Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-7-2016

Oh, now that’s TWICE, this week!

I’ve suffer from IBS, so you know: which isn’t serious.

But CAN be extremely painful.   To the point of incapacitation.

It hit, again, last night: whilst I was at work.

To the point where I got sent home: where I spent most of the evening writhing in agony or vomiting.

I was in pain: and grateful.   Although it does mean I lose money.

Understandably, the boss wasn’t happy about it.

I can’t say I blame him.

Would you be?

On a personal level, the only good to come of it?

Is I had a bit of good news, when I got home.

I’ll keep that under my hat, for now: but it was news that told me the world’s got it’s upsides.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-7-2016: Baghdad.

Ha!

I should be so lucky!

I’ve just noticed — on the BBC’s news site — that a ticket in the UK has one this weeks Euromillions jackpot some £61 million.

I could possibly easily check my ticket: to see if mine’s the winner.

But I get a little superstitious about these things.

However, superstitious or otherwise?

I VERY much doubt that’s me that’s won the thing: I REALLY don’t get that lucky.

Wouldn’t it be nice though?

I’d LOVE to be able to buy my flat … !

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Friday Question Set — 29-7-2016

Right … 

As you may or may not know, I write for my local paper, the Brentwood Gazette: and have just got off the phone … 

To the Brentwood Recorder!

Looking to expand or transfer the proverbial empire.

Which is pretty much irrelevant, RIGHT now.

But something I’m hopeful about.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-7-2016: Boy Scouts Out Camping

Oh, I HATE that when it happens!

I had to take the day off, ill, yesterday!

And guess what … ?

With a set of playing up guts!

Frankly?

Frankly, I managed to drag my ageing carcass into town: so I could make a much needed doctors appointment.

AND?

Well, given that I’ve felt this week’s set of flare-ups were due to the cooking oil I’ve been using?

I got a different brand: which seems to have helped with last’s dinner.

~≈Ê≈~

Oh, JUST as a quick additional thought, here?

I mentioned, on Wednesday Weekly Teaser, that the Gazette had dropped the Teaser for the week: at least the print version.

Disappointing, obviously.

Which got me complaining to the Editor, Alan.

According to him?

It and the letters page, got replaced at the last minute: to make way for an advert.

And MAY not be featured as frequently.

Something I’ve already told them may be a bad idea.

I’m already thinking I should get in touch with the Brentwood Recorder, to see if they need a quiz.

Wish me luck on that front.

And if you’d like to ask the Brentwood Gazette’s editor about the Teaser?

Feel free to get in touch with him: he’s Alan Woods, on alan.woods@gazettenews.co.uk.   (You can also use editorial@gazettenews.co.uk.)

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-7-2016

Well, that was quick … !

I — very occasionally — order stuff from Amazon.

And WAS expecting a pair of trousers to turn up: any day between today, and Monday.

Nice and quick, in other words!

About the only problem, and one I’ve just reported?

Is that the tradesman entrance button — the one the postman would use to gain entry to the building — seems to be … 

Well, I would say defective.   I’ll settle, instead, for saying it does’t work.

Here’s hoping it gets fixed, soon.

~≈Ê≈~

Re-Animator — Retro Fun … !

27th July, 2016.

You know, I have to admit to a certain amount of disappointments today.

This week’s Gazette Teaser got nudged aside: at least, the print edition did.

Replaced by an advert, would you believe!

I don’t ask for much: just the chance to have my work aired in the local paper.

I know they have to take adverts: but to bump me out, as well as the readers letter?

Little disappointing, that.

At ANY rate … ?

At any rate, as I had the night off?

I felt I deserved a movie.

If for no other reason than to hide from my kid sister, Ruth.

Well, I DID buy my nephew, Jude, a water pistol, this afternoon.

I THINK I could be in trouble!

Either Way, the movie was something I’ve not actually seen in years.

