Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-1-2023 — The Van Allen Belt.

31st January, 2023: The Van Allen Belt.

Yes: it’s Tuesday.

And … ?

I’ve got my nephew, this afternoon.

Hopefully?

We’ll get some entertaining stuff done.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-1-2023 — The Light has Gone Out.

30th January, 2023: The Light has Gone Out.

Right … it’s Monday: and the start of an exciting new week.

Well, I say exciting.

I suspect it’s going to be quiet: bar a meeting on Friday.

Heigh ho!

~≈Ç≈~

I’ve got the radio on: inevitably.

Radio Four’s Today programme is countering away in the background.

Complete with an audio version of this piece.

Telling us that it’s getting increasingly hard for the over fifties to find work: as a majority of employers don’t want to hire people in the age bracket.

I’m one of those people.

Frankly?

The article only confirms something I’ve known for a while.

But it’s nice to see it in print … 

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-1-2023 — I Like Driving In My Car.

29th January, 2023: I Like Driving in my Car.

Right … it’s Sunday morning: and I’ve got the radio on.

Sunday Worship, today?

Is coming from a synagogue in West London: as it’s Holocaust Remembrance Week.

It’s a pleasant listen: a lot less in-yer-face than some of the Happy Clappy Evangelical services Radio 4 broadcasts.

But also sad: it’s marking not only the Holocaust of World War Two: but things like the genocide in Rwanda and the Armenian Genocide.

And reminds us that the Uyghurs of China are facing similar things.

You’d think people would learn, wouldn’t you … ?

~≈Î≈~

Oh, before I forget … ?

I’ve caught another episode of classic Dr Who, on Friday.

The Knight of Jaffa: episode 2 of The Crusade, so you know.

Here’s my written review.

And here’s the video: 

Feel free to hit the like button!

~≈Î≈~

Doctor Who — The Crusade Episode 2 — The Knight of Jaffa — A Review

27th January, 2023: The Knight of Jaffa.

Right … it’s almost dinner time.

In theory, anyway.

Dinner is being cooked.

Chips, hideously grilled, fish, baked … and vegetables boiled.

By the time it’s all eaten … ?

I’ll be ready to watch The Knight of Jaffa: the next episode of classic Dr Who story, The Crusade.

This post will be up tomorrow: which is when you’ll find out what I thought … 

~≈👽≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th January 2023.

28th January, 2023.

Right … it’s Saturday.

And?

Well, I was hoping for warmer weather: it’s been nippy, so far.

But?   I’ve just checked the BBC’s Weather page for the area.

It’s still looking cool!

~≈Œ≈~

Bless him, Piers — the reporter I talked to on Thursday — has come through.

And posted his article on the Warm Home Discount on both Essex Live, and This Is Local London.

Aside from the fact I really don’t photograph, well?

I think it’s a good pair of pieces.

I can only hope something can be done as a result.

If you can hit share, I’d appreciate it.

~≈Œ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th January 2023 Teaser.

27th January, 2023.

Right … 

Remember I mentioned the Warm Home Discount?

The £150 payment towards my fuel costs?

The one I didn’t get this year, as my flat’s too new, and too small, to qualify for it this time.

I … ?

Immediately put the proverbial word out to my neighbours.

And phoned local democracy reporter, Piers Meyler.

Who was interested: interested enough to pop in on me, yesterday, to get the full story: and a batch of photos.

As soon as he posts the story?

I’ll let you know.

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th January 2023.

26th January, 2023.

Phew!

No, really, phew!

I managed to get in touch with my work coach, my Job Centre case worker.

My next meeting’s scheduled for 3rd February: and was pencilled in for 13:30.

Which was causing problems.

I’m due a repairman that day: between 8am and 1pm.

So I wanted to re-arrange my Job Centre meeting: knowing my luck, the repair man would turn up at 12:55, and leave me no time to get to the job centre!

So?

As I hadn’t had a reply from my case worker?

I headed to town: concerned that — as I’d left thing a little late — I would get to the office at lunch time, when there’d ONLY be one person manning the front desk.

