Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-8-2026 — International Left-handers Day

13th August, 2026: International Left Handers Day.

Right: did I mention I was at the dentist, yesterday?

I was at the dentist, yesterday.

For an appointment with the dental hygienists, rather than the dentist.

It went well enough.

My only complaint?

I used my dentists student hygienists: who’ve always come across as competent.

And who, up until now, have been free to those of us on benefits.

Until yesterday: which was the first appointment I had to pay for.

OK, it was half price: and I’d been able to budget for it as I made sure the appointment was not long after pay-day.

But it was still a cost I objected to.

~≈💷≈~

It’s Thursday: and the day of the Clacton by-election.

Good luck to Count Binface!

More importantly?

It’s International Left Handers Day.

Which, as I’m a lefty?

Is important to me.

As I’m also a fan of William Gibson’s, and long suspected he’s a lefty, as well?

Finally finding proof today, has made my morning.

~≈◀️≈~

Just as a last thought … ?

My nephew, Jude, was over, last night.

And … ?

I think we missed most of the Eclipse Excitement.

Still … ?

One: it darkened, noticeably.

Two?

We got a video, done!

~≈🚘≈~

As a definite last thought … ?

Jude and I had pizza, last night.

Normally, we’d order from out local Dominos.

But, for the last few weeks?

Their site’s refused to take my cards.

Why?

I don’t know.

So?

As we have for the last few weeks, we’ve ended up ordering from Pizza Hut.

Why hasn’t Dominos site taken my card?

When Pizza Hut’s happily will?

I don’t know.

I suspect I may need to clear my caches, and history.

But will only know for sure, if I can get through with another browser: given the timing, I’ll have to try that, next week.

~≈🍕≈~

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 — 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 — 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 — 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 — 20-7-2026 — Colombia

20th July, 2026: Colombia.

Right … it’s Monday, again.

And … ?

After taking weight loss medication, last Friday, it’s time for me to head for my weight loss weigh in.

Keep you’re fingers crossed, please: while you’re doing that, I’ll be hoping the bag of crisps I had, yesterday, won’t show up!

~≈🥨≈~

Andy Burnham* gets sworn in as Prime Minister, today.

I wish him luck: although my cynical side has a question.

When exactly, will he resign?

We’ve got through a few PMs, since 2016.

~≈🔟≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-7-2026 — Crashed

19th July, 2026: Crashed.

Right … there are times you wake up with an earworm.

In my case?

Kelis’ “Milkshake”.

Although my internal audio kept telling me the think was called “Ice cream”: but there you go.

Right now … ?

I’m chasing off Kelis with Whose Afraid (of the Art of Noise).

With all due respect to Manhattan’s finest?

“Milkshake” was getting a bit persistent … !

~≈🥤≈~

With Andy Burnham due to take over as prime minister, tomorrow?

I’m aware there’s calls for him to hold a general election.

I’m also aware that one voice calling for this is Nigel Farage: currently facing a potential loss of his seat to Count Binface.

And just as possibly looking for a way to recover from an embarrassing defeat.

Personally?

And whilst I hate to agree with Nigel Farage?

I think Mr Burnham should call a general election.

It would give him an official mandate from the public.

~≈🗳️≈~

One thing I should add?

It that Radio Four’s been full of it.

News, I should say, the Mr Burnham’s plans for tomorrow, include scrapping Keir Starmer’s planned digital ID scheme.

I’m glad to hear it.

Experience told me that people who don’t have the smart phone needed, who couldn’t afford the smart phone needed, for the mandatory version of the scheme, would need one bought for them.

At the government’s expense.

Frankly?

The scheme was half arsed, at best.

Scrapping it?

Is sensible.

~≈Œ≈~

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 — 11-7-2026 — World Horse Day (Ten Questions)

11th July, 2026.

Anne Widdecombe, a retired politician, has died: and is believed to have been killed.

A twenty-six year-old man has been released: after being arrested on suspicion of murder.

I was never a fan of the woman: Ms Widdecombe’s politics were always a little too right of centre, a little too Eurosceptic, for my tastes.

But … ?

I’m wondering this: why on Earth was she killed?

Was it revenge for something?

A burglary gone wrong?

Heck, an assassination?   Although I think that’s unlikely.

What on Earth happened?

We’ll probably only find out when — or if — there’s a trial.

~≈🐎≈~

I’ve already mentioned that I’ve seen adverts: for extremely high capacity, extremely suspicious, extremely cheap external hard drives.

Fraudulent ones, I should add.

Yesterday?

I caught this piece on the BBC’s news site: that tells us there’s now adverts for fans, fans ‘designed by NASA engineers’, that are just as fraudulent.

As much as I’d like to say I’m shocked to hear about these dodgy fans … ?

I’m not.

The human tendency to trick people out of their cash really isn’t surprising!

~≈🪭≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-7-2026 — Argentina

9th July, 2026: Argentina.

It’s official: I’ve uploaded a video!

But you’ve possibly guessed that.

And possibly already noticed that uploading a video to tell you I’ve uploaded a video seems a little recursive.

For want of a better word!

At any rate?

I caught the first episode of For All Mankind’s new series: and thought I should tell you about it!

~≈👨‍🚀≈~

Oh … the BBC’s new site released this article, a few days ago: telling us many companies are renting out robots, and questioning what use the robots are.

It’s mostly entertainment ones getting rented out, it seems: ones doing tasks that are easy to program.

That’s not necessarily caught my attention, though.

The simple fact that companies are renting out robots is what caught me.

Why?

