Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31st May, 2022.

What duck … ?

31st May, 2022.

Yep: I had an ultrasound, yesterday.

There’s possibly cause to worry: as the technician needs to double check something with a radiologist.

But, hopefully, it’ll be nothing serious.

At any rate … ?

I had to fast, yesterday, on top of getting up early.

And, to be honest?   The older I get, the harder it is to recover from a lat of cornflakes!

At any rate, I survived long enough to look after my nephew, Jude, yesterday.

And yes: there’s another video!

Apparently?

If he gets thirty likes, he and Jaskaran will throw stuff at each other!

Which sounds messy … !

~≈®≈~

I’ve mentioned, before now, that I’m job hunting: and receiving Universal Credit.

And that I — as others — are due some extra help as a result.

I’ve also said how everyone in the UK is due £400 help from the government: to help cover the cost of energy.

And how some of us are due £650 of extra help.

This piece has been released by the BBC’s news site: explaining how that’s supposed to work.

Apparently?   For those of us on a pre-pay meter, will get either a voucher … or the funds directly applied to the meter.   In Autumn.

The £650 payment will go into our bank accounts in two lump sums: one from July, and one in ‘the autumn.’

It’s nice.

But what concerns me is simply that that’s a little imprecise.

But it doesn’t tell me exactly when those payments go through.

I’d be happier if the BBC’s piece — as well as the .gov page — would tell me that.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th May, 2022

30th May, 2022.

It’s officially the case: that a man whose up early to have an ultrasound has to fast.

Yes: I’m up early.

I’ve an appointment for an ultrasound scan.   Which — hopefully — will show nothing serious.

However?

It’s early enough that I need to be up early: and I have to fast.

Or, at least, have no more than black tea.

For at least six hours before the process.

As you can imagine?

I’m looking forward to getting done.

I really don’t like hunger pangs!

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th May, 2022.

29th May, 2022.

Right … it’s a Sunday!

And one I’m expecting to be quiet.

But … ?

I can at least wave a couple of videos at you, and ask you something.

Can you hit Like on this video by my nephew?

It’d be nice to get him to thirty likes!

While I’m at it?

I’ve reviewed the tenth episode of Star Trek Discovery’s fourth series: feel free to share!

~≈§≈~

Star Trek Discovery — Series 4 Episode 10 — The Galactic Barrier — A Review

27th May, 2022.

Yay!

It’s Friday!

Which means … ?

Well, frankly, I’d possibly be heading out … if I had the cash and somewhere to go.

It’s getting toward’s summer, after all.

However?   I’m happy to watch TV … with the curtains, and windows, open!

I can get some sunlight, and air, in: whilst eating dinner.

And watch the next episode — episode ten, The Galactic Barrier — of Star Trek Discovery’s fourth season.

~≈🚀≈~

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

28th May, 2022.

Yes: I’ve made a mistake!

I checked Facebook … and had a meme go past on my timeline.

Given the song that’s based on … ?

I ended up with an earworm.

Granted, an earworm with an award winning video, and a distinctive mandolin riff … but, none-the-less, an earworm.

I’ll learn, one day.

But I’m also very aware it could’ve been worse: it could’ve been Zendaya!

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-5-2022 — Vincent

27th May, 2022

Right … 

I’m unemployed: and claim various benefits.

It’s a struggle: as I’m sure you can imagine.

During the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic — over 2020 and 2021 — those of us own Universal Credit received and extra twenty pounds a week.

Something that amounted to a welcome eighty-six pounds a month.   (About €101/US$108, at today’s prices.)

It was damn useful, very appreciated … and withdrawn late last year.

Ever since?   I — as many others — have found things difficult.

Especially as fuel prices have taken a turn for the worst.

Yesterday?

Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced that households are to received a four hundred pound discount on their fuel bill.

And those households in most need will receive an extra six hundred and fifty pound grant: half in October, half in July.

The article doesn’t say which July: 2022 or 2023!

At any rate … ?

It’s a welcome — ish — move.

I should gain a total of £1050, under the plans.   (About €1233/US$1325, at today’s prices.)

Thirty pounds less than the Uplift gave me.

It’s also paid in various forms of lump sum: when frankly, so much a week extra on Universal Credit would be more useful.

It’s … 

Well, I’ll have to thank Mr Sunak for making the effort.

But, frankly?   A restored uplift would have been handier.

