The Mandalorian — Series 2 Episode 4 — Chapter 12 The Siege — A Review

27th February, 2021.

Yes: it’s officially official.

A couple of things have happened, today.

I’ve just managed to do a halfway decent pot of decent chicken stew.

I tend to make enough to last three or four meals, so you know.

Tonight’s?   I’ve made enough to last until Wednesday.

It’s amazing how long chicken pieces, a litre of stock, three peppers, two red onions, half a dozen mushrooms, three carrots and a parsnip will last.

I think I’ve got the right amount of flour as thickener, as well.

The other … ?

It’s my birthday on Thursday: but I’ve had my birthday present, a new mobile phone, a few days early.

Something I know I was nervous about, this morning.

But that seems to have gone well.

At any rate … ?

That’s possibly something for another time.

For now?

I’ll be closing this part of the post: by telling you I’ve seen another episode of The Mandalorian, Series two.

I’ll tell you what I though, tomorrow night.

~≈🚀≈~

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

28th February, 2021.

Right … it’s Sunday.

Frankly?

That means I’m going to be having a quiet day.

Well … 

Given I’ve now set the new phone up: which was relatively painless …

Bar the odd bit of swearing!

~≈📱≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-2-2021: Polar Bear In the Air

27th February, 2021.

Did I mention my birthday on Thursday?

It’s my birthday on Thursday.

So you know!

At any rate … ?

My family’s bought me a new phone*: thanking you, everyone!

Now the case has been delivered?

I can start the process of setting the thing up.

I don’t know about you … but I always get nervous about that!

~≈‡≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-2-2021: Ban the Heretic!

26th February, 2021.

Did you read yesterday’s Teaser?

You’ll know I missed an appointment at Brentwood’s community hospital.

For blood tests.

I’ve managed — thanks to a cancellation — to re-book the appointment for today.

At 14:30, if you’re wondering.

I have managed to find out why — in part — I missed the appointment.

I’d written it down as 14:40 … when it was actually at 14:20 … 

Um … … 

~≈😳≈~

By the way, I’ve just quickly posted on a Facebook group I’m in: a couple of member have earned themselves suspensions, after ambiguously worded posts.

I’ve left a comment.

But also add a link to this piece.

Telling us that one group had a chat censored.

The word used is one with many meanings: yes, it’s an unflattering term for gay men.

But, in context?

It’s also a traditional meatball.

Personally?

I think Facebook needs to do a couple of things.

One?   Keep a dictionary around.

Two?   Remember that American English isn’t the only game in town*!

~≈✏️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-2-2021: Queue8

25th February, 2021.

Did I mention I was supposed to have a set of blood tests, yesterday?

I was supposed to have a set of blood tests, yesterday.

At Brentwood’s community hospital.

Except I didn’t.

The two phlebotomists that usually do these things?   Had no record of the appointment.

Neither did my surgery: when I asked on the way back.

Frankly?   I’m going to have to phone them up: and see what on Earth happened!

~≈🛠≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th February, 2021.

24th February, 2021.

It’s official: when I recorded that video, there was birdsong.

Not that the microphone on my iMac could pick it up.

But there was birdsong.

There still is birdsong: I can hear it, right now, once the noise of passing cars dies down.

It’s nice to wake up to a dawn chorus … 

~≈🦚≈~

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

23rd February, 2021.

It’s officially the case … we had a power cut, over night.

How did I know?

Well, I’ve a CPAP machine, a Continuous Positive Air Pressure machine: that helps me breath while I’m asleep.

And a little light on the fire alarm, visible from my bedroom.

Subconsciously, I noticed both were off, woke up, noticed it was darker than usual … 

And checked.

My lights were off, the street lights were off, the electricity meter was off … 

And I had a text message on my phone — from the company that runs the electricity grid — to say so!

Things looked dark!

But, thankfully, not for long.

What happened?

I wish I knew.

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-2-2021: Dollywood

22nd February, 2021.

Yes: it’s pay day, tomorrow.

That means shopping and bill paying.

Frankly, I’m looking forward to it: it means getting out of the house for more than half an hour!

~≈¥≈~

It also means being careful: possibly.

In case you didn’t know, surge testing is due to start in the CM13 postcode are of Brentwood.   Which means Old Peculiar regular, Trevor, will be having fun: that’s his part of town!

It’s rather alarming: but there you go!

~≈¥≈~

Oh, JUST as a final thought?

I’ve caught another episode of The Mandalorian.

You have to love seeing Katee Sackhoff turn up.

~≈¥≈~

The Mandalorian — Series 2 Episode 3 — Chapter 11 The Heiress — A Review

20th February, 2021.

Yes: it’s another post about The Mandalorian.

Why?

Because I happen to like the series!

As ever, though?

It’s a post I’m starting tonight, on Saturday, 20th February: so I can, at least, get an early night.

