Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th February 2023.

28th February, 2023.

Yay!

I’ve managed to finish it!

Finish what, I hear you ask.

My most recent review: of ‘Happy Valley*,’ the fourth episode of For All Mankind.

That’s an episode with one hell of a cliff hanger.

And one hell of a villain: I can’t but think the character’s loosely based on Steve Jobs.

Let’s face it, he — and the likes of Sir Richard Branson, Bill Gates and Alan Sugar — can be as charismatic as the want … but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re nice … 

~≈≈~

I’m something of a Terry Pratchett fan: buying everything he wrote over the course of many years.

They’re on a shelf in the bedroom, so you know.

And was saddened by the news of his Alzheimer’s, and his eventual death.

There was no more Discworld novels to come: especially as his will specified that unfinished work was to be destroyed.

By a steam roller.

Yesterday, however?

The BBC news announced that several published short stories were to be republished, this October.

I think I’m going to have to save up for that.

Unless someone want’s to buy me a really late birthday present … !

~≈💾≈~

For All Mankind — Series 3 Episode 4 — Happy Valley — A Review

26th February, 2023: ‘Happy Valley.’

Yes!

It’s Sunday night!

And, frankly?

I’ve just had dinner.

You’d possibly guessed that, by now!

You’ve possibly also guessed what I’m going to tell you next.

Yes: as I’ve been doing for for the past few weeks, I’m going to be settling in with the next episode of For All Mankind’s third series.

Judging by the various bits of blurb that I’ve scrupulously avoided?

It sounds like a good episode.

~≈🚀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th February 2023.

27th February, 2023.

Right … it’s Monday … 

And … ?

Beyond finishing a TV review, writing a few quizzes, doing a few bits around the house, doing some exercises, buying milk, going for a walk, sorting out the Northern Irish Protocol, arranging for long term peace in the Middle East, staring lovingly at my new blinds, inventing a shift in thought that reduces human cruelty and maybe do some job hunting, I’ve not got much planned.

Well … beyond buying that milk, that is.

We’ll just have to see.

~≈🥛≈~

Talking of job hunting … ?

Something I noticed floating across the news, today?

Was this piece.

Telling us the government has introduced a new incentive for Job Centre staff.

Staff at the best performing Job Centres will get a £250 bonus.

Staff at the next best performing ones will get £125.

I like the idea: it’ll motivate staff to do well.

But?

It won’t help me — and others like me — get a job.

Employers will refuse to hire us because we’re the wrong fit for the position … not because someone gets a reward*.

~≈👨‍💼≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th February 2023 Teaser.

26th February, 2023.

Yes: I’m experimental, today.

One thing I got with a recent batch of birthday money … ?

I managed to get an extra webcam: as I’d been rather impressed with the camera Jude — my nephew — had for Christmas.

It’s not perfect: but works well enough, and can record in 2k resolution.

Whether it make’s much different to a video review?

I don’t know.

If you could let me know … ?

~≈§≈~

Star Trek Picard — Series 3 Episode 2 — Disengage — A Review

SPOILERS!

24th February, 2023: ‘Disengage.’

Right … 

It’s a Friday: again.

And?

Even as we speak, vegetables are boiling, chips — or, at least, chip shaped rose potatoes — are cooking … 

And fish … ?

Is, likewise, being cooked.

Why … ?   I still don’t know.

Explanations on the back of a postcard, please!

~≈🖖≈~

At any rate, the point I’m trying to make?

Is that it’s Friday: and, again?

I’m going to watching another episode of Star Trek Picard, tonight.

Episode two, so you know: called ‘Disengage.’

I’ll have this review finished, and posted, tomorrow night.

I’ll see you then.

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th February 2023.

25th February, 2023.

Right … 

It’s officially hovering around the 4º mark: according to the BBC’s weather site.

Not exactly sub-zero: but definitely a temperature with an edge.

Which means … ?

That having a haircut, yesterday, possibly wasn’t the wisest idea … but at least I feel less shaggy.

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th February 2023.

24th February, 2023.

Yes: it’s Friday.

Yes: I went shopping, yesterday.

