Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-11-2026 — Oh *Fawkes* … !

5th November, 2026: Remember, Remember … 

Yes, it’s officially official: it’s Guy Fawkes Night.

And … ?

That mask looks vaguely ridiculous on me, doesn’t it?

And it steams my spectacles up, as well.

The perils of vlogging, hey … ?

~≈🔥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4th November 2026

4th November, 2026.

Right … 

I think I can say a couple of things.

One … ?

I’ve officially been covered in KY jelly, and been ultrasounded.

Or, at least, my liver has had an ultrasound scan.

I’ll learn the results when my GP gets them.

Alongside the results of liver function blood tests … that I still haven’t managed to book, yet!

Pass the phone, Vicar!

~≈📞≈~

The other thing to mention … ?

Is simply this.

Yes, I have finished another review of an episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds: and thought you’d want to share it … 

~≈📹≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3rd November 2026.

3rd November, 2026.

Yes: it’s true!

Some of my followers, on both YouTube and Instagram are thoroughly confused by my introduction videos!

But, confused, baffled or otherwise?

I owe every single one of them a big thank you.

Thank you for following me!

~≈🎞️≈~

All that said … ?

I’m off to hospital.

It’s nothing serious: merely for an ultrasound to check on my liver.

Hopefully, it’ll show nothing more serious than … well … stuff.

I couldn’t tell you what is or isn’t serious, there.

Either way, the test will show my liver’s in good condition, given my age.

~≈🏥≈~

Just as a minor point, though … ?

Apparently, the scan takes place in Badger Ward.

If that isn’t an excuse for a song, I don’t know what is … !

~≈🦡≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2-11-2026 — Big Burt

2nd November, 2026: Burt Lancaster.

Oh … that’s a sad start to the week … 

John Leeson’s died, at the age of eighty-three!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Russell T Davies (@russelltdavies63)

With Walter Koenig and Patrick Stewart passing, last week?

It means fans of both Dr Who and Star Trek are having a bad few days!

~≈📺≈~

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

31st October, 2026.

OK … it’s Saturday, and I’m up, early!

Yes: I officially have an eye test, today.

And, hopefully — given my optician’s prices — I have enough money, and discounts, to be able to afford the required new spectacles!

Here’s hoping!

~≈🤓≈~

There’s a small estate in Brentwood: called Sawyer’s Grove, near to where my sister, Ruth, lives, with her son, Jude.

It’s a nice place, from what I know: and a mixture of social housing, and private properties.

And … ?

It had a bomb scare, yesterday: apparently, a man and a woman were arrested after three “small homemade explosive devices” were found in their property.

Alongside a number of wraps of crack cocaine.

I’m tempted to ask what the world is coming to.

Or say that the world is getting worse, or that this never used to happen in my town.

But … ?

These days, I’m more likely to shrug my shoulders: and tell you it’s not surprising … 

~≈🫆≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-10-2026 — The Deadly Assassin.

30th October, 2026: The Deadly Assassin.

Oh, now that’s sad!

Sir Patrick Stewart has died: after what’s described as a “brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s, and with Lewy body dementia.

A brief journey … 

I best remember him as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation: and can also remember him in I, Claudius, as the villainous Lucius Sejanus.

I am — here’s the word, again — saddened to hear about this.

After all: the man was a seriously good actor.

And … ?

Took one hell of a punt with his career, taking the lead role with a strange little SF show that wasn’t guaranteed to work.

Despite the fact he didn’t unpack his suitcase for some time?

The show was successful.

And influential: I’m convinced the US TV companies behind franchises like Law and Order, CSI and NCIS saw Star Trek: The Next Generation, and it’s host of spin-offs, and thought “Hang on … they’re on to something, there.”

I think the same applies to the revived version of Dr Who.

I don’t know if Russell T Davies and company would have mentioned it to sceptical BBC executives, back in 2005, would’ve mentioned the fact TNG showed how successful a revival could be: but would’ve been stupid not to make a point of it!

