Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-5-2021: World No Tobacco Day

31st May, 2021.

It’s officially the case: I’ve been reading … a book!

Well … there’s not much to do, at my place!

At any rate … ?

I’ve started reading Hallie Rubenhold’s The Five: her biography of the five acknowledged victims of the anonymous killer known as Jack the Ripper.

I’ve finished the section about his first victim, Mary Ann ‘Polly’ Nichols.

Polly ended up separating from her husband: losing her home in the process, and developing a drink problem, as a result.

It’s sad to read.

Especially when you realise so many lives are still like that, today …

~≈🗡≈~

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

30th May, 2021.

Yes: it’s officially official.

I’ve been shopping.

“And … ?” I hear you ask … ?

Well, excitingly, I bought some red onions!

You know, now I see that written down … ?

It’s possibly not as exciting as I thought.

At any rate, I managed to make some goulash, last night.

I have to admit to kicking myself, though.

I managed to put a baked spud on … and then managed to cook some rice, as well.

D’Oh!

~≈fi≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-5-2021: Wisconsin

29th May, 2021.

Right … 

I now have cleaner — ish — teeth: after a hygienist appointment, yesterday.

And meant to go shopping, once I’d finished.

I didn’t.

I felt mildly woozy: something that I blame on the second AstraZeneca jab, the day, before.

That’s the only effect I have had!

At ANY rate … ?

I’m going to try and do some shopping, today.

Frankly?

I’d like to put Marmite on something … !

~≈🍞≈~

I take it you watch the news, occasionally?

I do: technology interests me, as does anything going off in my town.

Every-so-often, Brentwood get’s the occasional drug raid: they’ve happened on my street, I know that.

Occasionally?   Someone opens up a a cannabis farm: I think we’ve had one of those in my street, as well.

What we haven’t had … ?   Is an illegal Bitcoin mining setup!

It seems that, over the past few months, West Midlands police were investigating a cannabis farm in Sandwell.

But turns out to have been an illegal Bitcoin* mine.

Well … the mine, itself, wasn’t illegal.

It’s connection to the electricity grid was: the thing was using electricity without paying for it.

It’s a genius idea, in a way.

The mine’s organisers are going to be serving less time for stealing electricity, than they would for growing cannabis.

Frankly?   I think we’re going to see more of these.

~≈⚡️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-5-2021: The Forgotten Prisoners

28th May, 2021.

Right … I’ve officially had both doses of the AstraZeneca jabs.   I’m in a far better health position that I was, a week ago.

At least, in terms of the COVID-19 virus.

Frankly?

It now means I can safely walk the streets … and head for the dentist appointment, this afternoon.

~≈§≈~

Oh, I’ve got the Today programme on, at the moment.

The reason I mention it?

Is that Brian Nash, guitarist for Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

It’s fascinating stuff to hear.

As were the big hits!

I still think the Annihilation mix of Two Tribes was the definitive one!

~≈🎶≈~

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

27th May, 2021.

First things first, if we can … ?

Can you let me know if the top video in this post, works?

Google owned YouTube have managed to re-introduce playlist embedding: and I’m trying to see if posting a video to the blog is also back up and running.

I’m using the Google owned Blogger service, after all.

~≈📼≈~

Moving on to the video’s contents?

Yes: it was sunny when I took part of it.

And yes: it’s still sunny, now.

Which is nice.

I’m due to have the second of my two COVID-19 jabs, today: at 12:18.

It’d would be nice to see sunshine on the way there … 

~≈💉≈~

For All Mankind — Series 2 Episode 8 — And Here’s to You — A Review

25th May, 2021.

Right … 

It’s getting late: but I’m trying something of an experiment.

I’ve tried using the same video introduction, twice.

The uppermost copy?   Is one I’ve uploaded directly to Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar.

The second, or lower, copy?   Is the same video: uploaded to YouTube, and embedded from there.

If you could let me know which one works?   I’d appreciate knowing.

~≈📺≈~

Did I mention I’ve been able to afford a new AppleTV?

I’ve been able to afford a new AppleTV: the second generation 4K one, with the A12 processor.

The upside?   The thing connects to my media library a lot quicker the the old version, which is good.

The downsides?   It took a while to connect the game controller I had.

And the new Siri remote … ?

I like the first generation one: everything you needed was on the front.

The new one, with a very retro click wheel design?

Is a good navigation tool: but doesn’t work well with some of the games I have, ones that relied on the older model’s touch pad.

