Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-12-2016: The Review of 2016

You know … 

I still want to go back to bed!

No, really!

The worrying thing?

Is that means I could miss the Amazon order that I’ve been expecting for the past few days: you’d THINK they’d’ve left it with a neighbour, wouldn’t you?

Especially as I’ve left instructions with them, saying that, for about eighteen months.

You’d think they’d get the hang of things, wouldn’t you?

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-12-2016

You know, I actually managed to catch a film, last night.

Frankly, I’m happy about that.

I’ve not managed to catch one for some time.

I did last night: I watched Nicolas Winding Refn’s The Neon Demon.

Can I make a confession … ?

That is definitely one strange /film … !

~≈Â≈~

The Neon Demon — Wha … ?

29th December, 2016

You know … I like an occasional movie.

I really do.

That’s when I get the chance to see one.

Working nights, though?

Doesn’t give me that many free evenings.

I had one, tonight.

And really fancied something that’s been on my iTunes wish list a while.

The 2016, Nicholas Winding Refn piece that is The Neon Demon.

And … ?

It’s a bit … 

Different … 

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-12-2016: Wounded Knee

Good lord … 

The world’s a sad place, at times.

Especially this year: it’s seen much personal loss.

It’s seen much public loss, too.

Bowie … Prince … Leonard Cohen … 

Carrie Fisher … 

And, literally, the day after Carrie Fisher … ?

Her mother, the film star, Debbie Reynolds.

The world … is a sadder place … 

~≈Ï≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-12-2016: Westminster Abbey

Right … 

I’m officially back at work, today.

And … ?

Well, I’m actually looking forward to it.

It’d be nice to get back into the swing of things.

All I can hope … ?

Is that, given the recent amount of celebrity deaths, that everyone’s still upright and breathing.

~≈Ü≈~

The Strain Series 3: Episodes 8, 9 and 10 — White Light, Do or Die and The Fall

27th December, 2016.

It has to be said, 2016 is getting a reputation for celebrity death.

I mean Bowie, Prince, Peter Vaughan … 

And today … ?   Sees the loss of writer, Richard Adams — the man behind the much loved Watership Down — and the death of the much loved Carrie Fisher: who everyone hoped would survive The heart attack she had a few days ago.

Both are incredible losses.

~≈Ê≈~

Especially — on a personal level — that of Carrie Fisher.

I don’t know about you?   But I was one of that generation for whom Star Wars was the science fiction movie.

Let’s be blunt, that film had a huge influence: especially for us science fiction fans.

Before it came out?

Before it debuted, science fiction was a joke genre.

Afterwards?

People realised it was big money.

That film was made, when a mixture of factors came together.

One of those?

Was the beautifully put together cast.

Star Wars would have not been Star Wars without Carrie Fisher.

I think she honestly help change a genre.

~≈Ê≈~

Frankly?

Frankly, I think that — given a day like today — catching up with some — comparatively — light and frothy TV seemed to be in order.

OK … 

The Strain isn’t going to be everyone’s idea of light and frothy.

But … 

~≈Ê≈~

Merlin; Goblin’s Gold: One for the Funnies Fans

Hmmmm …

I think I must be getting old … !!

Because Episode 3 of this series of Merlin — Goblin’s Gold — wasn’t quite to my taste, tonight, I’ve got to be honest.

I think the older I get, the more I enjoy the darker episodes of cult TV: Genesis of the Daleks is a good example of the sort of story-lines I mean, as were some of the Dominion War episodes of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

That’s not to say comedic episodes don’t have a place, though.

Episodes like Goblin’s Gold, for example.

Goblin’s Gold sees Merlin — Colin Morgan — accidentally release a goblin whilst searching through Camelot’s library.

And having, as a result, to deal with the simple fact that the little beastie is not only gold obsessed, but has a sense of humour that wouldn’t be out of place in an episode of The Young Ones.

Actually, bar the English accent, I think it’d not be out of place hanging around with a certain bunch of pictsies …

And to top THAT off … ?

As part of Merlin and Gaius’ initial attempts at catching it … ?

It goes and possesses Gaius.

With some entertaining results, actually, especially if you can remember THAT scene in The BFG …

«««•»»»

Actually, it gives Richard Wilson a perfect excuse to over-do the ham, I know that … !

