Tuesday 28 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-2-2017

Hmmm … 

I’m off to work, today.

You’d possibly worked that out, hadn’t you … ?

Thankfully?   I’ve got two days off, this week: tomorrow and Thursday.   AND some annual leave at the weekend.

And, luckily?   I’ve been able to make my hours up, by volunteering to do some extra hours: both today and Friday.


I’ve little actual money to spend … 

But, hey … you can’t have everything … !

~≈Ç≈~

Monday 27 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-2-2017: The District

Well, that was a result.

I’m not a movie fan.

Not really.

I just like watching them.

But I try to keep up with news about the film world: just to find out if anything interesting happens.

So, waking up this morning?

To find that — at last night’s Oscars — the Best Picture gong had been given to the wrong film, by mistake?

Was both interesting … 

And probably going to get turned into a film, at some point …

~≈§≈~

We’ve know for a while now: that series ten of Dr Who starts on 15th April, this year.

But it’s had even more official, given it’s been announced in this new trailer.


I’ve one question.

Is that a Silurian at the end?

~≈§≈~

Sunday 26 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-2-2017

You know, I think I can officially say this: I’m looking forward to next weekend.

No, really.

It’s my birthday, next weekend: I get another year older.

That’s not actually what I’m looking forward to.

Nope … 

I’ve booked the weekend off.

That’s the bit I’m after.

It means I get to sleep in, at the weekend!

~≈∑≈~

Saturday 25 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-2-2017

Hmmm … 

I think I’ve possibly been had: by a tabloid.

It seems the Daily Mirror managed to put out a story that the BBC had cancelled Dr Who spin-off, Class.

One that convinced one or two people on Twitter … and got me going for a bit … !

I here to start sounding like Donald Trump … 

But that’s sounding a little bit like Fake News … 

~≈fi≈~

The other side of the story?

Is that the series’ future?   Is still in the air.

No announcement has been made about the show’s future.

I’m aware the BBC have a certain amount of concern about the viewing figures.

Not helped, I think, but the fact it delayed airing the show on BBC 2 until some time after the show’s online premiere.   Internationally, the show’s been delayed: and also not helped by the fact the BBC couldn’t get iPlayer International off the ground.

Personally?

I know the show’s had a rocky start.

But I also think the BBC should learn from this initial rough patch.

And, if they commission a second series — something I know I  and others would like to see — they promote it fair more heavily.

~≈fi≈~

Friday 24 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-2-2017

Have you ever heard of the Crucible Curse?

In case you’re not a Snooker fan?

The Curse takes its name from the venue: the tournament’s been held there since 1977.

It refers to the fact that no first time winner of Snooker’s World Championship has won the title the year afterwards.

And it’s generally held to be something psychological: attributed to weight of expectation after winning the biggest title in the game, tied to a lack of experience of winning the game’s biggest title.

The reason I mention it?

Is because I’m not a football fan.

But was shocked to hear the Leicester City FC have sacked manager, Claudio Ranieri: the man who’d steered them to winning the Premiership, last year, after many years out of the game’s top tier.

Yes, I know the team’s in the relegation zone.   Yes, I know there’s talk he’d lost the dressing room.

But I can’t help but think the team — manager and players — been suffering with football’s equivalent of the Crucible Curse.

For the owners to ignore the possibility?

Represents short-termism at its worst.

And bloody stupid.

~≈Ö≈~

Thursday 23 February 2017

Mr Robot — Series 1 Episodes 7 and 8 — eps1.6_v1ew-s0urce.flv and eps1.7_wh1ter0se.m4v

23rd February, 2017.

Thursdays … 

Thursdays, Thursdays … 

Thursdays … … !

You have to love a day off, don’t you … ?

Especially if, like me, you don’t get many.

You tend to value the chance to catch up with your favourite TV shows, if nothing else.

I do, at any rate.

Right at the moment?

One of those shows is Mr Robot.

