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

31st July, 2025.

Right … it’s officially Thursday.

And … ?

Well, theoretically, I have a day off.

At least … a day where I’ve nothing planned.

Bar watching this week’s Star Trek.

“A Space Adventure Hour” looks like it could be interesting … 

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-7-2025 — The New Hebrides.

30th July, 2025: the New Hebrides,

It’s officially official: I had repairmen in, yesterday.

Lowering my cupboards, so you know.

I am suitably grateful.

To both the carpenters who did the job, my landlords for approving and arranging it … and to the occupational therapists who insisted on it in the first place.

Being able to reach the shelves — without a stool or a step ladder — feels odd, right now.

They’ve between that height since I moved in 2008.

Hopefully, though … ?

That will soon pass.

~≈🪑≈~

Something has caught my eye, this morning.

Or ears, I should say.

Is something that got announced on Radio 4’s Today programme: and confirmed by the Independent.

It’s a report from Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, that tells us YouTube is now the UK’s second biggest broadcasting service.

Behind the BBC, but ahead of ITV.

Even though I’m an older user who doesn’t use it as much as the younger generation?

That makes sense.

I’m finding it increasingly hard to find anything to watch on conventional broadcasters … but incredibly easy on YouTube.

There’s a song about that …

~≈🎶≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-7-2025 — The Dwarf Planet

29th July, 2025: the Dwarf Planet … !

It’s official: there’s some Charlie Parker on in the background, it’s Tuesday morning … 

And I’m up early: and have managed to avoid the word “Groovy”.

Why … ?

I’ve got repairmen due: to lower my kitchen cupboards.

Hopefully?

The process won’t take long.

I’d really like to go back to bed … !

~≈🥱≈~

Did I mention my washing machine’s having issues?

My washing machine’s having issues!

According to the repair people I spoke to, over at Mackfields … ?

It’s a blocked sump: which is going to cost me sixty pounds (£60).

I should be able to cover some of it … 

But if anyone would like to help?

My PayPal account is here.

It would be very appreciated … !

~≈£≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th July 2025 (Six Questions)

28th July, 2025.

Bugger!

In the midst of joy for the England team … ?

In the midst of that joy … ?

My washing machine has developed a fault!

Yep: something’s causing a blockage, somewhere.

Granted, I’ve managed to unblock the filter at the bottom of the machine: but … ?

I don’t think the filter’s the real issue.

I bet you something else is causing the problem.

Thankfully, it’s still under guarantee: so any repairs should keep the cost down.

~≈🧺≈~

There’s sad news, today … 

It seems mathematician, Tom Lehrer, has died.

I honestly couldn’t tell you about his scientific work … but do know his music.

He’ll be much missed.

~≈🎹≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-7-2025 — Norfolk and Chance (Ten Questions)

27th July, 2025: Norfolk and Chance.

Right … it’s now Sunday morning: and … ?

I’ve finally got some Star Trek reviews posted!

The written review of “Shuttle to Kenfori” can be found, here.

And here’s the video … 

Feel free to hit the ‘Like’ button!

In addition?

Paramount’s gone and released a sneak peak for season four.

Has Anson Mount had work done … … ?

~≈🖖≈~

Did I tell you I’m not usually a fan of Marvel movies?

I tend to prefer DC films: Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, what-have-you.

But I did know there’s a new Marvel movie: Fantastic Four: First Steps, one that’s been recently released.

A film that got released on 25th July, of this year.

What surprised me — but shouldn’t — is simply how quickly it’s wound up on Pirate Bay … !

Apparently, the studio live-streamed it … in an effort to combat piracy*.

That worked … … … … … … …

~≈🏴‍☠️≈~

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Series 3 - Episode 3 — “Shuttle to Kenfori” — A Review

24th July, 2025: “Shuttle to Kenfori” — The Intro. 

As I speak … ?

It’s Thursday: and, wrestler, Hulk Hogan has died.

I’m saddened by that: although I was never a fan of US wrestling’s style.