And on top of that, I’ve got to admit I very much doubt that BBC Wales will do a Three Doctors style story. But I can’t be the only person who think’s Wilson would be a good replacement for a certainly Mr Hartnell … ?

I can’t be, surely … ?

«««•»»»

But on a more serious note … ?

Or as serious as I can be … ?

Especially after THAT scene in the throne room … ?

Granted, I was in a funny sort of mood, and one that would’ve preferred less comedy in tonight’s episode of Merlin, and a touch more darkness, to compliment the previous two episodes, I can’t complain too much about the fun tone that Goblin’s Gold took.

It’s also an episode that both threw the spotlight onto Angel Coulby’s Gwen — no bad thing, I felt — and one that didn’t see Merlin visiting the Dragon for help.

Given I’ve a feeling this series is going to be quite dark, all ’round, and build towards a seriously nasty climax.

Having the odd light episode, like Goblin’s Gold? Will only make the on-coming shadows a lot darker …

Carrie Fisher

I saw this on the BBC and thought you should see it: Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher dies -

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-38446753

Good Gods!

I’ve got the news on ... and the BBC’s news channel has just announced the death of Star Wars star, Carrie Fisher.

I don’t know about you, but that film, and her part in it, were a big part of my childhood.

AND, I think, the reason why science fiction are now so huge.

I’m quietly shocked and saddened to hear the news: after all, I — like many, I suspect — were hoping she’d recover from her recent heart attack.

The woman who touched so many, AND help change the face of science fiction … ?

Will be missed.

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-12-2016

Oh, now, this is where the Christmas period gets nasty!

I’ve got a cold!

Right now?

I’m coughing in a way that I — as an ex-smoker — find very familiar.

And frankly?

My nose isn’t just running, it’s sprinting: in a way that’s possibly going to make me look uncomfortably like a cocaine addict!

I think the last of my Christmas money?

Is going on cold remedies!

~≈®≈~

The Strain Series 3: Episodes 4, 5, 6 and 7 — Gone But Not Forgotten, Madness, The Battle of Central Park and Collaborators

26th December, 2016.

You know, I do like the idea of time off.

No, really.

I’ve annual leave, today: AND a day off, tomorrow.

And enough credit in my iTunes account to buy an album.

Brian Eno’s Ambient 1: Music for Airports, so you know: on of the earliest ambient albums ever made.

I can see what he means about “ignorable and interesting.”

It’s nice background music … 

~≈⌘≈~

Nice background for what, you might ask … ?

Well … ?

I don’t know about you: but I like listening to stuff, whilst I write.

And ambient — or, at least, this specific ambient LP — seems to be good aural furniture.

The reason I’m writing?

Is that I’ve just seen a few more episodes of series three of The Strain.

And wanted to tell you about them.

~≈⌘≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-12-2016: St. Stephen’s Day

2016 is turning into the year that killed celebrities.

I got home. yesterday: from spending Christmas at my family’s place over in Pilgrim’s Hatch.

And managed to get an early — ish — night, having starting ripping some of my presents: so I could watch them later.

Only to have the Breaking News alert go off on both my phone And tablet.

Singer, George Michael, had died: at the age of 53.

Quite what from, no-one’s saying.

I was surprised.

I was never a Wham!, or George Michael fan: but my sisters were.

And frankly?

You couldn’t grow up during the Eighties, without hearing a well written George Michael tune.

It’s one hell of a loss.

It’s also a bit of a mystery, from where I’m sitting: the BBC article is very careful not giving an apparent cause of death.

I may be being morbidly curious, here.

But I’d like to know what killed him!

~≈Á≈~

Dr Who Christmas Special — 25-12-2016: The Return of Dr Mysterio

25th December, 2016.

You know, there’s a very easy way to tell it’s Christmas.

No, really …

For starters?

The amount of presents both given and received?

Is usually a clue.

So’s the date.

So … is the fact there’s a Dr Who Christmas Special, on.

That’s a set of giveaways.

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-12-2016: Christmas Day

2016 has been one heck of a year, hasn’t it?

I mean … 

It’s seen quite a few celebrity deaths: people whose lives and work meant much to many.

Another one has been added to the list.

Rick Parfitt of Status Quo died in hospital, yesterday: of blood poisoning from complications of a shoulder injury.

My condolences go to his family.

On a personal level?

I’m upset.

The Quo were and are musical favourites of mine.