When — in other words — my case worker was out to lunch!

I got lucky.

As, when I was heading for the office … I bumped into my case worker, as they were heading for lunch!

And was able to let them know I need the appointment changed: even if by only an hour.

It’s now on 3rd February … at 15:25.

Phew!

~≈Ë≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th January 2023.

25th January, 2023.

Yes: it’s Wednesday.

And?   I had Jude, my nephew, over last night.

Which meant, of course, that we uploaded his most recent video.

Here;

He’s hoping to hit one thousand subscribers by the end of the year.

Would you mind … ?

~≈∑≈~

Oh … 

I had a delivery turn up, yesterday.

More Marmite, and some other bits.

And … ?

Well, it’s kind of nice to get a comment on an otherwise extremely silly unboxing video!

~≈∑≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th January 2023.

24th January, 2023.

It’s official: I paid my bills, yesterday.

I’d got paid, after all!

Seeing how much money my gas and electricity meters have used was a bit of a shock.

At any rate?

I got paid … and got some shopping.

Frankly?   I forgot salt, tin foil … and cornflakes!

There’s always something!

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-1-2023 — Rorke’s Drift.

23rd January, 2023: Rorke’s Drift.

It’s official: it’s Monday.

And payday.

Frankly?

I’m fully expecting my gas and electricity meters chew up a lot of cash!

~≈Ç≈~

Talking of which … ?

The BBC tells us that Ofgem — Britain’s entry regulator — is considering investigating energy companies habit of forcing people onto prepayment meters.

And — the important point for me — is that the regulator is talking about encouraging more social tariffs.

I hope that can be done.

Cheaper fuel would be VERY helpful.

~≈Ç≈~

Ha!

I’ve JUST talked to my energy supplier, SSE: to see if I could get a cheaper tariff for my Pay-as-you-go meter.

Apparently?

I’m on the cheapest available tariff.

Unlike BT, they don’t have a current social tariff.

That’s … not helpful!

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd January 2023 Teaser.

22nd January, 2023.

Right … Sunday … 

Frankly?

I’m expecting today to be quiet.

Well … 

Until I head for my family’s for dinner!

Someone’s going to be noisy!

~≈Â≈~

With that said … did I mention I occasionally watch TV?

I watch TV … occasionally.

On Friday, I managed to catch The Lion: the first episode of classic Dr Who story, The Crusade.

And posted my written and video reviews, last night.

Feel free to hit the Like button!

~≈Â≈~

Doctor Who — The Crusade Episode 1 — The Lion — A Review

20th January, 2023: Episode 1 — The Lion.

Right … It’s officially Friday.

And … ?

Two things spring to mind.

First things first, an old friend — Graham — has a YouTube channel or two: the main ones are Postcards from a Wet Rock and PlaylisterC60.

He’s posted this, today: 

After asking me for a musical list.

I owe him a thank you.

~≈📺≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s Friday: and I’ve not been watching much in the way of TV shows, recently.

I have caught a film or two: including In the Earth, West Side Story and Nope.

And?   Even if West Side Story doesn’t have any Kubrick references, Spielberg did work with Kubrick.

Go read the reviews, that comment will make sense.

At ANY rate … ?   And at the risk of repeating myself?

I’m going to start watching some TV, tonight: making a start on classic Dr Who story, The Crusade.

I’ll be watching the first episode — The Lion — tonight: and the next three over the next three weeks.

I’ll have this written review up, tomorrow: along side its video equivalent.

I’ll see you then.

~≈📺≈~

21st January, 2023.

Episode 1 — The Lion — opens in a wooded area in what we later learn is the Holy Land.

Only to see a pair of European knights passing through: on their way to find the rest of their party.

Followed by a pair of Saracen soldiers: determined to attack the intruding Crusaders.

The senior of the pair — El Akir (Walter Randall) — is keen to follow the newcomers: he wants to see if they can lead them to the big prize.

That big prize?   Is none other than the Lionheart: King Richard (Julian Glover) himself.