Hogan wasn’t my favourite sportsman: but seemed a good representative of his sport.

My thoughts go to his family, friends and fans … 

But life moves on.

~≈🖖≈~

Life moves on, though.

I’ll be thoughtfully having dinner … then catching another episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

The first two episodes … ?

Are really rather good.

Hopefully, the third will live up to the openers.

~≈🖖≈~

Part One: the Summary.

Episode 3 — “Shuttle to Kenfori” — opens with a summary of the show so far.

It reminds us that:

• Lieutenant Ortegas (Melissa Navia) is still troubled by her dealings with the Gorn.
• That Captains Pike and Batel (Anson Mount and Melanie Scrofano) are dealing with their own issues.
• And that Dr M’Benga (Babs Olusanmokun) has history with the Klingons.

The scene shifts.

To show us Captain Pike dictating his personal log: and telling us he’s enjoying spending with his partner, Captain Batel.

Only — when he arrives at their shared quarters — to find her on the floor of the cabin.

In Sickbay?

In Sickbay, Dr M’Benga informs the Captains that although he and Nurse Chapel had thought Captain Batel free of any Gorn tissue, they were sadly mistaken.

Some is still present: and slowly affecting their patient.

There is only one hope.

Rare chemical compounds from the Chimera flower should — should — heal Marie.

There’s only one small problem.

The plant, and the Federation researchers studying it, can only be found on the planet Kenfori.

Kenfori … ?

Is a no-fly zone for both the Federation and the Klingon Empire.

Doctor M’Benga and Spock had planned an off-the-book mission to get samples of the flower from the abandoned base.

Until Captain Pike orders Spock to stay behind.

If anyone is going to start a war by violating a no-fly zone?

Captain Pike doesn’t want it to be his science officer … 

~≈🖖≈~

25th July, 2025.

Part Two: A Broad Church.

So … what did I make of “Shuttle to Kenfori”?

The first thing I have to do is ask you a question.

Have you heard the phrase, “a broad church”?

And no, I’m not talking about the David Tennant series, here.

It’s the idea that the Church of England has room for a lot of different opinions, practises and styles.

You can pretty much apply the phrase to a lot of different things.

Including series within the Star Trek franchise, and episodes in each series.

Including — you’ve got me — episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Thus far?

“Hegemony” and “Hegemony, Pt 2” have been horror tinged action films, “Wedding Bell Blues” was a romantic comedy, “Ad Astra per Aspera”, a legal drama.

We’ve even had a musical: in the shape of “Subspace Rhapsody”!

“Shuttle to Kenfori” is different.

It’s a Zombie movie!

Or, at least, it’s a science-fiction zombie movie: there’s a faux scientific reason for hordes of walking dead wandering around, trying to eat Captain Pike and Doctor M’Benga.

It turns out the flower the pair are after has absorbed a moss specific to the planet, transferred it to the  scientists who’d been on the planet, and given them a taste for brains.

All those zombies … ?

All those zombies are woven into a second story thread: a Klingon force has arrived at the planet.

One led a a Klingon woman called Bytha, a woman who seeks to restore her family’s honour by challenging her father’s killer to a duel to the death.

Her father?   Was General Dak’Rah.

His killer?

Was Doctor M’Benga.

“Shuttle to Kenfori” is a revenge story, as well as a zombie movie.

~≈🖖≈~

Part Three: Aspects.

There’s other aspects to “Shuttle to Kenfori”.

Towards the end of “Wedding Bell Blues”, we’re shown that Lieutenant Erica Ortegas (Melissa Navia) is having mental health issues: working out her frustrations on a punchbag in one of the ship’s gymnasia, whilst having a flashback of an encounter with a monstrous Gorn.

Those results carry over into “Shuttle to Kenfori”: as we see Erica proposing an especially risky plan to rescue Pike and M’Benga, then forcing Commander Chin-Riley* (Rebecca Romijn) into following it … against Number One’s express orders.

