Star Trek Picard — Series 1 Episode 6 — The Impossible Box — A Review

31st March, 2020.

You know, the video — the introductory video — is possibly going to be interesting … or just look odd.

Depending on your point of view.

But there’s something of an explanation for it, if nothing else.

I write brainteasers.

And, just to keep my ears occupied, whilst writing?

I’ll have old episodes of whatever, on in the background.

Today?

The six part, William Hartnell, Doctor Who story, The Web Planet.

Which, in the final episodes?   Sees the alien species the TARDIS crew are working with, the Menoptra, trying to lure a Zarbi to where they want to go … 

By yelling ‘zaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar-BEEEE,’ at it.

In assorted strange voices.

When you’re a Menoptra?

You have to do this sort of thing.

When your the person watching Menoptra doing their thing … ?

All sorts of things stick in your mind!

Frankly?

Watching something else, to make sure that you get a TV earworm — eyeworm? — out of your head makes a certain amount of sense.

Yes.

I’ve seen the next episode of Star Trek Picard’s first series … 

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-3-2020: Ruby Tuesday

31st March, 2020.

Yep: it’s day whatever of the UK wide lockdown.

And frankly?

I’m losing track of days!

Well … lost count of how many days we’ve been locked down.

It’s still frustrating … 

But also odd: I live by the rail line, and — with the trains on a permanent Sunday service? — it’s unnervingly quiet.

~≈¥≈~

I’ve got to admit, I’m in a local WhatsApp group: for those needing or offering help during the lock down.

And got a message, this morning.

Warning that the video calling app, Houseparty, had been hacked.

It’s causing a media panic.

It’s also got the manufacturers, Epic Games, offering a $1, 000, 000 bounty, to anyone can can prove it does.

Something I know I managed to flag up.

It’s … 

Well, I think the Corona Virus is going get a lot of that sort of thing.

It’s ALREADY generating email scams.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-3-2020: Florida, Again …

30th March, 2020.

Right … 

The one thing I can do, today?

Is make sure I buy binbags!

I forgot them on Saturday.

And, wouldn’t you know it?

Nowhere nearby had any!

Isn’t shopping a drag … ?

~≈¥≈~

At any rate … ?

The lockdown’s not made much of a difference for me: I’m trying to keep in touch with friends and family.

And trying to keep job hunting, and blogging, as well.

I’m in the midst of prepping up the next set of Teaser videos as we speak.

Because I’m doing that … ?

The Star Trek Picard reviews are … taking longer than I though they would.

But … ?

I’ll be adding to that list: Michelle Hurd’s something to watch!

As is Patrick Stewart’s ’Allo ’Allo routine … !

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th March, 2020.

29th March, 2020.

Yep: it’s day whatever of the Lockdown … and frankly … ?

I’m getting sick of hearing about it!

I know it’s a serious situation, I really do.   I know why we’re having to stay in.

But, lord, isn’t it a grind?

~≈†≈~

As grouchy as I sound, though?

I do know I’ve a poster up: for a local volunteer group that’s been organised on Facebook, and called  Brentwood COVID-19 Mutual Aid.

There’s a WhatsApp group for each of Brentwood’s wards.

If you’re in my town, and on Facebook, it may be worth joining up: especially as the WhatsApp groups look helpful.

I’ll leave that with you, shall I … ?

~≈†≈~

And, as a final thought?

You’ve heard the word, ‘earworm,’ haven’t you?   The word refers to one of those songs that — for whatever reason — is persistently banging around your head.

Right at the moment?

I’ve got the Russian entry for this year’s cancelled Eurovision in my head.

It’s a big shame the thing got cancelled: I suspect Little Big’s Uno would’ve won.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-3-2020: The Number 28.

28th March, 2020.

Yes: it’s now Saturday … and day whatever-it-is of the lock down.

I can officially go out: mostly where I’ve got some medication to pick up.

Oh, and can you remind me to buy bin bags?

I’m running out of bin bags … !

Ye gods!   I started this blog, many years ago, to help my fellow pub quiz masters find question sets … 

And know I’m asking people to remind me to buy bin bags!

Given that I almost spelt ‘remind’ as ‘remand’ … ?

