Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-8-2016

Oh, now, wouldn’t you know it … !?

Recently?

I’ve been sent a replacement router by BT: as the old one occasionally reset itself.

I got the new one, on Saturday, had it set up on Monday … 

And, by Tuesday — last night, in fact — guess what had happened?

The shiny new router … had reset itself … !

I give in … !

~≈Ç≈~

In OTHER news?

I’ve just noticed — courtesy of Facebook’s Trending feature — there’s some TV news.

According to The Sun, there’s plans to have a celebrity special version of The Crystal Maze: hosted, notionally, by David Tennant.

Weirdly?   Well, weirdly, I was only thinking — yesterday — that Robot Wars has had a welcome return to our screens.

And that The Crystal Maze would be perfect accompaniment.

Frankly?

I hope it does get revived.

That’s something I’d happily watch … 

I wonder … would anyone like to put a team together … 

~≈Ç≈~

House of Cards — Series 4: Episodes 6, 7 and 8. (Chapters 45, 46 and 47)

Oh, you are kidding me, surely?

As you may or may not be ware, I managed to replace a BT HomeHub 3, this week.

Where the old one would — seemingly at random — reset itself.

Basically switch off, and then back on again.

The new one turned up, on Saturday, I got it set up on Monday night, and the OLD one sent back off, this morning: via BT’s free returns service.

I sat down, tonight, to watch more episodes of the rather good fourth series of House of Cards.

Only to have this new shiny router/hub … 

Reset itself … !

Ye GODS, BT, what HAVE you fobbed me and many other customers off with?

~≈É≈~

At ANY rate … ?

At any rate, And all annoyance aside, tonight’s a free evening: one I wanted to spent, happily … 

In front of the TV set.

With more episodes of House of Cards fourth series.

Yep … 

I’m binge watching a good one.

You can tell, can’t you … ?

~≈É≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-8-2016

Can I make a confession, here?

I’ve never — beyond seeing Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory — seen a Gene Wilder film!

From where I’m sitting?

That’s not necessarily a bad: his films just weren’t on my To watch list.

But?

With the news, yesterday, of his death, I know there’s not going to be another film with his name in the credits.   I should maybe catch-up by renting one.

What makes it worse?   Is that, apparently, his death was as a result of complications of something that killed both my grandmother, AND my favourite author, Terry Pratchett.

Alzheimer’s has a lot to answers for.

~≈Ê≈~

On a more personal note?

On a more personal note, you’ll — possibly — remember me saying I’d complained about my ageing Home Hub 3: my router, in other words.

Which BT promptly offered to replace.

The new one turned up, reasonably promptly: and sat, in it’s box, on a table.   Until, last night, I managed to set it up.

So far, it’s working well.

Here’s hoping it KEEPS doing that: so I can send the old back with no worries … 

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-8-2016

Right … 

It’s Monday.

The day after too 10½ hour shifts.

And the day of another shift: although, thankfully, it’s a 4½ hour shift, over lunch.

Which I’m grateful for: it means I can get home , and get an early night.

After I’ve seen last night’s Robot War.

No spoilers, now: I still haven’t seen it, and I want to be surprised.

~≈®≈~

Oh, there was an up side to last night’s long shift.

Back in February, the Brentwood Gazette, bless them, ran a Saint Valentine’s Day piece: a who’s caught your eye piece.

Apparently?   Apparently, a ‘short, dark haired chap, with a husky voice’ short changed someone: who’d asked for extra gravy.

But?   ‘As you’re cute, I’ll let you off.’

Turns out Gravy Girl’s a persistent regular customer: called Terri.

Who’s not too bad, herself, actually.

If she’s back in, at some point?

Remind me to slip her my number.   I can probably take her for a coffee, and see if we can work out who that was.   ;)

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-8-2016

Ye GODS … 

I’m tired … !

Which will probably show up in my typing.

But there you go.   That’s what happened the morning after ten hour shift.

