Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31st March 2023.

31st March, 2023.

Right … it’s now Friday: and the day after I had a appeal hearing.

By phone.

It went well, I think.

Although … ?   I’m not sure if I’ll be awarded anything.

I’ll find out by post, it seems: next week, apparently.

~≈£≈~

Which is possibly the concerning bit.

I’ve a couple of friends who’ve been through this process: although, admittedly, through in person or video calls.

They … ?   Got their awards on the spot.

I, on the other hand?

Have been told I’ll be notified by post.

I don’t know why.

But, frankly?

I’m assuming I’ll be getting nothing.

We’ll have to see.

~≈£≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-03-2023 — Vincent.

30th March, 2023: Vincent.

Right … 

It’s Thursday.

And … ?

If I get out of the house, I’ll be pleasantly surprised.

After all, today?

Is the date of my phone tribunal.

Remember I tried getting extra help from the DWP, a couple of years ago, now?

And was refused?

This is the court tribunal, to appeal it.

Here’s hoping it goes well … 

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th March 2023.

29th March, 2023.

Yep!

It’s Wednesday.

And, frankly?

I’m expecting a phone call from my GP: to check on how some pain killers are working.

At any rate … ?

I had my nephew over, yesterday.

You’ll’ve possibly guessed he’s posted a video … 

~≈fi≈~

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

28th March, 2023.

Yes: it’s true.

There’s videos lurking around.

Or, at least, videos of a comedian: American comic, Jessica Kirson, who is utterly filthy, and absolutely hysterical!

Frankly?

My most recent video … ?   Is a fine review.

At least, I think so.

I’m just very aware I’m not going to be as funny as a comedian from New Jersey!

~≈¥≈~

For All Mankind — Series 3 Episode 8 — The Sands of Ares — A Review.

26th March, 2023: ‘The Sands of Ares’.

Right … 

Sunday Night TV is getting to be something of a tradition.

You’d guessed that, hadn’t you?

That’s it’s getting to be a routine to watch something.

In this case … ?

For All Mankind.

Which is looking rather good.

As is AppleTV⁺’s Tetris.

That’s something for another time.

At any rate … ?

It’s Sunday, I’m going to be watching the next episode of For All Mankind … 

And I’ll be telling you about it, tomorrow night!

~≈👨‍🚀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-3-2023 — Quentin Tarantino.

27th March, 2023: Quentin Tarantino.

It’s officially official.

I am knackered!

I had a good night’s sleep: at least in theory.

But … ?

I suspect that the mix of medications I’m on — especially the minimal co-codemol and increased Semaglutide — are having an effect.

Or side effects.

Bouts of occasional stomach acid … and bouts of sleepiness.

I hate being sleepy!

~≈Ω≈~

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

26th March, 2023.

Yes: I think I can say I’m worried.

Officially or otherwise.

Remember me saying the I’d lost a USB stick?   One with quite a bit of personal data on it?

I went into town to do a little shopping: and check the places I’d been the day before, to see if I’d left or dropped the stick, there.

I hadn’t: neither Sainsbury’s, nor the library had seen hide nor hair of it.

I’m … concerned.

The stick, itself, is easy enough to replace.

The personal data on it?

The data that’s all sorts of valuable to an identity thief?

Not so easy to guard.

Frankly?

I can only hope it’s found and handed in.

Or got dropped down a drain, and rained on.

That way, the data’s safe.

~≈💽≈~

Star Trek Picard — Series 3 Episode 6 — The Bounty — A Review

24th March, 2023: ‘The Bounty’.

Frankly … ?

It’s Friday: and … ?

Fish and chips are being cooked, as ever.

And … ?

Equally as frankly, I’ve just seen this video: 

And am wondering why many Americans boil water for tea … in the microwave!

That … ?

Like fish on a Friday, is possibly one of those mysteries we’ll never know the answer to!

At any rate … ?

It’s Friday, 24th March: and I’ll be the next episode of Star Trek Picard — ‘The Bounty’ — tonight.

And then?

Reviewing it, tomorrow.

I’ll see you then!

~≈🖖≈~

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

25th March, 2023.

Yes: it’s officially official.

I was in Brentwood Library, yesterday.

Scanning in some paperwork that I need to send off, for an upcoming Tribunal.

Sharpish, I should add: frankly, I’d’ve preferred a chance to talk over changes with the letter’s author, just to make sure everything was kosher … but you can’t have everything.

At ANY rate … ?

I was up at Brentwood Library: complete with a USB stick that I could store things on.

I did the scan, saved the scans to my stick, my Google Drive, and emailed them to my self.

Just to be on the safe side.

Then went shopping.

Then … ?

When I got home … ?

Realised I’d left the stick somewhere.

More than probably the library!

