The Mandalorian — Series 1 Chapter 2 — The Child — A Review

31st July, 2020.

It has to be said, I spent a lot of lunch time, feeling numb.

Or, at least, numbest … and slightly floaty.

As I had a tooth out, today.

After four anaesthetic injections!

My jaw’s still slightly sore, even now.

But … ?

I have no wobbly tooth!

At any rate … ?

It’s Friday.   I’ve had a wisdom tooth out.   I’ve had a delivery from Amazon: an ice box, if you must know.

And … ?

I wanted to catch some TV.

And, yes: assuming you saw the initial post I’ve done about the series?

You’ve worked out I’ve watched another episode of The Mandalorian, Series 1.

~≈⌘≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-7-2020: Rum, Sodomy and the Lash

31st July, 2020.

Yes, Rollason Way had … an adventure … !

Rampaging aliens swept down the street, destroying cars, making mad, passionate, lingering love to innocent cats, and general causing havoc.

Whilst the Inquisition leapt out on people, interrogating them about their sofas, and vikings raided freezers.

On a more serious note?

We had a power cut.

Which didn’t last long, but, still … inconvenient … !

~≈†≈~

What didn’t help, from point of view?   Was being unable to phone UK Power Networks, who makes sure the power network doesn’t fall over.

Yes: O2’s STILL not providing us with a signal … as, according to the email they sent me last night, the tower’s been decommissioned … 

And won’t be back in operation until October.

Personally?

I’m disgusted.

And, frankly, grateful that the local press were interested enough to want to talk to me.

Lord knows when that story will run, if or when it will.

But I’d love to read it … 

~≈†≈~

The fact my dental appointment’s been moved to 11:40 … ?

Is a relatively minor point …

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th July, 2020.

30th July, 2020.

Right … 

I’ve actually managed to get a dentists appointment booked up for tomorrow.

At eleven.   In the morning, before you ask!

I’m … 

OK, I’m mildly nervous.

Tooth-extraction’s not pleasant.

But, hey.

Once it’s done, it’s done.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-7-2020: International Tiger Day

29th July, 2020.

Yes: it’s officially official … 

Stuff’s happening.

But that’s always the way, isn’t it?

I do know I went into town, yesterday: to follow up on the O2 situation.

And, at least, managed to talk an escalation manager.

Who’s advised that there’s not much they can do until the 31st — Friday, in other words* — when the system is due to be updated.

Frankly?   130 Kings Road’s still being gutted, the two extra floors haven’t even started, there’s no sign of anything resembling a phone mast … so I’m assuming we’re going to get a pigs dinner of a weekend.

~≈†≈~

On other fronts … ?

I don’t know what happened, there … 

But we’ve just had a power cut: a very short one.

Why?

I don’t know, I know it’s hit the people in Railway Square, around the corner from me.

Frankly, I’m hoping it’s a brief glitch, somewhere.

I’d hate to think it’s deliberate … !

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-7-2020: World Hepatitis Day

28th July, 2020.

Right … things are both happening … and not happening.

I’ve had the scan.

And, as nerve-racking as waiting for the results are, I’m now waiting for the results.

Last year?   I was clear of any nasties: I’m hoping this year will be the same.

Although one never knows until the results are in.

Giving that — potentially — a bad results means a case of lung cancer?

You can possibly appreciate that — even given I’m mildly agnostic, to say the least — I’m quietly praying … 

~≈¥≈~

In other news … ?

I’ve been in tough with the dentist: which is nice.

Apparently?   I have to wash my mouth out with salt water: THEN get back to them on earth, if my tooth hasn’t stopped wobbling.

~≈¥≈~

O2 … 

Oh, dear, O2 … 

They did manage to phone me: when I was on the bus coming back from Basildon.

They DID talk me through a basic solution, that ‘should help’: changing the default network from 4g to 3g: then to 2g, if that didn’t work.

Oh, and usually restarting, as well.

It didn’t work: I tried it when I got in.

