Monday 31 December 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-12-2018: Review of 2018

31st January, 2018.


It’s New Year’s Eve: and frankly?

Frankly, I’m not actually going to be celebrating.

I’ve not really got the cash to go out: and the pubs around here have this bad habit of only letting you it … 

If you’ve paid for a ticket.

OK, I don’t drink: and haven’t done for years.

But that still strikes me as a bit cheeky: even though, as a former barman, I’m very aware it’s a handy way of filtering known  problem drinkers out of the premises.

Personally?   I’ll possibly have an early night, now I’ve got the next few weeks of teas videos done.

But there’s three things.

  1. Have a happy new year.

  2. Be careful, and drink responsibly.

  3. If you end up dancing on tables?   Burn the negatives!
~≈§≈~

Sunday 30 December 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th December, 2018

30th December, 2018.


How’s your email inbox … ?

I don’t know about you?

But, given the situation?   Mine’ seeing a lot of action.

Not that that’s a bad thing.

But, lord, the amount of wading I have to do, to get to stuff that’s relevant.

And that’s before I get to checking my Junk mail, to see what’s ended up, there … 

~≈§≈~

Either way … ?

I’m happily glad I’m not a newspaper.

Or, at least?

I’m happily glad I’m not a newspaper … in the US.

It sounds like several have been hit by a major piece of hackery: that’s causing all sorts of problems.

By the sounds of the BBC report?

It’s an attack that’s not designed to steal data: but to disrupt services.

I’m guessing that it’s a national government — Russia or China spring to mind — that’s doing it.

But I’m wondering if — like the Gatwick Drone Incident — we’ll ever find out who’s responsible.

I’m also thinking something else.

Someone’s learnt the most important lesson from the US sponsored Stuxnet attack.

Targeting infrastructure’s a good thing …

~≈§≈~

Saturday 29 December 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th December, 2018

29th December, 2018.


Right … 

You can tell I need caffeine, can’t you … ?

Yes: it’s the morning after the movie night, before … !

The I saw … Alien … !

It has to be said, Scott’s best known movie is still looking good, nearly forty years after its original release.

~≈§≈~

One sad thing I noted in the news?

Was the simple fact that music retailers, HMV, has gone into administration for the second time in five years.

With the chain’s owners blaming both tougher business rates, and the raise of digital downloads and streaming.

I’m saddened to hear the news.   And sympathetic to the staff’s plight.

I was working at Threshers when it went down: it’s demise was blamed — in part — by the rise of online retailers like Majestic.

I’m sympathetic … 

But also aware that I, like you, am part of HMV’s struggles.

Let’s face it, we are ALL buying music from iTunes, and Amazon: or streaming from Amazon Prime, Netflix, and lord knows wherever else.

If HMV is going to survive, it needs to have an online offering on a par with Netflix and Amazon.

Quickly.

That will be tough.

~≈§≈~

Alien: A Review

28th December, 2018.


Yes … 

You have just seen the intro video, there, haven’t you?

Just in case you’re wondering … ?

Just in case you’re wondering about the Japan reference, there, I’ve got Japan’s Tin Drum album on in the background.


It’s both a personal favourite, gorgeous to listen to … 

And possibly something I’ve listened to a lot, at this time of night.

Good knows what the neighbours must be thinking.

Either way, it’s a LP I like listening too, while I write … 

~≈§≈~

Which is possibly something you may or may not have worked out.

As I think I’ve mentioned the blessed thing a few times … 

Funnily … it’s also not a CD I’ve ever owned … 

Nor, unfortunately, am I ever likely to.

Who buys CDs, or DVDs, these days, with things like Spotify, iTunes, Amazon and Netflix?



That sad fact, there … ?


Is that record retailers, HMV, have gone into administration: and their owners make no bones about the fact that people’s move to streaming and downloading has played its part.

It’s sad: and believe me, I’m sympathetic to what the staff are going through, having been working at Threshers, when it collapsed.

But … ?

I can’t help but think a better online offering from the company could’ve been helpful.

Let’s face it, we all of us finding the streaming option so much easier than walking into a shop.

~≈§≈~

That’s not necessarily always the case.

