Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th May, 2024.

12th May, 2024.

La La … Sunday, Sunday … !

If you’ll pardon the paraphrase!

At any rate … ?

I think I need to go back to bed: reviewing “Space Babies” meant a late night!

~≈📺≈~

Doctor Who — Series 14/Season 1 - Episode 1 — “Space Babies” — A Review

11th May, 2024: the introduction.

OK: it’s Saturday afternoon.

And?

There’s two episodes of Dr Who being broadcast on BBC 1, tonight: episodes that are currently available on the BBC’s iPlayer service in the UK.

And on Disney⁺, internationally.

And — as far as I can tell — on several torrent tracking sites as well.

You can’t find those sites with TorBrowser, nor can you use BitTorrent clients like BitTorrent, or Transmission, to find and download them.

That would be naughty.

At any rate?

It’s Saturday afternoon: I’m planing to watch the first episode, “Space Babies”, then post my reviews by tomorrow night.

Then do it all again for episode two — “The Devil’s Chord” — by Tuesday, 14th May.

By the time you read this?

I’ll be knackered!

~≈🕰️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-5-2024 — Eurovision ’24

11th May, 2024: Eurovision.

Right then … it’s Saturday … !

And … ?

In case you’ve not noticed, today is the date for the final of the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest.

There’s a couple of points, there.

One … ?

I like the Irish entry: despite thinking Barbie Thug looks like an animated Bratz doll!

Two … ?

I’m not necessarily going to be watching.

I want to concentrate on Doctor Who.

The first two episodes air, tonight: I want to review those!

~≈🤩≈~

Talking of reviews?

I finished my most recent reviews of Star Trek Discovery’s most recent episode.

I hope you enjoy them.

~≈🤩≈~

Star Trek Discovery — Series 5 Episode 7 — “Erigah” — A Review

*Spoilers*

9th May, 2024: an introduction.

Right, then.

It’s officially Thursday.

And frankly?

I can smell the smell of dinner being done!

Yes: I’ve had my blood tests done!

Yes: I’ve posted this morning’s Teaser.

And yes: I’m wondering where I put a lot of old CDs!

I’m just thankful I had some of the missing music on an old computer*!

~≈🖖≈~

At any rate … ?

I’m burbling: not a good thing when potatoes are involved!

I’m going to get off, eat dinner, then watch “Erigah”, the next episode of Star Trek Discovery’s last series.

I’ll see you in the (metaphorical) morning.

~≈🖖≈~

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

10th May, 2024.

It’s official: it’s Friday.

And … ?

I have to confess: I’m feeling somewhat saddened.

Back in the day, I worked at a local pub, called the Essex Arms.

One that — even to this day — is noted for live music.

When I worked there?

The place had a lot of very good bands play: including the legendary Wilko Johnson.

And the equally legendary Dumpy’s Rusty Nuts: the only band — during my time there — to cause a stage invasion.

That was an evening!

One of the others?   Was Nicky Moore’s Blues Corporation.

Nicky, formerly of Samson?   Was one hell of a singer: and had the white blues voice.

I say ‘was’, as I looked him and the band up, last night: after realising I’d not transferred over a couple of his LPs to my new Mac*.

I was devastated to find he’d died of Parkinson’s Disease in August, 2022.

I’m saddened, devastated and lord knows what else: I can only imagine how his family are feeling, even now.

The man was a talent.

~≈🪦≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th May, 2024.

9th May, 2024.

Right … I am up, early … !

No: my weight management classes haven’t switched to Thursdays.

No: I’ve got blood tests at Brentwood’s one hospital.

I’ve an official diabetic review in June: so this test will let my GP have the most recent results.

~≈🧁≈~

All this … ?

The day I had my nephew over!

Videos were made … and fun had.

And, yes, before you ask … Jude has beaten my high score.

Several times!

~≈🎮≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8th May, 2024.

8th May, 2024.

Yes!

It’s officially Hump Day!

The day that’s officially in the middle of the week!

But you knew that!

At any rate … ?

I’m expecting it to be quiet: apart from my my nephew pops over.

We can possibly expect more vides of Mikey the Rabbit.

~≈Ü≈~

I have to admit, I’m a bit of an Apple fan.

And was very aware of their product event, yesterday.

What caught my attention … ?

Was the new range of iPad Pros: complete with fancy fancy displays, some new software — Final Camera would let users co-ordinate four iOS camera in a multi camera set up — and various other bits and bobs.

