Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-1-2022: Nauru

31st January, 2022.

It’s a Monday: which is nice.

It’s the start of another new week: and means I’m a week nearer finding out if I’m getting any extra financial help.

The sooner that happens, the better.

The sooner I can start appealing, if need be.

~≈®≈~

At any rate … ?

I’ve officially got a visit, this morning: from a worker form the Office of National Statistics, the ONS.

They’re doing a study on the spread of of COVID-19: and I’m one of the people taking part.

It’s nice: and the £25 voucher they give you is appreciated.

But it DOES mean the calls to arrange the visit come in at all sorts of times.

I really shouldn’t complain: I did volunteer, after all!

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-1-2022: Sunday, Bloody Sunday.

30th January, 2022.

Yes: things are happening … 

Other the past few weeks?

Russian troops have been massing on the border of the Ukraine.

Indeed, that was happening when I did a recent Teaser about the country.

President Biden, in the meantime … ?   Has warned that Russia may wall invade: as have various members of his government.

In response?   The UK has sent some troop to various NATO allies: with the PM contemplating sending more.

Personally … ?

I can’t help but think a few things.

Partly?   Starting a war in Eastern Europe is a bad thing.

Partly?   Whilst the UK doesn’t get that much in the way of gas from Russia, our European, NATO allies do.   I can’t see them approving something that could potentially put fuel prices up any further than they’ve already gone.   And potentially cut off supplies.

Partly?   The expense.   Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, have confirmed that they will be increasing National Insurance to help support the National Health Service.   They could easily increase other taxes to pay for a war.

Partly?   Because it’s the Iraq War, all over again: it’s Britain taking part in a US led war, something that’s none of our business.

Mostly?   It’s none of our business.

I voted Remain in the EU referendum: I’m still convinced staying was the right thing to do.

But I’m very aware many voted Leave: as they felt the EU was interfering with the UK’s domestic affairs.

I put the Iraq War on a par with that.   It was the US dictating UK foreign affairs.

Britain joining any US action in the Ukraine?   Would be Britain being dictated to by the US, again.

Not something I want.

Saying that?   I think there’s not going to be military action in or over the Ukraine.

This is so much sabre-rattling, to make President Biden — and Boris Johnson — look good.

But?

I can’t help but think of a line I think came from Not The Nine O’clock News: possibly from a Mel Smith or Rowan Atkinson character.

“America was late for the last two world wars: this time it wants to punctual.”

~≈💣≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th January, 2022: Singapore

29th January, 2022.

Yes: I’ve woken up with an earworm.

Which — if you didn’t know it — is a song that’s playing it’s way through your head: for whatever reason.

This morning … ?

I’ve woken up, very aware it’s Saturday.

So, inevitably, the theme from old children’s show, Tiswas, starting banging through my head.

Hopefully?

I won’t get a visit from … the Phantom Flan Flinger* … !

Amazing what you could with shaving foam … 

~≈🥮≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th January, 2022.

28th January, 2022.

Hmmm …

I have to say, I think I’ve lost a little weight.

Which is handy: I’m due to go to the second of two weight management programmes, this week, today.

Both seem to be going well.

Although I have to admit, yesterday’s is interesting: as a Zoom meeting, there’s less of a walk.

And the group setting — as the few AA meetings I’ve been to showed me — can be helpful.

We’ll have to see what happens.

~≈¥≈~

Can I make a confession?

I’m mildly worried.

I had a medical assessment on Monday: to see if I qualify for any extra financial help.

The decision’s due — at this point — in some six to seven weeks.

I have to admit, I missed mentioning a couple of points at that assessment: ones I felt could have helped my case.

About all I could do about it — at my Job Centre case worker’s suggestion — was phone the assessors.

It turns out the case had been closed at their end, and forwarded to the Department of Work and Pensions, the department that makes the decision.

I might just have to wait: and — if needed — start a Mandatory Reconsideration, the initial stages of an appeal.

We’ll see.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-1-2022: Lewis Carroll

27th January, 2022.

Yes: I’ve got my nephew, Jude, coming over, today.

There’s a distinct possibility of videos being made: in case you couldn’t tell.

The last one has had thirty views: so hopefully?

We’ll be able to get a few more.

~≈Ç≈~

On top of that … ?