And yes … 

There’s always something I forget!

Tea bags and sugar.

Saying that … ?

I’ve got enough for now.

But given I’ve learnt how to use the shopping list app on the relevant shop’s App?

Yes: I’m kicking myself!

~≈🛒≈~

You know … I’ve a question in today’s set: about Russia’s invasion of somewhere, a year ago, today.

It should be obvious where I’m talking about: but I don’t want to give you too many clues!

At any rate?   I sympathies are with the invaded small nation.

And, try as I might … ?

I’m thinking I should try and find a copy of the old 2000AD strip, Invasion: about a Volgan — ha! — invasion of Britain.

Thinking of that story is inevitable, given the day.

At any rate … ?

I can remember that many I knew were showing support for the country: by adding the now familiar blue and yellow flag to their profiles.

Something I’ve personally not done: and don’t see myself doing.

Why?   Outside of thinking it’s virtue signalling, and groupthink*?

I don’t think it serves any useful purpose.

It’s not sending bullets, tanks or planes to the invaded country’s army, after all.

~≈🥷≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-2-2023 — The Emperor’s Birthday.

23rd February, 2023: The Emperor’s Birthday.

Right … it’s officially pay day.

Frankly?

That leaves me doing one thing: paying the bills.

Yes: it’s all fun and games!

~≈Œ≈~

I follow the news, occasionally: indeed, I’ve got Radio 4’s flagship Today programme on, as I write.

I’m ALSO aware I’m connected to the ’Net with what’s called a Social Tariff: a cheap internet connection, aimed at those of us on a low income.

Personally?   I think a bit more could be done to promote these.

And, possibly, make them cheaper.

It seems a few people agree: as various bodies have spoken to the relevant House of Lords committees, arguing more should be done to promote them, and that they should not be liable to Value Added Tax, for VAT.

Here’s hoping that helps!

~≈Œ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd January 2023

22nd February, 2023.

Yes: it’s official.

I’ve now assembled … the chair!

That … ?

Is rather comfortable, but took a lot of swearing to put together.

And … ?

There is — as with many office chairs — a lever arm that let’s you raise and lower the seat.

Which I think I’ve got on the wrong — ha! — side.

I’m not complaining too much.

It means it’s on the left, instead of the right: and, as I’m left handed … ?

That’s useful … !

~≈¥≈~

There’s a treaty doing the rounds: isn’t there always?

Let’s begin again, there!

There’s a treaty doing the rounds: known as the New START treaty.

One that was signed back in 2010: and designed — from what I’ve understood — to limit nuclear weapons.

Just recently, though?

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has announced he’s suspending Russian participation in the thing.

I don’t know if that means he can start expanding Russia’s nuclear armoury.

I’m no legal expert …  but I’m wondering if that means he can start using H-bombs in the Ukraine.

That really doesn’t sound like a nice idea … … 

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-2-2023 — The Communist Manifesto.

21st February, 2023: The Communist Manifesto.

YAY!

It’s officially official!

I had me nephew, Jude, over, yesterday.

And?   We got the video we’d been working, last week, finished.

Feel free to hit Like and Share, please!

Jude ALSO fancies doing a live stream: something I’ve never done, so I’m going to have to read up on.

Hey HO!

~≈¥≈~

At ANY rate?

That wasn’t the only video posted, yesterday.

Nope: I managed to catch ‘All In,’ the third episode of For All Mankind’s third series.

You know … I think footnotes can be handy … … 

~≈¥≈~

For All Mankind — Series 3 Episode 3 — All In — A Review

19th February, 2023: All In.

It’s Sunday … !

You’d noticed that, already.

And frankly?   I’m doing what thousands of others are doing: and cooking dinner … before I watch some TV.

Yes: it’s Sunday … 

So I’ll be watching ‘All In,’ the next episode of For All Mankind’s third season.

I’ll have my written, and video, up, tomorrow night!

~≈🚀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-2-2023 — The Futurist Manifesto.

20th February, 2023: The Futurist Manifesto.

Yes: it’s Monday.

And, frankly?

