Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th April 2023.

30th April, 2023.

Right … it’s Sunday.

And, beyond editing some videos?

I’m fully expecting the day to be … you know … 

Quiet!

Especially after getting some teatowels — and a blu-ray — delivered.

The blu-ray’s currently being ripped, the unused teatowels are in a drawer … and the new, collapsible, colanders are in place.

Heigh ho!

~≈®≈~

I’m in the UK: which you’d possibly worked out, if you’ve been following me for a while.

And, of course, the news is — if not exactly full of it — then certainly giving a mention to the upcoming Coronation of King Charles 3rd.

I’m thinking watching it could be good: it’s not like they happen every day of the week.

There’s more news, over the past couple of days.

Apparently?   We’re going to be asked to swear allegiance* to the King.

I hope that’s optional.

I’d hate to have it back-fire on me!

~≈®≈~

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

29th April, 2023.

Yes: OK … 

Since I got The cost of Living payment, earlier this month?

Most of it’s gone.

There’s a chunk of it on my gas and electricity meters.

Some’s been spent on shopping.

A few quid on … some comics!

And … ?

Some teatowels!

Frankly, the ones I have either need a wash … or a decent funeral!

~≈§≈~

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

28th April, 2023.

Right … it’s officially Friday.

I’m thinking I’ll get wet, when I go out: it looks like it’s going to rain, later!

Frankly?

I think I’d prefer something drier!

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-4-2023 — Mary Wollstonecraft.

27th April, 2023: Mary Wollstonecraft.

Right … I think I need to get to the High Street, again.

I THINK I have a thing or two that need to go back to Amazon.

And then replaced … by teatowels.

It’s amazing how mucky they get.

~≈🜄≈~

I was there, yesterday, I should add: in Brentwood Library.

Scanning in a bunch of paperwork that I think I’ll need for a PIP claim.

Hopefully?

It’ll help!

These things are always a gamble, aren’t they?

~≈🜄≈~

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

26th April, 2023.

Hmmm … 

It’s Wednesday: and possibly the day to do stuff.

Possibilities included doing some paperwork at Brentwood Library … and possibly shopping.

Oh, and definitely putting some money on the gas and electric: my cost of living payment’s gone through.

That helps!

~≈£≈~

Talking of money … ?

Which we weren’t, but there you go.

Talking of money, I’ve had to use food banks, in the past: there’s a couple in Brentwood, and, according to a news report, today … ?

A record number of people have been using them.

Additionally?

The Trussell Trust, the charity that runs many of them, has called on the Government to increase rates of Universal Credit: in line with ‘essential costs’.

Good for them.

But?

~≈£≈~

Oh, I may — or may not — have mentioned the road works going on in my street.

I now have a better idea of what’s going on.

It looks like extra cabinets for internet connections.

According to the gossip?   Boxes for Virgin Media.

I can only hope those of us who use BT’s network to access the ’Net can get some traffic routed through them.

~≈💾≈~

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

25th April, 2023.

I have to admit to watching — or, at least, listening to — the news.

And … ?

And I’m very aware both of the war in the UK … and the fighting in Sudan.

Apparently?

There’s a seventy-two hour ceasefire, to allow foreign nationals out of the country.

Personally?

I grew up in the 1970s: when the Middle East and Northern Ireland were a mess.

No change, there, then!

Either way … 

It’s something that leaves me laughing derisively, and extremely cynically … whenever the word ‘ceasefire’ gets a mention.

Can you blame me … ?

~≈∑≈~

Oh … I went to my fortnightly meeting with my Job Centre case worker, yesterday.

Who took plenty of time to explain my options.

Whilst he wasn’t that clear on when I’d next be needing to go through the assessment process?

He did explain when I’d be next seeing him — in late June — and what would happen if I claimed this, or that, benefit.

Here’s hoping I can claim the Personal Independence Payment: that sounds like it could be useful.

~≈∑≈~

Did I mention we have workmen in, in my street?

We have workmen in, in my street.

Apparently?

They’re doing ‘multi-media work’.

