Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th May 2026

20th May, 2026: about Blu-ray Discs … 

Yes: it’s officially, finally, done!

I’ve made a video: about copying blu-rays.

Quite how relevant it is, these days?

Especially given how streaming is more common, and given how the market for blu-ray drives is slowly shrinking?

I don’t know.

But … ?

It feels good to get the thing out of my system.

~≈📀≈~

Apparently?

The Scottish National Party announced an idea, last month: to introduce a mandatory price-freeze on essential groceries.

Which sounds like a good idea: although one that retail organisations will oppose.

Yesterday?

The Treasury announced a similar scheme: although theirs, unlike the SNP’s plan, is a voluntary freeze.

Retail organisations oppose the Government one, as well.

Personally?

I hope something like it goes through: although I feel a mandatory one will have more results than a voluntary one.

We’ll have to see how it goes.

~≈🛒≈~

Do you remember that the UK had a referendum, a few years ago?

No, not the Brexit one: the one about introducing Proportional Representation, back in 2011?

The one that was eventually, rejected?

Yeah: that one!

There’s been nothing in the news about another referenda on PR, recently.

However?

It seems some sixty odd Labour MPs have called for an amendment to the Representation of the People Bill that’s currently going through Parliament: an amendment that calls for a commission to examine the subject, if nothing else.

I can’t help but think two things.

One … ?

That an actual change to the system — rather than just an enquiry that would take years — would be preferred.

And two … ?

I think those MPs are more worried about Reform doing well at a General Election, than they are about a fair democracy … !

~≈🗳️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-5-2026 — World Fair Play Day

19th May, 2026: World Fair Play Day.

It’s officially official: I’ve gained weight … !

I’m … not surprised, somehow: lots of crisps, and a sneaky take-away on Saturday, probably didn’t help!

Granted, my weight’s up by only a small amount.

But, even so: it’s something to keep an eye on!

~≈⚖️≈~

I have to admit, I’m sorely tempted to design a t-shirt.

Or, at least, get one printed.

I’ve even got a couple of Paranoia themed designs in mind.

These: 

They’ll probably get someone offended: we’ll have to see.

~≈👕≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-5-2026 — International Museum Day.

18th May, 2026: International Museum Day.

Right, then: it’s Monday, again.

You knew that: you can see the date as easily as I can.

And, as it’s Monday?

That means I’m off to my weight management meeting, again.

I’m looking forward to that: hoping, I’ll’ve lost weight.

Which, as I was up, last week, would be nice.

The only worrying thing … ?

Is simply this: the weather looks nice, right now.

But it looks a bit changeable, later.

~≈💧≈~

Given the possible leadership election the Labour government’s facing?

I know contender, Wes Streeting, has been criticised for his statements: supporting re-joining the European Union.

I voted Remain in the 2016 referendum: so you know.

But?

I don’t know that I could support rejoining, right now.

Before we left, we’d negotiated things in a way that meant we kept the Pound as our currency.

Granted, we had to co-ordinate monetary policy with the EU and the European Central Bank, but we had a measure of control over what is an internationally recognised reserve currency.

If I’ve understood things correctly, though?

Current EU membership rules mean we’d have to adopt the Euro, should we want to rejoin.

And, presumably, lose a lot more control in the process.

I’ll be honest, if Britain were to reapply to rejoin the EU?

I’d be comfier with a cast iron guarantee that we’d keep the pound.

That’s a guarantee I can’t see a politician — any politician — giving me.

~≈🪙≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-5-2026 — Anyone for Dennis? (Ten questions)

17th May, 2026: Dennis Potter.

It’s officially the case that a man in need of a game controller … has to buy a new one … 

Yes: that’s right … I have a new toy: a new game controller, now happily paired with my AppleTV 4k.

Just so you know?

It’s what’s called a DualSense™Wireless Controller: and something originally designed for the PlayStation 5.

Which caught may nephew’s eyes: he has one of the console’s, himself, and was able to offer advise one button configurations.

Well played, him!

I also have to say “Well Played, Apple”: as I ordered it from them.

They originally told me the thing would be with me, by Saturday, 16th May..