That mean’s I’ve got my nephew, this afternoon!

Finally!   We get to finish that video … !

~≈®≈~

Talking of whom … ?

I was actually at Jude and his mother’s new flat, yesterday: for my first visit

It’s in an old converted Manor House near me.

And it has to be said: some of the views are quite nice!

Apparently?   There’s even a nearby cricket ground, as well.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th February 2023.

19th February, 2023.

Yep: it’s Sunday.

And … ?   I’m getting to see my sister’s new flat.

I might just have to persuade someone they’ve got a nice bedroom!

We’ll just have to see.

~≈Î≈~

You’re possibly aware I watch the occasional bout of TV: having notice my recent review of For All Mankind’s second episode.

But I’ve also caught the first episode of Star Trek Picard: it’s called ‘The Next Generation,’ and looking rather good.

It’s you’d like to read my written review — or watch the video version — you’d be perfectly welcome to.

Hitting the like button would be nice, too!

~≈Î≈~

Star Trek Picard — Series 3 Episode 1 — The Next Generation — A Review

17th February, 2023: The Next Generation.

Right … I’ve officially got dinner on the go.

Fish and chips: again.

This time last Friday … ?

I was telling you about classic Doctor Who series, ‘The Crusade’: the last episode, at any rate.

And Sunday?   Saw me watching — then reviewing — episode two of For All Mankind.

Right now … ?

Dinner’s a’cooking.

Fish and chips, again.

Once that’s eaten?

I’ll be settling in to watch ‘The Next Generation’: the first episode of Star Trek Picard’s third and last series.

You’ll find out more, tomorrow: when I publish my written and video reviews.

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th February 2023.

18th February, 2023.

I was expecting a plumber, yesterday.

Partly … ?   To fix a dripping tap: and partly to sort out my bathtub.

He’d turn up between eight am and five PM, I was told.

Ha!

Did he turn up?

Did he, heck!

It looks like I’m going to have to get in touch with my landlords, again!

~≈🏠≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th February 2023.

17th February, 2023.

Right … 

I have to dusty in … !

I’m expecting a plumber: to check my aging bath tube, and change the tap in my kitchen sink.

Unfortunately?

I’ve been told he’ll turn up between eight AM and five PM.

Bar possibly sneaking out to put my cost of living voucher onto my gas?

I’m going to be stuck indoors all day!

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th February 2023.

16th February, 2023.

I’m right, aren’t I … ?

If it’s not one thing, it’s another!

After the Great Disc Problem of a couple of days ago?   Where my external optical drive stopped working?   And was fixed by a further update?

Yesterday, I started having issues with Safari, my default browser.

It started refusing to open, when needed: bouncing up and down in a way that told me there was issues.

When opening, most Mac apps — if they’re on the Dock at the bottom of the screen — will bounce up and down to tell you they’re opening.

If they stay bouncing, without opening?

You know you’ve got issues.

I had an issue: one I didn’t figure out … until I had a look at the other account on my Mac.

Which had a perfectly working version of Safari.

Which meant the problem was one I had encountered, before.

My Safari .plist file was causing problems.

In Windows, there’s a thing called the Registry: which is where Windows operating systems store users settings on a given machine.

It’s one great big file: way down deep.

.plist files are the nearest Mac equivalent: there your settings for each app you use.

Except there’s multiple ones.   One for each app, each user’s using on a machine.   I’ve got one for Safari, another for Firefox, a third for iMovie, and one for each of the other apps I use.

There’s separate ones for Safari, Firefox,  iMovie, and the other apps … in the other account on this machine.

Diagnosing problems with a .plist file is relative easy.   You log out of your account, and into another: if the app in question works in the latter account, the .plist file in your account has gone wrong.

Your copy of the file only needs deleting, for the app to work.

I logged out of my user account, into the other … to find the other Safari was working perfectly.

My .plist file had gone wrong.

It was a relatively trivial job to delete the thing: it took longer to find it, than to get rid of it.

But once that was done, and Safari working properly?

I heaved a sigh of relief.

~≈🆘≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th February 2023.

15th February, 2023.