Not great, perhaps, but providing fantastic music, over the course of five decades: driven, partly, by Parfitt’s song-writing skills, and abilities on rhythm guitar.

He’ll be missed.

~≈Ì≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-12-2016: All About Eve … Again

Bloody hell … !

That was close!

I managed to leave work, last night: as the news was breaking.

That actress, Carrie Fisher, had suffered a heart attack: on a flight from London to Los Angeles.

She’s apparently stable, at the mo.

Frankly?

I know I breathed a sigh of relief when the news reader said that, last night!

Given the amount of celebrity obituaries published, this year?

I’d rather 2016 didn’t have another one!

~≈Í≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-12-16

Well, I’m officially up and about.

And … 

Well, not ready to go to work: that’s tonight.

But I’m ready to face the day, and get yomping on with paying the rent.

Frankly, though?

I’m looking forward to Sunday — Christmas Day — though.

Not only are presents lurking about.

But so is a day off!

~≈Ÿ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-12-2016

Yay!

Another day off!

Which means, of course, that I’ll be happily doing … 

Well … 

Stuff.

Frankly?

I’ve sent cards out already: and started getting some back.

I’ve got presents wrapped: and handed to Santa for delivery.

Or Grandma, as Santa’s also known.

 Frankly … ?

That’s one less worry.

All I have to do?

Is sit around waiting for the loot to turn up.

Sorry.

For the Big Day to Arrive.

Ahem!

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-12-2016: Snow White Again … !

Right … 

It’s now the Solstice.

Which means, of course, that’s it’s the shortest day of the year.

It’s also mean the day that — notionally — I’m supposed to get the window at the back of my hallway.

The handle had broken.

Except … ?

The chap actually turned up a day early.

So it’s done.

I’m thankful.

I’m off to work, today: I’d’ve hated to be late to work because a workman was late!

~≈†≈~

The Strain Series 3: Episodes 1, 2 & 3 — New York Strong, Bad White & First Born

20th December, 2016.

It’s officially five days before Christmas.

No, really.

In case you hadn’t guessed from the date at the start of the post.

And … ?

Well, frankly, there’s only so much Xmas excitement a body can take.

Especially if you’re balancing a social life, work, AND a hobby … maybe getting sick of the sight of Christmas time TV.

Or, at least, not seeing anything in the schedules that grabs your attention.

I know that latter option?   Applies to me.

Frankly?

I’m just thankful that, a few months ago, I managed to pick up Season Three of The Strain from iTunes.

Given I’d enjoyed the first two seasons?   I felt squirrelling the third away for a rainy — or, at least, quiet — day would help.

I was right about that … 

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-12-2016

Bleugh … 

Ish … 

Yeuch … 

*Yawn* … 

It’s a Tuesday.

In case you didn’t know.

And … ?

Well, I’ve also got a day off.

Which is all good.

But right now?   I’m also think I’ve a job that’s good, unstressful … 

And means I get home at eleven.

Frankly?

I think I want to go back to bed.

After I buy what I forgot to get, when I was in town, yesterday.

That’s right.

I need shoe polish … 

~≈Û≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-12-2016

What the hell … ?

Do you get earworms?

A song that will start playing it’s way through you head?   Sometimes, with no apparently reason?

This morning?

I’ve woken up to find Mr Big’s To Be With You floating around my head.

Why?

Well, I don’t know!

I just live in my head: I’m blowed if I know how it works!

~≈Ï≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-12-2016

Hmmm … 

I’ve just had a quick look at the BBC’s News pages.

Communities Secretary, Sajid Javid has floated the idea that civil servants should swear an oath to uphold British values.

Hmmm … 

Right now?   Right now, I’m wondering which ones he’d include.

He speaks of democracy and freedom of speech.

But cynically think there’s plenty of others he wouldn’t include.

You know the ones.

Selling stuff to make HUGE amounts of cash: regardless of the damage the objects are doing.   The Opium Wars were basically a huge squabble launched when Imperial China refused to let the UK sell its citizens lots of opium.

Anti-semitisism and racism are others: there was a hell of a lot of support for Nazi Germany in Britain, before the war started.   And a lot of hate crime still being reported.

Oh, and anti-catholic sentiment: what on Earth is Bonfire Night all about?

British Values.

You have to love a wooly phrase … 

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-12-2016

Bugger … 

I hate it when my IBS acts up.