I’ve got a Zoom meeting, this morning: another in one of the two weight management programs I’m in.

I’ve lost a little: so that’s possibly a sign it’s working.

~≈Ç≈~

One bit of news I’ve noticed … ?

Is a change in conditions for those — like me — who are claiming Universal Credit.

Or, at least, for the newly unemployed who are just just starting to claim.

Up until today?   They would have three months from the start of their claim, in which to find work in their preferred field.

From today?

They have four weeks.

Apparently?   The idea is to get the half a million new vacancies filled, quickly.

The article doesn’t say what happens if these new job seekers don’t find a job.

Nor does it say what happens if companies don’t want to hire them: these no mention of tax breaks, for example.

Nor does it mention what rules changes apply for those of us who have been unemployed for some time.

It’s possibly something my case worker will tell me about, the next time we met.

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-1-2022: Uganda

26th January, 2022.

Right … 

It’s a Wednesday: with — as you might have guessed — nothing to do.

Well … bar my knee exercises, this morning.

And possibly a little shopping: I’m thinking a chilli might just be the thing.

Shoving mince, red onions, peppers, kidney beans, chopped tomatoes, mushrooms, chilli peppers, and possibly some celery and carrots, into a lot of stock will give me something to do.

Assuming I’ve got some rice to go with it!

We’ll see.

~≈⌘≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-1-2022: Burns Night

25th January, 2022.

Yes, I’ve got a meeting, today: with my case worker from the Job Centre.

One that she’s told me is going to be by phone: but that the record has show has to be at the Basildon office, as there’s a general move to start getting claimants back to the office for these things*.

Like I say: my case worker has assured me — several times — that it will by phone: indeed, she said that when we arranged it, last week, and has repeated that every time I’ve messaged her about it.

Given I worry?   And am very aware the Department of Work and Pensions can suspend your benefit payments, if you don’t attend meeting or do a regular job hunt?

I’ve kept a record of these messages.

Should push come to shove, I want to make sure I’ve got a record of these exchanges: just to make sure.

~≈☎︎≈~

Oh, did I mention my nephew, Jude, was over, last night … ?

And yes: he managed to make another video … 

Feel free to hit the like button!

~≈🕹≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th January, 2022.

24th January, 2022.

Right: I’m officially up and ready … to sit indoors!

I’ve got a phone based medical assessment this morning: to see if I qualify for any extra financial help.

Frankly?   I don’t expect to get anything.

Or, at least, don’t expect to get any extra help: unless I appeal.

At any rate?

That assessment is today: between nine and twelve.

Much as I’m looking forward to getting it done … ?

I hate being stuck indoors, in the mornings!

~≈‰≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd January, 2022.

23rd January, 2022.

Right … I am actually feeling … well … non-tired.

Which is surprising.

I had something of a late night: doing the review of the last episode of The Evil of the Daleks.

It’s fantastic stuff, I think.

About my only complaint with the box set … ?

Is that there’s no Behind the Sofa watch along.

Granted those are only usually a feature on the blu-ray box sets of later seasons.

But I think that could have come in handy for The Evil of the Daleks.

Heigh ho!

~≈Û≈~

Doctor Who — The Evil of the Daleks: Episode 7 — A Review

21st January, 2022.

It’s got to be said, I’ve got back from Chelmsford.

I’m unemployed: so have to do various courses, and take part in assorted programmes or be sanctioned.

Have my benefit stopped, in other words.

I was in Chelmsford to attend one of those meetings.

I think we can safely my legs hurt: all that walking from home to station, from station to office, and back … ?

Was definitely tiring!

At any rate … ?

I’m home: and going to have dinner.

Once that’s done?

I’m going to watch the last episode of The Evil of The Daleks.

If all goes well, I’ll finish my written and video reviews for you, by tomorrow night.

Here’s hoping … !

~≈📺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-1-2022: The Ukraine

22nd January, 2022.

Right … it’s a Saturday morning: one I’m going to go shopping in … or on … In or On?
 

At any rate, I’m going to go shopping!

Buying the monthly stash of toilet roll, as well as a few other bits.

Food will possibly be handy.

At any rate … ?

I went into Chelmsford, yesterday.

I’m jobhunting, at the moment: and am on a mandatory scheme, designed to help me find work.