Frankly, I’ve just started re-reading Killing for Company: and want to get another chapter finished!

I’ll catch you tomorrow.

~≈¥≈~

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

21st February, 2021.

Right … it’s Sunday, again … it only seems a week since the last one … 

Yes, quite!

At any rate?   I caught another episode of The Mandalorian, last night.

Once I’ve got the written and video reviews done?

I’ll be hitting the share button.

~≈‡≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th February, 2021.

20th February, 2021.

It’s officially the case: it’s Saturday.

And frankly?

Beyond phoning the chemist to reorder my medications?

I’m expecting it to be boringly quiet.

~≈😴≈~

Just as a quick additional thought … ?

A friend has pointed me to this piece form ITV’s news site.

Seemingly?

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, is in discussions with Chancellor Rishi Sunak: to extend the £20 uplift to Universal Credit by six months.

Which is nice: and certainly be welcome to me, and many others.

I’ve a question or two, though.

Why not make it permanent?

That would be a far better option, from where I’m sitting.

Additionally?

If it does get extended by six months … ?   Do the PM and the Chancellor realise they’ll be getting the same question, leading up to October.

“Will you make the change permanent?”

We’ll have to see.

~≈💰≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th February 2021 Teaser

19th February, 2021.

It’s official: I got the email from the NHS, yesterday.

I’m now officially vulnerable, and have to shield until 31st March.

Which is presumably when we get further instructions.

I’m … bloody annoyed.

We have to stay indoors as a result of lockdown … and now I have to stay seriously indoors: only being allowed out for exercise.

Oh, and medical appointments.

Quite what’s supposed to happen with shopping, I don’t know: it’s one of the few times I do get some exercise!

The job hunting’s been affected, I know that: I know can only apply for jobs that are worse from home: or would allow me to work from home.

That’s had an effect.

I’ve had to get in touch with the Job Centre: so I can let them know what’s going on, and introduce myself to my new case worker.

That’s on the 3rd March.

I’ve ALSO had to let my Shaw Trust/Health and Work case worker, know.   He’s re-booked my next phone meeting: it’s been moved from 3rd March, to the 29th.

He’s going to be sending me suitable stuff in the mean time.

Which would be a first.

Frankly?

I’m not happy about it.

Stuck indoors isn’t good!

I can only hope I get news of a vaccine, bloody quickly!

~≈🦠≈~

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

18th February, 2021.

Right … remember I had an optician’s appointment, a couple of weeks ago?

I’ve got new spectacles: and getting another pair, next week.

As a result of the test, though?   My optometrist I had what she called a dilution test: just to check inside my eyes.

That’s my appointment, today.

And also why I’ve got the sunglasses: things have a tendency to be blindingly bright!

~≈🕶≈~

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

17th February, 2021.

It’s officially the case … that it’s Wednesday.

Frankly?

That means a quiet day: bar getting a lift to a local food bank.

Fresh fruit, and maybe some cocoa, would be nice!

~≈fl≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-2-2021: Mardi Gras

16th February, 2021

Yes!   It’s officially a warm day, today: reaching of 11°C.

According to the BBC’s site, anyway.

It’s so warm … ?

It’s so warm that:

• The bin men have been able to empty the bins.
• And there’s snow in Texas.

I’m blaming global warming!

~≈🌠≈~

As another thought?

I’m gently rushing, as I’ve a phone meeting with the Shaw Trust: the people behind the Work And Health Programme I’m on.

Quite weather they’ll have anything for me, after References situation, last weekend?

I don’t know.

We’ll have to see.

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-2-2021: Serbia

15th February, 2021.

Argh!

I feel knackered … 

But there you go: that’s happens when you’re up all night, blogging — and vlogging — about a TV show you like.

I’m not getting any younger!

~≈¥≈~

The Mandalorian — Series 2 Episode 2 — Chapter 10 The Passenger — A Review

13th February, 2021.

You know, it’s suddenly occurred to me … I do these intro videos to give people a summary of what’s ahead.

In this case?

That I’ve had dinner, and am going to watch an episode of The Mandalorian.

Or, at least, have just watched an episode of The Mandalorian, at the time of writing.

The second episode of The Mandalorian, series two, so you know.

And I’ve been doing all that, whilst posting on Instagram, listening to Brain Eno … and without telling you what I’ve had for dinner!

View this post on Instagram

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

At any rate?   It seems Eno’s did an album back in 2018, called Music for Installations: I think I’m going to listen to that on Spotify, as and when.

Frankly, iTunes want quite a chunk of money!

At any rate … ?

I’m going to hit the sack.

Tomorrow night?

I’ll be telling you about The Passenger … 

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-2-2021: We Love Oregon

14th February, 2021.

Yes: it’s official … it’s still cold!

