Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31st July, 2023.

31st July, 2023.

Yes: it’s officially official.

It’s Monday.

And … ?

Frankly, I’m off to my weight management class.

Hopefully?

I’ll’ve lost a few pounds!

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-7-2023 — Nichelle.

30th July, 2023: Nichelle.

You know, Friday was a stressful day.

Friday just gone, I should add.

I had a new set of utility meters put in.

Not something I found easy: but there you go.

At any rate … ?

I was due a delivery from a third party seller on Amazon, the same day: a tub of Marmite, so you know.

The seller’s are called (Daily Essentials), so you know.

The Marmite hasn’t turned up.

I was annoyed enough to contact the seller and complain.

According to them, the currier — their spelling — had successfully delivered it.

And that I should check with my family and neighbours.

I live on my own: and the neighbours had nothing.

The tub?

Is still listed as ‘running late’ on Amazon, I should add.

The sooner the tub turns up?

The happier I’ll be.

~≈ß≈~

Oh, talking of the new meters?

And the spiffing new In Home Display that goes with them … ?

It’s got traffic lights on it.

Or, at least, a green, orange and red light.

As far as I can tell … ?

These are supposed to change: when your gas — or electricity — usage goes up and down.

That’s handy: I’ve already worked out which of my appliances — the washing machine’s fairly low energy, as is the iMac, but the spare desktop, and the oven, are hogs! — are good or bad.

OK, the traffic lights are a simplistic way of measuring these things.

But that — and the rough price guide it shows — are handy.

~≈ß≈~

One last thing, before I move on … ?

I’ve finally managed to finish my reviews of “Under the Cloak of War”, the most recent episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds.

This second season is very strong.

But?

This episode is very strong!

Check it out!

~≈ß≈~

Star Trek Strange New Worlds Episode 8 — “Under the Cloak of War” — A Review

28th July, 2023: The Intro.

It’s Friday.

And yes: you’ve possibly guessed a few things.

For a start, that it is a Friday.

You’ve got a calendar — on your computer, wall or phone — the same as I have.

Yes: it’s Friday.

And, once again, I’ve got fish, home made chips, and a healthy dose — dose? — of vegetables on the go.

And … ?

As you possibly might have realised — if you’ve read this morning’s Teaser post — that I’ve had new, smart, pay-as-you-go, utilities meters, put in.

Something I personally found stressful.

Especially as the old gas meter’s battery had run out.

It meant that the engineer could transfer the credit from my electricity meter … but not from the gas meter.

As he could read it!

Oh, well: we’ll have to see how that goes.

At any rate … ?

It’s Friday … 

Which means that, once I’ve had dinner … ?

I’ll be watching “Under the Cloak of War”, the next episode of Star Trek Strange New World, tonight.

And telling you about it, tomorrow.

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th July, 2023.

29th July, 2023.

Right … 

I can safely say that things … have happened.

I’ve now had my new, smart, utility meters — new gas and electricity meters— put in.

And have to admit, I found the process … quite stressful.

The actual engineer who did the installation?

Was fine: he was both polite, and seemed very efficient.

Which, for me?

Was reassuring.

The stuff that wasn’t … ?

Was the consequences.

I now have what my suppliers call an in-home-display.

It’s a little widget that lets me monitor how much gas and electricity I’m using, when I’m using it.

AND shows my current credit balance.

Can I make a confession … ?

Setting up the phone app, registering my payment cards, and waiting for all this to be acknowledged?

Was even more stressful!

As was topping up: after all, I’ve never actually used this new — and comparatively slow — process.

That slowness?   Is due to the fact that payments go onto my new meter over the ’Net: rather than by plugging a key or card, directly into the meter.

That slowness is not reassuring.

Especially as I’m used to the instant response from the old meters.

It’s … 

Well, the old Newspeak term seems to fit.

It’s Ungood.

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-7-2023 — Bernard Cribbins.

28th July, 2023: Bernard.

Right … I have to confess to feeling a bit … stressed.

Although maybe I should add some emphasis, there, and right it as stressed.

Today is, after all, the day I’m due to have my Pay-as-you-Go utility meters replaced.

I am as nervous as anything.

After all, for me, these things are very new technology.

~≈¥≈~

At any rate … ?

The engineer’s due, today.

Between now, and twelve.

Here’s hoping it’s quick: and easy to set up.

~≈¥≈~

Either way?

If this post is up late?

It’s because The engineer’s turned off the electricity … 

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th July, 2023.

27th July, 2023.

Yes: it’s officially official.

I’m desperately playing Blondie’s “Screaming Skin” — track one of No Exit — in order to counter … an earworm!

I’ve now replaced it … with the Eat to the Beat LP.