And, as you might have guessed?

I’ve caught two more episodes, tonight.

~≈Ÿ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-2-2017

Do you follow the Brits, at all?   The annual British pop music awards?

Personally?

I don’t.

I like listening to music: but not to the point of tuning into the various annual gong shows.

But I tend — if they’re on — to keep an eye on the results.

Just in case anyone I’ve actually heard of gets an award.

There was one such winner, last night.

David Bowie won Best Album, and Best British Male.

Personally?

I think that’s entirely appropriate.


~≈Ÿ≈~

Wednesday 22 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-2-2017: Invasion … !

Hmmm … 

That’s something … 

I don‘t know about you: but I’m on Facebook.

Have been for years: it’s a useful tool for keeping in touch, and seeking what people are doing.

And the Messenger service is a useful free way of directly contacting people.

One thing that’s annoyed me about Facebook?   Is the way people will quite happily share Like farming scams — especially the ones featuring ill children — that say something like “Hit like and comment Amen, and FB will donate X amount to a fund.”

It annoys me that people could be such mugs!

Thankfully?

Facebook has managed to shut down a couple of accounts: ones that used this photo, along with a claim the pictured child had cancer..


The kid had chickenpox.

I’m thankful for Facebook’s actions.

But ALSO very aware of something else.

It won’t stop the practice.

After all, I can grab the needed photos, very easily.

And if I can do it?

So can you, Tom, Dick, Harry, and Mr Fraudster.


~≈Ê≈~

Tuesday 21 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-2-2017

What on Earth is going on in my head … ?

I suffer from earworms, songs that play through my head for no apparent reason.

At least, for no more apparent reason than — say — I’ve seen the title used as a newspaper headline.

Or seen a word that used in the title, what have you.

Then there’s the song that’s been floating around my head, since last night: Sue Wilkinson’s You‘ve Got to Be A Hustler, If You Want To Get On.


Quite what’s going on there, I don’t know.

But the dratted thing’s been floating around my head for hours.

TWANG … !

~≈®≈~

Monday 20 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-2-2017

Hmmm … 

I’ve got the radio on, at the moment: Radio 4’s Today programme, is my default early morning  listening.

Radio isn’t as distracting a TV, I think.

They’ve just announced an interesting bit of news: at least, interesting to a technology watcher like me.

It seems that Google and Bing have signed up to a voluntary code of practise: that means they will make sure links to illegal content — usually to sites like Pirate Bay or Demonoid — that host pirated content.

I’m thinking it’s a small step.

But possibly one that’s circumventable.

After all, we can always uses something like Tor.   The web browser always you to — in theory — get around such restrictions: by routing you around the ’Net so that you appear to come from another country.

You can also subvert it — possibly — by using a search engine that hasn’t signed up to the code.

There’s a few of them … 


~≈†≈~

Sunday 19 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-2-2017

Ye gods, I’m tired … !

That’s the perils of manning the phone for ten hours.

AND getting up to go back to work for another seven … ?

Par for the course!

I can at least say one thing.

I’ve got a teapot: and I know how to use it … !


~≈Ê≈~

Saturday 18 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-2-2017

Did anyone catch Donald Trump’s big news conference on Thursday?

I caught some of it.

And have to admit, I turned over.   But occasionally went back, to see if he’d stopped.

I’m not a fan of politics.

But, usually?   I’ve noticed politicians usually try to say something: even if it’s something you couldn’t vote for.

I’m also very aware the man has won an election: and therefore can be said to be the legitimate leader of the US.

But that Thursday conference?

It struck me that that was a press conference: something usually done when you’ve got something to tell people.

Except … 

Well, it struck me that all Donald Trump had to say was “Hilary cheated.”

Despite the fact he won.

And “You guys are all lying about me!!!!!”

Which strikes me as sensible: accusing a room full of journalists of being liars, seems a good way of getting them to cooperate.   (That’s on top of getting your facts wrong: in front of a room full of internet connections.)