Given that, I think the sooner this is over, the better!

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-3-2020: World Theatre Day

27th March, 2020.

OK … 

It’s a Friday morning: and I feel rough.

Tired rough: rather than Covid 19 rough!

Benefits of finishing a late night post — and video — about Star Trek Picard.

If you’ve not seen it?   Michelle Hurd, who plays Admiral Picard’s former First officer, Raffi Musiker, is amazing!

~≈¥≈~

Star Trek Picard — Series 1 Episode 5 — Stardust City Rag — A Review

26th March, 2020.

Right … 

I’m unemployed, have a long term health condition — diabetes, since you ask — and am mildly frustrated about the corona virus lockdown.

There’s many things worth complaining about, I think.

One thing that does give me mixed feelings?

Is the — admittedly few — people on TV complaining about the amount of benefits they’re getting, as a result of being laid of in the crisis.

I know it’s hard: having been out of a job for two years, now., and on a very low income.

There’s nothing I can do about that, until the job situation improves.

To see others unused to being in my boat complaining about it, when the system is creaking under unprecedented strain?

Smacks of … 

There was one woman on the BBC News, today, compiling about the amount of Statutory Sick Pay she was receiving.

She’d been given it, if I’ve understood things correctly, as she was having to self-isolate: and complaining about the amount.

That she couldn’t live on that amount.

To me, struggling to manage on the amount I get … ?

It smacked of either ingratitude … or just plain old whinging …

~≈‡≈~

At any rate … ?

At any rate, I — like many of us — am stuck indoors.

With, quite literally, just my TV for company.

The TV … and another episode in the first series of Star Trek Picard…

~≈‡≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-3-2020: Bangladesh

26th March, 2020.

Ha … !

I think I need a haircut.

No, scrub that: I know I do.

I got paid on Monday morning: and frankly, could’ve got one then.

It did occur to me … but I put it off.

Monday night … ?

The lockdown commenced … and lock hairdressers shut … 

Hey … 

Ho … !

~≈†≈~

According to Radio 4’s Today programme?

The UK’s probation service is drastically altering the way it works: and not seeing many different types of criminal, face to face.

I can appreciate that.

But some of the one’s they’re not seeing?

Are domestic abusers … and registered sex offenders.

I can appreciate why it’s being done: similar circumstances apply to the Job Centres.

But?

Well … I can’t help but think that’ll kick us in the teeth, one day.

~≈†≈~

As a last thought … ?   There’s a message …

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-3-2020: The Feast of the Annunciation

25th March, 2020.

If you’ve been reading Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar for a while?

You’ve possibly realised I’m job hunting, at the moment.

Normally?

Normally, I’d have to go in, at least once every two to three weeks: in order that my my job hunting can be monitor.

My next appointment?

Was for Friday the 3rd April.

That last time I was in … ?

That got turned into a phone appointment: rather than the normal face to face one.

Corona virus: what can I tell you … ?

Yesterday … ?

Yesterday, however, I got a message through my online Universal Credit account.

My appointments have been cancelled for the foreseeable future.

As, with the on-going lockdown, and the associated business closures?

The Job Centre’s having to prioritise a lot of new claims.

I’m … 

I can appreciate what’s going on, I really can.

But, having been unemployed for some time, and having seen occasions where sanctions can be mis-applied?

I’m cautiously keeping hold of screenshots and saved web pages.

I’m — justifiably, I think — a little paranoid that something’s going to happen.

~≈¥≈~

Just as an extra thought?

I’ve recently been diagnosed with type two diabetes: and buying sweet potatoes, where I can.

They’re make for healthier eating, for diabetics, it seems.

At any rate, I was due to have an appointment with the my GP surgery’s parties nurse.

Long since converted to a phone appointment, I should add.

But that’s sort of my issue.

I don’t imagine it going badly … but I was supposed to take in a urine sample.

How you’re supposed to get that down the phone, I don’t know.

~≈¥≈~

Star Trek Picard — Series 1 Episode 4 — Absolute Candor — A Review

24th March, 2020.

You know, I’ in the UK: and the UK … ?

Is on lock down.

We can only go out … ?   To shop for essentials, do banking, or get medication.

