Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-10-2023 — Spookin’ Nevada

31st October, 2023: Spookin’ Nevada!

Right … 

It’s officially official: I’ve had my COVID 19 vaccination.

And went all the way to Shenfield for it.

It is, effectively, the closest place to my front door.

To be honest?

I got there an hour late: but, thankfully, the chemist was happy to oblige me.

Phew!

~≈Ÿ≈~

Oh … tomorrow is the 1st November: you’d guessed.

You’re also aware — if you’re a Dr Who fan in the UK — that all of the classic series, bar one story, is going to start showing on the BBC’s iPlayer Service.

From tomorrow.

There’s more!

It seems a spin off — Tales From The Tardis — is also going to air on the service.

And the franchise will be released under the ‘Whoniverse’ banner.

People are going to be busy!

~≈Ÿ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th October, 2023.

30th October, 2023.

It’s officially Monday.

And … ?

I’m off to my weight management class, this morning.

And, once that’s done … ?

I’m off to Shenfield for a COVID jab.

It’s a busy ol’ day … 

~≈®≈~

Oh, I caught the first episode of AppleTV⁺’s Silo, last night.

I don’t think I’ll be reviewing it: I’ve got to prepare for a For All Mankind’s fourth series, and for a lot of Dr Who!

But … ?

That first episode is impressively dystopian …

~≈®≈~

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

29th October, 2023.

Yes: it’s Sunday morning.

And … ?

I’ve put my clocks back.

OK, OK … I’ve put two of them back: the ones on my phone, and computer, are updated automatically.

At any rate?   The UK is now officially in Greenwich Mean Time, rather than British Summer Time.

Yay … 

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th October, 2023.

28th October, 2023.

Right … 

It’s now officially Saturday.

And, frankly?

I’m thinking a film could be a good idea.

Once I’ve got some videos edited.

We’ll have to see.

~≈¥≈~

I’m sure you — like I — have seen the news of a mass shooter in Maine.

And the news that the suspected shooter — a man called Robert Card — had been found dead, by his own hand, after a three day manhunt.

That’s unfortunate.   As unfortunate as if he were to have been (understandably) shot by local police.

Because?

It means we — and the families of his victims — can’t ask him why he did this.

‘Unfortunate’ is possibly putting it mildly.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-10-2023 — Tulips from Amsterdam

27th October, 2023: Tulips from Amsterdam.

Right … it’s the day after Thursday … 

And I thin I’ve got a cold.

I don’t know for sure.

But do know I’ve got one hell of a blocked up nose!

One day … ?

I’ll manage to blow it!

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-10-2023 — Austria

26th November, 2023: Austria.

Yep: it’s official.

Yesterday was Wednesday.

I managed — happily — to get ingredients for a batch of chilli.

As I’ve got extra money on the meter, and latex gloves.

That’s made I should add: and gives me five extra meals, along side from in the freezer.

My only problem?

Is that — in all the excitement? — I completely forgot I was supposed to have a diabetic eye test in the town hall.

So I’ve rebooked it.

For Monday afternoon.

When I’m supposed to be having a COVID jab in Shenfield!

I’ll get the hang of diaries, one day!

~≈ß≈~

JUST in case you’re a Dr Who fan … ?

You’re possibly aware of the upcoming 60th Anniversary specials, airing this year.

Yesterday?   The BBC announced the air dates for the three specials:

• “The Star Beast” — 25th November, 2023.
• “Wild Blue Yonder” — 2nd December, 2023.
• “The Giggle” — 9th December, 2023.

They’ll be shown on BBC One, and the iPlayer, and — internationally? — on Disney+

Ladies and gentlemen, we have dates.

And, thankfully?

Ones that make my reviews a bit easier to do: I get a week’s rest, in between each one!

~≈ß≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-10-2023 — Northamptonshire Day

25th October, 2023: Northamptonshire Day.

Right … 

I’ve got to admit to having woken up with an earworm: a song, playing through my head.

This morning?

I woke up with Wet Leg’s “Oh, No” banging through my head.

Obviously, they couldn’t find the heads for their Womble costumes.

At ANY rate … ?

The only way I could get it out of my head?

Was playing a Vengaboys song … 

The fact they aren’t dressed up as Wombles is a good thing … 

~≈¥≈~

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

24th October, 2023.

It’s officially Tuesday: and I’m mildly surprised by what turns up in the post.

As you’re possibly aware?

I had trouble with my washing machine, last week: and gratefully received help from Trevor, in getting it repaired.

But what I did, the day the washer went wrong?

