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.

~≈🪱≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th April 2026.

16th April, 2026.

It’s official!

I’ve been paid!

That’s a good thing: it means I can pay off a few bills, and indulge my cravings for chocolate.

Suitably low sugar chocolate, obviously: diabetes is unforgiving, like that!

~≈🍫≈~

I’m left handed: you’d possibly worked that out, if you’ve been following me for a while.

I’m very aware there are some who put handedness on a pair with sexuality, and will make a negative moral judgement about you, based on one or the other*.

I’m also not a fan of terrorism: the idea of using violence in support of your cause.

I don’t think violence works, in persuading others your cause is just, and invites violent retaliation from your victims.

So … ?

So I welcome police probes into one group, Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, who are claiming responsibly for several arson attacks.

It turns out, though, that their name translates as ‘The Islamic Movement of the People of the Right Hand’.

OK: I’m maybe being a little paranoid, here, a little sensitive over nothing.

But their name tells me that — in amongst the antisemitism, and attacks on Jewish, and Israeli, targets — they’re prejudiced towards left-handers, like me.

I don’t think the group will be fire-bombing my flat: I think they’re more concerned with fire-bombing synagogues.

But that name feels like a personal attack.

~≈👎≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-4-2026 — World Voice Day (ten questions)

16th April, 2026: World Voice Day.

Right … I’m awake, and looking forward to tomorrow.

To payday, in other words.

Why?

Well, money’s always handy, isn’t it?

I’ve also woken up with a craving for chocolate.

Why?

Well, if I knew that, I’d be rich … and not complaining about cravings!

~≈🍫≈~

In other news … ?

It’s official: the trailer for Good Omens, series three, has dropped!

That’s all to the good: and gives me something else to look forward to.

I’d like to see how the thing shapes up.

~≈🪽≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th April 2026

15th April, 2026.

Right, then … 

It’s now Wednesday: and, frankly, I’m looking forward to payday!

I get my PIP, my Personal Independence Payment, in a couple of days.

And, frankly?

It would be nice to buy a cheeky takeaway.

~≈🪎≈~

Oh, I caught some TV, last night: the first few episodes of Star Wars: Maul — Shadow Lord: a spin-off featuring the character from The Phantom Menace.

The show’s dark, doomy, and you can see the influence of Blade Runner from half a mile away.

But … ?

It’s fun!

~≈⚔️≈~

Just in case of emergencies?

I’ve been uploading a series of cheesy jokes to YouTube: feel free to share them.

~≈🃏≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th April, 2026.

14th April, 2026.

OK … it’s Tuesday.

Which means it’s the day after my weight management meeting.

And … ?

I’ve put on two hundred grams.

That’s not want I wanted to hear: but I’m aware that it was under a kilo.

And that my overall weight is still under 100 kilos.

So that’s something to be grateful for.

~≈⚖️≈~

I missed a call, last night: from my surgery.

So … ?

What I’ve done this morning is call them: and arrange for a call back.

Hopefully, that won’t take too long.

But the automated announcement the surgery has built into their phone system told me I was thirteenth in the queue.

Heigh — wait for it — ho!

~≈📞≈~

Blimey, that was quick!

They’ve just phoned: and re-arranged the appointment I had with the nurse practitioner.

And done that in record time!

Here’s hoping the new appointment goes well.

~≈👩🏼‍⚕️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13th April 2026.

13th April, 2026.

OK, it’s officially Monday!

And … ?

I think that — once I’ve got home from my weight management class — I’ll go back to bed.

Early mornings can be a killer … !

~≈🕔≈~

Oh, did I tell you I’ve been playing around with Final Cut Pro?

I’ve been playing with Final Cut Pro.

And finally managed to work out how to make a project vertical, so I could make a YouTube Short on something other than my phone.

Here’s hoping it get’s a few views!

~≈📽️≈~

Did I mention I was floating around Wikipedia, yesterday?

I was floating around Wikipedia, yesterday: reading up about the Paul Hardcastle hit, “19”.

I knew most of the spoken audio came from a documentary: but hadn’t realised the documentary was called Vietnam Requiem.

Disappointingly?

The only version of the thing I could find on Amazon, was an out of stock VHS copy*.