Sometimes?

Sometimes we can happily watch a movie on DVD or blu-ray.

Although, personally?

I’ve not actually owned a DVD player for 3 or four years: if you see me mention my movie collection, that collection consists of digital files I’ve either bought on iTunes, and streamed across the internet.

Or digital files I’ve ripped, and have stored on an external hard drive.

That later?   I can watch on my AppleTV.

That later option, raiding that external drive?

Is something I’ve done, tonight.

Yes: I’ve not seen fan favourite, Alien, for some time … 

~≈§≈~

Friday 28 December 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th December, 2018.

28th December, 2018.

Hmmm … 


I think we can safely say that going back to bed has … 

Well, definitely has appeal.

The fact that, after I made that intro, I had a nice hot cup of tea?

Does help keep me up.

The reason I’m tired?

I’m getting old!

Or staying up late to watch movies!

Am I the only one that thinks David Cronenberg’s Videodrome is just ever-so-slightly odd … ?

~≈§≈~

Talking of films?

I’ve got Radio 4’s Today programme on in the background: as ever.

They’ve told us that the BBC’s Film programme is to finish: after some forty-seven years.

The show, and its presenters — Barry Norman, Jonathon Ross and Claudia Winkleman — has built up a reputation for being both entertaining, accurate, and knowledgeable about its subject.

Personally?

I think that’s both a shame … and a mistake.

~≈§≈~

Oh, one other thing the Today programme mentioned?

Apparently, there are plans afoot to have more in-cell phones in UK prisons.

Yes: I can see there’s arguments — good arguments — about prison management, there.

But I’m also aware that — in many prisons — prisoners share cells.

I can’t help but think doing this will reduce violence on the wing — arguments about access to pay phones is a big cause of fights — but will increase the amount of in-cell violence.

As men sharing a cell argue about who’s turn it is to use the phone.

We’ll have to see.

~≈§≈~

Thursday 27 December 2018

Videodrome: A Review

27th December, 2018


Between you and me … ?



Life … 🎶 is the name of the game … ♬ … 


No, stop singing, Paul, you’ll put people off!

At any rate … 

Life gives you a very small budget, sometimes.

And forces you to rely not Netflix: but whatever you have in your back catalogue.

Something I know I’ve been doing over the past few weeks.

As you might have guessed … ?



My collection’s, extensive, ever changing and has the odd film in it.

Tonight … ?

Tonight saw me watching another movie.



One I’d seen in my collection, last night, and was thinking I should look at: until The Invasion of The Bodysnatchers demanded I watch it.

Yes … 

You’ve worked it out from the poster, haven’t you?

I watched 1983, David Cronenberg film, Videodrome … 

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th December, 2018

27th December, 2018.


Yep: it’s true.

I had a dream, last night: after watching Invasion of The Bodysnatchers.

It was a weird old thing, too.

I was trapped, on the floor of a lift: a jammed lift.

With something horrible — I got the impression it was female — trying to get through the door.

And very aware that I had to keep really still: otherwise whatever it was would seriously get me.

It was that unnerving … ?

I actually woke up.

And was able to send myself a just about coherent email about it.


At twenty to four in the morning.

Tell me … 

Have you got any idea what the hell THAT was about … ?

~≈§≈~

That’s one quick point.

Over the past few months, many Western governments have decided to stop using Huawei kit in various infrastructure projects.

Western governments … apart from the UK.

I’ve always felt governments should encourage their own IT sectors in various ways: infrastructure, operating systems*, what have you.

The UK’s government has always seemed slow to act on that front.

However?

It turns out that BT is to remove Huawei kit from the telecommunications network it’s building for Britain’s emergency services: and that others have their doubts about using Huawei parts for Britain’s 5g mobile network.

Frankly?

I’m glad to hear it.

Just as long as Huawei isn’t replaced by Ericsson … 

~≈§≈~

Invasion of The Body Snatchers (1956): A Review

26th December, 2018.


Hmmm … 

That’s something I didn’t realise … 

Old friend, and Old Peculiar regular, Debbi Mack, runs a podcast: the Crime Cafe.

And its associated Patreon page: here.