And on the day of another one!

I will give our new manager credit: next week’s shifts are short … but far more to my taste.

Frankly, though … ?

Even though it’s going slowly, I’m new job turns up at some point.

These long, late night shifts are murder … !

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-8-2016

Hmmm … 

I have to confess to having had to take the day off ill, yesterday.

I hate that when it happens: it’s a loss of income, especially in the type of job I’m in.

And … ?

Well, I hate letting the side down.   Even wanting to leave the job, as I do, I still don’t like letting the side down … 

Even given that … ?

Even given that, I still want to move on.

Today … ?   I’m facing a ten and a half hour shift, so I’d HAVE to ask if you can blame me!

Especially when — from what BT tell me — I’m expecting to receive a new router, today.

Why on EARTH do I never find nice 9 to 5, Monday to Friday jobs?

~≈Á≈~

House of Cards — Series 4: Episodes 4 and 5 (Chapters 43 and 44)

Oh, that’s horrible, when that happens.

I’ve had to take off another day at work: with a dicky stomach.

I hate that.   The loss of money is one thing: along with the feeling I’ve let the side down.

I am going to HAVE to make sure I take in enough of my medication to deal with tomorrow’s very long shift.

~≈É≈~

At ANY rate … ?

At any rate, I’ve had the night to myself.

A night with nothing on TV, except what I choose to put there.

Just recently?

There’s been a few films: and?   Well, having worked out I can us Netflix on my Apple TV, that’s something I may wish to look at subscribing too.

iTunes rentals seem … to have less of a choice, right now, than other outlets: although that could well just be me.

At any rate, it’s something I’m mulling over … as I’m rather impressed by the overall quality of one thing.

That’s right … 

Netflix series, House of Cards.

You can possibly guess I sat down with a couple more episodes, tonight: can’t you … ?

~≈É≈~

Nik Nak’s Friday Question Set — 26-8-2016

Oh, now I HATE that … !

Did I mention I’ve got IBS?

I’ve got IBS: if you didn’t know.

And, at it’s worse?

Means phoning into work, ill: as my functioning is seriously impaired.

Today is one such day.   I hate letting the side down: and losing the day’s pay.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-8-2016: Steamboat Billie …

Oh, well, that’s THAT sorted … 

Obviously, you’re aware I’m online.

And use a BT Home Hub 3 as my router.

It’s had issues for years.

One ongoing problem?

Is the habit it has, of switching itself off, every-so-often.

Like that.

And, as you can imagine?   It’s rather annoying: especially when you’re streaming something from your computer, to an Apple TV.

Thankfully, though?

I’ve managed to get someone from BT to agree to replace the thing.

Hopefully, I’ll be in, when it turns up!

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-8-2016: Saturn

Bleugh … 

And double bleugh … !

I had a LATE night, last night.

But I’m not complaining too much.

I spent quite a bit of time, nattering to friends, via Facebook’s Messenger app.

But also … ?   Spent a few hours catching up with series four of House of Cards: the first three episodes, so you know.

Wowsa … 

Frank and Claire underwood — Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright — are seriously at each others throats … 

It’s looking like a good one … !

~≈ß≈~

House of Cards — Series 4: Episode 1, 2 and 3, (Chaptsrs 40, 41 and 42)

24th August.

You know … 

There’s possibly one thing I’d not have called myself, over the years.

Actually, there’s several things I’d’ve called myself, over the years.

One of the things I don’t call myself is a video gamer: at least, not a hardcore one.

No, I TEND to play casual video games: the likes of Tetris, and Pacman.

Beyond that … ?   Beyond THAT, I tend to spend my spare time with a film or two.

Or a book: the current bedtime reading?   Is Wells’ The Time Machine: still an utter dribbling classic.

Or I’ll watch a TV series.

You’d’ve worked that out, over the years.

That I’ll happily sit down with Dr Who, with Merlin, The Fades.

And, for a change of pace?