I have managed to do some digging about.

The phone mast was on the roof of 130, Kings Road.

This building.

130, Kings Road.

Opposite the Premier Inn, do you know.

I’ve done some digging.

It seems the reason the mast got taken down, is so the workmen working on the building can do they job.

According to this set of plans, with Brentwood Council?

So that the building can have two extra stories added to the thing.

Seemingly, they’re going to be flats.

How long that’s going to take?   The plans don’t say.

But … ?

I honestly think the mast will go back up, once the flats get finished.

We — O2’s paying customers — won’t get a signal until then.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-7-2020: The Number 27,

27th July, 2020.

Right … 

It’s now Monday, 27th July: which means … 

Well, a couple of things.

It means I can now, officially, phone the dentist!

This tooth’s irritating.

The sooner it’s out, the better … 

~≈¥≈~

It also means something else.

I don’t know if I mentioned it, but I had one, at about this time, last year: to check on my lungs.

I had a couple of nodules on my right lung, that my doctors wanted to monitor.

At last year’s scan?

I was — thankfully — clear: the nodules hadn’t grown.

I’ve a second, confirmatory scan, today: again, at Basildon Hospital.

I’m hoping, again, that the things haven’t grown.

I’ll only find that out, once the scan’s done.

~≈¥≈~

As a final thought … ?

Yes: O2’s website says everything’s lovely, fine and super, and that there’s a signal in the area.

Once again?

My mobile disagrees.

Once again, O2 is lying to me.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-7-2020: Kargil Vijay Diwas.

26th June, 2020.

Oh, that’s irritating! 

I’ve got a loose tooth.

On a Sunday!

Under a still restrictive Lockdown … 

OK, granted, I’ve messaged them on Facebook.

And I can either call or phone, tomorrow.

Still … irritating sums it up … !

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th July, 2020.

25th July, 2020.

Yes: I’ve officially managed to catch a TV show!

The first episode of The Mandalorian, so you know: which I’d not managed to catch until last night.

It’s rather impressive.

If you’ve seen it … ?

Don’t tell me what happens!

~≈†≈~

In other news … ?

I’ve finally managed to have a haircut: at one of the recently nearby, recently re-opened, barbers.

View this post on Instagram

Just had my hair done, here

A post shared by Paul Nikolas Nak Downie (@mrcuddy2977) on Jul 24, 2020 at 3:09am PDT

Which … well, still feels slightly odd … but there you go … !

~≈†≈~

In other news?

In other news, O2 are telling me the work on the local phone mast is done.

At least, according to the website.

Oh no … it isn’t … 

You possibly caught the post I put on Instagram, yesterday: the building where the mast is supposed to be, is having cladding done … !

View this post on Instagram

#o2 tell me the mast will be back up by the 25th July. Tomorrow, in other words. Not at the rate the cladding is being done

A post shared by Paul Nikolas Nak Downie (@mrcuddy2977) on Jul 24, 2020 at 2:44am PDT

It’s not got as far as the roof.

So, there’s that … 

And the simple fact that my phone — only a few yards away from the mast … ? — still has no signal.

You have to wonder what on earth O2 are playing at.

~≈†≈~

The Mandalorian — Series 1 Chapter 1 — The Mandalorian — A Review

24th July, 2020.

OK … 

Is now a good time to mention the old Bucks Fizz song, Makin’ Your Mind Up?

Yes?

No … ?

Possibly not: no-one needs that amount of cheese at this time of the evening.

At any rate … ?

I can safely say I’ve had dinner.

And made my mind up about what to watch.

In case you hadn’t noticed the poster?

I felt sitting down with the Disney+ series, The Mandalorian, would be an idea: episode one of Series 1, so you know.

And yes … I think I’m impressed … 

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th July, 2020

24th July, 2020.

Can I make a confession … ?

I got paid, yesterday: or, at least, got my benefits through.

I’m happyish about that.   It means I could pay my bills, and buy shopping.