These new devices … ?

Now come with the newly released M4 chip.

A system-on-a-chip that Apple tells us is a significant improvement on the M2 that I have in my recent model Mac mini.

About my only concern?

Is that some of Apple’s slides at the event?

Seem to imply the M4 is significantly faster than the M2 at recoding AV1 videos*.

Which — as afar as I know — is a bit of a non-sequitur.

As the M2, and M1, chips can’t deal with the format in hardware!

Heigh-ho!

~≈🖥️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7th May, 2024.

7th May, 2024.

Right … it’s Tuesday!

Which means it’s the day after Bank Holiday Monday!

But you knew that!

But it also means it’s the day after the Kyren Wilson/Jak Jones final: which Wilson won.

That was quite a thing to watch: Wilson won, 18-14.

But Jones?

Put up one hell of a fight: involving two frames that went down to the black.

Like I say, it was one hell of a thing to watch!

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6th May, 2024.

6th May, 2024,

Right … it’s Bank Holiday Monday … !

And the excitement is almost overwhelming!

I think we can I’m heading for ironic, there!

I’ve very little planned: bar putting some laundry away, and watching the final of the snooker world championship.

It’s the Kyren Wilson vs Jak Jones match: with Wilson leading 11-6, overnight.

The last frame of last night’s second session?

Went down to the black ball.

And, my word … !

That … was real snooker.

~≈🎱≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-5-2024 — The Council of Europe

5th May, 2024: The Council of Europe.

It’s official: it’s Sunday!

And … ?

Well, I had something of a late night: after looking after my nephew!

I think I want to go back to bed.

~≈∑≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4th May, 2024.

4th May, 2024.

Right … it’s the last Saturday before the start of Doctor Who.

That’s next Saturday, so you know: when BBC 1 airs the first two episodes*.

We’ll have to see how that goes, when it comes to the reviews!

~≈Ø≈~

At any rate …  ?

I’ve finally finished my most recent Star Trek Discovery review: both written and video.

I hope they’re enjoyable.

~≈Ø≈~

Star Trek Discovery — Series 5 Episode 6 — “Whistlespeak” — A Review

2nd May, 2024.

It’s officially official: it’s Thursday.

You’ve possibly already noticed that, haven’t you … ?

Yes: you have, haven’t you … ?

You’re possibly aware that — here in the UK — it’s local election day.

I went Green in the local Council elections.

And spoilt my vote in the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner election.

There was literally no-one I felt I could vote for.

At any rate, you don’t want to hear about my politics, do you?

No … you’re here for me to remind you it’s Thursday … and that I’m going to have dinner … 

Then watch “Whistlespeak”, the sixth episode of Star Trek Discovery’s last series.

By the time you read this written review?

Or watch its video equivalent?

It’s going to be Friday.

Hopefully?

I’ll see you then … 

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3-5-2024 — Washington.

3rd May, 2024: Washington.

It’s official: it’s Friday!

Which … is possibly not important.

What IS important?

Is the fact I applied for help paying my council tax: a couple of months ago.

Yesterday?

I got a letter from the council: telling what supporting evidence they needed.

I’m going to have to check on if I can email that over!

It’s going to be cheaper than printing the files out at the library!

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2-5-2024 — Bend It Like Beckham.

2nd May, 2024: Bend It Like Beckham!

Right … it’s Election Day … !

Whoopee!

It basically means I have a chance to spoil my vote: at least for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

There is no-one on that ballot I want to vote for.

~≈🗳️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 1-5-2024 — Staffordshire

1st May, 2024: Staffordshire.

Do you remember, a few weeks ago, that I had space issues on my new Mac?

And had to call Apple as a result?

I had space issues on my new Mac, a few weeks ago and had to call Apple as a result.

But in the process?

Had to remove things from my regular Time Machine back-ups: as this seemed to be part of the problem.

I removed my iMovie and Photos libraries.

That came back to bite my proverbial, last night: as I accidentally deleted a whole pile of photo folders!

Oh, I’ve managed to reconstruct everything.

But?

That’s taught me a lesson!

~≈🎞️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th April 2024

30th April, 2024.

It’s officially official: it’s Tuesday!

Yay … !

Which means … not a lot, actually: beyond expecting a quiet day.

However, one bit of good news?

It turns out I lost half a kilo, last week.

That’s a good thing!

~≈⚖️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-4-2024 — International Dance Day

29th April, 2024: International Dance Day.