TNG’s success?   And its influence?

Would not have been possible, would not have been the same, without him.

I also think the show’s success in the UK wouldn’t have possible, without he and the producers decision to cast an English lead.

For that?

I’m grateful to the man: and sad to hear of his loss.

~≈🖖≈~

Just as an extra thought?

I note that the BBC articles have said the Sir Patrick died after a a “brief and poignant journey” with Alzheimer’s, and with Lewy body dementia.

I have mixed feelings, there.

Yes: I am saddened about both his death, and to hear about the diagnosis.

But also mildly grateful to hear his death seems to have come only a short time after diagnosis.

Having seen what the condition can do, I’m grateful the journey was brief: death can be a mercy in these circumstances.

I’d doubt that makes the death easier for his family, friends and cast mates.

My thoughts are with them … 

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th October 2026.

29th October, 2026.

I think I’m having fun with these intro reels.

At least … having fun with the fact some are doing well on Instagram.

I can only hope today’s as well … 

View this post on Instagram

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

~≈🎞️≈~

On other fronts?

John Healey, the UK’s finance minister, gave his Budget speech, yesterday: announcing the Government’s financial plans for the coming year.

The one thing that caught my eye?

Was an announcement that the Government would be issuing a one-off, £100 entry payment for those of us in houses in Council Tax bands A to D.

I’d qualify: as my flat’s in Band B.

It’s a nice gesture: even if it is just a one off.

My only hope?

Is that it comes through as quickly as possible.

The sooner that cash is in my bank, the quicker I can put it onto my meter … !

~≈⚡️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-10-2026 — The Regiment

28th October, 2026: the Regiment.

Right: it’s Wednesday, the sun’s in my eyes as a result of the clock’s going back … 

And I’ve had a haircut!

That’s a good thing: I was definitely feeling a bit shaggy!

~≈💈≈~

On other fronts … ?

I’ve managed to release a review of the most recent episode of Star Trek that I caught.

If you hit the like button, I’d appreciate it.

I’m also pondering a minor mystery.

I’ve installed the most recent updates to my Mac’s operating systems: going from macOS Golden Gate 27.0.1 to macOS Golden Gate 27.2.

Skipping the more usual macOS Golden Gate 27.1.

I’m grateful for the update, and appreciate it’s freed up some hard drive space, patched some security holes, and added some features to Siri.

I’m just wondering why Apple seems to have missed a number … 

~≈🍏≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th October 2026

26th October, 2026.

Right, then … 

It’s Monday.

Which means that I’m off to my usual weight management course.

Given I’d gained weight, last week, I’m hoping I’ve lost some, this week.

If you could keep your fingers crossed for me, that would be nice!

~≈⚖️≈~

On a related front … ?

I have type two diabetes.

And on three different medications as a result.

A relevant one?

Is Mounjaro, a once-a-week shot that helps my blood sugar levels: and is supposed to help me reduce my weight.

I’m on 5mg at the moment.

But, given my weight’s been going slowly upwards, over the past few weeks?

I’ve requested an increase to 7.5mg.

After recent discussions with my GP’s pharmacist?

That’s been agreed to: with the proviso that I only request the new batch once the current batch is finished.

I’m looking forward to that … !

~≈💉≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th October 2026.

25th October, 2026.

Right … 

The clocks went back, last night: at least, here in the UK, the clocks went back.

Which means mornings are getting lighter, and nights are going to be darker.

Experience, and the sun in my eyes, tells me that.

Did I also mention I’m on state benefits?

One upside of that is that I qualify for what’s called the Warm Homes Discount.

A £150 discount applied to my bill — or credited to my pre-payment meter — between October of one year, and March of the following one.

Mine … ?

Turned up on my meter, last night.

Just in time for the clocks to go back … and the lights to get increasingly used.

