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

30th November, 2022.

Yes: it’s Wednesday.

And?

Elon’s at it, again!

He’s officially announced that restrictions on COVID Misinformation, on Twitter … have been lifted: or, at least, seriously eased.

A week ago: on 23rd November, this year.

Frankly?

I get the impression that’s going to bite in the proverbial.

~≈¥≈~

Sadly?

My nephew’s over, later.

Sad … ?   As one of his pet rabbits, Donnie, has died.

OK, that’s only a minor blip in world events.

But?

He’s eleven, remember: he’s devastated.

~≈¥≈~

As a last, slightly more cheerful thing?

I’ve finished my written and video reviews of episode four of The Abominable Snowmen.

I hope you enjoy them … 

~≈¥≈~

Doctor Who — The Abominable Snowmen — Episode 4 — A Review

28th September, 2022.

I have officially had too much pizza.

It’s Monday: at a time I’m usually cooking my own dinner.

But?

I’ve had my nephew, Jude, over: and we’ve edited — and posted — the new trailer for his YouTube channel.

And had — yes, you’re right — pizza.

That’s what happens when you spend time a an eleven year old who grew up glued to anything with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in it!

At any rate?

Channel trailer posted, pizza (me) and chicken strips (him) eaten, and nephew safely heading home with Grandma?

That now means I have the rest of the evening to myself.

And can settle in with a nice cup of tea, a sneaky chocolate bar — trust me, I’m diabetic, I do try and keep them to a minimum! — and the next episode of a TV show I’m watching.

Yes: that’s right.

I’m going to follow up the first three episodes of The Abominable Snowmen … by watching episode four.

I will, of course, have my reviews of the episode — both written and video — posted tomorrow night.

I’ll see you then*.

~≈🩺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th November 2022.

29th November, 2022.

It’s Tuesday: you can tell, can’t you … ?

And it’s the day after my nephew, Jude, was over.

Yes: he’s made another video!

He’s made a new channel trailer!

Feel free to hit the like button.

The music — by Ali A — is rather good.

~≈Ω≈~

Ha!

Elon Musk is at it again!

You’ll know he’s recently bought Twitter.

Which is partly why I’ve moved to Mastodon: I’m @Cuddy2977@mastodon.world, so you know.

At any rate … ?

Elon’s kicking off, again*†: complaining that Apple have stopped advertising on the site, that they’re threatening to pull Twitter from the App Store and that they charge too much commission for apps.

Which is funny: the iOS version, like the Android App, is free.

Saying that … ?

I wouldn’t be complaining, too loudly, if I were him.

Apple still sell a lot of phones.

Complaining about it … ?   Could lose him customers.

~≈Ω≈~

I’ve got a meeting, today: my last meeting with the Restart work programme I’ve been attending for the past year.

Thankfully?

And as I can’t afford the train fare, and the person who arranges the train tickets is off ill?

It’s by phone: as the exit meeting doesn’t need to be in person.

I can only hope it goes well.

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-11-2022 — Bedfordshire.

28th November, 2022: Bedfordshire.

Yes: it’s officially a new week!

One that — in theory — is going to be quiet.

Except, of course, I’m expecting my nephew, Jude, over, today.

That’s possibly going to be noisy.

~≈⚽️≈~

I got a letter, on Saturday: and meant to mention it earlier.

Clarion — my landlords — have sent around their usual mail — mail, note — to remind us that our parking permits are up for renewal.

We have to email our details to them, by 31st December, this year: on regionalhousingadminsoutheast@clarionhg.com.

Please note: regionalhousingadminsoutheast@clarionhg.com

So … ?   I sent a brief email: giving my details, and the number of permits, required.

There’s going to be problems.

As, as few minutes later, I got an email from Clarion’s email server.

To tell me my email had failed, as the “Recipient email address is possibly incorrect.”

The address given, was wrong: and has — from what I can tell — been sent to every Clarion property on the street.

There’s possibly a lot that can be said, there.

For starters?

I had VAGUE memories of using that address, before now: or, at least, one like it.   On with the individual words — Regional, Housing, what have you — capitalised.

So included that address in my original mail.