Was fill in the form for the Essential Living Fund run by Southend council.

The fund does grants for people in need, in Southend, Thurrock and the rest of Essex: and give awards as prepaid debit cards from Mastercard.

I figured applying couldn’t hurt: even if their card couldn’t be used to pay for a repair, any money they did give me could be spent on shopping, and allow me to spend cash on the repair.

It’s a way of moving money around, in other words.

Even if it would take a while to get through.

It got through.

Yesterday.

In the post.

After I got back from shopping … !

There’s possibly an irony, there!

At any rate … ?

I now know my local Nisa’s will take that thing: as I’ve put some extra money on my gas and electricity.

Some very welcome extra money on my gas and electricity.

It means I can possibly run the oven for long enough to cook some chilli: assuming I can use the thing at Sainsbury’s!

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd October 2023

23rd October, 2023.

Yes: that’s right.

It’s Monday morning!

And?   Frankly?

Payday.

And, as much as a lot of my cash is going to vanish by the end of the day?

I’m going to enjoy spending some of it on food!

I’m seriously short of milk!

~≈Ï≈~

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

22nd October, 2023.

Right … it’s Sunday … 

Which means I’d normally be having an early night: so I can get up early, tomorrow, for my weight management course.

But?   Tomorrow’s has been cancelled: staff shortages, unfortunately.

Heigh-ho: it means I can have a late night.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-10-2023 — Let There Be Light!

21st October, 2023: Let There Be Light!

Right … 

I THINK I’m getting annoyed!

Dr Who fans in the UK will know that the BBC aren’t adding An Unearthly Child — the show’s first story — to its iPlayer catchup service.

As it’s in a rights dispute with the son of the story’s writer, Anthony Coburn.

Personally … ?

It’s you, me and the rest of the fans, suffering through this.

What doesn’t help … ?

Is the simple fact the son, Stef?

Comes across as a pretentious … idiot.

I’ve seen his profile, after all.

I’ve also seen this post:

The man describes Doctor Who fans as ‘sheeple’.

As people who behave like sheep: swallowing anything they’re told.

That tells me, one thing.

That Stef Coburn* is nothing other than utterly contemptuous of the fans: fans who are, ultimately, the source of the money he wants in compensation.

‘Idiot’ … ?   Is putting it mildly.

~≈¥≈~

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

20th October, 2023.

Well, well, well … it’s Friday.

And it’s a Friday where it’s raining.

It’s not looking good out.

I think heading out for a walk … is going to get me soaked!

~≈¥≈~

On other fronts?

I applied for Personal Independence Payment, a while back: and have put in an appeal against a (refused) reconsideration.

I was a little worried.

As — according to the relevant website — the Department of Work and Pensions had not responded to the courts: potentially holding things up in the process.

They have now — as of yesterday — done so.

Things are slowly moving … 

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-10-2023 — Oxfordshire Day

19th October, 2023: Oxfordshire Day.

Right … I actually think I have a quiet day, today.

Well, it’s Thursday, after all.

I’m not exactly going to be going very far: given the weather.

It looks like it’s going to throw down, at some point!

~≈®≈~

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

18th October, 2023.

Right … 

It’s now officially, Wednesday.

Normally?

I’d’ve had my nephew over, yesterday: except, of course, he’s gone down with a cold!

Bless him!

~≈Ω≈~

If you’re a Dr Who fan in the UK … ?

You’ll know that the BBC’s going to make the entire Dr Who back catalogue to UK viewers from 1st November: through its iPlayer catchup service.

Classic Dr Who, Torchwood, Class, The Sarah Jane Adventures, the works.

With one exception: the first story, “An Unearthly Child”.

Rights issues: Stef Coburn, son of the episode’s writer, Anthony Coburn, has refused permission for it’s inclusion.

I am tempted to swear.

Granted: writers and their families should be fairly compensated.

But Mr Coburn had few to no issues when he raised this issue in 2013.

I think he’s being … extremely unreasonable: and very irrational.

And — in some of his posts — delusional.   Slightly less rational than Donald Trump!

He said it earlier this year. pic.twitter.com/WjyQhhq9fn

— The Brittas Empire Fanpage (@BrittasFan) October 17, 2023

At ANY rate … ?

At any rate, I felt telling you where you can watch the story: or, at least, passing on the article that gives you the directions.

It’s here.

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-10-2023 — Legalising Cannabis

17th October, 2023: Legalising Cannabis.

Right … it’s officially the case that I have a fixed washing machine.

At any rate … ?

The repair man — from a local company called Mackfields — was over, yesterday afternoon.

