Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-3-2024 — Easter Sunday

31st March, 2024: Easter Sunday.

Right … Easter Sunday … 

Which means I’m going nowhere near sugar.

But, given regular readers know I’m diabetic?

They’ll probably tell you I’m planning on going nowhere near it … or chocolate!

Gosh, the excitement, eh?

~≈Ü≈~

JUST in case you’re wondering … ?

I’ve got the soundtrack for Strickland’s In Fabric on in the background.

The music is still worth listening too, after all this time.

I’m betting the film, itself, would be just as watchable … 

~≈Ü≈~

Sometimes … ?

My imagination gets away with me.

I spent most of yesterday morning with a version of Itsy Bitty Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini going through my head.

Performed by Chancellor Gowron of the Klingon Empire: and Commander Strax of the Sontaran empire.

Of course I mentioned it on Twitter.

My mind is feeding me a version of this song … sung by #ChancellorGowron and #Strax https://t.co/1MBL2l6anf

My imagination is WEIRD!

The rest of me is wondering what a cartoonist like @MAW_H would make of it: but suspect it’s not his thing … !

— Paul Downie (@Cuddy2977) March 30, 2024

And of course, the ever talented @MAW_H obliged!

pic.twitter.com/Fx0HQZNfHi

— MAW Holmes (@MAW_H) March 30, 2024

Frankly?

It made my evening!

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-3-2024 — Cheshire

30th March, 2024: Cheshire.

Well … It’s Holy Saturday … 

Which means … not a lot: to me, at ay rate.

Well … beyond the fact that — traditionally — we’re not supposed to eat hot cross buns — they’re for Good Friday — or easter eggs,

Not that I’m planning to have too much chocolate.

I’m diabetic: we’re supposed to keep sweeties to a minimum!

And … ?

We’re not supposed to have them until Easter Sunday!

Hey ho!

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th March 2024.

29th March, 2024.

Right … it’s now Good Friday … !

Yay.

At least ‘Yay’ … in theory.

I went into Romford, yesterday: to try and sell the laptop.

And got nowhere!

Quite what I’m going to do now … ?

I don’t know!

~≈🤨≈~

I’ve got to confess, I’m not especially religious: although I’ve found prayer useful, occasionally.

But … ?

I’m also very aware that the US sees religion differently to the UK.

Here, it’s usually seen as a private matter you generally don’t talk about.

Over there, it’s more openly discussed: although I don’t know if Debbi, my one regular comment, can confirm that.

At ANY rate?   Religion in the States seems to be more openly discussed … and more openly involved with politics.

I know I still see the occasional reports of preachers, priests and pastors endorsing one side or another, one policy or another.

Most presidents seem not to want to discuss their particular beliefs: sensibly.

They want to appeal to as many voters as possible: whilst keeping an eye on the US First Amendment, the Constitutional amendment that mandates a separation of church and state.

But … ?

One thing that has come to my attention … ?

Is potential Presidential candidate, Donald Trump … is now selling copies of the Bible.

This, to me, is hugely offensive.

He’s doing this not out of any genuinely held beliefs … but to raise money for his political hopes, to pay off his court costs, and to dupe his Christian voters: to get them to vote for him by convincing them he’s a believer.

The man is a genuine villain: one that’s ignorant of a quote from Dune:

“When religion and politics travel in the same cart, the riders believe nothing can stand in their way.   Their movements become headlong - faster and faster and faster.   They put aside all thoughts of obstacles and forget [that] the precipice does not show itself to the man in a blind rush until it’s too late.”

And equally ignorant of John 2:15-16:

“15        And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;

16        And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.”

Trump’s about the money: not the beliefs.

~≈📜≈~

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

28th March, 2024.

Right … Thursday … 

It’s the day before Friday: and frankly, after Wednesday.

But you’d guessed that!

At any rate … ?

I still have my sister’s laptop to sell: as no-one’s, seemingly, interested in it!

I might just have to head for my nearest branch of CeX, over in Romford.

If they won’t take it … ?

There’s a Cash Converters, next door.

~≈£≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th March, 2024.

27th March, 2024.

Right … 

It’s Wednesday … !

And, frankly?

I’m going — once my nephew’s gone home! — to catch the last episode of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.

It’s fun!

~≈🐉≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-3-2024 — Testing Times.

26th March, 2024: Testing Times.

It’s officially official: I’m up, early.

I’ve a meeting at my local Job Centre: the first in roughly a year.

The only thing that worries me … ?

Is my ‘new’ work coach has the same — ish! — name as a well known Eric Idle character.

