Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-9-2026 — Here In My Car.

27th September, 2026: Here In My Car.

Feet … 

Feet … !

My tumble dryer has feet: as many machines do.

Adjustable feet, I should add.

One of these days?

I’ll get around to adjusting the things.

The dryer don’t half wobble!

~≈🧺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-9-2026 — Yom Kippur

21st September, 2026: Yom Kippur.

Right … 

The inevitable Monday has swung around, again.

So, yes: that means I’m off to my weight management class, again.

Hopefully, I’ve lost weight down the back of the sofa!

~≈⚖️≈~

Inevitably, I’ve caught more TV, overnight.

Yep: I’ve caught two more episodes of Widow’s Bay.

The show’s Twin Peaks meets The Fog vibe, after hanging around in New England bars with King and Lovecraft, does make for something rather watchable.

The fact it’s winning gongs … ?

Is either incidental … or tells you something … 

~≈🏆≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-9-2026 — International Talk Like a Pirate Day

19th September, 2026: Talk Like A Pirate Day.

Right: it’s Saturday!

And?

It’s Talk Like A Pirate Day!

Which means, of course, I’m going to encourage you to talk like a pirate.

Which could be fun … !

~≈🏴‍☠️≈~

I’m also going to discourage you from something.

I’m going to discourage you from downloading and installing TorBrowser.

And discourage you from downloading and installing Transmission, or something like it.

If — if — you install the pair, I’m going to discourage you from visit sites like Pirate Bay, then using the files you find there with Transmission, to illegally download movies and TV shows.

Doing so can get you in trouble*.

~≈🏴‍☠️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-9-2026 — A Night at the Opera

16th September, 2026: A Night at the Opera.

OK: that’s macOS 27 Golden Gate installed.

Yes: I know I was planning to leave it for a couple of days: to get past the inevitable slow download speeds you get  when a major update’s released.

But … ?

I had an afternoon, free!

There’s pros and cons to the OS, I think.

Visually, it’s gorgeous: window corners are far more consistant, the Liquid Glass language is nice, and the traffic light buttons have a nice, Aqua-style sheen.

On the downside?

On the downside, the system voice settings seem inconsistent, compared to earlier versions of the OS.

I’ve got one voice doing most of them: and one or two others doing the rest.

And can’t figure out how to change them.

There’s also space.

I had some seven hundred and sixty gigabytes of space left on my machine’s main hard drive: under Tahoe.

But now have some six hundred and eighty (~680) gigabytes left.

I’m assuming that space is chewed up by the large language model used by SiriAI.

I’m aware of a couple of things.

First?

I’m not sure what’s going on with the voices: but yes, I have filled out another entry on Apple’s feedback page!

Second?

The Golden Gate update is very big.

It’s going to give those of us with smaller internal drives a headache.

~≈🍎≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4-9-2026 — You Have Been Googled

4th September, 2026: You Have Been Googled.

You wouldn’t believe it, would you?

But it’s been some thirteen years since I last did a question set about Google.

You can read it, here.

Or watch the video version.

Assuming you’re of a mind to!

At any rate … ?

It’s pay day, today.

So … ?

I’ll be off shopping, at some point, and adding money to my electricity meter.

And wondering exactly how to make the left over cash, last!

Donations happily excepted, folks: sterling for preference!

~≈💷≈~

On other fronts … ?

Yes: I’ve managed to finish another review!

Of “Sons and Daughters”, the penultimate episode of For All Mankind’s fifth season.

If you could hit the ‘Like’ button, I’d appreciate it … !

~≈👍≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-8-2026 — LAcon V

27th August, 2026: LAcon V.

Good lord … they are dropping like flies from the flies!

It turns out Tim Curry’s died!

I’m … saddened to hear it: The Rocky Horror Picture Show was a personal favourite.

As was his performance in the TV version of The Colour of Magic.

What with Dolly Parton and Yayoi Kusama dying … ?

They’re dropping like flies from the flies*.

~≈🪰≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-8-2026 — International Dog Day (Ten Questions)

26th August, 2026: International Dog Day.

