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

28th February, 2022.

You’re following the news, aren’t you … ?

You’ll know about the situation in the Ukraine: the country’s been invaded by Russia.

I’ve got the Today programme on in the background: and, as you possibly could guess?

It’s non-stop Ukraine coverage.

They’ve even had a former Duma member called Sergei Markov: whose been asked directly about Mr Putin’s claims he’s invading to get rid of Ukrainian Neo-Nazis, and reminded President Zelenskyy’s Jewish.

According to Dr Markov?   Zelenskyy’s a Neo Nazi Puppet.

To paraphrase Mandy Rice-Davies?   He would say that …

At any rate?

A couple of pieces of news caught my attention, yesterday.

First?

Britain’s Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, has said she would support British nationals volunteering to fight in Ukraine.   Apparently, Ukraine’s setting up an International Legion if foreign volunteers wish to join.

Personally?   I hope that, if people from the UK do so?   I hope that no-one from the British Armed forces does.

My very limited understanding of these things tells me that could cause problems.

Regular, official, British Army troops in the Ukraine?   However unofficially?

Well … 

That could give Russia’s leadership an excuse for all sorts of things.

~≈®≈~

Which brings me to the next bit of news I noticed.

The worrying bit.

Yesterday saw Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, put their nuclear deterrence forces on alert.

Because of aggressive statements from the West.

Nuclear weapons.

I think we can start to worry … if Mr Putin’s happy to drop nuclear weapons into the conversation.

Let’s hope he doesn’t drop nuclear weapons onto a city …

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th February, 2022.

27th February, 2022.

Yes: it’s officially official.

I’ve started to watch a TV show!

Yes, ok: that’s not necessarily anything new.

But … ?

Frankly, it was the first episode of the recently released First Doctor story, Galaxy Four: something I felt was watching.

If you’ve seen it, as well … ?

Feel free to let me know what you think.

~≈📺≈~

We know there’s trouble in the Ukraine.

Anybody with a TV see, or access to the news, will tell you that.

Something that DID have me curious: or, at least, curious enough to start poking around on Wikipedia?

Was a piece on the BBC’s news channel, yesterday: about how women in Dnipro were making Molotov cocktails in a local park.

Happily filling empty beer bottles with petrol: and broken up polystyrene.

Which is what got my curiosity.

Why on EARTH were people putting polystyrene in a petrol bomb?

A quick check on Wikipedia gave me an answer.

It’s a thickening agent: and allows the burning petrol to stick to its target*.

We live and learn, don’t we … ?

~≈💣≈~

Doctor Who — Galaxy Four — Episode 1 — Four Hundred Dawns: A Review

25th February, 2022.

Right … 

As I write this introduction, it’s a Friday … and I’m just about to have dinner.

Then … ?

I’m going to watch the first episode of the recently reconstructed William Hartnell Dr Who story, Galaxy Four: where clones speak in hideously exaggerated RP accents!

Hopefully?

I’ll be able to finish my written and video reviews by tonight.

If not?

You’ll be reading this by tomorrow!

~≈👽≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-2-2022: 2000AD

26th February, 2022.

Argh … says the blogger!

I made a mistake!   With my medications!

I managed to pick up two boxes of Levothyroxine: fifty milligram boxes.

When I should have asked for one hundred milligram boxes.

I’ll have to go back to the chemist, today.

In the immortal words of Hector the Hound?

I’m a great big, silly old Hector … !

~≈🐶≈~

One thing I’ve noticed about the situation in Ukraine?

Is that Russian troops have taken the Chernobyl power plant.

Apparently?   There’s been a radiation spike: one that experts say isn’t dangerous … but none-the-less, been observed.

I’m going to assume nothing will happen as a result of the Russian presence.

But that certainly adds a new terror to events.

~≈💥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th February, 2022.

25th February, 2022.

Right … I’ve officially got to visit the dentist’s, today.

Or, to be accurate, the hygienists.

I had to re-arrange it: as, when I last went … ?

The dentists had to cancel: because of a power cut.

But had just enough electricity to rebook the appointment.

