Nik Nak’s Daily — 6-9-2026 — Naomie Harris

6th September, 2026: Naomie Harris.

Right … it’s now an officially quiet Sunday.

And it looks like comments are back to normal.

There’s hoping!

~≈🕸️≈~

I can’t help but notice the news, sometimes.

Including recent reports that tell us Argentina is re-stating its claims to the Falklands Isles.

There’s all sorts of talk about it.

Including about potential military action.

I have my doubts, there: I know times have changed, but we won the last war we had with Argentina.

And I’m very aware that the Argentine president, Javier Milei, is facing an election.

And has made the announcement, after a British-Israeli company announced it would be prospecting for oil off the coast of the islands, at some point.

And if oil was found off the Falklands?

Where would the tax revenue from that oil go?

I’m willing to bet it would go to Britain and Israeli: rather than Argentina.

I think that’s got more to do with Milei’s announcement.

Cherchez la femme.

Follow the money, in other words … 

~≈🕸️≈~

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 — 17-5-2026 — Anyone for Dennis? (Ten questions)

17th May, 2026: Dennis Potter.

It’s officially the case that a man in need of a game controller … has to buy a new one … 

Yes: that’s right … I have a new toy: a new game controller, now happily paired with my AppleTV 4k.

Just so you know?

It’s what’s called a DualSense™Wireless Controller: and something originally designed for the PlayStation 5.

Which caught may nephew’s eyes: he has one of the console’s, himself, and was able to offer advise one button configurations.

Well played, him!

I also have to say “Well Played, Apple”: as I ordered it from them.

They originally told me the thing would be with me, by Saturday, 16th May..

Although the Royal Mail — the people doing the actual delivery — told me it would be with me by this coming Monday, 18th May.

As it turned out?

It turned up yesterday.

And got connected, pretty much immediately, and saw me playing Sonic the Hedgehog.

Exciting, eh … ?

~≈🦔≈~

Actually, now I’ve mentioned Jude?

Yes: he was here, yesterday.

And yes: he’s posted another video: feel free to hit the ‘Like’ button!

~≈⚽️≈~

Just as a last thing … ?

I’ve had today’s edition of Radio Four’s Sunday on, this morning.

It’s a fascinating listen, as ever: and discussing the religious beliefs of various politicians.

Including the three, potential, Labour leader candidates.

Andy Burnham, it seems, is a non-practising Catholic.

Angela Rayner, it seems, is an atheist.

And the third contender, Wes Streeting?

Is a practising Anglican.

Granted: the man would be the first openly gay Prime Minister, if he became PM.

But, to me?

That’s less of an issue for me, than the fact the man is a practising Anglican.

I’d prefer my politicians to be uninfluenced by their faith: to not be openly religious.

~≈🙏≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-5-206 — Shaffer and Shaffer (Six questions)

15th May, 2026: Shaffer and Shaffer.

Right … it’s PAY DAY!

Which means I can buy chocolate: I’ve been craving it for days.

Why … ?

I have no idea … !

~≈🍫≈~

It seems Kier Starmer, the UK’s Prime Minister, is facing problems: after bad results for Labour at this year’s local elections.

Problems that include leadership contender, Wes Streeting, resigning his ministerial post.

And fellow leadership contender, Andy Burnham, in a position to stand as an MP … and therefore challenge the PM as party leader.

I think any challenge is going to take a while.

If for no other reason than Andy Burnham would have to be elected to Parliament, before he could launch a challenge.

I can’t help but vaguely think a few things.

Think that Wes Streeting seems a little too fat, a little too sleek, too untrustworthy, for my tastes.

By contrast?

Andy Burnham has a huge advantage.

He’s presentable … and has a Scouse accent, a Liverpool accent.

In other words, has an accent that sounds honest.

Burnham’s probably no less a lying ragbag than any other politician.

And, frankly?

He’d have little chance of winning an election, if he stood here in Brentwood: Brentwood’s been a safe Tory seat for years, and one that’s likely to elect a Reform MP at the next General Election.

But if I lived in a left leaning constituency?

I’d be happy to vote Burnham.

Purely because he sounds honest … 

That’s one hell of an asset.

~≈🗳️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10-5-2026 — Fred Astaire

10th May, 2026: Fred Astaire.

Did I mention I was in Brentwood High Street, yesterday?

I was in Brentwood High Street: I got a bus up, so you know.

And … ?

Well, for a start, there was a couple of police officers hanging around Brentwood Station.

Just over the road from it, at any rate.

There was a few police cars going up and down Brentwood High, as well: and a few officers wandering around.

Presumably enjoying the sunshine, on top of whatever they were supposed to be doing.

There was something else, as well: one of the live facial recognition vans that Essex Police use.

Why on Earth the thing was in Brentwood high street, yesterday, I don’t know.

