Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31st January, 2021

31st January, 2021.

I think we can safely say it’s official.

It’s now not raining!

Which means the weather’s improved.

Which is nice … 

~≈¥≈~

Have you ever heard of guitarist, Hilton Valentine?

I hadn’t: until today, the day his death was announced.

It turns out I know his most famous piece of work, though.

The riff in this version of this song … 

He’ll be missed … 

~≈¥≈~

Star Trek Discovery — Series 3 Episode 13 — That Hope Is You, Pt 2 — A Review

30th January, 2021.

Right … It’s getting late.

Which means … ?

Frankly, the older I get, the more a cocoa, an early night, and a Charlie Parker LP, sound like a good idea!

When I find one I recognise on Spotify, I’ll let you know … !

At any rate … ?

I’m starting this on a Saturday night.

With the intention of finishing it tomorrow night.

And telling you about the last episode of Star Trek Discovery’s third series, in the process.

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th January, 2021.

30th January, 2021.

Right … it’s officially looking nasty out there.

We have rain: as I’m aware Trevor will tell us.

It is bad out there. constant cold rain. The side-walk o Hanging Hill Lane has 10 foot long puddles in a couple of...

Posted by Trevor Veail on Saturday, 30 January 2021

Given the bad weather, and the fact I have a pile to do … ?

I don’t know if I’m going to be going far!

Well … 

Not without getting new shoes!

~≈👟≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th January, 2021.

29th January, 2021.

Yes: it’s official.

I have an appointment, this afternoon: with a student dental hygienist.

So … ?

I’ll happily have nice shiny teeth, this time tomorrow.

OK … 

Shinier teeth … 

~≈🦷≈~

You’re possibly aware that I’ve had copies of MakeMKV and Handbrake, for the past few years: using the pair to copy DVDs and blu-rays to a hard drive, then transcode them into something I can play on my AppleTV HD.

I’ve long had the Mac versions.

Last night?   Having my old blu-ray drive sitting around, and doing nothing … ?

I thought I’d down the Ubuntu version of the two apps, connect my old blu-ray drive to the laptop, pop in a blu-ray, and see how it worked.

Fairly well, it have to be said. 

View this post on Instagram

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

~≈📀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-1-2021: The Diet Of Worms.

28th January, 2021.

Busy, busy, busy … 

I’m expecting a couple of phone calls, today: one form my GP, and another from a weight management programme I’m on.

Hopefully?

Both will go well.

~≈¥≈~

You’ll possibly have realised I’m out of work: and on Universal Credit.

Like others?   I’m getting an extra twenty pounds a week: as a result of an uplift the Government introduced, to help survive COVID-19.

It’s due to end in April.

And many in the Government are discussing what should happens.

There’s been talk of replacing the uplift with a one-off £500 payment: or a £1000 one.

Which are nice: but not as useful as the twenty pound payment.

So … ?

So, seeing this piece on the Wales Online site was interesting.

Seemingly?

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is planning to extend the uplift for six months.

Then taper it off.

Again, that’s helpful: frankly, it’s my preferred option of the three I’ve seen discussed.

But, frankly?

I’d far rather the payment were permanent.

~≈¥≈~

As a result of all this … ?

Old Peculiar regular, Olga, and I have been chatting about the idea of a Universal Basic Income: a flat Rate benefit that every one would get: regardless of their employment status.

It’s a nice ideal … but, as someone who’s always had issues with his benefits?

I’m very aware that the amount we receive is only half the problem.

The BIG issue, if you lose your job?   Or a benefit changes?

Is the delay in receiving a new benefit.

There’s always a delay which causes arrears to build up: arrears that cause problems.

If you can keep ahead of those, you’re fine: but the guaranteed delays means you can’t.

(Universal Credit’s paid monthly: unlike Job Seekers Allowance, which was paid fortnightly.   JSA took two to three weeks for the first payment.   UC caused more problems, and had more opposition, because it took up to six weeks for the first payment.)

After Olga and I chatted recently about UBI?   I was left feeling more convinced it could be just as iffy as Universal Credit: the change from one to the other would cause the same issues, as it had the same delays.