I’m going to have to go back, to check that, today.

There’s a hell of a lot of personal details on there!

~≈ß≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-3-2023 — Sir Alan Sugar.

24th March, 2023: Sir Alan Sugar.

It’s officially official: I got up, early.

Hopefully?

I’ll be dressed by the time an old neighbour looks in!

Still being in pyjamas isn’t necessarily a good look, if you’re expecting visitors!

~≈Ï≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd March 2023.

23rd March, 2023.

Yes: it’s officially payday.

Or, at least, the day I get my benefits.

And pay the bills.

Frankly?

I’m expecting the money to go extremely fast, this month: as we’re due to start paying out council tax — property tax, for my US readers, from March.

I’ve applied for help from the local council for that: but not yet had word About whether it’s been granted to me.

Granted: these things take time.

And granted, our benefit is due to do up in April.

But … ?

I get the impression life is going to get expensive … 

~≈£≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-3-2023 — Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber

22nd March, 2023: Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Right … it’s officially Wednesday!

Yay!

Which means … ?

Well, I’ve got to book up a blood test, get some exercise … and pick up some meds.

Oh, and show you Jude’s latest video.

Apparently, that bottle of Prime cost about £8.

A hell of a lot less than this bottle, in other words!

~≈🥤≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-03-2023 — World Down Syndrome Day

21st March, 2023: World Down Syndrome Day.

Right … it’s Tuesday.

Which means … ?

Well, for one, I’ve got my nephew, Jude, over later.

Fun, games and video will no doubt ensue!

Actually … ?

Video has already occurred: as I’ve posted a review.

Feel free to hit the Like button!

~≈¥≈~

For All Mankind — Series 3 Episode 7 — Bring It Down — A Review

19th March, 2023: ‘Bring It Down’.

Right … Sundays …

Sundays are the one day of the week that I spend quality time with my family.

I did: it is Mother’s day, after all.

I think we can safely say a fun time was had by all … bar the broken water glass.

At any rate?

I’m now home: and just about to sit down with a large mug of tea: and ‘Bring It Down’, the next episode of For All Mankind.

Last week’s episode ended up with an argument.

This week’s episode?

Could go anywhere!

~≈🚀≈~

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

20th March, 2023.

Yes: I think I’m officially getting old.

I’ve got a painkilling gel for me knees: one that’s not as powerful as the co-codamol I’ve got, but equally, not one that makes me sleepy.

So … ?

I went to smear some on my knee, this morning.

I’m glad I was a little slow.

I realised I’d picked up the toothpaste … before I put it on my joints.

That could’ve been entertaining … 

~≈Œ≈~

It’s strange how time flies, sometimes.

Radio 4’s Today programme is reminding me it’s been twenty years since the start of the US Invasion of Iraq.

To the day.

That’s possibly going to be argued about for years: and something I felt was possibly — very possibly — unneeded … and possibly illegal.

It’s also, possibly something that’s given Vladimir Putin ideas.

Although I don’t see the US encouraging its allies to invade Russia: after the latter invaded a smaller neighbour.

At any rate?

It’s something I didn’t like then … and don’t like now.

But … ?

That still reminds me of a joke that was doing the rounds at the time.

Uday Hussein goes out to buy his father, Saddam, a gift.

And gave it to his father in a carrier.

When he handed it over to his father?

He said “The shop had run out of boxes, so they put it in a bag, Dad.”

I didn’t say it was a good joke, now did I … ?

~≈Œ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th March 2023

19th March, 2023.

Yep: I was up late (ish) last night.

Writing a review — and making the video equivalent — of ‘Imposters’, the most recent episode of Star Trek Picard.

This morning … ?

I feel shattered!

More shattered than I’ve felt for some time.

Quite why … ?

I have no idea: but have a funny idea it’s something to do with the increased dosage of Semaglutide I’m on.

I’ll have to check with my GP, the next time I speak with her.

~≈fl≈~

Star Trek Picard — Series 3 Episode 5 — Imposters — A Review

17th March, 2023: ‘Imposters’.

*Spoilers*

Right … it’s Friday … and … ?

I’m getting nearer to eating dinner.

But nowhere nearer the reason we’re supposed to eat fish and chips on a Friday.

Beyond the idea that a bishop told us too.

Or … that we fancy a walk to the chippy.

I know I do: but I’m having home made, thank you.

I couldn’t afford a take out, unless you paid me.

The tip jar’s on the right, if you’re feeling generous!

At any rate … ?

It’s Friday.

And, once I’ve had dinner?

I’ll be watching the next episode of Star Trek Picard … then telling you what I thought about it, tomorrow night.

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th March 2023.

18th March 2023.

Right … it’s officially Saturday, officially raining … 

And I’m feeling sleepy.

