Class: Series 1 — Episode 7 - The Metaphysical Engine, or What Quill Did.

30th November, 2016.

OK, it’s Saint Andrews Day.

For many of us?

It’s going to be a day for celebrating our inner Scottishness.

Speaking as a non-Scot?

I’m not.

I’ve a day off, though.

For me?   That’s meant ironing: an office job that demands shirts, means one has to have something that looks flat.

Oh, and making videos.

I couldn’t tell you what’s chewed up more time, over the years.

Ironing, work, writing this blog … 

Sometimes, it feels like I’ve got a couple of jobs … !

At ANY rate?   The other thing that chews up time, is TV.

And, frankly?

Just recently, my attention’s been caught by one series: the BBC3 based, online only — for now — Dr Who spin-off.

Class.

And yes, the name’s still accurate.

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-11-2016: Saint Andrew’s Day

I have a day off … !

Yay … !

Which frankly means I’m going to be ironing … 

Then ironing some more … 

And possibly … ?   Doing some ironing!

The fact I have to get some videos done, and want to try and catch the most recent episode of Class?

Possibly has nothing to do with it … !

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-11-2016

Hmmm … 

Barry Bennell has been been found unconscious: by his local police.

If you didn’t know?   Bennell is the sex offender named in recent news stories: many members of assorted football teams youth arms have come forward to tell how he abused them as children, and used his position as a coach to do so.

Personally?

I think he’s been attacked, after these stories have come out.

Given the long term harm that child abusers do?

I can’t say I’m surprised.

And I can’t say I blame whoever did that.

~≈Ê≈~

While I’m on the subject, though … ?

I can’t help but notice that — according to the report about Bennell — various football teams have started investigating any historical abuse.

I also get the impression that most teams — now — have much improved child protection measures in place.

Which is good.

But?

I wouldn’t expect the various teams to say so.

But I’m wondering this.

When DID teams start checking for historical abuse?

I can only hope someone starting making noises … 

After the truth about Savile came out …

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-11-2016

Hmmm … 

What on earth has happened, there … ?

A couple of days ago, Google managed to do some upgrading to Blogger: the site I use to publish this blog.

It made it difficult — indeed impossible — to use with Safari: my default, preferred browser.

I got with using Google Chrome, for the duration.

I got on with it, it has to be said.   Although Chrome works differently enough to make using it a (minor) annoyance.

Last night?   Last night, I opened Safari, and pressed the ‘New Post’ button.

Just on the off-chance.

It loaded up the page: with not a sign of a problem.

So, this morning … ?

We’re back to normal: thanking you for the fix, Google.

Hey ho … !

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-11-2016: Jimi Hendrix

*Yawn* … 

Did I tell you I usually do a six hour, eleven ’til five, shift on Sunday … ?

I usually do a six hour, eleven ’til five, shift on Sunday.

Just so you know … !

And it usually means getting up at six: so I can get to the trains on time.

It’s nice to get up in the dark, to be honest with you.

But, boy, it gives meaning to the old phrase about ‘yawning your head off … ’

Ahem … !

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-11-2016

There’s very few times when you can say a giant’s died.

Very few times.

Today, though?

I’ve woken to see both the BBC News Channel, and the Today programme talking about Cuban leader, Fidel Castro.

In the past tense.

I realised what that meant, pretty quickly.

The Republic of Cuba’s lost it’s founding father.

Now I don’t know how you feel about it?   I’m not sure how I feel about it, to be frank.

But … ?

It doesn’t take much thinking to realise the man would get mixed reactions.   After all, his regime had a bad human rights record: and made dodgy deals with soviet Russia.

But was also the man responsible for standing up to the US, and introducing a universal health service to his nation.

You might not call him a conventional giant.

But none the less …

A giant is what he’s going to be seen as.

~≈◊≈~

Nik Nak’s Friday Question Set — 28-11-2016

You know … 

I still don’t like Black Friday.

No … Really … !

I don’t think it’s the right thing for folk in the UK to be marking someone else’s holiday — the US holiday of Thanksgiving — at second hand … 

By having a set of sales the day after a holiday we in the UK don’t actually celebrate.

To add insult to injury … ?

I was in Brentwood Hight Street, earlier: paying bills and doing a little shopping, as you do.

When I got offered a whole pamphlet full of Black Friday deals by a shivering Argos employee.

Including a good deal on Playstation consoles.

I had to let her down gently.

I’m not THAT much of a gamer.

And, as I told her … ?

Just a bit insulted by a Black Friday offer in the first place.

Oy Vey … 

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-11-2016: The Mousetrap

Hmmm … 

It’s officially official.

