Sunday 31 July 2022

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

31st July, 2022.


Yes: it’s Sunday morning.

And … ?   Having looked out of my window,  I can tell Brentwood’s looking overcast.

Will I be putting money on much needed rain?

Nope!

Going by the BBC’s weather prediction for the area, it’s going to be muggy, overcasting … and distinctly non-rainy.

That’s a shame: we could do with it.

~≈Û≈~

Oh, I’ve had Radio 4 on.   And, in their Sunday morning religious magazine show?

A pair of talking heads were discussing the protests that take place outside abortion clinics: which was a fascinating listen … that saw the pro-life protestor accusing the clinic support of accusing him of thoughtcrime.

It has to be said: it’s the first time I’ve heard the word used outside 1984.

~≈Û≈~

Oh … before I forget … ?

Yes: I’ve reviewed another episode of Star Trek Picard.


Feel free to leave me a comment!

~≈Û≈~

Saturday 30 July 2022

Star Trek Picard — Series 2 Episode 6 — Two of One — A Review

29th July, 2022.




It’s officially Friday.

And tomorrow?   Is going to be Saturday.

You’ve probably worked that out, haven’t you?

If you’ve been following my blog for the last few weeks?   You’ve possibly realised that I’ve been watching Stranger Things, series four on Tuesdays: and reviewing the episodes on Wednesdays.


I’ve been watching the second season of Star Trek Picard on Fridays, and posting my written and video reviews of each episode on Saturdays.

Tonight, of course, is Friday: so, on top of mentioning today’s Teaser — just in case you were wondering about the stuff I mentioned in the intro video —I’ll be watching the next episode, called Two of One.

I’ll have my reviews finished by tomorrow.

I’ll see you then.

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-7-2022 — I’ll Be Back.

30th July, 2022.



Yes: it’s Saturday … it’s definitely Saturday!

And not Thursday!   Thursday, just gone, was a day and a half: as I think I mentioned, in yesterday’s Teaser.

Stabbings, deaths of actors, what have you!

There’s possibly way too much excitement, for one day … !

At any rate … ?

The one — positive — bit of excitement?

Was the postman turning up with a two gang extension lead I’d ordered.

That was handy: it meant I could set up the new cordless landline phone.


Hopefully?

I’ll be able to work out call blocking, fairly quickly!

~≈☎︎≈~

Friday 29 July 2022

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th July, 2022

29th July, 2022.


Yeah: yesterday was a bit of a day.

For a start … ?

Actor, Bernard Cribbins died.

I remember him from many things.

Right Said Fred and Hole in the Ground were a hell of a lot of fun.



There were film appearances, TV appearances, the most Jackanory appearances by any one given performer.

Personally?   I remember seeing him as Tom Cambell in Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D, the second Dr Who movie.

I think the man’s biggest legacy?   Was providing the narration — and voicing every single character — in The Wombles.

The show was the only one at the time that talked about recycling stuff: at a time when no other show — with the possible exception of Blue Peter — did so.

Legacy doesn’t even start … 



~≈♽≈~

Yesterday … ?

I was up early: I had a Zoom meeting to attend, at ten, and wanted to make sure I’d done my usual stuff done, first.

I didn’t notice the yelling from up the road: at around 7:20ish.

There’s always someone having an argument, around here!

I also didn’t consciously notice the emergency ambulance, trauma team, and half a dozen police cars, turning up 

Or know about them, until;
  • Someone asked what was happening on my street’s Facebook group.
  • At least three people contacted me — through Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp — to ask if I was ok, and what on Earth was happening!
Which is me all over!

At any rate?   A resident of Torville Court, the block next to mine, had been attacked: and seriously injured.

According to the Essex Live reports?   A 28 year old man had been arrested on charges of Actual Bodily Harm, and for assaulting one of the ambulance staff.


From other things I’ve been told?   And if the victim is who I think it is?   (Which seems likely, from descriptions I’ve been given.)

The victim is said to have all sorts of dodgy dealings.

And last got stabbed back in 2015.

I know no more than that: but will be keeping an eye peeled.

No one’s said anything about murder, as yet … 

~≈🗡≈~

Thursday 28 July 2022

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-7-2022 — Peru

28th July, 2022.