Given my current financial situation?

And the fact my PayPal account hasn’t seen a penny in years?

It’s something worth looking at … if:
  1. I can square it with my benefits

  2. Get enough of my arse in gear to put the work in!
Frankly?

I’ve never been that good at motivating myself … 

~≈§≈~

Hmmm … 

It’s possibly worth thinking about, isn’t it?

Motivation or otherwise.

At any rate … ?

At any rate, in all this time off … ?



I can catch up with the stuff sitting in the movie collection.

And, whether Debbi would call it as a B movie or not?

Tonight, I’ve managed to sit in with the original, 1956, Don Siegel directed, version of … 

The Invasion of the Bodysnatchers … 

~≈§≈~

Wednesday 26 December 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th December, 2018

26th December, 2018.


Yep: I’ve gone and got a book for Christmas.

Well, actually, I’ve had several … !

But I don’t like to boast.

The one thing that did make me laugh?

Simply the fact it features a Sontaran Bakery: and a boom cake.

And a Sontaran Boom cake.

Hell of a way to celebrate a birthday … 

~≈§≈~

Actually, whilst we’re on the subject of Dr Who?

Yesterday didn’t see a Christmas episode of the show.

Which I’m not happy, but, bar complaining to the BBC — which you can do, here — what can you do*?

Ahem … 

I do know that we got the improved trailers: announcing the time that the New Year’s day edition will be shown in the UK.

7pm, so you know.


Now … 

That robotic, slightly Daleky, voice at the end of that teaser trailer?

The one frantically yelling “EX-TEM-IN-ATE” … ?

Does that sound familiar … ?

~≈§≈~

Either way … ?

Hopefully, my nephew, Jude, and his mum will be popping over to watch it.

Oh, if you bump into him?

Wish him a happy birthday … 


~≈§≈~

Tuesday 25 December 2018

Nik Nak’s Christmas Day Teaser — 25-12-2018

25th December, 2018: Christmas Day.





Yay … !

It’s Christmas Day.

Which, frankly?

I’ll be heading over to my family’s, later.

Granted, I’ve not been able to get much, given the job situation: but at least I could get something … 

Someone’s due to get a lot of Lego, I know that.

~≈§≈~

Despite the Christmas theme?

There’s still news happening … 

One piece I did notice?

Was that Apple have picked up some kudos.

As they’ve removed an app from the iOS App Store, written by a US religious group known to be homophobic.

The LGBT group that’s highlighting it are — understandably — pleased: but still want to see the app removed from both Google Play, and Amazon.

Good luck on that.

I do know, though, that there’s a film doing the rounds, called I Am Michael: which, although based on a true story, looks very much in favour of Gay Conversion therapy.

I’m left handed, so you know, rather than gay: and heard several stories about fellow lefties who’d been forced to become right-handed.

So I’m sympathetic: as I can see the comparison.

Given that?

I’m concerned enough to ask a film about gay conversion therapy … is still on the UK iTunes Store … ?

Someone’s missed something … 


~≈§≈~

Monday 24 December 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-12-2018: Christmas Eve

24th December, 2018.


You know, right now … ?

I’m out of a job, and spending the little cash I have on important stuff.

Bills, more bills, even more bills … oh, and food, where possible.

The fact my hair needs cutting, so I look good on video … ?

Is way down the list … 

~≈§≈~

Oh, just to follow up on the Great Gatwick Drone Situation.

Apparently, some of the reported sightings were … mistaken … 

On top of that … ?

The couple who were arrested in connection with the sightings?

Have now been released, rather than charged … 

On the up side?

Police have found a damaged drone in the area.

Hmmm … 

I get the feeling something … odd … has happened … 

~≈§≈~

I amongst all this … ?

That fact I’ve been up all night watching a Christmas horror story called A Christmas Horror Story … ?

Is practically incidental … 

~≈§≈~

A Christmas Horror: A Review

23rd December, 2018.


You know, it’s the night before Christmas Eve, and all through the house?

There’s the odd bit of dust.

I think that — potentially — I should be doing the odd but of … you know … sweeping up.

Possibly.

If I can … you know …



Get motivated.