And have seemingly stopped drilling, for the moment.

I’m grateful.

They’re bloody noisy!

~≈∑≈~

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

24th April, 2023.

Right … I’m up early, again.

Frankly?

I have a weight management meeting this morning, which should go well.

I’ve actually lost weight.

I’m blaming the semaglutide, rather of my efforts!

At any rate … ?

I’ve got that … and a meeting my my work coach, this afternoon.

Busy, busy, busy … !

~≈¥≈~

One thing I am grateful for … ?

Is simply the fact that BT, my Internet Service Provider, my ISP, is charging me a cheap rate for my internet connection.

It’s their Home Essentials package, a cheap package designed for those of us on low incomes.

Despite that … ?   And according to this piece on the BBC’s news pages?

People still aren’t taking it up in numbers.

I can only encourage people to do so.

And repeat what the piece tells us, that the following companies are ones that offer the deals:

• BT
• EE
• SMARTY
• Community Fibre
• NOW
• Sky
• Virgin Media
• KCOM
• Hyperoptic
• G Network
• VOXI

Chase them up, folks!

~≈¥≈~

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

23rd April, 2023.

Right … 

It’s officially the case … that I’ve forgotten it’s Saint Georges Day!

Until I saw the state of today’s Teaser!

Have a very good Saint George’s Day, however you’re marking it!

~≈§≈~

Oh … I’ve finally caught the last episode of Star Trek Picard!

Which was rather good!

At any rate?

My written and video reviews have gone up: I hope you enjoy them!

~≈§≈~

Star Trek Picard — Series 3 Episode 10 — The Last Generation — A Review

21st April,  2023: ‘The Last Generation’.

*Spoilers*

Right … it’s Friday, again: and I’m hoping like hell that my chips haven’t burnt.

I’m having fish and chips, again.

So you know.

Frankly?

I’m looking forward to it.

As … ?

Once I’ve eaten, I’ll be watching ‘The Last Generation’, the last episode of Star Trek Picard.

We’ll have to see how it goes!

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd April 2023 Teaser

22nd April, 2023.

Right … 

Slowly but surely, goes the day.

I’ve got to get some shopping done: I know I need potatoes and bin bags.

I’ve got to finish some videos.

I’ve got to do more for that online form: whilst making sure I’m copying what I enter.   You can only go back one step, it seems: that’s bad web-design, I think.

I’ve stuff to do … before I finish off my review of the last ever episode of Star Trek Picard!

Heigh-ho!

~≈Ë≈~

You’ve possibly — or possibly not — heard of the Confederation of British Industry, the CBI.

It’s a major lobbying group that represents assorted British businesses.

And it’s one that’s in trouble: it’s been hit by various accusations of drug taking, rape and sexual assault, over the past few weeks.

To the point where it’s suspended activities until June: when it intends to discus things at an Extraordinary General Meeting.

I … 

Well, I don’t know what to think.

But do know what to ask.

Does any other lobby group — the TUC, for example, or Greenpeace — or political party — Conservatives, or Labour, or the Liberal Democrats — have the same skeletons in their respective closets?

I’m willing to bet they do.

We just don’t know about it.

~≈Ë≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-4-2023 — 111.

21st April, 2023: 111.

Right … 

I’ve calmed down, a little: after yesterday’s bad news.

I’m not getting extra financial help from the Job Centre.

I’ve a few other options, including one thing I am doing: applying for what’s called Personal Independence Payments, or PIP.

Even with the 19th May deadline, I can take my time with that online form.

However?

I am looking forward to Monday, my next meeting with my Job Centre case worker.

I think we’re due a word or two … 

~≈Ü≈~

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

20th April, 2023.

Right … 

I’ve had some information: and I’m not happy … !

I finally had a message from my work coach, my Job Centre case worker, yesterday.

I’ve officially been reclassified as having a Limited Capability for Work.

That’s good: although I’m assuming I still have to look for a job.

The downside?

According to my case worker, I only qualify for extra help if I have a Limited Capability for Work, and Work Related Activities.

I am seething!