That seemed to go through.

I ALSO visited Clarion’s website: and got in touch with one of their representatives.

He told me the correct address, the one I’d luckily added, is RegionalHousingAdminEastSouth@clarionhg.com

But that I should sent a mail to the customer services address: customerservices@myclarionhousing.com

Which I’ve done.

Frankly?

I think Clarion’s … no, scrub that.

I know Clarion’s made a big cock up.

There’s going to be issues.

~≈🚘≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th November 2022.

27th November, 2022.

Yes: it’s Sunday, again.

And … ?

One that’s seen me have not much sleep.

On the upside?

I think my written and video reviews of A Quality of Mercy — the last episode of Star Trek Discovery’s first series — are rather good.

If you wouldn’t mind heading to YouTube and liking that video … ?

It would be appreciated!

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek Strange New Worlds — Episode 10 — A Quality of Mercy — A Review.

25th November, 2022

Is it me … or is it amazing how fast time goes?

It’s possibly not just me, is it?

After all, it only seems like last week that it was a Friday … and that I was telling I would be watching an episode of … 

Yeah: OK.

It’s Friday, again!   And, yet again, I’m going to be watching an episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds: it’s A Quality of Mercy, the last one of the first series, so you know.

And, of course, I’ll be watching, once I’ve had dinner.

I’ll be posting my reviews, tomorrow night!

I’ll see you then!

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-11-2022: Here’s Looking At You, Kid.

26th November, 2022: Casablanca.

Right … it’s now Saturday.

And?   Frankly?

I’m going to town, today.

There’s always something we forget to buy, isn’t there … ?

~≈¥≈~

Which reminds me … I’ve got another weight management meeting: in December.

Thankfully?

The young woman who’s organising it has managed to suggest an own-brand sweetener from one specific store.

I usually buy great big bags of sugar from Sainsbury’s: given the amount I use, that lasts three to six months, and roughly 60p to £1.25 a month.

It’s not the best solution: especially for a diabetic trying to lose weight.

So?   The suggested sweetener — whilst it’s not in the industrial sizes I’d prefer — does look affordable: compared to the others that shop sells.

We’ll have to see if I can find a jar of it in the High Street.

It looks cheap enough to experiment, if nothing else.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-11-2022 — Suriname

25th November, 2022: Suriname.

You know, I totally forgot about that.

You’ll possibly know that the UK government’s paid for a four hundred pound payment to all UK house holds: I’m getting them as a series of vouchers, over the next few months.

What I forgot?

Was that my energy suppliers also offered me an electric blanket.

Well … I say blanket: they called it an electric throw.

Quite what the difference is supposed to be, I don’t know.

At any rate … ?

Mine turned up, last night.

Granted: it’s a cheap, Chinese made thing.

That doesn’t exactly warm up quickly.

But?

At least it’s here.

~≈♨️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th November 2022.

24th November, 2022.

I have to admit, I heard some sad news, yesterday.

Wilko Johnson* — founder member of Dr Feelgood, and influential guitarist — died on Monday.

The man was someone I’d seen playing at the Essex Arms, many times, when I worked there.

Wilko could be … awkward, sometimes.

But could pack the place.

And play like nothing else I’d ever seen, and was the guitarist who went on to inspire lord knows how many musicians.

Especially the punks of the 1970s.

I can appreciate that: I could never watch him play, without thinking “Well, I could do that.”

Strange?   Yes.

Inspiring?

Definitely!

~≈®≈~

On a personal note?

I didn’t got shopping, yesterday: I’m going to do that, today.

I did manage to pay off my bills, though.

Usually?

I pay a lot of them by swipe card: it means I don’t go accidentally overdrawn, and get a penalty charge.

The downside?   Is that I end up visiting three different shops: as each shop’s PayPoint terminal does different things.

One shop does TV licenses, but not the cost of living vouchers: another doesn’t take the license fee, but will take pre-payment keys, and the vouchers.

And, in the case of my local post office?

They can take rent, and council tax, bills: and mobile phone top ups.

But their long out-of-order terminal hasn’t accepted gas and electric pre-payment keys.

Since last December.

Yesterday, though?