~≈¶≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-5-2022 — John Wayne Is Big Leggy

26th May, 2022.

Right … 

It’s officially official: it’s sunny.

Which makes for a pleasant change: the past few days have been a bit drizzly.

The weather being this nice?

Means the little bit of shopping I’m planning on will be in the sunshine.

~≈fi≈~

There’s talk that catches your attention: if you’re on a limited budget.

You’ll have realised that — as I qualified for a one hundred and fifty payment for those in council tax bands A to D — I welcome free money.

Free money is always handy.

There’s also been talk that — at some point in October — that people in fuel poverty will receive a £200 loan: that will be paid off in a four to five year period.

Something I don’t like: however good that loan’s terms are, it’s still something I can’t afford to pay back.

However, there’s talk — talk — that this is scrapped: and replaced by some sort of grant in October.

I’d welcome that.

I’d prefer to see the return of the £20 uplift: that gave those of us on Universal Credit far more cash.

But … ?

Right now, anything would be welcome.

~≈fi≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-5-2022 — Jordan

25th May, 2022.

The United States of American is — from what I’ve seen — a fine country.

And beautiful.

Its people — much like Old Peculiar regular, Debbi Mack — bright, friendly, intelligent and caring.

The place has flaws, though: as many countries do.

Well … not so much flaws, as tragedies.

Overnight, we’ve learnt that an eighteen year-old shooter — named locally as Salvador Ramos — has killed nineteen children and two teachers.

Some of those children were between seven and ten years old.

The shooter has also reportedly shot his own grandmother.

That shooter was shot by police.

For me, that’s understandable — he was killing children — but frustrating.

We don’t — at his trial — get to hear his excuse for his actions.

OK: I’m sure that’s not the first thing on the families minds.

But it might’ve been reassuring for them to know it.

~≈Â≈~

Oh … 

The government’s possibly marvellous.

Possibly.

Last week?

They were saying they had not plans for a windfall tax.

This week?

Nothing is off the table.

As a plan to help with the rising cost of living could be announced on Thursday.

Personally … ?

I think a windfall tax on energy copies could be useful.

It would allow for tax breaks for the working, and extra benefits for those of us who aren’t.

We’ll have to wait and see what happens.

But, speaking as someone whose electricity bill’s gone up?   By about fifty percent?

I’d appreciate the extra cash in hand support.

~≈Â≈~

As a final thought, before I get a shift on … ?

Yes: Jude’s done another video … !

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th May 2022

24th May, 2022.

Well, finally … !

I have one less thing to worry about.

Do you remember me saying I was one of the people in line for a £150 rebate: one given to those in homes in Council Tax bands A to D.

I was told it could get to me by September at the latest.

It actually turned up, yesterday.

That’s handy.

It means I can pay off a large chunk of Council Tax: and get near to paying it off.

And use some to either shop … or top up my electricity.

Either way … ?

It’s one less thing to worry about.

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-5-2022 — South Carolina

23rd May, 2022.

You’re right: I’m officially up early, today.

Partly?   Because I get paid, today: and want to pay my bills before my nephew turns up.

Oh … and have a leg x-ray at my local hospital.

That’s nothing too serious, I should add: just something that needs checking.

Either way … ?

It’s going to be a comparatively long day.

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-5-2022 — Sri Lanka

22nd May, 2022.

Yes: it’s official.

I’ve had a text message from my pharmacist: another batch of medications are in.

Me being me, of course?   I know I’ve got a couple of days slack, before I need to get the stuff.

So … ?

I might just get it while the sun shines … or leave it until tomorrow, when I’m going to be out, anyway … 

We’ll see.

~≈💊≈~

I wrote, yesterday, about how Chancellor Rishi Sunak — the UK’s current Finance minister — is both one of the county’s richest men: and one of a body of Tory MPs who don’t seem to want to help those who seriously need it.

It seems we can be thankful for the International Monetary Fund, the international body that monitors and regulates the world economy.

Or, at least, be thankful for Kristalina Georgieva: the head of the IMF.

In a statement, she’s said, quite simple, that governments should subsidise food and energy.

Personally?

I can only hope Mr Sunak — and his boss, Boris Johnson — are paying attention.

~≈💷≈~

Star Trek Discovery — Series 4 Episode 9 — Rubicon — A Review

20th May, 2022.

To paraphrase Orwell?

Even as I write, vegetables are flying overhead, trying to kill me.

That could make more sense, couldn’t it?

