Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-8-2023 — Kyrgyzstan.

31st August, 2023: Kyrgyzstan.

Right … it’s Thursday … and I’m mildly annoyed!

Sainsbury’s didn’t have the milk I was after, yesterday.

It’s no big deal: I can always go back, today.

I just hope Sainbury’s deliveries have turned up!

~≈¥≈~

Did I mention I on benefits?

I possibly have.

I’m also — after a lengthy application process, reconsideration and appeal! — classed as having a Limited Capability for Work.

Which doesn’t get me much in the way of extra financial help: but does mean I’m supposed to have a meeting with a case worker, once every three months.

I was classed as LCW in March, after a tribunal.

And still haven’t heard a thing.

From what I’m told?

There’s some sort of back log.

Right now, six months or so after the tribunal?

I’ve heard nothing about a meeting.

I can’t complain too much: it avoids having to walk up Queens Road, after all.

But … ?

It means I’m left without guidance: as, I suspect, are many others.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-8-2023 — The Assassination Attempt.

30th August, 2023: The Assassination Attempt!

Wednesdays … 

Or hump day, as they used to get called!

It’s another one!

Which means?

Frankly, I’ve got to pick a few bits and bobs up.

And … ?

Jump out of my skin: when my phoned beeped.

It was the Department of Work and Pensions, again: telling me they’ll let me know about my PIP claim on the 26th os September.

Hey … ho … !

~≈¥≈~

Additionally … ?

It’s Wednesday.

Which means it’s the day after Tuesday.

And, as is traditional, by now?

My nephew’s published another video.

Feel free to hit the Like and Share buttons.

~≈¥≈~

Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-8-2023 — Electromagnetic Induction.

29th August, 2023: Electromagnetic Induction.

Yay!

It’s Tuesday … !

Which basically means I’ll be looking after my nephew, this afternoon.

Which should be fun.

~≈fi≈~

I also know something else: yesterday was the day the lady who lived upstairs, moved out.

Granted, we had a rocky time of it, at times.

Especially when her youngest boy had a full sized trampoline!

But … ?

She, and her family, moved out, yesterday: to a council bungalow, ’round the corner.

I’ll miss them, I know her kids will have a garden to enjoy: but wonder who we’ll get next.

There’s a whole batch of possibilities.

~≈fi≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-8-2023 — Hermes.

28th August, 2023: Hermes.

Right … it’s Bank Holiday Monday … and I think I’m bored already!

Well … not exactly enthused, let’s put it that way!

At times like this?

Having a job would be nice: I’d either be getting double time, or have the day off!

Life can be frustrating!

~≈ß≈~

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

27th August, 2023.

Right … it’s officially Sunday.

And the day before a bank holiday.

At times like this … ?

I end up wishing benefits paid time and a half: as jobs do on bank holidays.

It would half come in useful!

~≈¥≈~

Oh, just as an extra thought?

I caught the first episode of Good Omens’ second season on Friday.

It’s rather good: so good, I reviewed it!

Feel free to hit the Like button!

~≈¥≈~

Good Omens Series 2 Episode 1 — “The Arrival” — A Review.

25th August, 2023: An Introduction.

It’s official: it’s Friday.

And I’ve just turned down my chips.

Turned down the heat of the oven that’s cooking my chips, I should say!

At any rate, it’s Friday: and I’ve had a few weeks off.

At least from watching a TV show, then telling you about it.

The last series I caught?   Was Star Trek Strange New Worlds’ very impressive second series: something that climaxed with the tenth episode, “Hegemony”.

The next series I’m planning to catch … ?

Is the second season of Good Omens.

It’s something I’m looking forward to.

With a certain amount of trepidation.

I’m a fan of Terry Pratchett: the original novel, by he and Neil Gaiman, is something I’m fond of.

As was the original series.

So?   I’m looking forward to this second series: knowing it’s not based on a second book in the universe the pair worked on.

I’m looking forward to it … with some trepidation.

Frankly?

We’ll have to see what I make of this.

I will, as ever, have this first written review up on 26/8/2023: with the video version not long after.

~≈🪽≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th August, 2023.

26th August, 2023.

Yep: it’s officially Saturday.

And … ?

I’ve just enough in the bank — or wallet, at any rate — to get some shopping.

And … ?

I’ve got enough to get the makings of a chilli con carne: but a new utilities meter that’s telling me leaving the oven on for that long … will blow the proverbial budget.

I might just have to have sausages … !

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-8-2023 — Sean Connery.

25th August, 2023: Sean Connery.

Right … it’s Friday … 

Which means?

It’s the day after Thursday.

It also means that it’s the day after I had a meeting with a worker from Peabody: to help with my Personal Independence Payments.

Unfortunately?

There’s not much help they could offer, at the stage I’m at.