The second generation model has an ‘Power’ button — and a Siri button — on the right hand side.

Very fiddly, if, like me, you’re left handed!

At any rate … ?

It’s settling in.

Which means I used it to watch And Here’s To You, episode eight of series two of For All Mankind.

I’ll tell you more about that … tomorrow.

But yes: the title’s relevant … 

~≈🧑‍🚀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th May, 2021.

26th May, 2021.

It’s officially the case: I’ve been doing stuff: including tramping up and down the Liberty Two shopping centre, in the process.

Frankly?

I wanted to sell off my old one: and a box set, and an extra remote.

I got a reasonable price for them.

I’ve got a new, second generation, AppleTV 4k.

Which — it has to be said — connects to, and streams from, my local library a lot faster than the old model.

The downside?   It took a long time to set up my game controller.

And I’m not entirely convinced by the new Siri Remote.

The actually Siri Button — that lets you access Apple’s voice assistant  — is on the side of the remote.

Slightly fiddly, in other words: especially if you’re left handed … 

~≈👔≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th May, 2021

25th May, 2021.

Are you on Instagram?

I am.

It’s usually fun: you can show off your photography skills.

Or lack of photography skills, in my case!

The downside … ?   Is that the site seems to be infested with scammers: I had a spate of romance scammers when I first joined.

Yesterday … ?   And I wish I’d gotten a screen shot of both?   But, yesterday … ?

I had two beggars message me: after food.

Begging for food …. on Instagram.

Dear Gods … !

View this post on Instagram

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

View this post on Instagram

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

That’s the profile of the two: keep your eyes peeled … 

~≈🌭≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-5-2021: Hi, Bob!

24th May, 2021.

Right … I have to admit, I’m feeling slightly rushed, today.

I’ve got a phone meeting at ten, with my Health and Work Programme case officer.

At ten.   So you know.

Am I nervous about it … ?

Nope: they’re getting routine.

They also end in October.

What happens, after that … ?

I really don’t know … 

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-5-2021: The Library

23rd May, 2021.

I’ve got to admit, I’ve looked out of the window, this morning.

And … ?

We’ve got some sunshine, today!

OK, there’s no actually birdsong: but at least it’s sunny enough to go and buy a loaf, without a coat.

~≈Ê≈~

I’ve got to admit, I was editing video, last night.

And so, managed to avoid this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

This year’s Russian entry?   Either wanted to be a Georgian State Dancer … or a Dalek.

I still think Russia should’ve re-used last year’s entry: Little Big did a better job!

The eventual winners?   Were the Italian band, Måneskin, with the song, Zitti e buoni.

Which, it has to be said, sounds fantastic.

James Newman, the UK entry … ?   Came last.

With zero.

He’s the second UK entry to do so.

Hell, Iceland did better: after they had to take part by video!

Frankly?   I’m blaming Brexit!

~≈🎹≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-5-2021: Sir Arthur

22nd May, 2021.

Right … I’ve news … mixed, but mostly positive news.

I had a colonoscopy, yesterday, at Basildon Hospital.

Which was fun.

The good news?   Is that I have nothing more serious than piles and a couple of polyps* on my colon.

Which, I’m told, are something along the lines of warts: and something that would normally be removed, as they can turn cancerous.

Thankfully, the ones I have, haven’t.

Normally … ?

Mine would’ve been removed on the day.

But weren’t.

As the laxatives — gosh, they were fun! — I’d had on Thursday didn’t … um … clear everything … !

I’m going to have to repeat the process.

~≈💩≈~

Just as an extra thought about the colonoscopy?

I have to admit to being nervous about it, yesterday.

I was, after all, getting a camera put somewhere where cameras don’t usually go.

But thankfully?   I was given a sedative: “to help me relax.”

I couldn’t help but notice was Fentanyl: the drug that’s contributing much to the US opioid crisis.

I’ll happily admit, I’m trying not to worry about that.

But am definitely noticing the aftereffects of the stuff.

No wonder they tell you not to drive: they’re mild, as far as I can see.

But they’re not necessarily nice … 

~≈💊≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21st May, 2021.

21st May, 2021.

Right, I’m up early: because I’ve got a hospital appointment, today.

For an endoscopy.

I’m not looking forward to it: but once it’s done, it’s done.

I can then start worrying the results.

Hopefully, it’s nothing more serious than piles … 

~≈Ê≈~

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

20th May, 2021.