Oh, that’s sad: Dolly Parton’s died!

I grant you, I was never a fan.

But … ?

Anyone who could write the utterly gorgeous “Jolene” deserves both respect: and a certain amount of quiet mourning … 

~≈🎹≈~

On other fronts?

And knowing perfectly well the sort of answers I’m going to get … but does anyone have £1, 500 they’re willing to donate to a hardworking blogger?

Yes: it turns out Apple have announced new models of the Mac mini, and Mac Studio.

Which is nice to know.

Decidedly nice to know … unless you need a grand and a half to get one!

Ho … hum … !

~≈🖥️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-8-2026 — The Exoplanet

24th August, 2026: the Exoplanet.

Right, then: it’s Monday.

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

And, as ever, I’m hoping the crisps won’t have affected my weight … again … 

We’ll have to see … 

~≈🐍≈~

One thing I do know?

Is that I’ve woken up early: to cold weather.

At least, cold weather for August.

Given we’ve had five heat-waves, this year?

I’m not complaining!

~≈🥶≈~

That, in case you didn’t know it, as a copy of Paul Hardcastle’s 1986 hit, “The Wizard”: I’ve just bought a copy from Apple’s Music.app.

Give it a listen, please.

Done it … ?

I’ve a question.

Yes, I know … the laugh is Vincent Price: the same clip used in Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”.

Here’s the question, though.

The spoken words, the “Alive Again” speech part way through, and the “Plastic demon” bit at the end … ?

I’m right, aren’t I … ?

That’s Geoffrey Bayldon, isn’t it?

It’s Catweazle … !!!!!

~≈🧙‍♂️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-8-2026 — 1812.

20th August, 2026: the 1812 Overture.

Technology can be a mixed bag, can’t it?

We see death cause by climate change related pollution, we see cybercrime, we see lord knows what else … 

But also see a lot of good: you’ll probably find more than I could, I’m sure.

You’ll also probably see sill artwork, generated with AI.

The fact I — after a conversation with a friend — used ChatGPT to generate the ‘Yurt Buggering Beast of Phnom Penh’ leaves me amazed at the technology … 

And thinking of Graeme Chapman … 

~≈😜≈~

Just as a last thought … ?

My nephew, Jude, was over: and yes: we’re both amazed at the technology that let’s him make this … 

It’s also got him a comment that says “19:54 might be the most jammed thing I’ve ever seen😭”.

Which is nice … 

~≈🚀≈~

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 — 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 — 30-7-2026 — The Beano (Ten Questions)

30th July, 2026: The Beano.

Did I mention I had pizza, last night?

I had pizza, last night: along side my nephew, Jude.

Or, I should say, we had pizza: rather I had pizza, then ate my nephew!

If you see what I mean … !?

At any rate, diner was had, and videos posted, on what had to be one of the hottest days of the years.

I can only hope today is cooler!

~≈🍕≈~

It’s rare, at the moment, not to hear about the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham.

At an event, yesterday, the new PM was directly asked if he would support moves to introduce assisted dying to the UK.

His answer?

Was that he’d rather see money invested into palliative care — and social care — rather than see it spent on any assisted dying measures.

I get the impression Mr Burnham’s not a supporter of assisted dying: and gave that that answer to tell us he didn’t support it, without alienating supporters of the idea.

Either on the back benches, or in the voting public.

Personally?

I am not a fan of assisted death: and don’t see myself wanting one.

But believe the procedure should be legally available, with safeguards: the sooner the better.

Hearing the PM’s answer to the questions isn’t something I’m pleased about.

His position may well delay things.

~≈💀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-7-2026 — Eunomia

29th July, 2026: Eunomia.

OK … bloody Amazon … !

I’ve got another box of diet colas on order: which was supposed to be delivered, yesterday.

And is now coming today, for some reason.

Why?

I don’t know: but I’ve sent off an annoyed email … again … !

~≈🏬≈~

Oh … and I’ve got an earworm!

BA Robertson’s “Knocked it Off”.

Why … ?

I don’t know.

But if I get a chance, I’ll put something on repeat to get rid of it!