So I had something of a sniff around the various UK political parties 2019 manifestos.

The Tories seemed keen to keep Universal Credit.

Labour were only going to announce any changes after an election win.

The Liberal Democrats?   Were planning to change to a UBI, but didn’t announce any figures.

The Greens — who I’ve been voting for since 2017 — were planing to introduce one.

And, in their 2019 manifesto?

Say:

“People who were reliant on Housing Benefit before UBI was introduced will continue to receive it, so that they can cover their rent.”

I’ve highlighted this to Paul Jeater, one of the senior Green figures.

And not had a response I’m happy with.

The manifesto seems to say that anyone now on Housing Benefit will still get it.

The problem, there?   Is simply that anyone who’s on Universal Credit doesn’t get Housing Benefit.

Oh, I grant: we get what’s called Universal Credit’s Housing Component. 

But not Housing Benefit.

The Component’s replaced Housing Benefit: in my case, four years ago.

Everyone else I know getting UC is getting the same Housing Component.

Effectively, we’re not getting Housing Benefit: we’re getting a larger Universal Credit payment, to help cover our rent.

As things stand?

The manifesto tells me the UC housing component will get removed: and not be replaced.

Much as I’m happy to support the Greens locally?   And was happy to support them in the 2019 General Election?

Much as I’m happy to support them locally?

I don’t think I can support them nationally, unless their position changes changes.

~≈¥≈~

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

27th January, 2021.

Right … it’s a Wednesday … 

A Wednesday after I’ve had a dentist appointment: I had a filling, if you’re curious.

I’ve managed to bag a hygienist appointment, as well.

And an Amazon delivery.

More Marmite*, so you know.

And — amongst other things — a pair of toenail clippers, a blu-ray, some soda crystal — my drains need cleaning — a cuddly toy, a copy of Killing for Company …  … 

And a copy of k. d. lang’s Ingénue: effectively, disc one of the version on Spotify.

It is still one hell of an album.

And Miss Chatelaine?   Possibly one of the best love songs going … 

~≈🎤≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-1-2021: Michigan

26th January, 2021.

Right … 

I’ve got — in theory — a dentist check up, this afternoon.

Although, given the last one was re-arranged for today … ?

And that I’ve not heard whether it’s going ahead … ?

I’m not sure if it’s on, or not!

Here’s hoping.

~≈🦷≈~

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

25th January, 2021.

Right … it’s officially Monday: and I’m expecting it to be quiet.

I have to admit, though: that I caught another episode of Star Trek Discovery, on Saturday.

And thoroughly enjoyed it.

You have to love an episode directed by Jonathan Frakes.

~≈🖖🏻≈~

I’m out of work, at the moment: and, like others on Universal Credit.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll be aware that I — and everyone else on the benefit — are receiving an extra twenty pounds a week, as a result of the COVID pandemic.   About €22, or US$27.

It’s due to end in late March.

And — from what I’ve seen on the news? — many of us receiving it would rather the extra money was made a permanent addition to UC.

It’s quite literally a life line.

There’s been talk of replacing the £20 with a £500*, one off, payment.

Something that would be nice … but less preferable than the weekly payment.

There’s now — according to the Metro, and others — talk of a £1000* one off payment.

I’d … 

I’d like to have a grand: I would.

But think it’s much like the discussed £500 payment.

Not as useful as useful as the £20 a week extra.

~≈£≈~

Star Trek Discovery — Series 3 Episode 12 — There Is a Tide — A Review

23rd January, 2021.

Right … It’s got to be said: I have HAD dinner.

Home made chicken stew, if you’re curious.

Complete with chicken, chicken stock, carrots, mushrooms, onions, peppers … and an otherwise perfectly innocent parsnip that didn’t deserve to be chopped up and put in a pot!

Personally … ?

I think it went down well.

Although, frankly?   I think starting it earlier — and letting the thing take longer to reduce —could’ve helped thicken it.

We live and learn.

At any rate … ?

That’s possibly a discussion for another day.