I walked into the Post Office to pay my rent, and phone bills … and asked about gas and electricity.

And was incredibly pleased when I found out the terminal had been repaired: and I could pay, there and then.

I’m a happy bunny: who hasn’t had to tramp all over the high street!

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd November 2022.

23rd November, 2022.

Yep: it’s Wednesday.

And pay day: which means I’m going to be paying bills, today.

And possibly shopping.

Depending on how rushed I feel!

Whatever happens?

I’m going to be putting a few quid onto my gas and electricity.

The extra help means I’m, thankfully, spending a little less.

~≈Θ≈~

JUST so you know?

My nephew, Jude, was over, yesterday: the pain of us managed to make another video.

Yes: that IS him in the thumbnail.

On top of that … ?

I’ve managed to finish a matched pair of written and video reviews of The Abominable Snowmen’s third episode.

Feel free to hit Like and Share … !

~≈∑≈~

Doctor Who — The Abominable Snowmen — Episode 3 — A Review

21st November, 2022.

Right … it’s officially not Friday.

You knew that.

It’s officially Monday.

Or possibly Tuesday, by the time you read this.

In case you didn’t know?

I watch TV shows: and — for some — will write about what I’ve seen, and have a video and written review up, the next night.

The past few Fridays?   Have seen me watching the first series of Star Trek Strange New Worlds.

Whilst the past two Mondays?   Have seen me watching classic Dr Who story, The Abominable Snowmen.

As it’s Monday?

And once I’ve had something to eat … ?

I’ll be watching episode three of the serial: and have my written and video reviews up, late tomorrow night.

I hope you’d care to watch … 

~≈🩺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd November 2022.

22nd November, 2022.

Right … it’s Tuesday: and the day before payday.

So I’ll be shopping and bill paying … tomorrow.

Today … ?

I’ve got my nephew, this afternoon: and will be finishing my review of episode three of The Abominable Snowmen, after that.

Here’s hoping they go well!

~≈∑≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-11-2022 — Björk.

21st November, 2022: Björk … !

Right … it’s officially that time of fortnight, again!

I’ve got to go an meet my Job Centre Case worker, today.

One thing I need to tell him?

Is that Restart, the work scene I’m one, haven’t agree to get a passport for: my Restart worker’s just going to talk to her managers.

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

~≈fi≈~

I’ve got type two diabetes: in case you couldn’t tell.

So I keep my eyes on any news about it, and type one.

Recently?

It seems that a new medication for type one diabetes has been approved for use in the US.

One that — if I’ve understood the news report correctly — helps stops a body’s immune system attacking the pancreas: boosting the body’s production of insulin* in the process.

It sounds like it could be very use for those who have the condition.

Can it be used for type two?

I don’t know: but suspect not.

If I’ve understood things correctly, the two conditions are very different to each other: and to gestational diabetes.

So I’d not be surprised if it can’t.

But?   Hopefully, there’s something equally radical around the corner for us.

~≈fi≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th November 2022.

20th November, 2022.

Did I mention I’ve bought a webcam?

As a present for someone.

And, yesterday … ?

I got a letter.

This one:

Basically? 

As I’ve bought a webcam, it’s offering me a £10 Amazon voucher: if I email the sender.

It’s got me double checking my security settings on Amazon: as I feel it’s iffy, at the very least.

After all, it looks like a mass mail-out.

It starts with ‘Dear Friend,’ rather than my name: despite having my name in the address field.

The voucher?   Has £10 written as 10£.

And the (fake) card has ‘amazon.com’, rather than ‘amazon.co.uk’.

And frankly, if it WAS a genuine offer?

Why not just contact me through the Amazon message centre?

Like I say: I feel it’s iffy.

~≈Œ≈~

Oh, I mentioned, yesterday, that Elon Musk was at it again: holding a vote on Twitter, to see if people thought Donald Trump should be re-admitted.

Trump won.

The people have spoken. 

Trump will be reinstated.

Vox Populi, Vox Dei. https://t.co/jmkhFuyfkv

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 20, 2022

Even though Trump says he doesn’t want to rejoin … ?

I get the feeling we’ve been cheated*.