Arghrghrgh!

I’m up early: as I have another of the monthly meetings for my weight management programme.

Which are usually enjoyable: and very sociable.

Except, of course, I managed to stay up, late last night: finishing my most recent written and video* reviews of another episode of Stranger Things.


One of these days?

I swear, I’ll learn!

~≈Â≈~

Wednesday 27 July 2022

Stranger Things — Series 4 Chapter 5 — The Nina Project — A Review

26th July, 2022.


Yay!   It’s Tuesday!

OK … I’m not exactly getting any younger, am I … ?

So yay … ?

Is possibly inappropriate.

What is entirely appropriate?   Is exactly what I’ve bee doing to the past few weeks.

Starting a post: to tell you I’ll be watching the next episode of Stranger Things’ fourth series, tonight.

I’ll be doing that, once I’ve had dinner.

I’ll see you, tomorrow.

~≈🧟‍♂️≈~

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

27th July, 2022.


Right … I’m officially in Wednesday mode.

And thinking I need to do more shopping!

Yep: I forgot mushrooms, yesterday!

Making spaghetti sauce without, could be tricky!

~≈Œ≈~

Something that caught my eye, this morning?

Was a piece on the Today program: that tells us a group of MPs have recommended pausing deductions from Universal Credit, ones that repay arrears and overpayments.

I’m one of the people who has some deductions: to repay council tax arrears.

I’m … kind of caught.

I’d like to get those arrears sorted: that would have long term benefits.

I also have to admit, a pause would be welcome: even given I’ve re-negotiated some bills, and had help with others?

The extra few quid a month would be useful.

My only concern?   Is whether the government will accept that recommendation.

I think it won’t, given the mess it’s in.

~≈Œ≈~

Tuesday 26 July 2022

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th July, 2022

26th July, 2022.


Yes: it’s now Tuesday.

And I’ve got the day off.

In a manner of speaking!

In other words, I’ve got nothing planned for the day: beyond making a phone call or two, and possibly buying the makings of some spaghetti.

Oh … and watching Stranger Things, tonight.


It’s looking rather good.

~≈🧟‍♀️≈~

I keep an eye on the technology news: occasionally, at any rate.

So I’m very aware that facial recognition technology is something of a hot issue.

It’s seen by some as being very invasive of privacy: and many will remind you that it’s had — and probably still has — issues recognising people of colour.

I recall reading one piece that told us many black British men had been asked to take off their lipstick.   I’ll let that sink in, shall I … ?

At any rate … it’s problematic.

It’s also come to a crunch point.

Southern Co-op* is facing legal issues: at least, according to this piece.

Basically?   Big Brother Watch has filed a complaint about Southern’s use of Facewatch: a facial recognition.

It’s invading people’s privacy.

Southern, themselves?   Say they’re only planning to use it in branches with a history of crime and anti-social behaviour.

Personally?   And while I’m aware of the issues?

I’ve also worked in retail.

Were I still working in shops?

I’d feel comfier knowing something like this is around.

~≈🎥≈~

Monday 25 July 2022

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-7-2022 — The Feast of St. James

25th July, 2022.



Right … I’m officially getting my leg x-rayed, this morning.

At lunchtime, at least.

It’s nothing serious: just a bit of checking on some minor deformation I’ve lived with for years.

Hopefully?

It should show some thing.

~≈Â≈~

Oh, just as a quick news piece?

I noticed this piece on the BBC’s news-site.

A chess playing robot has managed to injure the school boy it was playing.

Quite what wrong, there, I don’t know.

But?   You can bet someone’s going to start banging on about Skynet.

Or the Terminator.

Or how robots are going to kill us, and take over the world!

Hey, ho!

~≈Â≈~

Sunday 24 July 2022

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th July, 2022

24th July, 2022.


Right … I’ve officially gone shopping!

Which means I’ve got frozen food for a month.

And the frozen meat I’d need for a few stews.

So that’s something.

But … ?

It wasn’t until I got home I realised one teeny tiny thing.

I’d forgotten washing up liquid.

There’s always something, isn’t there … ?

~≈🍽≈~

I have to admit, I spent a lot of last night writing my review of the most recent episode of Star Trek Picard.