The confrontation between the two: both on the Bridge, and in a later staff meeting?

Are beautifully done.

And as beautifully performed as the scene between Commander Chin-Riley and Lieutenant La’An Noonien-Singh: as the pair talk about Erica.

They are both aware that the ship’s star pilot is having issues: issue worse that her famed bluntness.

There’s a linked scene in Sickbay.

We see Spock offering to help Captain Batel: by performing a Vulcan mind meld with her.

He feels it may help alleviate some of her pain.

It works: to an extent.

But leaves Spock screaming: and both he, and Captain Batel, with visions of a very large Gorn … 

~≈🖖≈~

Part Four: Other Aspects.

There’s other things to talk about, here.

Have you heard of the Bechdel Test?

It’s been floating around for a while: and is designed to ask if a given piece is promoting gender equality.

Or, at least, making an attempt to.

A given story passes the test, if it shows two women having a conversation about something other than a man … 

So … ?

I saw Number One and Lieutenant Noonien-Singh having a conversation about Erica Ortegas: and thinking that it wouldn’t pass the test, if the pair had been talking about Eric Ortegas.

But, in a later scene, we see Number One and Lieutenant Ortegas talking.

And talking about how Erica has disobeyed orders, and the punishment she will receive as a result.

It’s beautifully played by Navia and Romijn: and focuses on Ortegas’ behaviour, rather than any male characters.

I’d say this scene passes the Test: but you tell me.

~≈🖖≈~

Part Five: Thoughts.

So … what did I think of “Shuttle to Kenfori”?

Was it good, bad or indifferent?

I thoroughly enjoyed “Shuttle to Kenfori”!

It’s a zombie revenge drama, with built in character arcs!

Granted, of the three episodes we’ve seen, so far, I preferred “Wedding Bell Blues”.

The episode’s lighter touch — and surprise cameo from John de Lancie — was much more my thing!

But … ?

As an overall piece, “Shuttle to Kenfori” works very well: the cast, as an ensemble, have worked very well.

Melissa Navia, in particular, caught and kept my attention, showing us the damage a life in Star Fleet can do.

Anson Mount and Babs Olusanmokun both did well: showing us friends and co-workers solving problems together, and learning more about each other.

I have to say: the fact this episode shows us more of the Doctor, went down well with me.

The real star of the episode?

Was Rebecca Romijn.

I don’t know if the post Number One occupies — First Officer on a Starfleet vessel — is analogous to the First Officer’s post on a real-world military organisation.

But I’ve always had the impression the original Star Trek’s producers, back in the 1960s, had served in the US military: so would have possibly modelled the role on its real-world equivalent.

Either way … ?

Rebecca Romijn carries the role off, very well: showing us that Una Chin-Riley is a very capable battlefield commander, a strict disciplinarian, very good at running the Enterprise: and very good at her job.

And someone who is more sympathetic than her crew-mates suspect.

We know that, by the look on her face at the end of one scene: it’s the face of an officer who’s done a very unpleasant job and grateful it’s over.

As I’ve said: of the episodes to date, “Wedding Bell Blues” is my favourite.

But?

“Shuttle to Kenfori” is very good, indeed.

~≈🖖≈~

Part Six: Last Words.

That?

Is where I’m going to leave things

Before I finish this piece, I’m going to ask you to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and maybe drop a few pence in my Tip Jar.

The only other thing I should add … ?

Is simply this: that I’m going to watch the next episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds on Thursday, 31st July, and publishing my written and video reviews by the following Saturday.

I’ll see you then.

“Shuttle to Kenfori”
★★★★

*        In the Star Trek franchise, a Star Fleet ship’s First Officer — Una Chin-Riley, in this case — is in charge of personnel on a ship: they’d be what we’d now call the head of Human Resources.   More importantly?   They would take command of the ship, if and when the Captain is absent or incapacitated.

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-7-2025 — Jung

26th July, 2025: Carl Jung.

