Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-11-2024 — Ridley Scott

30th November, 2024: Ridley Scott.

It’s Saturday: and … ?

The Second Reading of Kim Leadbeater’s Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill has gone well for the bill: as it has been approved by a vote in the House of Commons by 330, for, to 275, against.

Which means it will now go to the committee stage: then a Report stage, then a third and final reading.

Hopefully?

Hopefully, the bill will pass these stages: and go into law.

I feel the option, the choice, of an assisted death must be legally available.

~≈🪦≈~

Oh, I’ve officially had a visit: from the occupational therapist a few weeks ago and arrange for my bath chair.

Frankly?

She liked the stool I’ve managed to get hold of: and suggested a pair of rails.

Hopefully, I’ll hear soon about those: they could come in handy.

~≈🫧≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-11-2024 — Vanuatu.

29th November, 2024: Vanuatu.

Right … I am officially up — and showered — early.

Yes.

I’m expecting another visit from an occupational therapist: from my GP surgery.

She’s the one who managed to get hold of the bath chair for me: and — once she realised I’d find a step stool handy — offered to do another visit.

Just to — you know — assess things.

Here’s hoping things go well.

~≈🪑≈~

You’re possibly aware that — here in the UK — the House of Commons is to have its second reading of an assisted dying bill: a private members bill called the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.

It’s getting a lot of reporting, understandably: with many — on the Today programme, at least — putting the bill on a par with the ones that legalised homosexuality or abortion, and that ended capital punishment.

An assisted death isn’t something I see myself — as I am, today — wanting or needing.

Nor — as they are today — is it something I seem my friends and family wanting or needing.

But … ?

Ever since the death of Sir Terry Pratchett — after years of struggles with Alzheimers, and his own campaign in support of assisted death — I’ve concluded physician-assisted deaths must be made UK law.

Or, at least, law in England and Wales, as this bill lays out.

It’s something I feel is truly on a par with abortion.

You may not want one: I may not want one.

That does not mean an abortion — or a dignified death of our own choosing — should not be legally available.

“If I knew that I could die, I would live.   My life, my death, my choice.”

Shaking Hands with Death, Richard Dimbleby Lecture by Sir Terry Pratchett.

~≈🪦≈~

From the grim, to the ridiculous.

I have to confess, I’ve woken up with an earworm.

“Jai-ho”: the Pussycat Dolls version, rather than the version from Slumdog Millionaires.

Quite why the chorus left me in tears, I don’t know!

~≈🎵≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-11-2024 — Albania

28th November, 2024: Albania.

Yes: it’s officially official.

And I have nothing planned: bar helping a neighbour with her printer.

I do know I was looking after my nephew, last night.

And, on the way home?

Managed to see two — two — badgers run across the road: right in front of me.

That wasn’t the only wildlife I saw.

The fox I saw in Railway Square … ?

The one I tried to keep a polite distance from … ?

Watched me, nervously, as I walked past.

Those … ?

Were something to see.

~≈Ü≈~

But not necessary something to feel.

Like I say, I was at my sister’s, with my nephew, Jude.

Who managed to catch this photo of Bobby the Cat: 

Bobby has a thing about washing my ear … … … … 

~≈🐈≈~

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

27th November, 2024.

Hmmm … 

It seems something — something — is happening.

It seems that a ceasefire deal has gone into effect in the Middle East: between Israel and Hezbollah.

Which is nice to see.

But … ?

Can I make a confession … ?

I’m deeply cynical about the word, ‘ceasefire’.

So many of them have collapsed, over the years.

~≈🛑≈~

A few weeks ago?

An attack took place in Brentwood: one that took place in the council flats I used to live in.

That was … shocking: and still is.

But?

Someone has been charged with murder: and his barrister has pled ‘Not guilty’ on his behalf.

The barrister’s done it, as “… the prison in which [the suspect] is being held was unable to locate him.”

How the hell have they managed to lose a murder suspect?

~≈🚨≈~

You’ve heard of the Groucho Club, haven’t you … ?

It’s a members-only club in Soho: and very well known.

Apparently?

The place has temporarily had its license suspended: as a ‘serious crime’ has taken place, there.

What’s happened?

None of the reports I’ve seen are saying.

But … ?

I’m hoping police don’t lose the suspect … 

~≈🚔≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th December 2024

26th November. 2024.

Right … it’s officially a busy day.

I’ve got to help Mum, lunchtime: taking a TV up to Brentwood’s tip.