By this evening, and going by the BBC’s weather website?

It’s going to hit a positively tropical 4ºC.

39.2ºF, if you’re that way inclined.

It’s hopefully going to be warmer, tomorrow!

~≈💧≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13th February, 2021.

13th February, 2021.

It’s true: it IS a Saturday.

And one that’s still nippy.

And?   As I think I’ve already said?   I’m actually due a cold weather payment: covering the period from 6th February to the 12th.

Quite when that’s supposed to turn up?   I’m still not sure.   It’s be on the 24th of February, at the latest.

It would be nice if it was in the bank on Monday, though.

I could top up my gas meter, and get some shopping.

~≈💷≈~

Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

Buffy … the Vampire Slayer … 

I have to admit, the show’s a personal favourite: and influential.

After all, it picks up the idea of a season arc from Babylon Five, and made it far more popular than the latter ever did.

But?   I, like other fans, am very aware that Charisma Carpenter made serious allegations against show runner, Josh Whedon: in the wake of equally serious allegations from the Justice League set.

More power to her: that statement’s a damning read.

Other members of the cast have followed.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, Buffy herself, said “While I am proud to have my name associated with Buffy Summers, I don’t want to be forever associated with the name Joss Whedon.”

Anthony Head (Rupert Giles) said he was examining his own memories of the time: saying “Admittedly, the first post by Charisma was when she was working on Angel, and I was long gone.   But there are other posts subsequently that are making me think, ‘How on earth did I not know this was going on?’”

The really serious comment?   Is from Michelle Trachtenberg, who played Dawn, Buffy’s sister.

Seemingly … ?   He wasn’t allowed to be in the same room as Trachtenberg … alone.

I think that one possibly needs testing in court.

I’ve seen nothing as yet, from Alyson Hannigan (Willow), Nicholas Brendon (’Xander) or David Boreanaz (Angel): all three played significant characters on the show.

Personally?

I think Buffy The Vampire Slayer is a fantastic show: one that’s still, still, very watchable: The Body is still the best individual television episode ever made.

The cast?   Could be, should be, and are extremely proud of what’s on screen.

Unfortunately?   It looks like the back stage environment was far nastier than it should have been.

And that’s sad to see.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-2-2021: Abraham Lincoln

12th February, 2021.

Did I mention I’ve got another hygienist’s appointment, today?

I’ve got another hygienist’s appointment, today.

So you know.

Frankly?

I’m looking forward to it.

I have an appointment for free, with the student hygienists: as I’m receiving Universal Credit.

And the two students?   Seem both competent and pleasant.

The drawback, of course … ?

Is that it’s cold out.

And those pavements?   Look dangerous.

~≈🧊≈~

Given it’s this cold … ?

I’ve got one question.

Just one.

How on Earth did a fire start on Dartmoor?

It’s not like it can be set off by a streak of lightning, not in this weather!

~≈🔥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11th February, 2021.

11th February, 2021.

Yes: it’s officially official: it’s still cold out.

So, when I go out for a walk, later?

Frankly, I’ll be wearing a jumper.

~≈❄️≈~

I’ve some news.

I didn’t get the job that the Shaw Trust put me up for.

The references didn’t come back in time.

I’m … annoyed, to say the least.

Partly because of the references situations: I left updating contact details a little late.

On the other hand?

One reference was successfully contacted: their email and phone number were accurate.

I know I had to update the phone number of another reference: but that their email address was valid.

With the third, I had to update the email: but that their phone number was valid.

I’ll own that: I needed to — and did — update details: resending them, as needed.

One was successfully contacted.

The one with the valid email, but the wrong number?   May have been phoned … but certainly wasn’t emailed.

Why Shaw didn’t say so sooner?   Why the employer was in a really desperate rush*?   I don’t know.

But, as a result?   I’m still jobless.

And am not happy.

~≈👷🏻‍♂️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th February, 2021.

10th February, 2021.

Right … 

It’s still cold out: as cold as a very cold day in Essex.

A day so cold that freezing cold people will say “Isn’t it cold?”

A day cold enough to … 

You get my point!

At ANY rate … ?

Given the freezing weather?

I thought it would be a good idea to check if I’d get the Cold Weather payment that’s available for people on Universal Credit.

Apparently, I am: at least for the period from the 6th to the 12th of February, this year.

And, of course, when I try to log into my Universal Credit account, to find out when and how it’s paid?

I get this … 

OK … the site’s back up: bu that was a hairy moment.

We’ll have to see what happens with any extra cash.

~≈‡≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser 9-2-2021: Halley’s Comet …

9th February, 2021.

Something you’ll notice, if you watch my intro video the whole way through?   Is the ending.

Yes: that’s taken from the main door of the building.

That’s pretty nasty for around here!

~≈❄️≈~

You’ve worked out I’m not working, at the moment: haven’t you?

