Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th September, 2021

30th September, 2021.

I’ve just had another look: and yes.

It’s raining!

Which means just one thing.

I’m going to get wet, when I pick up my meds!

~≈fl≈~

You will have realised that I’m job hunting, at the moment.

Like most of us on Universal Credit, I’m getting the £20 weekly uplift to my benefits: which adds up to some eighty or so pounds a week, and that’s due to end in next week.

At least, that’s what Radio 4’s Today programme is telling me.

Apparently?   There’s a grant — called the Housing Support Fund — that’s due to be started in October.

I’ve been messaging my Job Centre case worker, and Brentwood Council, AND my councillors, to see how I apply for that.

But … ?

My basic objection to that sort of thing still remains.

A large, one off grant?   Is not as useful as the direct £20 uplift.

And, given this grant will be administered by my local council?

Sounds like it’ll be far more difficult to apply for.

~≈fl≈~

As a final point … ?

I caught another episode of Lovecraft Country on Tuesday: and uploaded my video review, last night.

Can I suggest catching this episode?

It’s fantastic: Raiders of the Lost Ark meets Call of Cthulhu meets The Goonies only starts to describe it.

~≈fl≈~

Lovecraft Country — Series 1 Episode 4 — A History of Violence: A Review

28th September, 2021.

I think, right now?

That I can say two things.

I’ve had word, earlier today: that the interview that had been booked up for Friday has been cancelled.

Which is bloody annoying!

On the upside … ?

I’ve just seen episode four of Lovecraft Country, will be telling you more about it, tomorrow … 

But, boy!

I’ve seen a fantastic piece of work!

~≈🦑≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-9-2021: Cervantes

29th September, 2021.

It’s officially official: I’m mildly annoyed.

I had an interview arranged for Friday, 8th October.

Which got cancelled, yesterday.

Apparently, the store ‘no longer required the role.’

I’m … annoyed … 

But what CAN you do … ?

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th September, 2021.

28th September, 2021.

You’ve worked out I’m a Dr Who fan, haven’t you … ?

It’s not like I’ve hidden it, over the years.

I’m one who’s enjoyed the spin-offs I’ve seen, over the years, as well: including Torchwood.

I’m also aware of the return of Russell T. Davies to the show runner post he practically created when he revived the show, back in 2005.

He also managed to do something no one else has managed to do.

Create successful spin offs: that lasted.

I think the only thing that stopped The Sarah Jane Adventures was the sad death of Elisabeth Sladen.

Torchwood’s ending … ?   Was a little murkier, I think.

Basically … ?   It was never renewed, after the fourth series, Miracle Day, was cancelled.

Which is a shame: I feel it could well have carried on, and remained successful.

Now … given RTD is returning to the fold?   I feel a revival for Torchwood is potentially on the cards.

I don’t know for sure: it could be nice, but we’ll have to see.

I think we could see Torchwood spin-offs.

I can remember seeing one of the early episode of the original series: where Jack gives us a run-down of other branches of the Torchwood Institute.   Describing Torchwood Two as an office in Glasgow, and Torchwood Four as having gone missing.

Which, to me, implies the series is capable of being franchised in the same way as Star Trek: where the individual spin offs cover the adventures of individual ships.

Or like the CSI or Law and Order franchises: where each series would cover a given branch office.

Could it would?   I believe so: and believe Russell T. Davies is the one person capable of making it work.

But we’d have to see.

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th September, 2021.

27th September, 2021.

Why on Earth did that happen … ?

I got an early-ish night, last night.

With a book.

Ian Fleming’s Goldfinger, in case you’re interested.

And managed to get to sleep a little later.

Until someone rung my doorbell: at quarter past midnight!

Quite who that was, I don’t know: I wasn’t exactly going to get out of bed, at that time of night!

Whoever it was?

I hope they sorted out whatever they problem was.

Because they weren’t getting help from me.

~≈🛌≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th September, 2021

26th September, 2021

Did I mention I get tested for COVID-19, every month or so?

I get tested for COVID-19, every month our so: as part of the Office for National Statistics COVID-19 study.