Right then: it’s now Saturday morning.

The day after more blood tests, and an appointment with my surgery’s nurse practitioner.

The tests are for my GP: and I’m convinced that headache I had, later, was because I’d skipped breakfast.

The appointment … ?

Was to talk about a blood sugar monitor I’d been issued.

You have to prick your finger with a lancet, and put the drop of blood onto a test strip: the machine ‘reads’ the blood, and gives you a result a few seconds later.

Except, of course, my fingers being my fingers?

I barely get a drop: along side an error code that translates as “There’s not enough blood!”

I pick up the new, improved, bigger, needles on Monday … !

~≈💉≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-7-2025 — Galicia (Ten questions)

25th July, 2025: Galicia.

Right … 

It’s officially Friday.

And … ?

We’re obliged to float ’round, making ‘Yay’ noises.

Gosh … !

~≈🙌≈~

I’ve just realised: I’m going to have to move like lightning!

I have to be at Brentwood hospital, today: for a blood test!

Hopefully?

I’ll get there on time!

~≈🩸≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th July 2025

24th July, 2025.

It’s officially official: I went shopping, yesterday.

And … ?

I got everything I need.

Except washing up liquid.

There’s always something, isn’t there?

~≈🧆≈~

On the upside … ?

I’ve finished my reviews of Strange New Worlds’ second episode.

The episode’s got me wondering about Lieutenant Ortegas, I know that … !

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Series 3 Episode 2 — “Wedding Bell Blues” — A Review

20th August, 2025: “Wedding Bell Blues” — The Intro.

Right, then: it’s officially Sunday lunchtime.

And … ?

I’m starting a post early.

Thursday gone, I caught the first episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds new season, and came away impressed.

It took me a while to do the written and video reviews, though.

So I’m glad I got an early start on the things!

So … ?

That’s why I’m starting this post, early: it gives me more time to write the thing!

At any rate … ?

When I started the review of “Hegemony, Pt 2”, it was Thursday: and felt muggy.

Thunderously muggy.

It’s now Sunday … and we’ve had not a jot of lightning.

I’ll be overcoming my (mild) disappointment, by watching the next episode, “Wedding Bell Blues”, tonight.

Then writing about it … 

Then publishing what I’ve written, by Wednesday, 23rd July, at the latest.

Hopefully?

Both written and video reviews will be worth your time.

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd July 2025.

23rd July, 2025.

Sadly, I have a habit: of buying albums in sad circumstances.

I bought Bowie’s Blackstar, when I heard about his death.

I bought Prince’s Purple Rain, when he died.

You can see what’s coming, can’t you?

I bought a copy of Black Sabbath, last night.

Because?

The band’s lead singer, Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness himself, died.

I’ve got to admit, I was never a huge fan.

But he, and the band he fronted, were — like Bowie, Prince, Madonna, Springsteen, Elvis, the Beatles and a handful of others — made at least one song that you’re doing to love.

In my case, the Madonna one is “Dear Jessie”: no one else could’ve got away with that.

Ozzy?

Was one of those acts.

He died, yesterday: after doing his final concert only a few weeks ago.

The man was a legend*.

~≈✝️≈~

Hmmm … 

The other thing the Today programme’s been discussing?

For less time than Ozzy’s death?

Is the old idea of a digital identity.

I’m not sure quite what the government’s planning on that front: but know it’s been discussed for some time.

My one concern?

Is simply this: will people need a smart-phone to use aspects of any planned scheme?

I think that will be an issue: as many will be unable to afford one, let alone able to use one.

Indeed there’s going to be people unable to afford one, unable to use one … or unable, for various reasons, even to read the on-screen text.

I think any proposed digital ID scheme will need to address this, right from the start.

~≈📱≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd July 2025.

22nd July, 2025.

It’s officially official: I missed my weight management meeting, yesterday.

And I’m kicking myself.

Or, at least, kicking my innards!