It’s very frustrating.

I’m job hunting, and, at the moment?

I was due to have a meeting at the job centre in a week and a half’s time.

Which then got converted into a phonemail in a week and a half’s time.

Which then got cancelled, this morning.

The job centre’s processing a lot of new claims.

I … 

I can understand why they’re going that: there’s a lot of pole redundant, however temporarily.

But I’ve enough experience with the Department of Work and Pensions — the government departments that organise the benefits system — to try and keep a paper trail of what they’ve told me.

~≈®≈~

At any rate … ?

I’m stuck indoors: as are we all.

If nothing else?

I can catch up with another episode of the TV show I’m watching, right now: another episode of series one of Star Trek Picard.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-3-2020: Óscar Romero

24th March, 2020.

It’s officially the case: since last night, the UK is in lockdown, because of the Corona virus.

We can’t go out: unless we’re going shopping, taking exercise, getting medication or travelling to essential work.

Or visit family members, if they don’t live with us.

I can understand it.

I can appreciate it.

I can … 

No, scrub that: I was going to say ‘I can approve of it.’

I don’t.

In one sense, it’s the sort of behaviour a fascist government would love.

And a right wing love to order in normal circumstances.

These aren’t normal, by a long shot.

Like I say, I can understand why it’s being done.

That does not mean I have to like it, or the potential precedent it sets.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd March, 2020.

23rd March, 2020.

I think we can say it, can’t we?

The corona virus has killed normality.

To an extent!

The UK is looking at assorted shades of lock down, panic buying and closures.

I know I’m going to go shopping later.

And am very aware the shops are going to be … either crowded or empty.

One of the two.

~≈¥≈~

I’m also very aware I’m jobhunting.

And, yesterday?   Put in an application for my local Iceland.

For one of what the company’s calling a ‘seasonal temporary worker.’

A shelf stacker, in other words: refilling the shelves, over night.

I didn’t get it.

A company who want’s shelf stackers, at a time when shelves need refilling, fast, and a man that wants a job … ?

And a man who ends ups not getting it … ?

It’s seriously screwed up.

~≈¥≈~

Star Trek Picard — Series 1 Episode 3 — The End Is the Beginning — A Review

22nd March, 2020.

Yes!

And a very exultant ‘yes,’ that is, too.

I’ve possibly mentioned I have a refurbished laptop: running a version of Ubuntu Mate.

Something I’d originally been planning to use to hunt for jobs with: in Brentwood Library.

Oh, and explore a different operating system with.

I’v officially found a free screen recorder I can use with the thing: called — appropriately enough — SimpleScreenRecorder.

I managed to record the playback of a recent game of Battle for Wesnoth with it.

OK, that sort of turn based RPG isn’t going to be everyones cup of tea: neither is installing a screen recorder.

But hey … I’m happy.

~≈¥≈~

Or, at least, feeling cheerful … ish … 

Cheerful enough to catch an episode of my current favourite TV show.

Series one of Star Trek Picard … !

Oh, boy!

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-3-2020: Sunday in the Park

22nd March, 2020.

It’s officially official: the world’s a mess.

Or, at least, my hair is.

I think I need a haircut.

We’ll have to see how the budget — and the coronavirus — goes, this month.

~≈∑≈~

One thing I do know … ?

Is that I had dinner, last night.

Complete with some sweet potatoes, rather than regular potatoes: they’re better for those of us with diabetes, I’m told.

I have a burger, with peas, and — instead of all potatoes — a mix of regular and sweet potatoes.

That went well: the ‘replacements’ were definitely sweeter but cooked just as well.

I’ll tell you one thing, though.

Sweet potatoes — at least, these ones — weren’t half difficult to chop up.

If you have a spare chainsaw, I’d appreciate it!

~≈∑≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21st March, 2020.

21st March, 2020.

I’m right, aren’t I … ?

When I say that the world’s having a crisis.

The Covid 19 corona virus is stalking the world, and the world … is panic buying toilet roll.

Near me … ?

We’re getting closures by the hour.

Frankly?

Pubs, bars and restaurants have been closed since last night.

Which means my old industry is rapidly being devastated.