A scheme I’m admittedly sceptical about: the last such scheme I was on, wasn’t especially helpful.

At any rate … ?

I had an appointment with my case worker from the scheme, yesterday: in Chelmsford.   You might have seen the photos I posted on Instagram: on my way, and on the way back.

View this post on Instagram

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

View this post on Instagram

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

At ANY rate … ?

I’m glad I had a smartphone: with Google Maps on it.

It got me to the office.

Although, frankly?

I’m convinced it took me the long way around!

~≈🧭≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21st January, 2022.

21st January, 2022.

Right … first things first … ?

My nephew was over, yesterday: and managed to make a video.

It WAS a little rushed: as Mummy was insistent he go home and have a bath.

Otherwise we’d’ve added assorted banging noises when a goal was scored.

Oh, well … !

~≈Ç≈~

Oh, now that’s said … !

Radio four’s just announced the Meatloaf’s died.

The man was an icon: and will be much missed.

~≈Ç≈~

Moving on … ?

There’s been a piece in The Sun: that tells us Chancellor Rishi Sunak is eyeing the entry price crisis that’s been going on for a while, now.

And seemingly, is studying the idea of a £500 cash payment to those on a low income: in order to cover the costs.

I’d welcome that.

Who wouldn’t?

But … ?

I still believe the twenty pound uplift — introduced during the COVID 19 pandemic — is a far better option.

Five hundred quid will go in seconds.

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th January, 2022.

20th January, 2022.

Yep: I’ve got an early start, today!

Mostly … ?

Because I’ve got the second in a series of Zoom meetings: with a weight management service.

It’s ninety minutes long, I should add: something I found to be something of a chore, if I’m being honest.

The fact it’s a group setting should be useful: those always seem to be, from the little I’ve seen.

Here’s hoping.

~≈§≈~

Just as a thought … ?

I worked in a call centre, a few years ago: and left a while ago.

When I left … ?   I was being paid eleven pounds an hour.

As were some of the new starters: which possibly tells you something.

At any rate?

One of the job boards I’ve signed up for, sent me an advert for the same post.

At nine pounds an hour.

I ignored it.

But I’ll tell you what … 

Something’s gone on there … !

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th January, 2022

19th January, 2022.

Yep: finally!

I have an appointment with the dental hygienist, today … !

Gosh, the excitement … !

Still: it’s get ehe job done.

~≈Ë≈~

I have to admit to feeling a little sad: as Jude, my nephew, has decided to take his first video down.

He thought he sounded a little too dull.

That hurt a little: we put a bit of effort in, there!

However?

He’s decided that — when he’s over, tomorrow — he’s going to re-record and re-upload it.

I’ll let you know when he does.

Keeping up with eleven year olds is exhausting!

~≈Ë≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th January, 2022.

18th January, 2022.

I think we can say this: my nephew is now a YouTuber.

He’d talked it over with Mummy, on Sunday: we’ve managed to set him up a supervised channel as part of my group of channels, last night.

He can transfer the videos, when he hits thirteen and can create his own channel.

At any rate … ?

Here’s Jude’s first video: his channel’s here, and called JPDecember.

From what we discussed, last night … ?

I know he’s planning to try and make videos about his favourite games: and spent some time, last night, seeing if he could save some game footage to a USB stick I’d given him.

Hopefully?

We’ll be able to turn that into something watchable.

Feel free to subscribe: I’m sure you’ll find he’s made something you’ll like.

~≈fl≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-1-202: Call Security … !

17th January, 2022.

Right … 

I’ve officially heard the word of God.

Well … no I haven’t: I’ve actually been talking to my nephew.

Believe it or not … ?

He’s decided, yesterday, that he wants to start a YouTube channel.

Well done him!

Saying that … ?

I think we’re going to have to do a little juggling: as his phones settings mean I have to approve any apps he adds.

And YouTube’s own rules mean he can’t start a channel, until he’s thirteen: that’s a couple of years away.

We’ll have to see what we can do … 

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-1-2022: Dian Fossey

16th January 2022.

I have to confess, I caught another episode of The Evil of the Daleks, on Friday.

The written review’s here, so you know.

There’s a video equivalent, as well.

I think I can say the series was made in different times.

The Daleks?   Actually get physically violent at one character.