Oh, and “This administration is going well!!!!!!!!!”

This, despite the already reported back news his presidency faces: things like the travel ban being overturned, the delays in getting administration jobs posted, and various aides handing him free adverts.

Personally?

I think the rally he’s planning to hold, today, is planned to appeal directly to his electorate.   And got me think ‘Nuremberg rally,’ the minute I heard of it.

It’s all show: masking little, or unpalatable, content.

I’m also thinking something else.

That Trmup is vaguely reminding me of George W Bush: who I only ever took seriously, after the 9/11 attacks.

Trump could possibly do his presidency a favour.   If he has to face — and react well to — his own version of 9/11.

I just hope so-called Islamic State have more sense.

~≈fi≈~

Friday 17 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-2-2017: Ruth Rendell.

Right … 

Back to the metaphorical action, today.

I’m back to work.

And faced with a conundrum.

As — according to a letter I received, yesterday — my Universal Credit has ended, as I’m now earning enough money to support myself.

Which doesn’t mean I’m rich: not by a long shot!

It just means I don’t get help with the rent: which was very useful.

Strictly, though?   Well … a few months ago I looked at applying for Tax Credits: but couldn’t, as I was on Universal Credit.

Given that’s now ended, I’ve managed to apply for the application form, again, on the government’s website.

We’ll have to see how it goes.

~≈Ü≈~

As an extra thought … ?

JUST as an extra thought, I actually managed to sit down with a film, last night.

Rather than more episodes of Mr Robot.

Yep.

I’ve finally managed to catch up with The Cabinet of Dr Caligari.

I know early 20th Century silent, German, horror films aren’t going to appeal to everyone.

But I think it’s worth a watch.

~≈Ü≈~

The Cabinet of Dr Caligari: or Das Cabinet des Dr Caligari.


16th February, 2017.

Have you ever heard of an actor called Conrad Veidt?

German chap, so you know.

Who’d done well for himself in German cinema and theatre: until he fled Germany before World War 2, as his wife was Jewish.

I had: but, in all honesty, couldn’t claim to have seen a film he’s in.

Oh, I know he crops up in Casablanca.

I’ve not actually seen it, though: yes, I know that’s possibly a hanging offence.

But there you go.

Sue me … !

~≈Ü≈~

At any rate?

At any rate, and just to re-iterate?

I’ve never actually seen a film with Conrad Veidt in it.

Not for lack of interest, either: more a lack of time, money … 

And possibly motivation, as well.

Tonight, though?

Tonight, though, I had a night off.

A desire to see a film.

And a copy of a film — with Conrad Veidt in a key role — that I’d been interested in for some time.

The film … ?

The Cabinet of Dr Caligari: or Das Cabinet des Dr Caligari, in the original German.

I wanted to catch it, not because Veidt’s appeared in the key role of Cesare.

But because the film has something of a reputation … 

~≈Ü≈~

Thursday 16 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-2-2017

*Yawn* … 

I think I can safely say I’m knackered.

Which will probably turn around … once I either get more sleep, or get more to eat … 

The good thing … ?

The good thing is that today is a day off.

I’ll be able to get some Teaser videos done, and maybe todd a coin.

After all … 

I’ve more episodes of Mr Robot to catch up with … 

Oh, and a copy of The Cabinet of Dr Caligari.

I’ll probably end up tossing a coin … 

~≈⬧≈~

Wednesday 15 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-2-2017

Hmmm … 

That’s a little disappointing … 

Did I tell You I sent a Valentine‘s Day card … ?

I sent a Valentine’s Day card.

Turns out it was unwelcome.

It was cruel, mean, and the lady concerned is bloody angry!

I’m a little put out, to say the least: that WAS the first I’d ever sent.

I think it’s the last time I’ll be sending one of those … !

~≈®≈~

Tuesday 14 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-2-2017: Saint Valentine’s Day … 

Phew!