That’s a nice bit of timing … !

~≈⚡️≈~

Just as a last thought … ?

Pizza was eaten, last night: as my nephew, Jude, was over.

If you can hit the ‘Like’ button on the resulting video, he’d appreciate it!

~≈📹≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th October 2026.

24th October, 2026.

Joyously?

It’s Saturday!

Which means I’m facing a decision.

Do I have a haircut, today … ?

Or do I leave it until I next get paid, next week?

I might just leave it.

My nephew’s over, later: and frankly?

The sweetshop’s in the other direction … 

~≈💈≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-10-2026 — The International Day of the Snow Leopard

23rd October, 2026: the International Day of the Snow Leopard.

OK … 

I was hoping the AI generated thumbnail for the introductory short would make me look more like Dr Prunesquallor, than a Victorian gentlemen with a prune … 

But?

It’s a better image than I could do, by hand.

Heigh ho!

~≈🧑🏼‍⚕️≈~

I’m also aware it’s payday, today.

And that I have to go shopping, and bill paying.

And that it’s raining.

Prunes, or not … ?

I’m going to get wet … 

~≈💧≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd October 2026.

22nd October, 2026.

Right … it’s the day before payday … and … ?

I’m looking forward to being able to have milk in my tea!

Heigh … ho … !

~≈🫖≈~

Have you heard of a coding language called PHP?   It’s also known as Personal Home Page, or PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor?

It’s one of the coding languages that underpins the modern web … and … ?

Researchers have used AI on the language, and found previously undiscovered security flaws.

Understandably, there’s a bit of a flap going on: with crackers already looking to exploit the holes.

On a personal level?

On a personal level, this doesn’t seem to be affecting my online banking systems: nor much of the sites I use on a regular basis.

But?

It’s a little worrying, isn’t it … ?

~≈🧑🏻‍💻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21st October 2026.

21st October, 2026.

Right … it’s Wednesday.

Which means I’ve published a review of “The Griffin Incident”, the second episode of Star Trek Strange New World’s fourth season.

It’s very good.

But I think that — had it aired on terrestrial TV — it would’ve aired after the watershed, had cuts … and come with a content warning!

Heigh ho!

~≈🖖≈~

It’s still Wednesday.

And also the sixtieth anniversary of the Aberfan Disaster, back in 1966.

That … ?

Well … 

I’m kicking myself for not realising that, and marking it with a question set.

But I’m also aware that might be slightly tasteless.

After all, up until Hillsborough and the Grenfell Tower Fire, was the worst man-made disaster in British history.

It … 

Well … it makes you think, doesn’t it* … ?

~≈🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th October 2026.

20th October, 2026.

That’s embarrassing, isn’t it … ?

You’re talking to one of the staff in Sainsbury’s … and your phone goes off!

Yes: I officially got a call to arrange something … at the worst possible time!

It’s OK: I phoned them back later.

And now officially have an ultrasound on my liver, booked for the first week of November.

I’m looking forward to it.

At least to the trip.

It’s going to be cheap: as it’s taking place in Brentwood Community Hospital.

Thank Gods for that!

~≈🏥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-10-2026 — The Jewel Heist

19th October, 2026: the Heist.

Right … it’s officially Monday!

Which means I’m off into town, for my weight management meeting!

I hope I’ve lost some weight.

But whether — ! — I have or I haven’t, I’m going to need a coat.

Compared to the heatwaves we’ve had, this summer, it’s looking chilly, out.

~≈☁️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-10-2026 — Luke the Evangelist

18th October, 2026: Luke the Evangelist.

Right … I think panic or pickyness has done something!

Yes: it’s meant I’ve got up ten minutes before my alarm went off.

Which is mildly ironic.

I slept through it, yesterday … !

~≈⏰≈~

Yep: I officially had dinner with my nephew, last night.

After he made another video.

Feel free to hit the like button!