Tonight … ?

I’m doing my usual thing of getting an early night, with a good read.

After telling you a couple of things.

One?

I got a Tweet from DJ, Annie Nightingale: I was glued to her Sunday night show back in the 1980s.

A Duranie always wrote their fan club no. At the bottom right corner of fan letters. a matter of supreme irrelevance till I unwittingly caught out while interviewing, deadpan,@french&saunders being Duranies in a live sketch and asked for their fan club numbers. Fort, on Radio!

— annie nightingale (@aanightingale) January 23, 2021

She’s the DJ that introduced me to an utter belter!

The fact I’ve also seen another episode of Star Trek Discovery’s third series?

Is almost incidental!

~≈🖖🏼≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-1-2021: John Belushi

24th January, 2021.

It’s officially official.

It’s cold out!

Frankly?

I’m going to go out for my usual stroll, at some point: the weather’s th won bit I’m not looking forward to!

~≈⇧≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd January, 2021.

23rd January, 2021.

Right … I’m officially going to be watching what’s left of my money: given I got paid, yesterday.

I’ve got the bills paid … and a couple of bits and bobs from Amazon.

Marmite, toenail clippers … and, in the wake of the aerial repairman’s statements, an extra aerial cable.

We’ll have to see what happens, there.

~≈†≈~

You’ve probably worked out I follow the news: and been following stories about laptops for schools.

Or, at least, the stories about underprivileged kids who can’t get online, for online lessons.

Half the problem?   Are getting online in the first place.

There’s moves, I’m told, to make sure educational resources — BBC Bitesize and Oak Academy seem to be the main ones under discussion — will not count towards data limits.

That’s going to help.

What doesn’t … ?

Is this piece on the BBC’s News Website.

It seems a number of laptops sent to schools by the government have malware on them: a worm known as Gamarue.I*.

And tells us “Ideally users should reboot into safe mode and run a full scan with an anti-virus product.”

But also: “… it is advisable to seek professional assistance in order to ensure it has been correctly removed.”

I’m curious, though.

Why whoever’s organising this, at a government level, didn’t think to check the machines, before handing them out.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-1-2021: Howard’s Way.

22nd January, 2021.

Right … first things first, shall we?

I’ve finished my written and video review of Snowgums Films’ version of Troll Bridge.

And frankly?

It’s possibly the best Terry Pratchett adaptation I’ve seen.

What’s made my day … ?

Is simply that Snowgum Films, the company that made it?   Have politely thanked me on Twitter!

Yay!

You're very kind! Thank you so much for your review, it made our day!

💙💙💙💙

cc: @DonBridges1, @jackstone007

— snowgumfilms (@snowgumfilms) January 22, 2021

~≈†≈~

Just as a quick thought … ?

I’ve just had another scam call from someone claiming to be from BT Openreach: trying to tell me my router was putting out rogue signals.

It took a while … 

But my usual routine in these circumstances — talking endless twaddle about gibbons — seemed to work.

They hung up … 

~≈†≈~

As a final thought, before we move on … ?

No Time To Die, the last film to star Daniel Craig as James Bond, has been postponed again: from April to October.

Heigh … ho … !

~≈†≈~

As an even final, final thought?   Here’s Troll Bridge: it’s worth watching!

~≈†≈~

Troll Bridge — A Review

20th January, 2021.

Right … 

It’s a Wednesday evening, as I start this post.

And?

Frankly, I’m going to go to bed, in a minute: at a time that — twenty years ago — I would have said is a ridiculously early time to go to bed.

But?

The older I get, the more being in bed with a good read is the height of a good time!

So I’m planning to hit the sack with an Arthur Machen story.

But … ?

I felt I should tell you’ve I’ve finally seen the short film version of Terry Pratchett’s Troll Bridge.

And utterly loved it!

~≈🌉≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21st January, 2021

21st January, 2021.

Right: it’s a thing.

I caught a video on TV, last night: the Snowgum Films version of Terry Pratchett’s Troll Bridge.

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

But have to say, it’s fantastic!