House of Cards.

I’ve started watching series four, tonight.

Yep … It’s back … !

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-8-2016

Anyone need a spare monitor?

I’ve a two monitor set up on my desktop machine: something I’ve had for a couple of years, now, and found useful.

A couple of days ago?   A couple of days ago, something went wrong with the refurbished screen I was using as an extra monitor.

The volume controls — it was a model with built in speakers — popped up: and stayed up.

I’ve managed to replace it: with a new one from my local CeX.

My problem?   Is what to do with the old one.

Anyone who thinks they can get it working is welcome to the thing!

~≈fi≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-8-2016

CRAP … !

I’ve got up late!

I HATE getting up late!

That’s what happens when you can’t get to sleep, after a movie, and forget to set your alarm!

AAARRRGGGHHH … !

~≈®≈~

Australiens — Or, how To Have Fun In Brisbane …

22nd August, 2016

Ouch … !

How do you like that for size?

JUST as I’ve gotten to thinking I’m having a nice relaxing evening?

Yep … 

My guts start — mildly — twanging.

IBS.   Don’t you just love it!

Although, to be frank … ?   Maybe that cheeky chocolate bar wasn’t a sensible idea.

Not after sitting down for two hours.

Watching … Australiens … !

~≈É≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-8-2016

You know … 

I’m something of a Dr Who fan: and have been for most of my life.

Like many others, I’m aware that, during the 1960s, and early 70s, the BBC would junk episodes: mostly so they could re-use the (then) expensive video tape the episodes were on, but also to create space in the archives.

One of the noticeably missing stories?   Has been The Power of the Daleks.   The story’s important, in part, because it’s a missing Dalek story.   But also because it’s Patrick Troughton’s first full story as the Second Doctor.

It’s been missing for decades: and no-one knows when it’ll be found.

You might ALSO be aware that the BBC’s found SOME episodes of missing stories — The Invasion springs to mind — and released them: replacing the missing instalments with animated versions.

Something’s happened.   Someone has leaked what looks like a clip of The Power of the Daleks: made by the same animation firm that’s animated other missing parts.

This piece … 

It looks incredibly well made, if it’s not official.

If it IS … ?   If it is a leaked official piece?   I’d be seriously interested in seeing the completed release.

Troughton’s first story is key to the show’s history … 

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-8-2016

Oh, I hate those long shifts … 

I know I was moaning about it, yesterday: and HATE to repeat myself.

But … ?

Somewhere in the works of Sir Terry Pratchett — and I forget which book — is a  throwaway line about getting drunk: along the line of having ‘red-hot curried eyeballs.’

Well, I’ll HAPPILY admit to not being a drinker.

For about a decade and a half, since you ask.

But, right now?

After a shift like last night’s?

I THINK I know what Sir Terry meant.

I think an afternoon nap’s going to be providing some metaphorical, and very welcome, yoghurt!

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-8-2016

Hmmm … 

I’ve got to admit to having seen my shifts for next week.

I’m not complaining too much.

Not about the amount of hours.

But two ten hours shifts?

Is not necessarily my idea of something to look forward to!

If nothing else, though … ?

At least I put my CV into two alternative employers.

Which is something … 

~≈Ï≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-8-2016: Which Witch … ?

Blast … !

And buggeration … 

I DIDN’T get the job … 

Drat …

I do know know if you knew it: but I’m working at the moment.

But not stunningly happy where I am.

So … I’ve been quietly job-hunting: and had an interview, Tuesday, last.

I thought it went comparatively well.

But learnt, yesterday, that I didn’t get the job.

Combined with The fact I’ve heard nothing from the interview a week or two, before?   I’m disappointed.   Definitely disappointed.

Hopefully, something will come along.

But right at the moment … ?

I’m feeling decidedly ungood.

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-8-2016: Brian Aldiss

Well, FINALLY … 

I had time off, yesterday … 

Well, you’d guessed that, hadn’t you … ?