Including the makings of another goulash.

Or stew.

Or something.

We’ll have to see, there.

At ANY rate … ?

I’ve got just enough cash left to have a haircut.

Hopefully.

With COVID 19 lurking about … ?

I’m getting distinctly shaggy.

~≈†≈~

The other thing I know I have to do, today … ?

Is attend a phone meeting!

Believe it or not with my work coach — my case officer — at Brentwood Job Centre.

I’m nervous: as, of course, they have my mobile number, but I’m not sure they have my landline number.

I wanted to make sure they have it, as the mobile signal’s down.

I have messaged him.

Twice.

And emailed him.

And made sure I took screenshots of all of them.

I’d rather not get sanctioned for ‘not turning up,’ especially under the circumstances.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-7-2020: Other Worlds

23rd July, 2020

Yes … 

Stuff is — to coin a phrase — happening … 

Ish … 

Um … 

Right at the moment?

It’s a sweaty Thursday morning, and the interview the local station did with me, gets broadcast just after nine: you can listen live, here.

You can also listen to it, here: I owe PhoenixFM a big thank, and Olga, as well!

Whilst hoping that I don’t sound like a gibbering idiot.   Whilst wondering why I was going to write gibbering elephant.

~≈®≈~

There’s something else … 

I’ve been signed up for a Work and Health programme by the Job Centre: run by a charity called the Shaw Trust.

My case worker’s a youngish chap who sounds keen to do well for me.

I’ve only got one minor complaint, so far.

They’ve asked if I’d like to sign up for one of a customer accounts: so I can access various resources.

The problem with that … ?

Is that you can only sign in with a Microsoft email: Microsoft’s equivalent to a Gmail account.

I don’t have one: as they only get handed out, these day … to people who buy a PC.

I’ve got three Macs, and an Android phone.

My case worker’s already admitted others have the same sort of issue: as many of their clients only have smart phones — Android or iOS — which also don’t have MS email accounts.

They’d not be able to use this.

I’m able to use it … if I sign up for a Hotmail account.

I’m not planning to.

I’m juggling three email addresses as it is, so having an extra one, purely for this one use?

When so many other digital services let you sign in with a pre-existing Gmail, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, hell, even your AppleID?

Granted, I know most charities are on a budget.

But?

Just because a charity can’t offer multiple options, means having to get an extra email account, just for this one use.

That’s pointless.

Understandably?

I’ve complained to my case worker.

If that doesn’t help, we’ll have to see what happens.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd July, 2020.

22nd July, 2020

Hmmm … 

Stuff is, quite assertively, happening.

For a start … ?

Apparently, my mobile phone provider’s mast is back up.

Since last night … apparently.

Have I got a signal?   Have I … ?   Can I get a phone call?   Can I make a phone call … ?

Can I … ?

Can I … ?

Can I, heck … !

There’s still no signal … 

~≈$≈~

In OTHER news … ?

I had the interview, yesterday: with PhoenixFM, Brentwood’s local radio station.

It gets broadcast on Thursday, just after nine.

And goes live on the website, at 10 … ish … 

Frankly, I’m hoping I don’t sound like a complete nutcase.

I do know that they’ve asked me to do a couple more articles for the site: on a voluntary basis.

That’s a good thing: I can build up a portfolio to show people.

AND direct people back here, and to my YouTube channel.

Will it go anyway?   I don’t know.

But … 

~≈$≈~

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

21st July, 2020.

Wouldn’t you know it … ?

The radio interview’s been paused: as Phoenix were having some sort of issue!

Well, I say paused … maybe postponed is the word: postponed until today.

At twelve.

Wish me luck, I think I’m going to need it.

Especially given it won’t be the only one today: I’ve the initial interview with the Work and Health programme, today … 

It’s a busy morning!

Busy enough that an old friend’s decided to earworm through my head … 

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-7-2020: Alexander the Great

20th July, 2020

Right … I have to admit it: I’m nervous.