1985’s Stuart Gordon directed, Brian Yuzna produced, H. P. Lovecraft inspired piece that is … 

Re-Animator … 

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Weekly Teaser — 27-7-2016: Gary Gygax

Right … 

I am feeling decidedly rushed: as I want to get a letter written: BEFORE I head into town to post it.

But, on the upside?

At least the postman’s been with a delivery!

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-7-2016

Ok … 

I am DEFINITELY feeling tired: bordering on the ropey.

And ALSO feeling that I should … you know … 

Shut the windows!

Basically?

It’s actually looking like it’s going to rain.

Which makes a change: especially given as my home town’s been sweltering, a bit, under some rather toasty weather.

I might just head out in the rain … 

And see what’s what … !

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-7-2016: Aldous Huxley

Ye gods, but that was a bad night!

I don’t know if I mentioned it, but I suffer with IBS: a relatively minor condition.

But one that’s incredibly painful it flares up.

It did last night: although, thankfully, not as severely as has been the case.

I’m left with a little insight, though.

Last night?   I had some good old fashioned mince.   The SAME batch I’d used to make a bowl of chilli, on Saturday night.

That didn’t set my guts off.

What I THINK’S set it going?   Is the fact I overdid the oil to make some roast potatoes, and fry the mince, itself.

Insight?

Definitely a small amount, there.

Small insight.   With large amounts of tiredness.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-7-2016

Oh, BUGGER … !

If you’ll excuse the language!

Frankly?

I forgot to set my alarm, last night!

Which means I’ve started writing this post, late.

I HATE that, when it happens.

Personally?

I’m just glad of two things.

One?   I’ve a day off, today.

Two … ?   Last night’s episode of Robot Wars was fantastic!

I mean … Razer got knocked out in round one?   

Which was unbelievable.

Who slept through that final, between Carbide and Behemoth … ?

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-7-2016

Right … 

I’m officially back at work, today.

Over lunchtime.

Which is sort of nice.

Frankly?

That means I can — hopefully — catch the first episode of the rebooted Robot Wars: on at eight, on BBC 2.

Frankly?

It sounds even madder than the original: as there’s a POV camera on the House Robots!

Wow!

~≈É≈~

They Live — Hmm …

23rd July, 2016.

Hmmm … 

Can I make a confession?

I do like a good film, now and again.

And … ?   When I can find the chance to watch one?

I’ll quite happily sit in, and watch one.

Something I’ve done, tonight.

Believe it or not, I’ve actually had the chance, tonight.

To sit in with John Carpenter’s They Live: something that had been sitting in my personal collection for some time.

And something that’s seen as a cult classic.

Going on what I’ve seen?

I don’t think it’s a cult I’d be joining.

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-7-2016

Good lord … 

What HAS happened to München?

I got home, last night, to the news that a lone gunman … was active in the German city of Munich.

Germany!

The last place I’d’ve expected to hear about a wandering gunman!

Quite what was going on, there?

I really couldn’t tell you.

My sympathies are going to the families of those killed.

My thoughts … ?

Are wondering about the man’s motives … 

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-7-2016

Imagine, if you will … 

Which sounds just a little … you know … over the top … 

Now I come to see it written down.

But do this for me.

Imagine a lawnmower.

Now rig it up, so you can drive it, through remote control.

Now … ?   Cover it it spikes.

Add a couple of axes.

And flippers.

And buzz saws.

And more spikes.

And possibly some sort of machine gun: which is the only time I’d suggest that.

Now … 

Add some more spikes.

Now you’ve done that?

Point it at the other guys lawn-mower.

Yes.   You’re right.

Robot Wars is back: on BBC 2, at 8 o’clock on Sunday, 24th July.

I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to it!

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-7-2016

Hmmm … 

That’s what happened, is it … ?

Yesterday?   Yesterday, first thing, I was having problems getting the Teaser posted up.

At least … getting the Teaser posted was ok … just … !