My point is … ?   Well, my point is quite simple.

I managed to catch a couple of movies, yesterday.

The afternoon saw me, my sister, Ruth, and nephew, Jude, catching The BFG.   Great fun, I think: especially the frobscottle.

I managed to catch something else, in the evening.

After all this time: I managed to catch the Stanley Kubrick directed, The Shining.

And I’m wondering what took me so long … !

~≈Ê≈~

The Shining — Hello …

17th August, 2016.

You know … 

I’ve had less hours, this week, than I had the last full week I worked.

And … ?

AND I’m not sure I like what that’s done — or going to do — to next week’s payslip.

They’re ALL over two days!

Makes you wonder why I’m job-hunting doesn’t it?

However?

However, when I’m not actually working … ?

I’m trying to write Teasers, make video, put together a social life … 

Oh … and catch a film or two.

Today … ?

Bit of a treat for my nephew, today: as he, his mother, and I, went to Basildon to see The BFG.   Which was fun: whizz-popping with the Queen got a LOT of laughter, I know that.

Of, course, this evening?   Having this evening free?  Well, that meant I could watch something I’d not seen: and that various people — over the past few days — urged me to correct.

You can tell it was the Stanley Kubrick directed, The Shining, can’t you?

The poster’s a bit of a clue … 

~≈Û≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-8-2016

Well … 

THAT seemed to go well enough … !

Remember I had an interview, yesterday: with a local bookmakers?

I THINK I did ok with it.

Although, embarrassingly … ?   I managed to forget the all important paperwork I need: to show I’m eligible to work in the UK.

Which meant I had to double back and get it.   Thankfully, the chap doing the interview?   Was able to re-arrange the thing: for yesterday afternoon.

That out of the way?

Well, like I say, I felt I did well: although, when it came to the inevitable “Have you got any questions,” sections … ?   I got all the ones I’d pre-prepared dealt with, but, on the way home?   The thought struck me that I could also have asked how the place deals with drunk people trying to place bets: something that’s been bothering me ever since.

Ha!

There’s always something, isn’t there … ?

~≈Æ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-8-2016

Bleugh … 

I feel … well, bleugh sums it up quite nice, actually.

A somewhat iffy feeling tummy, tiredness … 

And a sense of nervousness, as well.

Frankly?

I’ve an interview, today: in nearby Hornchurch.

Frankly?   Getting there’s going to be fun!

So is finding the place, even if it’s supposed to be near the station.

That doesn’t help: even WITH GPS help from my phone!

Oy veh … !

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-8-2016

You know, I’m no fan of the Olympics.

But?

But it is nice to know that the UK’s Olympic Team is doing well.

We’re second in the medals table: tied with China, and just behind the US.

Personally, though?

Personally, I had last night off.

And found Robot Wars far more entertaining: ESPECIALLY when Apollo flipped the house robots.

Who the hell expected that!!

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-8-2016

How closely do you follow the news?

I do, especially if it’s something that interests me: technology, for example, of things about my favourite TV shows, or films franchises.

Or if it’s about social media I use.

Something that’s floated across my timelines, recently?   Is Facebook’s on-going legal attempts to stop the Ad-Block Plus extension from working on the site.

The plug-in is widely used — including by myself — to keep annoying ads off web pages one visits.

So, while I can appreciate Facebook NOT liking it — advertising is how the site makes its money, after all — I, personally, intend to keep using AdBlock Plus.

Having grown up on broadcasts from the BBC — broadcasts uninterrupted by adverts — I value not seeing them.

I think that’s worth annoying Facebook.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-8-2016: International Left-handers Day

It has to be said, the holiday is … sort of over.

As today, I go back to work.

For a nine hour shift!

The first thing that springs to mind?

Well, frankly, it’s the word ‘Yoicks.’

After all, I’m looking at a nine hour shift, here.

The other things that crop up?

First off?

Well, I’m hoping my stomach behaves itself.