It’s Black Friday.

The term was originally used in the UK, by the emergency services: to describe the last Friday before Christmas.

When people in the UK, traditionally got drastically drunk, celebrating the season.

In the past few years?

The US definition of the term’s been used.

The day is the shopping day after Thanksgiving, when many in the US will be taking the day off: and booking the Friday off, as well, and making a long weekend of it.

Spending a fortune in the pre-christmas sales, in the process.

That’s ok, by me.

But some shops and retail websites in the UK are marking it.

It’s has calmed down a lot: ever since, in 2014, some shops saw riots over assorted Black Friday offers.

But I still find it stupid and offensive, that the results of a US public holiday, are marked by UK shops.

~≈Â≈~

Dune: A Thought ...

Can I ask how long you’ve reading Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar?

Hopefully?

It's been for some time.

Long or short,  you may not know I'm a fan of a few things.

Doctor Who, for example.

Macs, as another.

The works of the late Terry Pratchett are in there.

Oh ...

And the Frank Herbert novel, Dune.

Ever since I first read it, when I was seventeen.

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-11-2016: Farrokh Bulsara

Phew … 

It’s the last of the days off for a while.

So, of course, today I’ve pencilled in making a lot of videos.

Oh … 

And finishing off laundry!

Exciting stuff, huh?

Well … 

That’s if dirty pants are you thing.

Don’t look at me.

I’m not the one with the specialised website … !

~≈Ç≈~

Class: Series 1 — Episode 6 - Detained.

Hmmm … 

OK … 

As you might realise — if you’d read this morning’s Daily Teaser — I’ve had problems using my version of Safari with my blog: as a result of changes made by Google.

I’ll happily admit, having to switch to using Google Chrome … is getting slightly easier … 

But still not something I’m pleased about.

~≈Ê≈~

At any rate … ?

At any rate, I’ve had today off.

It’s a Wednesday, what can I tell you … ?

Which means, of course, that I’ve had to catch up with some TV.

And, if you’ve been reading me for a while?

You’d probably realise I’ve been — and thoroughly enjoying — BBC 3’s Class.

I’ve just caught the sixth episode, Detained.

And have to admit to liking it!

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-11-2016

23rd November, 2016.

Oh, you are joking, aren’t you … ?

As you may or may not know, I like using Safari: the on-board web-browser on my Mac.

I’m one that’s running an older version of the operating system: so can’t update beyond Safari 6.1.6

Which usually hasn’t been a problem.

Until today, when Google have decided to roll-out Blogger’s all new simplified page design.

That wouldn’t — in Safari, at any rate — load the page that let’s me write a new post.

OK, I can switch to Google Chrome, for the duration.   Which renders pages very well, but is a browser I’ve also found takes its time loading pages.

And, yes, I’m aware technology moves on.

But it’s a disappointment to see it happen.

~≈Ê≈~

In other news?

I don’t know if I ever told, but I’m a fan of Frank Herbert’s novel, Dune: having first read it in the 1980s.

Early on?   Early one character describes the hero of the novel, 17 year old Paul Atreides, as ‘small for his age.’

As a short 17 year old, when I first read the thing, a hero that sounds a lot like me, who ends up ruling the entire known human universe had a lot of appeal.

So recent news that the movie rights for the franchise have been acquired by Legendary?

Is interesting to see.

Personally?   Personally, I’m grateful one version didn’t get made.

I’m glad to have seen another.

And I’m curious to see what Legendary can do with the piece.

I’m really curious to see what they do with it.

I hope they have keep as close to the book as possible.

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-11-2016: C. S. Lewis

I have to admit, I watch the news.

I also listen to the Today program, on Radio 4: they discussion and analysis of the day’s news makes for fascinating listening.

Especially when John Humphries is getting really intense at a politician.

At ANY rate?

They’ve mentioned one technology story, today.

Seemingly?

The government is planning to invest £500 million into expanding fast broadband speeds.

That would be good to see.

Assuming, of course, the funds turn into fibre optic cables going from exchange to front door.

If it does?

If it does, we — at home, at work and at play — benefit from the improved speeds.

If it doesn’t … ?

We’ve got another empty promise from a politician.

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-11-2016

Ye, gods, I’m am officially tired … !

No, really … !

I managed to get home, last night, at about the usual sort of time.

And got to bed, at around the usual sort of time.

Frankly?

I’m sort of happy I’m not at work until later.

I might just be able to sneak in an afternoon nap … 

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-11-2016

Right … 

I’m at work again, today.

