Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-12-2022 — The Big Fat Review of 2022.

31st January, 2022: The Big Fat Review of the Year.

Right … it’s officially New Years Eve: enjoy the party, if that’s how you’re marking it.

But stay safe: I’d to see a reader get hurt in some way.

Personally?

I might just watch a film.

I’m not sure, yet: but have plenty of choice, if I do.

~≈🍿≈~

In other news … ?

I’m thankful Google Lens exists, I really am!

I mentioned, yesterday, that the batteries were going on my thermostat: something that made me seriously anxious!

Anxious enough to get in touch with my landlords: to see what they could go.

Before they booked up a repair — it would have been non-urgent, and take time to go through — they offered to get an engineer to phone: to talk me through the replacement.

I happily agreed: after letting them know my phone numbers!

He phoned at 14:00.

Some hours after I’d found the instructional video on YouTube: by taking a photo of the thing, and searching for it in Google Lens.

The engineer got a polite thank you … 

~≈♨️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-12-2022 — Part of the Union.

30th December, 2022: Part of the Union.

Argh!

It’s Friday.

And … ?

You can tell I’m having a bad morning.

I’ve woken up … and found that the battery on my boiler — the wall mounted thing in the hall way — is on the go.

I’ve spent lord knows how long, this morning: on the phone to Robert Heath, the gas contractors, to get help.

They’re going to try and get someone to phone me — or email — to talk me through replacing them.

Here’s hoping.

~≈♨️≈~

Have you got your eyes on my YouTube channel?

If you do — or don’t — you may — or may not! — know I posted four videos, yesterday.

A review of Prey, for starters.

I’ve unboxed some Marmite;

And some Dr Who goodies;

That last one will grab people, I think.

I’ve read the opening story in Iron Legion — it’s called Iron Legion and brings back memories — and am looking forward to reading the rest.

I’ve ALSO got the second season of Classic Dr Who: as a bluray box set.

I’ve seen most of the episodes: bar The Crusade.

Which could well be one of the next things to review.

We’ll see.

~≈♨️≈~

Prey — A Review

28th December, 2023: Prey.

It’s officially official.

It’s Wednesday.

But you knew that.

Especially if you’ve;

• Read today’s Teaser.
• Looked at a calendar.
• Or looked at anything with today’s date on it.

I’m possibly waffling.

It’s Wednesday.

And?

With little else to do, I’m going to be watching a film: and letting you know what I’ve seen, and what I thought of it, tomorrow night.

Hopefully?

I’ll’ve picked something interesting.

~≈📽️≈~

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

29th December, 2022.

Thursdays always seem to be the day for it, don’t they?

No specific its.

Just its in general.

Or possibly it’s.

At any rate … ?

I’ve got to make sure I stay in, this afternoon.

I’m expecting a call about the results from my last blood tests.

And expecting a delivery: the Dr Who series 2 bluray box set, and The Iron Legion, the collected first stories from Dr Who Weekly.

Here’s hoping they’re over and done, quickly.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-12-2022 — Iowa.

28th December, 2022: Iowa.

Yes!

The bank holidays are now over!

Phew!

Which sounds a strange thing to say, I know.

But … 

The world’s most stressful holiday is over.

Now all we have to remember … is the fact it’s New Years Eve on Saturday.

It’s all fun and games, isn’t it … ?

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-12-2022 — Marlene on the Wall.

27th December, 2022: Marlene on the Wall.

Yes: it’s Tuesday.

A day when I’m expecting my nephew to visit.

So yes, of course: there’s hopefully going to be video.

At any rate … ?

It’s also a bank holiday: a public holiday, if you don’t know the term.

Does that make much of a difference?

Nope.

But, lord … I’d be looking forward to the overtime, if I were working.

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th December 2022.

26th January, 2022.

Right … 

Thankfully, it’s the day after Christmas Day.

Which means?

Presents have been exchanged, Mikey the rabbit worried about, and the inevitable rowing done.

You can tell I’m getting old: I’m getting more socks and underwear!

Oh, and chocolate!

If nothing else?

Jude seemed to like the web camera I got him.

Although that was over shadowed … by the VR headset he got!

Heigh ho!

~≈®≈~

We didn’t end up catching much in the way of TV, yesterday.

Bar the King’s Speech.

Which is a shame: as I missed the trailer for Dr Who’s sixtieth anniversary specials, next year.

I have caught them: and it’s nice to know one of the stories is a version of Dr Who and the Starbeast: and includes updated versions of Beep the Meep, and the Wrath Warriors.