Secondly?

Well, it’s International Left Handers Day, today.

I’m a south-paw.   Wouldn’t I have just loved to have the day off!

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Friday Question Set — 12-8-2016

Right … it’s a Friday night: one I’ve got off.

Frankly?

One I’m happy to spend, indoors.

Equally as frankly?

I’ve been meaning to post something up for a while.

First things first?

I’ll confess to being a little worried.

I was at my GP’s, earlier.   For various reasons — mostly to do with my guts — I’m trying to lose weight.

And unfortunately?   I seem to have put a kilo on.

Next time I’m at my GPs?

I THINK I’m due to have a long chat.

~≈Å≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-8-2016

Bleugh … 

And it’s bee a while since I’ve said that … !

But, right at the moment … ?

Right at the moment, I’m as tired as … 

Well, maybe not ‘as possible.’

But definitely feeling my age: after catching Batman: The Killing Joke, last night.

I might just have a nap, at some point.

Along side tell you Batman: The Killing Joke is an interesting watch … but that the original graphic novel’s a lot better … 

~≈Ê≈~

Batman: The Killing Joke — Ummmm … …

11th August, 2016.

You know … 

There are times when time off can be as … well … as boring a feck.

If you’ll excuse the language.

On the other hand … ?

On the other hand, getting the first visitors you’ve had for a while — thanking you, Jeanie, and Callum — can make a day go faster.

As can something else.

Yep.

I’ve caught myself a movie.

Yep: 2016’s VOD/theatrical release of the Alan Moore/Brian Bolland Batman story, The Killing Joke.

Personally?   I’ve always felt Alan Moore’s habit off keeping his name OFF film versions of his work could be good: or bad.

In this case … ?   Well … 

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-8-2016

Phew … !

You can possibly tell I’m tired.

Well … you would, if you were in my front room at the moment.

You’d ALSO be able to tell … well probably a lot.

Mostly that my floor need cleaning, the oven needs a going-over, and my chairs need either a wipe or replacing.

But … ?

I’m rather pleased to have finished the Left-hander’s day Teaser video.

It’s not perfect.

It’s FAR from perfect.

It REALLY could do with a going over … 

But … ?

We’ll see how it goes on Saturday!

~≈Œ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10-8-2016

You know, I’m not an expert: but I’m someone who follows the news.

I’m also someone who follows the Technology news: as far far as possible.

I’m ALSO a man aware of the open source movement.   A movement that makes software you and I can freely examine and change: and, in the case of the better known examples, makes them available to the home user, at no commercial charge.

The better known examples?   Include browser like Firefox, media player, vlc, and productivity suites like OpenOffice and LibreOffice.

I’m ALSO aware there’s open source operating systems: usually based on the Linux kernel.   I’ve used Ubuntu occasionally, but am aware there’s others around.

So, when I saw this piece on the BBC’s news site, yesterday, about an London Assembly member’s efforts to get the Metropolitan Police to upgrade their desktops … from Windows XP?

Basically?   I wrote to the Assembly member concerned, Andrew Boff, to see if he would suggest a Linux-based system to the Met, instead of — or in conjunction with — versions of Windows 10.

Lord knows what will happen, there.   But hopefully?

I’ll get as reply, at least.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-8-2016

You know, I’ve got a documentary on, right now.

Last night’s Brexit: The Battle for Britain: aired, originally, by BBC 2.

Fascinating to watch: and a remainder of quite how badly wrong that referendum went.

Personally, I voted to remind: feeling the UK was and is, better off in.   Something I still feel to be the case.

Especially given the Government’s voted to delay any decision on whether to start building the Hinckley Point power station.

I can understand Theresa May having doubts about a Chinese company sinking money into a UK infrastructure project.

But?   How many foreign companies do the same?   Quite a few, I believe.   (Indeed, from the little I know, Chinese cabling and routers — provided by Huawei — are key to the British internet: and, for most of us, our computers, phones and tablets, are built with Chinese parts and US software.)

