Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-10-2024 — World Cities Day

31st October, 2024: World Cities Day.

Right … I’m officially not going to mention a new Apple product release.

Nope: I’ve had two days worth of boring you to death with it.

So I’m not going to mention the seriously upgraded MacBook Pros, MacBook Pros that come with a serious price tag, and serious specs.

Like Thunderbolt 5 ports on practically everything.

And upgraded RAM and hard-drives and screens.

Nor am I going to mention the tweaks made to the MacBook Airs: which now come with increased RAM.

Nope, I’m not going to … … … … 

Ooops!

~≈💻≈~

Ahem!

I have to say, though, those Airs are interesting to me: I’ve just enough cash left to buy one.

But I’m trying to keep hold of the money I’ve got.

I’m also put off by some of the design aspects.

I’m left handed: it’s part of what attracted me to the Mac desktops I’ve had.

The classic, one-button, Mac mice can be used left-handedly with a minimum of fiddling about in the settings.

You just put it on the other side of the keyboard.

So … ?

I like having the left hand side of my desk free, and clear, of obstructions.

However, the current MacBook line up has most of its ports on the left hand side of the machine.

If, like me, you have a lot of hubs and dongles that need connecting… ?

That doesn’t exactly leave you with space.

~≈💻≈~

Just as a last point … ?

I’ve now officially wiped an old external drive, one I was using as my Time Machine back-up.

As securely as possible: after all, someone could access my bank details from that drive.

Even though I’d done it in a way that was a compromise between security, and time taken, it was still an overnight job.

One that, thankfully, had finished by this morning.

I’m now setting up Time Machine with the new drive.

Hopefully?

That set up won’t take long.

Now … does anyone want a second hand, ten-terabyte external drive … ?

~≈💾≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-10-2024 — Mischief Night.

30th October, 2024: Mischief Night.

Right … It’s official: my nephew was over, yesterday.

And made another video … !

Feel free to head for YouTube, and press ‘Like’.

He’d appreciate it!

~≈🏁≈~

I’m a Mac fan: you knew that.

So … ?

Been keeping an eye on the various product announcements Apple have made over the past couple of days.

Monday’s announcement about new models of iMac was … slightly disappointing: powerful as these new models seem, the number of ports seems minimal.

And the highest end version’s lack of an M4 Pro chip seems like a wasted opportunity.

That’s more than countered, I feel: with Apple’s announcement of new models of Mac mini.

Complete with plenty of ports, boosted minimum RAM, and — in the three higher models — increased solid-state drives.

The most expensive model … ?

Comes with an M4 Pro chip … and three Thunderbolt Five ports: a step up from the Thunderbolt Four ports in the other models.

They look a lot like baby Mac Studios … and frankly?

Very worth-while: especially given the price!

~≈🖥️≈~

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

29th October, 2024.

Right … 

I mentioned, yesterday, that there was talk the government were — apparently — planning to scrap the bus fare cap: the one that’s been in place since the Cost of Living crisis.

That’s annoying: the thing’s a life-saver if you’re on a low income.

However?

The Prime Minister announced, yesterday, that the cap would go from two pounds to three pounds.

That’s … 

Well, it’s not something I wanted to hear.

But it’s better than a poke in the eye … 

~≈🚏≈~

Oh … 

I’m something of a Mac fan: you’re possibly aware of that.

You’re possibly also aware that’s Apple’s new range of iMacs have dropped: at least, they’re ready for pre-order.

I have to say, they look impressive.

They now start with sixteen gigabytes of RAM, by default: and come in four different stock options.

Still … 

I have criticisms.

First?

The high end machine comes with a ‘normal’ M4 chip: and can’t, seemingly, be configured with anything more powerful.

Secondly?

My second criticism is the same one I’ve had for a while.

These modern machines only have four USB c/Thunderbolt 4 ports*.

Anyone buying these new machines will probably need a lot of dongles … 

~≈🖥️≈~

Just as a last thought … ?

I’ve officially found out I’ve lost 300 grams, at yesterday’s weight-in.

That’s not as much as I was hoping: but it’s better than I was expecting.

So that’s a result.

~≈⚖️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-10-2024 — Beijing

28th October, 2024: Beijing.

Right … it’s official.

It’s another Monday morning.

Which means, of course, that I’m off to my weight management group: and hoping I’ve managed to keep the loss of weight going.

