Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th August 2026

19th August, 2026.

It’s officially official: it’s Wednesday morning,

And … ?

And it’s rained overnight!

Hopefully?

We’ll get a bit more of that.

After two months of heatwaves, we need it.

~≈☔️≈~

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

18th August, 2026.

OK: it’s Tuesday.

And, bar watching For All Mankind, tonight?

I’m fully expecting the day to be two things.

One?

Quiet.

Two … ?

Not rain: despite being as overcast as it’s possible to be, without being the planet, Venus!

The sooner it does?

The sooner I can complain about it!

~≈🌧️≈~

You possibly aware I’ve worked in the pub trade: so keep an interested eye on the industry.

I’m as aware as anyone, that pubs are closing at a worrying rate.

And that many of what had been pubs are being converted into flats or offices.

The Castle, on Ongar Road, is the most recent example in Brentwood that I know of: but there’s probably others.

So … ?

Seeing this piece, recently — a piece that tells me how the government are planning to modify planning permission regulations, to make it harder to turn unused pubs into homes or offices — caught my attention.

I like it: I think it’s a good idea, a good idea to aim for.

But … ?

I also think it’s a good idea: if the business is there to support the pub staying open.

It’s useless to keep a pub open: if no-one’s there to use it.

~≈🍺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th August 2026

17th August, 2026.

Yes: it’s Monday.

Which means I’m off to my weight management class, again.

My weight was up, last week.

So, hopefully?

I’ll have lost some!

~≈⚖️≈~

Good lord, Hay Panetierre’s died: at thirty-six!

I remember her from the series, Heroes: where she played the cheerleader, Claire Benet.

OK, I don’t know her from much, beyond that.

But hearing about her death is saddening.

Especially the headline fact.

She was thirty-six.

What on Earth happened, there … !?

Thirty-six is WAY too young!

~≈🪦≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th August 2026

16th August, 2026.

OK: it’s officially Sunday, I’ve started typing this post at 8·15 … and it looks like today is going to be overcast.

Which would make a pleasant change, I think.

Or, at least, take the edge off of the persistent heat.

I can only hope the rain the BBC’s weather page is predicting for Tuesday, turns up.

The rain is going to be much needed.

~≈☁️≈~

There’s possibly a universe where I’d feel comfortable voting for Nigel Farage’s Reform party.

Possibly.

In this one … ?

There’s no possibility what-so-ever.

Especially as Reform have announced they will be cutting the welfare bill by some £50 billion.

As a person on benefits?

I know — know, not feel — this would directly myself, and many of my friends.

Frankly?

The means the chance of my voting Reform goes from zero … to considerably less.

~≈〇≈~

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

15th August, 2026.

It is, quite definitely, Saturday.

And?

The day after Friday.

And … ?

They day after the the government sent out an official alert: warning us not to start fires.

That’s possibly timely.

Even with the constant news of heatwaves, and wildfires, there’s going to be someone who has a barbecue.

~≈🚨≈~

Right … 

You’re aware I watch TV: and review some of the things I see.

I’ve not reviewed Silo, or Sturt Fails to Save the Universe.

But HAVE been reviewing For All Mankind.

And was very impressed by “No Sudden Moves”, the most recent episode I’ve seen.

If you’ve seen the episode?

Can you watch the review, and leave me a comment?

Cheers!

~≈🪐≈~

For All Mankind — Series 5 Episode 6 — “No Sudden Moves” — A Review

11th August, 2026.

“No Sudden Moves”.

The Introduction.

OK … music … 

It’s Tuesday: so, as I write this, I’ve got a Genius playlist playing in the background.

Complete with PIL’s “This Is Not A Love Song” at full pelt.

Which I’ve not listened to for a while: so it’s good to hear it, again.

It’s almost as good to hear Spandau Ballet’s “Chant №1”: the song that’s come up next.

All of that is beside the point.

It’s Tuesday.

So, after dinner, I’ll be watching the next episode of For All Mankind: then writing a review of it.

This post … ?

