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 — 21st May 2026. (Six questions)

21st May, 2026: Six Questions.

Right … it’s officially Thursday: and the day before another pay day.

Frankly?

That means more bill paying, more shopping … and more chances to sneakily buy stuff on Amazon.

I’ve got my eye on the 4k version of the old Dr Who TV movie from the late 1990s.

A 4k set that, inevitably, will get the treatment.

Whether I do or don’t get it?

It’ll be interesting to see what the extras are like: if they’re an improvement on the ones in the 2k version I got a few years ago.

~≈Ω≈~

Just as a last thought … ?

I’ve got a review in the works: of the last episode of Good Omens.

Hopefully?

That’ll be coherent!

~≈Ω≈~

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 — 11-5-2026 — The Istanbul Convention

11th May, 2026: the Istanbul Convention.

Yes: it’s another Monday morning.

And the start of the last week before pay-day!

Which means … ?

Being thankful I’ve just enough change for me to get the bus uphill: to get to my weight management meeting.

But feeling slightly glum.

As I always do in this last few days before money goes in the bank.

Hopefully?

I’ll find out if I’ve lost weigh, today: that usually helps my mood.

~≈⚖️≈~

Just as a quick thought … ?

I’ve Meatloaf’s Bat out of Hell album on in the background.

After all this time?

It’s still one hell of an LP.

“You Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth” has one of the funniest openings of any song I’ve heard.

~≈🦇≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th April 2026. (Six Questions)

30th April, 2026.

OK … I’ve had a delivery … !

Did mention I had a copy of the Blackadder boxset on order?

Due — according to initial estimates — to turn up this Saturday, at the latest.

It actually arrived, yesterday: with Dave the Postman.*

Two days early.

I’m happy: I can get on with ripping the thing!

~≈📀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th April 2026. (Six Questions)

25th April, 2026.

Right … The 47th President of the USA is a twit!

No, really!

It’s under his watch that a leaked email from the Pentagon has shown the US plans to ‘review its position’ regarding sovereignty of the islands.

A review that — at a guess — would ignore the fact the people of the Falklands voted to remain a British Overseas Territory.

I can only assume one thing.

That the US President is asleep on the job … 

~≈🇫🇰≈~

I’ve got a box set on order: from Amazon.

Or, at least, I have a blu-ray boxset on order: from a third party seller on Amazon.

It’s due to turn up at the start of May.

Here’s hoping it does.

With my building’s aerial still out of commission, I’d appreciate having something to watch!

~≈📺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th March 2026. (Six Questions.)

17th March, 2026: six questions.

It’s officially official … things have happened!

I’m diabetic, so you know.

Which, the way my condition’s gone, means I have to inject myself with a dose of Mounjaro, once a week.

And have to check my blood sugar levels at least once a day.

All that … ?

This, obviously, means I have a sharps bin, a bin — a bucket, strictly — to store the used needles.

A bin that Brentwood Council picks up and disposes of.

I filled the last one, last week, contacted the council about it, last week, and followed that up, on Friday, just gone.

The contractors Brentwood Council use to do the job?

Phoned me, yesterday, and told me to leave the bucket out, last night: with the bucket in question being picked up, this morning.

I’m grateful!

I’m always worried that something could happen to it, overnight!

~≈♻️≈~

Just as a side question about the introductory video?

Did you see Jamie sneaking across the screen?

I’ve been experiment with the magnetic mask feature, and wanted to know if the figure was noticeable … 

I’m also very aware that the transitions I’d used, would affect the sound, as well as the video: something that, in iMovie, I could prevent by detaching, separating, the audio from the video.

Adding a wipe wouldn’t affect the audio of a clip, if I separated the sound and video elements of a clip.

It was something I couldn’t work out how to do … until my nephew, Jude, spotted the command in a pop-up menu, the last time he was over!

He’s got sharp eyes, my nephew … 

~≈👀≈~

As a last thought … ?

I’ve got the soundtrack of Sinners on in the background.

The film is very good.

And it’s very easy to forget quite how good the music is … !

~≈♬≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd January 2026. (Six Questions)

23rd January, 2026.

It’s official: I get paid, today: so … ?

That means I can afford a couple of things on Amazon.

Including a new air fryer.

The old one’s getting a bit … … well … it needs a decent burial, let’s put it that way.

But the one thing I have learnt … ?

Is that it’s very good at home made chips, and roast potatoes.

Remind me to thank my mother: she got me my original model, a few years ago … 

~≈🍳≈~

Apparently?