Although they did point me at a website, that could offer some financial help.

So that’s something.

~≈Í≈~

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

24th August, 2023.

Right … it’s Thursday.

And?

My bills are paid: and the utilities are topped up.

Which was worrying me, if I’m honest.

At any rate … ?

I’ve a meeting today: with a charity called Peabody.

Hopefully, they’ll be able to help with my Personal Independence Payment claim.

~≈¥≈~

Over the past few days … ?

There’s been a lot made about the death of a little girl called Sara Sharif.

She was found dead, a few days ago, in the family home in Surrey: a home that had been seemingly abandoned by the rest of her family.

It seems her father, step mother and uncle had fled to Pakistan: whilst making a ‘Concern for Welfare’ call to local police.

Various things have come out, since reporting started.

Including reports that one neighbour had been told the little girl was being home-schooled: and, when she had been seen at school, had been seen with injuries.

I’m not someone who’s connected to the case: just someone saddened by some tragic news.

But also someone who’s wondering something: something not mentioned in all the press I’ve seen.

Where’s the girl’s mother in all this … ?

~≈¥≈~

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

23rd August, 2023.

Yes: it’s now Wednesday … and payday.

Which … ?

Barring the fact I know it’s going to be spent by tomorrow?

That’s a handy thing to know: as it means I can pay my bills, and get some shopping.

That’s emotional reassuring, if nothing else.

~≈¥≈~

About the only (minor) problem?

Is that my pay-as-you-go utility meters have been transferred from SSE to Ovo.

SSE?   Let you pay online, at a PayPoint or at a post office.

By contrast?   OVO let you pay online, or at a PayPoint.

OK, I know I could pay online: but I tend to prefer in person.

It gets me some exercise, if nothing else.

The trouble, there?

Is that the nearest PayPoint … ?

Is miles from my bank, and shops!

A lot further from the high street than the post office!

It’s going to be a lot more exercise than I want!

~≈¥≈~

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

22nd August, 2023.

Yes: it’s officially Tuesday!

Which means I’m feeling vaguely impatient.

Yep: it’s payday, tomorrow.

And, as ever?

Means ‘vaguely’ doesn’t even start!

~≈®≈~

At any rate … ?

I do know my nephew, Jude, was here, yesterday.

He has, as ever … managed to make his own videos.

Although he found lining up the audio with exactly where he wanted it, frustrating: at least in the third video … 

Still, I think he’s done well.

Now … 

If anyone wants to give a 12 year old YouTuber, a Mac mini?

They’d be welcome!

~≈®≈~

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

21st August, 2023.

Right … you can tell it’s Monday, can’t you?

Of course you can: you’ve got access to a calendar of some description.

So, you know it’s Monday … and (possibly) also aware I’m off to my weight management class.

I can only hope that the walk up that hill is worth it: and that I’ve lost some weight!

~≈∑≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-8-2023 — Hungary.

20th August, 2023: Hungary.

Right … it’s a quiet Sunday morning.

And, frankly?

I’m looking at a quiet one.

Bar filming, of course!

Frankly?

I’m looking forward to the new week: I can possibly get a few things done.

~≈Ù≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th August 2023.

19th August, 2023.

Right … I’ve officially had to turn on Music.app!

Why?

Because I’ve woken up with another earworm!

Jain’s “Makeba”, again!

Hopefully?

Hopefully, by putting “Forbidden Colours” on repeat!

~≈¥≈~

Just as a quick extra point?

It seems X — the site formerly known as Twitter — is going to be removing the ability to block people.

You can still mute people: and block them from sending you a message.

But?

I really don’t like the idea: I can see it causing problems.

As can this user on Mastodon: 

I can only hope Elon reverses that.

~≈¥≈~

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

18th August, 2023.

Right … I’ve officially woken up … with an earworm!

From the Star Trek Strange New Worlds episode, “Subspace Rhapsody”: a weird mashup of Jess Bush’s “I’m Ready”, and Rebecca Romijn’s “Connect to Your Truth”.

Why?

Well, I don’t know!

The only way I can deal with it … ?

Is to play something else* … !

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th August 2023.

17th August, 2023.

It’s official: bits of me are still twanging after a recent fall.

The pleasures of getting older, hey?

At any rate, bits are still twanging … but less painful than they were.

Here’s hoping!

~≈Ç≈~

I mentioned, yesterday, that the DWP, the Department of Work and Pensions had text messaged me: to tell me I’d hear from them by 26/9/2023.

Which is nice to know.

They’ve just messaged, again.

Again!

To let me know they’re going to let me know by 26/9/2023.

OK … 

That’s the second time they’ve told me … 

~≈Ç≈~

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

16th August, 2023.

Right … I have to admit, I still hurt: after falling over, the other day.