I came down with a case of diarrhoea: one that seemingly started on Sunday.

Which meant … ?

I had to stop on the way: several times!

Which, ultimately meant I got to the meeting five minutes after the volunteers who run the meetings, had packed up and were putting things into car books.

I’ll be back next week.

Lord knows what triggered that …

But … ?

I’m kicking myself … 

~≈💩≈~

Going by this news-piece?

Going by that piece, the hospitality industry is having a rough time of it: with some two hundred venues a year closing over the last five years.

I’m quietly thoughtful about that.

But very aware that one factor seems to be night time transport.

I’m not surprised.

Towards the end of my career in the industry, the trains home from one pub finished at roughly 11·20.

Which meant that — on Friday and Saturday nights — I had to end my shift at 11: rather than when the pub shut, at 12*.

That was a problem twenty years ago: so I’m not surprised it’s still an issue.

More night transport could help …

~≈🚍≈~

Just as a last thought … ?

My nephew, Jude, was over, last night.

And, yes: he’s done another video!

Feel free to hit subscribe!

~≈📹≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-7-2025 — The Temple of Artemis.

21st July, 2025: the Temple of Artemis.

Right … it’s official.

I’m up early on a Monday morning, and off to my weight management group>

It’s been going reasonably well.

What I’m not looking forward to … ?

Is the trip, there.

It’s raining: heavily.

I hate getting wet!

~≈💧≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-7-2025 — Elijah

20th July, 2025: Elijah.

Right … 

It’s officially official: I went out shopping, yesterday.

And?

And … ?

Got rained on!

And got wet feet.

Was I surprised?

Nope.

But I was glad to get indoors, and get my shoes and socks off!

~≈🧦≈~

One thing I do know … ?

Is that I managed to catch the first episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds new season on Thursday.

And finally got the written and video reviews up, yesterday.

Feel free to hit the like button … !

~≈👍≈~

As a final thought … ?

I have a few memory sticks: they’re handy if you need to transport data around.

I have to say, though, that one had issues: as it wouldn’t eject unless I force ejected.

It turns out that — going by the advice I got from the Apple Communities Forums — I had to drag it into a certain box in System Setting … and/or restart in Safe Mode.

That seemed to work: I now have a useable stick.

~≈💾≈~

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds — Series 3 — Episode 1 — “Hegemony, Pt 2” — A Review

17th August, 2025: “Hegemony Pt 2” — The Intro.

Right: it’s a Thursday afternoon.

And the air has a muggy feel to it: the sort we point to when we say “It feels like it wants to rain!”

Or, more precisely, “It feels like it wants to thunder … !”

It’s that kind of muggy late afternoon.

The kind that makes bored people exactly what I’m doing now.

Complain about the thundery feel: and complain about the lack of a thunderstorm, one that would clear the mugginess up.

All I can do … ?

Is tell you this.

Muggy, or otherwise, thundery or otherwise … ?

I’m intent on watching TV.

And, yes: given the new, third, series of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, has been released, today … ?

I’ll be watching it, and hopefully have my review published on Saturday, 19th July.

See you then!

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-7-2025 — Yes, Robin: the Metro!

19th July, 2025: Métro Line 1.

Two things are officially official.

One … ?

I’ve almost finished a review of “Hegemony, Pt 2”, the first episode of the new series of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

That should be up, tonight.

Secondly?

It’s raining, out.

And we’re expecting thunderstorms.

I hope we get those.

Yes, I realise there’s weather warnings for the area.

But … ?

I’ve not seen a good thunderstorm in years.

They’re one of nature’s marvels.

~≈⛈️≈~

It seems the US president has asked for documents relating to sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, to be released.

Including what’s known as a ‘client list’, a list of noted people who Epstein’s said to have arranged liaisons for,

These, apparently, include the President.

If there is such a list?

That should be released.

And the President considering his position.

I have to ask one thing, though.

Wasn’t he supposed to be draining the swamp … ?

