Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th September, 2022.

30th September, 2022.

Yes: it’s officially Friday.

Which means I have a quiet day: with little on, but making videos.

And possibly buying some bread.

I’ll probably leave that ’til tomorrow: that’s when I need milk.

At any rate … ?

I think a nice healthy walk’s a good idea!

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-9-2022: World Heart Day

29th September, 2022.

I’ve officially got bad news … and good news: and possibly a joke.

Possibly.

I had a podiatrists appointment, yesterday: to see if I qualify for routine podiatric check-ups.

The bad news?

I don’t qualify for the regular check-ups.

The good news?

I don’t qualify for regular check-ups … because my feet are too healthy!

~≈🦶≈~

The part that struck me as funny?

Was that the podiatrist who did the exam used a tuning fork — a full on musician’s tuning fork, in C — to check my feet.

If a patient can feel when it’s vibrating, and not vibrating?

It means the nerves in the feet are working.

My nerves are.

When I got home, though, I realised I missed a fantastic opportunity to ask if my feet were flat.

Flat, get it?   Flat … ?

Never mind!

~≈🦶≈~

You’ve heard of earworms, haven’t you … ?   Songs that — for whatever reason — start playing their way through you head.

I’ve had a few, over the years.

Now … I know an earworm is a song … but what on Earth do you call the textual equivalent?

A word, phrase or title, that does the same thing?

I have no idea.

But … ?

I’ve got the name of Britain’s worst movie in my head, waving at me.

Sex Lives of the Potato Men.

Why?

Why?

I have no idea!

But the phrase ‘Sex Lives of the Potato Men’ has been sitting in my head all morning: and I really have no idea why!

~≈🥔≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th September 2022

28th September, 2022

Yes: it’s Wednesday.

And I’m up, early!

Why … ?   I hear you say!

I’ve got a podiatrist appointment — the first of two — at nine o’clock, this morning.

In Brentwood Hospital’s Badger ward, so you know.

Quite how it’s going to go, I don’t know.

But … ?

The simple fact it’s in Badger ward, has left me with an ear worm!

~≈🦡🦡🦡≈~

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

27th September, 2022.

It’s officially Tuesday … !

Which means … ?

Not a lot.

Beyond the fact I have a phone meeting with my Restart case worker, this morning.

Which I’m looking forward to: she usually manages to find something to apply to.

~≈Â≈~

JUST as a thought … ?

I had my nephew over, last night: desperately not wanting to do his homework!

I managed to persuade him that doing it* before we made his latest video, was a good idea.

It would get it out of the way, and get him a bar of chocolate.

Bribery, pizza and making his latest video after getting his homework done?

Seemed to work.

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th September, 2022.

26th September, 2022.

Yes: it’s September.

It’s almost the end of September, but none-the-less, September.

So … ?

I had dinner with my family, last night.

Where, inevitably?   We got talking about Christmas presents.

It’s nice to get the conversation out of the way … but LORD, it’s September!

~≈🗓≈~

Oh, I forgot to mention, yesterday: I caught another episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds, on Friday.

Here’s the video review: in case you’re interested … 

Feel free to leave a comment!

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-9-2022 — Will Smith.

25th September, 2022.

Yes: I’ve now had … an eye test!

Or, at least, I had one, yesterday.

Which — between one thing and another? — took a lot longer than I expected.

And included a (paid for) test: one my opticians cal an OCT, or Optical Coherence Tomography, test.

Apparently, it’s supposed to help spot problems, sooner.

Apart from the length of time?

My only complaint is simply that it cost me money for one pair of glasses.

You are — if you’re climbing Universal Credit in the UK — allowed two pairs of spectacles for free.

I need three*: so had to pay for the cheapest pair.

As cheap as they were?

That still leaves me a little short for the month.

Still … ?

It does allow me to see, day to day.

There’s an upside: however tight the rest of this month may be.

~≈🧐≈~

Star Trek Strange New Worlds — Episode 2 — Children of the Comet — A Review

23rd September, 2022.

Right … It’s Friday, again.

And I’ve an appointment with my opticians, tomorrow.

There’s times like this I’m grateful to be on benefits: it means that I can up to three pairs of news prescription spectacles.

Admittedly, cheap spectacles: but new ones, none the less.

So … ?

Once I’ve had dinner, I’ll be getting an early night.

Once I’ve watched Children of the Comet, the next episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds.

I’ll see you … after I’ve had my eyes tested!

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-9-2022 — Cambodia

24th September, 2022.