I’d lost 1.2kg, last week: and want to keep that going!

~≈Ω≈~

Something they’ve just announced on the Today programme … ?

Is that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is to announce the scrapping of the capped bus fares in Wednesday’s budget.

I hope they don’t!

Those cheap fares are a life-saver for many of us.

~≈🚌≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-10-2024 — The Subway

27th October, 2024: the Subway.

Right … 

Time’s a-wastin’ … !

But … ?

I have to confess, I’ve got up early!

Frankly?

I’m blaming the clocks going back.

It always throws me off!

~≈⏱≈~

Did I mention I have a new toaster?

And a new fuse board?   One that was installed, last year?

I just tried making toast with the new toaster … which blew the fuse board.

Climbing up a ladder, to reset the thing, early in the morning … ?

Is not what I call fun!

~≈⚡️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th October, 2024.

26th October, 2024.

It’s officially officially: it’s now Saturday.

Which means that — if you’re in the UK? — that the clocks go back, overnight.

Most of mine will reset, automatically: but there’s a couple I’ll have to do manually.

Heigh ho!

~≈🕰️≈~

My nephew, Jude, was over, yesterday: has had to confess, he’s not looking forward to a hair cut, today!

But was interested in my new sofa*, and thoroughly enjoy making a new video.

If you can head over to YouTube, hit the like button, and share the thing?

That’ll probably help boost his morale!

~≈💈≈~

Oh, just as a last thought … ?

Going by a piece I’ve just seen on the BBC’s website, there’s a man who’s made a novelty Halloween costume … out of Yorkshire puddings.

Yorkshire puddings … !

Normally?

I’d roll my eyes, heavenward, and say “Only in America”, except this … was in Southend … !

Heigh, bloody, ho!

~≈🍽️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th October, 2024

25th October, 2024.

Yay!

It’s officially official!

I now have a fully assembled sofa.

Complete with improvised antimacassars!

I think I’d’ve preferred something with higher arms.

But on the other hand … ?

I’ve got a sofa with a seat at a perfect height: that means I have my feet on the ground, when I sit down.

And had help from an old friend called Graham: who helped assemble the thing.

Thank you, Graham!

~≈🛋️≈~

Have you got a change pot?

A pot, or container, to keep your loose change in … ?

I have: I’ve had one for years.

There’s never much in mine: but it’s handy to have.

And something I check, every-so-often.

It covers the cost of a bus ride, if nothing else.

But … ?

It’s something I check, several times a week: sometimes, a couple of times a day.

It’s … I don’t know, soothing?

Enjoyable?

Compulsive?

I couldn’t tell you.

But it’s something I find reassuring, if nothing else.

~≈🪙≈~

Yes, before you ask … I’m a fan of Apple’s Mac computers.

You’ve possibly worked that out.

So you’re possibly aware that I keep an eye on things.

And so I’m very aware that — going by some reports — Apple’s planning a slew of press releases, next week: announcing new models of Mac.

Mac mini, in particular.

You can imaging how interested I am, can’t you … ?

~≈🍎≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th October, 2024.

24th October, 2024.

Did I mention I’ve been binge watching a US comedy?

I’ve been binge watching a US comedy: The Big Bang Theory, currently aired — in the UK — by Channel Four.

It’s hysterical: both the cast and crew have played a blinder.

Especially Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper.

Last night?

I caught the two-part finale, last night.

And have to say, it was a hell of a thing to watch: especially Sheldon’s final speech.

It’s one hell of a tear-jerker!

And a suitable last speech!

~≈Ω≈~

At any rate … ?

I’ve got a new sofa: sitting next to me as I write.

It needs assembling: I suspect that’s something I need help with.

I also know it’s something I need space to do.

That’s solvable: I have a clearance company, coming today: in order to clear out my old armchairs.

Hopefully?

They’ll be here, and gone, and the sofa assembled, by the time my nephew gets here!

Heigh-ho!

~≈🧑‍🌾≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd October, 2024.

23rd October, 2024.

Right … it’s official: I’ve been and got up, early.

Basically?

It’s pay day: or, at least, the day my universal credit turns up in my account, and my bills are due.

So … ?

Granted, I have a lot of money as a result of the recent PIP award.

But?

I want to make sure my regular bills get paid the same day of the month they usually get paid: for the sake of consistency, if nothing else.

The early start?

Means I can get my months shopping … and then get back for my scheduled phone meeting with my case officer at the Job Centre.

