Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8-5-2026 — You Little Cola Nut!

8th May, 2026: Coca-Cola.

Yay!

We’ve got the local elections out of the way!

At least … we’ve got them out of the way for another … um … year?

With the way the local elections are structured, and the various postponements that have happened, have happened … ?

I’m not actually sure when the next ones are.

They’ll probably creep up on us, next May.

However?

All I can say is this.

Yes, I voted: and voted Green.

But yes: given how right of centre Brentwood is, I suspect Reform will do well.

Even if I felt the one Reform candidate hanging around outside the polling, yesterday, looked vaguely ridiculous.

Like a cross between the US President, a spiv, and a member of the Raving Loonies.

Only in a worse suit … 

Yes: I know.

I sound insulting.

But … ?

I really don’t like Reform … !

~≈🗳️≈~

That aside … ?

Results are coming in.

And it sounds like Reform have done well, overall.

I’m only hoping my ward has gone Green: although we won’t know, until the count’s finished.

Here’s hoping.

~≈🗳️≈~

Many years ago, I wrote a piece that said it would be difficult to get a fire engine down my street.

I still feel that would be difficult: given the amount of congestion, the amount of parked cars, on Rollason Way.

So, when I saw this article: one that tells us of a fire in Benfleet, one that fire fighters found difficult to get to because of the parked cars?

I felt … well … 

Justified in my concerns, to be honest.

Congestion is not just an issue, here.

~≈🧯≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7-5-2026 — Elected

7th May, 2026: Elected.

Right … it’s official.

It’s officially Election Day, here in the UK.

Which means you can start singing old songs … 

Or you can go and vote: the walk will possibly do you good.

~≈🗳️≈~

As a thought?

Yes: I still take the position I have for a few years.

I’m voting Green.

But … ?

If Green candidates weren’t standing, I would be spoiling my vote.

And would urge others to do the same: should they not see a candidate they could comfortably vote for.

Bar walking past the polling station … ?

We have no other way of abstaining.

~≈🗳️≈~

As a last electoral thought?

One I’ve mentioned, before?

I could neither vote for the Conservatives, nor for Reform.

Both parties are too right-of-centre for my tastes.

But, given I know my home town?

I suspect Reform will do well.

No: I don’t like that one bit.

But have to face the possibilities, and the political realities.

~≈🗳️≈~

I found out, yesterday, that a documentary about the film, Threads, had been released.

I was interested.

But frustrated there was no apparently release date.

It turns out that — according to the distributors — there’s a new 4k blu-ray release due in July of this year.

The documentary is included in this release.

That could be worth spending money on … 

~≈☢️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6th May 2026.

6th May, 2026.

I have officially woken up, this morning.

I tend to do that, a lot.

And?

I’ve woken up, switched on my computer, opened a browser and opened several tabs … 

And, in one of them … ?

I watched this trailer: 

… for a documentary called Survivors: the Spectre of Threads.

I wouldn’t mind seeing that.

The original Threads … ?

Is possibly the most powerful drama put to screen: any screen.

~≈🕸️≈~

Just as a 180° degree switch … ?

A neighbour asked me to burn a CD, the other day.

Which I couldn’t do: clicked the relevant “Burn Playlist to disk” option … and got a “Please Insert CD” message pop up … 

Despite having already inserted the blank CD.

It’s only yesterday I thought “Hang on … should I have put the CD in, after clicking ‘Burn’?”

It turns out that’s exactly what I should’ve done.

Ho … hum … !

~≈💿≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-5-2026 — In Xanadu Did Kublai Khan …

5th May, 2026: Kublai Khan.

I have a confession to make.

I caught some of Snooker’s world championship, last night.

After catching the last couple of episodes of Maul — Shadow Lord, I watched a couple of frames of the final session between Wu Yize, and Shaun Murphy.

But got an early night: after two frames.

It turns out I missed all the drama of Wu’s eventual 17-18 win!

Heigh … … HO!

~≈🎱≈~

Oh, there’s local elections, this coming Thursday.

I know this … because the date’s been advertised for sometime.

And I’ve had election pamphlets from both the Tories*, and Reform*.

