Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31st May 2025.

31st May, 2025.

Right … 

It’s officially the case I have new slogan t-shirts, and a CD,

The t-shirts … ?

Have images from Atic Atac, the old ZX Spectrum game: I got those, having been inspired by a documentary called The Rubber-keyed Wonder.

It’s only after I went through the design process, and paid for the things, I found the company already did some!

Ho-hum!

~≈🤔≈~

I also managed to get hold of seminal Wendy Carlos LP, Switched-on Bach: generally considered to be the first — or, at least the first popular — album of synthesiser music to be released.

Unfortunately?

Carlos* has never released her music through streaming services: and a lot of her material out of print.

If you want a copy of this LP, an LP that’s considered very influential?

You really have to hunt for it.

~≈🎼≈~

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

30th May, 2025.

Right … it’s officially official.

I’ve asked a few local shops to put up the poster, advertising a laptop for sale.

I owe them — Barry at the Emporium, Connie at the Flying Fish, the Pharmchoice gang and Daniel’s Barbers — a thank you, if nothing else.

Hopefully, that may — may — help.

As the Facebook Marketplace ad doesn’t seem to have picked up anything other than the odd click.

Not even the odd scammer!

Heigh ho!

~≈🏺≈~

What was one thing and another … ?

The US President is having trouble.

As various US Courts have ruled against his tariff regime: leaving the things in various states of suspension.

From what I’ve understood?

The rulings hinge on the president overstepping his authority: as some of the tariff raising powers are reserved for the US Congress.

It’s how the US system works, if I’ve got it right: these jobs are done by Congress, those by the Courts, others only by the president.

How much executive authority does a corporate Chief Executive Officer have?

How much can he do in his day-to-day job of running a US company?

I don’t know.

But it struck me, yesterday, that — with the executive orders that he’s issuing — the President is treating his job as if it’s a corporate Chief Executive position: not as a political office, where there’s a different balance of powers.

We’ll have to see … 

~≈👨🏻‍💼≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-5-2025 — International Day of United Nations Peace Keepers

29th May, 2025: International Day of United Nations Peace Keepers.

Right … 

I’ve only a few quid left.

But … ?

I’ve managed to get a couple of posters printed: to try and advertise my sister’s Chromebook.

Hopefully: those will help.

At least, once I’ve got the black-and-white ones placed: there’s usually a couple of shops that help.

Here’s hoping … !

Here’s the ad.

~≈🛒≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-5-2025 — The Old Firm Derby (Ten questions)

28th May, 2025: the Old Firm Derby.

Right … did I mention I have a computer for sale … ?

I have a computer for sale: a Chromebook, with 8gb RAM, and a 128gb solid state drive.

Going for £105 ONO.

I’ve put it on Facebook: and see if I can’t plonk it on Gumtree and Craigslist, later.

Wish me luck: I suspect this could take a while … 

~≈🛒≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th May 2025.

27th May, 2025.

It’s officially official: it’s Tuesday.

Which possibly means we can do a happy dance.

via GIPHY

Assuming our hips can take the pace, of course!

~≈🪩≈~

At any rate … ?

My sister, Ruth — my nephew’s mother — replaced her old laptop with a ChromeOS-based Chromebook.

Until it gave up the ghost: and got replaced with another one!

I’m going to have a go at resetting it for her: and see if we can sell it on.

I’m mildly nervous about that: it’s a platform I’m unfamiliar with.

So … ?

It’s going to be a learning process.

~≈👨🏻‍💻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th May, 2025.

26th May, 2025.

Right … I managed to get up early, today: on a day I didn’t need to.

It’s a bank holiday: so there’s no weight management group, today.

It’s back, next week.

So that gives me something to look forward to.

~≈⚖️≈~

Some eight years ago … ?

I bought a 4k copy of “Twice Upon a Time”: Peter Capaldi’s last episode in the role of Dr Who.

It was one of the BBC’s early, and few, 4k bluray releases.

But could never rip it with MakeMKV, my default disc-copying software.

I’m not sure why.

More recently?

And in the wake of updates to MakeMKV, and its hashkey database?

I bought another copy: and managed to copy it.

I’m thankful to the team at MakeMKV: the software updates, and updates to the hash keys, the decryption keys, have worked a miracle!