Ho-hum!

~≈ℇ≈~

Talking of which?

Whilst I’ve got the proverbial cash, I’ve managed to spend a little.

On CDs, would you believe?

Some of the music hasn’t survived the transfer from one hard drive to another, and isn’t available from the iTunes Store, or Amazon Music.

Thankfully?

Apple’s Music.app can still import stuff from CD: so I’ve not lost everything!

~≈♩≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-10-2024 — Crisis

22nd October, 2024: Crisis.

Right then … 

It’s officially Tuesday: not Wednesday, as I said in the introduction!

One of these days, I’ll get the hang of the calendar, I really will.

At any rate … ?

I found out I lost weight, yesterday: so I’m pleased.

 ~≈⚖️≈~

Oh … 

John Cooper Clarke — the poet — has just been on the Today programme.

Apparently, and in a first of its kind move, he’s playing arena gigs: to celebrate World Poetry Day.

I think that means we can have a poem!

 ~≈🕴️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-10-2024 —Portland Cement.

21st October, 2024: Portland Cement.

Yes: you’re right!

It’s Monday, and I’m up early, again!

What can I tell you … ?

Beyond the fact that it’s the for my weight management meeting: and for a trip to the dentist, this afternoon.

Ho-hum!

~≈⚖️≈~

Occasionally?

I have the news on: and caught this piece, a few days ago.

It seems the US Federal Trade Commission want’s to introduce a ‘click to cancel’ law: a law to make the process of cancelling a digital subscription a lot easier … and a lot simpler!

Having tripped up on an Amazon Prime offer, many years ago?

It sounds like a good idea: one I hope the UK introduces!

That could well be useful!

~≈❌≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-10-2024 — Madam Vice-President.

20th October, 2024: Madam Vice-president.

It’s officially official: it’s not just Evri that get deliveries wrong!

I was due a delivery, yesterday: from Amazon.

Some new bedsheets, and jogging bottoms, so you know.

What I got … ?

Was some shampoo, and toothbrushes.

As it turned out, the driver had delivered my package to a flat over the road: and their package to me.

I’m thankful the couple were in: as it meant I could wonder over and swap packages.

But?

You can bet I sent Jeff Bezos an email!

~≈📧≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-10-2024 — The First Battle of Ypres

19th October, 2024: The First Battle of Ypres.

It’s official: I’ve had bits delivered.

Including a stand for my TV: which is nice.

It means I can see the screen my coffee table.

I’ve also had a sofa from Wayfair delivered: by Evri.

They had told me the thing was going to turn up between 19:00 and 21:00.

So, of course, I headed the Romford branch of CeX: to sell off my old AppleTV 4k and old eight terabyte external drive.

I got on the train by 12:30 … which is when I got a text message from Evri telling me they were coming between twelve and two, 12:00 and 14:00.

They left it outside the building, when they couldn’t get in.

Outside the building.

I’m not happy.

Granted, I was out.

But … ?

A few seconds work — pressing the Trade button on the doorbell panel —would’ve got the driver in, and dropping the thing at my door!

Ho-hum!

~≈🚛≈~

Just as a bit of politics?

Apparently, Tim Cook — the CEO of Apple — has complained about Apple’s EU tax case.

To no less a person than Donald Trump.

At least, that’s what Donald Trump said in an interview, yesterday.

According to various news reports … ?

Apple has ‘ … declined to comment.’

Their usual policy on this things looks sensible, under the circumstances … !

~≈🍏≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th November 2024

18th October, 2024.

Right … I’m having a bad morning!

I’ve set up an new, larger external drive, transferred everything over … 

And, of course, my iTunes library is now a mess!

It’s a lot harder to organise than my Photos, and iMovie, libraries!

Arrrggghhh!

I hate messy iTunes libraries!

It doesn’t help that I forgot this happens … … specifically when you change external drives*¶!

~≈🎵≈~

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

17th October, 2024.

Pop star, Liam Payne*, has died.

The former One Direction star was on holiday in Argentina: falling from a third floor hotel room, after — it seems — getting drunk.

There’s possibly half a ton of stuff to say, there.

But?

The thing that surprises me, isn’t the fans mourning.

I can understand that.

What always surprises me?

Is the hero worship shown.

Humanity does seem to like bending at the knee.

~≈🦵≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-10-2024 — World Food Day

16th October, 2024: World Food Day.