Now … if they can follow that up with The Iron Legion, I’ll be happy.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-12-2022 — Christmas Day.

25th December, 2022: Christmas Day.

It’s official: it’s Christmas Day.

And Sunday.

Personally?

I’ll be doing what I usually do: and spending it with my family.

Oh, and opening presents.

And watching others open presents.

Despite the fact some of them are in birthday cards, rather than Xmas cards?

I’m hoping they go down well.

At any rate … ?

And whatever I’m doing?

I hope you get things you need.

That isn’t necessarily the same as things you want.

~≈🌲≈~

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery — A Review

23rd December, 2023: Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.

It’s Friday, isn’t it?

Yes: he says, briefly checking his calendar.

It’s Friday: the 23rd December.

The night before Christmas Eve, in other words.

Which — for me — pretty irrelevant.

It still means that — after dinner — I have time to watch a movie.

I’ve a pretty good idea of what I want to watch … but will let what I’ve seen — and what I though of it — tomorrow night.

Once I’ve watched it!

~≈🗡️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-12-2022: The Eve of Something.

24th December, 2022: Christmas Eve.

It’s HERE!

It’s Christmas Eve!

And that means Santa’s Coming!

On a less enthusiastic note?

I’m looking forward to getting presents, looking forward to see how my family — Jude in particular — react to what I’ve got them them … 

And eating turkey.

It’s not often I have turkey … 

I get to find out, tomorrow!

~≈🎅🏻≈~

Did I mention I watched a film, last night?

I watched a film, last night.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, so you know.

I’ll have my review up, later: but, as an initial point?

It’s rather good.

~≈🗡️≈~

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

23rd December, 2022.

Right … It’s officially Friday: and payday.

And … ?

Frankly, I’d like to go shopping, today: rather than leave it until tomorrow.

When — as it’s Christmas Eve — taxi prices are higher.

Unfortunately?

It’s raining.

We’ll have to see, I think.

~≈†≈~

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

22nd December, 2022.

Right … it’s officially Thursday: and frankly?

The day before day day.

Tomorrow is going to be frantic: paying bills, shopping, and bits and bobs!

In contrast to today … where I’m going to making videos … and having a phone appointment with a physio therapist.

Heigh ho!

~≈👨‍⚕️≈~

You’re probably aware I’m on a pay-as-you-go meter for my gas and electricity, aren’t you?

I’m on a pay-as-you-go meter for my gas and electricity: so you know.

And?

The voucher I — and many others — receive, that help with the costs was late, this month.

As far as I can tell?   The mix of the cold snap, and postal strikes, delayed things.

Confirmation of that?   Came through, this morning: with this piece on the BBC’s news site.

Frankly?

I wasn’t surprised.

And suspect that many in my shoes will thinking the same sort of things I am.

The sooner both sides in these disputes make a deal, the better.

~≈📮≈~

Do you have a Netflix subscription?

You may or may not.

You may or may not know that some people are happy to share their login details with friends and family: effectively letting others share their subscription.

Person A has a subscription: which they share with person B.

Netflix don’t like it: but seem to be doing little about it.

In a move that may help?

The UK’s government has recently announced that password aharing in cases like this, is possibly illegal.

Presumably?   On the basis that Person A is paying for licensed content: but Person B isn’t.

Personally?

I can’t help but put this sort of password sharing on a moral par with loaning a friend a book, or a DVD*.

Nothing to worry about.

Especially as Netflix themselves seem — in a five year old Tweet — to endorse it.

Love is sharing a password.

— Netflix (@netflix) March 10, 2017

I’m also very aware that a ‘moral’ right … is not the same as a ‘legal’ right.

And that loaning a physical object is not the same as password sharing.

Frankly?

I think this is something to keep an eye on.

~≈N≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-12-2022 — The Daleks

21st December, 2022: The Daleks

Right … it’s now officially Wednesday: and the shortest day of the year.

Frankly?

It’s one I’m expecting to be quiet.

Well … quiet … bar worrying about my gas bill.

I had my voucher, yesterday: the one that’s part of the fuel rebate, and that got held up by the postal strike and bad weather.

I cashed that off as soon as I got it, and put the money onto my gas meter.

Seeing how much money was on there, after the recent cold snap?

That was scary … !

~≈Ç≈~

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

20th December, 2022.

Yep: it’s officially official.

I’m up, early.

Because?

I’ve got my nephew, Jude, over, today: comparatively early.

I have a sneaking suspicion videos will be made!

~≈Í≈~

I was never a huge one for the British Ska revival of the 1980s.

That’s not to say it produced bad music: that it didn’t.

At the front of the pack … ?