There’s a new, charity, album out: called Help(2), that’s raising money for War Child.

I don’t know that there’s a song on there that’s grabbing me.

And I’ve only heard of three of the acts: Depeche Mode, Wet Leg and Pulp.

So nothing I’m buying.

But … ?

The original album, 1995’s Help, has a cover of Bobbie Gentry’s “Ode to Billy Joe”: by the late Sinéad O’Connor.

It’s a superb song … and the late Ms O’Connor did one hell of a version … !

~≈🌁≈~

Just as a last thought … ?

I caught a film called Sinners, a while back.

It’s slow: but very good.

It’s ALSO broken an Oscar record: and earned itself sixteen Oscar nominations.

It’s a horror film: they never win more than the craft awards.

But … ?

I can only hope it at least backs the Best Music gong.

The music is superb … !

~≈🎸≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th November 2025 (Six Questions)

18th November, 2025: Six Questions.

I’ve noticed a news piece from the BBC’s news site.

One that tells us car thieves are using expensive bits of kit to steal cars.

You’d possibly guessed something like that was happening, hadn’t you?

Me, too.

According to the article?

The devices work by hi-jacking the signal from the car’s electronic keys — at longer ranger than you’d expect — then using it to open the cars doors.

And, apparently?

The things are being sold on the dark web for at least £20, 000.

No: I don’t want one, before you ask.

For starters, I don’t drive: so stealing a car is a bit stupid!

And?

The piece tells us the government is planning to outlaw these things.

Which probably won’t stop sales of the things: just put the price up.

The reason I mention it?

Is a personal belief.

That the devices were originally sold for legal purposes.

To allow mechanics to get you into your car if you lost the key: or for the engineers or sales staff, to set the car up for a new buyer.

I’m guessing it’s only later that a clever criminal has thought “That’s handy, Harry.   Stick it in the oven!”

Am I right … ?

I don’t know.

But if I am, it’s a very good example of an old line of William Gibson’s.

“… the street finds its own uses for things.”

“Burning Chrome”.

~≈🔑≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd October, 2025 (Six questions.)

23rd October, 2025: Six questions.

I think I need to make a polite phone call.

I had requested a visit for the group that delivers food bank parcels.

And … ?

Unfortunately, didn’t receive one.

Didn’t hear from them, even.

I’m not worried: today is payday, so I’ll be able to get some bread and milk.

But I’m wondering what happened … 

~≈🍞≈~

I like the idea that Britain should welcome migrants: both legal and otherwise.

I think, long term, it’s good for the UK: it potentially lowers the age of the population, and can raise more tax revenue.

What I have to laugh at?

Is the various attempts to stop illegal boat crossings across the English Channel: which has been going on for years.

I also laugh at the common assumption: that leaving the EU would stop these.

What’s more?

I laugh at there UK government’s attempt to stop the crossings.

The impression I’ve formed over the years?

Is that these don’t necessarily work.

If it had started, I think the last Tory government Rwanda plans would have been shown up as flawed, fairly quickly.

I think the same of the current, Labour, government’s One-In One-out, plan.

That started a few weeks ago when a handful of migrants were deported to France.

One Iranian man deported this way … ?

Has since made a return trip on a small boat.

I’ve formed three impressions.

One?

These plans are doomed to fail.

Two?

The next government’s plans will be just as effective.

Three?

We should laugh at a politician, the first chance we get … 

~≈⚓️≈~

I finally finished Sir Terry Pratchett’s Night Watch, last night: the Penguin Classic’s edition.

It’s a heady reminder of what the man’s writing was like, at its height.

And the annotations … ?

Are very revealing.

I can only hope Nation gets given the treatment: it, Night Watch and Thud! are possibly his best works.

~≈📚≈~

Which reminds me: I’ve started reading Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower, the next book on my to-be-read pile.

I’m two chapters in … and could — can? — hear the main character’s Southern US accent whilst reading it.

I don’t think that’s my imagination doing that: more Butler’s writing.

I think that’s a credit to her, given that!

~≈📚≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th September 2025 (Six Questions)

17th September, 2025: Six Questions.

OK, OK … !

I made a mistake!

And I’m suitably embarrassed!

I also owe Scott Jenkins, over on Bluesky, a vote of thanks.

For pointing out Elvis Presley died on 16th August, and not 16th September!

Thank you, Scott!

What? He died AUGUST 16, not September. 🙄

— Scott Jenkins (@scottjenkins67.bsky.social) 16 September 2025 at 10:34

~≈🎤≈~

You’re possibly aware that the US president is on a state visit to the UK: accompanied by various hangers-on.