But … ?

I think I’ll survive: bar the sore bits!

~≈Â≈~

At any rate … ?

I mentioned yesterday, that I’d asked a charity called Peabody for help with my PIP claim.

And that they hadn’t phoned me back, to make that appointment.

They did, eventually.

About five minutes after I posted yesterday’s Teaser!

Roll on next Thursday: that’s when the appointment is … 

~≈Â≈~

Talking of the PIP claim?   Or, at least, the Mandatory Reconsideration I’ve put in for … ?

The Department of Work and Pensions have — literally — just text messaged me.

Apparently?

They’ll be letting me know their decision by 26/9/2023.

I’ll be glad to hear, one way or the other … 

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-8-2023 — Liechtenstein.

15th August, 2023: Liechtenstein.

Ouch!

I hate how my shoes fail, when I need them not to!

I caught my foot on the pavement on Warley Hill, coming home, yesterday.

With the net result … ?   That I ended up falling, face first, onto the pavement.

With a bag of shopping on my back!

Ouch!

I’m OK: bar a few aches and pains … and a very nasty scab … !

~≈∇≈~

Oh … I’ve had a call from my GP’s social prescriber, yesterday.

Literally minutes after going arse over tit!

And managed to get her to phone back … on my landline.

It seems I may qualify from help from a charity called Peabody.

They’ve two drop in services organised at local churches: yesterday and today.

Neither of which are easy to get to.

And an appointment only meeting, at Brentwood Town Hall, tomorrow.

I’ve phoned for one, had the initial call … but not yet had a call back with an appointment.

We’ll have to see.

~≈∇≈~

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

14th August, 2023.

Yes: it’s Monday, again.

And yes: I’m off to another weight management class.

Hopefully?

I would’ve lost some.

Here’s hoping.

~≈Ç≈~

One thing I do know about them?

Is that my weight has spiked, somewhat.

Generally, the trend has been down: but since switching from the coveted Ozempic, to Trulicity?

I’ve noticed my weight has gone up … and is now coming down, since switching.

My sugar levels are good: it’s just the weight seems noticeable.

Why is this happening?

I don’t know.

We’ll have to see what happens!

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-8-2023 — International Left Hander’s Day

13th August, 2023: International Left Hander’s Day … !

It’s officially official!

It’s Left-hander’s Day!

So, frankly?

I’m expecting any right handers reading this, to be doing something left handed!

JUST to give yourself a taste … !

~≈®≈~

At any rate … ?

I’ve caught “Hegemony”, the last episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds.

Frankly?

It’s rather good!

~≈®≈~

Star Trek Strange New Worlds Episode 10 — “Hegemony” — A Review

11th August, 2023: the Intro.

Not that I’m trying to rush myself … 

But … ?

I’ve just turned down the oven!

Which possibly doesn’t make sense: unless you’re me!

At any rate … ?

And as you’ve possibly guessed, by now?

It’s a Friday: which means I’ll be having fish and chips for dinner.

Then watching the next — and last — episode of season two of Star Trek Strange New Worlds.

From the very little I’m reading?

“Hegemony” could well be interesting.

~≈🖖≈~

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

12th August, 2023.

Yes: it’s Saturday … 

And, frankly?

I’m looking forward to finishing my review of the last episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds.

“Hegemony” is an interesting episode: with interesting guest characters!

As a completely incidental point?

At about one minute and ten seconds into that clip, some twenty-four minutes and forty-two seconds into the episode?

There’s a five note riff: a sort of doot-DOOT, doot-DOOT riff … that, to me sounds VERY similar to something in the original theatrical version of Alien.

Whether it is, or it isn’t?

We’d possibly need to let a court decide.

But?

Given the Gorn episodes are Star Trek’s take on Alien, it seems a nice, and atmospheric, touch.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11th August 2023

11th August, 2023.

Right … I’ve got my windows open.

It is a bit muggy: not surprising, given it’s overcast, and warm.

But?

Having some fresh air coming in does help.

Even if I can hear the trains going past.

~≈Í≈~

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

10th August, 2023.

I am — officially or not — up ridiculously early!

I’m officially Jude sitting, this morning: he’s due at 9.30.

So I’m up early to get things done.

I suspect … that I’m going to be yawning, a lot.

~≈¥≈~

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

9th August, 2023.

Right … 

You’ll be very away I caught the 1984, Threads, the other day.

It’s a great piece: but also one of the most harrowing things I think I’ve seen.

I don’t think I could see anything worse.

But?

The director of Threads — Mick Jackson — also directed a piece for the 1980s documentary series, QED: called “A Guide to Armageddon”.

I saw it, last night: as it was on YouTube.

That copy looks like it’s been transferred to computer from an old fashioned VHS tape: then uploaded to YouTube from there.