What I actually mean?   Is simply that — at the moment — I’m cooking dinner.

Chips are doing, vegetables boiling, fish is gently grilling.

Once I’ve done that, I’ll be watching episode nine of Star Trek Discovery’s fourth series: and letting you know what I though, by tomorrow night.

Right now?

I’m going to put food on plates.

~≈🚀≈~

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

21st May, 2022.

It’s officially Saturday.

You know that: you’ve looked at your calendar!

For me … ?

It’s going to be a quiet day: there’s going to be a certain amount of thumb twiddling going on!

Thumb twiddling … and probably laundry.

Hey ho!

~≈Ω≈~

I do know that’s going to involve money.

Or, at least, the few pounds I’ve managed to put onto my electricity meter.

Listening to Radio 4’s Today programme got vaguely relevant, there: telling us there were calls for an emergency budget.

Something Tory MPs voted against, a couple of days ago.

The programme’s also told us that Chancellor Rishi Sunak and his wife have been included in this year’s Sunday Times Rich List.

I don’t know.

But, to me?

The man who could have helped some of the poorest in the country is one of the richest people in the UK?

The man who could have helped some of the poorest in the country by doing something comparatively simple?

The man who could have done much for the poorest in the UK is — from where I’m sitting — worthless.

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-5-2022 — World Metrology Day

20th May, 2022.

Right … 

It’s a Friday: you’ve worked that out.

And that means that I’ve one of the monthly weight management meetings: in person.

Which is one hell of a long walk.

At any?

I’m thankful for the BBC’s Weather report page.

It tells me the rain should’ve stopped, by then.

Here’s hoping!

~≈🌧≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-5-2022 — The Young Pioneers

19th May, 2022.

It’s officially official: I”ve got a meeting with my Restart case worker, this morning.

At nine.

Thankfully?   By phone: rather than by in person!

But, just in case this post is late?

I’m on the phone to a woman in Chelmsford … !

~≈§≈~

Oh … 

You’re possibly aware I have type 2 Diabetes: and am now on weekly injections of Ozempic to treat the condition.

I started those on Friday.

About the most exciting thing that’s happened to me, this week?

Is I’ve now got a sharps bin: for the used needles.

I’ve just got one question.

I can put the needles in the thing.

But do I put the use pen injectors in there?

I’ll have to ask my pharmacist, I think.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th May, 2022

18th May, 2022.

Right … 

I’m thinking goulash for dinner, tonight.

And managed to get most of what I needed, yesterday.

Apart from a pepper!

One single, solitary pepper!

There’s always something!

~≈Ç≈~

Did you know the government have offered people like me — in homes in Council Tax bands A to D — a £150 cash rebate: to help with their council tax bills.

For many who pay by direct debit, the rebate has gone through automatically.

Those of us who don’t?   Have to fill in an online form*.

I filled mine in, a couple of weeks ago: expecting something of an instant result.

It didn’t turn up with in the short time I was expecting: so I went to the local council offices to ask about it.

Apparently?   It could turn up anywhere between now … and September.

It seems I’m not the only one facing issues.

According to a charity called National Energy Action, many in my shoes are also facing delays.

Frankly?

I’m not surprised.

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-5-2022: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

17th May, 2022.

Ladies and gentleman, I had a dream … !

Last night, in fact.

I dreamt someone — that vaguely looked like Mitch Pileggi with a moustache — tried getting into my flat … only to be seen off by a panicking Dream Me … repeatedly threatening him with a hammer … and screaming … 

One?

I don’t know what that was all about.

Two?

I hope I didn’t wake the neighbours up!

~≈¥≈~

Just so you know?

My nephew, Jude, has made a reaction video with his friend, Jaskaran.

Would you mind hitting Like?

If he Jude and Jas get twenty like on that video, they react to a Lama Spitting video … !

The mind boggles.

~≈¥≈~

Oh, and just as a last thing?

We know Russell T. Davies has a thing about the name Rose.

As actress, Yasmin Finney has been cast as a character called Rose for the upcoming 60th Anniversary episode.

I look forward to seeing how she does: and why her character’s called Rose … 

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-5-2022: Henry Fonda

16th May, 2022.

Yep: it’s officially official.

The BBC’s confirmed that David Tennant, and Catherine Tate, are to return to Dr Who: for the one off anniversary special in 2023.

Something I was expecting.

