Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th November 2025.

9th November, 2025.

It’s officially official: my nephew was over, yesterday.

And, yes: he’s made another video — you get a round of applause if you find the horse noise — and uploaded it to YouTube.

Fell free to hit the ‘Like’ button!

~≈🎮≈~

We did have a bit of sad news, last night.

Jude and I had dinner — courtesy of Mummy — from the Flying Fish, the local chip shop.

The sad news?

Is simply that Connie, the owner, has decided it’s time to move on: bringing an end to a family owned business that’s been in Warley since the 1980s.

The shop’s last day … ?

Is on Friday, 14th November: pay them a visit, before they go.

Why?

Once the place is closed, they, their food, and their customer service, will be much missed!

~≈🥙≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8th November 2025.

8th November, 2025.

Right … I think we can say I’m working on a movie review: having watched the Ralph Bakshi directed Wizards, last night.

It’s worth watching, I think: but definitely odd.

~≈🎞️≈~

I got emails, yesterday.

Including the inevitable junk.

Including one from MacWorld, telling me about discounts available — in the US! — on the desktop version of Microsoft Office.

Nope: I’m not getting it.

There’s better things to be spending my money on.

Can I make a suggestion?

I’ve always felt that most of us only need MS Office for one or two things: opening and reading Word or Excel files.

So … ?

If you’re looking at buying or subscribing to, the suite, just to open a few Word files?

You’re probably better off exploring the free options, before you waste your money.

~≈🆓≈~

I keep half an eye on the Tharries YouTube channel: as the youngster usually picks up on interesting Dr Who leaks.

And, in a recent video?

Tells us that Paramount — the producers of Star Trek — are interested in taking over as international partners from Disney.

Which could be good news.

Although, apparently?

Paramount wants the back catalogue exclusively on their UK streaming service, rather than the iPlayer.

I don’t know how true that is.

But I’d prefer to see to watch the show for free: rather than have to pay for it.

It’s made in Britain, after all.

~≈🇬🇧≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7-11-2025 — International Inuit Day.

7th November, 2025: International Inuit Day.

Hmmm … 

Have you watched today’s intro video … ?

The one at the opening of this post?

I know it’s not much: but I’m mildly impressed with my work, there.

Mind you … I could just be impressed by the spookiness of the backing track … 

~≈💣≈~

Something I do know?

Is that one trillion dollars — $1, 000, 000, 000, 000 — is about £763, 000, 000, 000 in Sterling.

A lot of money, in other words.

Enough — if the little I’ve understood about economics is correct — to knacker the economy, if it was spent in one go.

Assuming he meets the relevant targets, and according to the renumeration plan approved at a Tesla share holder meeting, yesterday, it’s also the amount of shares Elon Musk will get over the next few years.

Assuming he meets the targets.

I know that’s shares: and the amount of money he gets, cashing them in, can down as well as up.

But … ?

One trillion dollars is a bit much money for one country: let alone one person!

~≈$≈~

As a thought … ?

I’ve heard from the family of Old Peculiar reader, Trevor.

He’s alive and well.

Or wellish.

He’s been transferred from hospital to a nursing home in town.

Here’s hopping it helps his health.

~≈😷≈~

As a last thought … ?

It’s International Inuit Day.

So?

Bobby the Cat’s dressing up, to mark the occasion … 

~≈🐈≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6th November 2025.

6th November, 2025.

Right, then … !

It’s officially Thursday … !

And … ?

Amazon get worse!

They’ve officially refunded the delivery charge on a package that was due on Satuday … but that turned up on Sunday.

But … ?

They’ve told me, this morning, that a final package, one due, today … is now due on the 15th.

Nine days after its due date.

Why?

I have no idea … !

~≈¥≈~

I have to admit: I’m on an NHS waiting list: for testing for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, for ADHD.

Apparently?

I’m due for an appointment in November of 2026.

So?

Something that caught my attention were news reports: that tell us many specialist ADHD services are closing their waiting lists.

Or, at least, tightening the criteria to be added to them.

Quite how that will affect me?

I don’t know.

But?

I’m understandably concerned.

~≈‼️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-11-2025 — The Plot

5th November, 2025: The Plot.

Right, then … it’s official.

I spent a lot of time, yesterday morning: sweating, swearing, struggling … and standing on a step stool.

Because?

Because my new blinds turned up, yesterday!

And have now been installed.

OK, the new blinds are very far from perfect: they were cheap, after all.