Last time … ?

I tested positive for the condition.

Wouldn’t you know it?

I sneezed twice, coughed once and had a blocked nose.

You have to be grateful for vaccination, don’t you?

At ANY rate?

Having tested positive?

I had to isolate for ten days.

Thankfully?   That last day was yesterday.

I can now happily go for a walk.

I’m looking forward to that.

Frankly?

I need the fresh air.

~≈🦠≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th October, 2021.

25th September, 2021.

Right … I’m assuming you’ve seen the news?

If you haven’t, Russell T. Davies — the producer who successfully revived Doctor Who, back in 2005 — has been reappointed as show runner: in something of an unprecedented move.

I have to admit, I’m in two minds.

On the one hand … ?

The man was instrumenting in the show’s revival: and responsible for what’s seen as a golden age.

A second Davies era could well be a good idea.

On the other hand … ?

It could well be a creative step backwards.

After all, the show has moved forward: both in terms of the story lines, and in the technology.

I think I can say a few things, though.

It’s a safe bet that Christopher Eccleston won’t be back for the show’s sixtieth anniversary.

Given that Eccleston’s relationship with his immediate superiors is known to have been rocky.

I always think that we can scrub most of the bookies favourites for the role of the Fourteenth Doctor.

With the possible exception of Olly Alexander.

As I think the new actor could well come from the company that worked with Davies on It’s a Sin, or Years and Years, as Alexander did.

I was also thinking — last night — that Lydia West was a possible contender for either 14th Doctor, or as a new companion.

Although, in the cold light of day, and given her other commitments?

That seems less likely.

Frankly?   And come 2023, when Davies is scheduled to take over?

That’s when we find out … 

~≈📺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-9-2021: Jim Henson

24th September, 2021.

I don’t know about you: but occasionally … ?

I look out of the rear window.

Just so you know: the buildings on our estate have green emergency lights.

And, on dark mornings, when light from the street lights in the area hits the clouds?

The block of flats always catches my eyes.

Except in daylight, of course.

It’ll only start looking similar — and possibly better lit — this evening.

After my Sainsbury’s delivery has turned up.

~≈fl≈~

Many years ago, I can remember we had a petrol shortage: I can still remember the queues down Warley Hill, from the nearest petrol station.

Britain doesn’t have one, at the moment.

It does have a shortage of truck drivers.

Including, it seems, ones that drive the lorries that deliver petrol to garages*.

I don’t think the shortage is going to last long.

But … ?   For me it highlights something.

There is, it seems, an idea doing the rounds: that says the government should class lorry drivers as key workers, and therefore offer more, and quicker, visa applications to European drivers.

I think that’s a good idea.

But note the irony.

So many Leavers voted leave, so more British people could have those jobs.

Except, of course … ?   No-one British wants them … 

Hence the shortages … and the visas.

Hey, bloody, ho … !

~≈fl≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-9-2021: Nep’s Tune

23rd September, 2021.

Right … 

It’s officially pay day: or, at least, the day my benefits go through.

And, frankly?   The last full month of the £20 uplift to my Universal Credit.

That’s due to end on the 30th September.

I suspect I — like everyone else I know who’s ion the benefit? — will be hoping that the government will decide to make the thing permanent: at the last minute.

I should coco … 

~≈£≈~

Lovecraft Country — Series 1 Episode 3 — Holy Ghost: A Review

21st September, 2021.

Right … 

It’s Tuesday, again.

And, frankly?

Yes: I’m still stuck indoors.

You HAVE to love coronavirus testing, don’t you?

However, being stuck indoors does not mean I can’t do things.

Even if it’s something simple, like … um … watching a film.

Watch I did, a couple of days ago.

I’d suggest watching Candyman, by the way: it’s rather good.

Tonight?

I’ve had a plateful of goulash: and seen episode three of Lovecraft Country.

And will tell you more, once I’ve had a good nights sleep.

~≈🐙≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-9-2021: The Autumn Equinox

22nd September, 2021.

Yes: it’s the 22nd of September, 2021.

Which means it’s the Autumn Equinox.