Heigh ho!

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-2-2022: Estonia

24th February, 2022.

Hmmm … 

I’ve got to admit: I’m taken mildly by surprise.

Russia’s invaded the Donbas region of the Ukraine.

Which took me by surprise.

I couldn’t see Vladimir Putin ordering something so … extreme.

Apparently?   Whilst Mr Putin’s said it’s a ‘special military action,’ in the area, explosions have been heard in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.

Indeed, BBC reporter, Nick Robinson, is in Kyiv: and heard jets go over.

I note the British government has ordered sanctions: ones criticised by the official Opposite as being too little to late.

I’m wondering if the Government — in line with others — will authorise military action.

I hope not … 

It could — given Mr Putin’s warned the West that that would not be a good idea — would not be … sensible.

~≈💣≈~

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

23rd February, 2022.

Right … I think I can say I trued watching a movie last night.

The Jessica Hausner directed Little Joe.

The colour palette’s lovely, I should stress.

The basic idea — Frankenstein’s Monster is a genetically modified plant — is good.

But it really didn’t keep my attention.

The acting was good: but possibly a little too restrained.

The pacing … ?

Just a little too slow.

Granted, what I saw of it had at least one jump-scare … 

But … ?

Little Joe only kept my attention for about fifty minutes … I turned off halfway through.

For all Little Joe is well made and (possibly) acted?

It’s not stunning.

~≈Ê≈~

Oh … I mentioned — at some point last week — I was expecting a new neighbour to move into the flat, next door.

The lights being left on was something of a clue.

Well … I’ve met them: and helped them find their electricity and gas meters.

Hopefully, they’ll do well: they seem nice.

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-2-2022: Mr Washington

22nd February, 2022.

Yes: it’s a Tuesday.

Which means … ?

I’ve got a quiet day.

Bar the wind … and the usual phone meeting with my Job Centre Case worker.

By phone, thankfully.

Granted, the weather’s starting to calm down … but I’d hate to risk a bus trip to Basildon in this weather.

~≈®≈~

Did I mention videos at any point … ?

I should.

I’ve got to confess to being a fan of the (anonymous) Bad Lip Reading: whose clip of various shows and events — with the original audio replaced by audio of his own design — have always tickled me.

He’s down a Dune one that caught my attention.

Especially when everyone starts spitting!

Ahem!

That’s one video … 

Another … ?

Yes, you’re right … my nephew’s done another one!

Feel free to hit Like, and Share.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21st February, 2022

21st February, 2022.

Did I mention Britain’s been hit by storms, over the past few days?

Most recently, by Storm Franklin: which has seen flood and wind warnings.

Something I can understand.

Rollason Way was a bit damp, last night.

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This morning … ?

It’s just blowy … 

Hopefully, that means things are calming down.

~≈Ω≈~

When I came home, last night, the lights were on, next door.

I. think I’ve already mentioned this: but the last tenant moved out, some time ago.

The electricity?   Had been cut, a few weeks later.

After, as far as I could see, our landlord’s completed any refurbishment work on the place.

The one light that the workmen had last on?   Was decidedly off.

So, coming home, last night … ?

I definitely noticed every light was on.

On a Sunday: when workmen were — I think — unlikely to be around.

Personally?

I think someone new has taken on the tenancy, and has started to move in … 

We’ll see … 

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-2-2022: Into Orbit

20th February, 2022.

You know, when I made that intro video … ?

I’d just taken a quick glance outside: noting the fact that the trees in the area weren’t swaying in the breeze.

Please pay attention to the word, ‘weren’t.’

Of course, I’ve got Radio Four on: as ever, today’s service is a little too happy-clappy for my taste.

Well … not so much happy-clappy as AOR themed praise and worship songs.

Give that old time religion, and I’d possibly be complaining less.

At any rate, I was listening to Radio Four, when the weather report came on.

Yep … 

My part of the world’s now ended up with a yellow weather warning: for wind.

It’s getting blowy, again … 

~≈Ÿ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-2-2022: The Number, 50.

19th February, 2022.

