Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-2-2024 — The Intercalary Day.

29th February, 2024: The Intercalary Day …

Right … it’s Thursday … 

And … ?

I’ve had a couple more people interested in the laptop.

One … ?

Seems genuine.

Although hasn’t got back to me, over the price.

A second … ?

Offered part-exchange on something … that I chose not to look at: as — when I clicked on the link provided — took me to a log-in page that appeared to be from Facebook.

This is the suspicious log-in page

But that — to me — seemed very suspicious.

• It didn’t have a familiar link.
• The link it did have, had a ‘Not secure’ warning.
• And it seemed nothing like the log-in page I’m familiar with.

This is the log-in page I’d expect to see.

It seemed … odd … 

~≈fl≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th February 2024.

28th February, 2024.

Right … … it’s Wednesday … !

Which frankly means I’ll be doing stuff.

Like … ?

Trying to sell my sister’s laptop!

I’ve had JUST enough cash to spend a little — a very little — on a Facebook Boost for it.

And I’ve listed it on Craigslist.

Hopefully, that will help.

As will listing it on Gumtree.

I’ll have to try and do that, today!

~≈Ï≈~

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

27th February, 2024.

Right … Tuesday … 

It’s officially Tuesday: and I feel tired.

I had an early start, yesterday: for my weight management class.

I had my nephew, Jude, over: not as tiring as you’d think, but certainly loud!

Oh, and I managed to post my last written and video reviews of episode four of The Underwater Menace.

I’m feeling tired: but at least you have a video or two to watch.

I hope you enjoy them!

~≈📀≈~

Doctor Who — The Underwater Menace — Episode 4 — A Review

25th February, 2024: the Introduction.

Yes: it’s Sunday afternoon.

And … ?

Frankly, I’m going to be having dinner with my family.

It’s something of a tradition.

Once I get back … ?

And dealt with the interest in the laptop I’m trying to sell … ?

I’ll be watching the last episode of classic Dr Who story, The Underwater Menace.

I’ll have my reviews up, tomorrow!

~≈📺≈~

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

26th February, 2024.

Right … Shal-a-mal-a-bing-bong … ?

I’m up early: for my weight management course.

And wondering one thing.

Earworms, right?

We know what earworms are.

They’re songs that are stuck in our heads.

What’s the equivalent for a phrase?

The reason I ask … ?

Is that I’ve woken up with the phrase ‘Shal-a-mal-a-bing-bong’ banging through my head: after seeing Florence Pugh being interviewed … and confessing she though of Dune Pt 2 costar, Timothée Chalamet, as Timothée Chala Mala Bing Bong.

Beyond calling it an ‘adab’ — which Herbert’s original Dune novel defines as “… the demanding memory that comes upon you of itself”*— I don’t know what to call that.

I may have to turn it into a song … 

~≈∏≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-2-2024 — Our George

24th February, 2024: Our George.

It’s officially the case … that I’m getting a certain amount of interest.

I’ve just reset my sister’s laptop: and have listed it on Facebook, this morning.

I’ve had about three people asking.

About it, already: including one who seems VERY interested!

We’ll have to see how that goes.

~≈Ç≈~

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

24th February, 2024.

Right then … it’s Saturday … 

Which means … I’m possibly going to be doing stuff!

One bit of stuff?

Is prepping up my sister, Ruth’s, laptop: so it can be sold on.

Selling it could be tricky: more people are using their phones and tablets.

We’ll have to see what happens.

~≈¥≈~

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

23rd February, 2024.

Right at the moment … ?

It looks nice out: there’s a certain amount of sunshine, happening.

Which is nice.

Although the BBC’s weather page for the area … ?

Tells me it’s nippy: and that there’s a possibility of rain.

That’s, frankly, going to make shopping, fun!

~≈ß≈~

Talking of news … ?

I notice that wossname, thingummy do-da, yurt yurt!

I’ll put my teeth in!

