Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21st July 2026.

21st July, 2026.

Yes: it’s officially official: I’m going to be watching television, tonight!

Feel free to keep your eyes peeled for my review of “Home”, the next episode of For All Mankind!

~≈🪐≈~

JUST in case you’re following my weight loss journey?

I was at my most recent weigh-in, yesterday.

And … ?

I’ve lost half a kilo: just over a pound, if you want it in Imperial.

That’s good!

~≈𐄷≈~

As a last thought … ?

Andy Burnham has announced that — as from October — his government will be reducing VAT on domestic electricity, reducing it from five percent, to zero.

In order to help ease the cost of living.

It’s a nice idea, I think.

But?

I don’t think energy suppliers will reduce the cost to customers.

I think they’ll freeze the cost, rather than reduce the cost.

That way?   They can make more money without increasing prices.

~≈£≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-7-2026 — Colombia

20th July, 2026: Colombia.

Right … it’s Monday, again.

And … ?

After taking weight loss medication, last Friday, it’s time for me to head for my weight loss weigh in.

Keep you’re fingers crossed, please: while you’re doing that, I’ll be hoping the bag of crisps I had, yesterday, won’t show up!

~≈🥨≈~

Andy Burnham* gets sworn in as Prime Minister, today.

I wish him luck: although my cynical side has a question.

When exactly, will he resign?

We’ve got through a few PMs, since 2016.

~≈🔟≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-7-2026 — Crashed

19th July, 2026: Crashed.

Right … there are times you wake up with an earworm.

In my case?

Kelis’ “Milkshake”.

Although my internal audio kept telling me the think was called “Ice cream”: but there you go.

Right now … ?

I’m chasing off Kelis with Whose Afraid (of the Art of Noise).

With all due respect to Manhattan’s finest?

“Milkshake” was getting a bit persistent … !

~≈🥤≈~

With Andy Burnham due to take over as prime minister, tomorrow?

I’m aware there’s calls for him to hold a general election.

I’m also aware that one voice calling for this is Nigel Farage: currently facing a potential loss of his seat to Count Binface.

And just as possibly looking for a way to recover from an embarrassing defeat.

Personally?

And whilst I hate to agree with Nigel Farage?

I think Mr Burnham should call a general election.

It would give him an official mandate from the public.

~≈🗳️≈~

One thing I should add?

It that Radio Four’s been full of it.

News, I should say, the Mr Burnham’s plans for tomorrow, include scrapping Keir Starmer’s planned digital ID scheme.

I’m glad to hear it.

Experience told me that people who don’t have the smart phone needed, who couldn’t afford the smart phone needed, for the mandatory version of the scheme, would need one bought for them.

At the government’s expense.

Frankly?

The scheme was half arsed, at best.

Scrapping it?

Is sensible.

~≈Œ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th July 2026.

18th July, 2026.

It’s officially Saturday: and looking both hot, sunny … and quiet.

Unless we get invaded by Martians: there’s possibly be a lot of screaming, if there was … !

Ho hum … !

~≈👽≈~

Just as a final thought, before we move on?

I notice a few people have been stuck in traffic on the M25.

I can only hope that jam has cleared: whilst playing you the one song I know that’s about the London Orbital … 

~≈🛣️≈~

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

17th July, 2026.

Yes: today is the day for extra drugs.

Or to be a touch more accurate: medications!

I’m on Mounjaro, the weight loss medication that also has an effect on my glucose levels.

It’s certainly helping the latter.

I’m just not sure — given my record at my Monday-morning weigh-ins — if it’s having an effect on my weight … !

Ho-hum … 

~≈💉≈~

I believe many things.

That a penny saved is a penny earned.

That God wants you to be nice to people.

And that the 47th President of the USA is a gibbering loon.

I had the news on yesterday: when the newsreader announced the president was due to make a big announcement, later that day.

I was worried he would announce he’d be running for an (unconstitutional) third term.

But no: instead, he accursed the Chinese government of interfering in the 2020 presidential election.

And didn’t present any evidence.

The man is … well … 

I’ll re-write that line: “The man is … [Insert Swear-word Here]”.