~≈🎸≈~

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 — 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 — 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 — 30-6-2026 — International Asteroid Day

30th July, 2026: International Asteroid Day.

OK … 

It’s a Tuesday morning: and the day after I’ve been to my most recent weigh-in.

And?

And, I hear you ask?

Yes: I’ve officially lost some six hundred grams.

About 1.3 pound, in Imperial.

That’s good: and offsets the 500 gram that my weight had gone up by.

That’s a result.

~≈🏋️‍♂️≈~

Streamed movies and TV shows … 

I don’t think we can deny it: streamed entertainment, whether we’re talking about games, movies, music or TV shows, are incredibly entertaining … 

And incredibly convenient.

However?

This article, from AV Club, tells us that Sony are to remove roughly 550 titles available from their PlayStation Store.

Despite many customers having purchased theoretically permanent copies.

The removal of those titles, titles people have paid good money for?

Is going to cause resentment.

Especially if — from what the article says — there’s no sign of a potential refund.

And especially when you consider the only effective way of countering this — buying the blu-ray version of a title — means potentially coughing up extra cash for a title you may already own.

Personally, I think that buying blu-rays, and other physical media, is the better option.

Yes: you may well be paying twice.

But yes: you’re not losing access to something you’ve paid for.

Sony, and others, are hardly going to bang on your door and demand ‘their’ property back*.

~≈📀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-6-2026 — the Number 180.

29th June, 2026.

Yes: it’s another Monday … !

So, it’s another weigh-in, at the usual place.

And, given I gained half a kilo, last week?

I’m hoping I’ve lost something this week.

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

~≈🏋️‍♂️≈~

The other thing I have to do … ?

Is get some olive oil.

I suffer with earwax.

There’s plenty of ways of dealing with that.

But … ?

I usually find putting olive oil in my ear, helps.

I’m looking forward getting hold of some.

Right at the moment, B. A. Robertson sounds very muffled … 

~≈💥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-6-2026 — Ashura

26th June, 2026: Ashura.

OK … when I say “massive amount of drugs” in that opening video?

I’m talking about prescribed medications: including a dose of Mounjaro!

There are times when I really should phrase things differently!

~≈💊≈~

At any rate?

Today looks like it’s going to be another hot day.

Frankly?

I think I’m going to need a lot of cold water!

~≈💧≈~

As a last thought … ?

I’ve been binge watching Slow Horses, over the past few days.

And … ?

I’m enjoying it.

And thinking several things.

Including this: that Sophie Okonedo’s character puts me in mind of George Smiley.

Why … ?

I couldn’t tell you: except she plays Ingrid Tearney, the (by now ex) head of MI5 in a very restrained way.

It’s something to watch, I know that!

~≈🕵🏿‍♀️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-6-2026 — The Referendum

23rd June, 2026: the Referendum.

Right … it’s the anniversary of a well known referendum.

One I mentioned, here, and here.

I sound more undecided than I actually was: eventually voting Remain, as I felt — and still feel — my nephew, Jude, should be able to freely move around the Schengen Area.

Unfortunately?

Others felt differently.

The vote to Leave?

Was and is the biggest mistake of the UK’s life.

~≈€≈~

On a possibly happier front?

I notice, from reading those old posts?

That it was raining on the morning of 23rd June, 2016.

It was raining, again, this morning: thunder storming, in fact.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paul Nik Nak Downie (@mrcuddy2977)

Was that significant?

Meaningful?

Purely co-incidental?

Frankly?

I think it was purely co-incidental.

The UK’s only got so many weather patterns.

~≈€≈~

Oh … I had a couple of new t-shirts turn up, yesterday: a couple of custom prints from an online t-shirt printing place.

The emoji one?

Is getting some positive attention from a couple of Terry Pratchett sites I’m on.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weatentdeadyet/posts/1715039069525281/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2632759343717701/posts/4440545029605781/

The second … ?

Well, the second is from the original West End Games version of Paranoia.

If you want to use the image in your own t-shirt?

Go right on ahead … !

~≈👕≈~