Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th August 2026.

8th August, 2026.

Ddi I mention I’ve ordered a few things from Amazon?   On Friday, just gone?

I ordered a few things from Amazon, on Friday, just gone.

So you know.

Including a couple of multipack boxes of Diet Coke.

You’d think I’d’ve learnt, by now, wouldn’t you?

The packs — along side a graphic novel, and a few other bits — were due, yesterday.

I got one box, and the graphic novel, at 14:25, going by the clock on my computer.

I also got an apologetic update from Amazon’s automated systems: to tell me they’d tried delivering the rest of the goodies, yesterday.

At 14:24!

But couldn’t, for unspecified “technical reasons”.

As you can imagine, I sent an annoyed email to Jeff Bezos.

They’ve now given me a refund on the undelivered box of colas: and a list of reasons why the thing couldn’t be delivered.

Although that seems to be as a matter of course, rather than any action I’ve taken.

They have also given me a list of reason why somethings hasn’t been delivered.

The one possible reason that leapt out at me … ?

Was the one that says “The package was damaged in transit.”

Right now?

I’m convinced that the delivery driver dropped the second box, the one with a box of Diet Cokes, some Marmite, and an air duster, damaged them in the process, and had to take them back to the warehouse as a result.

I don’t know, though.

I do know this.

I’ve got a refund for the colas due.

But — as of the time of writing — don’t know when the rest of the goods will turn in up.

Which got me sending another annoyed email.

As you can imagine … ?

I’m having a bad weekend … !

~≈📦≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8th August 2026

8th August, 2026.

OK … it’s Saturday.

And I’m thinking about Thursday.

Why … ?

Well, it’s International Left Handers Day.

And if you’re a southpaw, like me, you have to mark it, somehow!

What’s the other reason to think about Thursday?

Well, it’s the day of the Clacton by-election.

And I’m still wondering what happens if Binface wins … 

~≈🚮≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7th August 2026

7th August, 2026.

I had an update to my Mac. a few days ago.

From macOS 26·5 to macOS 26·6.

Which was done and dusted as soon as I decently could do it: there were quite a few security updates in there.

Last night … ?

I got the notification that told me there was another: from macOS 26·6 to macOS 26·6·1.

With just one patch in it: one that patches a vulnerability in macOS’s Screen Sharing.

A vulnerability that would — if I’ve understood it correctly — would give an attacker access to my machine: without having to sign in.

Which sounds serious: and means I’m going to do it as soon as decently possible.

~≈🖥️≈~

On other fronts … ?

Yes: I have finished another review: of “Svoboda”, the most Recent episode I caught, of For All Mankind.

Feel free to hit the Like button … !!!

~≈📺≈~

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

6th August, 2026.

Yep: that’s right.

I woke up with Hazel O’Connor’s “Eighth Day” banging its way around my head.

Why?

I don’t know.

But my only way of dealing with it … ?

Is to play more Hazel O’Connor.

Or play you my nephew’s latest!

Just don’t ask about pizza.

Bloody Domino’s website, grrr, mutter, mutter … … !

~≈🍕≈~

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

5th August, 2026.

Yes: I’ve officially decided to open this post with a lot of old trolley!

So … ?

There’s nothing new, there, then … !

~≈🧇≈~

On a more serious note?

Seemingly, there’s elections due in some local councils.

Including ones for Somerset Council, next year.

The Tories have a problem with Joshua Bonehill-Paine: who’s one of their candidates.

Whilst he’s apologised for his behaviour … ?

It seems he has a history of anti-semitic behaviour: being imprisoned for various racially aggravated crimes.

He’s has served time for them.

Now, I’ll happily admit: a person can change.

Rehabilitating an inmate is part of a prison’s role, after all.

Personally, though?

Were I Kemi Badenoch, were I Tory party leader … 

I’d be seriously re-thinking letting the chap stand … 

~≈🗳️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4th August 2026

4th August, 2026.

Yay!

I’ve lost weight!

OK, just in case you hadn’t realised, I’m obese.

So I’m not in the best of health, as a result.

I’m working on reducing my with a mix of a heftily monitored diet, and a weekly dose of Mounjaro.

