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 — 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 — 26-7-2026 — Tom Lehrer

26th July, 2026: Tom Lehrer.

OK, it’s Sunday.

Which means that yesterday was Saturday, and the day I had a second haircut in the space of a fortnight.

Why … ?

The last time I had one, I used a different barbers: as the regular place I go was shut: a much deserved holiday.

I wasn’t especially pleased with it.

So?

As I had some cash, and my usual place was re-opened?

I had another.

I think Daniels have done their usual sterling job!

~≈💈≈~

Oh, did I mention I’m thingummy do-dah wossname … ?

Rather fond of the work of writer, William Gibson, in other words!

So … ?

I’m looking forward to AppleTV’s upcoming TV version of Gibson’s Neuromancer.

I caught the trailer, this morning: and, going by that … ?

The show is due for release on 22nd January, next year.

I’m looking forward to it.

I don’t think it’s accurate to the text: but … ?

It does look entertaining.

And they look like they’ve got Molly right … !

~≈🪒≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-7-2026 — "I Don't Like Mondays" (Ten Questions)

13th July, 2026: “I Don’t Like Mondays”.

Right then, it’s Monday: and, officially, weight management day!

I’m hoping I’ve lost some.

Weight, that is: I was up a few grams, last week.

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

~≈🐀≈~

Oh, just as a bit of sad news?

Actor, Sam Neil, has died: at the age of 78!

That’s sad to hear: I can still remember seeing him in Omen III: The Final Conflict … !

~≈😔≈~

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 — 26-5-2026 — Miles Davies (Ten Questions)

26th May, 2026: Miles Davis.

Right … who on Earth was that all about … ?

“What?”, I hear you ask?

Someone rang my doorbell, this morning: at god knows what time of the morning.

Not that I mind … but it would be nice if someone said something.

Heigh … ho … 

~≈🔔≈~

I think we can safely say the UK’s having a heatwave: as, the day before yesterday, reached record temperatures.

32·3℃, in some parts of the country.

Yesterday, parts of the country reached 34·8℃.

And today … ?

There’s predictions it’s going to hit 35℃.

I think I’m going to have to do a couple of things.

Have salad for dinner: turning on the oven’s going to be uncomfortable.

Make sure I put my newly cleaned t-shirts on to the airer: rather than in the tumbler.

Oh … and think of other ways to cool my flat.

Today’s going to be warm … 

~≈🔥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2-5-2026 — Judge Dread

2nd May, 2026: Judge Dread.

That’s one for the books!

I’m something of an armchair snooker fan: and try and make sure I watch the World Championship, if nothing else.

This year’s tournament has been interesting to watch.

And I’m thinking the finals will see John Higgins play Wu Yize.

We’ll have to wait until Sunday to see if I’m right.

But … ?

I caught the game between Wu Yize and Mark Allen, last night.

Dear gods, the fourteenth frame!

That frame went on for one hour and forty minutes: as a result of a hampered top right, corner pocket.

In other words, the black ball was over the pocket: with the remaining reds clustered around it, unable to be potted.

It … went … on … for hours … !

Well, it felt like hours.

I’ve not seen a re-rack — a frame that needs re-starting — for some years.

But, my gods … !

That fourteenth frame needed it!

~≈🎱≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-10-2025 — Bohemian Rhapsody

31st October, 2025: Bohemian Rhapsody.

Right … 

Have you heard the phrase, ‘segged off’?

Or ‘on the numbers’?

They’re obscure bits of prison slang: obscure enough that a quick Google search doesn’t find them.

But which tell you a prisoner has been segregated from other inmates, for their own protection.

The reason I mention this … ?

Is that, as a result of the Epstein Affair the former Duke of York has stripped of his titles: and is now, officially, Mr Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

The reason I mention it?

Is a belief I’ve formed, when I heard the news.

One I can summarise like this: if Mr Mountbatten-Windsor is successfully prosecuted for any sexual offences in relation to the late Ms Virginia Giuffre, or for anything else, then … ?

Other inmates would see him as a child abuser: and on a par with an imprisoned police officer.

To be honest?

I think the simple fact he’s an ex-prince will make him vulnerable: and put him on the numbers so fast he wouldn’t know what’s hit him.