~≈📀≈~

Technology is a possibly funny thing.

It seems one piece of AI software, Claude Opus 4, is fairly advanced.

And potentially capable of blackmail: or, at least, begging for mercy.

Another, an experimental app designed by the makers of ChatGPT, has apparently rewritten its own code: so it can’t be switched off.

Despite appearances, I don’t think we have anything to worry about: I think we have a media panic caused by the Frankenstein Complex.

I don’t think we’re going to get killed in our beds.

At least, not by AI-powered, monster thermostats.

~≈🤖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-4-2025 — Tubular Bells

25th May, 2025: Tubular Bells.

It’s officially Sunday morning.

So … ?

I woke up with an earworm — the theme to Tiswas — banging through my head.

Why?

If I knew that, I’d be rich … 

~≈☀️≈~

At any rate, I’ve finished my written and video review: of “Wish World”, yesterday’s episode of Dr Who.

It has to be said: Archie Panjabi is doing a very good job as the Rani.

~≈🫅🏽≈~

Doctor Who — Series 15/Season 2 - Episode 7 — “Wish World” — A Review

23rd May, 2025: “Wish World”.

Right at the moment?

I’m in a position to afford a take out.

I don’t fancy cooking: and … ?

I’m feeling mildly celebratory.

As the electro-cardiogram the nurse did, has come up clear.

I’ve just got off the phone to the GP, about it.

So … I’m both reassured, and happy … 

And thinking a takeaway would be nice.

That aside … ?

It’s Friday.

So?

I’m setting up my review of “Wish World”, now: and will be finishing it, tomorrow.

Going by the little that’s been released?

“Wish World” looks interesting.

We’ll have to see, won’t we?

~≈💊≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-5-2025 — The Number 144.

24th May, 2025: 144.

Hello, that’s changed … 

I’ve JUST pasted the labels into this blog post: and a pop-up has told me I can have no more than twenty such tags.

It’s changed: no more than two hundred characters, yesterday.

That’s a minor point: that’s possibly too minor at this time of the morning.

Heigh-ho!

~≈☟≈~

At ANY rate … ?

It turns out the US President is threatening fifty percent tariffs on goods made in the European Union.

And twenty-five percent ones on Apple-branded smart phones: but later expanded that threat to cover all smart phones.

My first thought, when I heard the news?

Was that I know the current administration is right wing.

Right wing enough to suspend the various diversity hiring measures in US law.

And — potentially — have a right wing leader who may be prejudiced towards various minorities.

Including gay people.

I mentioned that as Apple is the only tech company I know of to have an openly-out CEO: in the shape of Tim Cook.

So I felt this could be a personal thing for the President.

But I’m also aware that Apple is moving a lot of its manufactoring capabilities from China, to India, as a results of the Presidential imposed tariffs on Chinese made goods.

Which includes goods made by Apple: the Mac mini two feet away from me was made in a factory in Shenzhen, for example.

So I’m also aware that the President wanted to encourage tech manufactoring in the US.

But … ?

I get that impression Apple — as other companies — makes things in China, India and other places: because it’s cheaper for them to do so, to make stuff abroad, rather than make them at home.

The President should maybe impose tariffs … as well encourage lower costs in the US.

Personally?

I think he won’t do that: just as I think his prejudices may be a factor.

~≈🍏≈~

Just as a last thought … ?

Something’s gone wrong, somewhere.

I went for my diabetic review, yesterday.

And … ?

My results hadn’t come through.

I could’ve sworn I had those tests, recently!

In fact, I know I did: I left my glasses at the hospital, and had to go back for them!

Quite what’s happened, there, I don’t know: but I’ve rebooked the test, and the review!

~≈🅱️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd May, 2025.

23rd May, 2025.

In amongst the tennis results that Radio 4’s feeding me, I’m curious.

About life.

About death.

About deeply intense stuff, that can reveal humanity’s heart of darkness, and our place in the universe.

And … ?

I’m wondering what on Earth I’m burbling on, about, now!

Frankly?

I’m blaming getting up early: I’ve got my diabetic review, today.

How that will go … is something I find out at 11.

~≈🕚≈~

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!

~≈♝≈~