Now … does anyone want a snack … ?

~≈🍟≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-3-2024 — The Medal

25th March, 2024: the Medal.

Right then … it’s Monday … !

Which means, of course, I’m up early.

Again!

Yes: it’s the day for my weight management group.

And, given I lost some weight last week?

I’m hoping I’ve lost more, this week.

~≈⚖️≈~

I’ve been binge watching Monarch: Legacy of Monster, recently.

It’s not something I think I’ll be reviewing: but it IS fun.

At one point in the fourth episode, though … ?

Kurt Russell’s character ends up setting fire to something, being present when something burns … in the middle of a snow-covered, barren, wasteland.

So it’s not like he’s being stereotyped … !

~≈🔥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-3-2024 — King James

24th March, 2024: King James.

It’s now, officially, Sunday.

The day after I caught a couple of episodes of Monarch: Legacy of Monsters.

Which were fun.

One thing that did throw me?

Was simply the fact it’s set in modern-day Tokyo … a modern-day Tokyo covered in Godzilla evacuation posters.

OK, granted: I know the series is set in a version of the world where wandering monsters have a habit of doing a lot of damage, and that such a thing would be everywhere, in the real world.

But it was slightly odd … !

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd March 2024

23rd March, 2024.

Right then … it’s Saturday … !

Which means … I’ve got most of the bills paid.

Bar the obvious one!

We’ll have to see what happens, there: as I’ve still not had the physical copy I was told would be sent.

~≈Ü≈~

As a thought … ?

You probably know Steve Harley died a few days ago.

Right now?

I’ve his Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) on in the background.

I don’t know what you think: but I think the man’s phrasing was unique!

~≈🎤≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-3-2024 — World Water Day.

22nd March, 2024: World Water Day.

Right then … it’s officially Friday.

Pay day, in other words.

And … ?

Brentwood Council are useless!

I’m due to start paying my council tax, today.

On previous years bills?

There’s been a bar code: that the shop you pay the bill at, scans to send the money to the right place.

This year’s bills?   Sent to me on line?

Has a section — at the bottom of the bill — that says “Scan for Payment”.

And no bar-code.

How I’m supposed to pay that … ?

I don’t know.

~≈Œ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-3-2024 — The Napoleonic Code.

21st March, 2024.

Yay!

It’s officially Thursday!

Or, at least, the day before pay day.

Frankly?

I’m looking forward to that: getting the bills done is something I can get done.

~≈Ë≈~

I’m on Facebook: as so many are.

I mention it, as I’ve an episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds on in the background.

“Charades”, if you’re interested.

I mention it … because of something funny I saw on Facebook, yesterday.

I’m in a Star Trek group: where members post frequently.

One member told us of how he and his young daughter were at a convention.

Queuing up to get their picture taken with actress, Christina Chong: Security Chief La’an Noonien Singh, in other words.

Apparently?   One of the daughter’s favourite episodes was “The Elysian Kingdom”: the one where — as the daughter put it — “the strong girl turned in to a princess!”

That … ?

Well, that put a smile on my face: especially as it’s a very good description of the character!

When’s she’s not holding a toy dog!

 

~≈Ë≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-3-2024 — Snatched!

20th March, 2024: Snatched.

It’s Wednesday!

Yay!

And, frankly?

Right here and now, I’m not expecting much to happen: beyond, maybe, some washing, tumble-drying and putting t-shirts away!

Gosh, the excitement!

~≈Í≈~

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

19th March, 2024.

Right … 

It’s Tuesday!

Which means I’m looking after my nephew, later.

If you wanted to subscribe to his channel?

You’d be perfectly welcome!

~≈Œ≈~

Oh … 

If you’s in the UK, you may or may not know about the British Board of Film Classification, or BBFC: the body that rates movies and TV shows on their commercial release.

They’ve had their ups and downs: and remit, broadened, over the years.

I didn’t know they governed mobile phone filters, for example.

Which makes sense, when you think about it.

At any rate … ?

I mention it because the Today programme has told me two things.

One?

The organisation will be tightening their guide lines.

Two?

Natasha Kaplinsky’s in charge of the BBFC.

The last time I saw her, she was reading the news!

~≈🗞️≈~

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

18th March, 2024.

Yes, it’s official Monday: and … ?

I’m officially up early … again.

Yes: today’s weight management day … and — this afternoon! — a hygienist appointment!

Which means going up Warley Hill, twice!

I hate going up Warley Hill!

~≈Ï≈~

Just as a thought … ?

Did you know singer, Steve Harley, died*, yesterday?