I’m mildly pleased: I didn’t eat a bar of chocolate during it.   It’s something of a habit I need to break.

And?

I’m also pleased to see Brent Spiner as best another member of the Soong family.   His fourth,  if memory serves.

It’s good to see him.

But I’m very reminded of the Balowski family!


~≈🍽≈~

Saturday 23 July 2022

Star Trek Picard — Series 2 Episode 5 — Fly Me to the Moon — A Review

22nd July, 2022.


Today is one of those rare things.

Where?   Frankly, I can actually afford a takeaway.

As a result of both getting paid: and having a little left over from the Cost of Living Payment, earlier this week.

I think fish and chips would be in order, frankly.

So no actual change, there!

There’s no actual change in what else I’ll be doing, either.

I’ll be doing what I usually do: over the last few Tuesdays and Fridays.

Yes: I’ll be watching a TV show.

Tonight sees me watching episode five of Star Trek Picard’s second season, Fly My To The Moon.

I’ll have my written and video review up, by tomorrow night.

I’ll see you then!

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-7-2022 — Egypt

23rd July, 2022


I got paid, yesterday: for which I am truly thankful.

I seriously need food shopping!

Including fruit, loo roll … and milk.

I’m onto my last bottle: as the one I was getting to the end of … went off.

I thought it tasted iffy.   But the last mug of tea I got out off it?   Had lumps.

Frankly?

I’m blaming Tuesday!

~≈¥≈~

Friday 22 July 2022

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-7-2022 —Pi Approximation Day

22nd July, 2022.


It’s Friday: a day that looks like it’s going to rain.

I hope it does: we could do with it!

Saying that … ?

I’m very aware that the BBC’s weather service has been saying it’s going to rain since Tuesday!

Heigh … ho!

~≈💧≈~

OK … 


I’ve made another of my slightly off-beat unboxing videos.

The backpack … ?   Is now officially unpacked and hanging off my front door: ready to go at a moment’s notice.

The phone … ?   Is still in its box: I need an extra power block, I think.

And will have to read the instruction manual: the thing can block numbers, which will come in handy, block scam calls.

I’ve ALSO managed to get hold of the Classic Dr Who’s season 22 box set.

I was hoping Katy Manning would be in the Behind the Sofa watch-alongs: she’s usually fun to watch!

But apparently not.   It’s Wendy Padbury, Janet Fielding and Sarah Sutton (Zoe, Tegan and Nyssa), this time.

Which should be equally as good: the last time I saw the three of them, it was handbags at twenty paces … and utterly hysterical … !

~≈Â≈~

JUST as a last thought … ?

I mentioned the phone, there: ordered in part, because it can block numbers.

But it also marks the fact I’ve got a new landline and internet contract with BT.

I’ve managed to get onto their Home Essentials package, aimed at those of us on Universal Credit.

It’s pretty much the same deal I’m on: with extra free minutes.

And half the price I was paying.

That should help the money situation.

~≈☏≈~

Thursday 21 July 2022

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-7-2022 — Guam.

21st July, 2022.


It’s now officially Thursday: and … ?

Warm: with a predicted high of 24° in Brentwood.

Thankfully?

That’s considerably cooler than last Tuesday!

By some fourteen to fifteen degrees!

I’ll be honest: that’ll make going to the Job Centre — for my projected meeting with my work coach — a lot more comfortable.

~≈§≈~

Actually?

It might just make two trips into town more comfortable.

I have to go to the Library to print off a letter: to the tribunal that’s adjudicating my claim for extra help.

Then I need to buy a stamp and post the thing.

If nothing else?   It means I get some exercise.

~≈§≈~

Just as a final thought?   I finished my review of the most recent episode of Stranger Things, last night!

The show’s looking good.


It’s a good excuse to play Running Up That Hill.

Just not Kate Bush’s version: her’s is getting over used … 


~≈§≈~

Wednesday 20 July 2022

Stranger Things — Series 4 Chapter 4 — Dear Billy — A Review

19th July, 2022.



As I write this?

As I writ this, I’m am very aware of a few things.

That my home town’s had possibly its warmest day of the year: as has the country!

Frankly?

It’s toasty: but due to cool down, tomorrow.