Yep: I’m up early, again.

On a Saturday!

The reason?   Is simply that I have an eye test!

I’m looking forward to it: I could do with new lenses.

~≈🥸≈~

The Queen is dead: long live her replacement.

Now the funeral is over, and we have a worki  functioni 

We have a government that’s back in action.

Yesterday?

New Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, had a financial event on Friday.

Not a budget: or even a mini-budget.

A financial event.

Basically?   He’s announced a slew of financial measures: including a lot of tax cuts.

Including lowering the basic rate to 19p in the pound.

Not something  that will benefit me: until I start working.

Which sounds about right, frankly!

He’s also announced a change in the rules for Universal Credits.

There’s a change to the amount of hours you can work, before you have to report in to a Job Centre.

And extra help finding work for the over-fifties.

Apparently?   We’re going to get more time with out work coaches.

Personally?

I think we have a Chancellor who’s doing busy-work: rather than anything useful.

~≈⅋≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd September, 2022

23rd September, 2022.

Yep: Thursday is now officially finished.

One that — for me — was rather long.

A weight management meeting in the morning, a meeting with my Job Centre case worker, in the afternoon.

Oh, and a ’flu jab in the evening.

My arm hasn’t fallen off, yet: thankfully.

At any rate?

Today is Friday: payday.

I — thankfully — haven’t been sanctioned after being late for a meeting, a few weeks ago.

So … it’s payday.

I’m the day after my phone bill came in: showing that I’m one hundred and twenty pounds in credits, after negotiating a new contract.

I’m thankful.

It means I can put an extra few pounds on gas and electricity meters.

The Cost of Living payment — the one that’s due in the autumn — can’t get to people soon enough.

~≈Á≈~

Just as a last thought … ?

I’ve a couple of podiatrist appointments due, over the next couple of weeks.

And I have to ask, as I did in the intro video.

Is it ‘po-de-a-trist,’ or ‘po-DIE-a-trist’?

I’m blowed if I know … !

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd September, 2022.

22nd September, 2022.

You know … I don’t usually mind busy days.

But?

If I can avoid it, I like to.

Saying that … ?

I’ve a weigh management meeting, this morning, a meeting my job centre work coach, this afternoon,  and my ’flu jab, this evening.

Cue the music … 

~≈¥≈~

Talking of Universal Credit?   The main benefit I’m on … ?

Incoming Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, has announced that he’ll be changing the rules for those of us working part time, whilst claiming.

If you’re working up to twelve hours, you have to report to a work coach.

He’s planning to increase that to fifteen hours.

Which won’t affect me until I find a part time job.

It does leave me wondering what else Mr Kwateng has up his sleeve.

Given the fact he’s a member of a new Cabinet, a Cabinet that seems eager to please cost cutting, right wing Tory voters?

It strikes me he’s going to be a bit keen.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-9-2022 — Armenia

21st September, 2022.

Yes: it’s Wednesday.

And, frankly?

The day’s going to be quiet: bar a delivery from the local food bank.

Hopefully?   There’ll be enough bread and milk to last me until pay day.

I do know one thing: I’m planning on getting an early night.

I’ve got my weight management class, tomorrow: which means an early start!

~≈⏰≈~

Saying that … ?

I really should catch a movie: when I don’t have to go to bed early!

There’s a few around I’d not mind seeing.   Including Flux Gormet, Peter Strickland’s latest.

Saying that?

The new Hellraiser film is due for release on 7th October, this year.

Given Clive Barker — author of the original story, and director of the first film — is involved?

This could be a quality film: and authentic to its source material.

Here’s hoping.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-9-2022: The QE2

20th September, 2022.

Yes: the late Queen’s funeral is now done.

And life — for those of us outside the Royal family? — goes on.

I watched it on TV.

After all, the last state funeral the UK held was Winston Churchill’s: back in the 1960s.

So it was something worth watching: a national event that happens rarely.

Thankfully.

Personally?

And equally as thankfully?

I’m glad it’s over: and that life goes on.

These things are an endurance test.

But?

I think the expression on Charles’ face, on the King’s face?

Isn’t going to be an easy one to forget … 

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-9-2022 — Talk Like A Pirate Day

19th September, 2022.

It’s the 19th September, 2022.

And?

And it’s Talk Like A Pirate Day.

A day that’s incredibly light hearted.

At least, it’s meant to be.

As ever, I’ve got the radio on and tuned to BBC Radio Four.