Right … I now, officially, have a box!

With a chair in it!

It’s an early birthday gift: and one I plan to assemble … when I get the chance.

It’s going to be a fiddly job, I think!

~≈®≈~

I mentioned, yesterday, that my blu-ray drive was having issues.

But, ever since the macOS 13.2 update, it was happily connected to my Mac … but not showing up.

It seems a few others had been getting the issue: and were reporting it on various sites.

Fortunately for me — and, I suspect, anyone else with a Pioneer optical drive — the problem was fixed: by installing the macOS 13.2.1 update.

I suspect the amount of complaints would have got Apple moving to patch the flaw, fast: there’s possibly a lot of customers — movie companies, included — using Mac systems to make preview blu-rays, if nothing else.

Here’s hoping it doesn’t happen, again.

~≈≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-2-2023 — Silly Love Songs.

14th February, 2023: Silly Love Songs.

Yes: it’s officially official.

I’m expecting an early birthday present, today.

A new chair, if you’re wondering.

It should — according to the text message I’ve just received? — be with me between 15:00 and 16:00.

That’s nice to know.

Now … can someone buy me a bluray drive, please?

Mine’s having issues with macOS Ventura, after a recent update.

I can only hope that the further update — to macOS 13.2.1 — helps!

~≈∑≈~

It’s time to come out of the metaphorical closet: and publicly admit I have type 2 diabetes.

I’m on a shed load of medication, as a result.

Including one called Semaglutide: a weekly injection that’s supposed to help reduce sugar levels — it does — and promote weight loss.

Handy for me, as I’m not exactly Mr Skinny!

I’ve been concerned, recently: as I, and many other diabetics on the stuff have been struggling to get hold of any.

As many … let’s call them celebrities … have been buying it in bulk: JUST to reduce weight.

Something it’s approved for in the US, but not in the UK.

At any rate … ?

It’s not necessarily easy to get … unless you get it on prescription.

And even then, it’s considered experimental.

I’m getting it — in part — to see if it can help me loss a few pounds.

As you’d expect?   There’s a twist in the tail.

As — according to a BBC piece* — many High Street pharmacists have announced they’re planning to sell the stuff: at around £70 to £75 mark.

One?   I’m not sure selling it to people who’ve not been diagnosed with an issue is wise: as it means less for those of us who have.

Two?   I’m glad I get my prescriptions for free†: that’s a LOT of money.

~≈∑≈~

For All Mankind — Series 3 Episode 2 — Game Changer — A Review

12th February, 2023: Game Changer.

Right … it’s Sunday: and … ?

I’m back from my family’s, after dinner … 

And … ?

Frankly, I’m ready for some TV.

I’m going to be watching Game Changer: the second episode of For All Mankind’s third series.

I’m looking forward to it: and getting my review up, tomorrow.

~≈🚀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13th February 2023.

13th February, 2023.

Right … it’s officially Monday morning.

And?

Frankly, I’m expecting a quiet day.

Well … until my nephew, Jude, turns up!

Videos — and a lot of noise — are bound to occur.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th February 2023.

12th February, 2023.

I am officially knackered!

Well … at least, I’m thinking about going back to bed!

I had a late night, last night: writing — and recording — my review of The Warlords: the last episode of the classic Dr Who series, The Crusade.

Quite what everyone’s going to make of it — and the playlist it rode in on — I don’t know.

~≈Ù≈~

Doctor Who — The Crusade Episode 4 — The Warlords — A Review

10th February, 2023: The Warlord.

Right … it’s now Friday.

And I feel vaguely happy.

My YouTube channel seems to have gained an extra channel: it’s now on one thousand, one hundred and seventy subscribers.

Thank you, whoever you are!

You’ve just made my afternoon!

~≈💊≈~

Making my afternoon is one thing. 

Making dinner, though?

Is something else: and something I’m going now.

Fish is in that oven, home made chips are getting burnt … and vegetables being boiled.

And … ?

As soon as I’ve scrapped the burnt bits off, and eaten it, I’ll be watching The Warlords: the last episode of classic Dr Who series, The Crusade.