In light of that vote to leave the EU, Britain’s got to encourage foreign investment.

And be seen to do so.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8-8-2016

It’s official.

I’ve now got a few days off!

Yes … 

It’s August, and I’ve got a holiday.

Personally?   Well, personally, I’m planning to see if I can persuade friend over: although I may go visiting.

On the other hand?

On the other hand I could equally sit in the back garden, sunning myself.

Which isn’t a good idea.

After all, ‘the back garden’ is the patch at the back of the building, where we can get to our gas meters.

And, on top of that?

I start sunbathing out there, beached whale rescue teams would show up, to through me back into the nearest ocean.

Well … either that … 

Or I’d explode … 

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7-8-2016: Kon-Tiki

Hmmm … 

I have to admit, yesterday’s shift was decidedly uncomfortable.

As my innards were playing up.

Not as badly as they were on Saturday, though, but badly enough.

Still … I managed to get through the shift: and figured out what had kicked off the attack.

Bloody pasties!

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6-8-2016

Blimey … 

Right at the moment … ?

I’m feeling quite chipper.

Which is surprising: as my guts were seriously playing up, yesterday.

To the point I had to go home early.   (NOT something I wanted: and something that’s getting seriously resented by co-workers.)

On the upside?

I had an old friend pop in on me, after work.

And didn’t get to bed until late.

The surprising bit?

Like I say, is feeling very chipper this morning.

Weird.

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-8-2016

Boy, but that was a comparatively late night.

Believe it or not?

Writing a Teaser: for next week.

Very specifically, for International Left-handers Day.

It’s something of a tradition for me: as I’m left-handed, myself.

Personally?

I’m looking forward to inflicting it on people.

JUST to see how well it does.

All that, aside, though?

I always, personally think the International Left-handers Day is important … because?

Well, because, if we, as people, are to say that equality of opportunity is a good thing — equality between ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations — we have to start with the little things.

It’s a little thing … 

But, speaking as a lefty?   It need addressing.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4-8-2016

Right, it’s official: I’m back to work, today.

And, frankly?

Well, frankly, I’m hoping my guts don’t get set off: which seems likely, as they’ve been behaving themselves over the past few days.

Which is all good.

What’s more concerning?

Is simply the fact I really want to go bad to bed.

As?   Well, as I really couldn’t get off to sleep, last night.

Granted, I was up late, putting #Teaser videos together.

Once THAT was done, and I was tucked up in bed?

I just really couldn’t get off.

Lord knows why!

~≈Ú≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3-8-2016

Hmmm … 

I THINK that went well.

Possibly … 

JUST so you know?   I had an interview, yesterday.

Which seemed to go well enough.

Well enough for me to get the distinct impression I’m going to get a second interview.

Which frankly?

Sounds hopeful.

We’ll have to see, won’t we?

~≈É≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2-8-2016: The Positron

Right … 

I’m … 

Not nervous, per se: but certainly aware I should be.

I’ve an interview, today: with a local phone shop.

Granted, my product knowledge isn’t stunning.

But my general cashiering and up-selling skills?

Are fairly good.

And, by the sound of the initial phone call?   The woman doing the interview sounded pleased to have had my CV.

Here’s hoping those factors help push me through the meeting.

~≈®≈~

Superman v Batman: Dawn of Justice — Oooh …

1st August, 2016.

You know, I have to confess, I like a film, now and again.

Really.

And, while I don’t have a Netflix account?

I DO have an iTunes store account: with a little credit in it.

AND a series of movies, backed up from the DVDs I used to own and stored on an extra hard drive.

Tonight?

Tonight, I had a spare evening.   One I wanted to spend with a good film.

I don’t know if I got that.

When you consider I rented Superman v Batman: Dawn of Justice

That’s a gobful of a title: for a long film.

One I’m STILL not sure about.

~≈†≈~