After all, returning Doctors are de rigueur for Dr Who: especially for the anniversary specials.

Frankly, all I’m waiting for, at the moment … ?

Is to hear which — if any — of the other Doctors will be joining him.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th May, 2022.

15th May, 2022.

Yes, it is, isn’t it?

It’s nice for Ukraine that they won Eurovision, last night: with the rousing Stephania.

Good for them.

The UK … ?   Actually came second.

No that I’ve actually heard the song: I turned it off after a few seconds

At any rate, well done to both of them.

And to the Spanish entry: apparently, they’ve caused the sort of scandal you only get at Eurovision.

~≈Á≈~

At any rate … ?

I wasn’t actually watching the contest.

Partly because Ukraine’s win seemed to be a foregone conclusion.

But partly?   Because I was making another video review.

Here’s what I thought of All In … 

~≈Á≈~

Star Trek Discovery — Series 4 Episode 8 — All In — A Review

13th May, 2022.

Right: it’s Friday, again.

Which means;

• This is going to be a short intro.
• Dinner’s almost ready.
• I’m going to be watching another episode of Star Trek Discovery.

And you’d’ve worked all that out, by now, that I’ve been watching Star Trek Discovery’s for some time.

Once I’ve had dinner?   I’ll be watching Episode 8, All In: and finding out if they got the title from the poker term: or the wrestling match.

I’ll tell you for sure, tomorrow night.

When I’ve watched it, and posted my reviews.

~≈🚀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th May, 2022.

14th May, 2022.

Yes: it’s Saturday: Tiswas Day, if you’re of a certain age.

And frankly?

Beyond heading heading out to pick up a prescription?

I’m expecting it to be quiet.

We’ll have to see.

~≈∑≈~

I do know I had an equally quiet day, yesterday.

But DID manage to occupy some of my time … by using their computers for a bit.

They’re slowly being re-introduced, post COVID.

The one thing that DID catch my attention?

Was that — whoever had set the things up — had put a ‘Mouse Controls’ alias on the desktop.

One that allows users to set the mouse up for left or right handed use.

That’s a great move.

Anything that makes life easier for left handers like me— like being able to change settings from right to left — is welcome!

~≈∑≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-5-2022: Stevie Wonder

13th May, 2022.

Right … I don’t know if I’ve done it right.

You’re wondering what I’m talking about, aren’t you … ?

I’m diabetic: and on a slew of medications.

Up until today?   That’s included Metformin, Aloglyptin and Dapagliflozin.   The last one’s also known as Forxiga: which is much more pronounceable!

I’ve now had — under medical advice — to stop using the Aloglyptin: as I’ve started using an injectable medication called Semaglutide: also called Ozempic.

Apparently, the two don’t work well, together.

I’ve also received instructions on how to use the thing: it’s an injection pen, similar to ones used for insulin.

Oh … and given a link to video instructions.

It’s powerful enough that I only need to take it once a week.

But?   I don’t like the look of the side effects.

And … ?

Well, I’ve never had to inject myself with anything, in my life.

I’m hoping like hell I’ve used it correctly!

~≈Ü≈~

In other news?

You’ll have realised I thoroughly enjoyed the Denis Villeneuve Dune Pt 1.

Yesterday saw an announcement.

Christopher Walken has been cast in Dune Pt 2: as Emperor Shaddam 4th, himself.

That’s a genius piece of casting!

Especially as Walken’s been known to dance around when worms get mentioned.

If you know, you know!

~≈Ü≈~

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

12th May, 2022.

Right … it’s official: I have a training course, today!

And not a job related one, either: I’m due to have an educational session about Type 2 diabetes, this afternoon.

Hopefully … ?

It’ll be entertainingly informative: rather than dryly informative.

~≈Í≈~

Oh, and yes: I’ve woken up with an earworm.

Stephen Duffy’s Kiss Me.

Why?

I’m blowed if I know!

~≈Í≈~

And, as a final point … ?

Yes: my nephew was over, yesterday: and yes.

There’s more video!

Would you mike hitting Like, Share and Subscribe … ?

Cheers!

~≈Í≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11th May, 2022.

11th May, 2022.

Did I tell you I have problems with my sink … ?

My kitchen sink?

I have problems with my kitchen sink.

There’s — ha! — upsurging!

In other words, every so often, I’m getting water — lovely grey water with bits in — coming up the drain.

With the appropriate glooping noises.