Although the Royal Mail — the people doing the actual delivery — told me it would be with me by this coming Monday, 18th May.

As it turned out?

It turned up yesterday.

And got connected, pretty much immediately, and saw me playing Sonic the Hedgehog.

Exciting, eh … ?

~≈🦔≈~

Actually, now I’ve mentioned Jude?

Yes: he was here, yesterday.

And yes: he’s posted another video: feel free to hit the ‘Like’ button!

~≈⚽️≈~

Just as a last thing … ?

I’ve had today’s edition of Radio Four’s Sunday on, this morning.

It’s a fascinating listen, as ever: and discussing the religious beliefs of various politicians.

Including the three, potential, Labour leader candidates.

Andy Burnham, it seems, is a non-practising Catholic.

Angela Rayner, it seems, is an atheist.

And the third contender, Wes Streeting?

Is a practising Anglican.

Granted: the man would be the first openly gay Prime Minister, if he became PM.

But, to me?

That’s less of an issue for me, than the fact the man is a practising Anglican.

I’d prefer my politicians to be uninfluenced by their faith: to not be openly religious.

~≈🙏≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-5-2026 — The Nickel

16th May, 2026: the Nickel.

Right … online shopping … 

Isn’t it a thing … ?

It is: I now have a couple of bits due from Amazon, and a new games controller from Apple.

One originally designed for a PlayStation 5, in case you’re interested.

At any rate, I ordered those, yesterday afternoon: after I got back home from Brentwood High Street.

I would have done the ordering in the morning.

Except I had an issue: I’ve needed the relevant bank card for that.

You see, I’d transferred money from bank ‘A’ — where my benefits get paid to — to bank ‘B’, which I use for online shopping.

I don’t need bank B’s card for that, just bank A’s.

Then, of course, I thought “I know, I’ll make sure that’s gone through to Bank B.”

Only to find the bank card I needed wasn’t in my wallet!

I think we can say I was stressed: stressed enough to get my arse in gear, grab my various bits, and head for Bank B’s branch in the High Street.

I hate Warley Hill!

I’m reliably informed it’s not as steep as the streets of San Francisco … but when you’re in a rush, it’s not an easy climb.

So, when I got to the bank … ?

I was out of breath.

But grateful they had my card.

I’d left it there on Monday … !

Argh!!

~≈🏧≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-5-206 — Shaffer and Shaffer (Six questions)

15th May, 2026: Shaffer and Shaffer.

Right … it’s PAY DAY!

Which means I can buy chocolate: I’ve been craving it for days.

Why … ?

I have no idea … !

~≈🍫≈~

It seems Kier Starmer, the UK’s Prime Minister, is facing problems: after bad results for Labour at this year’s local elections.

Problems that include leadership contender, Wes Streeting, resigning his ministerial post.

And fellow leadership contender, Andy Burnham, in a position to stand as an MP … and therefore challenge the PM as party leader.

I think any challenge is going to take a while.

If for no other reason than Andy Burnham would have to be elected to Parliament, before he could launch a challenge.

I can’t help but vaguely think a few things.

Think that Wes Streeting seems a little too fat, a little too sleek, too untrustworthy, for my tastes.

By contrast?

Andy Burnham has a huge advantage.

He’s presentable … and has a Scouse accent, a Liverpool accent.

In other words, has an accent that sounds honest.

Burnham’s probably no less a lying ragbag than any other politician.

And, frankly?

He’d have little chance of winning an election, if he stood here in Brentwood: Brentwood’s been a safe Tory seat for years, and one that’s likely to elect a Reform MP at the next General Election.

But if I lived in a left leaning constituency?

I’d be happy to vote Burnham.

Purely because he sounds honest … 

That’s one hell of an asset.

~≈🗳️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-5-2026 — Zhurong

14th May, 2026: Zhurong.

Right … it’s officially the day before pay-day.

And, frankly?

I’ve woken up, this morning, craving chocolate!

Why?

I have no idea.

But if I knew that, I’d probably be rich!

~≈🍫≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-5-2026 — 133

13th May, 2026: № 133.

Right … it’s officially Wednesday … !