I notice that regulators have reduced the energy price cap: starting from April.

Hopefully?

That’ll have an effect.

How much of an effect?

I really don’t know.

~≈£≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd February 2024.

22nd February, 2024.

Yes: it’s Thursday.

Which means … ?

It’s the day after Wednesday.

Which, this week, means Jude’s posted a video!

If you could hit the ‘Like’ button?

He’d appreciate it!

~≈¨≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-2-2024 — International Mother Language Day

21st February, 2024: International Mother Language Day.

It’s officially official: I’ve had to turn the tumble dryer off.

No, before you ask, there’s nothing wrong with it!

What actually happened … ?

Was that I had to fish out the tape measure that got in there.

Can someone remind me to put things like that in a drawer?

Cheers!

~≈Ç≈~

Did I tell you my street’s had a new broadband cabinet put in?

My street’s just had a new broadband cabinet put in: in case you didn’t know.

With the net result that:

• Most buildings in the area have workmen putting additional connections in.
• We’ve had at least one wandering salesman knock on our doors.

I had one banging on my door, the other day.

Apparently, his company’s basic package costs twenty-five pounds a month.

Five pounds more than I’m paying.

He didn’t get a sale … … 

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-2-2024 — Pon De Replay

20th February 2024: Pon De Replay.

Yes: it’s Tuesday!

Which means I’ve got to head into town: to see if some medications have come through.

Hopefully?

They’ll’ve turned up.

My supply of the relevant ones, runs out, tomorrow!

~≈💉≈~

Oh … 

I’ve finished a review!

Of episode three of classic Dr Who story, The Underwater Menace.

I’m just thankful I’ve not received a copyright strike for that video.

As I’ve highlighted this clip: 

I think the animators have made a cock-up!

~≈👽≈~

Doctor Who — The Underwater Menace — Episode 3 — A Review

18th February 2024: an introduction!

Right … 

As I write, it’s 15:30 on a Sunday afternoon: and … ?

I’ll be having dinner at my family’s.

When I get back … ?

I’ll be making myself a cup of tea … then watching episode three of The Underwater Menace!

I’ll be letting you know what I thought of it by tomorrow night … 

~≈🐙≈~

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

19th February, 2024.

You have to love Mondays, don’t you … ?

Or possibly not!

At any rate … ?

It’s a Monday.

And I’m off to my weight management group.

Hopefully?

I’ve lost a little weight.

Although won’t know for sure, until I’m on the scales.

~≈¥≈~

Just as a quick thought … ?

I remember reading Geldof’s biography, Is That It, many years ago.

At one point, Geldof tells us David Mallet — who directed the video for “I Don’t Like Mondays” — was partially inspired by Village of the Damned*.

I don’t know if it was or it wasn’t.

But … ?

Both pieces are memorable.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-2-2024 — the Number 49

18th February, 2024: The Number 49.

Yes: it’s Sunday.

And … ?

The day after I’ve done some checking.

I got hold of an extra external drive, recently: and wanted to make sure it could be read by a Windows-based PC.

So … ?

I made sure of it, by plugging it into one of the computers in Brentwood Library.

The computer read it: and the data showed up.

Frankly?

I’m thankful!

~≈ß≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th February 2024.

17th February 2024.

 Right … 

I’ve now got an external drive: a new one.

One that has a smaller capacity than my two main ones.

But?

One that’s already correctly* formatted for what I have in mind: as portable back-up for important documents.

It’s just a bit smaller — in physical size — than I thought.

~≈👨🏻‍💻≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th February 2024.

16th February 2024.

It has to be said: my copy of the Cost of Living payment is going fast.

But … ?

A few bits are very needed: including some new shoes.

I’ll possibly have to keep an eye out for some cheap t-shirts, too, I think.

At any rate … ?

I treated myself to a set of seriously odd dice.

The three-sided dice — the cube with the Roman numerals — is nice: although the opposite sides don’t seem to add up to four*.