🎵La la🎶 … Monday, Monday … !

Yes: it’s officially Monday.

Which is a cue to start singing, obviously.

But is also a cue to get up early.

Yes: it’s weight management day, again, today.

Hopefully?

Putting sweeteners in my tea will have made a difference.

~≈🫖≈~

There’s rumours.

Of course there’s rumours!

Especially when technology company, Apple, is involved.

Especially when you consider the company’s announced an Apple event for 7th May, this year.

Inevitably?

There’s speculation that new M4 chips will feature: in either new models of iPads, or in new Macs.

That family of chips could well be interesting.

I’m using an M2 Mac mini: and, problems aside, the machine does seem fast.

An M4 could well be a serious improvement.

About my only suggestion?

Is about the internal hard-drive.

Apple currently retails most of their consumer models — the MacBook Air, the iMac and the Mac mini — with 256gb solid state drives.

Which are OK … if you’re doing light work.

But, as far as I’m concerned, aren’t necessarily large enough for heavier use.

I can only hope that if Apple does introduce whizzy new chips?

That they increase hard drive size in their baseline models, as well.

~≈🍏≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-4-2024 — Health and Safety

28th April, 2024: Health and Safety.

Right then … Sunday … 

It’s Sunday … and you know it … !

Ahem!

You can tell it’s going to be an ever so slightly boring day, can’t you … ?

Ho … hum!

~≈🍄‍🟫≈~

Did you know the UK’s holding local elections, this Thursday?

The UK’s holding local elections on Thursday: for both local councils, and the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner*.

It looks like there’s a Green candidate standing in my ward, this time.

Who I’m happy to vote for.

If they hadn’t?   I’d’ve done my usual thing: and spoilt my vote.

Which, to be frank?   Is what I’m going to do in the PFCC vote.

There’s no-one on that ballot I want to vote for.

~≈🗳️≈~

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

27th April, 2024.

Right … 

It’s Saturday.

It’s April!

And … ?

I’ve got the heating on!

It’s a decidedly chilly morning: and … ?

My feet are freezing.

The perils of diabetes, eh?

~≈🦶≈~

At any rate … ?

I caught “Mirrors”, the latest episode of Star Trek Discovery, on Thursday.

And finished my written, and video, reviews: last night.

Feel free to hit ‘Like’, and ‘Share’: every little helps!

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek Discovery — Series 5 Episode 5 — “Mirrors” — A Review

25th April, 2024: an introduction.

Right … 

It’s official.

It’s Discovery night!

OK, alright.

It’s Thurday.

Which means … 

Yes: I am going to be watching the next episode of Star Trek Discovery.

Once I’ve had dinner!

I’ve got just one question.

Why on Earth didn’t I but some sliced cheese, when I got the chance?

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-4-2024 — Landing.

26th April, 2024: Landing.

Yay!

It’s officially Friday!

Which means … not a lot, actually.

Bar finishing my reviews of last night’s episode of Star Trek Discovery.

That?

Was an interesting episode.

~≈∑≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th April 2024.

25th April, 2024.

Right … today … ?

Is Thursday.

And … ?

The day after Wednesday.

Yes: Jude has posted more Mikey videos!

Feel free to hit the like button: and give Mikey a carrot.

~≈🐰≈~

At any rate … ?

I managed to juggle the last of my bills: and managed to have enough for a haircut.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Paul Nik Nak Downie (@mrcuddy2977)

That feels better!

~≈💈≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th April 2024

24th April, 2024.

Right … Wednesday … 

It’s Wednesday: and — for me — both the day after payday … 

And the day after I didn’t have a haircut!

But did get my bills paid.

At the moment … ?

As shaggy as I’m feeling, I’m thinking the haircut will have to wait.

But don’t know for sure.

Heigh … … … …Ho!

~≈💇‍♂️≈~

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

23rd April, 2024.

It’s officially official: it’s both Tuesday … and payday … 

Hopefully … ?

I’ll have enough cash for a haircut.

But … ?

Am very aware I council tax payments start this month: so may have to wait until next month, when my benefit payments increase.

That’s frustrating: I’m getting shaggy!

~≈®≈~

One possible source of help?

Is that I may — may — be due some money.

I said — in yesterday’s post — that my landlord had been forced to compensate a tenant in Hertfordshire, after setting service charges at too high a rate.

Mine were £194 a month for last tax year: and £21 a month for this.

