Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-10-2026 — Edward

13th October, 2026: Edward.

Right … it’s hopefully going to be a quiet Tuesday, today.

But … ?

I can take a certain amount of pride in a fact.

Yes: I’ve actually lost some weight, this week.

Four hundred grams: about fourteen ounces, in other words.

That’s not much.

But every little helps!

~≈⚖️≈~

If you ever wondered how right-wing the Reform party are, the latest news should tell you.

In a recent announcement, they’ve said they will close down the UK’s asylum system for a full parliamentary, should they be elected.

Outside of any humanitarian considerations?

I think that won’t work.

It won’t stop the boats: just as leaving the EU didn’t.

I can’t swear to this second thought: but think keeping the system as it is, is going to be cheaper than stopping it.

There’s another thing.

Reform frontbencher, Robert Jenrick, is reported to have said that — should Reform win an election — their government would deploy both the Navy, and the Royal Marines, to the coast.

With orders to use lethal force if necessary.

I know it’s a temptingly easy option.

But I’ve always felt that killing people in cold blood is not something I could do.

Nor, given that, is it something I could ask others to do for me: marines, soldiers or otherwise.

Jenrick’s suggestion is a sickening idea.

And gives me another reason to not vote Reform.

~≈🗳️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th October 2026.

12th October, 2026.

Right … it’s nowhere near Thursday.

Last Thursday, or next Thursday, so you know.

But it is Monday.

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

Two weeks ago?   My weight had gone up to one hundred kilos.

Last week?

It had stayed at one hundred kilos: it hadn’t, thankfully, gone up, but also hadn’t gone down.

Hopefully?

Hopefully, this week, I’d’ve lost something.

Bar, as ever, my wits, mind, senses or sense of decency!

Heigh Ho … !

~≈⚖️≈~

Just in case it’s interesting?

The new Rogue Trooper movie has been released to cinemas: but not yet to streaming.

I mention it as it’s something I’d like to see: I can remember the original 2000AD strip with a lot of affection.

But, given cinema prices?

I’m happy to wait for a streaming release.

~≈🎦≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11th October, 2026.

11th October, 2026.

Well … it’s Sunday … and it’s quiet!

So?

Making silly AI artwork with ChatGPT seems reasonable.

Even if I don’t look like the original character!

Evil Harry Dread.

~≈🦹‍♂️≈~

I’ve found out, this morning, that there’s an upcoming film version of The Magician’s Nephew: the first book — chronologically — of C. S. Lewis’ Narnia books.

Which was possibly my favourite of the books.

The fact Greta Gerwig is directing the thing is no problem: she’s an authentic Oscar winner with a ton of talent.

I think what’s going to cause a problem is one of her casting decisions.

She’s cast Meryl Streep as the voice of Aslan, one of the book’s central characters.

In case you didn’t know?

Lewis was a devout Christian: and made it perfectly clear Aslan represented Jesus Christ.

Which is why, in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, the character is sacrificed on the Stone Table: the scene is supposed to parallel the Crucifixion.

So … ?

I’m twitchy about the casting choice: and I’m not especially religious.

So I’m aware that others, more devout than me, will have problems.

One such objector was speaking on Radio Four’s Sunday show, this morning.

There’s something else, as well.

Apparently, Aslan is to be presented as a lion, as a male of the species.

I know Meryl Streep’s good: her string of awards tell us that!

But … 

I don’t know if those gongs will help her play a male lion!

~≈🦁≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10-10-2026 — Double Ten Day

10th October, 2026: Double Ten Day.

There are some things man was not meant to know.

There are some things a man cannot know.

And there are some things man … just won’t have a clue about, either way.

The thing I’m clueless about, this morning … ?

Is why I’ve woken up with the word ‘telebiogenesis’ — a fictional science from Dr Who — floating around my head.

Why … ?

If I knew that, I’d be rich!

~≈👩🏻‍🔬≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-10-2026 — The Nightmare Before Christmas (Ten Questions)

9th October, 2026: The Nightmare Before Christmas.

It’s officially official: it’s rained this morning.

And it’s going to rain, again, later today.

