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

29th August, 2026.

It’s officially Saturday: and a day I’m expecting peace and quiet.

And hoping — as yesterday — for rain.

Rain … !

After this year’s heatwaves, we need it.

Although … I can remember Bob Geldof talking about the famines in Ethiopia … and saying that part of the country’s issues were simple.

When it did rain after the area’s many droughts, the rain washed away the dried-out top soil, and caused  more problems for farmers.

You can’t grow food if there’s no seeds … and no soil to plant them in.

I can only hope that doesn’t happen in the UK!

~≈🌾≈~

Oh, JUST in case you’re interested … ?

I’ve seen episode eight of For All Mankind: and thought you’d be interested in my review.

Feel free to hit the ‘Like’ button … !

~≈👍≈~

The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, the Assisted Dying Bill, is due before the House of Commons in roughly a fortnight.

For a second time.

It’s something I support: and can only hope Brentwood’s MP votes for it in the House.

Although he hasn’t, thus far: and I’d expect him.

I mention this because Prime Minister Andy Burnham has recently announced he plans to abstain on the vote: as he doesn’t want to influence his party’s vote.

I’ve mixed feelings.

On the one hand?

I can applaud him for taking a principled stance.

On the other hand … ?

I’d rather he publicly supported the bill and voted for it: in order to rally support for it.

I guess we’ll have to see what happens.

~≈🗳️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-8-2026 — Sheridan Le Fanu

28th August, 2026: Le Fanu.

Yay!

It’s Friday!

Which means I’m drugs, of course.

Or, at least, I’ve had my weekly dose of Mounjaro: on top of the Levothyroxine, Dapagliflozin, atorvastatin and lord knows what else I’m on!

Remind me to book an appointment with my GP.

At my regular Monday weigh-ins, I’ve my weight will go down in small steps for a week or two … and then go up a lot, for a couple of weeks.

I think an increased dose of Mounjaro — alongside better monitoring of what I eat — could help.

~≈💉≈~

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 — 25th September 2026

25th August, 2026.

It’s Tuesday.

And, going by the BBC’s weather website?

We’re due rain … tomorrow.

I hope it turns up: we could do with it.

~≈💧≈~

The government’s announced plans to give grants to local councils, so they can build more social housing.

Council housing, social housing built and run local councils, rather than by housing associations.

That’s all to the good: we could certainly do with more in Brentwood.

And a central government grant would be bloody handy: I don’t think Brentwood Council could afford to build any social housing schemes, without the help.

Here’s hoping … !

~≈🏘️≈~

I had an earworm playing through my head, yesterday: Freur’s “Doot-doot”.

So … ?

One: I’m passing it on.

Two?

I’m going to sit here, amazed that the thing still sounds as gorgeous as it did, back in the 1980s.

~≈♬≈~

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 — 23-8-2026 — The Battle of Stalingrad

23rd August, 2026.

Right … one of those things is going back!

I had a delivery turn up from Amazon, yesterday.

With, believe it or not, no actual problems.

Remind me to send Jeff Bezos a ‘Thank You’ note.

But one item — the DVD I’d ordered — didn’t have the extra I was expecting.

So back it goes.

I’ll be complaining about that, though.

As … ?

I’ve two post offices near me: one in the local Londis, another in Brentwood High Street.

Both of which I can drop a return to for free … 

Neither of which are on Amazon’s list of acceptable drop-off zones.

The other post offices are too far away to use.

Like the branches of Asda Amazon I suggests I use.

Frankly … ?

I think Amazon really need to offer a bit more of a choice … 

~≈🛒≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-8-2026 — The Russian Flag

22nd August, 2026: The Russian Flag.

It’s officially the case that a man in need of an Amazon delivery … is going to expect a dog’s dinner!

At least, they are: if that man is me!

Yep: I’ve got some stuff due from Amazon.

And given the mess they’ve made of the last few deliveries?

I’m expecting another one.

A complimentary thing is nice … unless it’s a complimentary cock-up … 

~≈🐓≈~

On a more serious note?

One of the things I’m expecting is a DVD copy of The Two Doctors: the Colin Baker-era story that sees the Sixth Doctor team up with Pat Troughton’s Second Doctor, and pits the pair against the Sontarans.

Yes, before you ask: I’ve got a 2k version of the story, already.

I’ve bought it for one specific extra.

During Baker’s era, the Dr Who office authorised a pice for the BBC show, Jim’ll Fix It: a show where children’s ‘wishes’ were granted by the presenter.