Here’s hoping that goes well!

~≈♻︎≈~

Hmmm … 

I follow technology news: however half-heartedly.

And notice that Microsoft have introduce a cheap desktop called the Windows 365 Link*†.

One that’s aimed at the enterprise market, and that runs — if I’ve understood things correctly — a cloud-based, subscription version of the Windows operating system.

The machine, itself, is relatively cheap.

But I don’t necessarily think the subscription model — for the software — will be popular with home users.

I know at least one person who’s asked for alternatives to MS Office: as they object to the monthly fee.

How well the Link would play in the home market … ?

I don’t know.

~≈🪟≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-11-2024 — The Return of 25

25th November, 2024: the Number, 25.

Right … 

It’s officially Monday: and … ?

I’m heading into town, twice!

Yep: I’ve got my weight management class, this morning.

And a hygienist appointment at 14:00.

Heigh … wait for it, wait for it … … HUM! 

~≈🦷≈~

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

24th November, 2024.

You’ve possibly realise I have a second hand Mac I want to sell: after buying a new model.

Which is why I headed for Romford, yesterday: it’s my nearest branch of recycling retailers, CeX.

I went … hoping to be able to make a good amount of cash: and a vague notion of buying a cheap phone from the Romford O2 shop.

Unfortunately?

CeX wouldn’t take the Mac.

As it turns out the thing had no function operating system.

Even though I was upset, soon realised what had happened: I’d obviously not reset the thing properly.

I’m gutted!

But … ?

Will probably have another go at resetting it: as soon as I can find a monitor to let me access the thing.

Frankly?

I’m glad I didn’t get rid of the old mouse and keyboard: they’ll come in handy … 

~≈🖥️≈~

As an extra thought, about the new machine … ?

I know how space I have on it.

Mostly because I know how to access the diagnostic tools that tell me what’s been used, and what’s available.

On most of my Macs, I’ve always had the various drives connected to whatever machine I’m using showing on my desktop.

In a way that — in theory — shows how much space is available.

The information panel I’ve called up?

Tells me I’m using 124 gigabytes, out of a maximum of 995.

The ‘Info’ line under the main drive’s icon … ?

Tells me I’ve some 929 gigabytes free: when it should be showing some 871.

Quite what’s been happening, there, I don’t know.

And it’s not something I’m going to worry about, too much: this machine has plenty of drive space.

But it’s been happening since I updated to macOS Catalina on my old iMac.

~≈💽≈~

As a last thought … ?

I’ve got Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, on in the background.

The way the songs segue into each other, makes the technique sound effortless.

I’m also very parts of it remind me of the White Noise LP, An Electric Storm.

Floyd’s “Breathe (In the Air)”, and “On the Run”, in particular.

Why I’m reminded?

I really don’t know!

~≈♩≈~

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

23rd November, 2024.

You know, Brentwood’s branch of Sainsbury’s is wonderful.

It’s got most of the stuff I need on a daily basis: even if it’s quite a walk away.

The problem … is the SmartShop.

You scan an item with the app on your phone, put in in a bag in your trolley, head for the Smart Shop self-service till, scan the QR code, double check the list, pay for everything … 

Then walk out of the store, and go home.

Swearing about the amount you have to carry, the wait for the bus, the price of the cab, the time it takes to put everything away, what-have-you!

Most of the time … ?

The actual in-store shopping, scanning the stuff into the till and paying for it … is relatively hassle free.

Except when the till beeps at you: to tell you it wants a member of staff to quickly double check things.

I can understand that.

Sainsbury’s want to make sure we’re not shop-lifting.

My specific issue?

Every month, I do a big shop.

I try and get a month’s worth of stuff: frozen food, cleaning stuff, a big pack of toilet roll, what-have-you.

Every month of the past year or so?

Every single month?

When I’ve done this monthly shop, the system asks for a member of staff to check my shopping.

Every month.

It takes a varied amount of time, depending on whether they just need to check a few items or — like yesterday — unpack everything and re-scan the lot.

But it happens, every month.

To the point where — yesterday, in the queue for the till — I asked the staff member on duty to keep their eyes peeled: as, any minute now, they’d be asked to check my shopping.

Lo and behold … the poor woman had to wander over to the till I was at.

I’m getting used to it: I don’t know if the staff are.

They should be: as it’s been happening once a month, for anywhere between a year to eighteen months.

Like I say: I can understand why it’s happening.

But I’m finding it time-consuming, repetitive and vaguely insulting.