Hangers-on that include Satya Nadella, the Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft: who’s announced that Microsoft is to invest substantial amounts of money in the UK’s AI industry.

He’s said as much in an interview on the Today programme, only a few minutes ago.

The interview also saw him use words to the effect that “people can trust US tech companies”.

Given the bad press I’ve seen around the amount of advertising included with Windows 11?

I laughed.

~≈🪟≈~

Oh … 

I’ve upgraded my computer.

Or, at least, I’ve upgraded my Mac mini from macOS Sequoia (macOS 15.6.1) to macOS Tahoe (macOS 26.0).

There’s a lot of nice cosmetic changes.

Although Apple seems to have changed folder icon colours: so they match the default text highlight colour.

Which I’ve worked out you can change by tinkering around in the Appearance settings.

Screenshots now seem to be saved in the HEIC format: rather than the usual .png format.

Changing screen savers involves an extra step.

Oh, and the Launchpad application launcher has been replaced by an Apps app.

Which is differently organised: and one I’m not sure I like.

This may be unfamiliarity talking: but the Launchpad overlay seemed easier to use and organise: as opposed to Apps, which seems fiddly by comparison.

From the little feedback I’ve had on Mastodon?

It’s getting comments … 

Post by @Cuddy2977@mastodon.world

View on Mastodon

~≈🐘≈~

Oh, I do know Image Playground’s now had a few tweaks: including being connected to ChatGPT.

Which could led to privacy concerns, even whilst it’s making fun images.

You see what I mean: about laughing when Satya Nadella said we can trust US companies?

~≈📷≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd August 2025. (Six Questions.)

23rd August, 2025.

Right, then … 

I think my next Star Trek: Strange New Worlds review is going to take a little longer than I was expecting.

Because?

Yesterday was payday: so I was in town for longer than I am, normally.

It should be up, tomorrow, at the latest.

I just have to make the video: once I’ve talked about Erica Ortegas’ hobbies.

Turns out she’s a petrol head, who likes restoring bikes.

~≈🖖≈~

I had a quick chat with my younger sister, Ruth, last week: about her CD collection.

She still has one: as well as a CD player.

In a day when many of us either stream from Spotify or Apple Music: or have imported our CD collections to our Macs/PCs?

I was surprised she’d not imported her collection across to any of the laptops she’d owned over the years.

Granted: you need a CD drive to do so.

But that, and a copy of Apple’s Music.app?   Or its predecessor, the iTunes.app?

Meant you could import CDs, store them on your computer, and play them in the app.

Ruth, by contrast … ?

Has a Chromebook.

How you import music from CDs, onto a Chromebook?

Bar the fact you’d need an external CD drive, I don’t know.

And, going by the quick Google search I’ve just done … ?

Trying to import them sounds like a complicated mess*.

I think that — the next time my nephew’s over — I may need to persuade him to bring his Chromebook with him.

Him and his uncle may be able to solve this!

~≈💿≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th July 2025 (Six Questions)

28th July, 2025.

Bugger!

In the midst of joy for the England team … ?

In the midst of that joy … ?

My washing machine has developed a fault!

Yep: something’s causing a blockage, somewhere.

Granted, I’ve managed to unblock the filter at the bottom of the machine: but … ?

I don’t think the filter’s the real issue.

I bet you something else is causing the problem.

Thankfully, it’s still under guarantee: so any repairs should keep the cost down.

~≈🧺≈~

There’s sad news, today … 

It seems mathematician, Tom Lehrer, has died.

I honestly couldn’t tell you about his scientific work … but do know his music.

He’ll be much missed.

~≈🎹≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3rd June 2025. (Six questions.)

3rd June, 2025: six questions!

Right … I’ve finally caught up with my sleep!   Which is nice.

And … ?   Going by the results of my weight management group, yesterday?

I’ve still not lost any: but also not gained any.

I’m plateauing, in other words.

That’s not bad: but it would’ve been nice if I’d lost a few grams!

~≈⚖️≈~

I have to admit, I actually got to the meeting, late.

Almost … !

As my TV lost its signal.

Turns out to have been an issue with the communal aerial: as others in the building lost their signals.

The repair man’s due between 12:00 and 17:00.

Which will be fun.

As I’ve also got an engineer due between 13:00 and 18:00: to upgrade my phone line and router.

I think I might need to hoover … 

~≈🧹≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th May, 2025 — Six Questions.

12th May, 2025: six questions.