So … ?

I gave Clarion, my landlords, a call to highlight this.

And got told they’re ‘putting the process in motion’ for me.

I think I won’t get a thing: or that this year’s charges will go up.

But … ?

At least I’ve raised the issue.

~≈®≈~

Additionally?

I’ve due to have a hearing about my application for PIP, for Personal Independence Payments.

I’ve asked the relevant office when that hearing will be.

And been told — yesterday — that my case is “Ready To List”: and that, once a hearing’s been booked, I’ll be told by post.

The sooner that happens?

The better.

I’m not exactly what you call patient.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd April, 2024.

22nd April, 2024.

Right … Monday mornings … 

Which means an old song is earworming its way through my head … 

But you’d possibly guessed that.

You’ve also possibly guessed I’m off to my weight management class, again.

I hate having to go up that hill.

But … ?

At least it’s exercise.

~≈◊≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21st April 2024

21st April, 2024.

Right … it’s Sunday morning, again!

Which means … ?

Well, not a lot … bar that fact it’s going to be a quiet day.

I do know I’ve spotted something in the news.

Apparently, a woman in Hertfordshire is a tenant of my landlords: and received a small amount of compensation … after being overcharged on her services charges.

The figures she gave for hers?

Were similar to mine.

I was paying £44 a week, last year.

And now paying a fiver.

Hmmm … 

I don’t think I’d get anything from Clarion, on that front.

Not even so much as information on how to apply.

But … ?

I may as well send them an email: to see what happens.

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th April, 2024.

20th April, 2024.

Right … it’s Saturday.

And … ?

I caught a TV show … on Thursday!

Yes: I’ve caught another episode of Star Trek Discovery: and released a review, last night!

Feel free to thoroughly enjoy it!

~≈📺≈~

Talking of TV?

I’ve just seen this piece float across my Facebook feed.

It seems AppleTV+ are to make a version of William Gibson’s Neuromancer: one of my favourite novels.

Hmmm … 

I must admit, I’m nervous about that: and only hope the producers do a version that’s authentic to the original text.

~≈🖥️≈~

Maxwell Azzarello died on Friday.

No, I didn’t know who he was, either.

Not until — on Thursday — he stood outside the New York court where Donald Trump is being tried, threw lots of pamphlets around, covered himself in something flammable … 

And then lit a match.

Apparently, in protest at both President Biden and former President Trump: and at US government attempts to launch “ …an apocalyptic fascist world coup”.

I can’t help the think the man was a bloody idiot!

Or was … unwell … !

Or, at least, extremely misguided.

I sound harsh, I know.

Justifiable, I think.

Setting fire to yourself — especially over something as trivial as a conspiracy theory* — is an unbelievably stupid thing to do.

~≈🔥≈~

Star Trek Discovery — Series 5 Episode 4 — “Face the Strange” — A Review

18th April, 2024: an announcement.

It’s officially official.

I’ve spent most of this afternoon explaining Dune to one old friend: and Handbrake settings to another.

Heigh ho!

At any rate … ?

I have the evening free: and dinner is cooking.

And, once that’s done?

I’ll be watching “Face the Strange”: the fourth episode of Star Trek Discovery’s last season.

By the time you read this … ?

My review will be published … !

~≈🖖≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-4-2024 — Sierra Leone.

19th April, 2024: Sierra Leone.

Yay!

It’s Friday!

Which means that I’ve had another does of Trulicity: the once-a-week injection that’s part of my treatment for diabetes.

Hopefully?

It’s keeping the sugar levels down: I’ll find that out after my next set of blood tests.

~≈Ω≈~

While we’re on the subject of health … ?

The UK has what’s called ‘fit notes’: medical certificates that tell an employer — or the benefits office — that you’re ill.

They usually have to be signed off by your GP.

Apparently?

Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister, is due to announce changes to the certificate: in a speech, tonight.

Part of his plans?

Includes moving responsibility for assessing fitness to work, from GPs to “specialist work and health professionals”.

I have to admit, I don’t like the sound of that.

What, or who, are “specialist work and health professionals”?

They don’t sound like medical doctors.

~≈Ω≈~

Just as a final thought … ?

It seems that Dune Pt 2 is now available to rent or buy from at least two streaming services.

I’ll have to see if I can get a copy: I wouldn’t mind seeing that!

My only observation?

Is that both Apple, and Amazon, are charging a fortune for copies.

~≈Ω≈~