OK, I wasn’t a fan … but the man’s going to be missed!

~≈Ä≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-3-2024 — Saint Patrick’s Day.

17th March, 2024: Saint Patrick’s Day.

It’s official: it’s Saint Patrick’s Day!

Yay!

Not that I’m going to be marking it.

I’m not exactly what you’d call Irish!

~≈Î≈~

Oh, just as a thought … ?

I’ve an episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds on in the background: an episode called The Elysian Kingdom.

Christina Chong’s over-acting?

Definitely makes it worth watching!

~≈Î≈~

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

 16th March, 2024.

Right then … it’s Saturday … !

And … ?

I’m possibly going to be writing notes for a set of upcoming reviews.

Yes: it’s officially official.

The Radio Times has announced that the new series of Dr Who — the first two episodes of what’s either series 14/season 1, depending on who you ask! — will air on BBC 1 on 11th May, 2024.

With the same two episodes being available from the BBC iPlayer at 12:00 midnight, the same day.

And, internationally, at 7pm EST on Disney⁺, on 10th May: in order to guarantee a simultaneous release.

I have my reviewing work cut out for me!

~≈🫎≈~

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

15th March, 2024.

Right … it’s Friday!

So?

Frankly, that means it’s going to be a nice, quiet day.

Or a nice, boring day: depending on how it goes!

I may JUST have to do stuff: if I can find a movie?

That might be an idea … 

~≈🍄‍🟫≈~

I have to admit, I’m on Quora: the question and answer site.

It’s interesting to see stuff go past.

With that said?

You still see questions from people that believe — or, at least, imply — that the moon landing was faked.

It’s tempting to leave a really sarcastic reply to those questions.

Mentioning the simple fact that — if the USA had faked the landing? — the headline from Pravda, the official Soviet newspaper, would read ‘FAKE MOON LANDING’.

Not ‘FIRST LUNAR EXPEDITION’!

~≈🍄‍🟫≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-3-2024 — You Are Gold

14th March, 2024: You Are Gold!

Yes: it’s Thursday.

And?

I have to admit to wanting to go back to bed: as I’ve been up late … doing a video review of The Flash.

What makes it worth it?

Is getting a comment bare hours after posting it!

Not many … but enough to be pleased I’m getting a reaction.

~≈🥤≈~

The Flash — A Review

10th March, 2024: the introduction.

Right … it’s not often I have dinner at my sister’s … but I did.

And, frankly?

I’ve got back home early enough to make a cuppa … and start watching a movie.

I’ve been in a strange mood, recently … and fancied watching something that wasn’t my usual thing.

Frankly?

I fancied The Flash: as I not usually one for super hero films.

I’m be blunt: it looks interesting.

Either way?

I’ll have this review finished by Wednesday.

~≈🦸🏻‍♀️≈~

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

13th March, 2024.

Right … it’s official … 

It’s Wednesday: and I’ve still not finished a review!

Although my nephew, Jude?

Has managed another video … !

My only excuse?

Is that it’s taking a lot longer to write my review’s associated post than I thought.

The problem … ?

Is that I’ve had to write more about Ezra Miller than I expected.

Oy … vey … !

~≈¥≈~

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

12th March, 2024.

Yay!

It’s Tuesday!

Which means I’ll be baby-sitting — teen-sitting? — my nephew.

So you may want to keep an eye on his channel, just in case of uploads!

You may want to keep an eye on mine, too, as I’ve to a review due: you’ll see that go past, later!

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11th March 2024.

11th March, 2024.

Right … it’s official Monday: I’m up early, and just finished a bowl of Bran flakes.

And got Ça plane pour Moi on in the background.

There are times it’s the only to get an ear worm out of your head!

~≈🧑‍🎤≈~

At any rate … ?

I’m up early: to go to my weight management group.

Hopefully?

I’ll have lost weight: after two weeks of staying the same.

I’m having to walk, today: in the rain.

What that’ll do, I don’t know!

~≈🏋️‍♂️≈~

Oh, just as a last point?

I managed to catch a movie, last night.

You’ll find out what I saw when I publish it!

~≈🍿≈~

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

10th March, 2024.

Yes: it’s officially Sunday.

And … ?

I’ve managed to buy someone a card.

It’s one of those days!

~≈Œ≈~

I have to admit, I’m thinking of catching a movie, tonight.

Dashcam looks interesting: as does The Flash*.

Sasha Calle, who plays Supergirl?

Is quite striking looking.

But … ?

I’m VERY aware I have to get up in the morning!

We’ll see.