I hope it does: I’ve an early start: for some quarterly blood tests.

But?

The heat’s not going to stop me doing what I’ve been doing for the past few weeks.

Yes: I’m going to eat dinner, then catch Dear Billy: the next episode of Stranger Things fourth series.

I’ll have this post published tomorrow, Wednesday, 20th July.

I’ll tell you about the episode … and whether it’s cooled down …

~≈🧟‍♂️≈~

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

20th July, 2022.


It’s officially official.

It’s predicted to be cooler, today: with a possibility of clouds.

With predictions of rain.

Normally?

I’d be whinging like billy-o about the rain.

But, given yesterday’s heat?

Given there’s wildfires in the UK … ?

Including in Wennington, about thirteen miles from me?

Rain will be welcome!

~≈¥≈~

I’m up early: in case you didn’t know.

I’ve got some blood tests at Brentwood Hospital, today: the usual check of my sugar and thyroid levels.

Hopefully?

They’ll go well.

I’m just glad they weren’t scheduled for yesterday!

~≈¥≈~

Tuesday 19 July 2022

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

19th July, 2022.


I mentioned — in yesterday’s Teaser — that we were expecting seriously high temperatures.

With the Met Office predicting some 40°C.

It wasn’t quite that bad.

The hottest it got?

Was 38.1°C: in Surrey, and other parts of England.

I know it got to 36° in Brentwood: and that my flat hit 30°!

It wasn’t pleasant.

It’s possibly going to get worse.

The Today programme’s talking about 40° to 42° maximums.

With the temperature in my part of town predicted to be 38°.


I think today is going to be another day like yesterday.

It’ll be a two shower day.

(I can still remember one family holiday to Spain: back when the UK was a LOT cooler, and Spain, comparatively tropical.   Stepping off the plane was like walking into a war of heat.   Stepping out of my front door, yesterday?   Reminded me of that trip.)

~≈°≈~

You’ve possibly realised I’m on benefits: as a result of an extended job search.

And — like many in the same shoes? — waiting for the first of the government’s Cost of Living payments.

That first payment, of £326, turned up yesterday.

Even though I’ve spent a good chunk of it?   A big wedge on gas, electricity and my internet connection? I’m grateful it turned up.

I still have enough to possibly get a haircut.

So long as the barber’s shady … 

~≈°≈~

JUST as a final thought … ?

This, and this?

Are a couple of YouTube shorts my nephew, Jude, has done.

And this is his latest Rocket League video.


Feel free to hit Like and Share!

~≈°≈~

Monday 18 July 2022

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-7-2022: Uruguay.

18th July, 2022.


Right … it’s Monday.

A Monday that sees many of us, here in England, issued with Red Heat Warnings.

My part of the world?

Is facing predicted highs of 38°C.


Frankly?

I might just have to dig up my fan … 

~≈Ç≈~

Sunday 17 July 2022

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

17th July, 2022.


I’ve had a look at the BBC’s online weather report for my area, this morning.


This part of Brentwood has a predicted high of 31°.

That’s going to be uncomfortable for many of us.

I’m also very aware that there’s an amber heat warning for England, today: ahead of the red* warning for tomorrow and Tuesday.

There’s also the piece that tells us London’s see over eight hundred grass fires in London, since June.

Spain and Portugal?   Have wildfires.

I know there’s a lot of climate deniers out there.

And can’t help but wonder what they make of Britain’s first extreme heat warning.

~≈🌡≈~

Saturday 16 July 2022

Star Trek Picard — Series 2 Episode 4 — Watcher — A Review

15th July, 2022.


Did I say Friday nights are a good night to boil vegetables?

Friday’s a good night to boil vegetables.

Especially is — like me — you like having dinner, occasionally.

At any rate … ?

It’s another Friday night: one with dinner … 

And the fourth episode of Star Trek Picard’s second series.

Once I’ve watched Watcher?

I’ll be telling you about it: tomorrow night.

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-7-2022 — The Islamic Calendar

16th July, 2022.


It’s officially official.

It’s Saturday.

So?

I’m going to doing stuff.

Mostly making videos, writing reviews … 

And frankly?   Making sure I keep my windows open and curtains shut.

It’s cooler than it’s been … but still warmer than I’m comfortable with!

