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 — 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 — 30-6-2026 — International Asteroid Day

30th July, 2026: International Asteroid Day.

OK … 

It’s a Tuesday morning: and the day after I’ve been to my most recent weigh-in.

And?

And, I hear you ask?

Yes: I’ve officially lost some six hundred grams.

About 1.3 pound, in Imperial.

That’s good: and offsets the 500 gram that my weight had gone up by.

That’s a result.

~≈🏋️‍♂️≈~

Streamed movies and TV shows … 

I don’t think we can deny it: streamed entertainment, whether we’re talking about games, movies, music or TV shows, are incredibly entertaining … 

And incredibly convenient.

However?

This article, from AV Club, tells us that Sony are to remove roughly 550 titles available from their PlayStation Store.

Despite many customers having purchased theoretically permanent copies.

The removal of those titles, titles people have paid good money for?

Is going to cause resentment.

Especially if — from what the article says — there’s no sign of a potential refund.

And especially when you consider the only effective way of countering this — buying the blu-ray version of a title — means potentially coughing up extra cash for a title you may already own.

Personally, I think that buying blu-rays, and other physical media, is the better option.

Yes: you may well be paying twice.

But yes: you’re not losing access to something you’ve paid for.

Sony, and others, are hardly going to bang on your door and demand ‘their’ property back*.

~≈📀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-6-2026 — Charon

22nd July, 2026: Charon.

Right then … it’s another Monday.

Which means it’s another day at the proverbial races: I’m off to my regular weight management meeting, to see how I’ve done.

Hopefully, I’ll’ve lost some.

And will probably announce the results on the various social media … unless my weight’s gone up … 

~≈🏋️‍♂️≈~

Monday is also the day before Tuesday.

You knew that, along with everyone else.

For me, personally?

It means it’s the day before payday.

I’m looking forward to that: I want to get a haircut, at some point.

In this heat?

That’s sensible: at least it is, to me!

~≈💇‍♂️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-5-2026 — Zhurong

14th May, 2026: Zhurong.

Right … it’s officially the day before pay-day.

And, frankly?

I’ve woken up, this morning, craving chocolate!

Why?

I have no idea.

But if I knew that, I’d probably be rich!

~≈🍫≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-7-2025 — The Dwarf Planet

29th July, 2025: the Dwarf Planet … !

It’s official: there’s some Charlie Parker on in the background, it’s Tuesday morning … 

And I’m up early: and have managed to avoid the word “Groovy”.

Why … ?

I’ve got repairmen due: to lower my kitchen cupboards.

Hopefully?

The process won’t take long.

I’d really like to go back to bed … !

~≈🥱≈~

Did I mention my washing machine’s having issues?

My washing machine’s having issues!

According to the repair people I spoke to, over at Mackfields … ?

It’s a blocked sump: which is going to cost me sixty pounds (£60).

I should be able to cover some of it … 

But if anyone would like to help?

My PayPal account is here.

It would be very appreciated … !

~≈£≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-7-2025 — Vega

17th July, 2025: Vega.

It’s got to be said, I’ve almost finished watching the old Max Headroom series: the US sci-fi series, rather than the UK music show.

And … ?

I have to admit, I’ve come away vaguely impressed with the moody model shots of the unnamed city the series is set in … 

… whilst being aware they’re done on the cheap.

Either way … ?

I like the look of the show.

Granted, it’s Bladerunner on the cheap, but I have to give it credit for effort!

~≈🌃≈~

Yesterday, I told you I’d had a call from a woman calling herself Jennifer: trying to scam me.

After I’d posted?

I had a call to my mobile, on 07927 589 790, from an Indian-accented chap calling himself ‘Stephen Palmer.’

Telling me a Bitcoin account had been opened in my name.

I immediately assumed this was another crypto currency scam: and told him I’d never invested in the thing.

It took me a few minutes: but I managed to politely put the phone down on him.

Two scam calls in the space of two days … seems enthusiastic!

Frankly?

I’m starting to miss the Microsoft Technical Department Scam … !

~≈📞≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-4-2025 — World Hemophilia Day

17th April, 2025: World Hemophilia Day.