And that I’m getting a UK benefit called Universal Credit: and, as such?   I — like everyone else on the benefit — am getting an extra twenty pounds a week, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

That benefit, however?   Is due to end in March.

There’s been complaints about that, over the past few weeks.

I’ve felt the planned one-off payments aren’t a good alternative, that marking the £20 uplift is better, and that it should be made permanent.

Most recently from the Work and Pensions Secretary, Therese Coffey.

Today, however?   We see that the Commons Work and Pensions committee agrees with her.

Sort of.

They’ve insisted that the uplift should remain in place for at least another year.

I’m say it again: I would prefer it to be permanent.

But another year would be a good thing.

~≈£≈~

The US Senate is doing more work, today: towards impeaching former US president, Donald Trump.

Good thing too: encouraging your supporters to storm Congress seems slightly naughty, to say the least.

About the only thing I’ll give the former president?

Is authorising Project Artemis: a planned US moon shot.

My only concern, when President Biden was elected?   Was whether he’d cancel that.

After all, President Obama — Joe Biden had been Obama’s Vice President — had cut NASA’s funding: and been heavily criticised for doing so by no less than Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon.

Thankfully?

President Biden has decided to keep funding the project.

I’m glad to hear it.

The USA used to be a space leader.

With the United Arab Emirates heading for Mars*, it needs to catch up.

~≈🚀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8th February, 2021

8th February, 2021.

Right … 

I think I can safely say I spent a lot of time, indoors, yesterday.

We had snow … !

From what I’ve learnt from Old Peculiar regular, Edith, over the past few days?

Not as much as in Pennsylvania.

Nor, I suspect, as in Maryland: home state to Debbi.

But … ?

Well, I wasn’t going too far.

Not living at the bottom of a hill!

~≈❆≈~

Hmm … 

It’s a Monday: after a weekend.

Obviously.

Given Friday and Saturday involved a possible job?

I’m wondering when I’ll hear back from my Work and Health case worker: I’d hate to be tapping my feet for a week.

~≈❆≈~

The Mandalorian — Series 2 Episode 1 — Chapter 9 The Marshal — A Review

6th February, 2021.

Yes: it’s officially Saturday night: and one that sees my part of Brentwood getting rained on.

It’s a good thing I’m out of cash.

I’d hate to be out in this weather!

Frankly, though?

I’m glad to stay in: as it means I can get an early night.

After getting a start on this post: knowing I’ll be able to tell you about the first episode of The Mandalorian, series two, in the morning.

~≈📺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7th February, 2021.

7th February, 2021.

It’s officially the case: it’s looking nasty, out.

I too this photo, earlier.

When it was dark out … ?   It wasn’t doing what it is now.

Snowing.

Very lightly … but definitely snowing!

OK: I know Old Peculiar regulars, Edith and Debbi, are over in the States, and seeing MORE snow.

But it’s the first we’ve seen in this part of Essex, for a while!

~≈❄️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6-2-2021: Days

6th February, 2021.

I have to admit, I started prepping up today’s Teaser post: at silly o’clock in the morning.

At the time?   There was a light on, in the station carpark, over the road from my flat.

Quite what workmen were doing there, I don’t know.

But it looked atmospheric.

~≈🚊≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5th February, 2021.

5th February, 2021.

Ha!

It’s a Friday: which means I’ll be having fish and home made chips, tonight.

After I’ve been up town for another dental Hygeniest appointment.

Yes: I’m getting shinier teeth, a bit at a time!

~≈🦷≈~

Hmmm … 

There’s a possibility I may not have gotten the job*.

There’s been a possible problem with my references.

Partly, I suspect, because the deadline was late last night: a bit too tight.

Partly, because I’ve not update the contact details for a while: it’s been a while since I’ve needed to.

Partly … ?

Well, LORD knows!

But … ?

If anyone wants to volunteer to be a reference, I’d love to hear from you … !

~≈👨🏼‍🏫≈~

JUST as a thought … ?

You’ve realised I’m job hunting!

And on Universal Credit: receiving twenty pounds extra a week, as a result of an increase caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The increase is due to be withdrawn in April: which is something many are complaining about.

Many are also complaining about the proposed replacements.

Which, so far, have included a five hundred pound one off payment: and a one thousand pound one off payment.

I think these are nice ideas.

But the cash itself?

As I know from my own experience, the cash would last five minutes.

The £20 extra a week?   Would cost only a little more, per person: and would make life far more manageable, long term.

Surprisingly?

Pleasantly surprisingly?

Therese Coffey, MP, the current minister in charge of the Department of Work and Pensions, the department that administers Universal Credit?

Agrees: telling MPs that a “steady sum of money,” is her department’s preferred approach.

Personally?

I’m glad to hear one government minister sees sense.

~≈🪙≈~