To help me deal with the ongoing pain in my knee?

My GP’s prescribed me some pain-killers: some co-codemol 15/500 tablets.

The one dose I had, last night?

Helped … 

But lord, it makes you sleepy!

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-3-2023 — William Gibson.

17th March, 2023: William Gibson.

Right … 

I’m half expecting an old friend, today: although I don’t know if they’ll be able to make it, I’m hoping they will.

Company would be nice.

And I’m very aware they after some buying advise … 

~≈fi≈~

I’m due to attend a tribunal: on the 30th March, this year.

As part of that … ?   The cost service running the tribunal, tells me I need what they call an appeal bundle: the necessary paperwork, in other words.

I’ve checked with the court: they tell me I need to get it from the DWP.

Who, it seems, don’t have it.

Quite what I’m supposed to do now?

I don’t know!

~≈fi≈~

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

16th March, 2023.

It’s officially official: I’ve got some stuff I need to do in town … that I really could’ve done on Tuesday.

Which was busy: at least, for me!

At any rate?

I’ve got to go into town to pick up some medications: including a new batch of Semaglutide.

And … ?

And pick up some paperwork.

I’m really not in the mood.

Lord knows why.

But … ?

I do know the weather’s looking gruesome, out there.

~≈Â≈~

You’ve possibly realised — if you’ve been reading Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar for a while — that I live in Brentwood: and like the idea of having a cinema in town.

I’ve written a few posts about it, over the years.

Well … 

Brentwood Council have approved plans for development of the Bay Tree Centre: in the middle of Brentwood High Street.

I — notionally — support the idea.

But notice that the plans are, according to the article, for a four screen cinema.

Much as I’d love to see a cinema here in Brentwood?

From the little I understand, a four screen venue won’t be financially viable: it would need to be at least six screens.

I think the plans as presented … are duds.

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th March 2023.

15th March, 2023.

Yes: it’s Wednesday.

And I have to wonder why people have stopped calling it Hump Day.

I have no idea: but am guessing it’s something to do with Elon Musk taking over Twitter.

That’s where I usually used to see the phrase.

At any rate … ?

It’s Wednesday, the day after my new uploaded these: 

I hope you enjoy them!

~≈Â≈~

Oh … earworms, songs playing through your head.

I get them, occasionally.

And, just recently?

I’ve had live versions of Wet Leg’s ‘Chaise Longue’ banging away through my head.

It’s a lot better than the studio version, I know that!

Now … am I the only one who thinks Hester Chambers —Wet Leg’s very blonde guitarist — looks vaguely like Hellraiser star, Jamie Clayton.

Jamie Clayton

Rhian Teasdale (L) and Hester Chambers (R).

You tell me!

~≈📦≈~

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

14th March, 2023.

You know, it’s easy to forget quite how busy a week can possibly be.

I’ve a weight management meeting by phone, this morning.

And my nephew, this afternoon.

There’s possibly going to be more videos, done: on top of the video review I’ve already done.

I hope someone gets the Goons reference in that!

At any rate … ?

I’ve got all that on … plus I’ve had my council tax bill … and needs to chase up the help I can get.

AND take in both bank statements, and proof I’m claiming benefits.

Given I’ve got a plumber on Friday, a doctors appointment, tomorrow, and a food bank delivery, today … ?

The next few days will be busy … !

~≈Ô≈~

For All Mankind — Series 3 Episode 6 — New Eden — A Review

12th March, 2023: ‘New Eden’.

Right … 

As you’re no doubt already aware … ?

It’s Sunday!

Which means … well … that I’ve had dinner with my family.

Which reminds me, I’ve got to fill in my food diary.

After I’ve watched TV, of course.

“What,” I hear you ask, “are you going to be watching, today, Paul?”

It’s Sunday!

Where have you been … if you hadn’t worked out I’ll be watching ‘New Eden’, the next episode of For All Mankind’s third series?

And, given ‘Seven Minutes of Terror’ left us watching Margo digging her own grave … ?

I want to know what happens next … !

~≈🚀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-3-2023 — Siege!

13th March, 2023: Siege!

It’s officially Monday … and the day after this year’s Oscars.

Congratulations to everyone: and well done to Everything Everywhere, All At Once, and to Michelle Yeoh.

I have have to admit to a little disappointment, though.

If you recall, Yeoh was a key member of the Star Trek Discovery cast: as various versions of Captain/Empress Philippa Georgiou.

Arguably?   She was the best thing in it: there was even talk of a spin-off, focused on her character.

Something I know I wouldn’t mind seeing!

Something I feel is now unlikely to happen.

As an Oscar winner, Ms Yeoh is going to be able to command a higher fee.

I can’t say I blame her: that Best Actress Oscar is one hell of an endorsement.