Which means … ?

Well, to be frank, it means I’m still stuck indoors, regardless of whether it’s daylight.

~≈Ê≈~

I was watching the BBC’s news channel, yesterday.

When the BBC’s politics correspondent, Laura Kuenssberg, managed to corner Boris Johnson about the £20 uplift to Universal Credit.

Ha!

When asked about it?   He told Ms Kuenssberg making it permanent were not something his government were planning on: as wages were going up, and unemployment was falling.

As someone who still doesn’t have a job … ?

Well: I think I tweet my thoughts perfectly well.

@BorisJohnson has evaded @bbclaurak’s questions about the #£20uplift to #UniversalCredit: instead telling her that wages are going up, and unemployment, falling.

That’s no good to me.

No-one’s offering me a job.

The #uplift is more use than the #primeminister & his government.

— Paul Downie (@Cuddy2977) September 21, 2021

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-9-2021: Belize

21st September, 2021.

OK … I’ll admit it: I got up before sunrise.

I usually do, as the nights start drawing in.

Frankly?

I’m enough of a romantic to think it looks … well … romantic.

Especially when I’m stuck indoors … 

~≈🚪≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-9-2021: The Moomins

20th September, 2021.

Yes: it’s day three of self-isolation — after testing positive for COVID-19 — and walls are being climbed.

It would be nice to go for a walk.

But … ?

Them’s the rules.

They’re frustrating.

Especially when you don’t have a garden to exercise in … 

~≈🦠≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-9-2021: Talk Like A Pirate

19th September, 2021.

Right … It’s day whatever it is of self-isolation … 

And … ?

With a little bit of help, I’ve done some online shopper … that’s not on Amazon.

Forty quid’s worth of bits and bobs, for the most part.

Including a loaf, and some milk.

Oh, and some carrots.

Somehow, my version of goulash needs carrots …

~≈🥕≈~

Oh, FINALLY … !

I saw a film on Friday.

The 2021 version of Candyman: which is quite something.

I could carry on raving about it.

But … ?

I’ll play you the soundtrack … and show you my video review … 

~≈🐝≈~

Candyman (2021) — A Review

18th September, 2021

OK … 

I am — in the immortal words of Hector the Hound … ? — a great big silly old Hector.

I usually start my film reviews off, the evening I watch the films concerned.

Then finish them off the next day, after a good night’s sleep.

You’ll have to take the thought as the metaphorical — metaphorical? proverbial? — deed.

And assume I started this, last night.

At any rate, last night’s film was something I’ve been meaning to watch for some time.

Yes: the 2021, Nia DaCosta directed, Jordan Peele produced, horror film, Candyman.

~≈📽≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-9-2021: The New York Times

18th September, 2021

Bugger!

If you’ll excuse the language!

I’ve tested positive for COVID-19.

At my last ONS swab test, a few days ago.

Which means I’ve got to self isolate for the next few days.

OK, granted, it’s for a good cause.

And, granted, I had it mild*.

But I’m going to be climbing the walls by the end of it.

~≈🦠≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th September, 2021.

17th September, 2021.

Drat is definitely the word, I think.

The bulb in my lamp has gone.

I think I’m going to have to buy a new one … as it’s a screw-in bulb, rather then a bayonet one.

In other words … ?

It’s a bulb I don’t have!

Oy!

~≈💡≈~

A hero died yesterday.

I grew up in the 1980s: back when home computers — cheap computers aimed at the home user — were invented.

They were everywhere: the Oric, the BBC, the Commodore 64 … 

The ZX Spectrum: the computer I grew up on, and the computer that taught a generation of British programmers to code, in much the same way that people are now learning on the Raspberry Pi.

Especially the games programmers.

At least one old friend owes his career to the Spectrum: and to the man who invented it.

It was cheap, available, and comparatively easy to use.

Yesterday … ?

Yesterday saw the death of inventor, Clive Sinclair: the man behind Sinclair Research, and the ZX Spectrum, died.

The man could, famously, be difficult to work with … but also was possibly* the biggest influence on the British computer industry, today.