Right … it’s officially Thursday.

And … ?

I get some cash today: as I’ve just received a benefits payment.

That’s a good thing.

I’ve only got so much frozen food, and having something other than sausages* would be nice.

~≈🌭≈~

Have you heard of a planet called ‘K2-18b’?

I suspect that you — like me — haven’t.

I mean, it’s not usually something that gets talked about, day-to-day.

But … ?

Apparently, scientists have found potential signs of life.

Potential: because there’s a lot of debate about it.

But … ?

It would be nice to think there’s life out there: even if it’s only ocean-going microbes!

~≈🦠≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7-11-2024 — Marie Curie.

7th November, 2024: Marie Curie.

Right … it’s officially Thursday.

And … ?

I’ve not got appointments,  or medical stuff, booked.

Nope … instead, I’ve got my nephew, around, this afternoon … 

And a quick visit to my regular pharmacist: to see if they have a ’flu jab they can give me.

If it’s not one thing … ?

It’s another!

~≈💉≈~

Oh, if you’re in Brentwood?

You’re possibly aware of the Sugar Hut, in Brentwood High Street: the venue that used to be the White Hart, and home to The Only Way Is Essex.

Apparently?

It’s up for sale, after the death of the owner.

For just shy of four million pounds.

At that price … ?

Well … would you want a used night club … ?

~≈🍺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-10-2024 — Starman

9th October, 2024.

Yes: it’s official.

I have COVID!

I mentioned, yesterday, that I was feeling rough: and felt I had a cold.

I had a few COVID tests left: so thought using one to check would a good idea.

I got the dreaded two red lines: that meant a positive result.

Which was awkward: I had an opticians appointment, yesterday, and could have gone to a non-compulsive thing for the job centre.

Those … definitely went out of the window.

And?

Irony of irony?

I’m supposed to be having my COVID shots, next week.

Heigh-ho!

~≈💉≈~

In other news … ?

I was contacted by the Department of Work and Pensions, yesterday.

I’m assuming it’s about my Personal Independence Payment.

They wanted me to re-upload my bank statements, and photo IDs: as they weren’t happy with the originals I sent them, last week.

They’ve now arranged for a phone meeting with me, for this coming Monday.

A meeting with a member of something called the Claim Review Team.

I wish they’d contacted me, sooner, about the uploads.

The delays are frustrating!

~≈🪙≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-8-2024 — What the EMF?

29th August, 2024: What the EMF?

Right … Thursday … 

Is the day after Wednesday: but you knew that.

And the day after my Job Centre Case worker suggested a remote job I could apply for.

They even gave me a link to follow.

That lead to a page that said it would be ‘assess my system for compatibility’.

Apparently?

My recent model Mac isn’t compatible with their system, regardless of browser*.

And I can’t use the library computers: as they don’t have the webcams the site tells me I need.

I’m looking at the characters in Brazil, 1984 and Paranoia … and envying their easy life.

~≈Ω≈~

Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-8-2023 — Electromagnetic Induction.

29th August, 2023: Electromagnetic Induction.

Yay!

It’s Tuesday … !

Which basically means I’ll be looking after my nephew, this afternoon.

Which should be fun.

~≈fi≈~

I also know something else: yesterday was the day the lady who lived upstairs, moved out.

Granted, we had a rocky time of it, at times.

Especially when her youngest boy had a full sized trampoline!

But … ?

She, and her family, moved out, yesterday: to a council bungalow, ’round the corner.

I’ll miss them, I know her kids will have a garden to enjoy: but wonder who we’ll get next.

There’s a whole batch of possibilities.

~≈fi≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4-8-2021: The Rise of the Phoenix

4th August, 2021

Yes: I’m going to have to … you know … shop … !

Frankly?

I kind of like the idea of bread, milk, fruit, and vegetables.

Including celery: just in case Nina’s reading this!

I’m almost at the end of my chicken and bacon stew*: and thinking it’s time for something else!

~≈🥘≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-2-2021: Dollywood

22nd February, 2021.

Yes: it’s pay day, tomorrow.

That means shopping and bill paying.

Frankly, I’m looking forward to it: it means getting out of the house for more than half an hour!