Will go live by Thursday: hopefully!

I’ll see you then … !

~≈🪐≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-8-2026 — The Falklands

14th August, 2026: The Falklands.

OK … I know social media sites have to fund themselves with adverts.

I know it has to be done.

But … ?

I object to repeated adverts.

I’ve had dozens of adverts for hooky external hard drives, for example.

More recently … ?

I’ve had a lot of adverts for a brand of refillable roll-on deodorant.

I with the algorithm would lay off.

My armpits aren’t that bad.

And there’s only so many times I’ll put up with being called a tosser … 

~≈🏏≈~

We’s now had the results in, of the Clacton by-election: and Nigel Farage has been re-confirmed as the constituency’s MP.

Much as I and many others hoped Count Binface would win?

He has earned enough votes to win back his deposit.

I have opinions.

Obviously!

First?

It’s nice to know Binface did well for a comedy candidate.

Secondly?

I hope that Farage’s re-election leads to the restart of investigations into his finances.

And that his attempted delay of the investigation gets factored into the thing.

Thirdly?

Farage refused to attend the announcement of the results.

Claiming Essex Police had told him not to, as they’d advised there were security risks.

Essex police say they’ve said no such thing.

I think Farage other reason for a no-show — “I am damned if I am going to stand on a stage […] and be demeaned and humiliated by nobodies,” — is nearer the mark.

He didn’t want to be embarrassed by Binface.

Anymore than he already has been.

Lastly … ?

I think that — in triggering this joke of a by-election — Farage has done one thing very well.

He’s wasted public money on a delaying tactic: one that hopefully won’t stop the investigation into his finances.

And sees him named and shamed as the waster he is.

~≈🗑️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-8-2026 — International Left-handers Day

13th August, 2026: International Left Handers Day.

Right: did I mention I was at the dentist, yesterday?

I was at the dentist, yesterday.

For an appointment with the dental hygienists, rather than the dentist.

It went well enough.

My only complaint?

I used my dentists student hygienists: who’ve always come across as competent.

And who, up until now, have been free to those of us on benefits.

Until yesterday: which was the first appointment I had to pay for.

OK, it was half price: and I’d been able to budget for it as I made sure the appointment was not long after pay-day.

But it was still a cost I objected to.

~≈💷≈~

It’s Thursday: and the day of the Clacton by-election.

Good luck to Count Binface!

More importantly?

It’s International Left Handers Day.

Which, as I’m a lefty?

Is important to me.

As I’m also a fan of William Gibson’s, and long suspected he’s a lefty, as well?

Finally finding proof today, has made my morning.

~≈◀️≈~

Just as a last thought … ?

My nephew, Jude, was over, last night.

And … ?

I think we missed most of the Eclipse Excitement.

Still … ?

One: it darkened, noticeably.

Two?

We got a video, done!

~≈🚘≈~

As a definite last thought … ?

Jude and I had pizza, last night.

Normally, we’d order from out local Dominos.

But, for the last few weeks?

Their site’s refused to take my cards.

Why?

I don’t know.

So?

As we have for the last few weeks, we’ve ended up ordering from Pizza Hut.

Why hasn’t Dominos site taken my card?

When Pizza Hut’s happily will?

I don’t know.

I suspect I may need to clear my caches, and history.

But will only know for sure, if I can get through with another browser: given the timing, I’ll have to try that, next week.

~≈🍕≈~

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

12th August, 2026.

OK: I’m going to have to double check things, before I make introductory videos.

Yes: I’m off to the dentists, today.

But, no: that’s not when the eclipse is.

My appointment’s two.

And the eclipse starts around 18·20.

Ho … … …  hum!

~≈☾≈~

I had a newspiece float across my time line, a day or two ago.

This one.

It’s a piece that tells us how an unnamed user had bought a copy of the extended version of the Lord of the Rings movies.

Then found they’d been removed from their media library: as “no longer available in our catalog.”

Google refused to refund the customers money.