I’ve managed to pick up an extra shift, this week!

Which is good: it means that — in theory — I can start putting some money away.

Unless, of course … I suddenly need to get trousers.

The way my waistline’s gone, over the years?

You never know WHAT I’d end up buying!

~≈Â≈~

Monday 13 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-2-2017

Hmmm … 

Looks like it’s going to be a short week, this week.

As I don’t know if I’ll be picking up an extra shift on Wednesday or Thursday.

Which is a worry.

As, obviously, it gives me less cash.

On the upside?

It does give me an extra day off.

Swings and roundabouts … 

~≈†≈~

On other fronts … ?

I finally managed to |catch Back in Black, the BBC’s documentary about the last Sir Terry Pratchett.

Which, I have to confess, gave me a certain sense of closure: although I’m very aware his close friends and family won’t be saying the same thing.

But … ?

I found it hard going … 

But worth a watch … 

~≈†≈~

Sunday 12 February 2017

Back in Black

12th February, 2017.

You know, I felt I should maybe write.

Which is a little non-specific, I know.

I could be writing a lot … 

A poem …  a song … a teaser … 

All sorts of things.

But I wanted something known.

~≈⚰≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-2-2017

Hmmm … 

Looks like I’ve just had to do some jugging: where Safari couldn’t upload the photo for today’s Teaser.

So I’ve had to use Google Chrome — for now — to upload today’s Teaser poster.

I’m hoping it goes through!

~≈Ê≈~

I’ve also got to admit: I recorded Back in Black, the Terry Pratchett documentary, last night.

And have to admit to having watched the first few minutes, when I got up, today.

I couldn’t watch.

I think it’s going to be a little too emotional for this time of the morning.

~≈Ê≈~

Saturday 11 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-2-2017: Turning Japanese

Drat.

At least, I THINK it’s drat.

It’s cold, this morning.

You’ve possibly realised that, if you’re in south-east England.

Right now?

Right now, here in Brentwood?

It’s been making a desperate effort to show … !

I’m not worried.   I’m planning to run up and down Brentwood High Street, in a mankini.

Yeah … 

You’re convinced, aren’t you … ?

~≈§≈~

Oh … 

Did I ALSO tell you I’ve taken a punt?

A bet, in other words?

I’ve sent a Valentine’s Day card.

Frankly?

I’m fully expecting to get a slap in the face!

~≈§≈~

Friday 10 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10-2-2017

Ohhh, but that’s better … 

Yep: yesterday, saw me have — wait for it — a day off!

OK, I didn’t do much more than have a stroll, do some writing, and catch some TV.

The one question I do have?

Is why on Earth — this morning — do I have I Got It From Agnes ear worming it’s way through my head?

Blowed if I know.

All I can do is pass it on!


~≈†≈~

Thursday 9 February 2017

Mr Robot — Series 1 Episodes 5 and 6 — eps1.4_3xpl0its.wmv and eps1.5_br4ve-trave1er.asf

9th February, 2017.

It has to be said … 

Sometimes, there’s nothing like some music to help an evening go with … 

Well, if not a bang … then certainly a … 

A … 

Non-bang … 

If that make’s any sense?

At any rate, as I type?   I have some music on.

Brian Eno’s Ambient 2: The Plateaux of Mirror, so you know.

OK, my listening habits?

Possibly aren’t something that’s going to grab you.

The fact is, I wanted to add a little local colour to what could have been an otherwise boring introduction.

That, at heart?

I’ve been watching the first series of Mr Robot, over the past few weeks.

And caught another two episodes, tonight.

~≈⇧≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-2-2017

Hmmm … 

You know I try and keep my eyes on the technology news, don’t you?

And I’m someone with an Apple TV, and no DVD player.   So I follow the news about streaming boxes with interest.

Especially about Kodi boxes.

Just so you know, a Kodi* box is a media streaming box: one that usually runs a version of Android: and usually runs Kodi as the default media player/manager software.