Right … I can safely say I’ve survived Storm Eunice.

Granted?   I spent most of the day, indoors, with my nephew, Jude.

And yes: he’s now posted another video.

If you’d like to hit the Like, Share or Subscribe, you’d be very welcome.

At any rate … ?

We’ve survived Eunice.   We have power.

Others haven’t.   Or don’t.

I’m thankful I’m alive and breathing: and thankful the few trees near me are upright.

The strangest part?

You’ll possibly realise I live near a train line: one going from Shenfield to Liverpool Street.

Trains were cancelled: still are, as I write.

The strangest thing?

Was the fact Jude and I didn’t notice the silence of the trains … because of the howling of the wind … 

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~≈🚉≈~

Over the past few days?

There’s been concern about the situation in Eastern Europe.

We’re told that Russia is going to invade Ukraine.

Indeed, no less a person than President Biden has said so.

Personally?

I’m sceptical.

Partly because it’s politicians talking the situation up.

But mostly?

Because I remember Sir Anthony Charles Lynton Blair — Tony Blair to you and me — saying Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction.

That turned out to be … I’m tempted to say ‘lies,’ ‘misleading’ or ‘unreliable information.’

Let’s just I put the idea Russian’s going to invade the Ukraine on a par with Hussein’s ownership of WMD.

Being blunt?

It’s utter bollocks.

~≈🤥≈~

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

18th February, 2022.

For those of us in south eastern England?

Well … I’m imaging it’s windy where you are: if it’s anywhere like where I am.

Frankly?

We’re being gently caressed by Storm Eunice.

And, yes: I’m going for irony, when I say ‘gently.’

As I write, there’s quite a bit of wind, howling past my window.

Which is going to make lunch interesting.

I’ve got my nephew, Jude, over, today.

Ruth — his mother, my sister — has offered to fund lunch.

Going to the nearest shop, to buy it … ?

Is going to be fun.

~≈⛈≈~

Actually, talking of Jude … ?

He was over, yesterday.

And … ?

Well, don’t ask how many times we re-took the “But that’s not it,” bit!

~≈🏁≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th February, 2022.

17th February, 2022.

Yep: it’s Thursday, again.

You can tell, can’t you … ?

And, once again?

I’ve got a weight management class: via Zoom.

I have to admit, it’s helpful: but, lord, it’s a drone-fest!

~≈Ë≈~

Ghostbusters: Afterlife — A Review

15th February, 2022.

Right … It’s a Tuesday night: vegetables are boiling, and potatoes roasting.

They’ll be accompanying stew.

Beef stew.   So you know.

At any rate … ?   I’ll be watching a movie, tonight: and will have this written review — the one you’re reading now — up tomorrow night.

Along with its video equivalent.

I have to admit: I’ve got a very good idea of what I’m going to watch: the recent death of Ivan Reitman, director of the two original films?

Got me thinking that Ghostbusters: Afterlife would be just the thing.

More, tomorrow night …

~≈👻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-2-2022: Iain Banks

16th January, 2022.

Yes: I’m expecting a phone call, this morning.

From my physiotherapist.

I’m — sort of — looking forward to it.

There’s one set of exercises I really don’t like!

~≈Á≈~

Then, this afternoon … ?

I’ve got a face to face meeting with my Restart case worker: in Chelmsford.

I’m not looking forward to the trip: but at least have the ticket.

I picked it up from Brentwood station, yesterday.

That, despite my doubts about the process, went through OK.

They bought and paid for it, and emailed me a reference number: I fed that into the ticket machine, at my end, put my bank card in … and shoved the ticket in my wallet.

That bit went well.

I’m just not sure how well the meeting will go.

~≈Á≈~

You’ll have realised I’m not working, by now.

I, like others in my shoes?

Am on Universal Credit: the bog standard unemployment benefit, here in the UK.

For many years, though?

There’s been discussion of what’s called a Basic Income, or Universal Basic income.

A set amount payed to everyone, and enough to live on.

I’m not necessary sure I understand it: nor, necessarily approve of it.   I think there’s flaws, in other words.