The five-sided one?   Looks roughly prism shaped.

The seven-sided dice one … ?

Is a very odd shape: and seems to be weighted so the numbers have an equal chance of cropping up.

That — I believe — is why most dice have an even number of sides†: it’s to make sure that each number has an equal chance of being rolled.

At any rate … ?

This one dice makes the set it’s in, an interesting purchase.

~≈🎲≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th February, 2024.

15th February, 2024.

Yes: it’s Thursday.

And I’ve officially got a few bits coming from Amazon.

Mostly … ?   For my feet.

A new pair of shoes, for one thing.

And some cracked heel balm.

The latter comes in handy for treating a side effect of diabetes.

I’m at risk what’s called ‘Peripheral neuropathy’: nerve damage to my feet, in other words.

The cracked heel stuff helps keep the skin of my feet sensitive: and helps let me feel when I’ve stepped on something that could cause infections.

I hope it gets here, soon.

As I’ve managed to pick up a cheap set of dice: a set that also includes a seven sided dice.

I’ve never actually seen one in person.

~≈Í≈~

I have to admit, I’ve had the Today programme on, this morning.

They’ve had an interview with Esther Ghey on, this morning.

After the murder of her trans daugher, Brianna, Esther is campaigning for mindfulness lessons in school: as well toughening up the Online Safety Act.

So it includes provision for banning smartphone ownership for under-16s.

Whether that will work?

I don’t know.

~≈Í≈~

As part of the show?

Today’s episode also included mention of the Deep Web and the Dark Web: and helpful basic definition of the two terms.

Just so you know?

The Deep web is things like your bank account, your Facebook account or your account with your GP’s surgery.

The Deep web is anything that needs a password to access.

The Dark Web?   Is the buried, nasty, stuff: that usually needs specialist software — things like TorBrowser or Freenet — to access.

I don’t know if that’s any help.

But an old line from Blue Street Blues springs to mind, if it’s something you want to look at.

“Be careful out there!”

~≈Í≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-2-2024 — Raisin’ Arizona

14th February, 2024: Raisin’ Arizona.

Yes: it’s Saint Valentine’s Day!

And … ?

Yes: I’m not expecting a card!

Saying that?   The last one I got, was anonymous, a long time ago, and very appreciated.

Especially if it was from I think it was from.

They were gorgeous!

~≈❤️≈~

Oh, if you’re in the UK … ?

And use the iPlayer on a desktop, or laptop?

It seems the BBC’s iPlayer service will — from 11th March, this year — no longer allow downloads to Macs or PCs.

Apparently?

It’s costing them more money than it’s making them.

I can’t complain too much: as that was never something I used.

It just surprises that Aunty hadn’t done so, already.

~≈📺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-2-2024 — Shrove Tuesday.

13th February, 2024: Shrove Tuesday.

Right … it’s now, officially, Shrove Tuesday.

Which means, of course, there’s a suitably themed set, due, today.

And … ?

There’s ALSO a vide review: of episode two of The Underwater Menace … 

I hope you enjoy it!

~≈Ω≈~

As an afterthought … ?

I’ve had the last of the cost of living payments in, yesterday.

And managed to pick up a (reasonably priced) additional external drive.

That should be here, on Saturday.

The reason I got it … ?

Was as extra back-up for some important files: a back up that can be read by a computer other than a Mac.

Following the ol’ 3-2-1 back up rule, as best as I can, seems wise.

~≈Ω≈~

Doctor Who — The Underwater Menace — Episode 2 — A Review

11th February, 2024: an introduction.

Phew!

It’s officially Sunday night.

Or, at least, Sunday evening!

Dinner is — as you may or may not have guessed — cooking.

Chicken, so you know.

At any rate … ?

When that’s eaten, I’ll be watching the next episode of classic Dr Who story, The Underwater Menace: then telling you about it, tomorrow night.

I’ll see you then!