And weekly weigh-ins, every Monday.

At yesterday’s?

I founds I’d lost 1·1 kilograms.

Which is good.

That said?

I’d gained 1·6 kilograms, the week before.

So, hopefully?

I’ll’ve lost a bit more, by next week’s meeting.

Here’s hoping I can lay off the crisps in the meantime!

~≈🌯≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3rd August 2026

3rd August, 2026.

Earworms … are insidious, sometimes.

But?

I don’t get songs banging around my head.

No: I’ll get the occasional word floating around in my mind.

At the moment, I’ve got the words, ‘yurt’, and ‘yonk’, filling the earworm shaped hole.

I still don’t know why this happens.

If I did … ?

Well, I’d possibly be rich … !

~≈🏕️≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s Monday: and the day for my weight management weigh-in.

I’m nervous: as my weight was up, last week.

I’ll have to see how it goes!

~≈⚖️≈~

I keep half an eye on politics: even is I’m not sure I can follow a political argument, or a party’s policies.

One thing I do know?

Is that some things can get very silly.

We have a by-election in Clacton, next week: called after the resignation of the (then) sitting MP, Nigel Farage of Reform.

There’s possibly lots to discuss: including the fact that Count Binface seems to be the only serious contender.

One thing I did notice, though … ?

Was a news piece from the BBC’s website.

A piece that tells us the ballot for the election is one of the longest in British political history.

I suspect Count Binface will do well off the back of that.

I believe that — in that situation — most of us wouldn’t wade through the complete list: would go for a name we recognise.

And that, given the names are in alphabetical order?

People will come across Binface well before they get to Farage.

I can only hope.

I’d love to see Nigel’s face, if he loses … 

~≈🗳️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2nd August 2026.

2nd August, 2026.

Right … my imagination’s getting carried away.

Or my habit of feeding the phrase ‘Haircut Jimmy’ into ChatGPT is running away with me!

Either way … ?

We’ll have to see what else I can do with the phrase.

~≈💈≈~

At any rate … ?

I caught a TV show, last night: the first episode of Big Bang Theory spinoff, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.

The jury’s out, at the moment.

But … ?

It’s very well done, there’s a lot of money on screen … and no canned laughter.

Which is a little disorienting … !

~≈🪐≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 1st August 2026 Teaser

1st August, 2026.

It’s officially Saturday: and … ?

We’re allowed to run ’round, screaming our heads off, and making excited ‘Yay’ noises!

That’s assuming we’re not bored out of our skulls, of course.

If we are … ?

A certain amount of thumb twiddling might be just the thing … !

~≈🥱≈~

Did I mention I’m in south-east England?

I’m in south-east England: and very aware that it’s hot out there.

And that parts of the country are suffering from drought.

Seeing the news about it, didn’t necessarily make it sink in.

Until I got an email, yesterday: from Essex and Suffolk Water.

Yep: my part of the world is now under a hosepipe ban!

Not that it directly affects me: I’m in a ground floor flat, have no garden, and don’t own a hosepipe!

Heigh … ho … !

~≈💧≈~

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

31st July, 2026.

Right … it’s now Friday … !

Which technical means we can make assorted ‘Yay’ noise, and talk about hairdos!

If we’re in the mood to talk about haircuts, of course.

You can tell I’m in one of those moods, can’t you … ?

~≈💈≈~

Going totally off the subject of haircuts?

I’ve finished yet another review: for the fourth episode of For All Mankind, series five.

I hope that gets a few Likes!

~≈🧑‍🚀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-7-2026 — The Beano (Ten Questions)

30th July, 2026: The Beano.

Did I mention I had pizza, last night?

I had pizza, last night: along side my nephew, Jude.

Or, I should say, we had pizza: rather I had pizza, then ate my nephew!

If you see what I mean … !?

At any rate, diner was had, and videos posted, on what had to be one of the hottest days of the years.

I can only hope today is cooler!

~≈🍕≈~

It’s rare, at the moment, not to hear about the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham.

At an event, yesterday, the new PM was directly asked if he would support moves to introduce assisted dying to the UK.

His answer?

Was that he’d rather see money invested into palliative care — and social care — rather than see it spent on any assisted dying measures.