~≈🚔≈~

Oh … did I mention I had a dream, last night … !

I had a dream last night!

The only thing I could tell you about it, for sure?

Is that: 

• The world was getting hotter.
• People were burning shops in Brentwood Hight Street down.

Quite what that was about, I don’t know!

~≈🔥≈~

Thankfully?

I’ve been paid, today.

Which means?

A little light shopping, a few Christmas presents … 

And, frankly, a set of (cheap) Venetian blinds.

Yes: I realise the expensive ones would be the better option.

But that would mean waiting for at least another three weeks.

You wouldn’t think I’m impatient, would you … ?

~≈🪟≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-10-2025 — You’re Making Me Dizzy

21st October, 2025: Dizzy Gillespie.

Ye gods, but I’m looking forward to payday!

I’m ever so slowly running out of milk.

So … ?   As I don’t get paid until Thursday?

I’ve just left a message with a local food bank, one that delivers.

Hopefully, they’ll be able to help … !

~≈🍞≈~

Which reminds me … it seems that AWS, Amazon’s cloud service, seems to be back online after an outage.

An outage that affected quite a lot of banks.

Including, I believe, mine: or, at least, it affected my bank’s owners.

It seems to be back online, now.

But this sort of thing is a worry.

Hopefully, one I won’t be affected by.

I’d hate to see my money get in late!

~≈🍞≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-10-2025 — “Love Me Do”

5th October, 2025: “Love Me Do”.

It’s officially official: courtesy of the local barbers, I’ve had a haircut!

I’m thankful!

Frankly, I was getting a little bit shaggy.

~≈💈≈~

I’m not one for dancing: or watching people dance.

Or watching dance competitions.

But I’m very aware that Alex Kingston — best known as Dr Who’s River Song — is taking part in this year’s version of Strictly Come Dancing.

And is at the top of the leader board, after last night’s samba.

Well done, her!

~≈💃🏽≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-7-2025 — Live Aid.

17th July, 2025: Live Aid.

It’s officially official: I’ve had a haircut.

And?

I’m feeling a lot less shaggy.

And a lot less sweaty, as well.

That … ?

Is something to be grateful for, I think.

~≈💈≈~

I’ve ALSO managed to buy a copy of Behind the Enigma: The Authorised History of GCHQ, Britain’s Secret Cyber-Intelligence Agency.

It’s a potted history of GCHQ, the UK’s signal intelligence body.

It should be a fascinating read.

But?

The thing’s the size of a breeze block.

It’s going to take a while … !

~≈📚≈~

I have to admit, I’ve caught another episode of Max Headroom: one called “Whacketts”.

It’s an episode that sees viewers literally hooked on a TV show called Whacketts: as a result of an addictive signal buried beneath the Whacketts game show.

It’s not quite the same.

But it, and the “Blipverts” episode, the episode that saw obese people explode after watching a certain type of TV advert, reminded me of the “Dennō Senshi Porygon” episode of the Pokemon TV show.

A mix of the Japanese TV system’s frequency, and one scene’s flickering animation … caused about six hundred children in Japan to have everything from intense migraines to convulsions.

The clip gives me a headache, I know that!

My point?

Is simply this.

Sometimes, science fiction can be a little too near the knuckle … !

~≈😵‍💫≈~

Sinners — A Review.

13th June, 2025: Sinners.

The Introduction.

What with one thing and another … ?

There’s things I’ve not done for some time.

Made mad passionate love, for example.

Climbed a mountainous hill in search of washing powder, as another.

Or even … had a shower.

No, I tell a lie: I had one of those, this morning!

But I’m burbling, aren’t I … ?

There’s a few things I haven’t done.

One of those?

Is watch a movie.

The last one I saw was Snow White.

So, having a little time on my hands?

I felt something different could be good.

The trailer that caught my eye?

Was for a film called Sinners.

I’m hoping two things, right now.

One?

That Sinners will hold my attention.

And two?

If it does, I’ll have this review finished by tomorrow night … 

~≈🧛🏻‍♂️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-5-2025 — Mike Oldfield (Ten Questions)

15th May, 2025: Mike Oldfield.

It’s officially official: I’ve received an award!

Well, not exactly.