We need it … but as I’m planning a trip to the high street, later?

I’d better wear a hat … !

~≈🧢≈~

The USA allows the death sentence: both federally, and at state level.

It’s also got a fine tradition of botched death sentences: as Death Row inmate, Christa Pike, will no doubt tell you.

Personally?

I don’t like the idea of capital punishment.

I feel it’s too easy to botch the execution, it’s even easier to convict the wrong person — English history shows us that! — and sentence them to death, and frankly, from the little I know of the figures?

It’s cheaper to give someone a life sentence, than execute them.

Again, from the little I know, Death Row inmates have little to no funds of their own.

So their repeated appeals are publicly funded, and cost the tax payer much more than a hanging.

Should the US keep executing prisoners?

I, personally, don’t think they should: I wouldn’t want my tax dollars being wasted on the process.

I also think the country could make the death sentence morally worse.

By making executions public.

Nidal Hasan, who shot dead 13 unarmed US soldiers at Fort Hood in 2009, is due to be executed by firing squad.

And?

Pete Hegseth, the US Defence Secretary, has announced the execution will be live-streamed.

Would, effectively, be public.

How on Earth do you justify that?

Well, Hegseth says “People need to understand that there’s serious consequences for these types of things”.

Given capital punishment in the US really hasn’t stopped people committing murder, I don’t see how Mr Hegseth can justify that!

And, given public executions are possibly the most immoral things going … ?

Hegseth could only make this execution more immoral, more objectionable, by selling t-shirts at the event.

~≈💀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8th October 2026

8th October, 2026.

Right, then: I’m up late.

Or, at least, up later than I’ve been up for the past three days!

So … ?

Getting an extra hour’s sleep is nice: even though it means I’ve got inconvenient sunlight coming through my windows!

~≈😴≈~

In case you’re wondering: yes, I do know what a fluffernutter is.

Yes: there is a question about them in today’s Teaser.

No: I don’t want one.

Frankly, a Marmite and ketchup sandwich sounds like a healthier option!

~≈🍲≈~

Banknotes … 

I don’t have many, myself.

But the country has a lot, floating about.

These include notes with either King Charles 3rd, or his late mother, and with Winston Churchill, Jane Austen, J. M. W. Turner and Alan Turing: depending on the denomination.

They’re … handy.

Especially if you’ve got a lot of them.

But … ?

The historical figures are due to be replaced with assorted fluffy animals.

I get why.

Replacing people with animals is being done because the King’s supported many Green campaigns, over the years.

This shows his interest in the subject: and, more importantly, allows the printers of the notes to update the security features.

Which is the important bit.

But … ?

On a personal front, I’m mildly disappointed.

I’m something of a fan of the late Alan Turing: seeing him replaced by a hedgehog is … 

Well … 

Disappointing … 

~≈🦔≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7th October 2026.

7th October, 2026.

Right … it’s Wednesday.

And I’m up early, again!

That early start implies two things.

First?

I’m off to my preferred chemist for a ’flu jab.

The resident pharmacist has only been telling me they can do it for several years, after all.

Second?

I’ve got a suitably spooky earworm … 

The old Rattles tune is the only song I know of, that has deranged laughing as a vocal fill … 

~≈🧙🏼‍♀️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6th October 2026.

6th October, 2026.

OK: it’s my second early start of the week.

I was up, early, yesterday: as I usually spend Mondays at my weight management group.

No, I hadn’t lost weight, yesterday: but I hadn’t gained, either, so that’s good.

However: I’m up early, again, today.

Yep: I’m off to Brentwood Hospital, for my usual diabetic blood tests.

Hopefully, the results will mean I can put in for an increased dose of Mounjaro: that’s stuff’s handy … !

~≈🩸≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5th October 2026.

5th October, 2026.

OK, that’s novel!

The BBC are reviving a TV show!

No, not Dr Who: that’s still at the initial stages of the tendering process.

No, they’ve announced they’re reviving PlaySchool.

That’s a turn up for the books.

And means two things.

The BBC are reviving because none of the original presenters have been done for sex crimes.

And possibly means Playaway will be next* … 

~≈🧑🏻‍🏫≈~

I find this out on a Monday.