Right … I officially spent time on the phone, yesterday!

Phoning the Universal Credit Review team, to talk over what was happening.

I have to admit, it was a call I found very stressful: as, as it turned out, I needed to feed a specific check number — from my driving license — into the .gov website.

‘Palaver’ is not the word: especially as it took several goes.

I did managed to ask why this was happening: answering that was why I phoned in the first place.

Apparently, it’s a rare — but very routine — procedure.

Hmmm … 

I came away from the experience feeling stressed, angry and very frustrated.

But … ?

Can at least say the agent who took my call — called Anstar — was both patient, calm, thick skinned … and had very good customer handling skills.

That’s very helpful … and very appreciated … 

~≈☎️≈~

On other fronts … ?

I’ve now ordered a sofa.

As soon as it’s here?

I can arrange for the old armchair to be removed, and get assembling.

~≈💺≈~

Just as a last thought … ?

It seems that Liz Kendall, the current Work and Pensions Secretary, is planning to introduce a scheme where work coaches — the case workers at the Job Centre — visit clients in psychiatric hospitals.

Apparently, the pilot projects have produced ‘dramatic results’.

I’m not necessarily sure it’s a good idea.

As I’ve met one or two people over the years who would struggle keeping a job: as their conditions meant they had frequent episodes.

They’d be an employee that even the most sympathetic employer would find difficult to accommodate.

I can see the idea’s good: I can see the idea could potentially ease government spending.

But?

I think it’s not necessary practical: especially if a work coach has minimal training … and especially if a patient has frequent crises.

~≈💺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-10-2024 — Nature vs Nietzsche

15th October, 2024: Nature vs Nietzsche.

Right, I have to admit, I was up early, again, today.

I’m getting a mattress delivered, this morning.

And … ?

I’m getting the old one removed by the delivery company.

After a bad night’s sleep.   Stress induced, I think: I had a few deliveries, and my weight management meeting … 

And a phone call from the Department of Work and Pensions: to review my Universal Credit claim.

Mostly about my bank, and PayPal, statements for the last few months.

All that … and waiting for yesterday’s batch of deliveries?

Well, stress is the word, I think!

~≈😖≈~

I follow the news: so?

When Radio Four’s Today programme announces news that interests me, I pay attention.

I’m obese, so you know: managing my weight by a mix of meal-monitoring, and taking at least one dual use medication.

I’m on Mounjaro: but have used Ozempic.

So notice the piece on the Today programme: that tells us the Health Secretary is planning to introduce weight loss drugs for the unemployed.

As he feels it will save the National Health Service money, long term: and improve the economy, by reducing the amount of sick days taken by people like me.

I’d welcome that: knowing the good these drugs can do.

But … ?

Wonder why it hasn’t been done earlier.

~≈💉≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th October 2024.

14th October, 2024.

You know, I don’t know if I approve.

I follow the news: like many of us do.

And?

I couldn’t help but notice that the US is sending troops to Israel: to help the latter use the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, missile defence system.

Granted, it’s only about a hundred or so troops.

But … ?

I can’t help but think that’s what started US involvement in the Vietnam War: sending in troops as — ha! — military advisers to help train South Vietnamese troops.

I find it mildly worrying.

And also know it’s election year in the US: and wonder if President Biden is trying to get Kamala Harris a few extra votes.

~≈🗳️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-10-2024 — Ankara

13th October, 2024: Ankara.

Right … 

I’ve come into money.

Not much — if you’re Jeff Bezos or Time Cook — but enough to make a difference to me.

I’ve already picked up a few useful bits for around the house.

And have a new mattress coming, on Tuesday.

I’m also sizing up sofas.

The prices for some of those are eye watering!

But it’s something that’s much needed.

The biggest problem … ?

Getting rid of the old furniture: at a good price.

I’m going to have to shop around, there!

~≈🛋️≈~

Something I have managed to get — which I’m not planning to tell the DWP about — was a couple of reasonably priced, high capacity, external drives.

It’s a long held believe of mine: having lots of drive space is like having lots of shelf space.

There’s no such thing as having too much shelf space!

~≈📀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-10-2024 — Yom Kippur

12th October, 2024: Yom Kippur.

It’s now, officially, Saturday: and a few smaller bits have been delivered.

Including a few Christmas presents: ones the driver would only deliver, once I’ve given him a code number,

Finding that on my phone was fun!