Getting to YouTube?   Wikipedia?   Getting to the Creative Commons License page?

Was a no-no.

Turns out BT — my ISP, and the company whose infrastructure is what the ’Net runs on, here in the UK — had issues with one of its data centres.

Which meant I had issues all morning.

Still …

It could have been worse.

But it wasn’t the start I wanted to my Wednesday … !

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Weekly Teaser — 20-7-2016: Walking on the Moon

Hmmm … 

Am I the only person having trouble?

Honestly!

I’ve tried getting through to Wikipedia and the Creative Commons.org site … 

And I’m definitely having trouble.

Either my router’s going home — which wouldn’t surprise me — or something’s happening to the ’Net.

Ouch!

~≈€≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-7-2016

Does anyone know what’s happening with creativecommons.org?

Basically?   The site’s the one I use to license the quizzes I post here: that lets you re-use them, should you choose to.

It’s being affected by a 522 error: in other words, the site’s taking too long to respond to a web browser.

Oh, WAIT … !

It’s back online.

But Wikipedia seems to be having issues …

Oy … !

~≈É≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-7-2016

Ye gods … 

But that was a hot night!

The past few days?

Have been definitely humid.

Uncomfortably so.

Yesterday?

Was absolutely gorgeous.

But frankly?

Frankly, it was definitely warm, last night.

~≈†≈~

But, while it was warm enough for me to comfortably fall asleep with the windows open?

It wasn’t warm enough to stop me watching a film.

If you get the chance, at some point?

I would seriously suggest you sit down with the Robert Eggers directed, The Witch.

I think it’s worth your time.

~≈†≈~

The Witch — Crikey!

18th July, 2016.

Can I make a confession, here?

Can I … ?

I’m NOT a video gamer.

You can possibly tell, can’t you … ?

Oh, I play video games.

And happen to have concluded that Pac the Man X, by McSebi Software, is a better implementation of the game, than the official Mac version of Pac-man that Namco released on the App Store while back.

And now seem to have mysteriously withdrawn.

At ANY rate?

At ANY rate, I tend to chose not to spend my spare time playing computer games.

No, I TEND to prefer movies, TV shows, music — I’m listening to an internet radio station as we speak — to games.

Tonight?

Tonight, I’ve had some spare time.

And enough credit on my iTunes store account to rent a film.

The film in question?

Was the 2015 release from Robert Eggers, The Witch.

‘Crikey’ … ?

‘Crikey’ doesn’t even start!

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-7-2016

You know, I’ve just had a lot at my phone’s Weather app.

Frankly?

It looks like we’re actually due some sunshine, for once.

Which would be nice.

Personally, though … ?

I’m planning on opening a window.

Getting a bit of airflow could be good.

~≈Ü≈~

Just as a quick thought … ?

I’ve woken up this morning to good weather.

And to the news that ARM Holdings — the company that makes so many processors in mobile devices*, and Britain’s biggest technology firm — is to be sold to Japanese company, Softbank.

I’m not convinced it’s a completely good idea.

Part of the reasons I’ve always tried to encourage the use of open source operating system, Ubuntu†?   Is that — in part — the thing is British made.

I feel that encouraging British made technology is a good thing.

Yes, I know the UK needs to encourage foreign investment: and the Japanese company doing the buying intends to keep ARM based in the UK.

But I’m not totally convinced.

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-7-2016: Death of a Tsar

Bleugh …

Ish …

I’m actually up at stupid o’clock in the morning: after finishing at 10:30, last night.

Frankly?

I start work at 12: which is all well and good.

But I’ve also good a staff meeting at 8:30.

I just hope the shop’s new manager doesn’t mind me yarning.

I After last night, I’m not going to be the only one …

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-7-2016

Yoicks … !

I’m working at the mo: but will admit to a case of extremely itchy feet.

So … ?

Having left my CV with everyone that’s looking for staff in Brentwood High Street?