Something I can’t complain about: although I’ll have to make sure I put some leave forms in.

There’s no trains service on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.   So if I want to salvage some sort of pay out of the day, I need to try and get those forms in.

That’s not what’s worrying me.

What’s worrying me is Storm Angus: the first named storm of the winter.

Frankly?

I don’t think this part of Essex is suffering too badly … 

But I have just looked out of my window, quickly.

I’m going to get wet, walking to Brentwood Station … 

~≈Ú≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-11-2016

Oh, well, that’s THAT done … 

I was working last night: which is all well and good: and gets me paid.

It also meant I managed to avoid watching the biennial Children in Need charity telethon on BBC1, last night.

Which I’m grateful for, actually.

The fundraiser brings in a lot of cash for the charities it serves.

But the mix of sketches, demands for money, songs, more demands for money, jokes, some more demands for money, explanations of where the money’s going, all wrapped up in demands for money.

The appeals, and the comedy?   Usually get a bit tedious.

The only thing that does grab my attention about the whole shebang?

Is the simple fact it usually airs a clip from the upcoming Dr Who Christmas special: as it’s done, this year.

All I CAN say?   Is “Thank Heavens for Youtube … !”

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Friday Question Set — 18-11-2016

Right … 

I have to admit to feeling rushed, right now.

As I’m off to work, later, whilst trying to sort out a friend’s iPhone.

So … ?

With THAT said … ?

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-11-2016

Well … it’s Friday morning … 

Which means it’s pay day, and time to pay off the bills.

But it’s also a morning where — as ever — I’ve got Radio Four’s Today programme on.

The programme’s discussing a case where a now Dead 14-year-old cancer patent who wanted to be cryogenically preserved … has had her wish respected.

A judged has decide in the girl’s favour: and she is to be preserved at a facility in the United States.

Personally?   I’m very aware the legal decision is about the girl’s wishes for the disposal of her body, after death.

Which is fair enough.

But the idea of cryogenically preserving a body, in the belief that it can be healed at some very distant point in the future?

To me, seems very odd … !

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-11-2016

Sorry, sorry, you catch me yawning, there … !

But … ?

I’m now up and about … 

And have switched on the news.

Or, at least, Radio Four’s Today programme.

At it has to be said … 

I noticed that the most recent batch of dementia research shows that it’s true.

Our ability navigate decreases with age.

Quite how thois would contribute?   I couldn’t tell you.

Except I’m very aware that, in it’s early stages?   The various forms of dementia seriously impact navigation skills … 

Here’s hoping the research helps!

~≈Ê≈~

Class: Series 1 — Episode 5 - Brave-ish Heart

16th November, 2016

It’s official … it’s a Wednesday.

One I’ve had off … 

And spent time writing, ironing, with one friend … 

Oh … 

And catching up with a TV show … 

Yes: before you ask … 

I sat myself down with the most recent episode of Class.

OK … 

The fight scene dragged … 

~≈◊≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-11-2016

You know, I’ve said it for years: that more building in the area will cause problems.

As you may or may not know?

There’s an area around the corner from my street: where developers have been granted planning permission to build extra flats.

Over the strong objections of residents.

Including myself.

Unfortunately?

The various objections have been ignored: and work is to go ahead.

The area has been boarded up.

And, as you can see?

That car, on the left, makes things difficult for pedestrians to get past.

It’s worse at night. when more cars are parked on the pavement.

On both sides of the street.

Going on my own experience?

Once those flats are completed, and people have moved in, congestion in the area will increase, significantly.

I don’t know where that will lead … 

But am still convinced that this will seriously impede emergency vehicle access to my area, and contribute to someone’s death.

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-11-2016

You know, I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled.

Last night, at work … ?

I managed to miss finding a job I’d thought I’m managed to put through the system.

But hadn’t managed to track properly, through another.

It’s something I’m mildly kicking myself for.

But being a little forgiving about: as I’m still learning the job … 

~≈Ê≈~

Do you follow the BBC’s technology news?   You’ll probably be aware that Tesco’s banking arm has had its issues: having seen significant amounts of customer’s money taken, a few weeks ago.

Seemingly?

The attack’s been linked to certain forums on the Dark Web.   Whose users claim to have accessed login details for the bank using brute force attacks.

Then?

Setting up Android Pay accounts, linked to the accounts, to pay for as much as possible.

Personally?

I’m thinking this is going to get more common.

I’m also wondering.

I’ve noticed Tesco were warned this was happening: a couple of months before the major attack on Tesco’s system.

I’m wondering what — having been warned — what Tesco were doing …

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-11-2016

Spin offs … 

Spin offs, spin-offs spins … !