I told you yesterday, that I have a hospital procedure, tomorrow.

I’ve got a hospital procedure, tomorrow.

So you know!

Given the nature of the procedure?

I have to fast for twenty-four hours.

Well … I say fast: more like on an extremely restricted diet.

Black tea, oxtail soup, water and jelly.

Orange or yellow jelly, for preference.

The dyes in red or purple jelly won’t play well with the procedures.

I was right in today’s intro video.

It’s not exactly going to be fun … 

~≈🍩≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th May, 2021.

19th May, 2021.

Remember, on Monday, I’d had a Zoom interview scheduled?

One interrupted by some sort of technical problem?

One that got rearranged for yesterday … ?

It didn’t go ahead.

The thing seems to have been cancelled: at their end.

And without a word to me, to say it would be cancelled.

Frankly?   I think that’s a little unprofessional: and sent a — hopefully polite — email to say so, and that I would withdraw my application.

If the company — Purified Air, they’re called — treats people like that at the interview stage, what are they like to work for … ?

~≈¥≈~

It’s officially official: I’ve got a hospital appointment on Friday.

For a somewhat invasive procedure.

One I’m hoping won’t take too long: but suspect will take a while.

But … ?

It’s one I know I have to fast for, AND take a powerful laxative in order to work.

I’m not looking forward to it: but, given it can rule out some quite serious conditions … ?

It needs doing.

~≈¥≈~

For All Mankind — Series 2 Episode 7 — Don’t Be Cruel — A Review

18th May, 2021.

Any minute now … ?

I’m going to hit the sack.

Really.

I’ve got some entertaining bedtime really — A Nomad of the Time Streams — that’s just getting to the good bits.

But … ?   As is getting to be something of a tradition, I’ve watched another episode of For All Mankind, made a few rudimentary notes … 

And wanted to at least get started on the post.

I’ll be back … after this snooze … !

~≈👽≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-5-2021: Nicholas 2nd

18th May, 2021.

Oy veh!

Would you believer that the Zoom interview I was due to have yesterday?

Has had to be re-scheduled.

The thunderstorm in Romford, where the company is … ?

Caused the signal to collapse … !

Oy veh … !

~≈†≈~

A few days ago, I told you I’d written to my MP: about photo ID.

I got a formal written reply from my local MP, Alex Burghart, on Monday.

If you can’t make that out, here’s what he said.

Dear Mr Downie

Thank you for contacting me about voter ID

A secure electoral system is a vital component of a health democracy, and the public must have confidence that our elections are secure and fit for the 21st Century.   Asking voters to bring ID to their polling station is an important way of achieving this and the electoral Integrity Bill will put such a requirement into law.

Voter ID is not new.   Northern Ireland had required paper ID at polling stations since 1985, and photo ID since 2003 — introduced by the last Labour Government.   It has been proved to be effective at tackling fraud and not curtailed election turnout.

Identification to vote has been backed by the Electoral Commission and international elections watchdogs.   At present, it is harder to take out a library book or collect a parcel at a post office than it is to vote in someone else’s name.

In pilot schemes in 2019 and 2018, the overwhelming majority go people cast their vote without a problem and the success of the pilots proves that this is a reasonable and proportionate measure to take, and that there was no notable effect on turnout.



Under the Government’s proposals, anyone without an ID will be able to apply for a new free one — meaning that no voter, including those, like you, on Universal Credit, will be disenfranchised as you have suggested.

Thank you again, for taking the time to contact me to share your concerns.

Yours sincerely, 

Alex Burghart, MP.

You’ll notice he stresses the ‘free voter ID’?

I certainly did.

As did a friend of mine: who also sent a letter to her MP, Julia Lopez MP … and who got an identically worded reply, courtesy of Ms Lopez’s constituency assistant.

I sent a reply to Alex Burghart.

Dear Mr Burghart.

First things, I’d like to take this chance to thank you for explaining the Electoral Integrity Bill to me: I appreciate this takes up a lot of your valuable time.



I did, however, want to raise a couple of follow up points with you. 



I’d like to quibble the ease of applying for a library ticket or pick up a parcel with you.



The last time I need to apply for a Library card, I only needed a couple of letters with my address on them.


The last parcel I need to pick up from the Post Office?

I only needed my bank card, and the card left by the postman.



Could you explain the current ID needed for proxy voting: I’m unfamiliar with it. 



But if proxy voting is truly easier then collecting a parcel?