It’s a shame it’s not on DVD or bluray.

Outside of the historical interest, it would be good to hear the song’s spoken parts in their original context†.

~≈💿≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th April 2026.

12th April, 2026.

Right, then … it’s officially Sunday morning: and I’ve made a video about The Daleks’ Master Plan.

I don’t think it’ll have any effect on the BBC: nor do I think I’ll see an animated version of the story, any time soon.

But … ?

At least I’ve got it out of my system.

~≈📺≈~

OK … I’m something of a tech watcher: even if not a tech expert.

So remember many years ago, buying a (second-hand) Mac that shipped with a version of Ubuntu Linux: as the re-seller couldn’t afford to supply it with a copy of the then current operating system.

So … ?

So, ever since, has been interested in flavours of Linux.

And keep — where I can afford to — a spare computer around, with a version of Ubuntu, for use as a backup machine.

Granted, I’m a huge fan of Apple products: and very aware I’m heavily tied into Apple’s ecosystem.

But also aware having an alternative is important.

I’ve also kept an eye one the few governments — local and national — who use free operating systems.

So was interested to hear that the French government had decided to make the switch.

Partly as a matter of cost*: much open source software is given to home users for free, and at economic prices for enterprise users.

At least, more economically priced than Microsoft, Apple and Google.

The other reason to make the shift?

Is, as the TechCrunch article says, to “further reduce its reliance on U.S. technology”.

The French have long been a proud, and independent, nation: this choice plays to that pride, encourages the French tech industry’s independence … 

And frankly, is something the UK should be copying … 

~≈💻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-4-2026 — The Apple 1

11th April, 2026: the Apple 1.

Right, then: it’s officially official.

I’ve seen another episode of The Daleks’ Master Plan.

And I’m greatly saddened: that so many episodes of the thing are missing.

As wonderful as the remaining episodes are … ?

I’m very aware there’s huge gaps.

And dearly wishing Aunty would release the thing as an animated bluray!

I’d buy one!

~≈📀≈~

In other news … ?

The Artemis 2 mission has safely returned to Earth: with a crew that’s described as “happy and healthy”.

Good for them!

At this stage, the only minor concern is, I’m told, the heat sheilds: although they seemed to have worked, and worked well.

But … ?

I can still remember the Colombia Disaster, the accident that saw a space shuttle burn up on re-entry, because of a defective heat shield.

I can only hope NASA’s keeping an eye on those … 

~≈🚀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th April 2026

10th April, 2026.

Right … 

I have a quote for today’s Teaser.

“I’m never interested in the business of promoting myself.   I really don’t care if people know who I am or what’s said about me.   I’m just here to do a job.”

One that’s wise, insightful, wonderfully wossname, and that’s capable of instilling deep joy in anyone who reads it.

But?

I didn’t make a note of who said it: and the Google search I did for the text showed me nothing!

I hate mornings like that!

~≈⍘≈~

Yes: if you’ve watched today’s introduction video, you’ll know I’ve had my usual Friday dose of Mounjaro.

A dose that can feel like having a strong coffee: like having a case of the jitters.

Why?

I don’t know.

I do know I’ve finally found out how — in Final Cut Pro 12·2 — to do a glitch effect: thanks to this video.

Thanking you, Reggie!

Glitchiness will have to replace knowledge … 

~≈🙏≈~

Just as a last thought?

Most Dr Who fans will know that some lost episodes of The Daleks’ Master Plan have recently been found.

The five surviving episodes have made available on the BBC iPlayer.

It’s a fascinating watch: with a berserk performance from Hartnell, as the First Doctor.

I can only hope the remaining seven episodes of the story are found, and found soon.

Or that an animated reconstruction is done.

Given the story’s length, though?

I get the impression we’re going to have a long wait … 

~≈👨‍⚕️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th April 2026.

9th April, 2026.

Despite what everyone says, there isn’t a war going on.

No, really, there’s not.

Whatever it is that’s going on between the US  and Israel on the one side, and Iran and Lebanon on the other, isn’t a war.

As Old Peculiar regular, and recovering lawyer, Debbi Mack, will remind us?

Wars have rules.

Or, at least, something that vaguely resembles legal standing.