The King?   Is taking time off from conducting his kingdom’s efforts in the Third Crusade: doing a little hawking with friends, and mildly worried.

His favourite belt has been broken, during the group’s activities.

Little does the King know: his belt is the least of his troubles.

Someone … is planning an ambush …

~≈📺≈~

There’s something else the Lionheart doesn’t know.

Just after his potential ambushers start following him … something materialises exactly where they were standing.

It’s the TARDIS: and the Doctor (William Hartnell) and his team — Ian, Barbara and Vicki (William Russell, Jacqueline Hill and Maureen O’Brian) — are keen to explore.

Vicki in particular: having seen Ancient Rome, she wants to see other parts of Earth history.

What none of the team expect … ?   Is landing in Jaffa, in the Holy Land, just at the height of the Third Crusade: and seeing Barbara kidnapped!

~≈📺≈~

Now … what did I make of The Lion: this first episode of The Crusade?

What did I think?   Are there issues?   Problems?   Funny bits?   Sounds effects?   Things you wouldn’t get today?   Actors we recognise?

Is this opening episode good, bad or indifferent?

First things first.

The episode itself looks and sounds good: I suspect that the team behind the season two box set have put in a lot of work, tightening things up.

The episode, itself?

Is a delight.

It’s an exciting, ripping yarn that makes a dashing central figure out of Glover’s King Richard: and a sympathetic antagonist out of Saladin (Bernard Kay).

That doesn’t mean it’s an episode — today — that doesn’t have issues.

From what I can see, the episode doesn’t name the Holy Land as ‘the Holy Land,’ ‘Palestine,’ or ‘Israel.’

If I’ve understood things, Palestine — or the Holy Land — would’ve been the preferred terms, during the Crusades.

Theses days, either term could start a potential argument: about everything from the legality of Israeli settlements to whether various Palestinian groups are terrorists or freedom fighters.

But the episode seems to avoid naming the country: and instead, talks of the area ‘around Jaffa’.

That’s possibly a good thing, if deliberate.

The other word I noticed … ?

Was Saracen.

Usually?   I hear the word ‘saracen’ and think of the Rugby Union team!

But … ?

I’m also aware it’s an old term for someone from the Middle East: which is the way it’s used in The Lion.

It’s also not a term I’m comfortable using, myself.

I think that meaning of the word as on a par with the word ‘negro’: an older — and at least mildly offensive — way of describing someone of African heritage.

So seeing it used here?

It’s not necessarily something I’m comfortable with, would possibly not use were I writing the story, today … but also aware it was a common term for 12th Century Europeans to use.

The other possible issue?

One that’s something that I raised in my reviews of The Abominable Snowmen?

Is good old fashion blackface!

I don’t know about you: but I’ve always found hiring white actors to play minority characters — complete with black face makeup — to be vaguely ridiculous.

Especially these days: when Britain’s acting pool is slowly diversifying.

Back in the 1960s?

The excuse was that there weren’t that many British-born or British resident, black, South Asian or East Asian actors to fill the needed roles.

So, in The Abominable Snowmen?

The show’s producers hired white actors and didn’t even. bother putting them in yellowface: something the team who made the animated version tried to correct by making the relevant characters look East Asian.

Something I felt was appropriate … at the time I watched the Troughton led story.

Last night … ?

Last night, I watched The Lion: and, as I’d expect from a ’60-era British TV show, most of the Middle Eastern characters were played by white actors in black face.

Something I’m forgiving of, knowing when the show was made.

But very aware wouldn’t — indeed, shouldn’t — be done, today.

I say that with a certain amount of irony: very aware there’s black extras, quite visible black extras, playing various spear carriers in The Lion.

Extras who may well have been playing leading parts, today.

When I spoke about the white actors in the animated The Abominable Snowmen being made to look Tibetan … I have to wonder if I was spoke out of turn.

Whether, effectively, if The Abominable Snowmen is a digital form of black face/yellowface.

It’s making white actors look Asian!