Either way … ?

It’s … unnerving.

Unnerving: especially Ludovic Kennedy’s blandly matter-of-fact narration.

Narration that informs us the top of the range bomb shelters … would only keep you safe if that were some four and a half miles from the nearest blast.

Narration informs us not everyone could afford those premium shelters.

And narration that makes life in a bomb shelter … sound a lot worse that the actual bomb … 

I’m glad a bomb hasn’t dropped.

I convinced one won’t: and that we’re more likely to kill ourselves with climate change.

But?

I’m very aware some countries — including the UK — have weapons they can use.

That’s a pleasant thought, isn’t it … ?

~≈💥≈~

On a lighter note: one you’re possibly glad to see me move to … ?

Yes: my nephew was over, yesterday: and getting rather good at editing videos.

Or, at least, adding sound effects to his gaming videos.

Here:

Feel free to hit the Like button … !

~≈💥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8th August 2023

8th August, 2023.

Yay!

It’s Tuesday!

Why?

Because it’s the day after Monday.

But you’d worked that out, already, hadn’t you … ?

At any rate … ?

I’m baby-sitting my nephew, this afternoon.

And planning on a letter to my GP: to see what help she, or the surgery, can offer for my PIP claim.

After I missed the call from the Social Prescriber!

We’ll have to see what we can do … 

~≈fi≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7-8-2023 — Báthory.

7th August, 2023.

I have to confess, I am knackered.

I’ve had an early start, this morning.

I’ve got my weigh management meeting, today, so want to get there in good time.

I was also up, late.

Watching the 1984 film, Threads*†.

I didn’t do my usual review: as I felt I hadn’t the time.

But?

Threads is one hell of a piece.

Whether it’s still relevant?   I don’t know.

Today, we’re killing ourselves slowly with climate change: rather being five minutes away from death from a nuclear attack.

Did it — and dramas like When the Wind Blows, or The Day After — make any difference?   Persuade governments not to drop the bomb?

I don’t know.

Is it worrying?

Yes.

This is still a powerful piece that deserves watching.

One I think my nephew Jude wouldn’t necessarily enjoy: we’ve discussed it.

Threads is blunt, powerful … and will give you nightmares, especially if you’re pregnant …

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6th August, 2023.

6th August, 2023.

I think we can safely say I have something to share.

Yes: I’ve finally posted my review of “Subspace Rhapsody” … !

To the point I’ve got “I’m Ready”, Nurse Chapel’s big number, earworming its way through my head!

Heigh ho!

~≈Ç≈~

Star Trek Strange New Worlds Episode 9 — “Subspace Rhapsody” — A Review

4th August, 2023: The Intro.

Right: it’s Friday, again.

It’s amazing how it crops up, once a week.

At any rate … ?

That means two or three things.

First?

That I’ve finished an up coming Teaser: for International Left Handers Day.

Speaking as a left-hander that writes quizzes?

What were you expecting me to do for 13th August?

Apart from tell my fellow southpaws to do something on the day!

Next up?

Yes: I’m doing fish and chips, again.

And finally?

Yes: I’m going to be watching the next episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds, tonight.

I’ll be posting my review, tomorrow.

I get the impression it’s going to be very silly … … … 

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5th August 2023.

5th August, 2023,

Right … it’s Saturday.

And?

Frankly, I’m grateful I’m not in the south west, or in Northern Ireland.

There’s serious weather warnings out for those regions.

I grant you it’s not looking good, here in Brentwood.

But Danger to Life tags have been add to the warnings for Storm Antoni*.

That sounds serious.

~≈Î≈~

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

4th August, 2023.

Right … It’s officially Friday.

And, tonight?

I’m going to be watching “Subspace Rhapsody”, the next episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds.

It sounds like it could be interesting … 

~≈Ú≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3-8-2023 — Tony Bennett.

3rd August, 2023: Tony Bennett.

Yes: there was a lot of yelling on the street, this morning.

At just gone six thirty.

A quick look out of the window told me what was going on: a chap over the road was getting arrested.

And carted off in an unmarked police car.

Why, I don’t know.

But it certainly adds interest to the morning.

~≈¥≈~

Hmmm … 

Did I mention I’m on benefits?

I’m on benefits: so you know.

And … ?

It turns out that, in theory, I may be eligible for a disabled persons bus pass.

As the cataracts I have mean I may be partially sighted: and cannot drive.

OK, I don’t drive: I never passed my test.

But there’s a possibility I may to get that bus pass.

All I have to do … ?

Is get a letter from an eye specialist, to say so.

To do that … ?

I need to get a letter from my doctor.

Which may, unfortunately, cost.

We’ll have to see what happens, there.

~≈¥≈~