And managed to fix the machine.

The error code I initially noticed — F05 — was correct: there was a blockage in the drain pipe.

With that cleared, suggestions for cleaning regular, and a demonstration of how to use the temperature control, done*?

I now have a functioning machine!

Thanking you, Trevor, if you’re reading this.

~≈🧺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-10-2023 — Disney

16th October, 2023: Disney … 

Right … it’s now, officially, Monday.

Which means several things.

For starters?

I’ve finished a movie review!

Hopefully?

That’ll persuade you to watch the film!

~≈¥≈~

It’s still Monday.

Which means two things.

First?   I’m up early: for my usual weight management meeting, this morning.

And … ?

I’ll be hurrying up and waiting, once I get home: the washing machine repair men arrive at 16:30.

Here’s hoping it’s a simple repair.

~≈¥≈~

Three Thousand Years of Longing — A Review.

14th August, 2023: an intro … 

Right … it’s a Friday night.

And I’m cooking dinner: whilst listening to a Youtube video.

Tharries raises some good points, there.

At any rate?

I’m JUST about to have dinner: then watch a film.

I’ll let you know what: when I finish this post, tomorrow night.

~≈🧞‍♂️≈~

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

15th October, 2023.

Right … it’s now Sunday: when I’ve got nothing planned!

Well … bar finishing a movie review: that’ll be up, tonight.

Frankly?

I’m impatiently waiting for tomorrow, for Monday.

Because … I’ve got washing machine repair men turning up!

Heigh ho!

~≈Ç≈~

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

14th October, 2023.

These are strange days: whether I’m doing anything or not.

Possibly strange days.

OK: maybe not strange days.

Just slightly odd.

I’ve applied for Personal Independence Payment: an extra benefit.

And had both the initial application, and a Mandatory Reconsideration, turned down.

So I’ve started the process of appeal that decision.

Sent of the form, handed over paperwork I’ve felt relevant, received paperwork from the court, what have you.

And wasn’t expecting to hear anymore: until I got word of a tribunal date.

Yesterday afternoon, though … ?

I had a call from the DWP: wanting to know extra details of my claim, and where I disagreed with their reconsideration.

That … was unexpected: and caught me offguard.

And has me curious.

To the point of my asking the man who phoned — he told me he was the case officer for my appeal — why they were phoning.

Were they checking to see if I was committing fraud?

Was I faking my conditions?

Apparently not.

It was a routine double check.

Needless to say … I’m a little suspicious.

And wondering if this is a good thing, or a bad thing.

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-10-2023 — The Return of the Son of the Valley of Friday 13th!

13th October, 2023: The Return of the Son of the Valley of Friday 13th!

Yes: it’s Friday morning … 

And … I’ve had an injection.

Yes: of my once-a-week dose of Trulicity.

Hopefully?

It’s helping.

~≈¥≈~

Oh … 

I caught this piece from the BBC’s Archive, yesterday.

There’s a certain amount of irony, there.

The picture behind the presenter is the cover of Runequest*.

I should know, I’ve got a copy.

A copy of the version produced under licence in the UK by Games Workshop: who’s co-founder, Steve Jackson, is interviewed in the article.

Not that there’s any connection.

I think … !

~≈¥≈~

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

12th October, 2023.

Right … I owe Trevor an official ‘Thank You’: as he’s helped out, by putting some cash in my tip jar.

Thanking you, Trevor!

The repairmen turn up on Monday afternoon.

~≈Â≈~

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

11th October, 2023.

Right … it’s Wednesday.

And … ?

It’s the day after Tuesday: as you’re probably aware, that means my nephew’s posted more videos: including one of Mikey the Rabbit.

Feel free to give them a watch … !

~≈¥≈~

If you’re a Dr Who fan in the UK, you probably very aware that the complete new series has been on the iPlayer — the BBC’s catchup service — for many years.

And that classic Dr Who’s been on Britbox.

I’m usually stream to the digital copies I own, locally.

There’s upsides and downsides to online streaming: the one that annoys me is simply the fact I don’t own physical copies of the media the streamed episodes are on.

But?   I know the new series is there, should anything happen to those copies.

However, something new’s due to happen.

According to an article on the Radio Times’ website?

Both classic and new Dr Who will be shown on the BBC iPlayer, from 1st November, this year.

As will Torchwood, The Sarah Jane Adventures and Class.

I’m glad to hear it: it makes sense to have both under one, BBC managed, roof.

The only downside?

The article doesn’t tell us how foreign fans will be able to access the classic shows: nor what will happen with the missing episodes.