I was working, last night.

And got hit by a rather painful flare up.

I’m thankful I’ve got a sympathetic bunch of bosses: who let me go home, early.

But, boy … 

That’s something I’ve come to loath.

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Friday Question Set — 16-12-2016

Rush, rush, rush, rush, RUSH!

I’m rushed: you can tell, can’t you … ?

I’m off to work in a tick: and just back from town, this morning: paying bills, so you know.

At ANY rate?

I’ve just time to post up … 

The Friday Question Set … 

~≈Ï≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-12-16: Hangin’ Around …

Hmmm … 

Looks like there’s another strike on Southern Railways.

Again … !

They’re striking, so you know, about who exactly should close the train doors: guards, or drivers.

I have to admit, I’m … caught.

On the one hand?

I’m sympathetic to workers wanting a better deal.

On the other?

I think the union’s claim that the strike’s are about safety are a load of old twaddle.

I travel to Chelmsford by train, don’t forget: where the drivers close the train doors, after receiving a signal from a member of station staff.

Either way … ?

Were I a passenger on one of the affected routes, I’d be fuming at the delays.

To put it mildly.

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-12-2016

Oh, for heaven’s sake … !

I don’t know about you: but I’m no cyber-security expert.

No, really.

But I tend to try and take these things seriously.

Don’t open emails from someone you don’t know.

Always scan any downloads.

Oh, and change your passwords, every-so-often.

Oh, getting a computer, phone or tablet, helps.

So I try and be careful.

Then, this morning … ?

Yahoo — who provide my ISP with their email system — have revealed they have had a major breach of security: and seen details of one billion accounts get stolen.

What?

You and me try our damnedest to be careful with our cyber-security.

Then the man who built the house hands copies of the front-door key to burglars.

I think someone will be getting sarcastic about it … !

~≈Á≈~

Krampus — A Review … !

14th December, 2016.

It’s not THAT often that I’ve had time to myself.

Work, more work, shopping, pressie wrapping … 

Oh … and stuff … !

Lots of stuff, in theory, any way.

Oh … and writing for Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar … 

Amazing how what started as something to advertise a pub quiz can morph in to something of a passion.

But there we go.

I’ve a couple of nights off a week: One of which I tend to spend, writing … 

And another … ?

Another that I tend to want to either watch some TV: BBC3’s Class has been a recent favourite.

And frankly?   I’ve still got season 3 of The Strain, and the first season of Mr Robot lined up, too.

Though these are things for another time, maybe.

At any rate, tonight, I wanted to catch a movie.

To be more specific, I had — and wanted to see — the chance to catch something that’s been in my collection for a while, now.

The 2015, Michael Dougherty directed, Krampus.

And yes … 

Fun is a good word to apply.

~≈fl≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-12-2016

Right … 

I’ve done it!

I’ve officially wrapped everything.

Present wise, that is.

And  I’ve managed to deliver at least least one: the office Secret Santa pressie.

A LOT of Maltesers, and a couple of films — in digital form — on a USB stick.

After all … 

You can’t have too many USB sticks … 

~≈É≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-12-2016

Well … 

I’ve officially done it.

Yes … 

I’ve wrapped all my Christmas presents!

Well … 

Not all of them.

I’ve still got one or two more to do: for the office Secret Santa.

I think I can safely say I’ve just about got the wrapping paper … 

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-12-2016

Oh … 

I’ve got the proverbial radio on.

BBC Radio 4, so you know.

The Today programme.

And they’ve just made made the serious announcement that, as Britain’s seas are warming?

The amount of squid being caught is going up.

I’m not too sure about that … 

I mean … 

Squid and chips … ?

Somehow, I doubt it … 

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-112-2016: International Mountain Day

Oooh, but I’m starting to be annoyed by Sundays … !

Actually, no, I’m not: not really.

But I AM up early for work.

Which — obviously — means I’m feeling quite tired: after working late, last night.

The upside … ?

Is that I managed to read another chapter of LeGuin’s Tehanu: and loving each line.

Personally … ?

I think the cash spent on that … 

Was cash well spent … 

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10-12-2016

I have to admit I want to go back to bed.

But there you go: that’s what happens when you work evenings.

You get in late, and go to bed late.

One thing I DID manage to do, hitting the sack, last night … ?

Was a little more bedtime reading.