And am listening to the coverage of Elizabeth 2nd’s funeral.

The Today* show’s doing it’s usually good job, I should add.

Including present a very nice piece from Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau: who first met the Queen when he was seven, during his father’s term as PM.

At any rate … ?

This year’s Talk Like A Pirate Day is going to be a sad one.

It’s the only time I’ve had to include a message about a State Funeral to the relevant Teaser video … 

~≈👑≈~

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

18th September, 2022.

It’s officially Sunday: and frankly?

I think it’s going to be quiet.

With the funeral going on, tomorrow?

I’m not exactly expecting things to be busy!

Actually?

Would you mind a confession?

I wouldn’t’ve minded joining the queue to pay my respects.

Partly?   It’s seems the right thing to do.

But it’s also an event.

One* I suspect will be talked about for many years.

Either way?

I’m planning on getting up early, tomorrow.

The first state funeral in seventy years will be something to watch.

And, if Jude has kids?   I want to be able to tell them I watched it.

~≈|≈~

Oh … videos … 

My nephew was over, yesterday: and managed to put another video, together.

As did I: finishing off a review of the first episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds.

Feel free to like ’em and share ’em … !

~≈|≈~

Star Trek Strange New Worlds — Episode 1 — Strange New Worlds — A Review

16th September, 2022.

It’s Friday, 16th September, 2022.

And … ?

Home-made chips — or, at least, chip shaped bits of potato — are burning in the oven.

Fish?

Is distinctly undercooking on a shelf above them.

And my nephew?

Has posted more videos … !

Which is possibly beside the point.

Unless you’re Jude, of course.

At any rate?   It’s Friday: and, as I’ve had something of a break?

I wanted to watch some TV: then tell you about it, tomorrow night.

Frankly?

I’m curious about Star Trek Strange New Worlds: and thought the first episode of the recent first series would be a good place to start.

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-9-2022 — M*A*S*H

17th September, 2022.

Yep: I’ve officially got my nephew over, later.

And just enough cash to get a bagel or two, for lunch.

Assuming I can persuade Jude it’s a good idea, in between video edits!

Heigh Ho!

~≈¥≈~

Oh, JUST so everyone knows?

I watch the first episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds, last night.

I’ll have my written review up, tonight: but it’s very watchable.

I’ve also pencilled in watching the Second Doctor story, The Abominable Snowmen, for some time during the week.

That should be interesting.

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-9-2022 — Sir Clive Sinclair.

16th September, 2022.

Yep: I think today is going to be quiet.

Well … 

Quiet … for me.

I don’t have to head for Chelmsford, Brentwood Job Centre, shopping, or anywhere else.

Frankly?   I’ve a perfect opportunity to catch some TV.

~≈¥≈~

JUST as a thought … ?

19th September — Monday, so you know — is Talk Like a Pirate Day.

And, as always?

I’ve done my usual Pirate Day set.

But … ?   The actual video — I think it’s a well made one — for the day is something I’ve had to alter.

It can’t ignore the simple fact the day is the Queen’s state funeral.

So I spent ten minutes, yesterday, adding a few, hopefully respectful, inserts.

I can only hope they go down well.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th September, 2022

15th September, 2022.

That’s something I felt I should mention.

Restart put me up for a job.

Or, to be clear?   They emailed me about a potential position: working from home for an outsourcing company with a contract with a major supermarket.

For the second time, I should add: it’s the same position they offered me, not long after I started the course.

I should also add that Restart is supposed to fund things I need for a new job.

The first problem?   I wasn’t too sure where the training was: although my (junior) Restart worker assured it would be at home.

The second?   Was a repeat of the one I faced the first time I discussed the position with Restart.

I’d need a computer for it.

Please remember, I’ve got two functioning Macs in the house, and a (PC) laptop running a version of Ubuntu.

But?   Going by the spec sheet I got given?

A computer would need to a PC — desktop or laptop — running Windows 10 or later, with a 1.8GHz processor, twenty gigabytes of spare hard drive space, and at least four gigabytes of RAM.   You would also need an extra monitor.

The spec sheet added that a computer running ChromeOS could not be used.

And that I should refer to the attached table for a list of Mac requirements.

A table that was wasn’t included in this version of the spec sheet: in the same way it wasn’t, last time.

As I’ve not got the required machine?

I asked about funding.

After checking on the prices on Amazon*.

And got politely turned down.

Again.

Frankly?

I’m not surprised.

Either that I got offered the post in the first place: Restart’s many agents don’t necessarily always read the notes about a client.

