Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31st August. 2021.

31st August, 2021.

Yes … it’s raining.

In the immortal words of Janet Weiss.

So … ?   Well, I’ve got to go to town, to put in for a new sick note, and a little shopping.

I’m going to get wet … 

~≈Á≈~

I’ve been out of work, now, since 2018: and it can drag.

Especially when you consider the amount we, as benefit claimants, are paid.

What’s help, over the past few months?   Is the £20 per week uplift to Universal Credit the government introduced in 2020.

It’s a godsend.

One that’s due to end on 30th September,  2021.

Understandably, people are upset.

Me, included.

One thing I’m grateful to see?

Was a piece of news I saw yesterday.

It seems the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have all appealed to Westminster — the UK’s central government — to either extend the uplift, again: or make it permanent.

Good for them.

I doubt — right now — that it would work.

After all, the Prime Minister says he wants to concentrate on people having — or getting — paid work.

But, given those better paid jobs aren’t coming my way?

I hope the appeal works.

~≈Á≈~

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

30th August, 2021.

It’s doing it again!

The weather, that is.

It’s looking distantly grey out!

Not that I was planning to go very far … 

But that doesn’t look nice … 

~≈†≈~

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

29th August, 2021.

It’s officially the case … that it’s vaguely sunny out.

OK, OK … sunny … 

And relatively warm … 

With a lot of clouds.

Which is good.

It means that — when I go out to buy some scouring sponges? — I can leave my coat at home.

Coatless or otherwise, though, I’ll be kicking myself.

I can’t believe I forget the blessed things, the last time I was in Sainsbury’s!

~≈†≈~

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

28th August, 2021.

Yes: I was at the hygienists, yesterday.

I came back with cleaner teeth.

Obviously.   That’s why they call them hygienists!

I also came away with a couple of Disclosing Tablets: a couple of pills that turn any of my teeth covered in plaque, purple.

The idea is it helps you get rid of any muck: you aim for the purple bits.

Frankly?

I think I need another go.

Just to make sure … !

~≈Ù≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-8-2021: Gein.

27th August, 2021.

Yep: I’ve got a hygienist appointment, today.

This afternoon, in fact.

I’m … 

Well, happy to be getting out of the house, frankly.

And getting a good clean.

I’m just not sure about the weather.

~≈Ü≈~

Oh … It’s the 27th August.

You’d noticed.

You’d possibly also noticed I like a movie, occasionally: with Censor being the most recent I’d seen.

I’ve also been aware of an updated version of Candyman in the works: which is due out, today.

I’ll have to see if ot’s on a Video on Demand service: it looks interesting.

~≈🐝≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th August, 2021

26th August, 2021.

It’s official: I’m knackered.

If you’ll excuse the term.

But that’s what you get when you stay up late, writing reviews of movies you’ve seen.

If you can access it, Censor is worth a go.

~≈📽≈~

Now, I know I don’t usually do politics … but occasionally?

I do politics.

Right at the moment, I’m off sick, job hunting and getting Universal Credit.

Those of us on the benefit?   Are getting the twenty pound a week uplift: introduce in 2020, to help offset the effects of COVID-19.

It’s due to end in October.

Radio 4’s today programme is doing a piece on it, now.

Mostly?

Because two Conservative MPs have written an open letter to the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson: urging that the uplift be made permanent.

I hope it works.

They extra money is too damn useful.

~≈💷≈~

Censor — A Review

24th August, 2021.

Any minute now … ?

I am going to get into bed.

I’ve noticed that the older I get?

The more an early night appeals.

But, before I do … ?

I wanted to make sure I do my usual thing on an evening like this.

Make sure I’d started on a movie night post: to remind myself I’ve seen a film … 

And that I wanted to tell you about it.

Tonight’s film?

The 2021 Prano Bailey-Bond directed, Censor.

Arguably, it could be better … but is very good for a first timer … 

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-8-2021: Tim Burton

25th August, 2021.

I went shopping, yesterday.

Shopping.

I always possibly spend a bit too much.

And always forget something.

Would you believe it … ?

Toothpaste.

I forgot toothpaste: and washing up liquid!

Oy … !

~≈🪥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-8-2021: Oh, Mr Fry … !

24th August, 2021.

It’s officially official.

I didn’t get everything done in I need to do, yesterday.

At least, in Brentwood High Street.

Oh, I got the bills paid, and appointment done.

But have to go back, today … to get shopping.

I hate shopping … !

