Wednesday 31 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-1-2024 — And We’re Out!

31st January, 2024: And We’re Out!


Yes: it’s now, officially, Wednesday: and the last day of January!

Is it just me … ?

Or is did that go past, fast?

Possibly.

I think the older we get, the quicker it seems to go.

Heigh-ho!

~≈💊≈~

If you’ve spent any time in the UK, you’re possibly aware of Comic Relief: the biannual BBC charity telethon.

The one fronted for so many years, by comedy icon, Sir Lenny Henry.

Sadly?

It seems this year’s show is to be Sir Lenny’s* last.

That’s sad: the man is one of the UK’s genuine icons, and possibly the charity’s leading organiser, and best advert.

~≈🎗️≈~

O, before I forget?

Jude’s posted another video!


~≈📽️≈~

Tuesday 30 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th January 2024.

30th January, 2024.


It’s official: it’s Tuesday!

Which means … ?

I’m going to be looking after my nephew, Jude.

Hopefully … ?

We’ll have a video up.

~≈📹≈~

Monday 29 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th January, 2024

29th January, 2024.


It has to be said: I’m up early, again!

Yes: it’s Monday.

So, of course, that means I’m off to my weight management meeting.

Hopefully?

I’ll lost some weight.

Assuming those bran flakes are having an effect!

~≈Â≈~

Did I mention I have a new webcam?

Nolansend 4K Webcam: one that seemed — given its advertised capabilities — a reasonable price*.

It is an improvement on my previous external camera: the audio’s OK, it does well at 720 and 1080 resolutions, and the colour range is good.

But … ?

Whatever it says — on the Amazon listing, or the box — it does not record in 4k.

I’ve left a bad review, as a result.

We’ll have to see what happens.

~≈Â≈~

Just as a final thought … ?

I tried watching a film, last night.

The Nicolas Meyer directed, made for TV, movie, The Day After.

I’d been meaning to watch it, after seeing Threads, last year: as I felt a ‘compare and contrast’ style of review would be an idea.

I got through the first forty minutes or so.

I don’t think I’ve ever been so bored in my life!

Threads?   Had a far smaller cast to keep track of: and seemed to be far better paced.

The Day After’s first forty minutes?

Had too many people standing around, listening to the radio.

As distressing as I found Threads†?

It was a far better watch than The Day After.

~≈Â≈~

Sunday 28 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-1-2024 — Data Privacy Day.

28th January, 2024: Data Privacy Day.


Yes: it’s officially Sunday.

And frankly?

I’ve turned the radio off: Radio Four’s Sunday morning services can be a touch loud!

It’s now … um … … 

Quiet.

I might have to put the radio back on, in a bit!

~≈Ç≈~

Oh … I’ve managed to pick up a few (cheap) bits and bobs from Amazon.

Including a (cheap) new webcam.

One that — in theory — can record in 4k.

That might be useful.

Another thing?

Was a cheap copy of Orwell’s “Politics and the English Language”.

OK, I know it was an essay he wrote, and published in a magazine called Horizon.

But I wasn’t expect it to be quite so small.


Even given that?

It’s still, like so much of the man’s work, very quotable!
“When one watches some tired hack on the platform mechanically repeating the familiar phrases […] one often has a curious feeling that one is not watching a live human being but some kind of dummy”.
“Politics and the English Language”, George Orwell*.
~≈Ç≈~

Saturday 27 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th January 2024.

27th Jan Gary, 2024.


Right … it’s Saturday … 

And I have to admit, I didn’t actually watch anything, last night.

I don’t know that I was in mood.

We’ll have to see what happens, over the next few days, I think.

~≈¥≈~

One thing I do know?

Is I’ve downloaded a couple of songs, over the past couple of days.

Moloko’s version of Numan classic, “Are ‘Friends’ Electric”, yesterday.

Followed by Republica’s, today.


I think I prefer Republica’s: it’s nearer the Numan original.

As does Saffron’s whole Tank Girl persona!

At any rate?

Feel free to give them both a listen.

~≈¥≈~

Just as a last thought … ?

I’ve now got the Wurzels’ version of “Don’t Look Back In Anger”, playing.


If you don’t get how strange that is … ?

Doing a Zydecko version of “Born to Run” would sound JUST as odd!