You have to wonder about the amount of them, don’t you … ?

I mean … the Marvel movies are all over the place.

DC are trying to do the same thing with their franchise.

Star Wars has been going since the late 1970s: and looks like it’s growing more legs, when Rogue One is released.

Saying that … ?   Saying that, Star Wars ALSO saw the Star Wars Holiday Special released: a couple of years after the first film.

I wouldn’t mind seeing that.   JUST to see if it really is as bad as its reputation says it is.

By all accounts?

Marvin, I Love You, as cheesy* as that was?   Has a better reputation … 

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-11-2016

Ye gods … 

I’ve literally just just got up: and am ready to get ready for work.

After getting this post up.

So — of course — I’m feeling a bit ropey.   After all, I got to bed at 12, last night.

After finishing work at ten.

I’m … 

Not complaining.

Really … 

After all, I’ve got a job I basically enjoy: and feel, in a small way, that I’m contributing to to people’s well being.

But, BOY … 

Doing some good makes your eyeballs twang … 

~≈Á≈~

Just as an extra thought … ?

As an extra though, it’s Remembrance Sunday: the day Britain traditionally holds many memorials for those lost: in the First World War, and in later conflicts.

Someone I know on Facebook made an interesting point.

That he objects to those lost in WW1 being described as “they made the ultimate sacrifice.”

His point?

Was that the phrase seemed to imply they had a choice.

And that, given the huge social pressure at the start of the war, and the conscription introduce in the latter half, he didn’t think they did.

I think he makes a very good, if simple, point.

Those men didn’t necessarily make a sacrifice.

They were sacrificed.

Bit of a different spin …

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-11-2016

Hmmm … 

I don’t know about you … 

But — occasionally, during quiet patches at work — I’ll sneak a quiet read of the news.

Sadly … ?

Sadly, the news of Robert Vaughan dying started coming in, last night.

That’s not good news to hear.

~≈Ç≈~

The other piece I noticed … ?

Was this one: discussing the pros and cons of DVDs versus downloads.

Personally?

I tend to prefer DVDs: I can rip them, and resell them to my local CeX.   I can watch the Series, and offset some of the cost.

But that hasn’t stopped me downloading series three of The Strain from iTunes.

Hopefully?   I’ll get a chance to watch that during the week.

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Friday Question Set — 11-11-2016

Hmmm … 

I have to admit, I’m not a fan of Leonard Cohen.

Really.

The guy’s work passed me by.

So, right at the moment?

I’m saddened for his friends, fans and family: who are obviously having a hard time in the wake of the man’s death.

But, for myself?

I’m must confess: Leonard Cohen’s death hasn’t affected me … 

~≈Ÿ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-11-2016: Armistice Day

I have to admit … 

I was never a fan.

But, then … I don’t think I know many that were.

I do know, however, that Leonard Cohen — who’s died at the age of 82 — had a huge following.

He’ll be much missed …

~≈Ê≈~

On other fronts … ?

On other fronts, and right now, I am feeling dog tired … !

Which is understandable.   Ish.   Last night, the trains were delayed, on the way back from work.

Which meant I got as far as Shenfield.

And had to walk the rest of the way home.

A 45 minute walk.

Which I can’t complain about, too much: as I had to do the same thing, one Saturday just gone.

Still … 

I hate that walk … !

~≈Ê≈~

Just as another quick thought?

I’ve got a serious case of bedhead, at the moment.

Unfortunately?

It’s giving me an unflattering resemblance to Keith Flint …

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10-11-2016

I have to admit … 

I ended up NOT catching a movie, yesterday.

Which is a shame.

But … ?

But I did manage to catch the most recent episode of Class, last night.

And catch some quality time with a friend.

Chewing over movies, would you believe … ?

Frankly … ?

It’s all good … !

~≈†≈~

Class: Series 1 — Episode 4 - Co-owner of a Lonely Heart

9th November, 2016

You know … 

I was hoping to catch some quality time with a friend, this evening: with maybe a movie.

I didn’t, eventually.

Well … 

I didn’t catch the movie: let’s put it that way.

I did manage to catch the quality time.

So that’s all good.

Something else I managed to catch?

Something else I managed to catch is this week’s episode of BBC 3’s latest Class.

And, frankly?

I’m thinking class is what it’s showing.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-11-2016

Drat … !

I’m up late, again.

I hate getting up late!

But I’ll live: I’ve a day off, today.

One that hopefully will see me catching a movie with a friend.

~≈Ç≈~

Last night?