~≈¥≈~

Politics … politics, politics, politics.

You’re possibly aware I’m job hunting, at the moment, and on Universal Credit, the main benefit for those of us who aren’t working.

When we are … ?   Universal Credit has a taper.

In other words, the benefit’s means tested: you lose sixty-three pence for every pound you earn.

Labour have announced that they would alter this in low paid workers favour: should they win a general election.

Labour also said they’re going to fight the removal of the £20 uplift “with every tool at our disposal.”

But not said whether they’d restore it, once in power.

That’s a fat lot of good, to me.

They’re not in power, right now, and no-one’s offering me job: so the alteration in the taper is a moot point.

They’re in opposition, right now, and seemingly doing nothing that uplift.

And it sounds like they won’t … if they’re in government, in the future.

In my personal opinion?

They, and the Conservatives, are as bad as each other.

~≈¥≈~

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

23rd August, 2021.

Right … I’ve an optician’s appointment, today: just to double check on something.

And I’ve got to pay bills.

As it’s payday.

Frankly?

I’m just hoping I’m able to juggle my time!

Without my legs aching!

~≈🦿≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-8-2021: I am the Assassin.

22nd August, 2021.

It has to be said, it was murky, yesterday.

Murkily murky, in a murkocious, murky kind of way.

That — to put it bluntly — involved ray, overcast skies, murkily murking at innocent passersby who’d been hoping for blue skies and sunshine.

If you follow me.

OK, granted, I didn’t get too drenched, when I went to the local shop.

But … ?   There were threats of drizzle, lurking in between bouts of murk: murk heading slowly into gloom.

Threats that decided to turn up the volume, over night.

When my part of town got hit by an overnight thunderstorm.

Which was entertaining.

If you were trying to get to sleep … 

~≈⛈≈~

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

21st August, 2021.

It’s got to be said, I’ve had a look out of the front door of the building: and the day is looking distinctly overcast.

With the BBC’s weather service telling us it could get wetter … 

That’s nice: it’ll make buying some margarine a pleasure.

He says, layering on the irony … 

~≈🌧≈~

I’m someone who likes a movie, occasionally: you might have noticed.

I might just watch one, tonight: we’ll have to see.

I do know, though, that No Time To Die — the much delayed James Bond film — is now getting its world premiere on 28th September: with a full release, two days later.

Frankly?   I’m looking forward to its VOD release.

It’s been a while since I’ve seen a James Bond film.

~≈7≈~

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

20th August, 2021.

Hmmm … 

Did I mention I’m job hunting at the mo?

I’m job hunting: although signed off sick, at this exact moment.

But still have to attend meetings with my work coach.

Today’s?

Is at 12:45 … by video link.

I have to admit … I’m hoping the technology works.

~≈📸≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-8-2021: Gene Roddenberry

19th August, 2021.

Well … 

We knew it was coming.

The £20 uplift to Universal Credit — the main unemployment benefit I’m on, as an unemployed person — comes to an end on 31st September.

I had a message about it from the DWP, last night.

For me, personally, and for my friends and neighbours who are in the same boat?

That’s one hell of a loss.

It is, after all, some £86 extra a month: £86 that makes life on the dole a lot more survivable.

For a single bloke like me, that’s money towards council tax, bills, food.

There’s families who will also be hit.

They’ll suffer a bit more, I think.

I’m upset about it: understandably.

It means Christmas is even more unaffordable than it was in 2020.

It means living is more unaffordable.

I’ll cope: there is help available.

I’ve also never voted Conservative: never.

I might: or at least, spoilt my vote, and not voted for others.

Had Boris Johnson’s government made the uplift permanent.

With Afghanistan occupying the news?

I see no sign of that change.

~≈£≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser: 18th August, 2021.

18th August, 2021.

Yes: you’re right.

Me thinking, IS odd!

At any rate … ?

I’ve been thinking, recently: that Frank Herbert possibly had a point.

You’ll remember I’m a fan of his seminal novel, Dune: set some twenty-six thousand years into our future, in a galactic empire dependent on a hideously addictive drug to safely run the transport system.

The drug is from the fictional planet, of Arrakis.

The planet’s native peoples, the Fremen?

Are a tribal group of religious fanatics, funding their fight against foreign occupation/evil oppressors by bribing the right people with Spice … and on the income from smuggling it off planet.

Given its place in the Dune universe?

I believe Frank Herbert was using Spice as a metaphor for oil: and how our entire economy is reliant on it.