OK: I’ve got the DWP to recognise I have medical issues.

I’m off for a blood today, in fact.

But no financial help?   In paying for electricity to keep a man with bad eyesight’s home lit?   A diabetes patient’s home warm?

That’s a bit much.

Granted, there’s other routes to explore.

But, even so … I’m good and angry.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th April, 2023.

19th April, 2023.

Right … it’s after 18:00, on 18th April, 2023.

And?

As you’re probably aware, I was at a tribunal on 30th March: trying to get extra help from the Job Centre.

Which went in my favour: I now have what’s called a Limited Capability for Work.

But have not been told what happens next, or what — if any — money I’m due.

I’ve made repeated calls to the DWP: to see what’s happening.

And not heard a thing.

I was due to hear from the case officer: by 18:00, yesterday.

But — as ever — not contacted.

Again!

Contacting the court’s wasn’t especially helpful: they can only do something, if the Job Centre — or its department, the DWP — asks.

However … ?

An old friend — who’s also been throw this procedure — has suggested I should be on what’s called Personal Independence Payment: and that I should therefore phone the relevant enquiry line: to follow that end up.

Something I’m planning to do, today.

How that will go … ?

I really don’t know.

We’ll have to see.

~≈$≈~

Now … did I mention my nephew, Jude, was over, yesterday?

My nephew, Jude, was over, yesterday: and yes: we’ve down another video … !

I hope you enjoy it: it IS available in 4K, after all.

~≈$≈~

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

18th April, 2023.

Hmmm … 

Phone calls … phone calls, phone calls, phone calls … !

I’m expecting one, today: by six pm.

From the Job Centre: about the — theoretical — award I’ve been given.

I am — given their recent form — not expecting it to happen!

I was on the phone, yesterday, though: to the courts, to see if they could help.

They couldn’t do a thing, as it turns out: unless someone from the Department of Work and Pensions asked.

I think several things.

Including that this has been a long journey.

But, right now … ?

I think I’m getting a very British runaround.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th April, 2023.

17th April, 2023.

Right … I’m up early, today.

And, normally?

I’d be phoning the Job Centre to find out what’s happening with my benefits.

Oh, the rent increase has gone through, so you know: the new service charges are frightening*!

At any rate … ?

I’m not, at the moment.

I’m up early, so I can get to my weight management class: that’s open for just a few short hours.

I’m looking forward to it.

But won’t know how it’s gone, until I get back.

We’ll have to see, won’t we?

~≈Ç≈~

Did I mention I’ve got a song on, in the background?

The Sensational Alex Harvey Band’s version of Delilah.

The singer died too soon!

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-4-2023 — World Voice Day.

16th April, 2023: World Voice Day.

I think we can safely say I’ve had some good news, this week.

You’ll possibly know that — here in the UK — anyone who rents or owns a house has to pay what’s called Council Tax: a property tax used to pay for council services.

It’s hard work paying it, on my sort of income.

Even with the assorted discounts I get for being a single man in a low value home.

However … ?

My local council — like others, I’m told — runs a hardship fund: that can, if you apply early enough, pay the tax for you.

My revised bill came in, yesterday: it’s now officially paid for the year, and leaves me £26 a month better off.

That’s damn handy!

~≈®≈~

Oh, as a thought … ?

I’ve finished my review of ‘Vox’, the ninth episode of Star Trek Picard’s third season.

I hope you enjoy it!

~≈®≈~

Star Trek Picard — Series 3 Episode 9 — Vox — A Review

14th April, 2023: ‘Vox’.

Right …

It’s officially Friday.

And, frankly … ?

Chips are being cooked, washing is being washed, video intros have been made, and stuff, done.

Including phone calls.

The mystery of why we’re supposed to eat fish on a Friday … is still unsolved.

But at least I’m having crinkle cut chips.

At any rate … ?

It’s Friday, once more: and, once I’ve eaten dinner?

I’ll be watching ‘Vox’, the penultimate episode of Star Trek Picard’s third and final season.

I’ll have my review up on the 15the April.

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-4-2023 — Insulin.