Right … 

That’s the bank holiday’s over with: until the next lot.

Which means … ?

I’m up early: for my weight management meeting.

Hears hoping I’ve lost some!

~≈⚖️≈~

I’ve started watching a documentary, last night: a potted history of the ZX Spectrum called The Rubber-Keyed Wonder.

It’s interesting stuff: and mentions a company called Ultimate Play the Game, who wrote some of THE games for the platform.

Including Atic Atac and Pssst!, my two favourites.

What really caught my attention … ?

Was the fact one of the sound guys on the film was a chap called Joe Richardson.

I recognised the name: my cousin, Dean Richardson, has a son called Joe, who’s a sound engineer.

I got in touch with him: and found out Joe did indeed work on the film.

It’s nice to know the film’s a family affair … !

~≈🎙️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11th April 2025 — Six Questions

11th April, 2025.

Right then: it’s officially Friday!

Yay!

We can hop, skip, dance and wave our hands in the air.

If we want to.

Hand waving or not?

I’ve woken up thinking today is Saturday.

Why?

I have no idea … !

~≈👋≈~

Either way … ?

I’ve finished another review: of episode three of The Savages.

Feel free to leave me a comment … !

~≈📺≈~

As a final thought … ?

I’ve been using DaVinci Resolve — the free version, available though the App Store — to edit some of the videos, here.

I have to say, it’s not a bad app.

But … ?

It’s only now I’ve used it for a while, I realise quite how much iMovie does for a user.

It removes the green fringing I get when compositing video, automatically: something I have to do manually in DaVinci, for example.

Comparing the two, DaVinci can layer far more elements together than iMovie can.

But?

DaVinci tends to crash when using multiple, intensive, effects.

And tends to lose clips on external drives when it does so.

Can I recommend it others?

Yes: it’s powerful.

But yes … it’s got quirks.

Enough quirks, on the computer I use, to say that, given the money?

I’d be buying Final Cut Pro, rather than the premium version of DaVinci.

It strikes me Apple’s own pro software would be the far more stable of the two.

~≈👨🏼‍🎨≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 1st February 2025.

1st February, 2025.

It’s officially official!

It’s Saturday morning.

And … frankly, I’m thinking it’s going to be a quiet day.

Well … bar a little shopping!

Ho … hum.

~≈😶≈~

Oh … I’ve been asking for suggestions for stuff I can feed into ImagePlayground.app.

The Philippine Monkey-Eating Eagle was … um … well … 

As was the horse … 

They, like someone of the other pictures I’ve made, will get featured in someone of the Teaser art.

If I ever do a set about a five-legged horse!

~≈🐴≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th January 2025.

16th January, 2025.   (Six Questions!)

Right … it’s officially Thursday … 

And … ?

It’s officially quiet … !

I’m planning very little: beyond writing, a little shopping … and possibly watching TV.

One bit of good news that has brightened my day … ?

Is the email that turned up, yesterday.

Apparently?

I qualify for a Department of Work and Pensions Cold Weather Payment of twenty-five pounds.

That will be useful: and something that goes into my bank account by Tuesday.

That can’t come soon enough: It’s been cold!

~≈🥶≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-12-2024 — Living in a Box

26th December, 2024: Living in a Box.

Phew!

Christmas is officially over!

Barring the (metaphorical) hangover, obviously!

I am very aware, though, that I’ve ended up with a lot of gift cards: which will come in very handy!

AND a for Dummies Guide to macOS Sequoia.

I’m also very aware that my nephew, Jude, is now the proud owner of a shiny new phone.

Which took a lot of setting up!

And swearing.

It turns out the model concerned is like a lot of modern phones.

In an attempt to cut down e-waste, it comes with a charging cable … but no charging brick.

You have to use one you already have … or buy a new one.

Jude ended up borrowing Aunty Anna’s iPhone charger … and wait for the three that Grandma, Mummy and Aunty Anna have ordered to turn up!

Christmas, eh?

~≈🎄≈~

The charger situation has got me thinking I’m grateful.

For having enough money left in my account.

It’s Jude’s birthday, today: feel free to wish him a happy birthday on Bluesky and X.

At any rate … ?

I’ve bought him a laptop … and suddenly thought, when I got home, last night “I wonder if there’s a charger in the box … ?”

That could be embarrassing … !

~≈🔌≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th December 2024.

20th December, 2024: Six Questions

Bugger!

I’ve just wiped out today’s post!

The one I was in the middle of writing!

You’ll have to accept my apologies: and silly images!

~≈🥕≈~