Good ol’ oil makes god knows how much fuel: and is the chemical source for so many things.

I think Herbert may have had other things in mind.

Or people, I should say.

You look at international events.

Afghanistan’s popular at the moment.

The Taliban have recently taken control of the country, after Western forces pulled out.

Famously, the group are extremely militant Islamic fundamentalists: having imposed an extremely conservative form of Sharia law, when they were in power in the 1990s.

And, although it’s something they tried banning?   The Taliban ending up controlling Afghanistan’s poppy fields: effectively controlling the country’s opium trade.

Religious fanatics, fighting for control of their land: and dealing in viciously addictive drugs in order to fund their fight … ?

I think Frank Herbert knew what he was writing about.

And that those who tell us science fiction had nothing to do with reality, should possibly read Dune … 

Before someone tells us we should ban the movie … 

~≈🪱≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-8-2021: Gabon.

17th August, 2021.

Gosh … it’s going to be an exciting day.

No, really.

I’m going to buy … vegetables … !

Because … ?

Well, primarily, because I’ve run out of spaghetti sauce.

So I’m planning a batch of goulash.

I just hope Sainsbury’s has the right mushrooms.

I get points for them*!

~≈🍄≈~

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

16th August, 2021.

As I write … ?

People aren’t flying overhead, trying to kill me.

Thankfully.

As I write.

Westerners are being flown out of Afghanistan: as the Taliban have taken control go the capital city, Kabul.

It’s increasingly messy: I, for one, can only hope the situation eases soon.

But, given the Taliban’s history?

I think once the group’s consolidates power, it’s going to turn nasty.

~≈Á≈~

I think there’s little you and I can do about that.

We CAN read the newspaper, and listen to the media reports on the situation.

From the little I can see?   Many of these are critical of the decision to pull out, by US led forces: including the UK’s.

That’s … 

Possibly a little hypocritical.

As I recall, many of them were just as critical of going in: it was seen as an American mission.

And many were just as critical of staying there: potentially provoking the terrorist attacks it was supposed to stop.

Frankly?

Had forces stayed?

There would still be that criticism … 

~≈Á≈~

Black Widow — A Review

14th August, 2021.

It’s got to be said, I’m a man with time on his hand.

You’ve possibly guessed, haven’t you?

Pointless brain Teasers don’t happen by themselves, after all.

Neither do any other videos I make!

At any rate: I’ve time to watch the odd movie.

And had a choice of three, tonight: Censor, In The Earth … or Black Widow.

I went — as you’ve possibly guessed — for Black Widow.

I’ll tell you more, when I finish this post, tomorrow night.

But I think I’ve made an ungood* choice.

~≈⌘≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th August, 2021

15th August, 2021.

I’m right, aren’t I … ?   Words can be funny.

I’ll be honest: I saw Black Widow, last night.

And I’m in the process of writing the review of it.

It, and the video version, be published, tonight.

But I have to admit, I got stuck for a word.

Bad?   Duff?   Ropey?

None of them seemed to fit.

I’ve settled — for now — on the Newspeak word, ungood.

It seems to work, for me.

~≈👁≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th August, 2021

14th August, 2021.

If you read yesterday’s teaser post?   You’ll have realised that there’d been a mass shooting in Plymouth: on Thursday.

The news was and is shocking.

As is another fact that’s emerged.

Apparently, the killer had his shotgun license withdrawn in December: his gun was seized at the same time.

Then given back in July, after going on an Anger Management course.

My cynical side … ?   Is telling me THAT worked … !

Less cynically?

I’m wondering what happened.

In hindsight — and I’ll admit it, hindsight is always twenty-twenty — it seems to have been a bad move … 

~≈👁≈~

Oh, just in case you’re a fellow Mac user … ?   One who’s using macOS Big Sur?

macOS Big Sur 11.5.2 is now available through the usual route: via System Preferences.

As Macworld points out, though?

The notification from Apple says nothing about what’s in the update: simply that it contains bug fixes.

And, right now?

Apple’s own website doesn’t list the update.

Quite what’s happening there?

I don’t know.

~≈≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-8-2021: International Left Hander’s Day

13th August, 2021.

I don’t know if you’re in the UK: or know much about us.

Generally?

We’re not a country that’s got wide spread gun-ownership: nor a country that has a huge gun culture, in the same way that the USA does.

So last night’s news — that five people had died as the result of a shooting incident in Plymouth, and that the shooter shot himself — is  shocking, to say the least.

One of those victims has been described as a child under ten.