Kodi, like a lot os open source software?   Can be modified: with add-ons.   Mostly ones that let you play some of the odder file types, or play games: what have you.

SOME of which can let you access paid for contact — Netflix or Amazon Prime, say, or subscriber sports channels — for free.

Most of us could add these to a Kodi box: but would probably find it just a little too fiddley.

However, someone sellers?   Sell what are known as fully-loaded Kodi boxes: ones with the dodgier add ons already installed.

Some of those sellers?   Were raided by various northern police forces, yesterday: working with the trade-body the tries to prevent copy-right violations.

Personally?   I’m a little concerned.

Not so much by the raid: nor by the fact people are buying stuff that let’s them break the law.

I think copyright piracy is going to happen in many different ways.   And where we were talking about peer to peer sharing, a few months ago, and Kodi boxes, now, we’re going to be talking about something else, in a year or so’s time.

What worries me, between the raid, and the court case?

Is how this affects add-ons.

Frankly?   I know many bits of software — open or closed source, free or otherwise — relies on add-ons.   You’re probably using an ad-blocker and a Flash player in your web-browser, am very aware some media players use add-ons to play some of the odder file types, and know there’s a lot of add-ons for Microsoft Office.

My concern is this.

I’m not worried about copy-right theft: the raids and court case won’t stop that, nor stop companies working to prevent it.

I’m concerned how this will after the legal use and development of add-ons.

I like Ad-block Plus.   I’d rather not lose it and others, in a botched attempt to ban the ones that let you watch football for free.

~≈↑≈~

Wednesday 8 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8-2-2017: Midnight at the Rue Jules Verne

Did I mention I’ve a friend and neighbour, called Faye?

Lovely woman, Faye: and usually good for a tip of two about an interesting horror movie.

Faye’s got a kid sister called Lorna, who work’s at a London-based charity called Ability Bow.

The charity’s purpose?   Is the gym it runs for the disabled: that enables those with disabilities, and serious physical health conditions to get back on their feet, sooner.

Like most charities?   Ability Bow has a website, a Facebook page, a Twitter feed … 

Ands a shortage of funds.

Which is why Lorna, much to her pleasure, found herself plastered all over the BBC’s London news, yesterday.

Both at one-thirty and six-thirty.



They’re facing closure inside of eight weeks, if they don’t.

Personally?   I’ve been teasing her relentlessly: she’s now a singer, dancer, actress, model, page 3 stunna, charity campaigner, origami specialist … and doing all of this with one hand tied behind her back, whilst defeating Evil Harry Dread.

All teasing aside?

I’m thinking if a charity’s made the local news?

Especially one that someone I know’s involved with?

The least I can do is mention it: and point everyone at Ability Bow’s donation page.

Here.


You’ll be doing a good cause a favour.

~≈⥣≈~

Tuesday 7 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7-2-2017

Bloody hell, what happened then?

Happily, I’m working.

And thoroughly enjoying it.

OK, the commute’s a drag: especially with the Crossrail work over the weekend.

But last night, at work?

Well, Monday’s usually quite quiet.

What happened, last night?

Was that Monday wanted ballistic.

I don’t think it stopped until after I went home!

~≈≈~

Monday 6 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6-2-2017

Hmmm … 

That’s awkward: but about what I was expecting.

Where’s we’ve had some new recruits at work?

My hours have gone down.

OK: right now?

Only from thirty-five to thirty-three hours a week.

Which loses me some money.

On the other hand?

It get’s me a day off.

Hmmm … 

Think I’d’ve preferred the cash: it means I can start saving up.

Normally, I wouldn’t say this … 

But I hope someone goes ill … 

I’d appreciate the money!

~≈𝇉≈~

Sunday 5 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-2-2017

Blimey … 

That seemed to go … um … 

Well … 

You realise I’ve recently started a new job: one I rather enjoy.