15th April, 2023: Insulin.

Ongoing issues … is a lovely phrase.

The reason I mention that … ?

Is that I’m having some!

Remember, I attended a tribunal at the end of March: and was told I’d hear what happened, by post, by 7th April, this year.

I ended up getting that confirmation by email … on the day after the bank holidays.

I had won my case: and was — and am — waiting to hear from the Department of Work and Pensions, the DWP, about any awards, any extra financial help.

With that in mind?

I phoned the DWP on 4th April: to ask what would be happening.

And told that my case officer would phone me by 6pm on the 5th April.

I didn’t hear a thing.

I phoned in, again, yesterday, the 14th of April.

And was told I’d hear by 6pm — 18:00 hours — that day.

From the same case officer.

I didn’t hear a thing.

I can appreciate that DWP staff are busy.

But?

How long does it take a body to inform some one of what’s happening?

To tell a worried customer what’s going to happen … ?

Too long, obviously.

~≈$≈~

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

14th April, 2023.

Right … 

I don’t like it.

But … ?

I’ve had an official advance on my benefits: to help with the cost of living.

I don’t like the the idea: one little bit.

But … ?

Needs must, an’ all that.

It’s something I’ve felt I could justify, as:

• I’m expecting my benefits to increase, this month.
• I’m expecting the award from the tribunal to go through.

Saying that … ?

I’ve still had no word from the Department of Work and Pensions, about that: despite the actual tribunal being a fortnight ago.

I might just have to make another phone call … 

~≈¥≈~

I’ve just made that call.

And got through, surprisingly fast.

I should be getting a call — from the relevant case worker — by 18:00, today.

Hopefully?

They can clarify what’s happening.

~≈₹≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-4-2023 — Katyn.

13th April, 2023: Katyn.

Right … 

It’s now, officially, Thursday: and … ?

I’m not a happy bunny.

Just over two weeks ago, I was at a tribunal: and managed to persuade the court of my case.

Waiting for the money, though … ?

Is very frustrating.

Oy … !

~≈◊≈~

At any rate?

My nephew was over, last night.

He’s a very observant lad, that one.

At any rate … ?

We’ve done another video … about Japanese KitKats … !

Feel free to enjoy the video … 

~≈◊≈~

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

12th April, 2023.

Right … it’s now Wednesday.

And … ?

I’ve officially managed to get in touch with the court: and confirmed that the recent Tribunal decision has gone my way.

I’ve ALSO been in touch with the DWP’s help line: apparently, I’m due a call from a case manager, today.

The sooner that happens?   The sooner any financial help comes through … ?

The happier I’ll be.

~≈®≈~

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

11th April, 2023.

Right … 

It’s officially Tuesday: and … ?

I’ve phoned the court service: to see what’s happened with my appeal.

The court service has emailed over the decision: which has gone in my favour.

I now have an official Limited Capacity for Work: and — hopefully — am due extra help.

Although — apparently — things have to be signed off by the relevant Secretary of State.

I think — now the bank holiday is over — that phoning the DWP may be a good idea.

We’ll have to see what happens.

~≈£≈~

At any rate … ?

I’ve finished watching the third season of For All Mankind: I saw the final episode on Sunday, and finished my review, last night.

Enjoy it!

~≈£≈~

For All Mankind — Series 3 Episode 10 — Stranger in a Strange Land — A Review.

9th April, April: ‘Stranger in a Strange Land’.

Yes: it’s officially Sunday night.

And?

Dinner has been eaten, painkillers taken … 

And TV will be watched.

Yes: it’s Easter Sunday.

And I’m going to be settling in with ‘Stranger in a Strange Land’: the last episode of this season of For All Mankind.

I’ll have my review up, tomorrow night.

Come back, then: you can find out what I thought … !

~≈🪐≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th April 2023.

10th April, 2023.

Right … It’s Easter Monday.

Frankly?

Bar finishing some bits and bobs?

I’m going to be bored out of my skull!

I hate bank holidays: you can never get things done!

~≈É≈~

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

9th April, 2023.