Feel free to:

Search Google for an insulting term;

Or be as creatively insulting as possible!

~≈🤬≈~

The other news piece that caught my attention?

Was the piece that told me the Government are planning to overhaul marriage laws: so that more venues can be used.

I worked in two pubs — the Essex Arms, and what’s now the Hutton Junction — with back bars that could be used for either a service or a wedding reception.

I could see them doing well.

However, I suspect the pubs that beer gardens and back bars, would be best placed for this.

That way?

They could hold the service in the garden, the reception in the back bar … and still serve the regulars in the main bar … 

~≈🍺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th July, 2026

16th July, 2026.

OK … pizza … 

If you read yesterday’s teaser, you’ll have realised the my local branch of Domino’s made a dog’s dinner of Jude and I’d dinner, on Tuesday.

So, after I’d finished posting, yesterday?

I headed for the Domino’s website, found their email address — and the online complaint form — and had a good whinge about it.

And asked for my money back.

Going by the reply I got?

The branch has five days to reply.

I’ll try and let you know what happens … 

~≈🍕≈~

Just as an extra point … ?

I caught another episode of For All Mankind, on Tuesday: and finished both a written, and a video, review, last night.

They’re a little short.

Although, in my defence?

I spent a lot of time, yesterday, emailing Dominos!

~≈📧≈~

For All Mankind — Series 5 Episode 2 — “The Hard Six” — A Review

14th July, 2026.

“The Hard Six”.

The Introduction.

It’s officially the case that a man in search of a wife … is possibly some kind of weird stalker.

Or trying to paraphrase Jane Austin.

Or getting mental images of some of the odder characters in The League of Gentlemen.

Which is possibly a whole other post.

At any rate?

It’s Tuesday.

Which means I’ll be watching “The Hard Six”, the next episode of For All Mankind, tonight.

When writing the bulk of this review: and releasing it, and the parallel video version, by this coming Thursday.

I’m starting this post early … as I’m expecting my nephew this afternoon.

Fun — and possibly pizza — will be had … before the main event … 

Let’s move on …

~≈🪐≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th July 2026.

15th July, 2026.

OK … it’s officially official: my nephew was here, yesterday!

Yes: video has been both edited, and uploaded … !

I hope you’d you’d like to hit ‘Like’ on that: it would be far more appreciated than you think.

Inevitably, we had issues!

Or more issues than we were expecting, let’s put it that way.

Ruth — my sister, and Jude’s mother — had given us some cash: so we could get dinner.

The inevitable pizza from the local branch of Dominos.

They’re usually reliable, fast … and don’t have any technical issues.

Apart from last night: when we were trying to order!

Yes: the order wouldn’t got through.

After repeated attempts: multiple attempts, with multiple browsers.

And after multiple checks with my bank’s online balance checking system.

Jude possibly knows my card number, better than I do.

We still had no pizza, after those multiple attempts: so I had to phone the order in!

Which — as Domino’s only do some discounts, online, but not by phone? — ended up costing me a fiver more than paying online would’ve done.

I’m not happy, let’s put it that way!

Especially when we did a Google search to try and solve the problem.

One of the explanations, albeit an AI generated one, told us that “stores might temporarily turn off online ordering due to understaffing.”

Which had me and Jude looking at each other … and (mentally), saying “That sounds very plausible”.

Was it the case, though?

Had the local Dominos turned off online ordering, because they were understaffed?

I don’t know.

But, yes: the branch being overworked, and understaffed — there was a World Cup game on, after all — and turning off a useful tool in order to make the shift more manageable, sounds credible to me.

That doesn’t make me — or my very hungry nephew — any happier.

I might just have to email them … 

~≈🍕≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th July 2026

14th July, 2026.

OK … it’s Tuesday.

Which hopefully means I’ll be watching the next episode of For All Mankind, tonight.

Once my nephew’s gone home.

Here’s hoping!

~≈🚀≈~

Ann Widdecombe’s recent death is being investigated by Cornish police.

Or had been.

The suspect was being questioned on charges of murder … but is now being investigated on various counter-terrorism charges.

The public’s been asked not to speculate on the case: but I doubt that’s going to stop people.

Me in particular!