I know that removing digital media from a user’s media library is perfectly when a company can no longer supply it to us, is legal.

That doesn’t make it right.

We buy these things in the belief we’re buying these things permanently: when, sadly, it’s not.

~≈🛒≈~

Personally?

I think a media supplier withdrawing a service like that is immoral.

And a very good argument for buying versions of whatever on physical media.

And — possibly — for outright video piracy.

So?

I’m going to suggest a method.

Download and install Tor Browser: it let’s you access the Dark Web.

Download and install a BitTorrent client: I’m told Transmission is popular.

Once those are done, visit a torrent tracking site — I’m told Pirate Bay, KAT, 1337 and TorrentGalaxy are good — with TorBrowser.

Pick a torrent … 

Copy and paste the magnet link into your chosen Torrent client.

Wait for it to finish: and enjoy the results.

~≈🏴‍☠️≈~

As a final thought, there?

I’m not going to encourage you to illegally download copyrighted content like that.

Doing so is a civil offence in most countries, and can lead to both arrest and fines: and the downloading of spiked content what can damage you computer, or leave you exposed to malware or identity theft*.

Be aware of the risks.

However risky?

In removing media we thought we owned permanently?

And refusing a refund when doing so?

Companies are encouraging us to not give them our cash: especially given there’s other ways of buying … 

~≈🏴‍☠️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-8-2026 — World Steelpan Day (Ten Questions)

11th August, 2026: World Steel Pan Day.

Right: I am officially up, early: for the second day in a row!

Yes: I have a video meeting with my new Job Centre case worker.

Hopefully?

The software works: and my case worker has my phone numbers.

They way, there’s still a method of contact if the software fails.

~≈📱≈~

I had my weight management meeting, yesterday: and … ?

Yep: as I was worrying, my weight’s gone up, rather than down.

I left feeling decidedly depressed.

But was able to take some positive action, given my GP’s surgery isn’t far from where weight management meetings take place.

One step … ?

Is to make sure I lay off the crisps.

Another?

Something that the advisers have been suggesting for a while, is to see if I can increase the anti-obesity medication I’m on.

I don’t know.

But have booked up an appointment with my GP, to see what can be done.

Here’s hoping.

~≈💊≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th August 2026

10th August, 2026.

Right … it’s officially official: it’s Monday.

Which you’d noticed.

So … ?

It means that, once again, I’m off to the weekly weigh-in.

And hoping like hell that — like last week — I’ve lost some weight.

I’m hoping for the best: but expecting the worst, given the crisps I’ve eaten!

~≈⚖️≈~

Yesterday, I told you about the issues I’ve had with Amazon deliveries.

I finally got the non-cola items, yesterday.

Although, it has to be said, I’d rather have had all four items: the vitamins, air duster and Marmite, and the colas.

But at least the undamaged goods are now here.

And the refund for the box of colas is on route.

That said … ?

I still have a few complaints.

The main one?

Is that Amazon told me I’d be getting a refund on the diet cokes, rather than the goods, themselves.

But left the box in the list of stuff I was expecting, in the delivery notifications.

I’ll be honest: they could have tidied that up.

The other complaint?

Given the three items that were delivered, were in a small box, why did they not leave them here, Saturday?

There’s an old saying that God works in mysterious ways.

So, it seems, does Amazon … !

At least God’s a good communicator.

~≈📦≈~

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

8th August, 2026.

Ddi I mention I’ve ordered a few things from Amazon?   On Friday, just gone?

I ordered a few things from Amazon, on Friday, just gone.

So you know.

Including a couple of multipack boxes of Diet Coke.

You’d think I’d’ve learnt, by now, wouldn’t you?

The packs — along side a graphic novel, and a few other bits — were due, yesterday.

I got one box, and the graphic novel, at 14:25, going by the clock on my computer.

I also got an apologetic update from Amazon’s automated systems: to tell me they’d tried delivering the rest of the goodies, yesterday.

At 14:24!

But couldn’t, for unspecified “technical reasons”.