~≈¥≈~

It also means being careful: possibly.

In case you didn’t know, surge testing is due to start in the CM13 postcode are of Brentwood.   Which means Old Peculiar regular, Trevor, will be having fun: that’s his part of town!

It’s rather alarming: but there you go!

~≈¥≈~

Oh, JUST as a final thought?

I’ve caught another episode of The Mandalorian.

You have to love seeing Katee Sackhoff turn up.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-8-2020: The Wow Signal

15th August, 2020

Yep: it’s raining!

It’s rainingly raining in a rainy kind of way.

As it didn’t, yesterday.

After blah days of solid — and hot — sunshine?

Frankly, that’s welcome!

Saying that … ?

I’ve a little shopping to do, later.

I think a coat may be in order.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-7-2020: Other Worlds

23rd July, 2020

Yes … 

Stuff is — to coin a phrase — happening … 

Ish … 

Um … 

Right at the moment?

It’s a sweaty Thursday morning, and the interview the local station did with me, gets broadcast just after nine: you can listen live, here.

You can also listen to it, here: I owe PhoenixFM a big thank, and Olga, as well!

Whilst hoping that I don’t sound like a gibbering idiot.   Whilst wondering why I was going to write gibbering elephant.

~≈®≈~

There’s something else … 

I’ve been signed up for a Work and Health programme by the Job Centre: run by a charity called the Shaw Trust.

My case worker’s a youngish chap who sounds keen to do well for me.

I’ve only got one minor complaint, so far.

They’ve asked if I’d like to sign up for one of a customer accounts: so I can access various resources.

The problem with that … ?

Is that you can only sign in with a Microsoft email: Microsoft’s equivalent to a Gmail account.

I don’t have one: as they only get handed out, these day … to people who buy a PC.

I’ve got three Macs, and an Android phone.

My case worker’s already admitted others have the same sort of issue: as many of their clients only have smart phones — Android or iOS — which also don’t have MS email accounts.

They’d not be able to use this.

I’m able to use it … if I sign up for a Hotmail account.

I’m not planning to.

I’m juggling three email addresses as it is, so having an extra one, purely for this one use?

When so many other digital services let you sign in with a pre-existing Gmail, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, hell, even your AppleID?

Granted, I know most charities are on a budget.

But?

Just because a charity can’t offer multiple options, means having to get an extra email account, just for this one use.

That’s pointless.

Understandably?

I’ve complained to my case worker.

If that doesn’t help, we’ll have to see what happens.

~≈®≈~

The Daily Teaser — 14-1-2016: Titan, and Other Moons …

Oh, right … 

That’s what happened … 

Remember, yesterday, I told you I’d slept through my alarm?

Well, I think I can say I was wrong.

What I’d ACTUALLY done?   Was set it for the wrong time.

Which was kind of awkward.

ESPECIALLY … as it went off at three in the afternoon.

When I was at work.

Yeah … 

That was awkward … !

~≈®≈~

A brief science documentary …

Phew; what a day at work that was …

I’ve got to admit, I hate doing what — when I worked at the Hutton as a barman — was called an ‘AFD’.

Or ‘All Fornicating Day’.

Use you’re imagination!

So, while I’d like to have maybe headed out to do something, I was — and still am — too damn dog tired!

So it was nice to be able to catch a bit of interesting TV, while I was getting me boots off.

BBC 2 had episode 3 of “The Incredible Human Journey” on, with Dr Alice Roberts as its presenter.

Fascinating stuff.

While I’ve not seen the previous two episodes, I might just watch on the BBC’s iPlayer, so I can catch up with them — the link for the first episode’s  here.

What caught me was the reconstructed head of the oldest European, that Dr Roberts viewed as part of the episode; very different to what I’d expected, certainly.

As was the bits about how we — Homo Sapiens Sapiens — managed to outlast poor ol’ Neanderthal Man.   We managed to out art them, if I’ve understood the episode correctly.   With the last of the Neanderthals seemingly becoming extinct on Gibralter.

Which struck me as sad.

I can’t help but wonder what would’ve happened if they’d survived.

Wouldn’t it just make for some great science fiction?