The late, and very unlamented, Jimmy Savile.

Savile, unfortunately, makes an appearance in the original cut of the sketch. 

I’m buying this: because I want that cut.

No: I’m NOT a fan of Savile’s!

And hope that any royalties for his appearance go towards his victims.

I want the cut because, without it, my collection is incomplete.

I’m a completist: what can I tell you … ?

~≈📀≈~

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

21st August, 2026.

It’s official: it’s Pay Day.

And the most exciting day of the week.

And … ?

I’m going to be bored out of my skull.

Doing chores, going shopping and paying bills.

Is now a good time to say ‘Ho-hum’?

Ho … … … hum … !

~≈⌘≈~

At any rate … ?

I’ve reviewed another episode of For All Mankind: and thought you’d like to see the video … 

I hope it gets a few views!

~≈⇪≈~

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 — 19th August 2026

19th August, 2026.

It’s officially official: it’s Wednesday morning,

And … ?

And it’s rained overnight!

Hopefully?

We’ll get a bit more of that.

After two months of heatwaves, we need it.

~≈☔️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th August 2026.

18th August, 2026.

OK: it’s Tuesday.

And, bar watching For All Mankind, tonight?

I’m fully expecting the day to be two things.

One?

Quiet.

Two … ?

Not rain: despite being as overcast as it’s possible to be, without being the planet, Venus!

The sooner it does?

The sooner I can complain about it!

~≈🌧️≈~

You possibly aware I’ve worked in the pub trade: so keep an interested eye on the industry.

I’m as aware as anyone, that pubs are closing at a worrying rate.

And that many of what had been pubs are being converted into flats or offices.

The Castle, on Ongar Road, is the most recent example in Brentwood that I know of: but there’s probably others.

So … ?

Seeing this piece, recently — a piece that tells me how the government are planning to modify planning permission regulations, to make it harder to turn unused pubs into homes or offices — caught my attention.

I like it: I think it’s a good idea, a good idea to aim for.

But … ?

I also think it’s a good idea: if the business is there to support the pub staying open.

It’s useless to keep a pub open: if no-one’s there to use it.

~≈🍺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th August 2026

17th August, 2026.

Yes: it’s Monday.

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

My weight was up, last week.

So, hopefully?

I’ll have lost some!

~≈⚖️≈~

Good lord, Hay Panetierre’s died: at thirty-six!

I remember her from the series, Heroes: where she played the cheerleader, Claire Benet.

OK, I don’t know her from much, beyond that.

But hearing about her death is saddening.

Especially the headline fact.

She was thirty-six.

What on Earth happened, there … !?

Thirty-six is WAY too young!

~≈🪦≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th August 2026

16th August, 2026.

OK: it’s officially Sunday, I’ve started typing this post at 8·15 … and it looks like today is going to be overcast.

Which would make a pleasant change, I think.

Or, at least, take the edge off of the persistent heat.

I can only hope the rain the BBC’s weather page is predicting for Tuesday, turns up.

The rain is going to be much needed.

~≈☁️≈~

There’s possibly a universe where I’d feel comfortable voting for Nigel Farage’s Reform party.

Possibly.

In this one … ?

There’s no possibility what-so-ever.

Especially as Reform have announced they will be cutting the welfare bill by some £50 billion.

As a person on benefits?

I know — know, not feel — this would directly myself, and many of my friends.

Frankly?

The means the chance of my voting Reform goes from zero … to considerably less.

~≈〇≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th August 2026.

15th August, 2026.

It is, quite definitely, Saturday.

And?

The day after Friday.

And … ?

They day after the the government sent out an official alert: warning us not to start fires.

That’s possibly timely.

Even with the constant news of heatwaves, and wildfires, there’s going to be someone who has a barbecue.

~≈🚨≈~

Right … 

You’re aware I watch TV: and review some of the things I see.

I’ve not reviewed Silo, or Sturt Fails to Save the Universe.

But HAVE been reviewing For All Mankind.

And was very impressed by “No Sudden Moves”, the most recent episode I’ve seen.

If you’ve seen the episode?

Can you watch the review, and leave me a comment?

Cheers!

~≈🪐≈~

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 — 13-8-2026 — International Left-handers Day

13th August, 2026: International Left Handers Day.

Right: did I mention I was at the dentist, yesterday?

I was at the dentist, yesterday.

For an appointment with the dental hygienists, rather than the dentist.

It went well enough.

My only complaint?