As is the pub quiz scene.

In one sense?   I love — and loved — being a quiz master.

I’m enough of an ageing ham to have enjoyed being a performer … and still do.

You’ve seen the Youtube channel, after all.

But I’m also aware there’s a lot of self employed entertainers — quiz masters, musicians, DJs — as the various government benefits being introduced?

Don’t cover the self employed.

Here’s hoping something crops up.

~≈¥≈~

Remember me mentioning that I got a laptop for my birthday?

It’s a quite respectable, refurbished Lenovo Thinkpad.

I’d asked for it, as I’m jobhunting, at the mo.

And, in theory?

Could use it to job-hunt online, from Brentwood Library: and be able to get some exercise, at the same time.

Except … ?

Except that the entire Essex Library system is now shut down, due to the virus.

Granted, there’s an amnesty on late returns … 

But … ?

It looks like I’m going to be stuck indoors … 

~≈¥≈~

Star Trek Picard — Series 1 Episode 2 — Maps and Legends — A Review

20th March, 2020.

It’s officially official: I’m unemployed.

But you knew that, anyway: especially if you’ve been following me for a while.

So … ?

I don’t get out much.

Given the circumstances?

That’s possibly a good thing.

As the government has informed pubs, bars, restaurants and gyms that they should close up, tonight … 

And stay closed for an indefinite amount of time from tomorrow.

That’s going to hurt the industry.

Speaking as an ex barman?

There’s going to be a lot more of us, around.

There’s also my former profession: of pub quiz master.

I know one of two quiz masters, DJs, musicians who are now out of work.

Ans, as self employed … ?

I don’t know if the qualify for the help the government’s offering.

~≈†≈~

At any rate … ?

Not going out … ?

Not going out means … a lot of things, actually.

But mainly … ?

That I’m going to be the usual thing.

Yes.

Watching a lot of TV.

Tonight … ?   I’ve caught another episode of Star Trek Picard’s first series …

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th March, 2020.

20th March, 2020.

Do you ever get that … ?

Today’s Friday.   I know it’s Friday.   I’m very aware of it being Friday.   I can see — on my Mac’s MenuBar — the calendar item that tells me that it’s Friday.

Quite distinctly, Friday.

You know the day: the one at the end of the working week and that’s the holiest day of the week to our Muslim friends and neighbours.

Why the hell does it feel like Saturday … ?

God alone knows.

~≈Ü≈~

You, like me, have possibly realised that things are getting cancelled, left, right and centre, because of the Coronavirus.

Including this year’s Eurovision contest.

Which is a shame.

The Russian entry — sort of a Begbie/vory z meets Aqua doing the Ketchup song’s dance routine* — is truly nuts.

They’re even going for an attempt at Spanglish …

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-3-2020: Paddy Fitz

19th March, 2020.

I have to confess: I felt bloody awful, yesterday.

My innards were playing up.

I’ve a range of exciting medical conditions: including recently diagnosed diabetes.

But also … ?   Don’t get enough vitamin D.

Which is why I usually take supplements.

I had to take a lot, yesterday: as my stomach was feeling revolting.

Revolting enough that I got to bed at 6pm.

And had — effectively — 12 hours sleep.

I’m still not feeling completely right.

But a lot better than I was.

~≈fi≈~

Except, possibly, for the inevitable earworm.

Was Not Was’s Semi-interesting Week.

Which seems appropriate, somehow.

~≈fi≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-3-2020: Spacewalker

18th March, 2020.

It’s something I think I can say with a certain amount of certainty.

I feel ill.

Right at the moment?   My guts are killing me.

I can use my usual solution: tons of vitamin D supplements.

But stomach cramps, and the shakes, are not something I want to deal with.

~≈†≈~

There’s something else, as well.

I joined a weight management programme, back in January.

One that should end in early April.

Should.

Except that it’s been cancelled: Covid19 strikes again.

I know why it’s needed, I know it was one hell of a walk: especially given my leg’s playing up.

It’s selfish, I know,

But, knowing I need the help … ?

Leaves me very angry at it’s cancelling!

~≈†≈~

Star Trek: Picard — Series 1: Episode 1 — Remembrance — A Review

17th March, 2020.