Because … ?

I’ve woken up with a dance meme bouncing around my head.

Dratted thing … !

~≈🕺≈~

At any rate?

That’s countered by a certain amount of sadness.

As I — and you — learnt about the death of singer/songwriter, Sinéad O’Conner.

That’s a loss.

Much like Phil Lynott and Dolores O’Riordan, was one of Ireland’s finest.

She’ll be missed.

~≈🎤≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-7-2023 — A New York State of Mind.

26th July, 2023: A New York State of Mind.

Yes: it’s now officially Wednesday.

And events will no doubt be eventuating.

Which is nice!

Frankly?

Beyond going shopping, I’ve little to do.

We’ll have to see what I can find.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-7-2023 — The Leak.

25th July, 2023: The Leak … !

Oh, now that’s sad … !

One of my neighbours lived with her partner: just — literally, just — around the corner from me.

‘Lived’, I should say.

Unfortunately?   When I got up this morning, it was to a torrent of Facebook posts telling me the woman had died.

Something I was able to confirm with her partner: who phoned me, earlier, today.

He’s obviously grief stricken.

What could I do … ?   Bar offer my much needed sympathies?

I don’t know.

But that’s what I did: along side the usual words, “If there’s anything I can do … ?”

Here’s hoping there’s something … 

~≈Ü≈~

Saying that?

I know this morning was possibly not the time to ask him … but I’m wondering if his name was on the tenancy?

If not … ?

Well … I’d had to lose a home, under these circumstances … 

~≈Ü≈~

At any rate … ?

In pleasanter news?

I managed to get my written and video reviews of “Those Old Scientists” finished and posted.

I hope you enjoy them.

~≈Ü≈~

Star Trek Strange New Worlds Episode 7 — “Those Old Scientists” — A Review

23rd July, 2023: the Intro.

Yes: it’s Sunday.

You know that as well as I do.

And … ?

Frankly, I’ve done my usual thing of having Sunday dinner with my family.

And … ?

Gone into something of a scheduling panic.

As Paramount+ have released “Those Old Scientists” yesterday: rather than this coming Thursday!

Quite why, I don’t know.

At any rate?

I’m at home early on a Sunday evening: and intent on watching “Those Old Scientists” with a nice cup of tea, and a metaphorical bun.

Here’s hoping the unexpected shift works for me!

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-7-2023: The PM.

24th July, 2023: The PM.

Right … it’s Monday.

And, with the Associates “Those First Impressions” on in the background … ?

I’m facing another early Monday morning.

As it’s the day for my weight management class.

Whoopee!

~≈É≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd July, 2023.

23rd July, 2023.

Yet: it’s Sunday.

The day after I’ve released a review of “Lost in Translation”, the most recent episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds.

Happily thinking the next episode — “Those Old Scientists” — would be on Thursday.

It’s not.

It got released, yesterday.

Paramount DOES like to surprise people … !

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek Strange New Worlds Episode 6 — “Lost in Translation” — A Review.

Friday, 21st July, 2023: the Introduction.

Yes: it’s official.

It’s been payday.

So … ?

Frankly, I’ve been tempted to treat myself to fish and chips.

You know, walk up to the nearest chippy, get cod and chips, then head home, and eat.

It would be nice.

But let’s be honest: it’s not the best way of keeping hold of any cash for the rest of the month!

So … ?

I’m doing my own dinner, thanking you: fish … and homemade chips.

On — as you’ve possibly noticed — a Friday.

Which means … ?

For one thing, I’m going to eat.

For another?

I’m going to be watching “Lost in Translation”, the next episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds: and telling you what I though about it, tomorrow.

That’s when this gets published!

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-7-2023 — Belgium

22nd July, 2023: Belgium.

It’s official.

It’s the day after payday: and the day after I went shopping.

And I’m mildly kicking myself.

There’s always something I forget!

~≈ß≈~

Oh … I’m very aware many matches — of football, snooker, tennis, and many other things — can be interrupted.

For all sorts of reasons.

One of the oddest?

Was yesterday.

It seems a Gateshead FC match was called off, yesterday.

As a hearse was driven onto the pitch.

That’s odd.

But not necessarily as cute as the squirrel that invaded Arsenal’s pitch, a few years ago.

~≈ß≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-7-2023 — You’re As Cold As Ice.

21st July, 2023: You’re as Cold as Ice.

Yes: it’s official.

It’s Payday.

Which means?

I’m going to have to put money aside.

I’m due to have my utilities meters replaced: next Friday.

As the balance on the current ones won’t be transferred over for another four to six weeks?

I need to make sure there’s cash on hand for when the new ones are installed, and the new payment cards, registered.