~≈📺≈~

But, to focus back on The Lion?

There’s possibly many other things to discuss.

Most of us?   At least those of us familiar with later versions of the TARDIS materialisation sound effect?

Will be surprised to hear the effect used in this episode: a drawn out ‘wooooooo’ noise used in place of the  more familiar effect.

Some of us … ?

Will be pleasantly surprised to see Tony Caunter in the minor role of Thatcher.

Yes: I know he was both in Enlightenment, and Colony in Space.

But I can still remember him as Roy, Pat’s lover, in EastEnders.

That voice is very distinctive.

Some … ?

Will be surprised to see the First Doctor — or, at least, a stunt man dressed up as the First Doctor — taking part in the sword fight that helps see off the ambushing Saracens.

Hartnell’s take on the character could be rough, sometimes!

~≈📺≈~

There’s a lot I could be saying.

The most I could say is that, yes: there’s a lot about this first episode that’s flawed.

Actors in black face is not something we would be using, today.

And I would fully expect Ncuti Gatwa, the 15th Doctor, to get mildly sarcastic were he to watch the episode!

Saying that?

I think the episode, itself, is a ripping good yarn: with enough excitement, adventure and sword fights to keep me occupied.

In the shape of The Lion?

The Crusade has opened very well.

I will be watching the second episode, The Knight of Jaffa, on Friday, 27th January, 2023.

I’ll have written and video review of it up on 28th January.

I’ll see you then!

The Crusade Episode 1 — The Lion.

★★★☆

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21st January 2023.

21st January, 2023.

Yes, it’s officially Saturday: and frankly?

And frankly, it’s going to be a little quiet.

Beyond a little light shopping … and finishing something I started last night: a review of the first episode of The Crusade.

Here’s the intro, in case you’re interested … 

~≈¥≈~

I keep an eye on the news: in case you couldn’t tell.

And a couple of recent things caught my eye.

Firstly?

Two of the technology industry’s big names, Google and Microsoft, are cutting a lot of jobs, between them.

That’s worrying: especially when you consider they make the operating systems for a lot of phones and computers.

Secondly?

I have type two diabetes: so tend to keep an eye peeled for news about it.

I saw this, yesterday.

It seems that the University of Cambridge has developed a very experimental artificial pancreas: that has been used on a group of twenty-six people, and shown to be helpful.

I’m interested: of course I am.

Any thing that can lower my blood sugar levels, reduce the medication* I’m on and possibly prevent me going blind and losing a foot?

Is welcome.

I’m tempted to ask about volunteering for it.

But?   It’s possibly more sensible not to.

The process is VERY experimental!

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th January 2023 Teaser.

20th January, 2023.

Right, it’s officially official.

I’m up early.

As I’ve got a meeting with my Job Centre case worker at 11.

I’m thinking I should go back to bed.

After all, an early start after a late night finish, reviewing a movie.

Here’s hoping the meeting goes well: and that everyone enjoys the review.

~≈Ç≈~

One thing I do know?

Is the my appeal — over the Job Centre’s refusal of extra help — is still going on.

I’ve been chasing the Government’s Court Service for some time, now: to see when, or if, a hearing would take place.

It seems part of the reason I HADN’T heard … ?

Was that — somewhere along the line — my case had been duplicated: and assigned two different case number.

And that — along side this — the relevant bodies at the Department of Work and Pensions hadn’t sent in the relevant paperwork.

Or, at least, hadn’t sent it in, under the right case number.

They’ve now re-submitted it.

I’ve not heard about a hearing date, as yet: but have been given an online .GOV account — another one! — so I can keep track of things.

That could be handy.

~≈Ç≈~

In the Earth — A Review

*Spoilers*

18th January, 2023: In The Earth.

Yes: it’s Wednesday.

And, as I speak … ?

Potatoes are boiling: as are assorted vegetables.

And chicken is being grilled.

Inevitably?

I’m planning to watch a film: In The Earth, Flux Gourmet, Everything Everywhere All At Once or Doctor Who Am I.