Were a Coventry based band called The Specials: who produced quite a few hits.

Sadly?

Specials front man, Terry Hall, died yesterday, at the age of 63: after ‘a short disease.’

He’s going to be missed.

~≈Í≈~

The Amazing Maurice — A Review

18the December, 2022: The Amazing Maurice.

Right … 

I recorded that video earlier, when I’d just finished dinner: badly wanting to watch a film.

But not — quite then — having deciding, completely, on what to watch.

Picking something … ?

Lifelong Terry Pratchett fan that I am … ?

That decision wasn’t too hard.

I felt settling in with the recently released The Amazing Maurice — based on Sir Terry’s The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents —would be an idea thing to watch.

Did I make the right decision … ?

I think I did.

But … ?

I’ll tell you more, tomorrow.

~≈🐀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-12-2022 — Sink The Titanic.

19th November, 2022: Sink The Titanic.

Yes: it’s true.

It’s raining!

A lot more lightly than it was, this morning: but none the less, raining.

And … ?   We have predicted temperatures of some 13º.

Frankly?

That’s a lot better than the snow covered cold snap we’ve had for the past week.

And?

Will make walking to the Town Hall — for my fortnightly meeting at the Job Centre — a lot easier!

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-12-2022 —Michael Moorcock.

18th December, 2022: Michael Moorcock.

Yes: it’s official.

The BBC’s Doctor site has released video of Ncuti Gatwa’s 15th Doctor costume.

The overall look’s good.

But my first thought … ?

Was that the orange shirt was a bit loud.

Which is possibly a little hypocritical.

When I never said a word about Colin Baker’s outfit!

~≈Ç≈~

Oh, Jude’s been over: fun, sandwiches and Oreos were had.

And — as you’ve possibly guessed by now — a video was made.

Hitting like — and subscribing — would be nice.

I’d like to see him getting to 220 subscribers!

~≈Ç≈~

Oh, just in case snyone’s following me on @Mastodon.world?

I’ve posted a photo!

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th December 2022

17th December, 2022.

I think I’m going to have a bit of a rant.

A mild one, if you will.

You’re aware that social media site, Twitter, has recently been bought by Elon Musk.

Who’s made all sorts of changes: many of which have not gone down well.

He banned various journalists, yesterday, was criticised by both the UN and EU … then reinstated the offending pressmen.

They’d been banned for sharing links from an account that used publicly filed flight plans, that tracked his private jet.

Something that concerned me — and others — far more directly?

Is that the Elon controlled Twitter has now declared links to rival social network, Mastodon, to be spam.

Personally?

I’ll give the man credit for making electric cars a viable business, and a viable option for families.

And for reinstating the journalists.

But that last move … ?

That last move seems a little petty.

Now … 

I’m on Mastodon as @Cuddy2977@mastodon.world.

If you’re interested … 

~≈🦣≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th December 2022.

16th December, 2022.

I’m am vaguely thankful!

Why?

Because I had a visit form a carpenter, yesterday: here to sort out my bathroom door.

It took him all of ten minutes.

To shave of the bottom of the door frame, a door frame that had warped over the years.

I’m thankful it was an easy thing to do.

Now all I have to do … ?

Is sort out the bath … !

~≈🛁≈~

Drat!

I managed to miss the Today show’s interview with Daniel Craig: publicising his new film, Glass Onion, and talking about his time as James Bond.

I’ll catch it on BBC Sounds, later.

I also note that Henry Cavill won’t be re-joining The Witcher, or as Superman.

Apparently?

He’s in talks with Amazon: about a potential Warhammer 40, 000 series.

The man’s a noted fan of the game:

So that makes sense.

However … ?

I’m very aware he’d be perfect for Bond: the job’s free, right now … 

~≈🛁≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th December 2022

15th December, 2022.

Right … Thursdays … 

It’s a Thursday: and?

I’ve got a repair man due: to fix the bathroom door.

It’s not shutting: and hasn’t since the summer.

Why?   I don’t know.

But suspect the heat of the summer has caused a certain amount of warping.

So … ?

I’ve got a repair man coming, today.

On top of that … ?

I’ve got a Zoom meeting: one one of my weight loss programmes.

What’s the betting the repairman turns up during the meeting … ?

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-12-2022 — Monkey Planet.

14th December, 2022: Monkey Planet.

Right … 

It’s Wednesday, the middle of the week.

And … ?

We have two more days of strike action by postmen: starting today.

I’m sympathetic: truly.

But … ?

The sorting office strike on Sunday, unmelted snow on Monday and Tuesday?

Meant no post.