That way … ?   I’ve got credit on hand.

I hope it goes quickly: the uncertainty is’s doing my anxiety levels much good.

~≈¥≈~

Which is the other thing … 

I’ve put in for Personal Independence Payments: an extra benefit for those in poor health.

I had the assessment, on Tuesday just gone.

I’m … 

I have to admit to a certain amount of anxiety about that.

And a certain amount of … I don’t know what to call it: compulsive window shopping?

That seems as good a phrase as any.

My mind is convinced I’m going to walk away with a pile of cash, that I can start spending, now.

I understand it, I know it’s there, I know it’s my usual reaction to situations like this.

Including, I should say, having an unchecked lottery ticket.

Why it’s happening?

I don’t know.

But?

It’s not especially pleasant.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th July, 2023.

20th July, 2023.

Right … 

It’s Thursday.

Which means … ?

Bar the the usual walk around the block?

It’s going to be a quiet day.

However?

It’s pay day, tomorrow.

Which means I can do stuff.

~≈®≈~

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

19th July, 2023.

It’s Wednesday … and it’s raining>

Well … drizzling: let’s put it that way.

Which makes a change from this time, last year.

19th July, 2022, was the hottest day in the UK, on record.

I’m thankful things have changed!

~≈¥≈~

I’m tired: partly … ?

Because I went to bed late.

After finishing my last review of The Mandalorian’s third series.

And helping my nephew with his most recent ones.

Oh, and helping him with his Spanish homework.

Oh, at least, letting him use my laptop, to do his Spanish homework.

Either I’m boring, or it was very last minute!

~≈¥≈~

So … I was up late … after getting up early, yesterday.

I had a Personal Independence Payment  assessment, yesterday.

It went well enough: and the DWP, the Department of Work and Pensions, have formally messaged me to tell me I’ll get a message about their decision … 

In six to eight weeks.

My internal monologue?

Is persistently telling me I’ve won six thousand pounds (£6, 000): and should start eyeballing furnishings, and a new Mac, now.

Which is poisonous: something akin to a gambling addict’s mind telling him this last bet will win him a fortune.

All I can do … ?

Is to keep very aware of that, not get my hopes up … and try and be patient!

~≈¥≈~

The Mandalorian — Series 3 Episode 8 — Chapter 24 “The Return” — A Review

17th July, 2023: an Introduction.

Right … it’s Monday.

Which means I’m trying, desperately, to not burn dinner … whilst listening to tonight’s episode of I’m Sorry, I Haven’t a Clue.

With games of Mornington Crescent, like that?

You can’t go wrong!

~≈👽≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s Monday.

So, once I’ve had dinner — a burger — I’ll be watching Chapter 24 of The Mandalorian: “The Return” is the last of the current series: so I’m hoping it’s a suitable finale!

~≈👽≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th July, 2023.

18th July, 2023.

It’s officially Tuesday.

And, frankly?

I’m feeling both rushed, and tired.

After all, I was up early, yesterday: to attend my weight management group, and wait for an engineer.

Today … ?

I’m up early to attend a (phone) PIP assessment.

Hopefully, that will go well.

But I won’t know for a while.

~≈∏≈~

You noticed I mentioned an ‘engineer’?

Yes: I was supposed to have one visit: to fit two smart, pay-as-you-go, utility meters.

One for gas, one for electricity.

He phoned me, before he got here.

Guess what?

He only had the electricity meter.

The appointment’s been rearranged for next week.

~≈∏≈~

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

17th June, 2023.

Right … it’s not often I feel like improvising songs: badly or otherwise!

But I felt like it, this morning.

I can only hope today’s intro video doesn’t scare your cat!

~≈𝚨≈~

I have a confession to make: I saw this piece on the BBC’s site, yesterday.

It tells us many who are on long-term sickness benefits feel written off.

I have to say, I know where the piece is coming from.

If for no other reason than this.

People who aren’t seen as having a Limited Capacity to Work, have to go to a meeting with a case working at least once a fortnight.

Those of us who are seen as such?

Don’t.

Any skills we may have, and can use?

Are wasted as a result.

~≈Ω≈~

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

16th July, 2023.

Right … it’s now Sunday.

And?

I was babysitting my nephew, Jude, last night.

Yes: he’s made a video … !

As has his uncle!

I finish posting my review of “Charades” at eleven thirty!

No wonder I fell tired!

~≈Ç≈~

Star Trek Strange New Worlds Episode 5 — “Charades” — A Review

14th July, 2023: an Introduction.

Wouldn’t you know it?

It’s Friday … again!

Which means, yes;

I’m cremating fish and chips.

The weather’s completely different from what it was.

And an old friend has posted a video … 

At any rate … ?