But?

It means I can get a newer, better quality, set at a later date.

And I can see daylight.

Which is nice.

~≈🪟≈~

Just as a reminder for my UK readers?

Yes: it is Guy Fawkes Night.

This means Bobby the Cat will be celebrating it by wearing a hat … and staying indoors.

Whether your pets are wearing appropriate hats is down to you … but keeping them indoors is a good idea … 

~≈🔥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4th November 2025.

4th November, 2025.

Yep: it’s Tuesday.

And … ?

I’ve run out of bacon.

So … ?

I think today’s daily stroll is going to be in the direction of a shop!

Heigh … ho!

~≈🥓≈~

A few days ago, now, a man named Anthony Williams attacked passengers on a train heading for King’s Cross.

And is being investigated in relation to other attacks.

At one point, he’s reported to have said “… the Devil’s not going to win”.

Right now?

I’m grateful the man’s been caught — alive — and been arrested.

That means we — and his victims — get some sort of explanation for what he’s done.

~≈🔪≈~

There’s a lot of talk about Dr Who, over the past few days: given the announcement of the planned 2026 Christmas special.

Some reports tell us that show runner Russell T. Davies will be leaving after that special:  as will Bad Wolf, the Welsh studio that’s been making the show for the past few years.

I don’t know who would replace Davies: but Pete McTighe’s name has come up.

As has Jack Thorne’s.

McTighe’s co-written The War Between the Land and the Sea, the upcoming spin-off: along side a lot of other things.

Jack Thorne?   Wrote the fantastic series, The Fades, many years ago: and the critically acclaimed, Adolescence, more recently.

I’d prefer Thorne: as The Fades impressed me.

But am very aware McTighe’s got a history with Dr Who.

And his involvement may — may — also mean Bad Wolf’s continued involvement.

Complete with its experienced production crew, and the all important TARDIS sets.

As stupid as the decision will be, if Bad Wolf aren’t willing to rent those sets out?

Whoever the show’s new producers are going to build their own.

That will cost.

~≈🩺≈~

The other thing that caught me?

Are the reports that the BBC will be airing The War Between the Land and the Sea in December of this year.

And that Disney+ will be airing it in 2026.

I can guarantee many will be pirating episodes.

~≈🏴‍☠️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3-11-2025 — Dominica

3rd November, 2025: Dominica.

Yes, you’re right: it’s Monday, again!

And, yes, I’m up early, again: so I can get to my weight management meeting.

Hopefully?

I’ll have lost weight!

~≈⚖️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2-11-2025 — Road Runner

2nd November, 2025: Road Runner.

Right … it’s officially official: my nephew was over last night.

Fun was officially had, kebabs — and chicken nuggets — were eaten.

And yes … another video was made.

Feel free to hit the like button: every little helps!

~≈🥅≈~

Something odd happened, actually: when Jude was getting dropped off.

We had at least two Amazon vans dropping off deliveries, at the time Jude arrived.

A white one parked over the road: which I knew was an Amazon delivery, as it had the rear doors open, and a rear section filled with Amazon packages.

And a grey van, with Amazon livery, parked next door.

I was assuming one of them had packages for me: I’d ordered a few Christmas presents that Amazon told me would be delivered, yesterday.

Nope.

The deliveries have been rescheduled for today.

What happened?

Beyond what looked like an intense discussion between one of the drivers and the neighbours, or between both drivers?

I don’t know.

But … ?

I have to ask why on Earth my delivery got rescheduled for today, when it could have been on one of the vans parked here yesterday … 

And … ?

Yes: you bet I emailed Jeff Bezos … !

~≈🚚≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 1-11-2025 — The Bombing of Saigon

1st November, 2025: the Bombing of Saigon.

Right … 

I’ve been toying with both Apple’s Image Playground … and with ChatGPT’s image altering abilities.

And managed to use ChatGPT to turn this image of Bobby the Cat being bored … 

Into this image of Bobby the Cat, singing … 

Whether he sounds as good as the picture seems … ?

Is a whole other issue.

I’ve also used Image Playground to turn the embedded image from today’s Teaser video … 

Into this: 

After asking ChatGPT to make the thing look ‘menacing’.

That latter looks OK, I think.

Although I did have to change the exposure on the modified photo: the original version looked rather dark.

Quite what you make of them … ?

Well, you tell me … !

~≈📸≈~

I have to admit, I don’t use PornHub, the world’s biggest porn site.