~≈¥≈~

Friday 26 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th January 2024.

26th January, 2024.


Yay!   It’s Friday!

Which is possibly not a reason for me to get excited!

It is, after all, just another day!

One that doesn’t have that much in the way of plans, I should add.

I’m sure I’ll find something to do.

~≈Œ≈~

I could, for example, watch a movie: or possibly start a series.

Ones I’ve been planning on watching — then reviewing — for a while.

And that now seem vaguely topical.

Especially in light of the fact that, recently, General Sir Patrick Sanders — the head of the UK’s army — has said that the country needs what he calls a ‘citizen’s army’: a group of people willing to join, and be trained, in case of a war.

I have to admit, that gives me a few ideas about films: Dad’s Army might be one idea.

The Day After, another.

I’m also wondering something else.

Is Sir Patrick making a suggestion he feels will help in a looming war?

Or something he hopes will boost Army funding.

I can only hope it’s the latter option.

~≈Œ≈~

As another point in the news?

I’m diabetic, over-weight, and lord knows what else.

And am very aware that two injectable drugs — Ozempic, and Trulicity — are very helpful: both in managing my condition, and managing my weight.

Late last year?

Saw the start of Ozempic shortages.

Lots of people who are overweight — and who could manage their weight with lifestyle changes — started getting private prescriptions for the drug: forcing those of us with diabetes to look elsewhere.

I — and many others, it seems — switch to Trulicity.

Which — in my experience — is less helpful at weight management, however good it is at managing my blood sugars.

According to this article?

People with a priority clinical need are missing out: as there’s still a shortage of Ozempic … and, more recently, of Trulicity.

I’m wondering what can be done.

I suspect drug companies boosting their outputs could help: but suspect they won’t, in order to boost their prices.

I also suspect legislation may help.

Or, at least, a legislated list: of drugs that can only be prescribed by an NHS doctor*.

Putting drugs needed by those with serious conditions — rather than by those with conditions manageable by easier means — could be useful.

~≈Œ≈~

Thursday 25 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-1-2024 — The Winter Games

25th January, 2024.


Right … 

As you can tell from that video … ?

I’ve had a haircut!



At a thankfully cheap, local barbers!

OK, granted, there’s possibly cheaper places in Brentwood.

But?

Eighteen pounds (£18/€21/$22) seemed reasonable.

And?

The place is nearby!

~≈💈≈~

Wednesday 24 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th January 2024.

24th January, 2024.


It’s officially official: it’s Wednesday.

And … ?

Frankly, I’ve got just enough cash to have a haircut!

It’s something I’ve been joking about with my nephew, Jude, for some time!

We’re both looking a bit shaggy!

~≈💈≈~

Which reminds me!

Jude’s put a new video up!

As he was over last night!


Feel free to hit the like button!

~≈👍≈~

Tuesday 23 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd January 2024.

23rd January, 2024.



Yay!

It’s Tuesday!

Which, basically means it’s Tuesday!

Oh … and pay day, as well.

That’s a good thing.

Getting the bills paid, and putting food in the fridge … ?

Is generally a good idea.

~≈¥≈~

Monday 22 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-1-2024 — Back to the Mac.

22nd January, 2024: Back to the Mac.


Right … it’s a Monday morning: and I’m up early.

Yep: it’s time for my weight management class, again.

Hopefully?

I’ll’ve lost some.

I was up a few grams, last week, and I’d like to remedy that!

~≈⚖️≈~

Sunday 21 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-1-2024 — Ra Ra Rasputin

21st January, 2024: Ra Ra Rasputin.


It’s officially official: it’s now Sunday!

Frankly?

That means it’s a day closer to pay day.

I’m looking forward to that!

It means being about to buy shopping!

And possibly a haircut: I’m feeling a touch shaggier than I’m comfortable with!

~≈💇≈~

I’m a bit of a Doctor Who fan: it has to be said.

So I try and keep an eye on news about the show.

Something I did notice?

Was that — according to this piece in the Daily Mirror — Millie Gibson has been dropped.

And will only be in three of the projected eight episodes of the red-rebooted show’s second series.

Personally?

I’m wondering what happened, there: ‘dropped’ isn’t necessarily a good word, in context … 

~≈⇪≈~

Saturday 20 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th January 2024

20th January, 2024.