And, yesterday?

Did my first twelve hour shift.

Which went rather well, I think.

But, boy, that’s a long day!

~≈¥≈~

About the only downside?

Was the trip into and out of work.

Under normal circumstances?

I’d get the train from Brentwood to Shenfield, then from Shenfield to Chelmsford.

A relatively quick trip.

However, for the next few months, and starting from yesterday?

The rail replacement buses are in play at the week end: whilst more work’s done on the Crossrail route.

For now, that means my trip into work is:
  • A bus from Brentwood to Shenfield.
  • A bus from Shenfield to Ingatestone.
  • A train from Ingatestone to Chelmsford.
OK, it’s a trip between the same two towns.
  • But it takes about ten minutes longer.
  • It’s a major pain in the proverbial.
  • It goes on until late May.
Sheesh … !

~≈¥≈~

Saturday 4 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4-2-2017

Oh!

I found out, last night, that the woman that lives next door, and who’s been living in the same flats as me for almost a decade, is moving.

She’ll be moving on to a new place in a few weeks time.

OK, there’s been times we’ve violently disagreed.

But I’m saddened a friend and neighbour is moving away: whilst pleased she’s found somewhere new.

Of course, the other side to this?

The other side to this?

The other side to this … is who on Earth will be moving in.

Social housing can be a bit of a mixed bag.

Most of the neighbours are fine.

Some … ?

Have been nightmares.

I just hope we don’t get the latter.

~≈⤱≈~

Friday 3 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3-2-2017: The Day The Music Died

You know, I don’t get political, often.

Really … 

But I have been keeping an eye on the situation in the US.

It strikes me Donald Trump isn’t a president.   He’s a diplomatic incident: especially given that phone call!

At any rate?

Mr Trump’s put together an economic advisory board.

The few technology members of that board?

Have received criticism for going anywhere near it.

As Trump’s ban on immigration from seven Muslim majority countries has affected much of the US technology industry.

One company head to receive criticism?   Is Travis Kalanick of Uber.

Who’s now stepped down.

Personally?

I can only  politely applaud Mr Kalanick.

I know Mr Trump means well.   And get the impression that he has a desire to move manufacturing jobs back to the US.

I can applaud that, too.

But, beyond the ethics of the ban, itself?

It seems it’s harming other portions of the US economy.

I have to wonder whether Mr Trump has thought his policies through.

I get the impression he hasn’t … 

~≈Ê≈~

Thursday 2 February 2017

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2-1-2017

Ooooh, but that’s better … 

Did I tell you I’ve had a cold, for the past few days?

I’m blaming the weather: last week was vaguely freezing.

Not nice, in other words.

The happy thing is … ?

I seem to be recovering, right now.

Which is nice.

Frankly, the only thing running faster than my nose was Usain Bolt …

~≈®≈~

Wednesday 1 February 2017

Mr Robot — Series 1: Episodes 3 and 4 — eps1.2_d3bug.mkv and eps1.3_da3m0ns.mp4

You know, day’s off can be nice.

Really.

Except when you’ve a pile of house work to do.

Or laundry.

Or stuff for a blog.

There’s a couple of interesting Teasers coming up, I know that.

At any rate?   I do know I’ve had a chance to catch up with more episodes of the first series of Mr Robot, tonight.

And?

Well, I feel I under-played my opinion of the second episode, a while back.

And want to try an correct that, tonight, if I may.

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 1-2-2017: The Secretary General

1st February, 2017.

Well, that’s official, then … 

I’ve started an argument!

I’m in a sci-fi fan group on Facebook: and have suggested a woman play the role of Dr Who.

You’d’ve thought I’d’ve suggested raping babies, the way some have reacted!

I know — know — that people get very passionate about their favourite show.

I do, too.

But … ?

Go and read this piece.

Basically, Billie Piper and David Tennant have both come out in favour.

Nice to know they agree with me … 

~≈Â≈~