Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31st August, 2022

31st August, 2022.

Right … 

It’s officially Wednesday: and stuff is officially occurring.

Officially!

I’ve an electrician down from my landlords: doing the five yearly safety checks.

That’s going on, as I speak.

If this post is later than 10?

That’s the reason why.

~≈§≈~

Right … I’ve not had the safety check done: and finished at 9:50.

I’m thankful: everything’s safe and sound.

~≈§≈~

Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union … ?

Has died at the age of 91.

It’s not often you can point at someone, and say they helped changed the world.

But?

Mikhail Gobachev did.

He’ll be missed … and much discussed.

~≈§≈~

As a bit of good news?

It seems the government is planning — I like that, planning! — a consultation: on introducing rent caps for those of us in social housing.

I hope a cap goes through: it would be helpful, even if I am on benefits.

I don’t see anything being done, though: until a new Prime Minister’s in place.

~≈§≈~

Oh, and before I forget?

Here’s Jude’s latest video … !

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th August 2022.

30th August, 2022.

Yes, it’s officially Tuesday: and my nephew’s popping over, this afternoon!

I’m looking forward to that.

But it does means there’ll be more videos.

Ahem!

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-8-2022 — Michael Jackson

29th August, 2022.

It’s officially Monday.

In point of fact … ?   It’s a bank holiday Monday.

So … ?

Well, hopefully, the trains will be quiet!

~≈Ü≈~

If you’re in the UK … ?

You’ll know that the Tory party are having a leadership election: after Boris Johnson resigned as both leader and Prime Minister.

Given the energy prices crisis?   Both leadership contenders have been making various claims about what they’d done, if named as leader.

One, Liz Truss, is reportedly looking at lowering VAT, Value Added Tax, on fuel.

Personally?

I don’t think a VAT cut will help.

Because?   I don’t think energy companies will lower their prices as a result.

Instead, they’ll keep prices where they are: as a VAT cut will hand them more profits.

~≈%≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th August 2022.

28th August, 2022.

Yes: it’s officially Sunday.

And?

Frankly, my family’s off out for a posh (ish!) meal at the local Prezzo.

I get a distinct impression pizza’s going to be involved.

~≈†≈~

At ANY rate … ?

I’ve done the last written and video reviews for a couple of weeks.

Ones about Star Trek Picard, at any rate.

You can read the most recent one.

Or you can just watch the video … 

I just HOPE it makes sense!

~≈†≈~

Star Trek Picard — Series 2 Episode 10 — Farewell — A Review

26th August, 2022.

It’s a Friday evening: and … ?

I’m going to be having dinner: again!

Any minute now, in fact.

After that … ?

I’m going to do my usual thing: and watch another episode of Star Trek Picard.

It’s called Farewell: and it’ll be the last Picard episode I watch for a while, as it’s the last in the current series.

I’ll have my review up, tomorrow: and will see you then.

~≈🖖≈~

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

27th August, 2022.

Hmmm … 

YouTube’s a mystery.

No, really.

It’s just taken twenty minutes to upload today’s Teaser video: compared to the usual five.

Beyond telling you it hung at ninety-five percent processing for a long time … ?

I couldn’t tell you what was going on!

~≈🎥≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s Saturday.

And … ?

Frankly, I’ve just enough cash to do some shopping: and thinking buying the makings of a chilli con carne could be something.

Frankly?

I might add a dollop of Marmite.

It’s not like I’m running out … 

~≈🎥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-8-2022 — Captain Cook’s First Voyage

26th August, 2022.

Amazon can make a mistake or two, sometimes.

Not that I’m planning to say anything to them!

I usually order two 600g tubs of Marmite, every month.

With each tub lasting a fortnight, I’m usually happy.

This week … ?   I’ve ordered two more tubs.

Which — theoretically — turned up yesterday.

Notice I say theoretically.

I think someone made a mistake, at their end.

What I ACTUALLY got … ?

Was two boxes of six tubs.

About six month’s worth.

I’ve got rid of some: but have to ask … 

Would anyone like a tub* … … ?

~≈Ê≈~

The UK’s got an entry regulator: called Ofgem.

They set price caps on the cost of gas and electricity, every few months.

This time last year?   The average bill was about £1000.