I’ll be watching that video whilst I eat: then watching “Charades”, the next episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds, once I’m done with that!

I’ll let you know about “Charades”, tomorrow!

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-7-2023 — Manitoba

15th July, 2023: Manitoba.

It’s official: it’s Saturday.

And … ?

Frankly, my pharmacist text messaged, last night: to let me know my next set of medications have turned up.

So it’s a case of getting into town, pick up the meds, finish a review, baby sit my nephew, make at least one video, have something to eat … 

And, possibly, have another cup of tea.

Heigh … ho!

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-7-2023 — Bastille Day

14th July, 2023: Bastille Day.

Right … it’s Friday … 

Which means I know what I’m doing, tonight: watching another episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds.

And it has to be said: the show’s looking very good.

Hopefully?

Tonight’s episode will carry on the trend.

~≈§≈~

One thing I AM thinking … ?

Is that I have copies of a pair of nuclear war dramas: of both Threads, and The Day After.

Hopefully?

I’ll be able to catch one of them, at some point.

We’ll have to see.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-7-2023 — Dance With a Stranger.

13th July, 2023: Dance With a Stranger.

Did I mention I had my nephew over, just recently?

I had my nephew over, recently.

And totally forgot to mention we’d recorded the video he made!

It seems to be doing well … 

~≈🥤≈~

Did I mention I caught one — and a bit! — episode of an Australian series called Tidelands?

I think it’s going to be one I’ll be giving a miss.

OK … the premise — Drug dealers in a small coastal town working with mermaids — seemed OK.

But?

The cast were all just a little too good looking*: and the dialogue just a little too stilted.

A little too much like The Young and the Restless for my comfort!

~≈🥤≈~

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

12th July, 2023.

Yep: it’s a Wednesday.

And, frankly?

I’m trying not to get too distracted by random stuff.

As I want to make sure to Brentwood Hospital: for the usual quarterly blood tests.

Hopefully, they’ll show what the Trulicity’s doing to my blood sugar levels.

~≈®≈~

The Mandalorian — Series 3 Episode 7 — Chapter 23 “The Spies” — A Review

10th July, 2023.   The Introduction.

Yes: it’s true.

You’ll be very aware it’s Monday, that I’m going to be having dinner — a burger, so you know — and will be watching the next episode of The Mandalorian, once I’ve had that.

While I’m writing this intro, though?

I’m listening to the opening episode of the new series of I’m Sorry, I Haven’t a Clue.

Right now?

Pippa Evans is singing the words of The Teddy Bears Picnic … to the tune of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah!

I would seriously give that show a listen: especially if you’ve never heard it!

~≈👽≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s Monday: so … ?

I’m going to be having dinner, watching an old friend’s comic book video … then watching “The Spies” … 

I’ll be seeing you, tomorrow … !

~≈👽≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11th July, 2023.

11th July, 2023.

Right … It’s Tuesday: the day after Monday.

And the day after my weight management meeting.

Technically?

That was supposed to be the last one.

But I’ve managed to get an extension, there.

That’s all good!

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10-7-2023 — The Bahamas

10th July, 2023: The Bahamas.

Right … it’s Monday.

A Monday where — once more — I’m up early for my weight management meeting.

I’m looking forward to it: as it’s the last of the currant batch.

Quite what would be next … ?

I don’t know: I suspect I’d need to ask there: or at my surgery.

~≈∑≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-7-2023 — The African Union.

9th July, 2023: The African Union.

It’s official: we were supposed to get thunderstorms, yesterday.

But didn’t!

We got about ten minutes of light drizzle, instead: after a day that was very muggy.

Hopefully?

We’ll get a real storm, today.

~≈⚡️≈~

Oh … I’ve caught another episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds.

In case you’re interested … ?

The review’s here;

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek Strange New Worlds — S02 E04 — “Among the Lotus Eaters” — A Review

7th July, 2023: “Among the Lotus Eaters”.

Yes: it’s Friday, again.

And … ?

I’m grateful I’ve got food in the fridge-freezer.

Life on benefits is not exactly what you call load with cash.

So?

Why we’re supposed too eat fish and chips on Friday isn’t as important as the fact I’ve got some.

I have to admit to a certain amount of envy, though.

My building’s had a few Uber deliveries!

Heigh ho!

~≈🖖≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s Friday: and dinner’s almost ready.

Which means that, once that’s done … ?

I’m going to watch “Among the Lotus Eaters”, the next episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds.

And?

Letting you know what I thought, once I post my reviews of it, tomorrow night.

You’re going to be reading this piece, then.

So, to quote the old phrase … ?

Now read on … 

~≈🖖≈~