Right: it’s Saturday morning.

And?

If you’re in my neck of the woods, you’ve possibly woken up: and made aware Storm Isha is going to be doing damage.

And if you’re specifically in the south east?   It gets worse on Monday.

Let’s be careful, out there!


~≈Î≈~

Yes: I also woke up with an earworm.

Obscurely?

It was a brief clip from a Buffy: The Vampire Slayer episode called “Once More, with Feeling”.


Quite why I’ve had a song about bunnies going through my head … ?

I really don’t know!

~≈Î≈~

Friday 19 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th January 2024.

19th January. 2024.


OK … it’s now no longer Thursday: but Friday!

And yes: that means I’ve had the weekly dose of one diabetes medication.

Remind me to order another box of that one: I’ve got one left … !

~≈Ω≈~

OK, off on a different note … ?

The BBC’s news site tells us that a trial has taken place in twenty-one pubs* in the UK: experimenting with selling wine in smaller glasses.

Apparently?

Removing the large, 250ml glass from the menu helped reduce drinking by some 7.6%.

Which sounds good.

But?

I can remember when the 250ml glasses were introduced.

I feel old … !

~≈Ω≈~

Thursday 18 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th January 2024.

18th January, 2024.


Right … 

It’s officially Thursday.

And … ?

I’m waiting for the postman.

I put in for another pre-paid debit card from the Essential Living Fund, at the start of January.

The sooner that turns up?

The happier I’ll be.

I like the idea of having milk in my tea!

~≈ß≈~

Wednesday 17 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-1-2024 — The Battle of Monte Cassino.

17th January, 2024.


It’s officially Wednesday!

Gosh, the excitement … !

OK, it’s what used to be called #HumpDay on Twitter/X.

And I have to wonder … 

Does anyone eld get the same meh feeling I do, on Wednesdays?*

~≈Œ≈~

At any rate … ?

I mention videos in today’s intros.

Yes: both I and Jude have posted to YouTube, yesterday.



Feel free to like ’em and share ’em!

~≈Œ≈~

Tuesday 16 January 2024

For All Mankind — Series 4 Episode 10 — “Perestroika” — A Review

For All Mankind season 4 poster
15th January, 2024: the introduction!


Right then … 

As I type — write? create? — this post, I’ve got an air fryer cooking some potatoes behind me.

Ones that will go very well with the sausages and vegetables I’ve got doing.

You’d possibly guessed I’m cooking: especially if you’ve been following my For All Mankind posts for a while.

At any rate: I’m doing dinner.

Then … ?

I’ll be watching the tenth — and last — episode of For All Mankind’s fourth series.

I’ll have this post — and its video equivalent — published late tomorrow: 16th January.

I’d love to hear what you think: both about the series, and my reviews!

~≈👾≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th January 2024

16th January. 2024.


Right, then … 

It’s now, officially, Tuesday.

I’ll have a video review up, later: of the last episode of For All Mankind’s fourth series.

Which was rather good, I should add.

Between that, Foundation and Silo, AppleTV+ are doing some interesting SF.

~≈👾≈~

Monday 15 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-1-2024 — Ivor Novello

15th January, 2024: Ivor Novello.


It’s Monday, again.

You know that as well as I do: you’ve got a calendar, as well!

At any rate: it’s Monday, and I’m up early, again.

As I’m off to my usual weight management class.

Hopefully, I’ll’ve lost some more weight!

~≈ß≈~

You — possibly — aware of the Post Office Horizon scandal, here in the UK.

To summarise?

A host of former sub-postmasters — the people who run post office branches in local shops — have been wrongfully convicted of various shades of fraud: as a result of faulty software and hardware.

Software and hardware supplied by Japanese company, Fujitsu.

It’s a scandal that’s been boiling for many years.

The reason I mention this?

Is that news has emerged: that tells us Government insiders tried to stop Fujitsu getting any more government contracts, back in the 2010s.

Going by the article I’ve linked to?

The company’s been awarded government contracts, since then.

Personally?

I think this is a story that’s going to both cause a stink.

And keep running.

~≈ß≈~

Sunday 14 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-1-2024 — World Logic Day.

14th January, 2024: World Logic Day.


Right … it’s Sunday.