~≈🧌≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-7-2025 — The Bob Newhart Show.

18th July, 2025: Bob Newhart.

Right … 

It’s now Friday.

And … ?

Last night saw me watch the first episode of the new, third, series of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

I’ll have my review of the first episode up, by tomorrow, at the latest.

But have to admit, the episode — “Hegemony, Pt 2” — looks good.

Keep your eyes peeled … !

~≈🖖≈~

Did you know that the UK’s current voting age — at least for UK general elections — is eighteen?

The UK’s current voting age for general elections is eighteen.

There’s exceptions for regional elections in Scotland and Wales, for the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Senedd and Scottish and Welsh local councils: but as a general rule, it’s eighteen for general elections.

Yesterday … ?

The Government announced that it was planning to introduce legislation to lower the voting age to sixteen.

And allow people to use bank cards as a form of voter ID.

The ID requirements being changed, is a very good idea.

When those requirements were originally introduced, the plan was to make them a paid for service: which, if you’re in my shoes, was and is unaffordable.

So changing those requirements, to include a commonly-held item?

Is a good move.

The age requirements?

Are very welcome.

I feel this will increase turn out, encourage youngsters to vote and let teens have a direct influence on political decisions that affect them.

Especially things like the Brexit Referendum, so many years ago.

I feel the right option — Remain — would have won, if the age for that specific vote had been lowered.

I can only hope this reform passes when it comes before Parliament.

~≈🗳️≈~

Did I mention an old role-playing game called Traveller?

I had — and still have — copies of the rules on my bookshelves.

Well, most of the rules.

I didn’t have a copy of Book Four: Mercenary.

Something I managed to remedy: buy the simple expedient of buying a second hand copy on Ebay.

It got here, on Wednesday.

I was pleased by the speed … 

And by the thing’s condition.

For a book first published in the early 1980s, it’s in very good condition.

~≈📔≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-7-2025 — Vega

17th July, 2025: Vega.

It’s got to be said, I’ve almost finished watching the old Max Headroom series: the US sci-fi series, rather than the UK music show.

And … ?

I have to admit, I’ve come away vaguely impressed with the moody model shots of the unnamed city the series is set in … 

… whilst being aware they’re done on the cheap.

Either way … ?

I like the look of the show.

Granted, it’s Bladerunner on the cheap, but I have to give it credit for effort!

~≈🌃≈~

Yesterday, I told you I’d had a call from a woman calling herself Jennifer: trying to scam me.

After I’d posted?

I had a call to my mobile, on 07927 589 790, from an Indian-accented chap calling himself ‘Stephen Palmer.’

Telling me a Bitcoin account had been opened in my name.

I immediately assumed this was another crypto currency scam: and told him I’d never invested in the thing.

It took me a few minutes: but I managed to politely put the phone down on him.

Two scam calls in the space of two days … seems enthusiastic!

Frankly?

I’m starting to miss the Microsoft Technical Department Scam … !

~≈📞≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-7-2024 — Filthy Lucre.

16th July, 2025: Filth Lucre.

Right, then: it’s now officially Wednesday.

And … ?

I’m going to have a quiet day: with — possibly — nothing to do.

Except, maybe, watch more Max Headroom!

Or — as an alternative — start on series three of AppleTV+’s Foundation.

Lee Pace, as the villainous Brother Day, is the nastiest piece of work!

~≈🦹≈~

I had a phone call, yesterday: whilst I was in my local Sainsbury’s.

From a caller using the number, 07495806944, calling herself Jennifer, and claiming to be from a cryptocurrency website.

I politely told her I wasn’t interested, and put the phone down.

Then blocked the number, as soon as I got to a convenient bench.

It’s not as worrying as the AnyDesk attempt I had a few days ago: that involved being conned into installing cross-platform software that could take control of a computer it’s on, and steal all sorts of information.

But … ?

Just as a general point, I didn’t want to take the conversation with Jennifer any further.

It sounded like a possible scam …

~≈📞≈~