The raised caps Ofgem announced, today?

Means the average is now nearer £3549.

What that means for me … ?

Means I’m going to see more of my money being sunk into my fuel meters.

Marmite, aside … ?

Winter’s going to be tough.

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th August, 2022

25th August, 2022.

Yes: I’ve officially got up early.

I’ve got one of the later in a series of weight management program meeting.

At ten.

What was nice … ?

Is simply the fact that I woke up to rain: which is much needed.

And to an almighty flash of lightning, along with the appropriate thunder, thunder that sounded like it was going off over-head … 

And that possibly would’ve woken the dead.

Which is nice.

After the heatwave this year, we needed that!

~≈⚡️≈~

JUST as a thought … ?

My nephew, Jude, was over, yesterday.

Video occurred!

As did ducks … 

~≈🦆≈~

And finally … ?

I’ve posted my written and video reviews of the last episode of Stranger Things’ fourth series.

The next series is going to be big!

~≈🧟≈~

Stranger Things — Series 4 Chapter 9 — The Piggyback — A Review

23rd August, 2022.

Yes: it’s Tuesday,

And, as I speak?

Vegetables are having the proverbial boiled out of them.

It’s OK: I’m cooking dinner!

Slightly hurriedly, to be honest.

After all, it’s Tuesday: which means I’ll be having dinner … then watching The Piggyback, the last episode of series four of Stranger Things.

As ever?

I’ll have my written and video reviews up, tomorrow night!

~≈🧟‍♂️≈~

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

24th August, 2022.

It’s definitely a quiet day.

Well … 

I say quiet.

I’m expecting my nephew, Jude, over, later.

Quiet possibly won’t be the word.

At ANY rate: you’ll find his latest YouTube short, here.

~≈₹≈~

Talking of Jude?

You’ll possibly have realised he likes the football game, FIFA 22.

And looking forward to the updated version — FIFA 23 — when it’s released.

He’s pre-ordered it: at some £72.   Or there about.

He’s mildly jealous of people in India, though.

Due to a mistake in the placing a decimal point, the game’s manufacturers, EA Games, made it available for ₹4·8.

About 5p.

Then announced they’d honour that.

Jude wasn’t exactly happy … … … … … … 

~≈₹≈~

Talking of money … ?

I got the £150 energy rebate, a few months ago.

It’s long since been spent, I should add.

But … ?

It seems some people are still waiting for it.

Frankly?

That’s … 

Not good.

~≈₹≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd August 2022

23rd August, 2022.

Drat … I didn’t get the job … 

I went for an interview, yesterday.

At a local shop: one I’d put in several applications for, for different posts.

Unfortunately?

The position was for night shifts — that wouldn’t play well with my back and knees — rather than the cashiers post I was hoping for.

The interviewers and I shook hands at that point.

But that have told me to keep my eyes peeled for daytime jobs.

That’s a possible upside.

~≈🕰≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd August, 2022

22nd August, 2022.

Yes: I’m officially up early.

Especially for a Monday!

But … ?

I have an excuse.

I have an interview, today: the first in a few years.

Hopefully?

I’ll wind up with something.

But, even if I don’t?

At least it’s local.

~≈¥≈~

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

21st August, 2022.

I have to admit, I was doing a review, last night: of episode nine of Star Trek Picard.

And, of course, realised one thing.

One of the characters — one played by Sol Rodriguez — is called Teresa Ramirez.

I have to ask, have you ever seen Highlander*?   The Christopher Lambert film about an immortal warrior seeking to win a mystical prize … by decapitating his rival immortal warriors.

It’s a great film: in part, because its villain — the Kurgan, played by Clancy Brown — was an over the top monster!

With a very distinct voice.

The film’s also featured the late Sean Connery: as a character called Ramirez: who eventually ends up getting killed by the Kurgan.

Ever since … ?

I can never hear the name, Ramirez … without hearing Clancy Brown saying it!

Arrgh!

~≈®≈~

Star Trek Picard — Series 2 Episode 9 — Hide and Seek — A Review

19th August, 2022.

It’s Friday: you’d noticed, hadn’t you … ?

It‘s a Friday: and, as ever, I’m doing dinner.

Fish and chips, so you know.

Why we’re supposed to fish on a Friday?   Is an old Catholic tradition, apparently.