I’ve received a pre-paid card from Southend Council run scheme.

That’s very well timed … especially as I get some benefits, tomorrow!

Either way … ?

I’ve put some money on the gas.

Hopefully, I’ll built up a lot of money on the metre, by winter: that’s when I’ll really need it.

~≈💳≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4-6-2024 — When Two Tribes Go To War.

4th June, 2024: When Two Tribes Go To War.

Well … 

It’s Tuesday … !

Which means I’ll be Jude sitting, later.

There’s a possibility of rabbits, I know that!

~≈¥≈~

Oh, now that’s sad!

A child was found abandoned, earlier this year: one named Elsa by medical staff, as she was found in very cold temperatures.

In news, today … ?

It turns out Baby Elsa is a full sibling of two other abandoned children — known as Harry and Roman — found in 2017 and 2019.

Those two earlier children have been adopted: Elsa herself, is in foster care.

I can only hope the children’s birth parents are found.

They obviously need help … !

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-5-2024 — Eurovision ’24

11th May, 2024: Eurovision.

Right then … it’s Saturday … !

And … ?

In case you’ve not noticed, today is the date for the final of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest.

There’s a couple of points, there.

One … ?

I like the Irish entry: despite thinking Barbie Thug looks like an animated Bratz doll!

Two … ?

I’m not necessarily going to be watching.

I want to concentrate on Doctor Who.

The first two episodes air, tonight: I want to review those!

~≈🤩≈~

Talking of reviews?

I finished my most recent reviews of Star Trek Discovery’s most recent episode.

I hope you enjoy them.

~≈🤩≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-2-2024 — Our George

24th February, 2024: Our George.

It’s officially the case … that I’m getting a certain amount of interest.

I’ve just reset my sister’s laptop: and have listed it on Facebook, this morning.

I’ve had about three people asking.

About it, already: including one who seems VERY interested!

We’ll have to see how that goes.

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-9-2023 — Marc Bolan

16th September, 2023: Marc Bolan.

Right then … 

It’s Saturday!

So … ?

Well, I’ll be finishing off a review, I know that!

And … ?

Doing MORE stuff for my court case.

Do you get the feeling that, despite being out of a job, that I’m going to be busy … ?

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3-4-2023 — The Godfather.

3rd May, 2023: James Brown.

You’ve heard of artificial intelligence, haven’t you?

The idea that computes can — if I’ve understood things correctly — can think for itself, and learn along the way.

Assuming ‘think’ is the right word, of course!

And you’ve possibly also heard of ChatGPT: the AI chatbot that’s causing waves.

I’ve used it once: to help me generate some quiz questions.

And — this morning — to ask about diabetes: getting a couple of worryingly coherent answers in the process.

Well, I say worrying.

Possibly I shouldn’t be: as the things answers seemed cogent, helpful … and clarified a couple of points for me.

I know people worry about this area, though: one factor writers are worried about — in the current Hollywood script writers strike — is the potential use of AI to write scripts.

How this will turn out?

I don’t know.

I do know that — many years ago — the late Isaac Asimov wrote the Three Laws of Robotics*: a basic set of rules for AI computers and robots.

Yes: I know there’s a lot of fuss about the safety — or dangers — of AI.

But think those sixty-seven words of Asimov’s are the shape of the future.

AI will have what other forms of human technology will have.

Safety features.

I just can’t help but think of an old line from Terry Pratchett’s Hogfather will crop up on the way.

“Real stupidity beats artificial intelligence every time.”

~≈💻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-12-2022 — Little Richard.

5th December, 2022: Little Richard.

Right … it’s Monday.

And?

I’ve got the heating on.

It’s cold!

And, frankly?

I’m hoping the weather outside will warm up.

I’ve got a meeting at the Job centre, today.

I’d hate to freeze on the way … !

~≈Ù≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-5-2021: Hi, Bob!

24th May, 2021.

Right … I have to admit, I’m feeling slightly rushed, today.

I’ve got a phone meeting at ten, with my Health and Work Programme case officer.

At ten.   So you know.

Am I nervous about it … ?

Nope: they’re getting routine.

They also end in October.

What happens, after that … ?

I really don’t know … 

~≈Ω≈~