A day I’m expecting to be quiet, peaceful … and possibly slightly boring!

We’ll have to see, there.

At any rate … ?

I’ve posted my written and video reviews of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle: Mutant Mayhem, last night.

Feel free to have a look at them.


~≈🐢≈~

Saturday 13 January 2024

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem — A Review

12th January, 2024: the Introduction.



Right … in amongst everything else … ?

It’s Friday.

And?

I think I’m going to be watching a movie: I fancy something silly, to be frank.

Silly or not?

I’ll let you know more, tomorrow.

~≈🐢≈~

Just as a quick point?

I’ve recently learnt that superstar DJ, Annie Nightingale, has died.

That’s sad to hear: as Radio 1’s first female DJ, she was a trailblazer.

I’ll possibly say more in the morning.

But will leave you with songs she introduced me too, many years ago.




I’ll see you in the morning.

~≈🐢≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13th January 2024.

13th January, 2024.


It’s officially: stuff will no doubt be occurring, today!

Of course it will: that’s the nature of the universe.

Things happen, one after the other.

On thing I do know will happen?

Is a review.

I caught a film, last night: and will have my review up, later!

~≈¥≈~

One rather sad thing I know happened, yesterday?

The death of Radio 1 DJ, Annie Nightingale, was announced.

The station’s first female DJ was both a pioneer for women in the industry, and the station’s longest serving presenter: celebrating her fiftieth year with the station in 2020.

Her Sunday night show introduced me to a host of songs.





Her’s was the first show I can remember talking about a musician dying of, or contracting, HIV/AIDS: when she announced that Ricky Wilson of the B52s had died from complications of AIDS.

She even replied to one of my tweets, many moons ago!


Annie will be much missed.

~≈¥≈~

Friday 12 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th January 2024.

12th January, 2024.


Yay!

It’s Friday!

Which, frankly … ?

Is yet another day of the week!

Exciting Fridays are usually something that happen to other people.

Personally?

I’ll be writing quizzes, possibly watching a movie … 

And maybe seeing what happens.

~≈ß≈~

One thing I do know I’d love to do … ?

Is buy the latest box set of classic Doctor Who adventures.

It seems the latest — series 15 — is now available for pre-order on Amazon.

I’ll have to think about saving up for that!

Whilst enjoying the trailer: Louise Jameson’s back as Leela!


~≈ß≈~

Thursday 11 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-1-2024 — Amelia’s First Flight.

11th January, 2024: Amelia’s First Flight.


Right … it’s officially Thursday, an episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* is playing in the background … and I’m expecting a visitor, today.

Yep: I’m due a repairman, one who’s due to fix the extractor fan in my bathroom.

Here’s hoping he can do something: I’d like to have an un-steamed bathroom!

~≈Ó≈~

Wednesday 10 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th January 2024.

10th January, 2024.


Right … 

I think I can safely say my nephew, Jude, was here, yesterday.

You can tell.

Firstly?

There’s another video added to his channel!


And … ?

There’s another on mine!


If you’d like to hit the Like button on those … ?

We’d appreciate it!

~≈Í≈~

Tuesday 9 January 2024

For All Mankind — Series 4 Episode 9 — “Brazil” — A Review

8th January, 2024: the introduction.




Yes: we’re back to relative normal, now Christmas and New Year is over.

It’s back to watching a TV show on a Monday evening: and posting the reviews by the next day.

It’s also back to going to my weight management class on a Monday morning.

And?

Surprisingly, I’ve actually lost a kilo!

We’ll have to see what happens, next Monday.

~≈🚀≈~

At any rate?

It’s Monday, 8th January, and?

Once I’ve had dinner, I’ll be watching “Brazil”, the next episode of For All Mankind’s fourth series: then writing about it, tomorrow.

I’ll see you then!

~≈🚀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-1-2024 — The Avro Lancaster

9th January, 2024: the Avro Lancaster.


You know, I was going to tell you my nephew, Jude, was heading over, today.

Indeed, I just have.

I’ll tell you what, though: today’s Teaser video’s taken a devil of a time to upload!

Why?

I really couldn’t tell you!

~≈Ö≈~

JUST as an extra thought?

I’ve had minor issues with the new Mac mini.