One that was the reason behind the creation of the McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish.

One of these days?   I’ll possibly do a Teaser about that.

At any rate … ?

It’s Friday.

And that means I’ll be watching the next episode of Star Trek Picard’s second series: episode nine, Hide and Seek.

I’m looking forward to it.

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-8-2022 — World Mosquito Day

20th August, 2022

Yes: it’s officially Saturday.

And, bar finishing my review of the most recent episode of Star Trek Picard?   Is looking quiet.

If that changes, I’ll let you know.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th August, 2022.

19th August, 2022.

You know the BBC’s struggling to keep up … 

When it’s news bulletins on Radio Four … are ahead of their website.

Yes: Apple has announced urgent security updates for iPhone, iPad, and Macs running Monterey.

As have a lot of news services.

The BBC has mentioned it in their news bulletins … but not on their website.

I think they’re slacking!

~≈Í≈~

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

18th August, 2022.

Yes: I’m up early.

It’s Thursday,

Which means I’m off to Chelmsford for a Restart meeting: having sorted out tickets.

(Thanking you, Mum!)

The only thing I hadn’t bank on, having not used the train service regularly?

Is that today’s a strike day.

I’m going to  there, late, regardless.

I wish I’d known sooner.

I could’ve legitimately rearranged the date!

~≈🚆≈~

At any rate … ?   And before I move on … ?

I’ve more videos to share.

You can find Jude’s latest short, here:

https://youtube.com/shorts/ZuW8JaRhmiw?feature=share

He and his friends finally got the exploding cola bottle trick, right.

If you could hit ‘Like,’ he’d thank you.

There’s also my most recent Stranger Things review.

I hope you enjoy it!

~≈🚆≈~

Stranger Things — Series 4 Chapter 8 — Papa — A Review

16th August, 2022.

It’s official: I’m looking out of the window at a remarkable dry evening.

Given my part of the world is supposed to be getting rain?   After forty odd days of heat?

That’s a little disappointing.

After all, we had rain, over night.

We could do with more.

Frankly?   I hope we get some, this evening.

It would be needed … and would add a hell of a lot of atmosphere to what I’ll be doing.

Yes: it’s Tuesday.

So I’ll be watching Papa, the next episode of Stranger Things’ fourth season.

Rain would add some atmosphere.

~≈🧟‍♂️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-8-2022 — Animal Farm

17th April, 2022.

Right … we’re looking at blu-rays … 

You’ll’ve realised that I’m a fan of Dr Who: and have been for a while.

And … ?   I’ve got all surviving, available, episodes on an external drive not far from where I’m sitting.

I’ve also got this habit of collecting the Dr Who — The Collection series of blu-ray box sets.

They are extremely worth while: especially for the Behind the Sofa features.

Well … 

It seems the BBC are going to be releasing Season 2 of the classic series — Hartnell’s second, and the most complete of his three seasons — at some point soon.

For a given value of ‘soon’ … !

Assuming I can afford it … ?

I’ll be looking forward to it!

~≈¶≈~

I have a problem.

I’m due to attend a meeting at the Restart course I’m at: tomorrow.

The scheme usually sends me tickets: or, at least, buys them for me, and arranges it so I can pick them up at the station.

After, of course, I email them about it!

I’ve been doing that since Sunday.

And not heard a thing.

If I don’t go: my benefit gets suspended.

If anyone can lend me the price of a return ticket to Chelmsford, by tomorrow, I’d appreciate hearing about it!

~≈¶≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th August, 2022.

16th August, 2022.

Yes: it’s officially official!

We’ve had rain!

View this post on Instagram

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

Rain that lasted over night.

OK: there’s flood warnings in part of the UK … but here in Brentwood?

We have lovely dampness!

~≈💧≈~

JUST as a thought … ?

Videos are available.

You know that, didn’t you?   

To be more specific?

I’ve done another unboxing video … and Jude’s done the next episode of his series of FIFA videos.

Can we get likes on those … ?

~≈👍≈~

I try and follow the news: just in case something interesting crops up.

Something has.

It seems the Government is introducing legislation: that means those of us on certain benefits can ask an Internet Service Provider to check that we are eligible for the social tariffs they offer.