Especially when they’re supposed to be patrolling Southend on Sea*!

~≈👮‍♂️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-5-2026 — In Xanadu Did Kublai Khan …

5th May, 2026: Kublai Khan.

I have a confession to make.

I caught some of Snooker’s world championship, last night.

After catching the last couple of episodes of Maul — Shadow Lord, I watched a couple of frames of the final session between Wu Yize, and Shaun Murphy.

But got an early night: after two frames.

It turns out I missed all the drama of Wu’s eventual 17-18 win!

Heigh … … HO!

~≈🎱≈~

Oh, there’s local elections, this coming Thursday.

I know this … because the date’s been advertised for sometime.

And I’ve had election pamphlets from both the Tories*, and Reform*.

Both of which have been torn up and binned, to be honest: neither party is one I intend to vote for.

At any rate: the elections are on Thursday.

And, if it wasn’t for the fact the Greens are standing in my ward?

I’d be doing what I usually do, when not shown someone I want to elect.

Spoiling my vote.

I can hear the howls of outrage from here.

Look, I know the arguments.

That we have a responsibility to vote for someone, that doing so holds government to account.

I can agree to that.

But I’m also aware that you, me, and every other voter on the planet, have no right to abstain: should none of the candidates be ones we want to vote for, we can’t tick the relevant box on the ballot.

Only spoil our vote, or not vote at all.

There’s been arguments for years: about using proportional representation instead of first-past-the-post, about lowering the voting age, fining people who refuse to vote.

The really radical alteration to Britain’s elections?

Would be having an “Abstain” box on the ballot.

“I Abstain” must be a reality: not a discussion.

~≈🗳️≈~

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 — 21-4-2026 — Elizabeth 2nd (Ten Questions)

21st April, 2026: Elizabeth 2nd.

OK, I’ve done it!

I’ve sent back the camera* I bought from Amazon.

This one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GDY2T7B3

It didn’t, if you’ll excuse the innuendo, have a hole in the bottom.

A mount for a tripod, in other words.

Which means I couldn’t screw it to the tripods I already have, plonk it on my desk, and film myself.

Nor would the camera fit in the cradle at the top of my tripod: with the flip-up screen, the flip up screen that would let me monitor any recording, flipped up.

I’m left … 

Well, I honestly couldn’t tell you how I feel about this.

But it has been a learning experience.

It means that, should I choose to buy another camera, I’m going to know what to look for.

A hole in the bottom for a tripod mount: or a screen that flips out of the things side.

~≈📸≈~

Oh, about the only other thing I bought, recently?

Is a blu-ray copy of The Day of the Triffids: the 1981, BBC version.

A version that’s fairly authentic to Wyndham’s original text.

About my only complaint?

Is that the box-set is quite vanilla: featuring only the six broadcast episodes, an omnibus version of the story, and an eight minute featurette about the show’s restoration for this release.

I can only hope that — were this to get a 4k version — that extra features would be included.

~≈🫚≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8-4-2026 — Robin Wright

8th April, 2026: Robin Wright.

Right … there’s help available.

I’ve repeatedly mentioned how helpful the Essential Living Fund run by Southend-on-Sea City Council was: especially for those of us on Universal Credits, or receiving other benefits, and living in Southend, Thurrock or in Essex.

But that the fund had now closed to those outside Southend.

Thankfully?

And due to the current government reworking the source of funds?

Southend Council’s now running the Crisis and Resilience fund for people in Southend, Thurrock and Essex.

That’s all to the good: and yes, I spent time, yesterday, applying for a grant from this new — rebranded? — fund.

Hopefully?

I’ll get something: the prepaid cards the Essential Living Fund handed out were handy, especially for paying off utility bills.

But I’m also aware the Government’s been tightening rules on some benefits: as well as cutting others.

Can you keep your fingers crossed for me, please?

~≈🧧≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6-4-2026 — Ian Paisley

6th April, 2026: Ian Paisley.

Right … it’s the 6th of April.

Which means?

Well, for those of us on Universal Credit, the amount we receive goes up.

As does the housing component of Universal Credit: assuming we’re in receipt of it.

The snag with the housing component?

Is that we have to fill that in, manually, on the UC website.

That’s easy enough for me.

But how we do that if we don’t have ’net access?

I really couldn’t tell you … !

~≈📎≈~

Something I’m waiting for … ?

Is money.

Or, at least, the possibility of money.

For the past couple of years, I’ve used the Essential Living Fund run by Southend Council: to get a (small) grant, that helps cover costs.

Except that now seems to no longer be available to non-Southend residents: and be potentially replaced by the as-yet-unlaunched Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Which the relevant webpage says “… starts in early April”.

The sooner that starts, and the easier it is, to do?

The happier I’ll be.

~≈💷≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2-4-2026 — Casanova

2nd April, 2026: Casanova.