Yes: Britain is — at least in theory — in some sort of lockdown.

Because of Covid 19: the Corona virus.

I’m feeling … in two minds.

I’m aware it’s going to be nasty: especially for those of us in vulnerable groups.

But … ?

I’m in a weight management class: I’m obese, diabetic and Lord knows what else.

And appreciate the fact I’ve somewhere to go: in order to monitor my weight, while I’m trying to lose the gut.

And it’s been cancelled.

Cancelled!

Because of the Corona virus.

I can appreciate the outbreak’s seriousness, I really can.

But, as someone also struggling with his health, I’m bloody annoyed!

~≈¥≈~

At any rate … ?

At any rate, I’ve been stuck indoors for a while: not having the money to go out.

I do know I’ve still got things to do.

Quizzes to write, jobs to hunt, laundry to dry … 

And media to rifle through.

One particular series I’ve been meaning to catch up with … ?

Is the 2020 Star Trek spin off, Star Trek: Picard

.

The first episode of series one, as you’re asking.

~≈¥≈~

Diabetes: Day 5

17th March, 2020.

Right ... no introductory video ... again.

Which is possible something you're grateful for.

But has at least made this post quicker to start.

And quieter.

I'm writing this in Brentwood Library, after all.

Which you may have noticed from my new Instagram account.

At any rate ... ?

I'm at a loose end.

~≈U≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-3-2020: Saint Patrick’s Day

17th March, 2020.

It sounds like it’s officially official.

We’re in lock-down, in the UK.

Or some form of lock down, at any rate.

It’s … 

Look, for me, it’s annoying: as the situation’s ranged from a great big fuss over nothing, to bloody annoying, for the past week or so.

Right now … ?

It’s bloody annoying.

My next job centre meeting, for example?   Is by phone.

I’m supposed to be seeing a nurse practitioner, next week: what happens there, I don’t know.

I get paid on Monday.

Whether I can go shopping … ?   Is a whole other question: especially given the amount of toilet roll that’s being panic bought.

And telling a man who has to go out and exercise, in order to manage his weight?   That he can’t go out, in case he gets a horrible disease?

Is both mildly ironic and bloody annoying.

Granted, even for someone out of a job, I’ve stuff to do: even if it is on the level of some silly games.

And plenty in the media collection.

But it’s going to be one of those years … 

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-3-2020: The Number Sixteen

16th March, 2020.

Right, then: I’ve got The Faceless Ones, the reconstructed Dr Who story, on blu-ray.

I’m happy.

And happily ripping it, so that I can watch it later.

Frankly?

It’s the last of the birthday presents to turn up.

And, equally as frankly?   It actually turned up, yesterday.

A day before the formal release.

I’m not complaining.

~≈¥≈~

I will complain — or, at least, make a point — at this stage.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker saw its US release on Friday 13th: a few days early.

US release, I should add.

The UK release?

Is at the end of April.

Personally?

I think that’s not necessarily good.

I think that’s going to encourage people in the UK to download from torrent sharing sites.

But, hey … what do I know … ?

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th March, 2020.

15th March, 2020.

Yes: stuff is definitely occurring.

Just so you know.

I know that — here in the UK — there’s a lot of talk about the Corona Virus, COVID 19.

Frankly?   I’m caught between being concerned for those who are ill, annoyance that my local Sainsbury’s has seriously run out of cornflakes, and thinking it’s a bloody fuss over nothing!

I’m also very aware that this year’s local elections have bee postponed until 2021: as a result of the outbreak.

Part of me … ?   Thinks that’s a big fuss, too: whilst being very aware that it’s going to help prevent the spread.

Whilst another part?   Thinks that unscrupulous politicians could permanently postpone elections.

I’ve read enough history to know about the Reichstag Fire …

~≈†≈~

On the the upside: something of a personal upside, but none the less, an upside … 

I ordered a copy of the soon to be released The Faceless Ones: one of the missing Dr Who stories to have been reconstructed.

It’s formally released, tomorrow.

And already been dispatched.

Given it’s been ordered from Amazon?

There’s a good chance it’ll get here, tonight … 

~≈†≈~