Very minor: it wouldn’t connect to my mouse, when first switched on.

I have the Mini to my right: and the mouse — as ever — on the left, where I can use it.

It seems they’re to far apart to connect, on boot up and log-in: at least, not without a wait.

Putting the mouse on the right — temporarily — seems to solve that, and lets them connect.

But it’s not a problem I was expecting*.

~≈Ö≈~

Monday 8 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8-1-2024 — World Typing Day

8th January, 2024: World Typing Day.


You’re possibly aware that I’ve a new Mac: sitting to my immediate right.

In case you were curious about where it was!

At any rate: it’s come with many, updated, versions of the usual bundled software.

Including QuickTime, the Mac’s on-board media player and video recorder.

It seems that — in addition to the Voice Isolation feature I mentioned, a few days ago? — it is also capable of blurring the background.

Assuming that background isn’t a green screen,

Beyond using it, occasionally, for the intro videos, here?

I don’t know how much use that will be.

But … ?

I’m sure there’ll be something I could do with it.

~≈Q≈~

Sunday 7 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7-1-2024 — Tricolour Day.

7th January, 2024: Tricolour Day.


Yes: it’s officially official.

I’ve been experimenting.

OK, ok: not seriously experimenting.

More like playing.

With, believe it or not, with the air-fryer I got for Christmas.

Yes, I’ve worked out how long it takes to cook a baked potato: which includes the enormous one the vegetable stall in Brentwood High Street does.

Oh, and I did sausages I needed for a sausage sandwich, lunchtime, in the thing, too.

Daft as it sounds?

It’s a nice learning experience.

~≈🥔≈~

If you’re not in the UK, you possibly don’t know about the Post Office Horizon scandal.

To try and summarise?

Many sub-postmasters — the folks that run the small sub-branches you’ll find in many shops in the UK — have been falsely accursed of various shades of fraud: after being issued with faulty computer software.

It’s a story I’ve had half an eye on for many years.

So couldn’t help but the recent coverage of the scandal.

Coverage … that was a result of the ITV series, Mr Bates vs The Post Office.

I’ll possibly have to catch that.

Although I’ll have to ask … 

Why on Earth has something that’s been brewing since at least 2009 … now getting more coverage?

I always amazes me what a TV show can do … 

~≈✉️≈~

Saturday 6 January 2024

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6th January 2024.

6th January 2024.


I have something of a confession, there.

I’ve used iMovie to make videos, over the past few years.

And generally been happy with it.

Unfortunately?

My use of the app took something of a nosedive, recently: with the collapse of my old iMac.

My only alternative?

Was to use the free version of ClipChamp: on my aging Lenovo ThinkPad.

It wasn’t necessarily the easiest experience: video editing isn’t on a  machine that age.

The best work to describe the whole experience?

Is clunky.

Spoon-bendingly, chest-pain-inducingly, gear-grindingly, clunky!

Thankfully, and with thanks to all who helped, it was only a temporary measure: an updated version of iMovie — and a new Mac mini— helped.

Today, though?   I felt using ClipChamp’s online version of the Mac seemed in order.

At least to do the intro video for today.

ClipChamp seems to have exported the eighteen seconds worth of video slightly faster than iMovie.

But we’re talking about a matter of seconds, there: and I suspect that the online version I used, leveraged some of Microsoft’s cloud servers to do that.

I don’t think I’d make the change permanently: but ClipChamp seems OK.

There’s a wider choice of transitions, and filters, to it over iMovie.

But, counting against it?

iMovie has better integration with macOS: and can access my various media libraries, far more directly than ClipChamp.

And the current version — iMovie 10.4, on a Mac mini using macOS Sonoma 14.2.1 — seems to able to queue projects for export: hand, as far as I’m concerned.

I suspect neither would be of interest to pro users who use things like Avid, the various Adobe editors, and Apple’s own Final Cut Pro.

But?

Both seem equally viable options for me and other home users.

~≈⌘≈~

Oh, JUST as a thought … ?

My nephew, Jude, was over, yesterday.

As a result of him turn thirteen, recently?

I’ve been able to add him as a manager* to two of the YouTube channels I run for him on YouTube.

If you’d like to subscribe to @MikeytheRabbit or @BobbytheCat, you’d be welcome to!

~≈⌘≈~