As you can imagine, I sent an annoyed email to Jeff Bezos.

They’ve now given me a refund on the undelivered box of colas: and a list of reasons why the thing couldn’t be delivered.

Although that seems to be as a matter of course, rather than any action I’ve taken.

They have also given me a list of reason why somethings hasn’t been delivered.

The one possible reason that leapt out at me … ?

Was the one that says “The package was damaged in transit.”

Right now?

I’m convinced that the delivery driver dropped the second box, the one with a box of Diet Cokes, some Marmite, and an air duster, damaged them in the process, and had to take them back to the warehouse as a result.

I don’t know, though.

I do know this.

I’ve got a refund for the colas due.

But — as of the time of writing — don’t know when the rest of the goods will turn in up.

Which got me sending another annoyed email.

As you can imagine … ?

I’m having a bad weekend … !

~≈📦≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8th August 2026

8th August, 2026.

OK … it’s Saturday.

And I’m thinking about Thursday.

Why … ?

Well, it’s International Left Handers Day.

And if you’re a southpaw, like me, you have to mark it, somehow!

What’s the other reason to think about Thursday?

Well, it’s the day of the Clacton by-election.

And I’m still wondering what happens if Binface wins … 

~≈🚮≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7th August 2026

7th August, 2026.

I had an update to my Mac. a few days ago.

From macOS 26·5 to macOS 26·6.

Which was done and dusted as soon as I decently could do it: there were quite a few security updates in there.

Last night … ?

I got the notification that told me there was another: from macOS 26·6 to macOS 26·6·1.

With just one patch in it: one that patches a vulnerability in macOS’s Screen Sharing.

A vulnerability that would — if I’ve understood it correctly — would give an attacker access to my machine: without having to sign in.

Which sounds serious: and means I’m going to do it as soon as decently possible.

~≈🖥️≈~

On other fronts … ?

Yes: I have finished another review: of “Svoboda”, the most Recent episode I caught, of For All Mankind.

Feel free to hit the Like button … !!!

~≈📺≈~

For All Mankind — Series 5 Episode 5 — “Svoboda” — A Review

4th August, 2026.

“Svoboda”.

The Introduction.

At the moment … ?

It’s a Tuesday afternoon: and I’ve got a Pretenders’ tune, “Middle of the Road”, on in the background.

On repeat.

Because?   Because AppleTV are airing a version of Neuromancer in a few months time: a Pretenders tune is entirely appropriate, as Neuromancer’s writer based the look of one character on Pretenders lead singer, Chrissie Hynde.

I want the song repeated because it seems to be a good one to type to.

I’m also using it as I write the text you’re reading, a review of an episode of For All Mankind.

And as the song’s used in the sound track of series two?

Well … yeah … pressing Repeat seemed appropriate … 

~≈🪐≈~

At any rate: it’s Tuesday.

And … ?

I’m going to be having dinner, then watching “Svoboda”, the fifth episode of For All Mankind’s fifth series.

Once Chrissie stops singing … 

~≈🪐≈~

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

6th August, 2026.

Yep: that’s right.

I woke up with Hazel O’Connor’s “Eighth Day” banging its way around my head.

Why?

I don’t know.

But my only way of dealing with it … ?

Is to play more Hazel O’Connor.

Or play you my nephew’s latest!

Just don’t ask about pizza.

Bloody Domino’s website, grrr, mutter, mutter … … !

~≈🍕≈~

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

5th August, 2026.

Yes: I’ve officially decided to open this post with a lot of old trolley!

So … ?

There’s nothing new, there, then … !

~≈🧇≈~

On a more serious note?

Seemingly, there’s elections due in some local councils.

Including ones for Somerset Council, next year.

The Tories have a problem with Joshua Bonehill-Paine: who’s one of their candidates.

Whilst he’s apologised for his behaviour … ?

It seems he has a history of anti-semitic behaviour: being imprisoned for various racially aggravated crimes.

He’s has served time for them.

Now, I’ll happily admit: a person can change.