It’s Easter Sunday.

And frankly?

It’s a time for … well … avoiding chocolate, if you’re a type two diabetic.

Which is a shame: I’m found of the odd Yorkie Bar.

But there you go!

At any rate … ?

I’ve got the radio off: as today’s Sunday service is a bit too High Anglican for my taste.

Instead … ?

I’ve got some Dread Zeppelin.

Elvis-impersonating, reggae-tinged, versions of Led Zeppelin tunes match my mood far more closely …

~≈🪇≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s the day after I posted my review of ‘Surrender’: the eighth episode of Star Trek Picard’s third and final series.

I hope you enjoy it.

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek Picard — Series 3 Episode 8 — Surrender — A Review.

7th April, 2023: ‘Surrender’.

Right … it’s Friday, again.

And … ?

Even as I write, vegetables are boiling, chips are cooking … 

And fish is being burnt to billy-o.

At any rate … ?

Dinner is almost done: to a turn.

And, once it’s eaten?

I’ll watch ‘Surrender’, the eighth episode of Star Trek Picard’s third season: and tell you about it, tomorrow night.

~≈🖖≈~

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

8th April, 2023.

Right … I think I owe Trevor a big thank you.

He managed to remind me I wouldn’t be getting any post, yesterday … as it was a bank holiday.

Thanking you, Trevor!

As you can imagine?

I’ve already sent the court service an email: reminding them I’d been told I’d get the letter by the seventh, and that it wouldn’t arrive, because of the bank holiday … 

But, of course, aren’t expecting any reply until Tuesday … as Monday is ALSO a bank holiday.

I love life … 

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7-4-2023 — World Health Day.

7th April, 2023.

It’s officially official: I have no money in the bank.

I know for sure … because I’ve just double checked, three times.

• Zilch.
• Nowt.
• Nothing.

Or, as my bank puts it … ?

Nil.

Not … a thing … 

So you know … ?

I attended a phone tribunal, last week: to see if I qualified for extra financial help.

And am due the letter about the decision is due, today.

I’m frustrated: at the lack of any cash … and the lack any information.

The frustration … ?

Is getting a bit much.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6th April 2023.

6th April, 2023.

Yes: it’s now Thursday.

And I have to admit, I’m feeling mildly obsessed.

You’ll be aware I’m waiting to hear the results of a tribunal: that could involved a lot of financial help … and — possibly — some back pay.

I’m supposed to be told by post: and am expecting the letter by tomorrow at the latest.

In the meantime … ?

I’ve been obsessively, and repeatedly, checking my bank: to see if anything’s gone in.

It hasn’t.

I’m — understandably — obsessed: as, with the money I’m getting, any extra help is important.

I’m also wondering if it’s a possible sign of  Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: but doubt it … 

But also … ?

I’m thinking I may not have been awarded anything: the process is taking its time.

~≈£≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-4-2023 — Passover.

5th April, 2023: Passover.

Right … I’m up early, again!

Yes: I’ve an early morning appointment.

Believe it or not, with a lifestyle coach!

Who’s taking over my weight management course.

Yes: I can appreciate they have a job to do.

And, yes: I hope it will go well.

But — equally — it’s always struck me the word ‘lifestyle’ is very silly.

Especially as I’ve only heard it frequently used by aerobics instructors, influencers … and people who teach pilates!

~≈ß≈~

Oh … 

I had a phone tribunal, last Thursday: something long time readers will be aware of.

I still haven’t heard about the decision, as yet: so don’t know if it went my way, or not.

The letter is still due by Friday.

My bank account?

Equally as penniless.

Not knowing … ?   When I know people who were told on the day … ?

Is frustrating!

~≈ß≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4th April 2023.

4th April, 2023.

Yes: it’s Tuesday.

And yes: I’m up early.

It’s the Easter Holidays: so I’m looking after my nephew, Jude, for the morning.

There’s going to be videos made, I know that.

Talking of which?

That’s my most recent video review: of the penultimate episode of For All Mankind’s third series.

Feel free to hit Like and Share!

~≈Ω≈~