’s also, officially, Monday.

The first of the new year.

So … ?

I’m up early: to go to my newly re-started weight management group.

Hopefully?

I’ll’ve lost something: preferable some weight, rather than any hope, or my wits!

Height … … ho!

~≈🏋🏻‍♀️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-1-2025 — Waiting for Godot.

5th January, 2025: Waiting for Godot.

Yep: when I woke up this morning, it was raining.

It’s now, thankfully, stopped.

Which is possibly a good thing.

As there’s less of a chance of black ice, due to rain, and light, overnight, snow.

Either way … ?

I’m planning to go for a stroll, later.

Being careful would be an idea …

~≈❄️≈~

Did I mention I had — had — Meatloaf’s Bat out of Hell LP on in the background?

In the wake of the man’s death, “Heaven can Wait” still carries one hell of an emotional charge!

So much of a charge, I had to switch it off.

It’s genuinely upsetting … 

~≈♫≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4-1-2024 — Burmese Days

4th January, 2025: Burmese Days.

Right … it’s now, officially, Saturday!

Yay!

Again!

At any rate, it’s not a day where I’m planning to do much … beyond wait.

I’ve applied for a bus pass that it seems I’m eligible for.

Only the site I’ve applied to keeps reject my documents.

Why?

I don’t know.

Frustrating, eh … ?

~≈🚍≈~

JUST as a though … ?

Yes: my nephew, Jude was here, yesterday.

And?

Just as a change of pace, made a video about Armagetron Advanced … !

Enjoy that!

~≈🏍️≈~

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

3rd January, 2024.

You know … I have to head into town: to pick up some meds!

And I get the impression I’m going to have to rush today’s post as a result!

As I’ve got to look after my nephew, this afternoon.

Heigh … ho!

~≈👦🏼≈~

I’ve also got to confess … that a friend reminded me of something.

That, as I’m claiming a qualifying benefit, I can claim a bus pass that lets me travel for free.

At least in Essex: and possibly on buses run by Transport for London.

That … ?

That’s useful.

It’s just a shame I got reminded about it … on the day the bus fares went up!

~≈🚏≈~

Oh … yesterday was the anniversary of the original airing of “The Way Back”, the first episode of Blake’s Seven.

Following in the footsteps of the Doctor Who — The Collection box sets, the BBC have re-released the first series in a set that includes two copies of each episode: an upscaled version of the episode as broadcast, and one with updated effects.

I watched the updated version: which was interesting to watch.

About my only criticism?

Was with the original scripting of this episode.

Blake is framed for assaulting a minor.

Then, when transported to a prison planet?

Mixed, openly, with other prisoners.

There’s my criticism.

From the little I know of these things, any prisoner accursed of those sorts of crimes would not be mixed with the general run of prisoners.

They’d get seriously assaulted, if not murdered* …

~≈🚀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2-1-2025 — Blake’s Seven

2nd January, 2025: Blake’s 7.

OK, OK … it’s Thursday!

Which frankly means I’d normally be hopping, skipping and jumping around like a excitable bunny!

I think I’d rather not.

Not given the weather!

It’s definitely chilly …

~≈🥶≈~

You’ve possibly noticed that there’s been an attack on party-goers in New Orleans: by a man identified as US Army veteran, Shamsud-Din Jabbar.

An attack that’s been provisionally labelled as a terrorist attack, and connected to the activities of the Islamic State group.

And possibly connected to the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck, outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas.

A van made by Elon Musk, exploding outside a hotel owned and operated by President Elect Donald Trump.

I think America’s going to have a rough time as a result of Trump’s second term.

This … ?

Possibly won’t be the last such thing … 

~≈𐅔≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 1-1-2025 — Frankenstein

1st January, 2025: Frankenstein.

Yay!

It’s 2025!

Which means we can now be officially happy and cheerful!

Or winging about the ABBA tunes earworming their way through our heads … !

Heigh … ho!

~≈🎉≈~

I’ve possibly mentioned that I rip — copy — blurays and DVDs: using a mix of MakeMKV and Handbrake.

Indeed, I mentioned it, in yesterday’s Teaser.

I just wanted to add an update: and tell you I’ve owned two new Macs over the past year.

And that I’ve used the new one — a 2024 Mac mini — to copy the discs in the Doctor Who Season 25 Collection, and transcoded some of the discs with it.

I’m halfway through transcoding the copies.

And … ?

I’ve not done any scientific measurements … but this model seems to transcode the discs in around three to four hours: compared to the previous model’s five to six.

I don’t know about you: but I’m mildly impressed.

~≈🍹≈~