Right now … ?   I’m wondering what sort of extremist the suspect is: left wing, or right wing?

I can’t see a radical right-wing thug* trying to kill her: I can’t see them targeting someone who was a socially conservative, Euro-sceptic.

But, just as equally?

I can’t see loony left environmentalists targeting the late Miss Widdecombe.

They usually just throw paint at pictures.

We’ll probably never know: until the suspect is tried … 

~≈⚰️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-7-2026 — "I Don't Like Mondays" (Ten Questions)

13th July, 2026: “I Don’t Like Mondays”.

Right then, it’s Monday: and, officially, weight management day!

I’m hoping I’ve lost some.

Weight, that is: I was up a few grams, last week.

If you could keep your fingers crossed for me, I’d appreciate it … !

~≈🐀≈~

Oh, just as a bit of sad news?

Actor, Sam Neil, has died: at the age of 78!

That’s sad to hear: I can still remember seeing him in Omen III: The Final Conflict … !

~≈😔≈~

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

12th July, 2026.

It’s Sunday … and, right at the moment … ?

I don’t think I’ve heard a train go past!

In case you didn’t know?

I live next to the Shenfield to Liverpool Street line: not five minutes walk from Brentwood Station.

So, as regular as clockwork?   I’ll hear cars going past: and trains.

On a regular basis.

It’s usually quieter on a Sunday: but you still hear the things chuntering past.

To the point where you don’t notice them.

Apart from days like today … when you notice the fact there’s no trains going past!

Literally none have gone past, this morning.

I’m wondering if there’s work being done: or a strike.

It’s unnervingly quiet!

So much so, I’ve just checked the website.

Apparently, there’s a reduced service: because there’s been a fire at Stratford Station.

That’s that, explained!

~≈🚂≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-7-2026 — World Horse Day (Ten Questions)

11th July, 2026.

Anne Widdecombe, a retired politician, has died: and is believed to have been killed.

A twenty-six year-old man has been released: after being arrested on suspicion of murder.

I was never a fan of the woman: Ms Widdecombe’s politics were always a little too right of centre, a little too Eurosceptic, for my tastes.

But … ?

I’m wondering this: why on Earth was she killed?

Was it revenge for something?

A burglary gone wrong?

Heck, an assassination?   Although I think that’s unlikely.

What on Earth happened?

We’ll probably only find out when — or if — there’s a trial.

~≈🐎≈~

I’ve already mentioned that I’ve seen adverts: for extremely high capacity, extremely suspicious, extremely cheap external hard drives.

Fraudulent ones, I should add.

Yesterday?

I caught this piece on the BBC’s news site: that tells us there’s now adverts for fans, fans ‘designed by NASA engineers’, that are just as fraudulent.

As much as I’d like to say I’m shocked to hear about these dodgy fans … ?

I’m not.

The human tendency to trick people out of their cash really isn’t surprising!

~≈🪭≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th July 2026

10th July, 2026.

I’m tempted to say all sorts!

No, really!

I’m tempted to tell you that yurts exist.

That salmon smells of salmon.

That the universe, as it exists, exists in a wossname with knobs on!

But … ?

I won’t.

That would be silly!

~≈🍣≈~

Something I do know … ?

Is that Nigel Farage has forced a by-election in his Clacton constituency: and that mainstream parties are refusing to run against him, in protest at what they see as a political stunt.

Which means … ?

Which means that comedy candidate, Count Binface, is the only person standing against him.

And — according to The Independent — has had his odds slashed.

Frankly?

Binface could win … which means I have one question.

What happens if he does?

~≈🗑️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-7-2026 — Argentina

9th July, 2026: Argentina.

It’s official: I’ve uploaded a video!

But you’ve possibly guessed that.

And possibly already noticed that uploading a video to tell you I’ve uploaded a video seems a little recursive.

For want of a better word!

At any rate?

I caught the first episode of For All Mankind’s new series: and thought I should tell you about it!

~≈👨‍🚀≈~

Oh … the BBC’s new site released this article, a few days ago: telling us many companies are renting out robots, and questioning what use the robots are.

It’s mostly entertainment ones getting rented out, it seems: ones doing tasks that are easy to program.