~≈Œ≈~

JUST as a last thought?   Before moving on?

I caught another episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds on Friday: called All Those Who Wander.

It’s really quite something!

~≈Œ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th November 2022.

19th November, 2022.

Yes: whilst I was watching Star Trek, last night?

The BBC — during its annual Children in Need appeal — announced that new Dr Who companion is to be played by actress, Millie Gibson.

And called Ruby Sunday.

Good luck to her.

~≈¥≈~

Talking of announcements?

You can’t avoid seeing mentions of what Elon Musk is up to on Twitter.

Nor — if you’re keeping you eyes peeled — avoid fact that you can create polls on the site.

Yep: Elon’s made a poll.

Asking if Donald Trump should be allowed back on the platform.

I voted ‘No,’ so you know.

Reinstate former President Trump

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 19, 2022

The man’s a liability!

At the very least.

~≈¥≈~

Star Trek Strange New Worlds — Episode 9 — All Those Who Wander — A Review

18th November, 2022.

As I write … ?

A civilised man is sitting in a chair, waiting for vegetables to boil.

Rather than trying to kill me!

Yes: it’s Friday.

And?   I’m cooking dinner.

And, once I’ve had that?

I’m going to be watching another episode of the very enjoyable Star Trek Strange New Worlds.

And will have this written review done, late on the 19th November.

I’m looking forward hearing what you think of what I thought.

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-11-2022 — Latvia.

18th November, 2022: Latvia.

Right: it’s Friday.

So, personally … ?

I’ll be doing stuff: mostly a little shopping.

But I’ll probably also need to check with my GP: to see if my blood test results are through.

We’ll have to see how that goes.

~≈Ω≈~

If you’re not in the UK … ?

You possibly hadn’t realised that Jeremy Hunt — Britain’s Chancellor — has announced various things: in yesterday’s Autumn Statement.

The bits that caught my eye?

Is that Universal Credit — and pensions — are due to go up in line with inflation: by roughly ten percent.

For me as a single man on UC?   That’s a very welcome eighty pounds or so.

It’s due in April.

There’s also talk of a nine hundred pound cost of living payment.

Although where that’s money in the bank, or energy vouchers?   Doesn’t seem clear, at the moment.

There’s also the price cap on energy: which will be going up from an average of £2500, to £3000.

AND a projected rise in council tax.

It goes in one pocket, and out the other!

~≈Ω≈~

I have to say: I’ve posted a few times on Mastodon.

Which is nice.

Mostly because of the troubles with Twitter.

Which seems to be having more.

Apparently?   Staff have been locked out of Twitter’s offices: until Monday.

After reports of a lot of resignations.

I think that whatever Elon’s got planned?

He’s possibly going a bit too fast … 

~≈Ω≈~

As a final point?

I’ve got Desert Island Discs on, in the background: and used the term ‘ arachis oil.’

With arachis pronounced in the same way as Arrakis.

Dune fan that I am?

I want to run up and down a sand dune … !

~≈Ω≈~

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

17th November, 2022.

Yes: you’re right.

I’m up, early, again.

I’ve actually got a Zoom meeting: for the weight management programme I’ve been on for the past few months.

To be frank?

It’s been extended for a month: with a possibility of bariatric surgery at some point.

We’ll see.

~≈Ω≈~

You’ve possibly been following me for a while, haven’t you … ?

You’re possibly aware I’m jobhunting, and on benefits: and very aware that Jeremy hunt, the UK’s Chancellor — its Finance Minister, in other words — is to make his annual Autumn Statement, today.

There’s talk — talk, mind — that he will raise both pensions and benefits in line with inflation.

Funded by increases taxes.

I’m not working: and my tax payments are minimal to non-existent.

So I’m hoping an inflation-linked rise in benefits payments.

Hoping.

We’ll have to see if that rise goes through, and — if it goes through — when it will go through.

Sooner, rather than later, would be good.

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-11-2022 — Oklahoma.

16th November, 2022: Oklahoma.

It’s a news day.

Or possibly, a news day.

For one thing?

My most recent written and video review — of the second episode of The Abominable Snowmen — is up.