I get the impression Mr Burnham’s not a supporter of assisted dying: and gave that that answer to tell us he didn’t support it, without alienating supporters of the idea.

Either on the back benches, or in the voting public.

Personally?

I am not a fan of assisted death: and don’t see myself wanting one.

But believe the procedure should be legally available, with safeguards: the sooner the better.

Hearing the PM’s answer to the questions isn’t something I’m pleased about.

His position may well delay things.

~≈💀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-7-2026 — Eunomia

29th July, 2026: Eunomia.

OK … bloody Amazon … !

I’ve got another box of diet colas on order: which was supposed to be delivered, yesterday.

And is now coming today, for some reason.

Why?

I don’t know: but I’ve sent off an annoyed email … again … !

~≈🏬≈~

Oh … and I’ve got an earworm!

BA Robertson’s “Knocked it Off”.

Why … ?

I don’t know.

But if I get a chance, I’ll put something on repeat to get rid of it!

~≈🎸≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th July 2026.

28th July, 2026.

Late nights … 

We all get them, don’t we … ?

I (almost) had one last night.

I was just getting ready for bed … and then noticed the little red dot on my System Settings, the little red dot that told me I had an available update.

Given I wanted to sleep … ?

I decided to leave it: for now.

That bed of mine looked comfy!

~≈🛌≈~

It turns out The Times ran an article: telling us news I’m interested in.

It seems the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, is contemplating reforming the election system.

To introduce both compulsory voting — with a £10 fine — and a ‘None of the Above’ option to the ballot.

I don’t like the idea of compulsory voting: it means we, the voter, cannot ignore an election if we don’t want to take part in it.

I don’t like the idea of compulsory voting: that earns you a fine.

For me, £10 is a few days worth of electricity, a few days worth of gas, a bag of frozen sausages, and some potatoes.

So?

No: I don’t want to see compulsory voting.

But putting a ‘None of the Above’ option on the ballot?

Is something I’ve supported for years … 

That, or spoiling one’s vote, are very good ways of improving a ballot.

~≈🗳️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th July 2026.

27th July, 2026.

It’s Monday, again … !

So, of course, I’m off to my weekly weigh-in.

Hopefully?

I’ll’ve lost a little more weight: after losing half a kilo, last weeks.

We’ll have to see, won’t we?

~≈🧀≈~

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 — 25th July, 2026.

25th July, 2026.

OK … it’s now Saturday … and I could tell you about Amazon’s latest delivery disaster.

I won’t: beyond telling that, when I order three boxes of something, I expect them to turn up at the same time.

When I’ve paid a little extra to get everything in the morning, I expect to get everything in the morning: not get two in the morning, and one in the evening … after I’d sent a complaint email to the jeff@amazon.com address.

Ho … … hum … !

~≈🛒≈~

Just so you know … ?

I’ve finally finished my review of For All Mankind’s third episode.

I hope it makes sense!

~≈📽️≈~

I can’t help but notice that there’s wildfires in Spain and France: Madrid’s under serious threat, and parts of the Gironde are doing badly.

There’s wildfires in Scotland and Wales, too.

I live near a small patch of parkland that’s mostly used by dog walkers who — for the most part — don’t seem to smoke.

Something I’m thankful for: I’d hate to see a fag-butt triggered wildfire near me.

But, given the world seems more prone to wildfires than it did … ?

I’m very aware a fire could be started by anything.

And seriously hope it won’t.

~≈🚒≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-7-2026 — Samaritan Awareness Day. (Six questions)

24th July, 2026: Samaritan Awareness Day.

Right … it’s officially Friday.

But feels like a Saturday.

I know why, though.

I get one set of benefits on the 23rd of each months: yesterday, in other words.

I get another, every fourth Friday.

A couple of weeks away, in other words.

So … ?

I’ve been paid one benefit, but feel as if I’ve been paid the other: and the day I know is a Friday, feels like a Saturday as a result.

Heigh … … … ho … !

~≈💷≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd July, 2026.

23rd July, 2026.

OK … Amazon … !

I book a couple of books, recently, from Lulu.com.

A couple of Ogron themed ones, so you know.