I’m thinking I should put my CV in at a few other places, as well.   Especially one or two online sites.

Might JUST be helpful!

~≈Ÿ≈~

In other news?

In OTHER news, what the bloody hell is going on?

I get back home from, and turned on my TV — by default, I’ve usually got the BBC’s News channel on — expecting to hear more about the Nice Bastille Day Attack.

Only to find there’s been an attempted coup: in Turkey.

Brexit, terror attacks in France, Turkish coups … !

What next?

It’ll be the Apocalypse!

~≈Ÿ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-7-2016

BLAST … 

I didn’t get the job … !

As you may or may not know, I had an interview, on Wednesday: down in London.

Hell of a trip on the tube, I should add.

I got the email, back, yesterday: to tell me I’d not been chosen for a second interview, late last night.

Definitely upsetting, that: that was a definite blow to my self-esteem.

Frankly?

It’s a blow.   It doesn’t mean I’m going to stop looking for alternative employment.

But it’s a definite blow.

~≈Ê≈~

I had a bad day, yesterday.   I’ll happily admit that.

Frankly, though?

I don’t think I’ve had as bad a day as the town of Nice.

Early reports started coming in, last night.

It seems that a lone attacker drove a truck along the main sea-front, there: killing at least eighty-four people in the process.

I can only offer my condolences to those who’ve lost loved ones, there.

And my hope that these attacks can stop.

~≈Ê≈~

The Forest: Hmmm … OK …

14th July, 2016

Bugger!

Did I tell you I hard an interview, yesterday?

In Southwark, so you know.

I’ve …

Well, I’ll be honest … I didn’t get the bloody thing!

Which was depressing, actually: especially after a few attempts with this one particular company.

At ANY rate … ?

That put me in one HELL of a bad mood.

Certainly bad enough to want to do what I eventually did.

Watch a movie to cheer myself up.

The film I went for?

In the end, the film I watch was Natalie Dormer vehicle, the Jason Zada directed, The Forest.

Well, I’m fan of hers.

Or an old perve with a taste for cute blondes, ONE of the two …

~≈ƒ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-7-2016: Bastille Day

Right … 

Looks like I’ve got my work cut out for me, today: catching up with the Teasers — and the appropriate videos — after a week that’s been … busy.

Not least yesterday, I should add.

I had an interview in London.

Which I was worried about, frankly.

The interview was in Southwark, on London Underground’s Jubilee Line.   And — me being me — I got off at Liverpool Street.

Which, as it turns out WASN’T … !

More fool me!

The upshot?   Was it only took twenty minutes to get from Liverpool Street to Southwark: a lot less than Google Maps said it would.

Which means I got to the interview an hour early.

Ho HUM!

At any rate?   The event went well enough.   But I won’t know until I hear back, if I’ve got a second interview.

Here’s hoping!

~≈Ú≈~

Nik Nak’s Weekly Teaser — 13-7-2016: Live Aid

Arrgh … !

It’s a Wednesday: and yet, again?

I’m feeling rushed.

Not because I’m at work, no!

But because I’ve an interview: in London.

No pressure, then … !

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-7-2016

Hmmm … 

That’s my stomach calming down.

As you’re possibly aware, I’ve got tummy troubles.

And, on Monday — a day off, of all things! — got hit by a MAJOR flare up.

Which only started calming down, last night.

Wouldn’t you bloody well know it!

Right now?

RIGHT now, my stomach’s behaving itself.

Which is good.

I’ve an interview, today: and would HATE to have to cancel!

Wish me luck for that!

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-7-2016: The Rolling Stones …

Ye gods … !

My guts were playing up, yesterday!

You’ll possibly worked out I’m suffering with IBS, at the mo.

Most of the time?

Most of the time, I’m fine: having figured out a lot of stuff that I can and can’t eat.

Yesterday?

Lord knows what happened, yesterday: I’ve a funny suspicion that I forgot to take the relevant medication on Sunday.