Last night, I was up, comparatively late: mostly turning text — for upcoming Teasers — into audio: for upcoming Teaser videos.

One piece of news that came in?

Was that a small town in New Hampshire had voted, had counted out its votes … 

And had voted for Trump as President: by something like 33 votes to 25.

My thought, there and then?

Was “I think that’s it: Trump’s won.”

I work up this morning … 

Unsurprised by the news.

After all, I’ve lived through the Brexit vote: hoping like hell Britain would vote to remain in the EU, but thinking, throughout that day in July, that’d we’d collectively got Leave.

I was expecting the Leave vote: with a lot of trepidation, but none the less, expecting.

This morning?

I believe voters in the US have made a decision that could prove unwise: given Mr Trump’s various statements during the campaign.

And can only hope the man’s a one term President.

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8-11-2016: Elected (USA)

Blimey … 

It’s the proverbial Big Day: of the US general election.

One that — from what I’ve understood — is looking like a close run thing.

Personally … ?

I can’t help but think it’s going to be fifty/fifty.

And either way … ?

It’ll be interesting to see the result.

~≈Â≈~

On other fronts … ?

On other fronts, can I ask you to suggest a horror film?

I’m hoping an old friend will be able to look in during my time off: to catch a movie with me.

Who knows WHERE that’ll end up: it’d be interesting to see if we can come up with something … !

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7-11-2016

Phew … !

I have to admit, the new job is going rather well: and is also quite enjoyable.

But, my word … !

Yesterday was non-stop: complete with phones going off, left right and centre.

Quite something to dig into.

~≈Ê≈~

Oh, by the way … 

Did I tell you I’ve been watching Humans?   At least, the first two episodes of series two.

I have to saw, while I’m not reviewing it — in the same way I did the first series — I am enjoying it.

Now the show has an established set of characters*?

The actual drama seems to be developing.

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 6-11-2016

Ay … ay ay … 

That better be worth it … !

I’ve recently started a new job: in a call centre in Chelmsford.

Last night … ?

I got asked if I could stay half an hour later: which I was notionally happy to do.

You know how it goes, new job, you want to look happy to co-operate … 

I wish I hadn’t now.

With replacement buses operating, instead of the trains?

It meant I finally got home at ten to one: and to bed ten minutes later.

And got back up, today: to go back in for another eight hour shift.

Not that I’m complaining TOO much.   The extra half hour’s pay will buy Jude something for Christmas.

But, ye gods … 

I think I’m going to put my foot down, the next time I’m asked … !

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-11-2016

You know, it’s not often I comment on the US election.

Apparently?   A Judge in Ohio — if I’ve heard correctly —  has issued restraining orders to several members of the Trump team, and one of his advisors.

To prevent them intimidating members of the public who are voting early.

Fair play to that judge.

That’s the first time I’ve heard of something like that going on … 

Outside certain corrupt governments in parts of Africa and Asia.

Go figure … !

~≈‡≈~

Nik Nak’s Friday Question Set — 4-11-2016

Right … 

It’s a Friday.

And, as you may or may not know?

I’m off to work in a little while.

In — to paraphrase Douglas Adams — the rain.

That’s not the bad bit.

The BAD bit … ?

Is that I’ve JUST realised I’ve I’ve broken a nail … !

Argh … !

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 4-11-2016

Right … I’m officially back to work, today: this evening!

I’m actually looking forward to it.

I’ve got a job I don’t necessarily love: but am certainly enjoying.

It’s one I find mildly challenging, easy to get to, has a nice bunch of co-workers … 

And means I go home not smelling of fried chicken.

I’m ALSO aware of something else … 

I suffer with IBS.

And something I’ve noticed with this particular job?

Is that, in the past three or so weeks, I’ve had one severe attack: compared to the one or two a week I’d be be getting, working at KFC.

What can I tell you?

Apart from the point that — on that basis — the move was VERY worth it.

Stress can trigger a lot, can’t it … ?

~≈Ê≈~

Nightbreed — The Directors Cut: Interesting …

3rd November, 2016.

You know, I’ve a pile of things I’ve gotten done.

And another pile: of things I’ve yet to do.

Places I’d like to be, and people I’d like to see.

But … ?

There’s a bit of wish fulfilment going on … 

At any rate … ?

At any rate, I had a quiet night in: with everything I needed doing, done?

I felt I could dig up something from my movie collection.

The film in question?   The 2014 Director’s cut of 1990s Clive Barker film, Nightbreed: based on Barker’s own Cabal.

Frankly?

I’m going into ‘Hmmm’ mode, here.

~≈Â≈~