~≈👹≈~

I’ve been talking about the twenty pound uplift to Universal Credit, over the past few days: the one introduced last April, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite a vote in Parliament on Monday?   The extra money is due to end on the 31st March, this year.

I’d rather it didn’t.

It’s a handy thing to have, and has given me extra money towards bills, rent, arrears, shopping … and the occasional iTunes card, and Amazon purchase.

Which reminds me, I need toe nail clippers.

At any rate!?   It’s a useful amount of extra money.

One due to end soon.

I would prefer it not too.

As — according to this report from the BBC? — the cost of living’s going up.

If you can mention that to the Chancellor, I’d thank you.

~≈💰≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-1-2021: David Lynch

20th January, 2021.

Hmmm … 

I’m feeling mildly rushed.

Why?

I’ve a phone meeting, today: with my Work and Health case worker, today.

At the last call?   I was told the group running the programme would be organising contact with a nurse for me: to discuss various things.

As far as I can tell, given the phone situation?

They’s not contacted me.

I think I’ll need words … 

~≈📞≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-1-2021: Dolly

19th January, 2021.

Right … things occur … on a regular basis.

Frankly?

I had an COVID-19 swab test, done a couple of weeks ago: courtesy of the Office for National Statistics.

They’re doing it to monitor the condition’s spread: and say ‘thank you’ by giving you a twenty-five pound Amazon voucher.

The last one I got … ?

Let me buy a big tub of Marmite.

And, my word, I’m enjoying that on toast!

~≈🥖≈~

You’ve possibly realised I’m jobhunting: and have been for a couple of years, now.

Lord knows what I’m doing wrong, but I’ve found nothing: yet.

Since last April, though?   Since April, 2020, I, like all of us on Universal Credit, have received an extra twenty pounds as week: to help cope with the COVID-19 crisis.

It’s due to end on the 31st March: despite the fact those of us getting it really need the uplift to be extended.

Or made permanent.

So, yesterday?   On what’s called an Opposition Day, the House of Commons had a non-binding vote on the uplift.

As a result of the Government whips insisting that Tory MPs abstain?

The Government lost the vote.

By 278 votes.

OK, it’s non-binding.

But with six Conservative MPs voting against it, despite instructions to abstain?

That’s — hopefully — dropping a hint.

~≈🪙≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th January, 2021.

18th January, 2021.

Right … Things are truly occurring … 

Although, I suspect, not to me!

I’m expecting a comparatively quiet day … 

Although, saying that … ?

I’ve just put the phone down on on someone claiming to be from BT Openreach, phoning from 01953 887 975,  telling me there’s a problem with my router.

This … ?   At 8:20 … !

I put the phone down … 

I’ll given them credit for persistence.

But not for interrupting me … 

~≈☎️≈~

Star Trek Discovery — Series 3 Episode 11 — Su’Kal — A Review

16th January, 2021.

I have to admit, I’m getting the hang of a couple of things.

The first?

Those introduction videos.

Saying that … ?

I may need to do them slightly differently.

Just a straight “I’m having dinner, then I’m going to watch TV,” seems to be … well …

Not quite doing myself justice.

At any rate?

Yes: I’ve had dinner.

Pasta: with home made bolognese sauce: with added spring onions, as I had some begging.

It was certainly fragrant, cooking.

And yes: I’ve seen episode eleven of Star Trek Discovery’s third series.

~≈🖖🏼≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-1-2021: The Greatest.

17th January, 2021.

News … 

News is a funny old thing, sometimes.

Others?   Slightly less hysterical … 

As you may or may not know, people in the UK on Universal Credit in the UK — me, included — have received a twenty pound a week extra payment: introduced last April, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

It’s due to end in April, 2021.

Frankly?   I’m not looking forward to that: it’ll make life a lot harder.

But both the Guardian, and Radio 4’s news service, tell us that there will be a non-binding vote in Parliament, tomorrow: about ending the extra money.

One that’s little more than a protest vote.

Even given that?   I hope it goes against the Government: I’d like to see the Government take note of it.

I’m fairly sure Boris Johnson probably won’t.