As is my nephew’s most recent video.

Jude’s friend Jaskaran … ?

Is ever-so-slightly shy, I should add!

At any rate … ?

Feel free to like them, and share them!

~≈📽️≈~

Secondly?

And I realise it’s something of a punt … 

But, in light of the fuss around Twitter, I’ve joined rival social network, Mastodon.

I’m still intent on using Twitter: I’ve built up a small following, including both regular readers, Olga and Debbi.

But, given the fuss and given I know a couple of people on there?

I felt it worth a go.

So you know?   Mastodon is made up of several federated modules: called servers.

I’m on one called Mastodon World.

So my Mastodon handle is @Cuddy2977 if you’re on that one: and @Cuddy2977@mastodon.world, if you’re on a different server.

That’s how you can go and find me.

I can also invite you.

With this link: https://mastodon.world/invite/tvQ3xEBb

From what I’m told?   The mobile Mastodon apps are very experimental, right now: but the site works well in a desktop browser.

Feel free to join up … 

~≈🦣≈~

Just as a final thought … ?

Missiles hit Poland, last night.

Quite from where, no-one seems sure.

It’s worrying: as Poland has pointed ou that these were Russian made missiles.

Although no-one’s saying if these were deliberately aimed at Poland from Russia: or were Russian missiles that had been shot down by Ukraine anti aircraft missiles, landing in the neighbouring country by accident.

However?

That’s one hell of a worry.

If it can be shown that it was a deliberate move by Russia?

The could well trigger something nasty … 

~≈🍄≈~

Doctor Who — The Abominable Snowmen — Episode 2 — A Review

14th November, 2022.

Right at the moment … ?

It’s a Monday night.

And I’ve got potatoes on the go.

Potatoes, vegetables … and chicken.

I’m going for healthy eating, frankly.

At any rate … ?

It’s Monday.

And I’m going to be eating dinner, listening to I’m Sorry, I Haven’t a Clue … 

Then watching the next episode of classic Dr Who serial, The Abominable Snowmen.

Hopefully?

There’ll be a game of Mornington Crescent in the offing!

~≈🚀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-4-2022 — Brazil.

15th November, 2022: Brazil.

Right … there’s a good possibility there’s be videos, later!

For a start?

I’ve going to have my nephew, Jude, over, later.

And I’ll be posting a review of the next episode of The Abominable Snowmen.

Which looks good: and involves the return of the Ghanta!

Either way?

There’ll be video … 

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-11-2022 — Laser Beams.

14th November, 2022: Laser Beams.

Yep: it’s Monday.

And, if I’m late posting this … ?

It’s because I’ve just had a phone meeting with my physio-therapist, and sent up another.

So that’s all good.

I’ve also got a reminder set up on my TV.

The new series of I’m Sorry, I Haven’t a Clue starts, tonight, and I’d hate to miss it.

I can only hope there’s a game of Mornington Crescent: it’s been scandalously missing!

Now … about that earworm … 

~≈fi≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13th November 2022.

13th November, 2022.

Yep: it’s a Sunday,

Remembrance Sunday, if we’re counting.

Frankly?

I’m expecting it to be quiet: bar, maybe, putting the Remembrance Day service on.

It is, after all, the King’s first time — as King — to lay a wreathe.

We’ll have to see.

~≈¥≈~

Just so you know … ?

I’ve done another written, and video, review.   Of another episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds: the episode called The Elysian Kingdom.

It’s rather good.

Even if the way Celia Rose Gooding draped all over a throne had me thinking about Tim Curry!

~≈¥≈~

News … news, news, news, news, news!

You keep an eye on it, don’t you?

You’ll probably, then, that Twitter has recently been bought by multi millionaire, Elon Musk.

And that he’s proposed starting charging for the blue tick: the blue tick that shows a user is who they say they are.

I think we can say one thing.

The payment scheme has back fired.

As various scammers have flocked to the site: pretending to be genuine accounts.

It’s lead to suspension of various fake accounts.

And the halting of the blue tick subscription scheme.

I have to ask: who wants to find Elon, and say ‘I told you so’ … ?

~≈¥≈~