The current situation?

Isn’t a war: more, as President Putin put it, a ‘special military operation’.

Whether it’s a war, or not, apparently, a two week ceasefire has been arranged.

One that’s lasted for about ten minutes, if I’ve understood things correctly.

I have to ask … how naïve do we have to be, to not get cynical, to not laugh, when someone uses the word ‘ceasefire’?

A ceasefire is a very good example of a thing that doesn’t work.

Laughing, in between a ceasefire’s declaration, and its collapse?

Is the only response to its use.

~≈☢️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8-4-2026 — Robin Wright

8th April, 2026: Robin Wright.

Right … there’s help available.

I’ve repeatedly mentioned how helpful the Essential Living Fund run by Southend-on-Sea City Council was: especially for those of us on Universal Credits, or receiving other benefits, and living in Southend, Thurrock or in Essex.

But that the fund had now closed to those outside Southend.

Thankfully?

And due to the current government reworking the source of funds?

Southend Council’s now running the Crisis and Resilience fund for people in Southend, Thurrock and Essex.

That’s all to the good: and yes, I spent time, yesterday, applying for a grant from this new — rebranded? — fund.

Hopefully?

I’ll get something: the prepaid cards the Essential Living Fund handed out were handy, especially for paying off utility bills.

But I’m also aware the Government’s been tightening rules on some benefits: as well as cutting others.

Can you keep your fingers crossed for me, please?

~≈🧧≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7th April 2026.

7th April, 2026.

Right … 

What on Earth is happening … ?

I don’t know.

But … ?

I’ve spent most of last night, farting.

Why … ?

Well, I don’t know!

~≈🤔≈~

You’ve possibly realised that the Artemis 2 mission has been happening.

And is now officially heading home: after finishing the part of the mission that saw it go behind the far side of the moon … and carry out various observations.

In the process, they became the only humans to go that far into space, and were cut off from radio contact for some forty minutes: as the Moon was blocking the radio signal.

I can’t imagine how strange that must have been: being the most isolated humans in history.

Here’s hoping they get back, safely: I can possibly ask them … 

~≈🌓≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6-4-2026 — Ian Paisley

6th April, 2026: Ian Paisley.

Right … it’s the 6th of April.

Which means?

Well, for those of us on Universal Credit, the amount we receive goes up.

As does the housing component of Universal Credit: assuming we’re in receipt of it.

The snag with the housing component?

Is that we have to fill that in, manually, on the UC website.

That’s easy enough for me.

But how we do that if we don’t have ’net access?

I really couldn’t tell you … !

~≈📎≈~

Something I’m waiting for … ?

Is money.

Or, at least, the possibility of money.

For the past couple of years, I’ve used the Essential Living Fund run by Southend Council: to get a (small) grant, that helps cover costs.

Except that now seems to no longer be available to non-Southend residents: and be potentially replaced by the as-yet-unlaunched Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Which the relevant webpage says “… starts in early April”.

The sooner that starts, and the easier it is, to do?

The happier I’ll be.

~≈💷≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5th April 2026.

5th April, 2026.

Did I mention I’m on YouTube?

I’m on YouTube: and now on 1253 subscribers.

That’s a re-assuring amount: and more than I was on, a couple of months ago.

Thank you, if you’re pressed the subscribe button!

~≈🎥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4th April 2026

4th April, 2026.

It’s a long weekend: as it’s Easter!

We had a public holiday, yesterday: and another on Monday, 6th April.

The fact yesterday was a public holiday was something I’d realised: but didn’t necessarily think through.

Over the past couple of years?

I’ve put in for help from Southend Council’s Essential Living Fund.

They’d give out a grant to people in Southend and Thurrock, and to people outside those areas, but still in Essex.

So?

I visited the relevant website to put in another application: totally forgetting I’d seen news that told me the scheme behind the fund … had been restructured … 

And only remembering this, yesterday, when I saw the relevant forms were no longer available.

There’s a few other options.

But the first option I thought of, was to phone Southend Council, to ask if they knew where these sites could be found.

Completely forgetting that yesterday was a bank holiday: and that, therefore, the office was closed.