It’s officially official: it’s Thursday.

And?

I’ve got my usual quarterly diabetic review, later: the review where I find out my most recent blood test results.

Hopefully … ?

They’ll be ok.

~≈🩸≈~

We can safely say that my nephew, Jude, was here, yesterday, is getting slightly handy with Final Cut Pro, and thoroughly enjoying the app’s ability to alter sound effects.

I just wish I’d thought to ask him one thing.

“Jude, what is that trumpet noise you keep using … ?”

~≈🎺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-2-2026 — Leslie Nielsen

11th February, 2026: Leslie Nielsen.

Yes: that’s right.

Today’s introduction video, the one at the start of this post … ?

Is actually vaguely relevant.

I’ve got a cheap toaster on order, from Amazon.

One that cost me a tenner: including the delivery charges.

There’s a problem, though.

It’s something I’ve ordered from Amazon: did you honestly expect me not to have a problem?

At any rate … ?

YouGov sent me a survey, yesterday, which earned me fifty pound (£50): enough to buy a toaster, and have a little left to get some shopping.

So … ?

I order a cheap — seriously cheap — toaster: figuring I’d be able to replace the thing, easily, should I need to.

I order the thing, hit the relevant ‘Buy Now’ button, and get told it will be with me, by Friday, 20th February.

Then get an update, a little later: to tell me the toaster’s been ordered … and will arrive on Friday, 20th March.

Yes: Friday, 20th March.

I’m tempted to say “You couldn’t make it up”.

No, really: I’m sorely tempted to say “You couldn’t make it up”.

Except I’ve got the evidence it’s genuine, sitting right in front of me.

I’ve also got evidence of an annoyed email I’ve sent: to Jeff Bezos.

A thirty-eight day wait seems a bit ridiculous: and tells me I should go to Argos, next time*.

~≈🍞≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-2-2026 — Robert Peel

5th February, 2026: Sir Robert Peel.

Right … I’ve officially published a couple of videos.

The one about leaving X … isn’t doing well.

But then, I wouldn’t expect it to.

That said … ?

My review of Ralph Bakshi’s version of The Lord of the Rings has done better in the same time-span.

That’s pleasantly surprising: given I no longer having access to X/Twitter means I can’t promote it, there.

We’ll have to see how it goes.

~≈❌≈~

One point in that review … ?

Was it’s version of Gollum.

Which struck me as … well, as problematic.

I can’t help but think it sounded like a caricatured version of Shylock, or Fagin.

Mildly anti-semitic, in other words.

I’m just grateful it’s not something Andy Serkis repeated … 

~≈💍≈~

I’ve had Kate Bush’s “Wuthering Heights” earworming its way through my head, this morning.

So … ?

Have had a version from Spotify, playing: in an effort to get rid of it.

One that’s been repeatedly interrupted by adverts from a firm of solicitors called Irwin and Mitchell: offering to help get you compensation, if you’ve had an accident at work.

The thing’s featured an actor: playing a character who’s lost his leg in an accident at work … but who’s then told us he was “… in the military”.

Without actually telling us he’s had his leg blown off in combat.

Which I’m assuming is the inference we’re supposed to be drawing, here.

But?

If you’ve joined the Army, I’d imagine you’ve joined knowing that you could be killed or injured in combat, killed or injured on active service and killed or injured as a result of deliberate enemy action.

I have to ask, does getting your leg blown off as a result of stepping on a landmine count as an industrial accident?

Especially if the risk of coming back in a box is part of the job … 

~≈🔫≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-1-2026 — On Telly

21st January, 2026: Telly Savalas.

OK … it is officially official: my nephew was over last night.

He’s helpful when it comes to cooking oven ready pizza: but the pair of us could not work something out.

Are you supposed to put the garlic butter on the dough balls, when you’re cooking them: or after you’ve cooked them?

The label on the back of the packet only says that you have to “Set aside the garlic dip to warm to room temperature”.

Which wasn’t necessarily helpful!

At any rate … ?

Jude’s latest video is now out.

If you have a clue about doughballs?

Leave us a comment, on the video!

~≈🍕≈~

Today is a day that I’m expecting a phone call from my new work coach, my new Job Centre case worker.

This afternoon, in point of fact.

They’re the second new case worker in the space of three months.

I can understand new staff need training: and that the long-term unemployed can be good clients to be trained on … 

But it’s nice to deal with a familiar member of staff: that continuity of service is reassuring, I think.

~≈✒️≈~

Hmmm … 

The discussions — should I use italics, there, or quotation marks? — let’s start again, there!

The discussions over Greenland continue: with the US president heading for the World Economic Forum, today.

With Greenland’s Industry Minister going on the record to say “We do not want to be Americans”.

I’m not surprised.

Outside reasons of patriotism, outside a desire to not be an American colony, Greenland has free healthcare for its citizens.