I’ve a radio interview, today: at twelve, for the local radio station.

Have I done job interviews?   Yes: it doesn’t stop me being nervous about them, but yes, I’ve done them.

This?

This, on the other hand, is going to be a bit different.

It’s going to get broadcast, at some point … !

~≈¥≈~

They’re actually phoning me on my landline.

Which is nice.

Remember the ongoing issue with my O2 mobile?

The local mast that had gone down?

We HAD been told  it would be back, today, by 8pm.

I’ve JUST check O2’s site.

We’re now going to get updated by Frida, 31st July, this year.

I’m not going to swear.

Much … 

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th July, 2020

19th July, 2020.

Yes: I’ve officially had toast for breakfast.

And a bowl of musli.

Frankly?

I might just just have to swap the musli for porridge: I usually don’t end up feeling so hungry.

~≈†≈~

Oh, JUST so you know … ?

I caught a movie, last night: the 2020 Netflix film that is The Old Guard.

It’s possibly worth watching … but please bear in mind I gave it one star for a reason … !

~≈†≈~

The Old Guard — A Review.

18th July, 2020.

Right now … ?

It has to be said, right now, I seriously need some cash.

I’m right when — in the video intro for this post — I say I need to see a film.

And need a haircut.

No … I really need a haircut … !

It’s getting frustratingly lank … !

~≈†≈~

It’s not, unfortunately, something I can do anything about … yet.

At least, until I get paid.

That’s the point I’ll be joining the queue for the nearest barbers.

Just me, there’s a a few of them: queues and barbers.

But it’s not something I can do anything about, right here and now.

Saying that, I can — and have — gone for the other option in I mention in the introduction.

Yes.

I’ve seen a film.

The Gina Prince-Bythewood directed, The Old Guard.

Hmmm … 

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th July, 2020.

18th July, 2020.

It looks like it’s a definite.

I have an interview, on Monday.

Not for a job … but for Phoenix FM, Brentwood’s local radio station.

It should go live on their website, the day after, and on air on Thursday.

Frankly?

I’m hoping it goes well.

~≈¥≈~

Did you hear about recent Twitter hack?   One-hundred and thirty celebrity accounts were hacked as a result of social engineering — a con, in other words — and promoted a bitcoin scam.

You sent whoever it was $1000 dollars worth of bitcoin: they’d send you $2000’s worth back*.

One noticeably absent hackee?

Was Donald Trump.

I’d love to have see the bloody idiot caught up in it.

But … ?

I suspect his account’s heavily protected.

Equally?

I suspect eighty-three million people handing over one thousand dollars to a scammer … ?

Well … 

There’d be hell to pay.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-7-2020: Tim Brooke-Taylor

17th July, 2020.

Yep: Bowie does it, again.

Why, I don’t know.

But I’ve got Dollar Days — from Bowie’s Blackstar LP — banging through my head.

Sooner or later?

I’ll end up with the whole LP!

~≈¥≈~

Have you heard of Quora?

It’s a site that lets you ask and answers questions: some of which incredibly naïve!

At any rate?

I saw one question, this morning: ‘Should the United States government provide free access to computers to anyone who needs it?’

And have to admit, the answers made for fascinating reading.

Most of which pointed to the various state run libraries.

And some of which … ?

Aren’t what I’d call sympathetic.

Politics, hey … ?

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th July, 2020.

16th July, 2020.

Yes: I’ve done something experimental.

I’ve made home made goulash.

View this post on Instagram

Hmmm … My homemade #hungarian #goulash doesn't look too bad.

A post shared by Paul Nikolas Nak Downie (@mrcuddy2977) on Jul 15, 2020 at 11:11am PDT

Which wasn’t too bad.

But I would say that, would say that, wouldn’t I … ?

At any rate … ?

I now how to make goulash: and have learnt how to make a stock, as its base.

Frankly?   Next stop, chicken soup … !

~≈¥≈~