But?

I get the feeling that fee may be too much for Star Trek’s producers.

Which is a shame: they’ll be losing out on a talent.

~≈🎬≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th March 2023.

12th March, 2023.

Yes!

I’ve officially finished my video review of ‘No Win Scenario,’ the most recent episode of Star Trek Picard.

It’s got to be said: it’s proving to be quite an entertaining series!

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek Picard — Series 3 Episode 4 — No Win Scenario — A Review

10th March, 2023: ‘No Win Scenario’*.

It has to be said: life, sometimes, is full of mysteries.

Yes: it’s Friday

Yes: I’m preparing dinner.

And yes: I’ll be watching the next episode of Star Trek Picard, tonight

And — as a fourth yes? — I’m having fish and chips.

I’m still clueless as to why we’re supposed to have fish.

Except it ties into when the UK — or England, at least — was once a Catholic country.

Basically?

‘A bunch of bishops said so’.

Heigh ho!

~≈🖖≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s Friday night, I’m going to watching ‘No Win Scenario’, the next episode of Star Trek Picard’s last season.

I’ll have my reviews up, tomorrow night.

You can find out what I though of it … 

Tomorrow night!

~≈🖖≈~

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

11th March, 2023.

Right … it’s now Saturday.

You’d noticed, hadn’t you?

It’s also the day after I’ve had a boiler repair man over: to sort out my boiler.

The problem?

Was that it was losing pressure, overnight.

He’s not fixed it.

But has shown me how to depressurise the thing: and advised I keep a diary of when it loses pressure, over the next few days.

And phone back in, next Friday, should it repeat itself.

Frankly?

I’m going to be doing that.

And not surprised by what’s causing it.

It seems the valve that regulates the pressure — ones that has caused problems before now — is acting up.

The more things change … the more that stay the same!

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th March, 2023.

10th March, 2023.

Once is an accident.

Twice is a coincidence.

Three times?

Starts to look suspicious.

Yes: I’ve woken up, this morning … to find the boiler’s needed to be reset … again!

Yes: I’m going to phone my landlord’s boiler contractor’s, today … 

~≈∑≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th March 2023.

9th March, 2023.

It’s Thursday!

Yay!

OK … that’s possibly an over enthusiastic opening, isn’t it?

But … ?

The boiler’s NOT de-pressurised on me, this morning.

And we have rain: rather than snow.

~≈💧≈~

On a sad note … ?

Chaim Topol has died.

I have to confess, I know little of his career: beyond having seen Flash Gordon and For Your Eyes Only, back in the day.

And Fiddler on the Roof, many years later.

Which, I should add, is a beautiful: in part, because of his performance as Teyve.

He’s going to be much missed.

~≈💧≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8th March 2023.

8th March, 2023.

Yes: it’s officially Wednesday.

And?

It’s a day I’ve working up to snow … and the need to reset my boiler!

That’s the second time, this week.

One more time, I think I’ll be phoning the landlords, to see what they say.

Twice is coincidence, an’ all that!

~≈♨️≈~

You’re — possibly — aware that I have type two diabetes.

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

I’m on a range of medication: including Metformin, the standard many of us get.

I’m also on Forxiga.

And, as from a few months ago?   A new medication, called Semaglutide: branded under the names, Ozempic and Wegovy.

I’m on it as it’s considered to be a powerful medication in lowering blood sugars, and — in part — because it’s also been found to help with weigh loss.

Something I know I struggle with.

It’s been mildly helpful with the weight.

But generally more helpful for the blood sugars.

The drug’s also proved newsworthy … as many celebrities have been buying it: to help them lose weight.

Something I’ve always felt a little bit resentful of.

I — and many others — need it to deal with our blood sugars: the cast of The Only Way is Essex, don’t need it at all.

They can exercise a lot more easily than I can.

At any rate … ?

It’s been announced that drug can now be used by the NHS: and prescribed to patients who’ve been on various weight management programmes, and only to patients on these programmes.

Hopefully?   That will help with the supply issues.

And mean those of us who need it are prioritised over those of us who want it.

~≈⚖️≈~

As a FINAL though … ?

Yes: my nephew, Jude, was over, yesterday.

And, yes: a video was made.

I hope you enjoy it!

~≈📹≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7th March, 2023.

7th March, 2023.

Yes: it’s Tuesday … !

And, frankly?

It’s the time of week when I confess to having an earworm!

I went and looked the thing after the band — Wet Leg — did well in a recent awards ceremony.

With the result?   That the dratted song’s been bouncing around my head, ever since!

~≈fi≈~

Oh, if you’re following my For All Mankind reviews?

The latest written one is here.

The video version … is here↓.

I hope you enjoy them.

~≈fi≈~