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 … 

~≈🤔≈~

The Daily Teaser …

Hmmm …

There’s a thing …

I’ll be honest, a couple of news items have floated past me.

First off … ?

Seems today’s the day that Julian Assange is to begin his extradition battle, today: and something I didn’t know is that he — as yet — hasn’t been charged by the Swedish authorities.

Which sounds wrong, but that’s me …

The other …

Is simply the sad news that yesterday saw the death of guitarist, Gary Moore.

I’ll be honest, I was never a huge fan: but Parisian Walkways is something of a classic …

Lets get moving on, shall we … ?

Yes, lets …

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Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi, all on her ownsome, putting in her answers, and scoring 7 out of 7: lets see how she — and you — do with today’s questions, shall we … ?

Here they are, along with the ‘How To’, License and video …

Q1) 7th February, 1907, saw the Mud March, from Hyde Park to Exeter Hall: this was Britain’s first march in support of what … ?

Q2) 7th February, 1974, saw the birth of drummer, Danny Goffey: with which Britpop band did he come to prominence … ?

Q3) 7th February, 1984, saw Bruce McCandless II and Robert L. Stewart make the world’s first untethered space-walk using a … what … ?

Q4) 7th February, 1991, saw Jean-Bertrand Aristide sworn in as the first democratically elected president of where … ?

Q5) And finally … 7th February, 1992, saw the singing of the Maastricht Treaty on European Union: in which country is Maastricht … ?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 6th February, 1819, saw Sir Stamford Raffles found Singapore: is the modern city-state a republic, monarchy or theocracy … ?

A1) A republic: the Republic of Singapore, to be exact.

Q2) 6th February, 2001, saw who elected as PM of Israel … ?

Q2) Ariel Sharon.

Q3) More to the point, what was the name of the party he lead?

A3) Likud.

Q4) 6th February, 1820, saw freed Afro-American slaves — sponsored by a group called the American Colonization Society — start a small settlement in what’s now which African nation … ?

A4) Liberia.

Q5) 6th February, 1838, saw the birth of English actor, John Henry Brodribb: how was he better known … ?

A5) Sir Henry Irving.

Q6) That actor, during his peak, co-owned the Lyceum Theatre in London: which famous Irish author managed the Lyceum, during this time … ?

A6) Bram Stoker.

Q7) And finally … 6th February, 1998, saw the death of Carl Wilson: with which US band did he come to prominence … ?

A7) The Beach Boys.

Enjoy those, everyone: I’ll catch you later … !