I won’t know … until I’ve finished dinner and watching something … 

You’ll get to find out: when I post my writing and video reviews, tomorrow night.

~≈🍿≈~

18th January, 2023: 22:00.

Is has to be said: I finally made my mind up.

And feel I’m going to watch Flux Gourmet, Everything Everywhere All At Once and Doctor Who Am I another time.

Given I’ve enjoyed what I’ve seen of the man’s work?

I’ve finally settled for — and just finished watching — Ben Wheatley’s In The Earth.

I think I’ve seen something unique.

But, frankly?

Will tell you more, tomorrow

~≈🍿≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-1-2023 — Janis.

19th January, 2023: Janis.

Right … I’ve officially got a repairman coming, this afternoon.

To refit my thermostat.

Hopefully?

He’ll turn up with ID, this time!

~≈†≈~

At any rate … ?

I’ve been complaining about money: including the £150 Warm Home Discount.

And how I’ve had to waiting for this month’s Cost of Living Voucher.

That?   Finally turned up, yesterday: and got added to my meter.

Thank heavens for that.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-1-2023 — Kevin Costner.

18th January, 2023: Kevin Costner.

It’s official: I’m typing this post one handedly.

And, frankly?

I’m wondering regular reader — and dystonia campaigner — Debbi Mack, manages!

The reason I’m typing with one hand?

Is simply that I’m holding my landline phone with the other: trying to get through to the Department of Work and Pension’s Warm Home Discount Scheme phone line.

On 0800 107 8002, if you’re curious!

It’s increasingly frustrating!

The minute the letter they’re talking about comes through?

Or someone picks up the phone?

The happier I’ll be!

~≈☏≈~

Ha!

I JUST got through to them: after twenty minutes waiting on the phone!

And?

It turns out I don’t qualify: despite getting the benefit, last year.

No one in the building does: low income or not.

Apparently, it ties into how recently the block was built: it’s too energy efficient, and small, to enable us to claim.

I’m … 

Well, angry doesn’t start.

‘Deeply offended’ covers it.

I know the Government is trying yo keep costs doen

But giving a benefit one year, in 2021/22, and not giving it the next?

Strikes me as callous, offensive … and deeply hypocritical*.

~≈☏≈~

One thing I am happy about … ?

You’re possibly aware that my nephew, Jude, has a YouTube channel.

And that his confidence has improved enough to film himself.

OK: he’s very shy, bless him.

But that IS his first piece to camera.

~≈☏≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-1-2023 — Beat The Clock.

17th January, 2023.

Right … today’s Tuesday: and yes, I’m expecting Jude — my nephew — this afternoon.

Video is possibly going to happen.

Especially as we have some for Ruth: Jude’s mother and my sister.

Hopefully, we’ll be able to get that sorted, quickly.

Assuming Mummy’s not forgotten to send her USB stick!

~≈®≈~

Phone calls: phone calls, phone calls, phone calls, phone calls, phone calls!

I was on the phone a lot, yesterday: chasing down the Cost of Living voucher for January.   As it hasn’t turned up, yet.

That was relatively easy to sort out: my energy supplier has sent out another, which should be with me by Thursday.

Hopefully.

The other problem?

Is that I qualify for a £150 Warm Home discount: that should go onto my Key meter.

Has it, yet?   When last year’s went on, speedily?

Nope!

So?

I phoned my supplier, yesterday: for what felt like the Nth time.

After a couple of attempts: I got through.

Only to be told to phone the Department of Work and Pensions, the dept. that runs the Job Centre, and organises benefits.

They were busy all bloody day!

I’m going to have another go, today.

Lord, it’s frustrating!

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th January, 2023.

16th January, 2023.

Argh!

It has to be said, I’m running a little late, today.

I’ve got HandBrake running in the background: doing some hefty transcoding.

That … ?

Has slowed down uploading today’s Teaser video.

Which has held everything else, up.

Frankly?

I’m thankful today’s going to be quiet.

It’s not as if I’ve anything planned for the day … !