The older I get … ?

The less interested I am.

But I do know that — given the recent introduction of the UK’s Online Safety Act — that you now have a complicated process to go through, to verify your age: before you can use the site from the UK.

It’s a measure designed to prevent the under-eighteens using the site.

From what the BBC tell’s us?

Pornhub’s complaining about the loss of business.

Apparently, they’ve lost some seventy-seven percent of UK visitors, since the law’s introduction.

The news piece tells us that many are using VPNs, virtual private networks, to access the site.

But?

Having checked?

I’m very aware you can also use the Tor Browser, the browser the routes traffic, anonymously, to do the same thing.

I hate to sound picky … but there’s possibly a lot of bright kids out there, who can afford a good VPN, can’t use the free ones … but have worked out how to install Tor.

It’s available on practically everything except iPhones and Chromebooks* … 

Whether you use a VPN, or Tor?

If you’ve got either, you’re not necessarily breaking the law.

But you can get around them …

~≈🧅≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-10-2025 — Bohemian Rhapsody

31st October, 2025: Bohemian Rhapsody.

Right … 

Have you heard the phrase, ‘segged off’?

Or ‘on the numbers’?

They’re obscure bits of prison slang: obscure enough that a quick Google search doesn’t find them.

But which tell you a prisoner has been segregated from other inmates, for their own protection.

The reason I mention this … ?

Is that, as a result of the Epstein Affair the former Duke of York has stripped of his titles: and is now, officially, Mr Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

The reason I mention it?

Is a belief I’ve formed, when I heard the news.

One I can summarise like this: if Mr Mountbatten-Windsor is successfully prosecuted for any sexual offences in relation to the late Ms Virginia Giuffre, or for anything else, then … ?

Other inmates would see him as a child abuser: and on a par with an imprisoned police officer.

To be honest?

I think the simple fact he’s an ex-prince will make him vulnerable: and put him on the numbers so fast he wouldn’t know what’s hit him.

~≈🚔≈~

Oh … did I mention I had a dream, last night … !

I had a dream last night!

The only thing I could tell you about it, for sure?

Is that: 

• The world was getting hotter.
• People were burning shops in Brentwood Hight Street down.

Quite what that was about, I don’t know!

~≈🔥≈~

Thankfully?

I’ve been paid, today.

Which means?

A little light shopping, a few Christmas presents … 

And, frankly, a set of (cheap) Venetian blinds.

Yes: I realise the expensive ones would be the better option.

But that would mean waiting for at least another three weeks.

You wouldn’t think I’m impatient, would you … ?

~≈🪟≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-10-2025 — The Agreement

30th October, 2025: GATT.

As I write?

A nurse is pushing a trolley around my GP’s surgery: getting ready to stick a needle in my arm, this afternoon.

Yep.

It’s that time of year, again: when those of us who are considered vulnerable get ’flu vaccinations!

Quite when I’ll get offered the COVID one, I don’t know … 

~≈💉≈~

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

29th October, 2025.

News broke for Dr Who fans, yesterday.

A piece for the Radio Times confirmed, yesterday, that Disney will no longer be involved with the show’s production, after The War Between the Land and the Sea, airs.

And that a Christmas special, written by Russell T. Davies, will air in 2026.

I’m looking forward to the special.

I’ve mixed feelings about Disney pulling out.

Oh the one hand … ?

I got the impression some of the creative decisions were influenced by their involvement,

I also feel the deal was badly structured.

We should have got three series and associated Xmas specials: which would have given Ncuti’s Doctor a fuller story arc.

Rather than two series, spin-off and specials, that didn’t.

By contrast?

The extra funding was welcome.

As was the fact Disney+ gave the show a centralised home for international viewers.

Other all, though … ?

I’m glad to hear the show’s survived.

My only concerns?

What will happen for international fans?

Where will the show be internationally aired, from Christmas 2026?

Equally to the point?

Once the Disney deal is done, and War Between, aired?

Where will international fans find Ncuti’s episodes?

Questions, questions … 

~≈👨🏿‍⚕️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-10-2025 — The Today Programme

28th October, 2025: The Today Programme.

Hmmm … that could’ve come at a better time … 

I’ve got Venetian blinds in my flat.

And have one on my front room window, one that’s been here, ever since I’ve moved in.

Quite an expensive one, if I remember rightly … !

At any rate … ?

The string pulley, the thing that adjusts how open the individual slats are … has given up the ghost.