~≈📺≈~

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

12th February. 2024.

It’s officially Monday.

The day I can officially use the word ‘official’, a lot!

At least, in videos!

Paul?

Stop burbling, you’ll start annoying people!

At any rate … it’s Monday.

Which, of course, means I’ll be heading for my weekly weight management class.

Hopefully, I’ll have lost some weight!

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-2-2024 — Super Bowl LVIII.

11th February, 2024: the Super Bowl.

Right … 

I didn’t realise that, ’til I uploaded it!

Yeah … you’re wondering what I’m talking about, aren’t you … ?

I managed to upload today’s Teaser video … only to find out it lasted for thirty seconds!

I’m thankful for Time Machine!

I was able to recover the raw footage and photos, and do the quickest bit of editing I’ve ever done!

~≈Ω≈~

I hate to say it … but Donald Trump held a rally, last night.

At which he said he’d encourage Russia to “do whatever the hell they want” to NATO members who haven’t paid their bills.

The man is … a lot of things: most of them unflattering.

But … ?

I think this is ridiculous.

And that Trump is trying to start a protection racket!

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10-2-2024 — World Pulses Day.

10th February, 2024: World Pulses Day.

It’s official: it’s Saturday.

And?

The radio’s on!

Or, at least: it was, when I woke up, today.

Radio 4’s Farming Today had an article about potential farmers protests in the UK.

Then … ?

Barely half an hour or so later?

The Radio 4 news bulletin told me about a slow protest by farmers: held in Dover.

I don’t know if anyone passed their plans on, to Farming Today!

Mind you: their article was about farmers in Cardiff.

~≈🚜≈~

At any rate … ?

The farmers blockading Dover are protesting against cheap European imports.

Which is fair enough.

I can understand those protests: no-one like to lose money if these continue.

On the other hand … ?

If you’re in my shoes?   In most people’s shoes, now I think of it?

Cheap food has a LOT of appeal … !

~≈🚜≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th February 2024.

9th February. 2024.

Yes: it’s Friday!

And, frankly?

I have little to do.

I might — possibly — end up watching something: but who knows!

Let’s move on, shall we?

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8th February 2024.

8th February, 2024.

Yes!

It’s officially official.

It’s, officially, raining out!

Frankly?

I was thinking of picking up a bag of vegetables.

But, on the other hand?

The monsoon we’ve got out there, is putting me off!

Heigh-ho!

~≈∑≈~

It has to be said, I’m glad it wasn’t this damp, yesterday.

That’s when I had to have more blood taken: for more testing.

Remind me — next time I have to do these — to ask what some of them are: they took seven whole pits!

~≈∑≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7th February 2024.

7th February, 2024.

It’s officially official: it’s Wednesday.

And … ?

Well, for a start, my nephew’s posted a new video.

Here: 

He’ll be pleased it’s learnt a comment, I think.

On top of that … ?

I’m up early!

I’ve got more blood tests, today: and would rather not miss them for being late.

~≈ß≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6-2-2024 — The National Day of the Sámi

6th February, 2024: the Sámi.

Right … Tuesdays exist!

You know it: I know it!

We know it!

Yeah, OK, Paul enough of the burbling!

It’s Tuesday: so that means it’s the day after I finished a review of episode 1 of classic Dr Who story, The Underwater Menace.

Feel free to hit the like button on there!   Or share it … or something … !

~≈Û≈~

On a more serious note?

Today is the first date that those of us who are eligible, will receive the last Cost of Living payment.

The scheme will pay us between now, and the 22nd of this month.

That?

Is due to be the last payment people will receive.

I’m looking forward to getting it: it’s a lifeline.

But fully expect it to be the last of such payments.

Unless the Chancellor does something spectacular in this year’s budget, in March.

That … ?

Is two days before my birthday: it would be nice if something positive happened!

~≈Û≈~

Doctor Who — The Underwater Menace — Episode 1 — A Review

4th February, 2024: an introduction.