Both of which have been torn up and binned, to be honest: neither party is one I intend to vote for.

At any rate: the elections are on Thursday.

And, if it wasn’t for the fact the Greens are standing in my ward?

I’d be doing what I usually do, when not shown someone I want to elect.

Spoiling my vote.

I can hear the howls of outrage from here.

Look, I know the arguments.

That we have a responsibility to vote for someone, that doing so holds government to account.

I can agree to that.

But I’m also aware that you, me, and every other voter on the planet, have no right to abstain: should none of the candidates be ones we want to vote for, we can’t tick the relevant box on the ballot.

Only spoil our vote, or not vote at all.

There’s been arguments for years: about using proportional representation instead of first-past-the-post, about lowering the voting age, fining people who refuse to vote.

The really radical alteration to Britain’s elections?

Would be having an “Abstain” box on the ballot.

“I Abstain” must be a reality: not a discussion.

~≈🗳️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4-5-2026 — The Cornwall Railway

4th May, 2026: The Cornwall Railway.

It’s officially official: yesterday, saw the opening frames of the 2026 snooker World Championship final.

The final’s between Wu Yize and Shaun Murphy: with the score at 10-7, we see that Wu has a three frame advantage.

And, if he keeps playing the way he has been … ?

I’ve been wrong about these things, before … but if he keeps playing the way he has, he’ll be heading home with the trophy … 

~≈🏆≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3rd May 2026

3rd May, 2026.

It’s officially official: we now know — after last night’s semi-final — that Snooker’s 2026 World Championship final will be between Shaun Murphy and Wu Yize.

It looks like I was wrong, there: I went on the record to say it would be Wu vs John Higgins … !

Post by @Cuddy2977@mastodon.world

View on Mastodon

How wrong can I be … ?

I have no idea!

I think Wu’s going to walk away with the trophy.

But could easily be wrong … again … !

~≈🎱≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2-5-2026 — Judge Dread

2nd May, 2026: Judge Dread.

That’s one for the books!

I’m something of an armchair snooker fan: and try and make sure I watch the World Championship, if nothing else.

This year’s tournament has been interesting to watch.

And I’m thinking the finals will see John Higgins play Wu Yize.

We’ll have to wait until Sunday to see if I’m right.

But … ?

I caught the game between Wu Yize and Mark Allen, last night.

Dear gods, the fourteenth frame!

That frame went on for one hour and forty minutes: as a result of a hampered top right, corner pocket.

In other words, the black ball was over the pocket: with the remaining reds clustered around it, unable to be potted.

It … went … on … for hours … !

Well, it felt like hours.

I’ve not seen a re-rack — a frame that needs re-starting — for some years.

But, my gods … !

That fourteenth frame needed it!

~≈🎱≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 1st May 2026.

1st May, 2026.

You know … sometimes, I’ll get the hang of those introduction videos!

Why?

Because it’s only after I’ve published it, I realised I’ve handed people a great big clue, for one of today’s questions … !

Heigh … ho … !!

~≈🕵🏻‍♂️≈~

Oh, I’ve finally finished ripping my recently purchased blu-ray box-set, the box-set of the classic BBC series, Blackadder*.

I’m going to have to write about the process, I really am!

At any rate … ?

This particular job is done.

And … ?

The results are happily stored.

I’ve also got to admit, I’m mildly impressed with the box set.

Granted, the price was possibly too high.

But it was on a par with the Limited edition Dr Who box-sets doing the rounds: they seem to have provided a model for this set.

Each individual series of Blackadder is on its own individual disc, and the set had three extra discs worth of bonus material: the specials, a documentary and lord knows how much studio footage,

It’s very well done.

And one hell of an improvement one the blu-ray version of The Day of the Triffids*.

That box-set could’ve had a few more bits … 

~≈🪾≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th April 2026. (Six Questions)

30th April, 2026.

OK … I’ve had a delivery … !

Did mention I had a copy of the Blackadder boxset on order?

Due — according to initial estimates — to turn up this Saturday, at the latest.

It actually arrived, yesterday: with Dave the Postman.*

Two days early.