Which means … ?

Well, I’m going to have to:

• Stay in the dark until I raise the money.
• Ask my increasingly tall nephew to help me put a new one up.
• Be thankful it’s not stuck in ‘Open’.
• Marvel at the price differences on Amazon!

Yep: there’s price differences.

A good set of replacement blinds, ones that will last as long as the current ones, cost upwards of ninety pounds.

An affordable set, one that will last about five minutes?

Around twenty.

Frankly?

It’s Commander Vimes’ Boots, again …

~≈🥾≈~

Oh … I mentioned, a few days ago, that my Work Coach — my case worker from the Job Centre — had been replaced: by a trainee!

That rookie worker has now been in touch: and we have a phone meeting scheduled for today.

At 14:30.

I’d’ve been happier had it been by video: I’d get to see what they look like.

But … ?

I’ll get by with an audio call.

~≈🥾≈~

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

27th October, 2025.

Right: I’m officially not up, early, today.

As … ?

My weight management class is off, for the week.

It’s been replaced by a unlisted Slipper Swap.

I’m not going … as the pair I have seem OK at the moment.

Although I might just pass the details on to other people I know: just in case.

~≈🩴≈~

Just in case you’re interested … ?

I finally managed to catch a movie, on Friday: the Danny Boyle directed, 28 Years Later.

Yes: you’re right.

My written and video reviews are now available!

You don’t have to watch it … but if you want to press the Like button Youtube so thoughtfully provides, that would be appreciated … !

~≈🧟‍♂️≈~

I don’t use it much: in fact, I think there’s only one or two specific pages I use it for.

But I have a copy of Google Chrome, both on my phone and on my Mac.

As far as I can tell, both have been updated to the most recent version.

I might want to double check my copies: as, apparently, there’s a serious security issue that needs addressing … 

~≈🕸️≈~

28 Years Later — A Review.

24th October, 2025: 28 Years Later.

The Introduction.

There comes a time in a man’s life when he has to do several things.

Eating is generally a good thing, for example.

A wash, every-so-often, doesn’t hurt.

Shopping?

Reading … ?

Those are good: as is going to the toilet.

As and when needed.

The occasional song is nice: I’ve got an Ian Dury tune on the go.

And, every-so-often … ?

A movie.

Right at the moment … ?

I’ve got 28 Years Later sitting in my collection: ready to be watched.

Hopefully?

It will be entertaining.

I’ll let you know by Sunday, 26th October … 

~≈🎥≈~

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

26th October, 2025.

Right … it’s officially official.

If you’re in the UK … ?

The clocks went back!

Which means that you’ve had an extra hour in bed, if nothing else.

I’ve also spent a goof ten minutes not resetting the clock on the wall.

No, that was fairly simple.

I had to twiddle the little knob.

The tricky bit, as ever … ?

Was hanging the thing back on the wall … !

~≈🕘≈~

I’ve officially had a letter … !

About the CPAP machine, the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure machine I have.

Yep: it officially needs taking in for a service.

To Basildon Hospital.

I’d been wondering was I was not necessary sleeping well: and thinking it could be the filters.

Something I swapped out, last night.

I’m wondering if that, or the clock going back, is why I’m feeling reasonably chipper, this morning.

Either way … ?

I can only hope the appointment is at a time when I have the money for the bus fare!

~≈🚍≈~

I mentioned, in yesterday’s Teaser, that a man who’d been arrested, charged and imprisoned on sexual assault charges, had been released by mistake.

And has been spotted in London.

According to the BBC report?

“Prison sources have confirmed to BBC News that staff led him away and towards the train station. Kebatu also reportedly attempted to return to prison but was turned away.”

He’d been “… filmed in Chelmsford speaking to members of the public shortly after he was released, and police have confirmed he has approached several people seeking assistance.”

And a senior police officer has said he “… had already indicated a desire to return to Ethiopia when speaking to immigration staff.”

I actually feel vaguely sympathetic to the man.

It sounds like he’s OK about being deported, and tried to get help from staff in getting to where he’s supposed to be going … 

And been refused the help he should be getting.

If I’ve understood things correctly, prisoners are supposed to be shipped between prisons — or prisons and detention sites — by van: or be escorted on public transport, by a qualified staff member.

I don’t know about you … but I don’t think this is an escape attempt.

I think it’s a monumental cock-up by the prison staff.

~≈🔩≈~

As an update?