Why not insist on photo ID just for those casting a proxy vote?



Secondly?   In the 2019 and 2018 pilot schemes, how did those of us with no ID, identify themselves?



Thirdly, and finally … ?



I have to admit, I knew about the proposed ‘Free Photo ID cards.’   The media coverage does mention it.



That ‘free voter ID’ is where, again, I have concerns about costs.

In order to claim this free voter ID, I’m assuming I would need to provide a passport sized photo: is that correct?



And would need a letter as proof of address, and possibly a birth certificate.



Replacement birth certificates, if needed, will cost money: some thirty-five pounds, going by the relevant site.



Passport ID photos would also cost money.



I have to ask, Mr Burghart, how am I supposed to afford that free voter ID: if I can’t afford the documents needed to apply for it?

As well intentioned as this bill is, it still seems I have to buy my right to vote.



Yours,

I would LOVE to get a reply off the man, I really would.

I suspect I won’t.

Which is a shame: I’d love to hear his reply.

~≈⨷≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th May, 2021

17th May, 2021.

Yes: it’s true.

I’ve a Zoom interview pencilled in for this afternoon: for a company that sells air purifiers.

Whether that’ll go ahead, I still don’t know: as I’ve not heard back.

Hopefully?

Well, we’ll have to see.

~≈†≈~

At any rate … ?

The only other thing I have to worry about?

Is what to have for dinner.

The BIG decision?

Spaghetti … ?

Or a burger … ?

~≈🍝≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th May, 2021

16th May, 2021.

Yes: it’s Sunday.

And frankly?

Yes: it means I’ve dug up the big pot, and started boil washing my tea towels.

Well, they need doing … !

~≈†≈~

You know, I’m half wishing I’d taken a screenshot!

Remember I had a scam text message, a couple of days ago?   One that — almost — drained all of the credit from my mobile phone.

Well, I had another one, last night.

From — apparently! — Hermes.

Yes, I wish I’d screen shot it: I’d half a mind showing it to you could be a good idea.

Still, telling you I had one seems a sensible idea!

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-5-2021: Eno …

15th May, 2021.

OK … 

When I made that introduction?   The weather was looking overcast.

Which was nice: I forgot to get bread and milk, yesterday.

Just minutes later … ?   When I added the rain to the video … ?

It was raining.

I think I’m going to get wet … 

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th May, 2021.

14th May, 2021.

Yes: I went to Romford, yesterday.

To sell on a box-set, if you’re curious.

In the rain … !

Which was fun.

That means, though … ?

I can do a little light shopping, today.

In the possible rain … 

~≈É≈~

One thing I know I stupidly did … ?

Was click a link.

I got a text message, yesterday: telling me I missed a delivery, and that I could click a link to talk to the driver.

It immediately ran this phone number: 0902 391 9072.

Which the information on my phone initially told me was in Lithuania.

That call ate half of my remaining credit: as I let the phone ring a few times, before realising everything I’d recently ordered had been delivered.

As you can imagine … ?   I’m mildly kicking myself.

I posted a screen shot to Instagram, to try and alert people to it.

And have reported it to the 7726 text messaging service that phone companies have set up to combat these things.

Here’s hoping that helps.

~≈Ë≈~

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

13th May, 2021.

Yes!

I’m officially undecided … 

Do I nip up to the High Street, to get some shopping?   Ot into Romford, to cash in a box set?

Either way?   I’m going to get wet.

It’s raining.

~≈§≈~

If you recall … ?

I’ve mentioned the Voter ID requirements introduced in the recent Queens Speech: and that there was a petition doing the rounds.

Something that’s now got over sixty-four thousand signatures.

If you’re in the UK, and looking to sign that petition, I’ve embedded it into the sidebar of the desktop version of Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar.

Feel free to sign it.

~≈§≈~

For All Mankind — Series 2 Episode 6 — Best Laid Plans — A Review

11th May, 2021.

Right … I’ve got to confess, I’ve had a rather good dinner.

Beef stew, if you’re asking: with some leek in it as one of the vegetables.

Just for a change!

And, frankly?

I’m off to bed: Moorcock’s A Nomad of The Time Stream is getting interesting.

Captain Bastable’s finding out more of what makes disgraced airman, Dempsey, tick.

But?

I’ve just spent an hour watching another episode of For All Mankind.

Series two, episode six, so you know.

I’m off to bed, right now: and will let you know more, tomorrow night!

~≈🪐≈~