Nor whether the blu-ray releases — with the associated extra content — will continue.

I hope we get to find out.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th October 2023

10th October, 2023.

It’s official: I need cash!

At least around eighty quid’s worth.

And, frustratingly?

There’s going to be something of a wait for that!

Frankly?

My washing machine is broken: and, going by the error code it’s throwing up?

It’s a blocked drainpipe: or possibly a knackered drain pump.

Something that’s going to cost anywhere from ~£80 — assuming the pipe’s kinked, and blocked — to ~£120: if the pump’s knackered.

Something I won’t know until the job’s done.

The problem with the cash situation?

I won’t have for a while.

Until;

1. The cost of living comes through.
2. I get a grant I’ve applied for.
3. I get a Personal Independence Payment award.

That lot?   Is going to take a while.

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-10-2023 — World Post Day

9th October, 2023: World Post Day.

Once again … ?

Monday has rolled around: with the inevitability of an oncoming Monday.

Which … is possibly obvious … !

At any, it’s Monday: and I’ll be off to my weight management programme, later.

Hopefully?

I’ll’ve lost something!

Apart from my mind, wits and sense!

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8-10-2023 — The Tenth Planet.

8th October, 2023: The Tenth Planet.

Right … 

It’s officially official.

I’ve now got new reading and TV watching glasses.

Although I’ve not used them, as yet.

But?

They’re in.

As are the old ones: just in case!

~≈🤓≈~

Just as a last thought … ?

I caught a movie on Friday: and finished my review, last night.

Feel free to have a look at that!

~≈🤓≈~

The Last Voyage of the Demeter — a Review.

6th October, 2023: the Introduction.

 

As I write this … ?

I’ve not — officially — made up my mind about what I’m going to watch.

I have — as I do, every day — started dinner.

And yes: it’s Friday, so it’s fish and chips.

Frankly, I’ll be eating that whilst watching an old friend’s Judge Dredd video.

Then … ?

Watching a movie.

Hopefully?

It’ll be a little lighter than the last long-form drama I saw.

~≈🧛🏿‍♂️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7th October 2023.

7th July, 2023.

Yep: it’s Saturday.

And?

I’m going to be heading for the High Street.

I’ve got to pick up my new glasses — reading and TV watching ones — from my optician.

Here’s hoping it goes quickly.

~≈👀≈~

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

6th October, 2023.

Right … I am a man who’s officially — officially, mind — finished watching Good Omens second series.

Which means I’ve got a few Fridays free to watch a few other things: before I settle in, watching the Dr Who 60th Anniversary specials.

I might just have to catch a film.

We’ll have to see.

~≈¥≈~

Talking of which … ?

Writing the reviews of those could be a job and a half.

With the BBC not having released airing dates for those specials, I’m wondering about how they’ll be aired.

Once a week, up until the 23rd: or daily, in the manner of Torchwood: Children of Earth.

Which will probably be wonderful to watch … but a lot of late nights if you’re a reviewer!

~≈¥≈~

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

5th October, 2023.

Did I mention I’ve got a Christmas playlist in my Music app?

I’ve got a Christmas playlist in my Music app.

So you know.

I’ve got it on as I write.

Quite why “Vienna” is in that list, I don’t know.

~≈♬≈~

Oh, just as a quick thought … ?

You’ve heard of Ian Dury’s classic LP, New Boots and Panties?

It turns out there’s a tribute version called Brand New Boots and Panties: I’m just playing it, now … Sinead O’Connor’s version of “Wake Up and Make Love To Me” is something else!

~≈♬≈~

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

4th October, 2023.

Yes: it’s officially official.

I had my nephew, Jude, over, yesterday!

Yes, video has been posted!

One that’s made from very high quality recording from Jude’s new Playstation 5.

Boy, we had issues, there!

Just to try and summarise?

It turns out that — by default — Jude’s new console, a Playstation 5, does screen recordings in the relatively new .webm format: rather than the older .mp4 format.

Basically?

It meant having to do some very quick video conversion: to get the new files into a format we could use in iMovie.

Explaining the differences to a very frustrated 12 year old*†?

Took some doing!

~≈📼≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3rd October 2023.

3rd October, 2023.

Yes: it’s Tuesday!

And?

• Hopefully, Jude — my nephew — will have a change of clothes, when he comes over!
• I can get some sleep!

Frankly?

I was up, late, last night: finishing my video review of Threads.

Hopefully, it’ll get a few views!

(Just so you know?   It’s about the TV film, Threads: possibly the most frightening movie ever made.)

~≈🕸️≈~