It’s something I know BT already does: as I’ve taken advantage of it, myself.

But?

Legislating — or, at least, regulating — for it?

In a way that means ISPs have to check, rather that claimants have to prove?

Means that — hopefully — more people will be able to get online.

~≈👩🏽‍💻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-8-2022 — India

15th August, 2022.

Yes: it’s Monday.

And, when I looked out of my window, this morning?

It looked like it had rained, however mildly, over night.

It’s supposed to be raining, again, later today.

I hope it does: we could do with it.

~≈💧≈~

Did I mention I’ve been watching Rev?   The old comedy series?

It’s fun, very dry: and the setting is a complete 180° switch on The Vicar of Dibley.

I caught an episode, yesterday: where Tom Hollander — who plays the title character, Reverend Adam Smallbone — has to sign something … 

He’s left-handed.

And this is something I noticed, yesterday.

Yesterday!

14th August.

The day after Lefthander’s Day.

Wouldn’t you just know it?

~≈👍≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th August, 2022

14th August, 2022.

Yes: the BBC weather site’s predicting storms.

Thunderstorms: nice dramatic thunderstorms!

With thunder, lightning and rain.

For tonight.

In Scotland: rather than here in Brentwood.

Down here … ?   We’re still having a heatwave.

The sooner we get rain, here, the better!

~≈§≈~

Oh … 

I caught another episode of Star Trek Picard, on Friday: and posted my written And video reviews last night.

And have to confess … Dr Jurati caught my eye: wondering around in that red frock.

We used to have a band — a soul covers band — that played at the Essex Arms, when I worked there.

The lead singer always brought a fan.   He said it was to help keep cool.

But given the long hair he had?   I suspect it was to make him look dramatic, look windswept and interesting.

The reasons I mention it … ?

Simply, I think this season of Star Trek Picard’s got a lot of shots of Alison Pill, with that dress, and her hair, billowing around as she walks down a sidewalk.

Personally?

I think she’s got a fan parked off camera … !

~≈§≈~

Star Trek Picard — Series 2 Episode 8 — Mercy — A Review

12th August, 2022.

Right … it’s Friday: and dinner is cooking.

As ever.

It’s fish and homemade chips: again.

And frankly?

I’m wondering why on Earth we’re supposed to have fish on a Friday?

I don’t actually know!

That’s beside the point, I think.

It’s Friday.

Which means I’ll be watching Mercy, the next episode of Star Trek Picard’s second season.

And be telling you about it, tomorrow night.

I’ll see you then!

~≈🖖≈~

Oh, JUST as a thought … ?

The Teaser I mentioned in the intro … ?   Is the one for 13th August: Left Hander’s Day.

Feel free to have a go!

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-8-2022 — International Left Handers Day

13th August, 2022.

It’s official: it’s International Left-handers Day: and you’re allowed to hug a left-hander, today.

If you’re left handed?

You’re allowed to reset the track pad on the family laptop: to left hand use.

Because?

Because!

Now … has anyone watched today’s intro video … ?

And would anyone like to buy me some left handed stuff?

~≈👍≈~

Do you watch the news?

You’ll have possibly realised that author Salman Rushdie has been attacked: by someone who sounds like an Islamic extremist.

According to an announcement from his agent … ?

He’s on a ventilator: and risks losing an eye.

He’s got my sympathies.

His attacker?

Is facing serious charges.

The attacker could’ve avoided those: if only he’d organised a protest outside a bookshop … 

~≈🤚≈~

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

12th August, 2022

Yes: it’s Friday.

Which means we can excitedly proclaim ourself to be excited Friday people: running around like mad things.

Or like the character in that Crunchie advert.

You can tell I’m trying for irony, can’t you … ?

~≈¥≈~

JUST as a quick thought … ?

I had my nephew over, last night: along side a couple of pizzas.

Pizzas … and the inevitable video.

Unless I miss my guess?

He’s got another subscriber!

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-8-2022 — Hadrian Caesar

11th August. 2022.

Right … I’ve just check the BBC’s weather report for today.

And … ?

They say it’s going to be thundery … next week.

Today?

It’s looks like it’s going to be hot … 

~≈®≈~

Oh, before I forget … ?

My latest Stranger Things review is up!

~≈®≈~