These two;

https://www.lulu.com/shop/martin-holmes/gruntleigh-the-ogron-and-some-complications-in-a-castle/paperback/product-q6wv8vy.html

https://www.lulu.com/shop/martin-holmes/gruntleigh-the-ogron-and-the-complications-of-quests/paperback/product-84dp6pe.html

Buy ’em if you like Ogrons!

Ogrons or otherwise, the books, and Lulu, aren’t the problem.

The problem was Lulu’s delivery partner: dear old Amazon.

I will give Amazon credit for getting the books to me on time.

But?

I’m in Flat Two: and get on well with the neighbours in Flat Five.

Keep that in mind, OK … ?

Yesterday, when my nephew was over, I got a text message to tell me my package had been delivered.

So I wondered out to the communal letterboxes: to find mine was empty.

And a package for Number Five on top of the letterboxes.

So … ?

I panicked a little: but checked the Amazon notifications on my phone.

To find the driver had put my package … in Number Five’s letterbox!

Yes: the residents of Number Five where happy to get my delivery out of their letterbox: especially as I took their package up to them.

Yes: I have sent Jeff Bezos a snotty email.

And yes, I have filled out the relevant form on Amazon’s site.

But I have to ask: how are is it, to tell the difference between ‘2’, and ‘5’?

Honestly … !

~≈🛍️≈~

Just as a last thought?

My nephew, Jude, was over, last night: and very helpful … !

Especially as he was making another video … !

On the upside?

I think I surprise him.

He used a piece of music from a rapper called Common … and pleasantly surprised to find out I’d heard of the guy.

Common’s in Silo, after all … !

~≈🎹≈~

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

22nd July, 2026.

Ok, it’s official.

I know what I look like … after asking ChatGPT to put a mad grin on my face!

I’m probably five minutes away from asking the thing to make me look like the Joker.

We’ll have to see about that!

~≈🃏≈~

Hmmm … 

It seems Andy Burnham, Britain’s new prime minister, isn’t going to lower taxes.

But is going to cap bus fares, at two pounds.

Something he set up — kept? — as Mayor of Manchester, in the wake of the COVID 19 Lockdown.

I’ve mixed feelings about it.

Bar one route, most of the bus trips I take are priced at two pounds or less.

But this cap will come in handy for longer trips.

So, yes: this cap is welcome, as welcome as it was during Lockdown.

My only complaint?

Is simply that the cap’s not due to start until January of 2027.

The sooner it starts?

The happier I’d be … 

~≈🚏≈~

Something the Today programme mentioned, today … ?

Was that a recent study claims weight loss jabs — Ozempic* is named in the study, but other GLP-1 drugs may have a similar effect — can help reduce cravings for alcohol.

As someone who’s had his issue with alcohol, and who uses Mounjaro for both his diabetes, and to help with his weight?

It’s something that caught my attention.

Right now?

Today?

I don’t have cravings.

But … ?

I don’t think that’s to the Mounjaro I’m on: I think it’s simply due to the fact I’ve not had a drink for several years.

Nor have I been triggered into wanting a drink: something I used to get a lot, before the Mounjaro.

So … ?

I’d love to know if the tirzepatide that’s in Mounjaro has a similar, craving reducing, effect.

Especially if — as a result — there’s a shortage of the stuff.

We’ll have to see.

~≈🚏≈~

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

21st July, 2026.

Yes: it’s officially official: I’m going to be watching television, tonight!

Feel free to keep your eyes peeled for my review of “Home”, the next episode of For All Mankind!

~≈🪐≈~

JUST in case you’re following my weight loss journey?

I was at my most recent weigh-in, yesterday.

And … ?

I’ve lost half a kilo: just over a pound, if you want it in Imperial.

That’s good!

~≈𐄷≈~

As a last thought … ?

Andy Burnham has announced that — as from October — his government will be reducing VAT on domestic electricity, reducing it from five percent, to zero.

In order to help ease the cost of living.

It’s a nice idea, I think.

But?

I don’t think energy suppliers will reduce the cost to customers.

I think they’ll freeze the cost, rather than reduce the cost.

That way?   They can make more money without increasing prices.

~≈£≈~