On a day when I’m due to head for my weight management class.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the actual weigh-in goes well.

And that I’ve reversed the upward trend of the past few weeks.

Here’s hoping … !

~≈⚖️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4-10-2026 — Lesotho

4th October, 2026: Lesotho.

“Weather we like it or not … ”

It’s an old children’s rhyme, if you didn’t know.

“Whether the weather be cold,

or whether the weather be hot.

Whether the weather, whatever the weather,

whether we like it or not!

That seems very appropriate … on a day when the BBC weather page told me it was misty, when I woke up … 

Only for me to look out of my front door: and find it wasn’t … !

Ho … … HUM … !

~≈🌁≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3-10-2026 — Saint Francis of Assisi

3rd October, 2026: Francis of Assisi.

OK … movies … 

I’ve not actually reviewed one for a while: and really should.

But I have watched a couple.

Thursday?

I caught Coyote vs Acme, the story of what happens when an innocent coyote sues an evil mega corporation.

It’s a great deal of fun: and worth watching, I think.

By contrast?

Last night saw me watching — or trying to watch — the very well-spoken of Backrooms*.

It’s got to be said, Chiwetel Ejiofor’s US accent is pretty good.

He’s British, after all: we do knock out good actors!

The film, itself, though … ?

Was paced very slowly: at least for its initial twenty-five minutes or so.

That’s where I gave up on it†.

Like I say: Backrooms is very well made, very well spoken of … 

But really couldn’t hold my attention.

~≈🚪≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2nd October 2026

2nd October, 2026.

Right … I’ve had my annual gas safety check!

And … ?

It has to be said, the chap that did it was both polite, quick and … 

Umm … 

Something else flattering: that I’ll add when my brain decides what to add!

About the only thing he forgot?

Was to re-pressurise the boiler, when he went.

It’s a good thing thing I knew how to do that: I’d’ve had no heating, this morning!

~≈🔥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 1-10-2026 — October.

1st October, 2026: October.

Right … excitable heaps … 

Are you in one?

No … ?

That’s OK: night am I.

I just know I have to stay in, this afternoon, as I’m due my annual gas safety check, this afternoon!

~≈💨≈~

There’s been a bit of talk, recently: after Andy Burnham, the UK’s current PM, announced that Labour were thinking about a second Brexit referendum into their next election manifesto.

Having voted Remain, back in 2016?

I’d welcome the chance to correct something I view as a massive cock-up.

But any options on the ballot would need to be carefully thought out, and not the Leave/Remain options in 2016.

They’d need to be:

• Stay out of the EU.
• Re-join the EU and the Euro.
• Re-join the EU and keep Sterling as our currency.

I’m no economist, no expert: but I’m aware that the pound — along with the US dollar, the Euro, and the Japanese Yen, amongst others — is a reserve currency, acceptable in international trade.

Whilst it may not give us much clout?

It gives us some.

So, given those three options?

I’d want to go for the third: re-joining the EU and keeping Sterling.

We’ll have to see, won’t we … ?

~≈£≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-9-2026 — Max Verstappen

30th September, 2026: Max Verstappen.

Right at the moment?

This song is playing: 

Although, frankly … ?

There’s only so much of Funky Billy Chin I can put up with.

I might just change the record … !

~≈🥋≈~

A few days ago, intruders were spotted outside RAF Fairford, in Gloucestershire: in vans containing lots of petrol, rather than the originally reported explosives.

The RAF base is leased out to the US Air Force: and used by the USAF in their current action against Iran.

Understandably, security is heavy in and around the base.

I have questions.

One?

Why were the suspects bailed?

Apparently, this was in what police called an “investigative decision”, one that was “grounded in experience and strategy”.

Hmmm … 

OK … but I suspect keeping a group of terrorists off the street would be a good idea, but I’m not wearing the uniform.

Two … ?

Apparently, and according to The Times, one of the five suspects phoned an alert to the police, himself.

Why … ?

I have no idea!

But I’m wondering if the event — stunt? — was either some sort of training exercise: by, I don’t know, MI5, or the SAS.