At any rate … ?

One thing I got was a new kettle … 

One with a measure on both sides: and therefore, easy to use for a left hander like me.

That’s a result, I think.

~≈🫖≈~

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

11th October, 2024.

I’m rich: I’m rich … !

Actually … ?

No, I’m not!

But I have — finally — had the initial payment of Personal Independence Payment, the back-pay portion, through.

Granted, a chunk of that’s gone: Christmas, and some new bits and bobs, are on order.

But … ?

That’s a load of my mind!

~≈🪑≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10-10-2024 — World Day Against the Death Penalty

10th October, 2024: World Day Against the Death Penalty.

It’s official: I still have the lurgy.

And feel I have a frog in my throat.

No, scrub that: I’ve got a hole bloody pond full!

Ouch!

~≈🐸≈~

Something I know has been mentioned on Radio 4’s Today programme … ?

Is that, last night, BBC Four aired the 1984 made for TV film, Threads.

Something I reviewed, last year.

And still feel is possibly the most powerful, bleak, and terrifying, film I’ve ever seen.

I’m still going to suggest you watch it: it’s on iPlayer, and the blu-ray is on the UK, US and Spanish branches of Amazon.

It’s worth watching … but won’t be for everyone.

~≈☢️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-10-2024 — Starman

9th October, 2024.

Yes: it’s official.

I have COVID!

I mentioned, yesterday, that I was feeling rough: and felt I had a cold.

I had a few COVID tests left: so thought using one to check would a good idea.

I got the dreaded two red lines: that meant a positive result.

Which was awkward: I had an opticians appointment, yesterday, and could have gone to a non-compulsive thing for the job centre.

Those … definitely went out of the window.

And?

Irony of irony?

I’m supposed to be having my COVID shots, next week.

Heigh-ho!

~≈💉≈~

In other news … ?

I was contacted by the Department of Work and Pensions, yesterday.

I’m assuming it’s about my Personal Independence Payment.

They wanted me to re-upload my bank statements, and photo IDs: as they weren’t happy with the originals I sent them, last week.

They’ve now arranged for a phone meeting with me, for this coming Monday.

A meeting with a member of something called the Claim Review Team.

I wish they’d contacted me, sooner, about the uploads.

The delays are frustrating!

~≈🪙≈~

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

8th October, 2024,

Right … I am officially up early: and feeling god-awful!

I’m supposed to have another opticians appointment, today.

But … ?

I’m humming and hawing about cancelling it, and rearranging it.

I am feeling … unpleasant: and think I have a cold.

I’ve also aware that — for my last hour or so in bed? Today and yesterday? — I was heading for the loo.

Every ten minutes or so.

If I’ve understood the medications I’m on, correctly?

That’s the fault of the Dapagliflozin I’m on.

It makes diabetics like me … wee even more!

OK, it’s doing me good … 

But I’d rather it didn’t, at that time of the morning!

~≈🚾≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7-10-2024 — Cotton Eyed Joe

7th October, 2024: World Cotton Day.

Right, then: it’s Monday, again.

And, as ever?

I’m up early, so I can get to my weight management group.

Hopefully … ?

I’ll have carried on last week’s trend: and ?lost some weight!

Here’s hoping!

~≈🏋️≈~

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

6th October, 2024.

Right … it’s Sunday.

And … ?

And very aware you know what an ‘earworm’ is.

It’s a song — or parts of a song — that’s playing its way around your head: sometimes for no apparent reason.

I get those.

I’m also wondering what the term is for a word that’s stuck in your head.

Because, every-so-often, I get the word, ‘yurt’, stuck in my head: and, for no apparent Reaser, compelling me to use or mention it, somehow.

Why?

I have no idea.

But … ?

I want to know what a word like that’s called!

~≈𒑰≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-10-2024 — It’s Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

5th October,  2024: Monty Python's Flying Circus.

It’s still official: I still haven’t received a payment from the Department of Work and Pensions.

I know: because I’ve been compulsively check my bank since the decision.

Saying that?

It’s Saturday: so it’s about what I was expecting.

It’s still frustrating to see, though!

~≈💷≈~

Oh, just as a confession: if this post seems a little delayed.

I’ve just found a game on Apple’s Arcade service called John Bottom.

It’s fun, addictive … 

And very reminiscent of an old ZX Spectrum game called Jumpin’ Jack … !

~≈🂫≈~