Becoming part of the US, however it’s done, however it’s arranged, whatever assurances the greedy idiot in Washington wants to give?

Becoming part of the US means losing that free healthcare, and gaining the USA’s famously expensive system.

Why would anyone in their right minds want to do that … ?

~≈🇬🇱≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-1-2026 — DeSalvo

18th January, 2026: DeSalvo.

I think I’m on safe territory, here.

In saying that the 47th President of the United States of America is a screaming twat.

If you’ll pardon my language!

I’ll also say that the UK’s Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, may not be helping.

The President’s demands — that the US take over Greenland — are still on-going: with the US, under the President’s orders, due to impose tariffs from February.

Something affected countries have criticised as unacceptable.

Understandably.

Additionally?

The Prime Minister tells us the allies will be “pursuing this directly, with the administration”.

Which is possibly where things fall apart.

I believe whatever Britain’s representatives say to the current US administration is going to get ignored … 

~≈🇬🇱≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-1-2026 — David Lynch (Ten questions)

15th January, 2026: David Lynch.

Yay!

It’s Thursday!

Which means we can dance, sing, and wave our hands in the air: for no apparent reason.

Why?

Well, why not … ?

~≈🪢≈~

I’m something of a Mac fan: which you’d guessed.

So … ?

The news that Apple’s going to be introducing its Apple Creative Suite grabbed my attention.

The suite’s going to consist of subscription versions of their Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor and MainStage, apps.

I have to confess, I like the idea: it seems a cheap way of getting hold of some well spoken of, powerful, software.

But … ?

I’m still not sure I like the idea of renting software: nor — on my money — does it the quoted price seem reasonable.

Given the money?

I’d be happier buying the main app, Final Cut Pro.

If anyone has £300 going begging, I’d love to hear about it!

~≈🪙≈~

Did I mention there’s a young woman called Drew Gulliver floating around various socials?

There’s a young woman called Drew Gulliver floating around various socials.

She’s gorgeous … and seems to have a thing about Dad jokes … !

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Drew Gulliver (@drewgulliver)

Dearie, dearie me … !

~≈🎹≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-12-2025 — Name That Sportsman.

30th December, 2025: Name That Sportsman!

I think I can safely say I have two copies of The Lord of the Rings: Ralph Bakshi’s animated, 1978, version.

And I’m going to have to send back the DVD copy I got.

Amazon has both a DVD and a blu-ray version: and, given how their search results, go, sometimes?

I didn’t see the bluray version … until after I’d bought the DVD!

Something’s getting set back … 

~≈🛟≈~

A few minutes ago, I took a couple of photos: outside the front of my building.

I don’t know that the camera on my phone catches the colours, but the sky … ?

Was gorgeous: with clouds turned glorious shades of red and pink, in the light of the sunrise.

OK: I grant you the old ‘Red Sky at Night’ saw reminds us the weather’s going to be (possibly) bad for the rest of the day.

But … ?

For the few moments it took me to take the photos, it was beautiful.

~≈☁︎≈~

You’ll possibly remember that former Old Peculiar regular, Trevor Veail, died recently.

I’ve been contacted by Gill, his sister: who tells me his cremation is tomorrow — 31st December, 2025 — at 8·30.

As it’s what’s called a simple funeral, she’s encouraging us to send thoughts, then … 

I’ll be pausing, I know that: as it will be a sad day.

~≈🪦≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-12-2025 — Milton Obote.

28th December, 2025: Milton Obote.

Well, that’s me embarrassed … !

I’ve woken up, this morning, and turned on the heating … to find my boiler had lost pressure: and that I had no heating or hot water, as a result.

And twisting the relevant knob didn’t work.

So … ?

I started boiling a lot of water, for a bath, and phoned my landlords, to book an emergency repair.

Which, I was told, could take up to twenty-four hours … 

I booked the repair, and went back to contemplating my navel, filling the bath, and trying to organise a blog post.

Whilst a niggling thought — and the possibility of twenty-four hours-worth of cold — kept poking me.

With that in mind, I went and checked the boiler, again … and twisted both of the knobs on the thing.

Yes, you’re right.

I did have to make an embarrassed phone call* … 

~≈♨️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10-11-2025 — Gone for a (Richard) Burton.

10th November, 2025: Richard Burton.

I meant to mention this, yesterday.

But, if you’re on certain benefits in the UK, you qualify for the Government’s Warm Home discount: a £150 payment that goes onto your electricity bill.

Mine … ?

Went onto my meter, on Saturday afternoon.

I’m grateful.

It means that — on my next payday — I can put the money I spend on electricity, onto my gas bill.

The older I get, the worse my circulation feels, so the warmer I prefer it.

Either way, that payment’s welcome.

The fact the batteries had run out on my thermostat, this morning … ?

Wasn’t … !

~≈♨️≈~