Yes: I’ve tried shoving soda crystals down there.   And yes, I’ve phoned my landlord to fix the problem.

They’re coming on the 27th!

But I don’t think it’s my drains causing the issue.

As far as I know?

The flat upstairs is having some sort of issue with their drains: which has caused into the flat next door to mine: the only one that does’t share a communal entrance with the rest of the building!

And who’s occupier I’ve never actually met … until yesterday.

Lovely to met you, if you’re reading this!

At any rate … ?

The next door neighbour was getting issues as well.

Including water coming through their hallway light fitting, and — you’ve guessed it — water upsurging in their kitchen sink.

Quite what we can do about it … ?

Apart from repeatedly hitting my landlord over the head with it*?

I don’t know!

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th May, 2022.

10th May, 2022.

Yes: you’re right!

I’m up early, again.

I’ve got a dentist appointment.

Just a check up, so you know: but it’s early enough that an early start seems appropriate.

If I end up with all my teeth, and end up with toothpaste, I’ll be up on the day.

~≈Ÿ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th May, 2022

9th May, 2022.

It’s officially official: it’s Monday.

You’d noticed, hadn’t you?

It’s also the after the UK’s TV BAFTA’s were handed out.

Where actor, Ncuti Gatwa, had been nominated for Best Male Comedy Performance.

The reason’s that significant?

Is that the ceremony was yesterday: the same day Ncuti’s casting as the Fourteenth Doctor was announced.

I have to admit, yesterday?   Was the first time I’d heard of him.

To the point I had to Google how to pronounce his name.

It’s SHOE-ti GAT-wa, it seems.

Apparently, he’s done rather well for himself in the Netflix series, Sex Education.

There’s possibly a lot to say there: that I’ve possibly already covered.

I wish him luck, and am looking forward to his taking over.

We’ll possibly get to see him in (initial) action when he takes over: some time in October*, when Jodie Whittaker’s last episode airs …

~≈Ê≈~

Ncuti Gatwa — The Fourteenth Doctor.

8th May, 2022.

You’ve possibly worked out one thing, over the years I’ve been writing this blog.

That I’m a fan of TV show, Doctor Who.

So tend to look forward to the Big Announcement.

The one that happens each few years.

The one that’s been on fans mind since Jodie Whittaker announced — a few months ago, now — that she would be leaving.

Yes: that Big Announcement.

Who’s been cast as the new Doctor Who.

The news got out, today.

Sex Education’s Ncuti Gatwa* has been cast the Fourteenth Doctor: and will be taking over in 2023.

Good luck to him.

~≈Ê≈~

Saying that?   I have a concern.

I’ve got no doubts Russell T. Davies has made a good choice in casting Ncuti Gatwa.

Ncuti’s not someone I’ve seen in anything: so I’m taking Davies’ decision on trust.

I know Ncuti’s had an award or two for his role in Sex Education, and been nominated for more.

My concern?

Is fan reaction.

I have no problem — at least, I hope I have no problem! — with Ncuti’s colour.

As long as he’s capable of acting the part, and acting the part well — and has the stamina to deal with the inevitable publicity — that should be enough for any of us.

But I’m very aware of human nature.

Very aware that — much as some complained about Jodie Whittaker’s casting as the first woman in the role — there will be people complaining about, and objecting to, his casting purely because he’s black.

I think that’s extremely objectionable.

What matters is his ability to perform in the role, not the colour of his skin.

I’m also aware that the last Dr Who convention I was at was a few years ago.

And?   I can’t recall seeing any ethnic minority fans, there.

I can’t tell you if that’s changed.

But it’s a sad reflection on how welcoming Dr Who fandom can be: especially given my own personal knowledge of at least one fan who (speaking in private to me) objected to Freema Agyeman being cast … because of the colour of her skin.

That’s not good.

Especially when you consider how diverse, and welcoming, the cast and fans of Star Trek seem to be.

That’s lack of diversity on Dr Who?

Means hiring someone like Ncuti is long overdue.

Hopefully?

The BBC will be providing support for Ncuti: and some sort of protection from whatever flak does turn up.

Hopefully?

His casting will have a long lasting, and good, effect on Doctor Who.

*        Going by interviews and announcements?   His name’s pronounced ‘shoe-ti GAT-wa.’   I’m grateful Google found a couple of interviews where he introduces himself!   I’ve also had to teach my computer’s dictionary how to spell his name: it though he was Nuclear Gateaux …