Rehabilitating an inmate is part of a prison’s role, after all.

Personally, though?

Were I Kemi Badenoch, were I Tory party leader … 

I’d be seriously re-thinking letting the chap stand … 

~≈🗳️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4th August 2026

4th August, 2026.

Yay!

I’ve lost weight!

OK, just in case you hadn’t realised, I’m obese.

So I’m not in the best of health, as a result.

I’m working on reducing my with a mix of a heftily monitored diet, and a weekly dose of Mounjaro.

And weekly weigh-ins, every Monday.

At yesterday’s?

I founds I’d lost 1·1 kilograms.

Which is good.

That said?

I’d gained 1·6 kilograms, the week before.

So, hopefully?

I’ll’ve lost a bit more, by next week’s meeting.

Here’s hoping I can lay off the crisps in the meantime!

~≈🌯≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3rd August 2026

3rd August, 2026.

Earworms … are insidious, sometimes.

But?

I don’t get songs banging around my head.

No: I’ll get the occasional word floating around in my mind.

At the moment, I’ve got the words, ‘yurt’, and ‘yonk’, filling the earworm shaped hole.

I still don’t know why this happens.

If I did … ?

Well, I’d possibly be rich … !

~≈🏕️≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s Monday: and the day for my weight management weigh-in.

I’m nervous: as my weight was up, last week.

I’ll have to see how it goes!

~≈⚖️≈~

I keep half an eye on politics: even is I’m not sure I can follow a political argument, or a party’s policies.

One thing I do know?

Is that some things can get very silly.

We have a by-election in Clacton, next week: called after the resignation of the (then) sitting MP, Nigel Farage of Reform.

There’s possibly lots to discuss: including the fact that Count Binface seems to be the only serious contender.

One thing I did notice, though … ?

Was a news piece from the BBC’s website.

A piece that tells us the ballot for the election is one of the longest in British political history.

I suspect Count Binface will do well off the back of that.

I believe that — in that situation — most of us wouldn’t wade through the complete list: would go for a name we recognise.

And that, given the names are in alphabetical order?

People will come across Binface well before they get to Farage.

I can only hope.

I’d love to see Nigel’s face, if he loses … 

~≈🗳️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2nd August 2026.

2nd August, 2026.

Right … my imagination’s getting carried away.

Or my habit of feeding the phrase ‘Haircut Jimmy’ into ChatGPT is running away with me!

Either way … ?

We’ll have to see what else I can do with the phrase.

~≈💈≈~

At any rate … ?

I caught a TV show, last night: the first episode of Big Bang Theory spinoff, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.

The jury’s out, at the moment.

But … ?

It’s very well done, there’s a lot of money on screen … and no canned laughter.

Which is a little disorienting … !

~≈🪐≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 1st August 2026 Teaser

1st August, 2026.

It’s officially Saturday: and … ?

We’re allowed to run ’round, screaming our heads off, and making excited ‘Yay’ noises!

That’s assuming we’re not bored out of our skulls, of course.

If we are … ?

A certain amount of thumb twiddling might be just the thing … !

~≈🥱≈~

Did I mention I’m in south-east England?

I’m in south-east England: and very aware that it’s hot out there.

And that parts of the country are suffering from drought.

Seeing the news about it, didn’t necessarily make it sink in.

Until I got an email, yesterday: from Essex and Suffolk Water.

Yep: my part of the world is now under a hosepipe ban!

Not that it directly affects me: I’m in a ground floor flat, have no garden, and don’t own a hosepipe!

Heigh … ho … !

~≈💧≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31st July 2026.

31st July, 2026.

Right … it’s now Friday … !

Which technical means we can make assorted ‘Yay’ noise, and talk about hairdos!

If we’re in the mood to talk about haircuts, of course.

You can tell I’m in one of those moods, can’t you … ?

~≈💈≈~

Going totally off the subject of haircuts?

I’ve finished yet another review: for the fourth episode of For All Mankind, series five.

I hope that gets a few Likes!

~≈🧑‍🚀≈~