Or get bothered!

At ANY rate … ?

It can’t have escaped you — or me — what time of year it is.

Yes … 

It’s Christmas.

And frankly?

Whilst I’m not working, now, I can, at least be grateful I bought a few presents, whilst I was … !

Not much … 

But someone’s going to get a lot of Lego*.

~≈§≈~



At any rate … ?



It’s Christmas: with all that implies.

If, like me, you’re at home?

You’ve a couple of options.

Some of them repeatable in public.

In my case?

Well, in my case, the first thing I did, was do my mother a favour: updating her iPad to the most recent version of the operating system it could deal with, and updating some apps.

THEN … ?

Well, I figured a movie would be the thing.



I’d seen Christmas horror films, before now — Rare Exports and Krampus — and felt the genre was maybe something to explore.

The big question … ?

Did I make the right decision, with A Christmas Horror Story?

Hmmm … 

~≈§≈~

Sunday 23 December 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-12-2018: A Novel



23rd December, 2018.


Yes: it’s official.

A)   I really need to catch up: the charts are published on Fridays, now, rather than the Sundays of my youth.   (I’d’ve posted it earlier: that’s why I didn’t … )

And B) … ?

We now have LadBaby’s version of We Built This City as the UK’s official Christmas number one for 2018.


It’s … 

Nice … 

But at least any money earns is going to a good cause.

As for me, singing along … ?

No … 

Just no … !

~≈§≈~

There’s another thing …

I read that parts of the US Government have been shut down: after a row in Congress about funding for Trump’s Mexican Wall.

Frankly?

I’ve never seen something similar happen, here.

The UK government doesn’t work that way.

Frankly, I think if it DID … ?

There’d be riots!

~≈§≈~

Mad Max 3: Beyond Thunderdome — A Review

22nd December, 2018.


You know, going as far away as possible from the intro … 

I have to admit, a patch of unemployment can either be good or bad for the soul, it really can.

If you can keep yourself occupied, it can be good.

Occupied … and financially afloat, that is.

I’m surviving: with a lot of help, it has to be said.

If you’d like to donate to the cause?

The PayPal button’s on the sidebar: on the non-mobile version of the sidebar.

Which is something I normally wouldn’t even mention: except times are a little … um … iffy … right now.

So, apologies, if that seemed a little rude, there: I’m sure you can appreciate the situation.

~≈§≈~

At any rate, I was saying about keeping myself occupied … ?

I’m thank that, over the years, I’m managed to build up a movie collection: mostly as digital files, mostly on an external hard-drive.

And mostly sharing that hard drive with a lot of TV box sets.

Although, if I get the money?

Getting DVD or blurry versions of  current favourites are always welcome.

Over the past couple of days?

Over the past couple of days, I’ve had to confess, I’ve hit the collection to see what I have: only to find I’ve a well known Australian film trilogy sitting there being forgotten.

Given one of my regular commenters had mentioned Road Warrior, recently?

It seemed rude to not watch the first three in the Mad Max trilogy.

The original Mad Max on Thursday, Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior, yesterday.

Tonight … ?



Tonight I had room for Mad Max 3: Beyond Thunderdome.

Well … 

It would have been rude not to … 

~≈§≈~

Mad Max 3: Beyond Thunderdome opens with Max Rockatansky (Mel Gibson) travelling across the wastes of post-apocalypse Australia, in a camel-drawn truck … only to be attacked by a pilot called Jedediah.

Max?

Is forced to chase on foot: eventually following the trail to Bartertown, the one place in the desert with anything resembling an electricity supply.

The power?

Is supplied by Master (Angelo Rossitto), and his body guard, Blaster (Paul Larsson).

Who are the political rivals of Aunty Entity (Tina Turner): Bartertown’s unscrupulous ruler.

When Max get’s to Bartertown, he finds two things.



His camels have been sold to the highest bidder.



His truck?

Is going the same way.

And Aunty?

Wants him to fight in the Thunderdome, itself.



Two men go in.

Only one is supposed to come out … 

You can tell there’s going to be chainsaws, can’t you … ?

~≈§≈~

Now …


Good … ?