Yes, I know we see them shooting people: but, to a certain extent?   That’s cartoon violence.

Actually physically pushing someone around, and pushing them over … ?

Is quite something.

~≈Ê≈~

Doctor Who — The Evil of the Daleks: Episode 6 — A Review

14th January, 2022.

Right at the moment, I’m boiling potatoes: I’m cooking dinner, in other words, and making home-made chips as part of the meal.

So, of course, I’ve done the usual thing: chopped up a couple of spuds with a crinkle cutter, and put the things on to boil.

Before I roast them in the oven.

Which means … ?

Well, lots of things.

But it means I’m both nearer to getting fed: and nearer to watching episode six of classic Doctor Who story, The Evil of the Daleks, tonight.

If you’re reading this intro?   I should have my review up, by 15th January, 2022.

Here’s hoping it reads well … !

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-1-2022: Hill Street Blues

15th January, 2022.

Yes: it’s Saturday.

A foggy one, by the look of things.

And … ?   Regardless of the weather, I’m going to be finishing a review of episode six of The Evil of the Daleks, tonight: after watching it, last night.

It’s the first time in the show’s history we see the Dalek Emperor: and it has to be said, the thing’s amazing to see!

~≈Á≈~

Have you been watching the news … ?

Then you’re possibly aware that — during 2020’s strict COVID lockdown period — several parties were held at 10, Downing Street.

Including one the day before the funeral of Prince Phillip.

With Prime Minister Boris Johnson having been to some, and giving his permission for others: either by omission, or commission.

Either way … ?   Many — myself included — feel the PM looks like a lier and a hypocrite: for denying he went to some of these events, but turning out to have gone, and for condoning lockdown rules … and not following him.

I feel he should resign as PM*.

Whether he will or not, is a whole other thing … but falling on his (metaphorical) sword is looking like his only way out … 

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-1-2022: World Logic Day

14th January, 2022.

Right … 

I’m going to be stuck indoors, for the morning.

Yes: I’ve got the pest controller popping in, today!

Hopefully?

He’ll be here, early!

~≈fi≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13th January, 2022.

13th January, 2022.

Right … 

I’m actually up, early.

As I’ve got a phone appointment, with another weight management programme: one that includes a psychiatric element.

And will be carried out over Microsoft Teams.

Here’s hoping it goes well.

~≈¶≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th January, 2022

12th January, 2022.

I have to say, I think I’ve got a quiet day ahead.

One where I don’t have to tramp up to the surgery, have a phone or video meeting, have to head for Chelmsford … 

Or discuss my weight with someone.

Well … not until tomorrow, anyway.

That might just give me a chance to — metaphorically — put my feet up.

And possibly watch a movie.

We’ll have to see.

~≈fi≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-1-2022: Bangladesh

11th January, 2022.

Yep: it’s a Tuesday.

One where I’ve a little cash: and enough time to do a very few bits of shopping.

I don’t know about you: but I need potatoes.

There’s always that one vegetable stall that does a decent size spud.

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10-1-2022: Wexler

10th January, 2022.

Right then … it’s officially a Monday: and the start of a new week.

And … ?   One where I still have to pick up some paperwork from my surgery.

I didn’t do it on Saturday … because it was raining.

That’s always off-putting, isn’t it … ?

~≈Ê≈~

So are earworms, actually.

This morning?

I’ve got a clip from Twin Peaks going through my head.

Quite why Ray Wise was singing … ?

I’ll never know!

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-1-2022: Connecticut

9th January, 2022.

Yes: I forgot to mention something.

I forgot to mention my neighbour, in number three.

He’d been there for some years: living there with his long term partner and their son.

Unfortunately?   They split up, about a year back: and she had moved in with her parents.

He, with his complex mental health needs?   Stayed with his parents.

It was and is a better option.

However?   He didn’t formally move out, until recently.

Indeed, a worker from out landlord was here on Thursday: to install a new lock.

I’m … 

I’m sad to see him go: he was always pleasant enough.

Even I could see the effects his mental health condition was having.

But, whilst I’m sorry to see him go … ?

I’m very aware that his former flat is much needed: given the shortage of affordable homes.

Hopefully?

It’ll be refurbished quickly, and occupied soon.

I only hope we get someone reasonable.

We’ve had a few horror stories, around here … !

~≈Â≈~