Radio 4’s Broadcasting House programme has announced that the migrant who went missing on Friday, and that I’ve been discussing … has now been arrested in East Finchley.

My point still stands, though: his release was a massive mistake by prison staff: not by anyone else.

~≈🔩≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th October, 2025.

25th October, 2025.

Did I tell you I have a bad habit?

Yes: I have a bad habit of laughing, at inappropriate things.

But most of the time?

I don’t … !

Laugh inappropriately, that is.

Then … ?

There’s times I laugh hysterically at funny joke: or at the irony of something.

Then?

There’s time I laugh at the stupidly of a silly mistake.

And, yes: one has hit the news.

There’s an Ethiopian national, an asylum seeker, called Hadush Kebatu: who been housed in the Bell Hotel in Epping.

His arrest for two sexual assaults is what sparked the recent spate of protests.

He’d been jailed: and was supposed to be sent to an immigration detention centre, so he could be deported.

Except — and this is where I’ve been laughing — he was mistakenly released, yesterday: and is now said to be at large in London.

Yes: I’ve been laughing.

Because?

It’s an idiotic mistake to make.

And … ?

It’s laugh, or get angry at something I can do nothing about or start sobbing.

Frankly?   I think laughing is healthier … 

~≈👮🏽‍♂️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-10-2025 — Zambia

24th October, 2025: Zambia.

I’ve woken up, this morning: which should be obvious, by now … !

Let’s restart that, shall we?

I’ve woken up, this morning, half convinced it’s Saturday.

But very aware it’s Friday.

Why am I thinking it’s a day it’s not?

I think I have an idea.

I usually get my Universal Credit on the 23rd of the month: yesterday, in other words.

I get my Personal Independence Payment, every fourth Friday.

So … ?

I think my subconscious believes today is Saturday, as it thinks I got my PIP, yesterday, rather than UC.

Heigh ho!

~≈£≈~

I’m very aware that the UK’s government planning to introduce a Digital ID: something I don’t especially like.

Mostly on cost grounds.

Cost, and redundancy: I’ve already got ID.

Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, has now gone on the record to say the scheme will only be mandatory for those seeking work.

And only be needed when you change jobs, after the scheme is introduced.

In addition?

It will not be needed for anything else: will not be needed for those needing healthcare, as an example, or for housing, or to be able to vote.

Do you mind a confession?

That’s not something I find reassuring.

I remain as sceptical as I ever was.

~≈🫆≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd October, 2025 (Six questions.)

23rd October, 2025: Six questions.

I think I need to make a polite phone call.

I had requested a visit for the group that delivers food bank parcels.

And … ?

Unfortunately, didn’t receive one.

Didn’t hear from them, even.

I’m not worried: today is payday, so I’ll be able to get some bread and milk.

But I’m wondering what happened … 

~≈🍞≈~

I like the idea that Britain should welcome migrants: both legal and otherwise.

I think, long term, it’s good for the UK: it potentially lowers the age of the population, and can raise more tax revenue.

What I have to laugh at?

Is the various attempts to stop illegal boat crossings across the English Channel: which has been going on for years.

I also laugh at the common assumption: that leaving the EU would stop these.

What’s more?

I laugh at there UK government’s attempt to stop the crossings.

The impression I’ve formed over the years?

Is that these don’t necessarily work.

If it had started, I think the last Tory government Rwanda plans would have been shown up as flawed, fairly quickly.

I think the same of the current, Labour, government’s One-In One-out, plan.

That started a few weeks ago when a handful of migrants were deported to France.

One Iranian man deported this way … ?

Has since made a return trip on a small boat.

I’ve formed three impressions.

One?

These plans are doomed to fail.

Two?

The next government’s plans will be just as effective.

Three?

We should laugh at a politician, the first chance we get … 

~≈⚓️≈~

I finally finished Sir Terry Pratchett’s Night Watch, last night: the Penguin Classic’s edition.

It’s a heady reminder of what the man’s writing was like, at its height.

And the annotations … ?

Are very revealing.

I can only hope Nation gets given the treatment: it, Night Watch and Thud! are possibly his best works.

~≈📚≈~

Which reminds me: I’ve started reading Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower, the next book on my to-be-read pile.

I’m two chapters in … and could — can? — hear the main character’s Southern US accent whilst reading it.

I don’t think that’s my imagination doing that: more Butler’s writing.

I think that’s a credit to her, given that!

~≈📚≈~