I used my dentists student hygienists: who’ve always come across as competent.

And who, up until now, have been free to those of us on benefits.

Until yesterday: which was the first appointment I had to pay for.

OK, it was half price: and I’d been able to budget for it as I made sure the appointment was not long after pay-day.

But it was still a cost I objected to.

~≈💷≈~

It’s Thursday: and the day of the Clacton by-election.

Good luck to Count Binface!

More importantly?

It’s International Left Handers Day.

Which, as I’m a lefty?

Is important to me.

As I’m also a fan of William Gibson’s, and long suspected he’s a lefty, as well?

Finally finding proof today, has made my morning.

~≈◀️≈~

Just as a last thought … ?

My nephew, Jude, was over, last night.

And … ?

I think we missed most of the Eclipse Excitement.

Still … ?

One: it darkened, noticeably.

Two?

We got a video, done!

~≈🚘≈~

As a definite last thought … ?

Jude and I had pizza, last night.

Normally, we’d order from out local Dominos.

But, for the last few weeks?

Their site’s refused to take my cards.

Why?

I don’t know.

So?

As we have for the last few weeks, we’ve ended up ordering from Pizza Hut.

Why hasn’t Dominos site taken my card?

When Pizza Hut’s happily will?

I don’t know.

I suspect I may need to clear my caches, and history.

But will only know for sure, if I can get through with another browser: given the timing, I’ll have to try that, next week.

~≈🍕≈~

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

12th August, 2026.

OK: I’m going to have to double check things, before I make introductory videos.

Yes: I’m off to the dentists, today.

But, no: that’s not when the eclipse is.

My appointment’s two.

And the eclipse starts around 18·20.

Ho … … …  hum!

~≈☾≈~

I had a newspiece float across my time line, a day or two ago.

This one.

It’s a piece that tells us how an unnamed user had bought a copy of the extended version of the Lord of the Rings movies.

Then found they’d been removed from their media library: as “no longer available in our catalog.”

Google refused to refund the customers money.

I know that removing digital media from a user’s media library is perfectly when a company can no longer supply it to us, is legal.

That doesn’t make it right.

We buy these things in the belief we’re buying these things permanently: when, sadly, it’s not.

~≈🛒≈~

Personally?

I think a media supplier withdrawing a service like that is immoral.

And a very good argument for buying versions of whatever on physical media.

And — possibly — for outright video piracy.

So?

I’m going to suggest a method.

Download and install Tor Browser: it let’s you access the Dark Web.

Download and install a BitTorrent client: I’m told Transmission is popular.

Once those are done, visit a torrent tracking site — I’m told Pirate Bay, KAT, 1337 and TorrentGalaxy are good — with TorBrowser.

Pick a torrent … 

Copy and paste the magnet link into your chosen Torrent client.

Wait for it to finish: and enjoy the results.

~≈🏴‍☠️≈~

As a final thought, there?

I’m not going to encourage you to illegally download copyrighted content like that.

Doing so is a civil offence in most countries, and can lead to both arrest and fines: and the downloading of spiked content what can damage you computer, or leave you exposed to malware or identity theft*.

Be aware of the risks.

However risky?

In removing media we thought we owned permanently?

And refusing a refund when doing so?

Companies are encouraging us to not give them our cash: especially given there’s other ways of buying … 

~≈🏴‍☠️≈~

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 — 10th August 2026

10th August, 2026.

Right … it’s officially official: it’s Monday.

Which you’d noticed.

So … ?

It means that, once again, I’m off to the weekly weigh-in.

And hoping like hell that — like last week — I’ve lost some weight.

I’m hoping for the best: but expecting the worst, given the crisps I’ve eaten!

~≈⚖️≈~

Yesterday, I told you about the issues I’ve had with Amazon deliveries.

I finally got the non-cola items, yesterday.

Although, it has to be said, I’d rather have had all four items: the vitamins, air duster and Marmite, and the colas.

But at least the undamaged goods are now here.

And the refund for the box of colas is on route.

That said … ?

I still have a few complaints.

The main one?

Is that Amazon told me I’d be getting a refund on the diet cokes, rather than the goods, themselves.

But left the box in the list of stuff I was expecting, in the delivery notifications.

I’ll be honest: they could have tidied that up.

The other complaint?

Given the three items that were delivered, were in a small box, why did they not leave them here, Saturday?

There’s an old saying that God works in mysterious ways.

So, it seems, does Amazon … !

At least God’s a good communicator.

~≈📦≈~