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 — 12th April 2025.

12th April, 2025.

Right: it’s officially Saturday.

And I’ve got two things to do, today.

Obviously, looking after my nephew is one thing.

The other?

Is catching “The Robot Revolution”, the opening episode of Doctor Who’s most recent series.

My only big question, on I realise show’s my ignorance?

Is I’m not completely sure how to pronounce the name of Varada Sethu, the actress playing new companion, Belinda Chancdra.

I think it’s va-RAR-da, with the stress on the middle syllable … but believe she pronounces it as va-ra-da, with the stresses, apparently, placed equally.

Or possibly as va-rad-a … !

One day … ?

I’ll get the hang of it!

~≈👸🏾≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th April, 2024.

12th April, 2024.

Right … Friday … … … 

And … ?

I hate tins!

I had a pie I got from a local food bank, a few days ago: and seriously fancied it for dinner, last night.

Could I get the lid of the tin off?

Could I heck!

I hate right-handed tin openers!

~≈🥫≈~

Oh … and I officially have to head to town, today.

I have a screw, loose.

In the right arm of my glasses: and, as such?

It’s going to need tightening!

Yes: I know what the adverts say.

“You should’ve gone to Specsavers.”

Except, of course, I did!

~≈🧑🏻‍🏫≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th April 2023.

12th April, 2023.

Right … it’s now Wednesday.

And … ?

I’ve officially managed to get in touch with the court: and confirmed that the recent Tribunal decision has gone my way.

I’ve ALSO been in touch with the DWP’s help line: apparently, I’m due a call from a case manager, today.

The sooner that happens?   The sooner any financial help comes through … ?

The happier I’ll be.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th April, 2022.

12th April, 2022.

Right … Today’s Teaser’s up early: as I’m officially Jude sitting, today.

There’s a distinct possibility of more videos: just so you know.

~≈Ç≈~

In other news?

I’ve managed to get in touch with both my landlords: and the Department of Work and Pensions who pay my rent.

Thankfully, Clarion have told the DWP about the current, correct, level of rent.

But?

Have sent me a .pdf copy of the letter they sent me, back in February.

That’s helpful: I can keep hold of that, if there’s any issues.

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th April, 2021.

12th April, 2021.

Yes: it’s officially the case I am knackered.

But?

That’s what happened when you are up late, finishing of a written and video review of Once Were Warriors.

Which, many years after I first saw it?

Is still a fantastic film.

~≈📽≈~

Stewing, you ask … ?

Well, yes.

I’ve got a new external hard drive to use: as my back up drive.

So the stewing that’s happening at the moment?

Is me, wiping an external drive as securely as possible.

~≈👨🏻‍💻≈~

Just as a pair of final thought … ?

We’re due to see non-essentials shops re-open, today.

Hopefully?

I’ll be able to find an open barbers.

I really need a haircut.

Which may help the hair: but not the earworm!

Argh!

~≈💈≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-4-2020: Yuri’s Night …

12th April, 2020.

I blog.

You’d noticed.   Or, at least, you’d noticed … by now … !

And, last night … ?

Managed to catch the Nicolas Cage movie, Color Out of Space: the most recent take of the old H. P. Lovecraft story.

Felling this knackered?   Means I have to ask myself, “Was it worth the effort?”

Yes: it was!

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-4-2019: The Shuttle

19th April, 2019

Yep: I’ve a busy morning, lined up, today.

I’ve finally managed to re-arrange the phone interview re-arranged.

So that goes off, this morning, at quarter past ten.

Then I’ve got my regular meeting with the benefits office.

Which … will probably go about as usefully as ever.

Oh … 

And I’ve come to the conclusion that my tablet’s going to have to go: I need the money, more than I need the technology!

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-4-2017

Hmmm … 

Right at the moment?

Right at the moment, my computer seems to be running well.

Comparatively.

As you know, yesterday, I had major issues: having to restore my main hard drive from a Time Machine back-up.

Well … the damn main drive is still making those intermittent clicking noises.

Thankfully?

I’ve found a cheap enough replacement at my local CeX: although, obviously, I’d prefer to buy new.

Actually?   All I’d prefer is an new Mac, but there you go.

All I can feasibly do next?

Is get hold of the relevant version of macOS, plonk it on the new drive … 

And hope like hell … 

~≈fi≈~

The Daily Teaser — 12-4-2016: The First Spaceman

Wouldn’t you just know it … ?

I’ve had a payment card for my council tax on order: for some time, now.

And — understandably, I think — been a little concerned, as it hadn’t actually turned up.

So … ?

So, yesterday morning, I went to Brentwood Council: to see if they could tell me anything.

About the only thing they could offer?

Was the information it would be here, “at some point, this week.”

Disappointing, but something I had to be happy with.

So — mildly disappointed, but at least with SOME sort of info — I went shopping.

And headed home.

Put my shopping away … 

And checked my post.

Only to find the card had been delivered whilst I was out.

Wouldn’t you know it?

Great: I go to the Town Hall to complain about my missing council Tax payment card … to find it’s been delivered by the time I get home …

— Paul Downie (@Cuddy2977) April 11, 2016

~≈†≈~