My condolences go to the families who lost members.

But … ?

I’m wondering why someone would happily shoot people at six o’clock in the evening … 

~≈Ê≈~

It turns out that Amazon are making a TV version of The Lord of The Rings.

A version set many thousands of years before the novels.

It could be worth watching, I think.

The reason I mention it … ?

Is that Amazon’s moved production from New Zealand, to the UK.

I’m assuming as a result of New Zealand closing its borders, yesterday.

Either way?

I’d not mind seeing this.

It has to be shorter than The Silmarillion … 

~≈🧿≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-8-2021: World Elephant Day

12th August, 2021.

I have to say, I’ve looked out of the front door of Damon House, today.

And yes: it’s warm … and overcast.

I can only hope it doesn’t rain: I’ve got to pick up some medications, today!

I’d hate to get wet.

~≈Á≈~

If you’re not a Star Trek fan?

You’ve possibly never heard of Star Trek Lower Decks.

The animated series started in lock-down.

And it’s second series starts today.

If it’s anything like the first?

It’ll be hysterical.

~≈Á≈~

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

11th August, 2021.

I don’t know about you … 

But the older I get, the more a good read — rather than a movie or TV show — appeals.

That’s assuming I’ve not got a case of eye strain!

At any rate?

I’ve just started the omnibus edition of Clive Barker’s The Books of Blood (Volume One to Three).

Literally just started: I’m on ‘Pig Blood Blues,’ the fourth story in the first book.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll possibly say it again, at some point: but when he’s on form, Barker’s prose is had to beat: Weaveworld’s a very good example of that.

‘Pig Blood Blues,’ is another very good example.

~≈🐷≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th August 2021.

10th August, 2021.

I’ve got to admit … I’vm desperately trying to work out how to phrase this … 

Perhaps diving straight in and telling you would be the thing.

At the suggestion of my work coach, I’ve filed what’s technically called a Statements Of Fitness For Work: also known a Fit note, or Sick note.

It basically means I’m off ill for a month.

I’m not sure I like the idea: I don’t like the thought of being ill!

With the kind of work history I’ve had, it’s all too easily associated with not getting paid … !

~≈Ü≈~

Has anyone seen the news?

If you have, you’ve possibly noticed the recent UN sponsored report: that tells us we’re doomed!

It’s not something I didn’t expect: it’s just more detailed.

Frankly?

Depressing UB40 songs seem the thing.

Equally as frankly?

We might want something a bit more up beat at this time of the morning!

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-8-2021: Operation Demetrius

9th August, 2021.

A few days ago?

I mentioned the idea that earworms — songs that play their way through your head — could take the form of a word instead.

I had the word popty ping floating around my head.

Apparently, it’s the Welsh term for a microwave.

Sounds fun, doesn’t it?

Apparently, though?

Meicrodon is ALSO valid!

Argh!

~≈fl≈~

Oh: are you on a Mac?

One running macOS Big Sur 11.3 or sooner?

And not one of the M1 Macs?

Just in case you’re getting bored with your screensavers, you’ll find this article handy: it’ll leave you with an extra screensaver … 

~≈👋≈~

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

8th August, 2021.

Yep: it’s officially official.

I headed into Romford, yesterday.

And?

Well, Romford was comparatively sunny, yesterday.

Compared to Brentwood.

Which got at least one monsoon.

I know: I was watching it land on Brentwood Station!

View this post on Instagram

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

~≈Ï≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7th August, 2021

7th August, 2021

Yes: it’s officially the case.

It’s raining out: as you’ve possibly guessed, watching today’s intro video.

Which is awkward.

I was thinking of heading to Romford, today!

It’s possibly not the weather for it!

~≈☔️≈~

I’m something of a technology watcher: although I don’t talk about it as often as I’d like to.

I’m not exactly Linus Sebastian, after all.

But … ?

I do keep an eye on Apple.

So the news Apple’s announced that— in upcoming versions of iOS — they will be scanning your phone for child abuse images, before those uploaded to Apple’s iCloud back up service?   And reporting user with such content to the relevant police force?

Is something I took notice of.

Apple can champion its safeguarding effects, whilst keeping illegal content off its servers*.

The problem, of course?

Is people are complaining.

Frankly?

I’m not surprised.

But, as I’ve said in a footnote*, I believe Apple have made this move to avoid getting sued for having child abuse images on their iCloud servers.

Assuming I’m correct?

I’m wondering if the complainers have realised that?

~≈≈~