~≈𝄞≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th February 2023

15th January, 2023.

Right … It’s the morning after the night before.

And I’ve got Radio 4’s Sunday Service on in the background.

Which are usually reassuringly High Anglican.

Except that’ve just had an opera singer doing a hymn.

Which was a little bit too shrieky for this time of a Sunday morning!

At any rate … ?

My kid sister Ruth, and my nephew Jude, all went out for a meal, last night: at Il Palazzo, in Westcliff.

Which was rather good: even if HAS put me some weight on.

To finish off the evening, and as a delayed Christmas gift?

Went to Wifi Wars: a show at the Dixon Studio, part of Southend’s Palace Theatre.

It’s a live comedy show: that’s a mix of interactive games — played by the whole audience, on their mobile phones*! — and short, simple, quizzes.

The next one’s in Guildford, on the 27th January.

I’d book tickets: it’s a fun night out!

~≈♩≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th January 2023 Teaser.

14th January, 2023.

It’s officially official: it’s Saturday.

Which means?   That I’ve got a night out, ahead of me: my youngest sister, Ruth, bought my nephew and I a night out at Wifi Wars.

Which sounds like fun.

I also have an admission.

I saw the Spielberg version of West Side Story, on Thursday: and posted my written and video review, last night.

And, as I said in that video?

Ariana DeBose, as Anita, put in one hell of a performance.

~≈∑≈~

West Side Story (2021) — A Review

12th January, 2023.

Right.

It’s a Thursday night.

And, frankly?

I have a quandary.

Or possibly a problem.

I’m writing this on an evening with little to do.

Bar fret.

And wonder what to watch.

Frankly?   I’m thinking the Spielberg cut of West Side Story looks attractive.

As does the documentary about 1996 made for TV, Dr Who movie: imaginatively named Dr Who Am I.

Or do I start watching the third season of Apple TV+’s For All Mankind?

Before the start of Picard’s third series, in February?

At any rate?

I’m going to watch something, tonight: and tell you about it, tomorrow night.

Here’s hoping I make my mind up.

~≈💃🏽≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13th January 2023.

13th January, 2023.

Right … it’s now officially Friday the 13th.

Am I worried?

Nope: things are currently going well.

Wellish, at any rate.

I got an email, yesterday: from the Court service dealing my appeal for extra help from the Job Centre.

In responce to a letter I’d sent a few months ago.

Apparently?   The case had been duplicated: and they’re waiting for a response from the Job Centre.

Hopefully?

Some sort of decision will come through, soon … !

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th January 2023

12th January, 2023.

Yes: it’s true.

It’s Thursday.

And?   I’m a little concerned: as I’ve not had this month’s Cost of Living Voucher.

The sooner that — and the £20 voucher I’m expecting from the ONS — gets here?

The happier I’ll be.

~≈£≈~

Did I mention I’ve got a man up my back passage?

Maybe I should clarify that.

Right night one of my neighbours — on the top floor of the building — need their boiler replacing.

So?

There’s a scaffolder out the back, putting up scaffolding.

Heigh-ho!

~≈👷🏻‍♂️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11th January 2023 Teaser.

11th January, 2023.

Right … I’m up early, again.

As the monthly weight management programme’s next meeting … ?

Is today.

I don’t know why it’s been shifted to Wednesday.

But suspect that — as the last two meetings have only had two other people, including my self — that a lack of people may have something to do with it.

We’ll just have to see!

~≈🏋️‍♂️≈~

Did I mention Jude — my nephew — was over, last night?

Jude was over, last night.

I think we can safely say way too much food was eaten!

But?   We can also say a video was made: of Jude’s most recent game of Fall Guys.

I wish there was a Mac version: it looks like fun.

~≈🕹≈~

Oh, just in case you’re following the Golden Globes awards?

Colin Farrell’s The Banshees of Inisherin has done well for itself.

Which is nice.

Unless you’re me.

Any use of the word, ‘banshee’ leaves me with an earworm*!

~≈🎵≈~