Yes … 

Possibly a qualified yes, but nonetheless, yes.

I can remember, back in the day, the talk when Mad Max 3 hit the cinemas: talk that — effectively — said the Lord of The Flies style plot line — involving the group of children led by Savannah Nix (Helen Buday) — slowed the film down, somewhat.

I can certainly go with that: there’s a good ten minutes of wondering around Australia’s desert interior that could have been trimmed, there.

On the other hand?

Whilst maybe not as trend setting as Mad Max Two: The Road Warrior — my personal belief is that Mad Max Two: The Road Warrior set the template for the rest of the franchise — nor as visually focused as
Mad Max: Fury Road*, it is still a very good, watchable film.

I’d say watch Mad Max 3: Beyond Thunderdome†.

It is a treat, after all.
Mad Max 3: Beyond Thunderdome.★★






*      Fury Road is possibly the best film in the series.

†        One thing I did notice?   When Aunty Entity‡ sends Max into the desert to die, he’s sat on a horse, backwards.   And masked: with a papier-mâché head.   I’m wondering if George Miller, the series long term creator, had seen a Dr Who story called Terror of the Autons.   That head looked familiar.



‡        One last thing?   Aunty Entity’s “Ain’t we a pair” line, before she and her troops walk off, seemed to hint at so many things.   Personally?   I can’t help but wonder if the producers had her sketched in for another appearance: as a friendly rival to Max.   I guess we’ll never know.

Saturday 22 December 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd December, 2018

22nd, December, 2018.


I’m right, aren’t I … ?

There is, indeed, stuff happening.

Usually excrement … 

But occasionally more positive stuff.

The one bit of positive stuff that will interest people?

Is that two people have been arrested in connection with the Drone Incident* at Gatwick Airport.

Here’s hoping they get seriously prosecuted …

~≈§≈~

Mad Max Two The Road Warrior — A Review

21st December, 2018.


Yes … 

I think I can say I’ve cracked one small thing.

Granted: I’ve not got a green office partition, nor green dye, spare bedsheets and a frame … ?

I have been able to turn a slide in Keynote into a bit of animation.

That bit of animation at the start of the video … ?

Yeah … 

Never mind … 

~≈§≈~

At any rate, I’m job-hunting, at the moment.

About the one upside?



Is that I’ve got time to catch a film or two … or threeor … 

You get my point.



I’m the same with TV shows: most recently?   Most recently, I’ve caught El Ministerio del Tiempo: which is riveting stuff.

But, given I’ve been having something of a film thing going on … ?



Given that last night, I saw the original Mad Max, last night?



Specifically to see the sequel*?



To see … Mad Max 2 The Road Warrior.

Now … am I right?



Is this where Mad Max, started?



~≈§≈~

Friday 21 December 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21st December, 2018

21st December, 2018.



Yes: the word of the day — and one that’s a frequent visitor to my life — is Bugger … !

I’ve sent off the drivers license form, yesterday.

Complete with fee, photo, proof of ID.

Sent the thing off, yesterday: registered post, wouldn’t you know.

And realised something, this morning, at about half past six … ?

I’d forgotten to sign the bloody form … 

This is going to take a while, isn’t it … ?

~≈§≈~

On other fronts?   Ones LESS worrying for me?

It seems that Gatwick is … 

Not back to normal … but reopening for business.

Which is reassuring to know.

Frankly?

I’m curious to know what the hell — beyond a drone holding up a lot of planes — went on, there.

Apparently?   Police say there’s no links to terrorism: and are investigating whether it’s environmental activists … 

Which makes sense.

Although my cynical side?

Is wondering if it’s some little twit who’s got a drone as an early Christmas present … and wants to show off* … 

~≈§≈~

Mad Max: the Review

20th December, 2018.


Yes, OK … 

I’m listening to the relatively obscure From A to B, by New Musik, right now.

Possibly the only hit LP New Musik ever had.

Complete with the only actually hit they had, too: Living by Numbers.


Apparently, the song’s writer, Tony Mansfield — New Musik’s lead singer — was a bit of a fan of The Prisoner.

They really don’t want your name … 

~≈§≈~

That possibly beside the point, though.