I’m happy: I can get on with ripping the thing!

~≈📀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th April 2026.

29th April, 2026.

It’s officially a truth that’s universally acknowledged: a single man who lives on his own really could do with a functioning TV signal.

Yes: it’s official: the communal aerial’s been fixed.

Apparently?   And much as happened in February of this year?

The problem was caused by a loose cable.

Why the cable was loose?

What caused the loose cable?

Is a mystery.

But, given that’s the second time it’s happened, this year?

And has happened a few times, over the years … ?

I know this: it’s going to happen again … 

~≈📺≈~

Did I mention that my nephew, Jude, was here, yesterday?

My nephew, Jude, was here, yesterday.

It’s amazing what you can do with copy and paste, isn’t it?

I say that … because Jude’s very fond of a specific sound effect: and makes sure it crops up in everyone one of the videos he makes, here.

As he has in his latest.

If everybody could hit like, then look for the Fail sound to turn up, he’d be grateful … !

~≈🎥≈~

Just as a LAST thought … ?

Or possibly two?

Britain’s upcoming local elections are due next Thursday.

And … ?

I had a personal letter from Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform: urging me to vote for them.

My initial response?

He, and they, can bugger off for a start!

Which is when I ripped the thing up, and binned it!

I’m also very aware on the on-going problems the Prime Minister’s facing: over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Ambassador to the US.

Which has remembered my of a couple of likes from Sir Terry Pratchett’s The Last Continent.

The story follows the adventures of inept wizard, Rincewind, as he tries to get home from XXXX, the Discworld’s equivalent to Australia.

During his journey?

One of the continent’s inhabitants tells Rincewind that the country imprisons its politicians the minute they get elected.

And, when asked, happily tells Rincewind why.

“It saves time.”

Seems sensible to me … 

~≈🗳️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th April 2026 Teaser

28th April, 2026.

It’s officially the case: that there’s been a lot of too-ing and throwing.

Between me, and another neighbour, and Clarion, our landlords.

The communal aerial’s gone: for the second time this year.

And we’d initially been told that the repair could take until 29th May, this year, to be fixed.

After much towing, throwing, and video posting?

The repairmen are due here, today.

Hopefully, it’ll be a long time before we need them, again.

But, given the last time we needed this fix done?

Was only in February?

I’m wondering how long the fix will last … 

~≈📺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th April 2026.

27th April, 2026.

Right … it’s officially the case: that I’m off to my weight management meeting, this morning.

But … ?

I’ve woken up with the phrase, ‘knob celery’, floating around my head.

Why?

I don’t know.

But I’d love to know if there’s a word along the lines of ‘earworm’: that describes a phrase that’s stuck in your head, rather than a song.

Heigh … ho!

~≈🥔≈~

The King, along-side Queen Camilla, is to head for the US, today.

For the State Visit that’s been planned since before the shooting at the White House.

Personally?

I’d be comfier if it wasn’t happening.

The 47th President isn’t exactly tactful: and could easily open his gob and say something stupid.

But, beyond that?

I’m concerned that — despite White House reassurances — there’s a chance the King could get shot.

I’d rather he didn’t: practicalities* aside, the political implications would be huge.

~≈👑≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th April 2026.

26th April, 2026.

I think we can safely say I have plans.

via GIPHY

Although they’re not plans to take over the world.

I wouldn’t have the budget!

No: instead of taking over the world, I’m planning a piece on ripping — copying — Blu-ray discs, and circumventing the copy protection in the process.

I’ve done the script outline.

Now all I need to do is script the thing, record the video footage, edit the thing together, render, and upload the results to YouTube.

One day … ?

I shall get a life … 

~≈⏺️≈~

There’s been an incident at this year’s White House Correspondents Dinner.

Apparently?

A gunman attempted to break in and shoot some of America’s senior political figures: including the 47th President.

I’m … 

I’m glad the shooter’s been caught alive.

The authorities can ask him what his motives were.

There’s a but.

This is — what? — about the second or third time someone’s tried taking a potshot at the President.

I could ask what the President’s doing wrong.