Add two more strikes day to that?

That means the sixty-seven pounds worth of fuel voucher is going to take longer to get here.

My sympathy … ?

Is starting to feel pushed.

~≈¥≈~

My nephew, Jude?

Usually head’s over on Tuesdays: although he didn’t, yesterday.

The roads around here are a little too hazardous, right now.

He did manage to ask me to post this video: 

So feel free to hit ‘Like’ … !

~≈¥≈~

Talking of videos?

I’ve finally finished watching the last episode of The Abominable Snowmen.

The written — and badly punctuated — review is here.

It’s video equivalent?

Is here⇩:

It’s just a screaming shame The Abominable Snowmen will be the last reconstructed story for some time.

~≈¥≈~

Doctor Who — The Abominable Snowmen — Episode 6 — A Review

12th December, 2022: Episode 5.

Did I mention it snowed, last night?

It snowed, last night.

And, frankly?

It’s cold enough to freeze that snow, overnight.

Walking around, outside, tomorrow?

Is going to be dangerous: because I think we’re going to see a lot of black ice.

For the moment, though?

I’m not going to worry.

No.

As I’ve had dinner — stew, baked spud ands some vegetables — I’m going to stay in.

And watch the last episode of the classic Dr Who story I’ve been watching for the past few weeks: The Abominable Snowmen.

~≈🩺≈~

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

13th December, 2022.

Did I mention there’s a series of strikes on, in the UK?

There’s a series of strikes on, in the UK.

So you know.

A forty-eight hour rail strikes starts today, for example.

Not something I like, as — were I working — this would be something that directly affects me.

But, generally?

They’re something I’m sympathetic to: I know how badly I’m coping with things, so can only imagine how others are.

Sunday?

There was a postal strike: that affected parcel deliveries and sorting offices.

Yesterday?   There wasn’t a strike.

But but the area was struck by unusually bad weather.

We had … no post.

I’m assuming that the mix of weather and industrial action means there was none.   Or, at least, none that could be delivered.

That’s a little worrying.

As I’m due to receive the next in a series of vouchers the go towards my fuel bills.

We’ll have to see what happens … 

~≈❄️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-12-2022 — Pennsylvania 6-5000.

12th December, 2022: Pennsylvania.

Right … just in case you didn’t know … ?

It started snowing!

At least, it started snowing, last night.

Which has thankfully stopped: after leaving us with about two inches of snow.

Will we get more?

Well, the BBC’s weather site was saying no.

And Radio 4’s weathermen are telling us it will get milder by the weekend.

But?

We’ll just have to see.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11th December 2022.

11th December, 2022.

I have to admit: it’s Sunday.

Frankly?

It’s a cold Sunday.

Normally?

I’d be having a stroll around the block, at some point.

Just to try and keep trim, don’tcherknow!

Today … ?

I’m probably going to be walking, rapidly.

It’s not warm out.

~≈É≈~

That cold’s not helping the people of Jersey.

A block of flats exploded in Saint Helier, the capital, on Saturday.

And?

The news tells us no survivors have been found.

That’s sad: and my thoughts go to the families of those killed.

But?   And for all there’s talk of that some could smell gas in the run up to the explosion?

I’m wondering what happened, what caused this.

I’d like to know.

And have reassurance it can’t happened on my street.

~≈É≈~

The mild irony?   Is that, in amongst exploding flats and freezing weather?

Is that today is what the Catholic Church calls Gaudete Sunday*.

Apparently?   

The word means ‘rejoice.’

Like I say: mild irony … 

~≈É≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th December 2022.

10th December, 2022.

Right … 

I’ve been doing digging.

Some digging.

Or, at least, some messaging.

If you remember yesterday’s Teaser?

I thought I was possibly due an extra £25 Cold Weather Payment.

I’ve checking with a couple of friends about their situations, things sounded iffy.

So?

I messaged my Work Coach, my Job Centre case worker.

Apparently?

I would only get the payment, if I’ve officially been found to have a Limited Capacity for Work.

Something that’s still being appealed.

As a result?   I don’t have a limited capacity for work.

And, therefore, don’t qualify for the extra money.

That?

Is a bit of a bugger.

~≈¥≈~

Did I mention I’ve got piles?

A pile, I should say: of books to be read.

Last night?   I finished Simon Singh’s The Code Book: which was fascinating, I should add.

I finished it … and started on Le Carré’s last Smiley novel, A Legacy of Spies.

It’s looking good, so far: although I’m only one chapter in.

I do know this, though: the font’s a nice size*.

With my eyes?

Readability is everything!

~≈¥≈~