I can only hope someone at Sainsbury’s head-office is reading this.

I’d like it to stop …

~≈🛒≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-11-2024 — Lebanon

22nd November, 2024: Lebanon.

Right … it’s officially pay day.

And, of course … I’m going to be paying bills and shopping.

About the only thing putting me off … ?

Is the simple fact the BBC’s weather page is telling me Brentwood is facing single figure temperatures.

All together, now, folks: 

 Ho-HUM … !

~≈☔️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-11-2024 — World Television Day

21st November, 2024: World Television Day.

I think we can safely say I have a new Mac.

“I have a new Mac”.

And that I set it up, yesterday: with about the expected amount of swearing!

Pairing my Android phone with the new machine involved searching through System Settings, to change two different Bluetooth settings.

 Copying my Photos and iMovie library to the new machine was simple: although getting my AppleTV 4K to recognise that Home Sharing was on, and my media library was over here … involved changing the name of my media library.

Oh, and the power button … ?

Is in the bottom left hand corner to the machine.

Literally!

As for the new keyboard?

The old keyboard has a FN key in the upper left hand side, and an eject button.

The new one, by contrast?

Has a finger-print key instead of the eject button, and moves the FN key to the bottom left.

The new one has a fingerprint sensor, instead of the Eject button.

And puts the FN button in the bottom left hand corner.

That’s … well, as wonderfully tactile as this new keyboard feels — you can lock your screen by pressing the fingerprint button, the FN button calls up the character viewer, the button marked ‘What’s This’ doesn’t do much beyond call up context menus— that does mean re-learning a few keyboard shortcuts.

It’s going to take a while to get used to it!

~≈🖥️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th November 2024.

20th November, 2024.

Right … if you’ve seen the intro video … ?

You’ll possibly know the M4 Mac mini I’ve bought — one with a one terabyte SSD, and sixteen gigabytes of RAM, one I’d bought with much help — had been due to get here, by this Friday.

It actually turned up, yesterday: at ten to two in the afternoon.

I have to admit, I’m looking forward to setting it, and the new keyboard and mouse, up.

Whist simultaneously being nervous about both that: and re-setting the old model.

It’s nothing unusual: and much like stage fright, which I used to get, presenting live pub quizzes.

Hopefully, though?

Things will go well*.

~≈💻≈~

One thing I do know … ?

Is that I’ve managed to clear some of the mess on my table.

By the simple method of nailing a few bits of kit to the wall next to desk.

With cheap picture hooks from a local shop.

Here’s hoping that’s a useful — and stealable — idea!

~≈🖼️≈~

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

19th November, 2024.

It’s officially Tuesday: and … ?

I’m officially helping my mum drop a batch of electronic waste at the local tip.

It’s been a while since I’ve gone, I know that.

So it’s been mildly surprising to find you now need an appointment.

An appointment … on a day that’s looking cold, wet, and increasingly nasty.

What do I say, next.

“Heigh-ho” … or “Ho-hum” … ?

Either one works for me.

~≈🗑️≈~

You’re possibly aware that President Biden has agreed long range US weapons can be used by Ukraine, in Russian territories.

Something that — up until now — he’s denied to them.

Russia, of course, is doing a lot of sabre rattling.

What get’s me?

Is the simple fact America’s been happy to provide the missiles … whilst, effectively, telling Ukraine “You can’t use them.”

It seems counter-intuitive.

~≈💣≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-11-2024 — Alan Moore

18th November, 2024: Alan Moore.

Right then … 

It’s Monday: and I’m officially up, early.

I’m off to my weekly weight management class: and hoping two things.

One?

I’ve lost more weight.

Two … ?

I don’t get too wet.

There’s rain happening in Brentwood.

~≈💧≈~

Ask for Angela.

Ask for Angela …

It’s the name — if you didn’t know — of a scheme operated in London pubs: that allows women who feel unsafe to discreetly be moved to a safe space.

Except, of course, that there’s problems with it.

Many venues aren’t implementing it properly: or even training their staff to run it.

That’s a shame.

I know of at least one friend who had her drink spiked: and could have benefited from this.

It’s a good idea: but needs following through …

~≈🙋‍♀️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th November, 2024.

17th November, 2024.

You have to ask — or, at least, I have to ask — what exactly qualifies as carbon neutral … ?

Oh, I know, I know: it means balancing out the carbon dioxide generated when you make something, by … ah … planting trees.

Sequestering carbon*.

Hugging whales.