I don’t know.

But?

The King’s upcoming visit to the US looks increasingly unwise: the President’s not safe to be around …

~≈🇺🇸≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th April 2026. (Six Questions)

25th April, 2026.

Right … The 47th President of the USA is a twit!

No, really!

It’s under his watch that a leaked email from the Pentagon has shown the US plans to ‘review its position’ regarding sovereignty of the islands.

A review that — at a guess — would ignore the fact the people of the Falklands voted to remain a British Overseas Territory.

I can only assume one thing.

That the US President is asleep on the job … 

~≈🇫🇰≈~

I’ve got a box set on order: from Amazon.

Or, at least, I have a blu-ray boxset on order: from a third party seller on Amazon.

It’s due to turn up at the start of May.

Here’s hoping it does.

With my building’s aerial still out of commission, I’d appreciate having something to watch!

~≈📺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th April 2026.

24th April, 2026.

Hmmm … 

There’s a newly introduced fund that’s supposed to help those of us on a low income: called the ‘Crisis and Resilience Fund’.

The arm of the fund aimed at Essex residents?

Is run by Southend Council.

I applied to it, a couple of weeks ago, if you recall: and was happy to wait.

I got the decision letter, a couple of days ago.

I’ve been refused help: as I’m ‘not in financial shock’ … !

My ‘Donate’ button’s in the sidebar … !

~≈£≈~

I’ve been following the progress of the Assisted Dying Bill through Parliament,

And, while I can’t see myself needing or wanting an assisted death?

Think it’s much like abortion: a thing that should be legally available.

Those of us who need it, should be able to get it: freely and legally.

Unfortunately?

The current bill is going through the House of Lords, and looks like it will run out of time.

I think that’s a great shame … 

~≈🏥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-4-2026 — Castile and León (Ten questions)

23rd April, 2026: Castile and León.

Right then … !

It’s payday!

Which means several things.

I’ve just spent ten minutes working out how much spending money I’ve got!

And swearing at the DWP: as the annual increase in Universal Credit doesn’t go very far.

I would say that pay raise is better than a poke in the eye with a blunt stick.

Ha!

Since when … ?

~≈£≈~

One good thing … ?

Is my shorts.

Short videos, I should add!

That’s certainly helped my subscriber numbers.

Thank you, if you’re one of them!

~≈📽️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd April 2026.

22nd April, 2026.

It’s officially official: I receive, tomorrow.

Instead of today!

I got my dates mixed up!

At any rate … ?

I’m looking forward to that.

I can do more shopping and bill paying.

~≈£≈~

I can also be quietly saddened.

I’d put in for help from the new crisis loan fund, a few weeks ago … and got the letter with the results, yesterday.

I’ve been refused: apparently, I’m “not in financial shock”.

I can … 

Well, I can do several things … 

But the only effective thing I can do is whinge!

~≈😒≈~

The only other time I do that … ?   Whinge, that is … ?

Is when my building’s communal aerial goes.

And, yes: it’s gone, again!

The last time this happened was in February: the fault got fixed inside of two days.

There’s vulnerable adults in the building, so Clarion, my landlord, prioritised the repair.

This time?   When I phoned in the repair, yesterday?

I was told it could take twenty-eight days.

Twenty-eight days.

You couldn’t make it up.

Without becoming deeply cynical … 

~≈🤨≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-4-2026 — Elizabeth 2nd (Ten Questions)

21st April, 2026: Elizabeth 2nd.

OK, I’ve done it!

I’ve sent back the camera* I bought from Amazon.

This one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GDY2T7B3

It didn’t, if you’ll excuse the innuendo, have a hole in the bottom.

A mount for a tripod, in other words.

Which means I couldn’t screw it to the tripods I already have, plonk it on my desk, and film myself.

Nor would the camera fit in the cradle at the top of my tripod: with the flip-up screen, the flip up screen that would let me monitor any recording, flipped up.

I’m left … 

Well, I honestly couldn’t tell you how I feel about this.

But it has been a learning experience.

It means that, should I choose to buy another camera, I’m going to know what to look for.