At a committee meeting last Wednesday?   He said: “And I think most people in this country want to see a focus on jobs and growth in wages than on welfare, but clearly we have to keep all of these things under review.”

Keeping it reviewed is a good idea, obviously: I completely understand that the Government wants to spend as little as possible.

But?

I’ve heard a lot of Conservative ministers say similar things.

Without acknowledging one simple fact.

The amount I, and others, get as a benefit has little to do with whether an employer offers me a job.

~≈£≈~

There’s something else, as well … 

There’s been talk — talk, mind — that the Government’s having … disagreements … about that uplift.

About whether it should be kept … or replaced.

It seems that — according to a couple of reports I’ve read — Chancellor Rishi Sunak wants to introduce a five hundred pound bonus as a substitute for the uplift.

As a prepaid debit card, in combination with a mobile phone app, if the Guardian is to be believed.

Hmmm … 

There’s a technology issue, there.

How are those of us with no smart phones supposed to access that app?

There’s other issues, I think.

Or questions, at least.

Can I use it to pay for a mobile phone top up?   On my gas or electricity bills?   My rent?   My council tax?

Going by the Guardian article, no.   I could only use it for ‘face to face’ retail transactions … or in hospitality venues.

It’s of limited use, in other words.

I’m not saying a one-off £500 voucher wouldn’t be useful.

I think a £500 one-off cash payment would be preferable: as I could put it towards far more payments.

Either of them?

Are far less use than a permanent twenty pound a week increase in my Universal Credit payment.

~≈£≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th January, 2021.

16th January, 2021.

Did you ever meet a writer called Storm Constantine?

Or read anything by her?

I did the latter, many years ago: The Monstrous Regiment, and her Grigori trilogy.

And really should get to grips with her Wraeththu novels: which kickstarted her career.

I met her a couple of times, as well: back in the late Nineties.

You couldn’t wish to met a warmer woman: nor one with a more bewitching smile, or wickeder sense of humour.

I actually interviewed her, and kept meaning to post the results here.

I never did: for various reasons.

And possibly now never will: in a chat on Facebook, many years later, she told me she wanted to see and approve the finished results, before I published.

Understandably, I think: utter professional that she was, she didn’t want a complete amateur making a pigs ear of things!

Sadly?   I’ll not get that approval.

As Storm died of cancer on Thursday, 14th January, 2021.

She’ll be much missed: by her friends, her family … and her husband, Jim.

All I can do?   Is send him my condolences.

~≈📚≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th January, 2021.

15th January, 2021.

Right … 

I’ve had a quick look outside.

And?   It’s not actually raining!

That, and the fact I’m not expecting any visitors?

Means I can go out for a walk.

The excitement’s killing me!

~≈🚶🏻≈~

Which reminds me … I had someone down from my landlord’s: to look at the communal TV aerial.

Apparently?   The problem’s a bad cable at my end.

I’m going to get a new cable, as soon as I can afford to.   It needs to be a male to female RF cable.

TV aerial cable

But I’m suspicious.

If it’s just a cable in my TV?

Why on Earth are some of my neighbours having issues?

~≈📺≈~

Actually?   And totally off the subject?

The picture of the aerial cable is courtesy of a well known online encyclopaedia: which sees it’s 20th anniversary, today.

I wish I’d realised that, when writing today’s Teaser: I could’ve added another one to the set I did, seven years ago.

At ANY rate … ?

It’s a handy site to have bookmarked.

If you find it as useful as I do … ?

Feel free to donate!

~≈🌍≈~

Just as a final thought … ?

Apparently, 150, 000 entries have been deleted from the police national computer.

By accident.

Accident!

Who wants* to put money on it being human error, rather than the technical issue the government’s blaming?

~≈🍠≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-1-2021: The Number 14.

14th January, 2021.

Yes: it’s Thursday.

And I’ve more food than I had, yesterday.

Quite what I’m supposed to be doing with that many spring onions, I don’t know!

At ANY rate … ?

I have to stay in, today: we’re expecting a repair man to look at the communal aerial.

~≈Ç≈~