He’ll be missed: and hard to replace.

~≈🌈≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th September, 2021

16th September, 2021.

You know, I could be kicking myself.

Possibly.

Except I’d possibly miss!

You see, I didn’t pick my medications up, yesterday: having headed into Romford, to cash out some bits at Romford CeX.

On the upside … ?

I have enough cash to get shopping: I can get the meds at the same time.

~≈fl≈~

Lovecraft Country — Series 1 Episode 2 — Whitey’s on the Moon: A Review

14th September, 2021.

Right … It’s officially ten o’clock in the evening of 14th September, 2021.

And, any minute now?

I’m going to hit the sack.

I have to be up, early, tomorrow: for for my next swab test by the ONS.

And because I’m selling a neighbour’s laptop for them.

I’m expecting the buyer at some point … 

Either way?

I’ll be back at this post, tomorrow: to tell you about the next episode of Lovecraft Country … 

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-9-2021: Agatha

15th September, 2021

Yes: it’s officially official.

I’ve got the tester from the ONS due here at ten.

I’ve ALSO got to get to town to get some medication, as well: and do my exercises … 

AND I’m trying to sell a neighbours laptop.

Hopefully … ?

I’ll have JUST enough time to finish filling that form in!

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-9-2021: Dante Alighieri.

14th September, 2021.

You know … today’s going to be one of those days, I think.

Believe it or not: I’ve got my washing machine on, washing some socks.

Whilst, simultaneously?

Boiling the famous Big Pot.

Yes: you’re right.

It’s teatowel cleaning day.

By the time the socks are washed … ?

The teatowels will just be started to do.

~≈⌘≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13th September, 2021

13th September, 2021.

Yes: it’s that time of the fortnight.

I’ve got an official meeting with the Job Centre.

By video: which is appreciated.

Especially as I’ve not got the fare to Basildon.

At ANY rate?   It’s with my regular case worker: as she’s now back from leave.

Which is nice: I finally get to see what she looks like!

~≈👁≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th September, 2021.

12th September, 2021.

Nice things and sad things … nice … and sad … … 

Did you ever hear about the Crucible Curse?

Basically?   Any snooker player that wins the World Championship won’t win the year afterwards.

Oh, they’ll win again: Steven Hendry, Steve Davis, Ronnie O’Sullivan, Ray Reardon, have all won multiple times.

Just not the year after their first win.

It’s supposed to be a largely psychological thing.

If I’ve understood it, a player’s first win at Snooker’s biggest event is partially a result of them have low expectations.

And therefore no pressure.

The second year … ?   There’s tons of stress … as everyone’s got their eyes on the defending champion.

So … ?

I heard the news, this morning, that the UK’s Emma Raducanu has won the women’s Championship in New York.

As a qualifier: a complete unknown, coming out of nowhere, and winning the event without dropping a set.

Good for her.

But … ?

I’m thinking the Crucible Curse — or, at least, a tennis equivalent — might come into effect, here.

Can she win the next big event?

Given she’s won this?

Good luck on that Front, Emma.

~≈🎾≈~

Sad things … sad things … 

Did you ever hear of a Spanish singer called María Mendiola?

She was one half of Baccara: the duo that had a huge hit, back in the day, with Yes Sir, I Can Boogie: and died, last night, at the age of 69.

That’s sad: especially when you consider 69 is no age at all!

The least I can do … ?   Is play that song.

It only seems right.

~≈🎼≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-9-2021: The Day The World Changed

11th September, 2021.

Right … it’s a Saturday morning: one that — looking out of the window — looking distinctly overcast.

Hopefully?   And much like yesterday?

I’ll avoid any potential rain.

~≈💧≈~

You know, I’m willing to bet people are going to whinge.

About money, and prices.   I know I do.

So, of course, I couldn’t help but notice the news.

3 — the mobile phone providers — are to re-introduce roaming charges to any UK customer travelling in the EU.

And that PayPal are to raise charges for UK customers, sending money to, or receiving money from, the EU area.

I’m willing to bet many who voted Leave, in the 2016 Referendum, are complaining.