Because renting out electronics is an old idea: Brentwood had a branch of Radio Rentals, after all.

That’s not the first thing I thought of, though.

No.

I thought of Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot.

That’s the first place I saw the idea … !

~≈🤖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8-7-2026 — Number 189.

8th July, 2026: the Number 189.

Right, then: as we speak, stuff is being pencilled in!

Or, at least, drafted!

Yes: I’ve started watching For All Mankind’s fifth series, and am working on my review of the first episode.

That should be done by tomorrow, hopefully: keep your eyes peeled!

~≈♂︎≈~

In the wake of some financial scandals?

In the wake of some financial scandals, Reform leader, Nigel Farage, has handed in his resignation as an MP.

Or, at least, applied for the post of ‘Crown Steward and Bailiff of the Chiltern Hundreds’, the Parliamentary equivalent.

He’s also announced he will be standing in the ensuing by-election, in an effort to clear his name.

It’s a publicity stunt, I think.   And one that would make me less likely to vote for the man: even given I’m not a Reform voter.

I’ll give the man credit for taking a political risk.

But?

I’d rather spoil my vote, than vote for a right wing candidate like Farage!

I’m also aware that — from what the Today Programme has said — if or when he is re-elected, he would still have a parliamentary enquiry into his finances.

I’m also wondering what would happen if his resignation were refused.

Apart from a certain amount of embarrassment, that is.

All of this is not why I’m annoyed about Farage’s actions.

Firstly?

Given his re-election wouldn’t stop a Parliamentary enquiry, I think any by-election is a waste of public money.

And, secondly?

The other, rival parties — Labour, the Tories, the Lib-Dems, Greens and Restore Britain — have all announced that they would not be standing in it: as they regard Farage’s actions as a stunt.

I can appreciate their point.

But think not opposing the idiot, not standing against him is profoundly undemocratic.

It’s denying voters a choice of candidates.

I can only encourage Clacton voters to either vote for the inevitable comedy candidates that turn up.

Or spoil their votes.

Or hope that Mr Farage’s resignation is refused: until the enquiry is completed.

~≈X≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4-7-2026 — Independence Day (Ten Questions)

4th July, 2026: Independence Day.

I suspect a lot’s going to be happening, today.

Or, at least, I hope there is!

Personally?

I don’t get paid until this Friday: so I’m not doing any thing exciting.

However, the USA … ?

It’s Independence Day.

So … ?

I’m going to officially wish the country a Happy Birthday … whilst thinking the country has a sillier twit than usual in charge!

~≈🇺🇸≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 1-7-2026 — New Brunswick. (Ten Questions)

1st July, 2026: New Brunswick.

I think it’s official.

No, I know it’s official.

It’s Wednesday!

Although quite why I thought it was Tuesday, I don’t know.

I spent most of Friday, just gone, convinced it was Saturday.

Why do people’s brain do that?

Tell them it’s Day A, when it’s actually Day B?

I wish I knew.

It would possibly explain a lot!

~≈📆≈~

On other fronts?

I had a letter, the other day: from the NHS hospital that had carried out my most recent stool sample tests.

The letter told me I was — thankfully! —   free of any issues.

I have to admit to mixed feelings.

On the one hand, ‘free of any issues’ means I have nothing that needs removing.

No polyps, no cancerous bodies.

It also means I’ve avoided a colonoscopy.

Which is a good thing: as effective as they are, they’re not exactly comfortable!

On the other hand?

I’ve got the worry that the test has missed something.

And that — as uncomfortable as the procedure is — having a colonoscopy means I could be certain I’m free of bowel cancer.

It’s … well … 

It’s a mixed result, I think.

~≈🚑≈~

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 — 29-6-2026 — the Number 180.

29th June, 2026.

Yes: it’s another Monday … !

So, it’s another weigh-in, at the usual place.

And, given I gained half a kilo, last week?

I’m hoping I’ve lost something this week.

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

~≈🏋️‍♂️≈~

The other thing I have to do … ?

Is get some olive oil.

I suffer with earwax.

There’s plenty of ways of dealing with that.

But … ?

I usually find putting olive oil in my ear, helps.

I’m looking forward getting hold of some.

Right at the moment, B. A. Robertson sounds very muffled … 

~≈💥≈~

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 — 23-6-2026 — The Referendum

23rd June, 2026: the Referendum.

Right … it’s the anniversary of a well known referendum.

One I mentioned, here, and here.

I sound more undecided than I actually was: eventually voting Remain, as I felt — and still feel — my nephew, Jude, should be able to freely move around the Schengen Area.

Unfortunately?

Others felt differently.

The vote to Leave?

Was and is the biggest mistake of the UK’s life.

~≈€≈~

On a possibly happier front?

I notice, from reading those old posts?

That it was raining on the morning of 23rd June, 2016.

It was raining, again, this morning: thunder storming, in fact.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paul Nik Nak Downie (@mrcuddy2977)

Was that significant?

Meaningful?

Purely co-incidental?

Frankly?

I think it was purely co-incidental.

The UK’s only got so many weather patterns.

~≈€≈~

Oh … I had a couple of new t-shirts turn up, yesterday: a couple of custom prints from an online t-shirt printing place.

The emoji one?

Is getting some positive attention from a couple of Terry Pratchett sites I’m on.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/weatentdeadyet/posts/1715039069525281/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2632759343717701/posts/4440545029605781/

The second … ?

Well, the second is from the original West End Games version of Paranoia.

If you want to use the image in your own t-shirt?

Go right on ahead … !

~≈👕≈~

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!

~≈💇‍♂️≈~