A hole in the bottom for a tripod mount: or a screen that flips out of the things side.

~≈📸≈~

Oh, about the only other thing I bought, recently?

Is a blu-ray copy of The Day of the Triffids: the 1981, BBC version.

A version that’s fairly authentic to Wyndham’s original text.

About my only complaint?

Is that the box-set is quite vanilla: featuring only the six broadcast episodes, an omnibus version of the story, and an eight minute featurette about the show’s restoration for this release.

I can only hope that — were this to get a 4k version — that extra features would be included.

~≈🫚≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th April 2026

20th April, 2026.

Right then … it’s Monday … !

And … ?

I’m going to be feeling a bit rushed.

I’ve a Job Centre meeting at 13·30: by phone, with my case worker.

I’ve my usual weight management meeting, this morning: as I was up two hundred grams, last week, I’m hoping to have lost a few grams, this week.

And … ?

The camera that’s in the box I’m waving about in today’s introduction … ?

Has no screw for a tripod.

You know those standardised screw fittings, that lets you attach a camera to a tripod?

The fittings that should be on the bottom of a camera?

There isn’t one!

I hope the queue at the post office is short.

I’m feeling rushed … … … … … … !

~≈📷≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th April 2026.

19th April, 2026.

You know, Amazon can be odd, some times.

Or, at least, unexpected.

I was expecting some recently ordered bits and bobs to turn up, tomorrow.

It turns out they’ll be turning up, today.

At the risk of sounding clichéd … ?

Amazon moves in mysterious ways … … 

~≈📦≈~

I’ve been known to follow technology news, on and off.

And take an interest in Open source alternatives to paid-for software.

I’ve been using LibreOffice to organise my quiz questions for many years, as an example.

I’m also aware that many people government organisations, in many countries, don’t like using proprietary software.

Not necessarily because they object on cost grounds: although that’s a factor.

But they object to using Microsoft, Apple or Google, products not on price … but because those companies are foreign.

The three companies I’ve mentioned, as an example, are all American: so respond to American regulation and influence, first.

So many governments feel handing control of their IT systems to American companies, means handing control of their systems to a foreign power: and that using home grown software means keeping control.

Recent French moves to shift to a home grown operating system?

Is an example of this.

The point of my ranting?

Is twofold.

One?

The EU is sponsoring a project called Euro-Office, an open source productivity suite, in an effort to have software under EU control.

Two?

Why isn’t the British government doing something similar?

I don’t know.

But it’s not like Ubuntu, the British made, open source, operating system, hasn’t been around for years.

~≈🖥️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-4-2026 — The Name’s Bonds-Premium Bonds

18th April, 2026.

Right now?

Right now, it’s Saturday.

And the silly jokes I’ve uploaded seem to be doing well.

It’s also the day after I’ve put in an order for stuff from Amazon.

Including a cheap, 4k camera*: and a 2k copy of the 1981, BBC version of The Day of the Triffids.

I’m looking forward to the thing turning up: I’d love to see what the extra features, if there are any, are like.

~≈🥀≈~

You’re probably as aware as I am, that the 47th US president is a bit of a twit.

To put it mildly.

And also aware of the image he deleted from his social network: depicting him as a messianic, healer figure.

The image has been criticised: for looking a little too messianic, and crossing a line.

Of good taste, if nothing else.

I agree.

But also think a couple of things.

One?

Is that this image of the president, and others like it, looks a lot like some of the WW2 era Nazi propaganda, the sort designed to make Hitler look like a hero.

And second?

I grew up one Frank Herbert’s Dune novel: and came away from them convinced the writer didn’t like messiahs.

Or, at least, didn’t like the idea of politicians using religion to gain power.

Devout Republic that Herbert was?

I suspect he’d be spitting, on seeing these images of the President.

“When religion and politics travel in the same cart, the riders believe nothing can stand in their way.”

From Dune, by Frank Herbert.

“Beneath the hero’s facade you will find a human being who makes human mistakes.   Enormous problems arise when human mistakes are made on the grand scale available to a superhero.”

From “Dune Genesis”, by Frank Herbert.

~≈🪱≈~