~≈🎥≈~

I follow the news, every-so-often.

You’d possibly guessed, haven’t you?

At any rate, something that floated across my attention, yesterday, was this piece: one that tells us an unnamed male celebrity is seeking to prevent publication of serious allegations by ITN and The Guardian.

Some of which are of a sexual nature.

Medical evidence submitted by the man says that he will attempt “… to take his own life”.

Hmmm … 

I can understand someone not wanting to be named in these sorts of proceedings.

But … ?

I would also say that threatening suicide in this situation is … 

Is an attempt to blackmail the court into behaving as the celebrity wants: rather than in the interest of a public who’d feel it should be reported … as a prelude to the man’s trial for whatever he’s done.

OK: if the unnamed celebrity is already undergoing trial, himself, I can understand a non-publication injunction happening.

Reports like this could prove prejudicial to someone’s defence.

But to ban publication because “I’ll kill myself if you do”?

Strikes me as an attempt to silence the press, as an attempt at blackmail … and just downright offensive.

~≈📰≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th October 2026

17th October, 2026.

Arrrggghhh … !

I slept through my alarm, this morning!

I hate doing that!

~≈⏰≈~

Oh, I had a phone-call, yesterday: or, at least, a phonecall from my doctor’s, followed by a confirmatory text message.

After a recent set of blood tests, it’s been found that I have fatty liver disease: something I’ve had for a while, and hasn’t really affected me.

The nurse I spoke to?

Then told me she’d be setting up confirmatory blood tests.

And arranging for an ultrasound.

To see if I’ve got gallstones.

Here’s hoping the procedures get set up and done, quickly.

And that I don’t need much in the way of surgery!

Heigh ho!

~≈😷≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-10-2026 — The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. (12 Question.)

16th October, 2026: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

It’s officially Friday.

And?

It’s officially raining, out.

If that’s not an excuse for a silly joke about cows, I don’t know what is!

~≈🐄≈~

It seems the government is to ban online porn that shows incest or choking.

Well played, them.

But … ?

Has anyone mentioned Tor Browser or virtual private networks, VPNs to the government?

Both allow users to get around regional bans, and location-based restrictions.

Effectively?

A ban on this sort of porn, and the petition against schoolgirl porn, are nice ideal … but going to be very hard to enforce … 

~≈🕸️≈~

I’ve got very vague memories of Miss Yeoman.

At least, I think her name was Miss Yeoman: it could easily have been Miss Ward.

No … Miss Yeoman.

He says … 

At any rate she’d’ve been in her twenties, back then: when she was my teacher at school.

I couldn’t even tell you if it was junior school, or infants!

What did make an impression?

Was Miss Yeoman — or Ward! — reading The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, to us.

The story, and its cover,  made an impression … 

~≈🦁≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-10-2026 — Mario Puzo

15th October, 2026: Mario Puzo.

Have you heard of a comedian called Russell Brand?

Well, I say comedian, but I’ve never found the man especially funny.

At any rate?

Over the past few years, he’s been accused of various sexual offences: and is now undergoing trial.

But, in-between accusations of impropriety, and the start of the trial?

He’s converted to Christianity: famously getting baptised in the Thames.

I like the line from that Guardian article: 

“Thames Water is no longer responsible for the biggest piece of shit in the river.”

Which struck me as appropriate.

At any rate … did you ever hear the phrase, “on the swerve”?

If I’ve got it right, it means whoever the phrase is applied to, is trying to dodge a bullet, trying to avoid punishment: usually by making themselves look good.

Donating to charity, say.

Making a public apology.

Or converting to a new religion, in a desperate effort to look like a good person.

Rather than a potential rapist, undergoing trial.

Personally?

That’s what I’m thinking Brand’s doing.

He’s doing a public — and false — conversion, in an attempt to avoid trouble.

I’d love to be wrong.

But?

If he’s not swerving it, I’m a duck.

~≈⚖️≈~