That’s not necessarily caught my attention, though.

The simple fact that companies are renting out robots is what caught me.

Why?

Because renting out electronics is an old idea: Brentwood had a branch of Radio Rentals, after all.

That’s not the first thing I thought of, though.

No.

I thought of Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot.

That’s the first place I saw the idea … !

~≈🤖≈~

For All Mankind — Series 5 Episode 1 — “First Light” — A Review

7th July, 2026.

“First Light”.

The Introduction.

It has to be said: there comes a time when tedium will only carry you so far.

Well, not tedium, per se.

But the awareness that there’s only so much on TV: and, therefore?

Only so much you want to talk about.

Of current TV shows?

I’ve binged Slow Horses, and found it entertaining.

I’ve caught the first series of The Blacklist, and found that equally entertaining.

I’ve seen the first episode of the new series of Silo: and been left intrigued.

But, with Dr Who, and Star Trek, off-air?

There’s few series I feel inclined to tell you about.

Or, at least, there hasn’t been, since March, and the last series of Stranger Things.

But … ?

There’s a something things I felt I should start watching: and tell you about.

Yes: the fifth and latest series of AppleTV’s For All Mankind.

I’m going to be watching the first episode, “First Light”, tonight: then posting my written and video review by this Friday.

I’ll see you … in a few days time … 

~≈👾≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8-7-2026 — Number 189.

8th July, 2026: the Number 189.

Right, then: as we speak, stuff is being pencilled in!

Or, at least, drafted!

Yes: I’ve started watching For All Mankind’s fifth series, and am working on my review of the first episode.

That should be done by tomorrow, hopefully: keep your eyes peeled!

~≈♂︎≈~

In the wake of some financial scandals?

In the wake of some financial scandals, Reform leader, Nigel Farage, has handed in his resignation as an MP.

Or, at least, applied for the post of ‘Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Chiltern Hundreds’, the Parliamentary equivalent.

He’s also announced he will be standing in the ensuing by-election, in an effort to clear his name.

It’s a publicity stunt, I think.   And one that would make me less likely to vote for the man: even given I’m not a Reform voter.

I’ll give the man credit for taking a political risk.

But?

I’d rather spoil my vote, than vote for a right wing candidate like Farage!

I’m also aware that — from what the Today Programme has said — if or when he is re-elected, he would still have a parliamentary enquiry into his finances.

I’m also wondering what would happen if his resignation were refused.

Apart from a certain amount of embarrassment, that is.

All of this is not why I’m annoyed about Farage’s actions.

Firstly?

Given his re-election wouldn’t stop a Parliamentary enquiry, I think any by-election is a waste of public money.

And, secondly?

The other, rival parties — Labour, the Tories, the Lib-Dems, Greens and Restore Britain — have all announced that they would not be standing in it: as they regard Farage’s actions as a stunt.

I can appreciate their point.

But think not opposing the idiot, not standing against him is profoundly undemocratic.

It’s denying voters a choice of candidates.

I can only encourage Clacton voters to either vote for the inevitable comedy candidates that turn up.

Or spoil their votes.

Or hope that Mr Farage’s resignation is refused: until the enquiry is completed.

~≈X≈~

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

7th July, 2026.

How much excitement is it possible to have on one day … ?

I don’t know!

Anything from ‘Not enough’ to ‘way too much’.

Either way … ?

The most exciting thing that’s happened to me, this morning?

Is ChatGPT acting up: so I couldn’t twiddle the artwork about.

Ho … Hum!

~≈🤪≈~

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

6th July, 2026.

Right … it’s Weight Management Monday … !

So, yes: I’m off To town to get my weight, checked, again.

I’d lost half a kilo, last week: hopefully, I’ve been able to keep that trend, going!

Keep your fingers crossed for me, please … !

~≈⚖️≈~

On other fronts?

It’s always the way that — if you’re online, at this time of the morning — you see adverts.

It’s part of the price we pay, for using many websites.

The only problem … ?

The only problem I find, is the inevitable misleading ads.

A few years agoi, now, I got conned by a third party seller on Ebay: into buying USB sticks with a claimed capacity of some two terabytes, some two thousand gigabytes.