Any minute now, an air fryer is going to go ‘Ding’.

Literally, ‘Ding’.

That means … ?

That a large baked potato is almost done: and all I have to do?   Is turn it over, and put it back on for another five minutes.

So the underneath is done.

The fact frozen vegetable swill be getting microwaved at the same time?

Is almost incidental.

Once those are done?

And dinner, eaten … ?

I’m going to be watching an Patrick Troughton episode of classic Doctor Who: then making a start on telling you all about it.

I’ll have this written review — and its companion, video, version — up by tomorrow night.

Hopefully?

That’s when you’ll be reading this post.

~≈📺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5th February, 2024.

5th February, 2024.

It’s official: it’s Monday.

And?

As ever, I’m up early: so I can get to my weight management class on time.

Hopefully?

I’ll find out whether I’ve lost some weight.

~≈⚖️≈~

Getting up as early as I did … ?

Means I caught Radio Four’s Tweet of the Day: the (extremely brief) show that plays a bird call at listeners, along side a drive few facts about the bird in question.

Today’s Tweet?

Was presented by Chris Packham: and informed us about the bird making it, the (male) Great Bustard,

The one thing that struck me as funny — funny peculiar, rather than funny ha-ha — was the bird’s call.

I know ornithologists and bird watchers will define the word ‘tweet’ differently to me, and millions of Twitter users: but, for me, it’s got a light sort of feel to it.

It describes the sort of sound made by budgies, rather than anything else.

So, hearing the sound made by Great Bustards?

The only way I could describe the sound, is ‘Fart’!

~≈🦤≈~

Just as a final thought?

My Mac — like most of the ones I’ve had over the past few years — has a feature that lets me find symbols, and emojis.

So you know?

‘💨’ is the emoji that comes up when I search for ‘fart’.

Someone’s got a bit too much time on their hands: and it’s not me!

~≈⏰≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4-2-2024 — The Social Network

4th February, 2024: the Social Network.

Yep: it’s Sunday.

And I think I’d like to go back to bed: I had a comparatively late night, last night.

Dinner with the family finished late: although it DID give Bobby the cat a chance to explore the conservatory.

~≈Ç≈~

Remember, recently, that I bought a new web cam?   A Nolansend 4k camera?

One that had been advertised as capable of 4K recording?   But that turned out not to?

I was disappointed … but have kept the thing, as it’s, fundamentally, a good camera: just not completely as advertised.

Amazon’s done it’s usual thing: and assumed I’m interested in more 4k cameras.

And waved this Depstech-branded camera at me.

Which seems to have the same issue, according to the critical reviews.

On top of that, there’s at least one other Nolansend branded camera with at least one bad review, complaining about the same issue: that the given camera doesn’t do what the listing says it does.

I’ve been conned before now, by third party sellers on Amazon: conned into buying a USB stick with a far smaller capacity than claimed.

Frankly?

I’m wondering if these iffy cameras are a new, similar, trend.

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3-2-2024 — Mehmed 2nd

3rd February, 2024: Mehmed 2nd.

Yes: it’s officially Saturday.

And?

The theme tune to an old TV show has replaced the earworm I have banging around my head, yesterday.

Putting Republica’s version of “Are Friends Electric” could be an idea!

~≈♭≈~

Did I mention I’m on Quora?   The question and answer site … ?

I’m on the question and answers site, Quora: if you didn’t know.

Sometimes, it’s good to contribute what little you know — however accurate it is — to others.

One question I answered recently?

Was this one, about getting a Mac: I felt I could contribute.

What (mildly) shocked me, when doing the very basic research for it?

Was the price difference the online currency converter showed me.

The UK price for my model was some £650: about $840 dollars, at the time of writing.

The US price, $599?   Worked out at some £475!

I believe US prices don’t include sales tax, the US equivalent to VAT*, that UK prices have to include.

But even so: that difference is quite astounding!

~≈$≈~