Or that I got turned down for funding.

I’m disappointed by this.

And, when I go to my next Job Centre meeting, planning to raise it with them.

I’ll try and let you know what happens.

~≈∑≈~

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

14th Sept. 2022.

I had a meeting, yesterday: with my Restart case worker.

And with the chap that runs their Job Club.

It’s the facility in the Restart office that lets service users hunt for jobs online.

The computers for service-users?   Opens on a very easy to use web page: that features a simplified design that allows access to various recruitment websites.

The computers are so simplified?   That left handers like me — or people with only one arm, or functional hand — cannot change the mouse to left hand use.

Literally, can’t change.   There’s no way to get to the mouse button settings on these computers.

I was bloody angry!

And managed to make my feelings known: both to the case worker I was working with — who hadn’t realised left handers make up quite as much of the population as we do — and to the IT guy who came over to see if he could alter the settings.

He couldn’t, so you know.

But I was told — by both the IT guy and the chap I was working with — that feedback would be provided to Headquarters about the matter.

Which I wasn’t too happy about, either.

I made it perfectly clear that, yes, that was good.

But I’d be far happier if the situation was corrected: the next time I needed one of their computers.

I’m not hopeful about that.

After all, it’s taken Brentwood Library a long time to simplify access to the relevant settings.

It was the same for the public computers at the old Brentwood Job Centre office: it took a while for the Job Centre to update them.

Frankly?

I’m still angry about something that doesn’t just affect me.

I know at least one neighbour who has an artificial right arm.

And one worker at the local Post Office with a deformed right hand.

Both of whom could possibly benefit from using a mouse, left handedly.

This — however personally I’ve taken it — is not just about me.

It’s about anyone else who needs it.

It’s about the accessibility of Restart’s services.

~≈Ç≈~

You’re possibly aware Queen Elizabeth 2nd has died: and that the nation is mourning.

I have to confess, I wouldn’t mind paying my respects at her lying in state.

She was doing the job for a hell of a long time: and that deserves manners, if nothing else.

With my knees and bladder, though?   A queue that long would be … unpleasant!

But?   I’m following the news about it.

I’m also aware that her face — on stamps and coins — will slowly be replaced.

Which will be … strange, I think.   Or take some getting use to.

Either way?

The though got me Googling for mock-ups.

I didn’t find any … 

But did find this on Ebay.

A recent edition of polymer five pound note, on Ebay, for £13, 000!

I don’t know if you’re a royalist, or republican.

But I think you’re going to agree with me: selling something on Ebay, that’s currently worth a fiver, for that price?

Is online mugging!

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-9-2022 — The Day of the Programmer.

13th Sept. 2022.

Yes: it’s Tuesday.

And?   The Day Of The Programmer!

Which is possibly one of those phrases you can say in a really pretentious way!

If nothing else … ?   It gives you an excuse to watch something by Chris Barnatt of Explaining Computers!

If that’s the sort of mood you’re in!

~≈💻≈~

Now … Tuesday … 

It has to be said: I’m off to Chelmsford, to meet my Restart Case worker.

Who I’ve met a few more times than my Job Centre worker, but there you go.

At any rate?   I’m having something of an extended stay.

As they’ve also signed me up for what they call a Job Club.

By the sound of it?

That’s going to be sixty minutes worth of using their computers to look things up on Indeed: then emailing myself any results.

Hey ho!

~≈💻≈~

Talking of videos?

Yes: my nephew, Jude, was over last night.

For a good chat, as much as to make a video.

He’s finding his new school tough, as he doesn’t know many of his new class mates: so a natter with his uncle — and making a video — helped out.

Here’s hoping!

~≈⚽️≈~

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

12th September, 2022.

Yes: I’m expecting an — ha! — affordable delivery, today.

I’ve got the Patrick Troughton Second Doctor story, The Abominable Snowmen, on route from Amazon.

It’s one of the lost serials.   

And one that’s been reconstructed.

Thanks to some clever animation: and audio captured by fans when the shows were originally broadcast in the 1960s.

It should be an interesting watch, and interesting set of reviews … 

And possibly an interesting unboxing video.

~≈⛄️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-9-2022 — Catalonia.

11th September, 2022.

Hmmm … 

I’m in two minds, I really am.

The Queen’s death is sad: she was in place for a long time.

Some of the coverage on the BBC … ?   Especially on the news channel?

Is getting a bit much.

Well, I say much.   I should may say obsequious: especially from some of the public.