Which meant I had a MAJOR flare up, yesterday: that lasted all day.

Involving throwing up, an ambulance, an emergency trip to the doctors and a batch of extra medication.

Not exactly what I had planned for a day off!

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-7-2016

Right … 

That’s what a good night’s sleep feels like … ?

I might just give up: given I’ve woken up, this morning, feeling … 

Well, feeling as if an extra half an hour in bed wouldn’t hurt!

Still … 

It’s a Monday.

Which means, of course, that it’s time for I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, this evening.

Personally?

I’m looking forward to that.

I just hope there’s a round of Mornington Crescent.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10-7-2016: Telstar, AGAIN!

Oh … 

Well … 

There’s a thing … 

I’ve a few days off!

OK, I’m not going to be doing much: bar laundry, writing, shopping … 

The usual, in other words.

But … ?

I’ve an interview on Wednesday: something I’m not sure I’ll get as the company I’m being interviewed by is noticeably closed mouthed, and picky.

I can hope … but can’t guarantee.

Still … here’s hoping … 

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-7-2016

Oh … 

BOY … !

Did I mention I did a long shift, yesterday?

I had a long shift, yesterday!

And right now?

Feel like going back to bed.

Ha!

Yeah … that’ll let me catch up.

Especially as I have to go shopping, today!

I’ll have to worry about sleep, AFTER I’ve bough food.

Now … 

Can someone remind me to get some wheat-free muesli … ?

~≈Ù≈~

Nik Nak’s Friday Question Set — 8-7-2016

Right … 

It’s a Friday … 

It’s time for the Friday Question Set … 

Especially considering I forgot to post up a set, LAST week … !

Frankly … ?

I’m blaming the very long shifts I’ve had to do … 

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8-7-2016

Right … 

I’m feeling … slightly … 

Well, slightly rushed, this morning.

Although, frankly?   I’ve not actually helped myself: getting distracted by some of Facebook’s sillier games, first thing in the morning!

The reason I’m felling rushed … ?

Is simply that it’s Friday.

Payday, in other words.

I want to make sure I can pay my bills, before I start work.

It’s a twelve until nine shift: so I won’t necessarily get a chance, afterwards.

It’s all fun … !

~≈‡≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7-7-2016

Oh … 

That’s … 

Well, that’s sort of a shame!

I’m not  a football fan: as I’m sure you realise.

But I’ve had half an eye on this year’s European Championship: as I managed to bag Wales in the works sweepstake.

Unfortunately?

They lost to Portugal in last night’s semi-finals.

For me, personally?   I’m not too worried: EITHER way, I’ve managed to put a couple of quid in the works charity pot, in taking part in the sweepstakes.

But I have to say this … OK … 

Wales lost.

But in reaching the semis?   Have done a LOT better than many earlier Welsh national side, putting in a very good performance in reaching them.

And have done a lot better than England or Northern Ireland, the other two home nations in this year’s tournament.

Well done, Wales!

~≈Ÿ≈~

Nik Nak’s Weekly Teaser — 6-7-2016: Sly Stallone

Right … 

Sylvester Stallone

For the first time in a few weeks, I’m actually working on a Wednesday.

But starting at five o’clock, tonight.

So that’s all good.

As that gives me room to manoeuvre: AND get a few posts up!

Yep: it’s Wednesday … 

Which means … 

~≈Å≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6-7-2016

Well, that seemed to go well.

I’m not necessarily happy at work: and decided to a little job-hunting.

I managed to bag an interview, yesterday: at a local takeaway pizza place.

It seemed to go well.

Frankly?   They always do.

But I’ll know for sure … 

If they phone up and offer me the job!

We’ll see what happens, shall we?

~≈◊≈~

Oh, I almost forgot to mention … I’ve been reading short story collection,Press Start To Play: a collection.

One reason I bought it?   You’ve possibly realised I’m a fan of the late Sir Terry Pratchett.