“We voted for freedom,” many would say.

Well, yes.

But, from the little I’ve understood?

It also means a lack of food on the shelves: because there’s a lack of European lorry drivers living in the UK.

And prices going up: because dealing with Europe mean paying extra charges.

Frankly?

We should have stayed in.

And should maybe rejoin.

Frankly, anything that put prices down is a good thing.

~≈🇪🇺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th September, 2021

10th September, 2021.

Yes: I’ve actually got a busy day, today.

I’ve finally got  date for a diabetic eye test, this afternoon: up in Warley.

And have to pick up a Fit note from my surgery, this morning.

AND order some a repeat prescription along the way.

I THINK I’m going to be busy … 

~≈👁≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th September, 2021.

9th September, 2021.

Yes: it’s officially rained, overnight.

And the day … ?   Is officially cloudy.

Which makes a nice change: even if the BBC’s weather pages tells me it’s going to be 23ºc, today.

Hey ho!

~≈🌤≈~

Oh, Boy, but I’m tired!

To the point where going back to bed seems to make sense.

Getting to bed at twelve-thirty does not get easier, as you get older.

But … ?

I’m tired as a result of finishing my review of Sundown: the first episode of series one of Lovecraft Country.

As knackered as it’s left me?

I think I’ve done some good work.

~≈🦑≈~

Lovecraft Country — Series 1 Episode 1 — Sundown: A Review

7th September, 2021.

 Right … 

It’s getting late at night: so we can safely say that it’s no longer sunny.

It’s dark out, in point of fact.

Which I can live with, especially after a long day.

At any rate?   Having done a few bits indoors, done the usual jobhunting, and done various bits for Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar?

I have to admit that I was at a loose end: and fancied watching something.

With no idea if that something was going to be a film or TV show.

Oh, I’ve access to plenty of films.

But I’d see a few, recently, and fancied a change of pace.

Given today saw the death of Michael K. Williams, and that he had a part in the series I’ve had in the collection for a while?

I felt making a start on Lovecraft Country seemed the thing.

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8-9-2021: Peter Sellers.

8th September, 2021.

Yes: it’s officially going to be another nice day.

Yes: there’s going to be sunshine, with a hint of cloud, and a distinct hint of hot.

It could get sweaty.

~≈Ç≈~

You’re possibly aware of a couple of things.

Or maybe not.

At ANY rate … ?

I caught a TV show: the first episode of Lovecraft Country.

I’ll have my video and written review up, tonight.

Talking of reviews?

I can’t help but notice that — according to the BBC article — Dune seems to have proved popular with critics.

Hopefully?

That could mean it’ll do well.

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7-9-2021: Rosh Hashanah.

7th September, 2021.

Right … it’s official Tuesday: and it’s officially open windows day.

Frankly?

It’s going to be a warm day.

Quite why it’s this warm, at the start of September, I couldn’t tell you.

I do know I’m going to be uncomfortable!

~≈🌞≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6-9-2021: Bulgaria

6th September, 2021.

Stuff, stuff, stuff … and more stuff!

Believe it or not, I’ve got a phone meeting, today: with my Work and Health Programme case worker.

That’s at ten, so I’m feeling slightly rushed.

I’ve also got to get to my GP’s, to get a Fit note.

THEN get a little shopping: I’m thinking Chilli con Carne would be good, so I’d need peppers.

All that … and get back for six thirty.

The new series of Just a Minute, with Sue Perkins in the chair, starts tonight.

That should be good.

~≈ß≈~

I have to admit, I’m not usually a big music fan.

But was saddened to hear, yesterday, about the death of Girls Aloud member, Sarah Harding: at the age of thirty-nine.

That’s way too young!

RIP Sarah.

~≈ß≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5th September, 2021

5th September, 2021.

Right … it’s officially official … 

I’m still going off parsnips … but owe a big ‘thank you,’ to every one who’s made suggestions.

Debbi, Trevor, Olga?   Thanking you … !

At ANY rate … ?

I’ve got one last bowl left: that I might just have to de-parsnip.

~≈fl≈~