Radio Four?   It’s more analytic: rather than grovelling.

Her death’s sad.

Her son’s installation as king is both interesting to watch, and politically needed.

But, the sooner it’s done with?

The happier I’ll be.

~≈🤴🏻≈~

Did I tell you I’m always on the look out for useful bits and bobs?

I’m a bit of a pack-rat, sometimes.

I’ve got a jar opener, recently: and had a garlic crusher for years.

Half of the kitchen utensils I’ve bought, I’ve never used.

I seem to have an external USB floppy drive reader, as well.

I do try and keep an eye peeled for reasonably priced, high capacity, USB sticks: you can never have too many.

But I also try and keep an eye peeled for dodgy ones: especially after being sold a pup, a few years ago.

A pup that claimed to have a larger capacity than it actually had.

So I’m always on the lookout.

Amazon?   In its infinite wisdom?

Suggested this stick to me.

A stick that — seemingly — has a capacity of some 982gb.

A bloody odd figure, for a USB stick: they’re usually either multiplies of 500 … or — more usually — binary numbers.

2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64 128, 256, 512, and so on.

I was suspicious.

And automatically assumed it was a swizz.

Then I notice the thing’s description.

It had a capacity of 16gb.   Quite a bit less than it says on the case.

What I think’s happening?   Is that the company retailing it, originally sold it as a 982gb stick, and raked in the money … 

Until people started to ask for their money back: forcing the to post a revised description on Amazon.

Personally?

Yes: I’d be reporting this if I could find a report button.

But, yes: I thought I should tell you to keep your eyes peeled.

This sort of thing’s way too common!

~≈🪧≈~

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

10th September, 2022.

Right … 

I think we can say things are starting to quieten down.

Or, at least, the news channels are moving more from the Queen’s death: and more to the King’s ascension to the throne.

And occasional bits of news from else where.

I’m not especially a royalist: nor a republican.

But Charles taking office is the more interesting part: as it’s not something I’ve seen happen.

I think many of us haven’t seen happen.

It’s possibly going to be interesting.

And quite probably going to be on the iPlayer for months.

~≈Î≈~

Either way?

The BBC’s coverage is getting … mildly excessive.

There’s other stuff happening in the world: and I’d appreciate hearing about it.

About the only thing I can say I’ve learnt?

Is that Parliament will reconvene on the 21st September.

I look forward to it.

The sooner life can go on — and the government start helping people — the better.

~≈Î≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th September, 2022.

9th September, 2022.

It’s got to be said: it’s been coming a while.

Yesterday?

Saw the death of Queen Elizabeth 2nd.

I’m not especially republican, nor a rampant monarchist.

But — as many of us do — feel saddened*.

After all, the woman was on the throne since 1952: was a psychological anchor point for the UK — and fifteen other nations — for seven decades.

The world changes: and, even if it is only the face on stamps and coins changing?   Or the words of an anthem?

That’s not necessarily a comfortable thing.

~≈†≈~

Just as a thought … ?

I’ve seen many questions on Quora — since Wednesday, in point of fact — asking about the Queen.

Many?   Coming from what I assume aren’t monarchies: asking who takes over from her.

Which always amazes me, having grown up in one of the best knowns monarchies on the planet.

I’m someone who knows perfectly well that Charles, the former Prince of Wales, is now king: and took over the minute his mother died.

He’s taken the name Charles 3rd: just in case you’re asking.

The Queen?   Is dead.

Long live the King†º.

~≈†≈~

With all that said … ?

Life goes on.

Which means I have to be out of the flat by 12:30.

I really do have to get to the meeting with my work coach on time.

~≈†≈~

Queen Elizabeth 2nd (II) — The Queen is Dead.

8th September, 2022.

I have to confess: I feel … emotional.

I don’t know if I should say distressed.   Or sad, depressed, what have you.

‘Emotional,’ seems to be the best choice of words.

I’m writing this as the BBC News channel tells us that Elizabeth II — the woman who’s been my country’s head of state since well before my birth — died, this afternoon.

My thoughts — as those of most of the country — will be with her family.

I can only imagine what they are feeling.

Personally?   I feel at something of a loss.

The woman was a rock: a sign that the country was here, and stable, because she was alive and well.

And, to quote Terry Pratchett?

She did the job that was in front of her.

For over seventy years.

That job?

Is now her son’s: who, the Prime Minister tells us, will use the name Charles 3rd.

There are changes ahead.

The Queen is dead.

Long live the King.