I’ll have my written — and video — review of it up, tomorrow night.

I’ll see you then.

~≈💊≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-2-2023 — UKSF.

11th February: UKSF.

Yay!

It’s Saturday!

He says.

Perfectly aware that he has nothing to do: bar job hunting … and finishing reviewing the last episode of The Crusade.

That’s going to take a while, I think: there’s possibly a lot to unpack!

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th February 2023.

10th February, 2023.

Right … it’s Friday.

A day that comes complete with fish, chips, vegetables … 

Oh, an episode of Dr Who.

I’m on to the last episode of classic Dr Who series, The Crusade.

That’s possibly going to be a long one: I want to try and cover the box-set it’s part of, too.

~≈∑≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th February 2023.

9th February, 2023.

Right … It’s Thursday.

And it’s a day that I’m expecting to be quiet.

Well … 

Barring a phone call from a physio-therapist.

Here’s hoping that goes well: especially given there’s one exercise I’m finding tough!

~≈®≈~

There’s a Tory MP called Lee Anderson: who’s just been named as Deputy Chair of Britain’s Conservative Party.

Staring a row with a BBC Nottingham presenter in the meantime.

Before being named to the role on Tuesday?

He gave an interview with The Spectator magazine: and came out in support of capital punishment.

The death sentence, in other words.

Apparently?   It’s “100% effective.”

As?   “Nobody has ever committed a crime after being executed.”

He says some will oppose it, on the grounds that their cases cannot be proved, one way or the other.

That modern phone cameras will capture a lot of evidence.

He also tells us “I don’t want to pay for these people.”

Which is fair enough.

But?   Speaking personally?

My own — limited — understanding how capital punishment in the US works, tell me prisoners on death row appeal, and appeal, and appeal the appeal if it goes against them.

And keep appealing until the very end.

And do so on the US equivalent of Legal Aid.

Making it cheaper to keep them alive.

I can only hope that — if that’s the case — that someone can point this out to Mr Anderson.

He’s a Tory: their supposed to like keeping public spending down.

~≈®≈~

Just as a last point … ?

I caught the first episode of Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities, last night.

I’m not going to be given it the review treatment.   I’ve enough on my plate already.

But … ?   It could well be worth your while: Lot 36 is an impressive opener.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8th February 2023.

8th February, 2023.

Yes: it’s official.

I managed to buy a replacement set of blinds, yesterday: as well as host my nephew, Jude.

Chicken strips, potato wedges and a video were the order of the day.

If someone could hit the Like button — or teach Grandma how to share it from YouTube — he’d appreciate it.

At any rate, I mentioned the blinds … ?

I bought some, yesterday: but I’m going to have to take it back.

There’s a couple of plastic rings on Wilko’s-brand blinds: that are supposed to be near the bottom of the string pulleys that let you operate the thing.

The ones on this?   Are jammed up against the top.

And preventing the blinds from dropping.

Frankly?

Back up Warley Hill I go: if I can’t get it replaced, I’d like my money back.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7-2-2023 — You Give Me Fever.

7th February, 2023: You Give Me Fever.

It’s officially officially: my blinds have dropped off!

Well, no … strictly speaking … ?

The string pulley — the thing that lets me open and close the blinds over my back window — has broken.

And, effectively, jammed the blinds open.

I think that’s going to need replacing … once I find my step ‰ladder!

~≈W≈~

Did I mention I watch TV shows?

I watch TV show: and started watching For All Mankind’s third series … and reviewed the first episode.

I hope you enjoy it.

~≈W≈~

For All Mankind — Series 3 Episode 1 — Polaris — A Review

5th February, 2023: For All Mankind — Polaris

Right … 

It’s a Sunday night.

Not something I expect to be watching a movie: or a TV show.

But, none the less?

An evening where — just for a change — I’ve made up my mind to watch a TV show.

I seriously need to catch up with the AppleTV+’s For All Mankind.

As fas as I’m concerned?   The third series kicks off, tonight: and I’ll have my written And video reviews up, tomorrow.

I’ll see you all, then.

~≈🌕≈~