Which means it’s getting nearer to payday.

I’m looking forward to that: I’m ok for most things, but being able to buy a can of Diet Coke would be nice.

~≈🥤≈~

I’ve also managed to update my Mac: from macOS 26·4·1 to macOS 26·5.

I don’t think I’ve noticed much that’s different.

But there HAS been a lot of bug fixes.

That’s unusual in my experience: macOS is usually fairly bug free.

I can only hope those fixes were minor … 

~≈🍎≈~

Just as a last thought … ?

I’ve found out how to access a USB stick plugged into my router: and access it from my computer.

I’ve got a sixteen gigabyte one plugged in, as I write.

You’ve noticed I said that it’s a sixteen gigabyte one?

It is: quite why my system is telling me the thing’s got two hundred or so megabytes free?

I don’t know: I’ll have to check that out … 

~≈🥖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th May 2026

12th May, 2026.

You know … I get YouTube throwing videos at me, all the time!

Including for a James Spader vehicle, called The Blacklist.

Which, it has to be said, does look like fun.

But … it’s got me thinking I look like Spader’s character.

I wish: mostly that I had his pay check.

~≈$≈~

Which reminds me … 

I’ve woken up, this morning, switched on my computer and found … that there’s an operating system update available.

macOS 26·5, if you’re interested.

It looks like there’s a lot of bug fixes in there … 

~≈≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-5-2026 — The Istanbul Convention

11th May, 2026: the Istanbul Convention.

Yes: it’s another Monday morning.

And the start of the last week before pay-day!

Which means … ?

Being thankful I’ve just enough change for me to get the bus uphill: to get to my weight management meeting.

But feeling slightly glum.

As I always do in this last few days before money goes in the bank.

Hopefully?

I’ll find out if I’ve lost weigh, today: that usually helps my mood.

~≈⚖️≈~

Just as a quick thought … ?

I’ve Meatloaf’s Bat out of Hell album on in the background.

After all this time?

It’s still one hell of an LP.

“You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth” has one of the funniest openings of any song I’ve heard.

~≈🦇≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10-5-2026 — Fred Astaire

10th May, 2026: Fred Astaire.

Did I mention I was in Brentwood High Street, yesterday?

I was in Brentwood High Street: I got a bus up, so you know.

And … ?

Well, for a start, there was a couple of police officers hanging around Brentwood Station.

Just over the road from it, at any rate.

There was a few police cars going up and down Brentwood High, as well: and a few officers wandering around.

Presumably enjoying the sunshine, on top of whatever they were supposed to be doing.

There was something else, as well: one of the live facial recognition vans that Essex Police use.

Why on Earth the thing was in Brentwood high street, yesterday, I don’t know.

Especially when they’re supposed to be patrolling Southend on Sea*!

~≈👮‍♂️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th May 2026

9th May, 2026.

Right … I’m worried … !

That I’m starting to look like a chunky version of Raymond Reddington: the James Spader character in The Blacklist.

I wouldn’t mind: except I’ve never actually watched it: just the clips YouTube keeps throwing at me!

Whether I do or I don’t … ?

The show does look interesting … 

~≈📋≈~

Algorithms … algorithms, though … 

Algorithms are all over the place: and are usually serving up adverts.

Or, their serving me adverts.

One repeated ad?

Was for an unnamed brand of external flash drive, a 16 terabyte drive, for “the price of a chocolate bar”.

Around a pound, in other words: even though the advert didn’t give a price anymore specific than that.

I was both sceptical: and laughing my head off.

Because?

Some six years ago, I got conned by a third-party seller on Ebay — calling itself fashionjiacl* — a seller that was selling two terabyte USB stick for a very attractive price.

Sticks that turned out hold no more than thirty-two gigabytes.

I got my money back from them: and swore to be more careful.

And — when I saw this question on Quora — was happy to share my experience.

So, seeing these ads for incredibly cheap, sixteen terabyte sticks?

Ads that tell me that people are still falling for this scam?

Leaves me laughing, leaves me sceptical, leaves me saddened … 

And leaves me wanting to mention the scam when I can …

~≈💻≈~

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!

~≈📀≈~