Last night … ?   I got started on Tehanu, the last of four books about Earthsea written by Ursula K LeGuin.

It’s … 

Phew … 

Beautiful … !

If you get the chance to visit the world that invented boy wizards?

Go get a copy of the collected series.

It’ll repay you … 

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-12-2016: Soap and Flannel

You know, I’m thinking something, right now.

I’m thinking that, in Good Omens, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman’s joint novel, Death himself says to a dying character, “DON’T THINK OF IT AS DYING.   THINK OF IT AS LEAVING EARLY TO AVOID THE RUSH.”

I note that my favourite author died in March, 2015.

And missed dying in 2016.

Which has seen a lot of celebrity death: a rush, if you will.

Yesterday … ?

Saw the death of Senator John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth, and the oldest man to do a mission on the Space Shuttle.

And also of musician, Greg Lake, founder member of King Crimson, and of Emrson Lake and Palmer: and write/performer of possibly the angriest Christmas song ever written.

They’re going to both be missed.

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak Daily Teaser — 8-12-2016

You know, I’m currently enjoying some time off: before I go back to work, tomorrow.

Which means … ?

Several things, actually: mostly involving laundry, ironing, and mopping the floor when my washing machine decides there’s too much washing poster in the drawer!

One thing I did manage to do … ?

Was catch up with the last episode of BBC3’s excellent Class.

Frankly?

I think that, if you’re a fan of science fiction, or Dr Who … indeed, of Torchwood or Buffy: The Vampire Slayer?

I think you’ll find it appealing …

~≈Ê≈~

Class: Series 1 — Episode 8 - The Lost

*Spoilers*

7th December, 2016

I have to confess, my new job … ?   Is great.

Really.

It pays me just about money to survive on.

And possibly even thrive: in a very small way.

At least it lets me pay for Christmas presents.   And should — HA! — let me pay for a new washing machine or computer: should I manage to save up enough cash to put towards them!

So I am — in theory, any way — a happy bunny.

One thing I do miss about being out of work, though … ?

Is the fact I’d’ve had a touch more time to at least catch up with favourite TV shows.

Not that I necessarily had the money to buy that much in the way of box sets, but it’s amazing what you can do on a tight budget.

One thing I have had time to catch, over the past few weeks … ?

Is the BBC 3 series, Class.

And, yes: I know the gag that it lives up to its name — it’s classy, in other words — is getting old, by now.

But?

It’s true.

This is a series that, to date, has shown me it’s well written, acted and engaging.

And the eighth episode, The Lost?

Is both a finale that matches what’s gone before in quality … 

AND exceeds it.

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 7-12-2016

Oh, that’s another sad piece of news.

Actor, Peter Vaughan, has died: at the age of 93.

Although he’s best known — these days — for playing playing Aemon Targaryen in Game of Thrones, I grew up watching both Porridge, where he played Genial Harry Grout, and Charlie Johnson, in the first two series of Citizen Smith.

Frankly?

I think he’s going to be much missed.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Encyclopaedic Teaser — 6-12-2016

You know, it’s not that often I want to slap a customer.

But ye gods … !

We had one caller, last night, who was … … very difficult … 

And refusing to listen to, or acknowledge, the fact the we could not help her with her emergency heaters.

Despite me talking to her, a colleague dealing with her — who found her just as challenging — and my colleague contacting the relevant engineer, to see what he could do.

The fact the customer had missed an earlier delivery: and had been informed of the date for her boiler repair?

Was also something she seemed to be ignoring.

I’ve got a lot of customer experience to my name: roughly thirty years worth.

So most aggressive customers?   Are people I can deal with, can calm down, and help.

This woman … ?

Was one of the three I’ve needed to walk away from … 

Before, in my anger, I did or said something stupid.

I don’t know about you … but I’m bloody thankful those customers are once a decade event … 

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 5-12-2016

Right … 

I THINK I need a wrench … 

Remember, yesterday, my washing machine leaked: and flooded the kitchen?

I think I’ve sorted the issue out.

At least in part.

Simply by moving it away from the walls, and working the kinks out of the waste pipe.

That’s not totally stopped things.

I’m not totally free of spillages: the test wash I did last night left some dampness.

But, at least, I got the worst of it sorted for the moment.

Now … 

Does anyone have a monkey wrench … ?

~≈Á≈~