What have you.

As you’re possibly also aware?

Apple’s released a slew of new products: including a new generation of Mac minis.

One of which I’ve ordered.

A model that’s got sixteen gigabytes of RAM, a one terabyte SSD†, and one of Apple’s whizzy new M4 processors‡.

A model I’m very aware is — the last time I look at the tracking information — in Hong Kong, and due to get to me by Friday: via Stansted.

Apple tells us these models are the first carbon neutral ones they’ve ever made.

At least, they do: in this ad.

Quite — given how my one was built in Shenzhen, and being shipped from Hong Kong, via Stansted Airport — how my one is ‘carbon neutral’, I really don’t know!

~≈💾≈~

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

16th November, 2024.

Right … exciting things have been known to happen.

On Fridays, certainly.

My nephew was over, last night: and managed to upload another game video.

If you’d like to press the ‘Like’ button?

He’d thank you for it.

On other fronts?

I’ve actually had a thing fitted: to help me get into the bath.

It’s basically a bath mounted office chair I can sit in, and swivel around.

The only minor problem … ?

I need a step-stool to get to it!

Ho … … hum … !

~≈🛀🏼≈~

Oh, I’ve got a delivery coming: from Apple.

And had a message, via WhatsApp, from DHL: to let me know it’s on it’s way, and that I’d need to sign for it.

It’s genuine: I have checked.

But … ?

I did manage to check the tracking number DHL gave me.

The package … … … was in Shenzhen, in China.

Shenzhen!

深圳市, for heaven’s sake!

When I checked, a few hours later … ?

It was in Hong Kong.

I hate to use the word ‘premature’.

But the word, ‘premature’, springs to mind!

Especially as the package arrives at Stansted, next week … !

~≈📦≈~

Just as a last thought … ?

I’ve officially been sent a letter from Brentwood Council: giving me a refund of Council Tax.

Which is nice.

But … ?

You can take the bills into your local post office: and pay them there.

There’s a bar code on the things that lets you do that.

There’s a bar code on the refund that should — in theory — let us claim the refund at a post office.

But?   According to the phone conversation I had with a worker at Brentwood Council?

We can’t.

We have to have the refund paid into a bank, and apply online.

I can appreciate it’s a security thing.

But, frankly?

There’s a good chunk of my neighbours who aren’t going to be able to do that.

They’re not computer literate enough: even for a comparatively simple task like this.

~≈📦≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-11- 2024— International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organised Crime.

15th November, 2024: International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organised Crime.   (Phew!)

Right … it’s now Friday.

Which means I’ve had another dose of the Mounjaro medication I’m on.

I find out — after my next blood tests — how it’s helping my HbA1c sugar levels.

But … ?

The medication is said to help a patient lose weight: something I know is useful for me.

Giving I’ve consistently lost weight over the past few weeks?

I feel I can say it seems to have an effect.

~≈💊≈~

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

14th November, 2024.

Right … 

It’s officially official: I’ve had my ’flu jab.

After a lot of faffing about!

I was due to have it as part of a double jab: a couple of weeks ago.

Except, of course, they’d run out of the vaccine!

Which lead to a lot of frantic scrabbling around: including getting a text message from my surgery, yesterday, informing me there were appointments available to have the jab … in early October of 2024.

Ho-hum!

~≈Ü≈~

At any rate … ?

It turned out I’m also eligible for the pneumonia jab: which I’m going to have to re-arrange, as I’ve double booked it.

For the same day as my diabetes blood tests.

‘Frantic’ is possibly not the word: but at least I know why I have an earworm … 

~≈🦠≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-11-2024 — Bloody Sunday

13th November, 2024: Bloody Sunday.

Right … I think I’ve got that sorted.

Late on Monday, I got an email from Brentwood Council: telling me I owed £417 in council tax.

When — as far as I knew — it had been paid in May.

So?

Wrote a suitably snotty letter.

And, yesterday;

• Went to Brentwood Library.
• Printed the letter out,
• Printed out copies of the bills,
• Printed out a copy of my Personal Independence Payment award letter,
• Stapled them all together,

And took them in to Brentwood Council.

Where the receptionist happily accepted the package.

Who, after as polite an inquiry as I could manage, told me two things.

• That there’d been a change of circumstances form sent out: which I don’t remember getting.
• I needed to fill in the online Council Tax Reduction — Working Age form: so my details were up to date.

That latter job … ?

Took about ten minutes.