But which turned out to only hold some thirty-two gigabytes.

You can read about that, here.

This morning … ?

I was floating around Youtube: and got shown an advert from a site called tlpnb.com.

Which claimed to be selling thirty-two terabyte sized external solid-state drives for “less than the price of a bottle of beer.”

But that the site was advertising for £33.

Which is pricey for a beer … 

But bloody cheap for that size of external drive.

Especially when Amazon do two terabyte SSDs for two or three times the price.

Given that?

And given the website selling these iffy drives offers ‘securety payments*’?

I’m going to offer some advice.

Go nowhere near tlpnb.com, buy nothing from them!

They’re dubious, to say the least!

~≈👻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-7-2026 — Nemesis the Warlock (Ten Questions)

5th July, 2026: Nemesis the Warlock.

Right … it’s another Sunday.

I don’t know about your Sunday: but I suspect mine’s going to be quiet.

Or, at least, involve nothing more taxing than making a lot of videos!

If anything exciting happens — alien invasions, war, sex, really exciting stuff? — you’ll be the first to find out … !

~≈👽≈~

One thing I can tell you … ?

Is that I’ve caught more episodes of various TV shows.

Frankly?

Series two of Blacklist looks good: but is starting to pale, after binge watching Slow Horses, and catching the opening episode of Silo series three.

Still, I can’t complain too much.

They’re entertaining, after all.

~≈📺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4-7-2026 — Independence Day (Ten Questions)

4th July, 2026: Independence Day.

I suspect a lot’s going to be happening, today.

Or, at least, I hope there is!

Personally?

I don’t get paid until this Friday: so I’m not doing any thing exciting.

However, the USA … ?

It’s Independence Day.

So … ?

I’m going to officially wish the country a Happy Birthday … whilst thinking the country has a sillier twit than usual in charge!

~≈🇺🇸≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3rd July 2026

3rd July, 2026.

OK … it’s a Friday … !

And, yes: I’ve had another dose of Mounjaro.

So?

That’s that done for another week.

I’ve also got to head into town: to pick up a couple of things from my pharmacist.

Frankly … ?

My life is a huge mass of adventure, excitement and really wild things.

~≈💊≈~

I follow the technology news: and am something of a Mac fan.

And am very aware Sony have announced that they won’t be releasing games on physical media from 2028.

My nephew, Jude … ?

Doesn’t like that idea, either, before you ask!

At any rate, given the trend away from physical discs?

A recent Apple announcement — that they will be removing DVD support from the upcoming version of macOS — shouldn’t be surprising.

I’m … 

Disappointed … 

And wondering how this will affect a couple of apps I use on a regular basis.

But … ?

It’s not actually surprising … 

~≈📀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2nd July 2026

2nd July, 2026.

Right, then: it’s Thursday!

And I’ve literally rolled out of bed, this morning.

Rolled out of bed … and hit the carpet with a certain amount of screaming, pain … and swearing.

Well … you would, wouldn’t you?

~≈🍁≈~

I’ve mentioned that Rockstar Games next big release in the Grand Theft Auto series — GTA6 — is to not be released on optical disc.

You can buy a boxed version: but it’ll only contain a download key.

In a follow-up piece, published yesterday?

Sonny announced that they would no longer be producing games on disc: that they, too, will be issuing downloadable version … 

Or ‘physical’ copies that consist of download codes in a box.

I’m … 

Well … I’d imagine that decision will disappoint a few people.

One advantage to physical discs is the simple ability to re-sell them, when a player’s done with them.

It’s a good way of off-setting some of the cost of the game.

Another advantage?

Is if the game’s producers take the online version, off-line.

A gamer still has the physical copy.

I think this decision is a shame: ads there’s pros and cons to both formats.

I’m not surprised by it, though.

One of the first modern computers I owned, shipped with a copy of Ubuntu OS: one that shipped with an early form of app store.

Useful, given that you couldn’t buy Linux software in the shops.

But … ?

At the time, I felt that App Store, that download-only model, was the shape of things to come.

Given how that model has spread since then?

Sony’s decision may be disappointing: but really isn’t surprising.

~≈🛜≈~