~≈🔥≈~

Friday 15 July 2022

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-7-2022 — Oppan Gangnam Style

15th July, 2022.


Yes: it’s true.

The Cost Of Living payments the government were due to start paying out, yesterday, started being paid out, yesterday.

I know of one person who’s had it.

That person wasn’t me.

Personally?

I’m expecting it to hit my bank account on pay day: at the end of next week.

Just when I don’t need it.

Even though I’m expecting it, then?

I’m going to be checking my account, today.

The sooner it’s in there, the happier I’ll be.

~≈£≈~

Oh, JUST in case you’re wondering?

My nephew’s YouTube channel is still active.

He’s uploaded a new video!


~≈£≈~

Thursday 14 July 2022

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-7-2022 — Bastille Day.

14th July, 2022.


It’s Thursday, 14th July, 2022.

But you know that: especially if you’ve looked at a calendar.

What you might not know?

Is that it’s predicted to hit a high of 30°C in Brentwood, today.

I’m not looking forward to that.

But?

At least it’s not going to ba as bad as yesterday’s 31°!

~≈†≈~

JUST in case you’re following my TV reviews?

I’ve caught another episode of Stranger Things, the other night: episode three, The Monster and the Superhero.

I think we have another good episode.

Just be warned, there’s spoilers in the review!   Just don’t let that stop you hitting the like button!


~≈†≈~

Wednesday 13 July 2022

Stranger Things — Series 4 Chapter 3 — The Monster and the Superhero — A Review

*Spoilers*

12th July, 2022.










Right … 

It’s officially official.

It’s Tuesday: and I have a working washing machine.

It’s a long story: but my washing machine broke down, recently.

Luckily, whilst still under warranty!

So it’s working, and I’m happy.

Now … as for the rest of the day … ?

Well: I’ve job hunted, done stuff … and made another unboxing video.


Tonight … ?

After dinner, I’m going to be watching the next episode of season four of Stranger ThingsThe Monster and the Superhero.

Which means I’ll have this post finished, tomorrow night!

~≈🧟‍♂️≈~

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

13th July, 2022.


It’s official: it’s Wednesday.

It’s one I’m expecting to be quiet.

Quiet or otherwise?   I’m expecting it to be another hot day.

And?   To be brutally honest?

I’d love to see a thunderstorm.

It might just break the heat.

~≈⛈≈~

Tuesday 12 July 2022

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-7-2022 — Tod Browning

12th July, 2022.


Right … 

It’s a Tuesday: one I’m looking forward to.

Yes: the washing machine repairman is due back, this morning.

Complete with the relevant part.

Hopefully … ?

That’ll be the end of it!

~≈®≈~

Oh … handy!

I put in — many months ago — for a Hardship grant from Brentwood Council.

As help to pay my council tax.

I finally got it: the revised bill — telling me I had nothing further to pay — came in yesterday.

I am thankful.

It means that — for the rest of the tax year — I effectively have £28 extra.

~≈®≈~

I’m a long term Mac user.

One who’s always recommended the platform: especially as Time Machine, the on-board backup utility, as so easy to set up and use.

And one who’s mildly frustrated that — for a while? — the app was far more heavily automated.

In Big Sur, you couldn’t delete backs-up from the Action drop-down: that was handy, if the drive you use, was filling up.


Thankfully?

It seems to have been reintroduced in Monterey: only moved to the Action drop-down of the drive you’re using for the back ups.


That was handy, last night.

As my back up drive suddenly announced it was full!

~≈®≈~

Monday 11 July 2022

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

11th July, 2022.


It’s got to be said: it’s warm, right now.

My boiler’s thermostat tells it’s some 25°.

Warm for here.

The predictions for the week?

Tell me today’s going to reach 30°: and potentially reach 34° later in the week today.

There’s heat-health warnings around.

I’m glad I’ve got some bottled water in the fridge.

I think I’m going to need it.

~≈🌞≈~

I’ve got Radio 4’s Today programme on, in the background.

It’s not been mentioned on the BBC news website: but, according to one report?

There’s a possibility that the Cost of Living payment — due to start rolling out on Thursday — is going to be delayed.

If it is?

There’s going to be murder.

~≈🌞≈~