Or, at least, ten minutes … on top of how ever long printing everything out and lugging it to Brentwood Council, took.

Ho — if you’ll excuse the phrase — hum!

~≈🪙≈~

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

12th November, 2024.

What on Earth happened there?

I’ve paid my council tax for this year: or, at least, had enough help from Brentwood Council’s hardship fund, to cover the cost.

I got a revised, zero, bill in May of this year.

So … ?

Why the council email me, last night: with another revised bill?   For £417?

I don’t know.

Understandably, I’m not a happy bunny.

Frankly?

I’m going to have to take documentary proof that the bill’s been settled, today: and that I’m getting Personal Independence Payment, as that also gets a discount.

But … ?

You’d think the council would keep a record of these things.

~≈🧾≈~

You’ve heard of assisted dying, haven’t you?

The idea that those in severe need can opt to have help in ending their lives: with or without the help of a physician, or family member.

There’s been moves to introduce various bills over the years: moves that have had more attention, ever since author Terry Pratchett advocated for the idea, after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Labour MP, Kim Leadbeater, has introduced a Private Members bill in the House of Commons: that legalises it in the UK.

It’s been published, today.

Personally?

Whilst it’s something I can’t see myself, or any member of my family, wanting?

It’s something I feel is like abortion.

It’s something that must be made legally available to those of us in the UK who need it.

~≈⚱️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-11-2024 — Washington State

11th November, 2024.

I am officially up!

Yay!

And I’m officially busy.

My weight management meeting is this morning: hopefully, I’ll’ve lost more weight, regardless of how much I’ve lost.

This afternoon … ?

I’ve got a hygienist appointment.

At some point, between the two … I plan to get more sleep!

I feel knackered!

~≈🥱≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th November, 2024.

10th November, 2024.

Right … it’s officially Sunday … !

Frankly?

I’m expecting things to be busy … during the week!

Today, though … ?

Will be nice and quiet … !

~≈🔈≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-11-2024 — A Nightmare on Elm Street

9th November, 2024: A Nightmare on Elm Street.

Right … I’ve told you I’m getting Personal Independence Payment.

And have to admit: I’ve had enough left to buy a new computer: a new, and somewhat more powerful, M4 Mac mini.

That should be enough to deal with the upcoming Apple Intelligence updates: and let me export videos in the larger, 4k, resolution, far more easily than I can at the moment*.

But … ?

I’d also like to thank Olga, Debbi, Mum, Anna, Ruth, Sean, Laura, Kate, Alan, Carly and everyone else who helped me buy the M2 mini sitting to my immediate left: as their help has enabled me to keep both blog, and YouTube channel, going … 

And allowed me to offset some of the cost of a new machine.

Thank you, wherever you are!

~≈£≈~

In other news … ?

My nephew, Jude, was over, last night.

I think I should say two things.

One?

He’s a very polite young man!

Two?

Yes, he HAS made another video!

~≈⚽️≈~

Yesterday was busy.

As, first thing in the morning, I had a visit from an occupational therapist: visiting to see if there were any adjustments that could be made to my flat.

She made a lot of notes: and suggested a few things.

Or, at least, agreed a few things.

Lowering the kitchen cupboards, installing a walk-in shower, and — at the very least — having some sort of help getting into the bath/shower.

She’s going to be passing on those suggestions to my GP, and my land-lords.

And also suggested that I pass put in a request to Essex County Council’s Adult Social Care section: so that they can carry out an assessment.

They — going by the phone call I made to them — should be getting back to me within about four weeks.

Hopefully?

Once all the assessments are done, and funding agreed, the process won’t take long.

For — to paraphrase Sir Terry Pratchett — a given value of ‘long’ … and ‘funding agreed’.

I get the impression that funding will be the sticking point …

~≈💷≈~

Just as a final piece of sad news … ?

Tony Todd — who made many appearance in Star Trek — has died.

He’ll be much missed: and best remember for one of horror’s iconic figures, the Candyman …

~≈🐝≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8th November, 2024

8th November, 2024.

Did I mention I’m getting a benefit called PIP, Personal Independence Payment?

I’m getting a benefit called PIP: so you know.

As part of that … ?

One old friend — thanking you, Carly! — suggested I have a word with my GP: about getting an occupational therapist in.

To see if there’s any adjustments that can be made to my home.

There’s a couple: the cupboards on the kitchen wall could do with lowering, and a walk-in shower would be nice.

But … ?

We’ll have to see!

~≈🧑‍🍳≈~