~≈Œ≈~

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

9th March, 2024.

Right … it’s Saturday … 

And the day after I found out the one shop in Brentwood won’t take the laptop I’m trying to sell.

It isn’t — despite actually working — in good enough condition to resell.

I have my suspicions: that the guy running the shop did not assess the thing for repair or refurbishment: as the thing was left where it had been put, when I took it in.

But nothing I can actually prove.

Either way … ?

I’m not exactly happy … !

~≈💻≈~

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

8th March, 2024.

Yes: it’s Friday.

And … ?

My nephew, Jude, is over this afternoon.

Hopefully, we’ll get something done!

At any rate … ?

This morning, I have to head for the town: to see what we can do about that laptop.

Beyond taking down the adverts!

~≈|≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7th March 2024

7th March, 2024.

It’s official: it’s Thursday morning, the day after the 2024 Budget … 

And I think there’s only so much droning from the Chancellor — Jeremy Hunt: he was just being interviewed on the Today programme — a body can put up with.

Or, at least, droning: without mentioning anything of interest to me: and many others.

Frankly?

It sounds like the Cost of Living payments have been cancelled.

That’s not a good thing.

Thousands of people relied on those … 

~≈Ü≈~

It’s got To be said: I have still not managed to sell the laptop.

Not yet, anyway.

I think a lot of the enquirers came through the few days worth of advertising I could afford.

Something I can’t afford to do again.

Thankfully?

There’s a shop in Brentwood High street that buys in, refurbs and sells on, second hand laptops.

We’ll have to see what they can offer.

~≈Ü≈~

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

6th March, 2024.

Yep: it’s Wednesday!

And … ?

It’s the day the government — in the shape of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt — announces this year’s budget.

I don’t know what he’ll announce.

But can only hope he retains the Cost-Of-Living payment.

I — and thousands of others — have found that money damn useful.

~≈£≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-3-2024 — The Return of Dredd.

5th March, 2024: The Return of Dredd.

Yep, it’s officially Tuesday: and I’m now a year and a day older than I was, yesterday.

I’m … 

Grateful for all the best wishes: and for the donation to the birthday fundraiser I’ve organised on Facebook.

But I’m also grateful the fuss is over for another year!

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4-3-2024 — New Hampshire

4th March, 2024: New Hampshire.

Right … it’s officially official: I am up early, again.

Yes: it’s Monday, and I’m off to my weight management meeting, today.

Again.

Hopefully?

The weight’s gone down.

It would be a nice thing to mark my birthday!

~≈Ü≈~

You’re possibly aware that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will be announcing the UK’s budget plans on Wednesday.

And?

That I’ve had help from Southend Council’s Essential Living Fund over the past few months.

That fund?   Is financed by the Household Support Fund.

And … ?

It looks like the money for the Fund could well end, in this budget.

That’s beyond sad.

Beyond being a shame.

And beyond many words I could use.

There are thousands who rely on schemes like this.

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3rd March 2024

3rd March, 2024.

Right … it’s Sunday morning … 

And frankly?

I’m expecting it to be quiet!

Because … ?

Well, it’s Sunday, after all.

And the messaging from Facebook Market Place has gone quiet!

Hmmm … 

We’ll have to see what happens, there!

~≈Î≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2-3-2024 — Kherson.

2rd March, 2024: Kherson.

Right then … … 

It’s officially Saturday … and … ?

The day when the minimal advertising I could afford — on the laptop I’m trying to sell — ends.

Hopefully … ?

I’ll be able to sell it, with the ads.

If not … ?

I may have to sell it to CeX: which won’t exactly get the best price!

~≈¥≈~

Elon … Musk … !

Did you know he was one of the people who founded OpenAI: the not-for-profit group that first made ChatGPT, the open source AI chatbot?

I certainly didn’t.

It turns out he did.

So … ?

News has broken: that tells us Mr Musk is now complaining that — since the group’s tire-up with Microsoft — the company’s turning into a profit driven corporation.

And suing as a result.

I’m VERY aware Elon’s one of the richest people on the planet.

And can appreciate his concerns that OpenAI stays a not-for-profit company that makes open-source software.

But a rich man complaining others are making themselves richer seems a little off.

~≈¥≈~

Oh … 

Just as a last thought about Elon*?

He’s recently bought a Windows 11 based laptop.

And had to set up a Microsoft email to set it up.

I’m tempted to say “Welcome to my world”: except I’ve had a Mac for the past two decades.

At any rate?

He’s complained about it on Twitter/X.

To Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft.

That’s one HELL of a tech support call!

~≈¥≈~