The — hopefully polite — email I sent, the one that asks the same question … will get picked up this Tuesday: as Monday’s another bank holiday!

Ever get the feeling I’m frustrated … ?

~≈😩≈~

Actually, that’s a point: my rent goes up, on Monday.

On the Easter Monday bank holiday.

Yes: I know by how much it goes up, too.

I’ve got the letter about it, from my landlord.

So?

I can fill in the online form, on Monday.

Assuming the dratted site lets me!

~≈😒≈~

I mentioned, yesterday, that I was heading for the Romford branch of CeX: as the trains were running, and the place was open.

I had a blu-ray box set — season 21 of the classic era of Dr Who — to sell on.

Something the Romford branch bought for £27.

I couldn’t help but notice something, though.

That CeX were selling this particular boxset, second hand, for £60.

When — at the moment — Amazon are selling the same set for £57·99.

You could argue that CeX are charging the same, effective, price: when you factor in the cost of delivery.

Except, of course, Amazon give you a free standard delivery, if your order is over £35.

Given CeX pays discounted rates of Value Added Tax*, of VAT, on the second hand goods they sell … ?

I think someone’s raking it in … 

~≈🤔≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3rd April 2026.

3rd April, 2026.

OK … I had my diabetic review, yesterday.

It seems I’m possibly doing well: at least, well enough for my surgery’s nurse practitioner to suggest we switch to six monthly reviews.

And to advise I keep a packet of Fruit Pastilles around, in case of emergencies.

That said … ?

I had my diabetic foot check at the same time.

I get the impression there’s nothing too badly wrong: although one our two things came up.

But?

My GP has messaged me, to say they’ve asked Basildon Hospital to book me a meeting with a consultant: to get the circulation in my legs checked.

Which I’m nervous about: I don’t want hear I need anything amputated, after all.

But … ?

Well … better safe than sorry … 

~≈🦶≈~

On a totally unrelated theme … ?

I’m planning on heading into Romford, today: as I want to offload stuff at the Romford branch of CeX.

Hopefully?

The train trip will be quick … !

~≈🛤️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2-4-2026 — Casanova

2nd April, 2026: Casanova.

It’s officially official: it’s Thursday.

And?

I’ve got my usual quarterly diabetic review, later: the review where I find out my most recent blood test results.

Hopefully … ?

They’ll be ok.

~≈🩸≈~

We can safely say that my nephew, Jude, was here, yesterday, is getting slightly handy with Final Cut Pro, and thoroughly enjoying the app’s ability to alter sound effects.

I just wish I’d thought to ask him one thing.

“Jude, what is that trumpet noise you keep using … ?”

~≈🎺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser 1-4-2026 — Passover

1st April, 2026: Passover.

Yes: it’s true.

It’s Wednesday … !

Which means I’ve finally finished reviewing Stranger Things: the last written and videos ones dropped, last night!

I have to say, that took some doing.

I have a Mac mini with a one terabyte, one thousand gigabyte, hard drive: as I’d been told making videos with some apps could chew up a look of space.

That wasn’t wrong: last night’s review chewed up ~680 gigabytes: mostly — from what I could see — from where I’d applied some colour layers.

Remind me to try and point Final Cut at an external drive, would you … ?

~≈🎬≈~

Mama’s gonna take you to the moon, tomorrow.

Actually, that’s slightly inaccurate.

NASA is planning to launch the Artemis 2 mission to the Moon, today: a moon mission that’s the first for some five decades.

It’s a first, and inspirational … and possibly the only sort of mission that really sums up the American Dream.

Personally?

I’m going to wish the crew good luck.

But am very aware of something.

Yes: this mission is going to be inspirational.

Yes: the crew will be lauded as heroes on their return.

But, yes: at launch, the crew are going to be sat on top of a missile, a missile that could so easily go the way of the Challenger.

Here’s hoping the crew return as heroes: rather than cinders … 

~≈🌖≈~

I am very aware marks the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Apple: on 1st April, 1976.

If you’d like to mark it by buying me a Mac Studio with a huge hard drive, you’d be welcome!

Which I missed the anniversary, writing today’s Passover-themed quiz.

At any rate, if you’re marking the latter?

Have a good one.

~≈🕎≈~