Or, I don’t know, right wing idiots like Combat 18, paint throwing lefties like Palestine Action … 

Or — as suggested, earlier, on the Today programme — by a bunch of TikTok influencers trying to go really viral!

Which really wouldn’t surprise me!

~≈🚨≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th September 2029

29th September, 2026.

Why does that happen … ?

Why is it, when you wake up on a day you know to be Tuesday, you wake up convinced it’s Sunday … ?

Despite — despite — being aware it’s Tuesday, have double-checked it’s Tuesday, have done everything you can to confirm it’s Tuesday … and yet, it feels like Sunday … 

What on Earth is going on?

I wish I knew.

There’s possibly money in finding out … !

~≈📅≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-9-2026 — The Czech Republic

28th September, 2026: Czechia.

Once more unto the weigh-in, once more!

Yes: it’s Monday.

So … ?

I’m off to my weight management weigh in.

Hopefully, I’d’ve los something.

Which would be nice: I’ve gained a few pounds, over the past few weeks.

~≈£≈~

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 — 26th September 2026

26th September, 2026.

Right … I’ve finally managed to track something down.

Yes: I’ve finally managed to track down toilet blocks.

Which is what I meant to get on Thursday: but totally forgot about.

Heigh … … … HO!

~≈🚽≈~

As an added extra, there … ?

I managed to find a couple of shops near the station that took PayPal payments: where, in theory, I could pay my rent.

One, the local Post Office branch, wasn’t somewhere I could explore, as I went during at a busy patch.

Another?

Would take the rent payment … but only as cash.

Which is inconvenient: I’d have to take the cash out at my bank — in the High Street — then walk to the Brentwood Station area with a lot of cash, pay at the shop … then walk back to the High Street to pay the rest of the bills, and get my shopping!

I think exploring other options my be an idea.

Including — finally — learning how to pay the rent online!

~≈🏚️≈~

Just as an extra thought … ?

The Tories have plans to prevent benefit seekers spending money on cigarettes and alcohol: by issuing benefits on pre-paid debit cards.

Similar to the cards offered by some charity schemes: that offer supplemental spending money to those in need.

The idea is that you spend the money on stuff you need: rather than on stuff you’re addicted to.

I’m sceptical about the plans.

From personal experience, I know you need to activate the things online: and only so many people I know are comfortable using a computer, a smart phone or online services.

I’m also wondering how you’re supposed to use the card to pay rent with the things.

Again, many would feel uncomfortable using it to pay online.

Or setting up the online scheme that tells the Department of Work and Pensions you want the Housing portion of your Universal Credit to go directly to your landlord.

And, frankly?

I know a few people with substances issues: who, I believe, would sell their cards to their nearest dealer … in return for Gods know what!

Assuming the dealers would take them in preference to cash.

Even on the alcohol and tobacco front, a user would need help to get off their substance of choice: so that the wouldn’t be tempted to use the cards.

As a supplement to paying in cash, these cards are fine.

They let you spend extra money: and use cash for other things.

But as a main source of spending money?

Like I say: I’m sceptical.

~≈£≈~

Oh, just in case you’re interested … ?

Jude’s done another video … !

Feel free to hit the ‘Like’ button … !

~≈👍≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th September 2026

25th September, 2026.

Argh!

I hate shopping!

There’s always two things.

One?

There’s always something you forget.

Two?

There’s always something you realise you’ve forgotten … once you’ve got home!

Argh … !!!!

~≈🧠≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th September 2026

24th September, 2026.

OK … 

I’ve officially got to go back to the High Street, today: unless I can get something at the shops near Brentwood Station.

Yes: I forgot something, yesterday.

Toilet blocks!

Wouldn’t you know it?

~≈🚽≈~

In other news … ?

I was in Brentwood’s Post Office, yesterday: paying my rent, and paying off my BT bill.

And … ?

Managing to ask if they heard what was to happen, once their branch had closed … 

They had no idea … but were able to confirm that no-one — to the best of their knowledge — had put in to open a new Brentwood branch.

That’s a screaming shame.

Even in a time dominated by online payments, people are still going to need those branches.

~≈📮≈~