His daughter, Rhianna?   Has an entry in the book: called Creation Screen.

Which I finally managed to finish, a couple of nights ago.

Hmmm … 

It’s a little dryer than I expected: and there’s other short stories in the collection that grabbed me, sooner.

But … ?

I liked it.   I know Ms Pratchett has her own career — her work as a video games journalist, and games story developer is well known and respected — but I think I’d like to see more work with the name Rhianna Pratchett on it.

~≈◊≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-7-2016

Can I make a confession … ?

I’m feeling slightly nervous.

Not seriously nervous: but nervous enough.

You see … I’ve got an interview, today.

Although whether I’ll get the job concerned is a whole other matter.

It DOES come at a good time.

I’m not unhappy at work.

But we have a change in manager, this week.

On top of that … ?   On top of that, there’s always people one doesn’t get on with: something that’s been boiling for a while, but that’s seriously starting to bother me, recently.

Either way … ?

Well … 

Time for a fresh start, I think.   Here’s hoping the thing goes well … 

~≈Â≈~

The Lazarus Effect — Watchable Hokum …

Hmmm … 

That’s a bit … you know … 

Nerve wracking … 

Yep … 

I’m job-hunting.

Oh, no … !

I’m still working where I was.

But … ?   After about a year and a half, I’m finding it starting to pall a bit: and fancy a fresh direction.   Or, at least … 

Arrange a change of scene.

At ANY rate … ?

I’ve an interview, tomorrow: and I’m just a touch nervous.

~≈Û≈~

At ANY rate … ?

At ANY rate, today is a Monday: and a Monday I’ve actually had off.

I’ve managed to get some writing for the Gazette: which mean’s I’ve a couple more sets done for August.

Laundry … ?   Well, the last bit’s tumbling, as we speak.

And frankly?

Frankly, I fancied a movie.

As I’ve little iTunes credit, but plenty of backed-up films in the collections?

I though something from that would be … appropriate.

I went for the 2015 release, The Lazarus Effect: directed by relative newcomer, David Gelb.

And, yes, hokum IS the word …

Entertaining, now … ?

Hmmm …

~≈Û≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4-7-2016

Well … 

It’s official … 

We’ve survived a Monday Morning … with out a celebrity dropping dead … !

Which is possibly something to be thankful for.

At any rate … ?

It’s a Monday: one I have off.

And one I … 

Well, frankly, intend to do laundry on: and maybe shop, as well.

Oh … and possibly catch a film: possibly … !

~≈Ï≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3-7-2016

Dear me … 

They’s dropping like flies, from the flies … 

If you’re a film fan in the UK, you’ll have awoken to the news that Michael Cimino — the man who directed The Deer Hunter — has died at the age of seventy-seven.

Not that I’d ever seen it: I should maybe point it on my bucket list.

One film I HAVE seen … ?   Is Robin Hardy’s The Wicker Man.   It’s an utter classic: and one, I feel, would be hard to re-make today.    In spite of efforts to do so.

Robin Hardy … ?   Died yesterday … 

When you realise comedian, writer and actress,Caroline Ahearne died, yesterday?

You, like me, are probably wondering who’s next … 

~≈È≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2-7-2016

Thank GODS for that … 

I actually managed to get through a very long shift, yesterday — a total of nine and a half hours — without my guts kicking off!

Which surprised me, I know that much … !

The one thing that DIDN’T … ?

Was the fact I felt completely knackered at the end of it.

And definitely a bit … you know … 

Grouchy … !

~≈†≈~

At any rate, one piece of news caught my attention, yesterday.

We’ve got a charity sweepstakes on the go, at work.

Basically, if you pick the winning team at this years Euro2016 tournament?

You get a prize.

I don’t who’s going to win: I’m no kind of football fan.

I do know I’ve got Wales.

Who are doing rather well … 

Be nice if they got to the final … 

~≈†≈~