For one thing?

I’ve been meaning to try my hand at video compositing: as soon as I learnt I could do basic green screen work with iMovie, the basic video editing app on the Mac.

I’ve not managed to get the spare bedsheets, green dye, or curtain pole I’d need.

But have worked out that I can use Keynote to make a quick animated slide, with a black background … 

That I can then manipulate in iMovie to produce … well … things like today’s intro movie.

That ‘What Duck’ bit … ?

Is green screened into the movie file … 

~≈§≈~

I’m still bloody digressing, aren’t I … ?

Yes: I’ve seen a movie.

A day or two, ago, now, Old Peculiar regular, — and New York Times bestselling author — Debbi Mack, happened to ask if The Babadook was better than Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior.

I don’t know what I could say, there.

Except it got me thinking.

That I’d not seen Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior for a while: and should possibly sit down with it, again.

But before I did that?   I should watch the original, Mad Max, first.

Guess what I watched, tonight … 

~≈§≈~

Thursday 20 December 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th December, 2018

20th December, 2018.


Yep: the word for the day is drones … !

The reason it’s drones?

Is Radio 4.

Basically, I’ve woken up this morning, turned on the TV — as ever, I’ve got Radio Four’s Today programme on — only to be told by Justin Webb that Gatwick airport had been closed.

Because someone’s been flying a drone, over the runway, since nine o’clock, last night.

It’s been creating havoc.

On the other hand?

It’s the first thing to knock Brexit off of the headlines in weeks … 

~≈§≈~

The one good thing I can say about today … ?

Is that;
  • I’ve a phone interview, this evening.
  • I’ve got all the stuff I need to send off for my drivers license.
OK, granted: it’s going off in the middle of the Christmas Card Rush.

But, hopefully?

It — and the various bits and bobs I’ve sent off to get it — will be with me soon.

~≈§≈~

Wednesday 19 December 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th December, 2018.

19th December, 2018.


Right … I’ve now officially written out my Christmas cards.

And, it has to be said: not that many of them.

I can’t afford lots: but can at least send out some.

Which is better than nothing … 

~≈§≈~

Oh, just as a point?

You’ve possibly noticed I’ve been banging on about using green screen for the Teaser videos.

You film in front of a green or blue screen: and, in post-production, remove the green bits and replace them with something else.

My usual video editing app, iMovie?

I’d love to have that screen, I’d love to see what I can do with it, and iMovie.

One thing I have found, though?   Whilst putting together some Teaser videos, last night.

The slides I use to tell you what number question you’ve got to … ?

If I use a single colour background on the slide?   I can remove: to at least make an entertaining overlay.

If you can let me know what you think … ?

~≈§≈~

Tuesday 18 December 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-12-2018: UN Arabic Language Day

18th December, 2018


Yep: it’s going to be a long day, today.

Technically?

I’m getting funding to pay for a provisional drivers license, today.

The distracting part?

Unnoticed by me, my router went down.

It was only when I checked the Menu Bar … ?

That I noticed the Wi-Fi logo had vanished: and that I thought to check my connection.

Cue ten minutes of swearing … 

~≈§≈~

All that disappearing Wi-fi … ?

Whilst I was recording the intro for today’s Teaser!

Which is the thing I wanted to tell you about.

My case-worker over at the Job Centre has approved funding for me to put in for a provisional driving license.

Assuming that’s gone through?

That now means I can get the ID photos done, signed, and sent off with the form, and postal orders.

Hopefully, once that’s done?

It’ll turn up, quickly.

~≈§≈~

Monday 17 December 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th December, 2018.

17th December, 2018.


Yep: I’ve spotted a thing.

One that’s a wossname for do-dah!

In other words?

I’ve been mulling over being able to do basic green screen work with iMovie: where you record a scene in front of a green or blue screen, then replace the green/blue bits.

I’ve spotted the ideal thing for it, too: an office partition that’s being sold on Amazon.


And wouldn’t you know it … ?

I’m skint!

If any offices in Brentwood have got something similar they want getting rid of?

For minimal cash?

I’d happily give it a home … !

~≈§≈~