Today?

The Welsh government’s announced it’s starting a pilot scheme.

Care leavers in Wales will be given £1, 600 per month: taxed.

And will affect people’s eligibility for benefits.

That’s worries me, some-what.

If you’re on Universal Credit, there’s a wealth of other benefits you can claim.

Not least, free prescriptions, glasses and dental care: up to a certain amount, any way.

What concerns me?   Anyone on this scheme won’t be able to claim those: if it means they can’t claim benefits.

We’ll have to see what happens, I think.

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-2-2022: The Calendar.

15th February, 2022.

Right … 

I’ve got a meeting, tomorrow: with my case worker from the work programme I’m on.

Which means … ?

Frankly, I have to ask them for a train ticket.

It seems that, if you have no cash, they’ll pay for it, in advance: and let you pick it up from the relevant station.

Assuming you have acceptable ID: which I do.

I sent the email, first thing.

Hopefully?

That will be a relatively painless process.

But I’d’ve been comfortable, knowing that the process worked.

Or that the people running the scheme were more flexible on dates.

We’ll have to see.

~≈§≈~

Just as a thought … ?   My nephew was over, yesterday: and managed to get another video, done.

Cleverly?

He managed to note which games was which: and when the goals were.

Which is handy, if you’re the one adding sound effects!

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-2-2022: The Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre

14th February, 2022.

Right … I’m officially up earlier than normal: and thinking a dose of the ’flu — or whatever it is I actually have — doesn’t help!

But … ?

My nephew heading over early, today, means I’m up early, my self.

Do you get the feeling there’s going to be slightly grumpy video making, today?

Oy … !

~≈§≈~

Of course, I’ve got the radio on.

Or, at least, got Radio Four’s Today programme on.

Something that caught my (metaphorical) eye?   Or ear, at least?

Was a piece that told us AstraZeneca and the UK’s medical regulators have withdrawn approval for the 5ml dosage of a drug called Dapagliflozin — brand name, Forxiga — for patients with type one diabetes.

Or, at least, withdrawn the indication for it to be used.   I’m assuming that’s functionally identical with ‘withdrawing approval.’

Apparently?

There’s no safety concerns involved.

And those of us — like me — who are taking Forxiga to treat Type Two diabetes should continue taking it.

Quite what’s going on there … ?

I don’t know.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-2-2022: Radio Daze

13th February, 2022.

Hmmm … 

Romford’s handy.

No, really.

I was there, yesterday.

Getting there was interesting: as there was a bus replacement service.

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Getting back … ?

Was even more interesting.

Ish.

I got to part of the roads around Romford Station where the replacement buses left from.   Only to be told that they were no longer stopping at Brentwood, where I get off.

It was only when we got to Gidea Park — the next stop down from Romford — that we were told by a Transport for London worker that the delay?

Was due to an accident at the Brooke Street Roundabout; and that the bus would skip Brentwood, and stop at Shenfield.

And that there’d be a shuttle bus from Shenfield to Brentwood.

He stayed on the bus to guide the driver on the — temporarily — revised route.

Well played him: it could’ve taken a couple hours to get home, if he hadn’t.

Frustrating … ?

Yes.

But I have to admit, that one worker — who was able to tell people what was going on, AND guide the bus driver — was bloody helpful: especially dealing with the one stroppy — and very middle class — customer.

That was something to see.

~≈🚍≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th February, 2022.

12th February, 2022.

Right … I’ve got a cold.

Or possibly ’Flu.

I know for a fact it’s not COVID-19: whatever variant of the condition that’s doing the rounds at the moment.

How?

I’ve just done a Lateral Flow Test: what Australians call a Rapid Antigen Test, or RAT.

It’s negative.

It means I don’t have to self-isolate for however long it is, at the moment.

Which is nice.

It means I don’t have to self-isolate for however long it is, at the moment.

Which is inconvenient.

It means I have to go to my Restart meeting, on Wednesday: I’m not looking forward to it, so any excuse is helpful.

Heigh-ho!

~≈🦠≈~