Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-10-2017: Halloween … !

Did you know how tired I fell, today?

Well … 

Tired … ish … 

But that’s what happens when you finish work at ten, get home at eleven … 

Then stay up ’til half twelve, writing about the episode of Star Trek: Discovery I’d stayed up late to watch.

Nice episode, actually: Anthony Rapp, as Paul Stamets, plays a big part in a story that loops around until a neatly done conclusion.

Although?

My cynical side is looking at the revelations about his encounter with Kevin Spacey, back in the 1980s: and thinking it’s very convenient timing, given you have a series to promote.

That’s my cynical side*.

My more public side?   Is thinking that the Hollywood Harassment scandal, the claims put forward in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein affair?

Is a good thing.

It means that — hopefully — there’ll be something of a culture change … 

~≈§≈~

On other fronts … ?

On other fronts, I’ve actually managed to find an NHS dentist in town.

And made an appointment for tomorrow: to have a tooth removed.

As it turns out?

There’s a certain amount of help available for those of us getting on one or two state benefits.

I don’t think I’ll be getting false teeth.

But can get a bad tooth out.

Something I know I’m looking forward too!

~≈§≈~

Star Trek Discovery — Episode 7: Magic to Make the Sanest Man Go Mad

31st October, 2017

Can I make a confession, here?

Right now, I’m … 

Well … 

Tired …

I’ve been up since Monday morning: have arranged a dental appointment, been to work, come home — at just gone eleven — and managed to watch the most recent episode of Star Trek: Discovery.

Possibly not the best thing for someone my age to be doing.

But … ?

Well, it’s Monday night.

And Monday night Star Trek is a thing.

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th October, 2017

You know, I’m possibly going to have an issue: I’ve got a loose tooth.

Which means I’m going to have to find an NHS dentist to extract it.

Always a problem in the UK.

Getting hospital treatment, or a GP consultation is free.

But, like getting an optician’s treatment?

Dentists cost, on the NHS.

Hopefully?

Hopefully, I’ll be able to find one that’s prepared to treat me: an come up with easy payments!

~≈†≈~

Hmmm … 

I’m a fan of both House of Cards and Star Trek Discovery.

And note that, in amongst the sexual harassment claims thrown up in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein affair?

Note that Kevin Spacey has been accused of assault, by Star Trek Discovery actor, Anthony Rapp: who plays Paul Stamets.

I’m … 

Not surprised: but thinking a few more of my favourite series will see similar stories*.

~≈†≈~

American Horror Story — Series 4: Freak Show — Episode 3 & 4: Edward Mordrake parts 1 & 2.

29th October, 2017.

Hmmm …

I guess it’s official official.

I have toothache.

A little more than just tooth-ache, actually.

I think … 

No, scrub that, I know one of my teeth is coming loose.

Which means I’m going to have to scout around Brentwood: to find an local NHS dentist, who’s both affordable, AND convenient.

Tricky one, that … 

~≈Ÿ≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s a quiet Sunday night.

I’m indoors.

And, of course, looking to keep myself entertained.

Yep.

You’re right.

I’ve sat down with more American Horror Story, series 4: Freak Show.

And, given Jessica Lange’s performance as Madame Elsa Mars?

I can’t be the only one thinking of Lilli Marleen …

~≈Ÿ≈~

Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar — 29-10-201: World Stroke Day

Arrrgh!

Remember, yesterday, I said there’d been some confusion … ?

About rotas?

Basically, one manager said I be starting at eleven, another countermanded that, later, and said I’d be starting at two …

Yesterday morning … ?

I got a call from another supervisor, at twenty to twelve, asking me where on Earth I was … 

Oy veh … 

The fact I forgot to hand in my timesheet, for the week, and had to frantically phone work, to ask a work mate to put it on the relevant desk … ?

Is practically incidental … 

~≈Ç≈~

On other fronts?

Someone’s been silly.

I’ve got Radio Four on: as ever.

Which tells us an unemployed chap found a USB memory stick in the street: that someone had apparently dropped.

Found money, in a way: those sticks are useful little things, handy for carrying CVs around, and any files you need to access on a public terminal.

The chap took it to a library.

And handed it into a well known newspaper, after he opened it: and found the thing held detailed maps of Heathrow Airport, and details on the Queen’s protection regime.

There’s been a certain amount of panic, understandably.

And … ?

Well, whoever dropped that stick?

Is possibly panicking!

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th October, 2017

You know … 

I’m actually mildly annoyed.

I’m starting work, today, at two.

But was asked, Tuesday, whether I could start at 11, today.

Something I was happy to do, and that got confirmed, yesterday morning.

And then got cancelled, yesterday afternoon!

I know management are having trouble communicating: email accounts seem to have gone astray.

But you’d think maybe a note would be an idea … !

~≈Â≈~

At any rate … ?

I mentioned, yesterday, I’d had a very long day?

One upside to it was quite simple.

I managed to catch another episode of Freak Show, the fourth series of American Horror Story.

I don’t know if it’s the best one they’ve made: I’ve still not seen series 5, six or 7, yet.

But these first two episodes are rather good: and loaded with references.

Go look at Twisty, THEN have a look at old portraits of Joey Grimaldi.

Then phone me … !

~≈Â≈~

American Horror Story — Series 4: Freak Show — Episode 2: Massacres and Matinees

27th October, 2017.

Right … 

It’s … what … twenty past 8 on a Friday night, and frankly?

I … am … … considerably … … … 

Knackered.

To the point of wondering whether starting writing a post is a good idea.

After all, I’ve been up since four, this morning, so I could write the day’s Teaser, AND get into work.

Possibly not.

But?

I happen to have a copy of the seminal Dr Feelgood album, Down By the Jetty on in the background.

And somehow … ?

Wilko Johnson’s hammer headed, slice and dice guitar, over the top of the Big Figure’s drums, and John Sparks bass, combined with the late Lee Brilleaux’s singing?

Is pure Thames delta blues: and seems to be helping.

Or, at least, seems to be helping me concentrate on what I wanted to tell you.

Yes: I’ve been up since four.

Yes, I’m as tired as a goose on heroin.

But, yes … I’ve seen another of Freak Show, series 4.

That’s right … 

Freak Show … 

~≈Â≈~

Episode 2 — Massacres and Matinees — tells us what we already know: that there’s a killer on the loose in the town of Jupiter.

That’s there’s a curfew being imposed by the town’s police.

And that Madam Elsa (Jessica Lange) has hired Dell Toleda (Michael Chiklis) and his wife, Desiree.

And, given Dell’s temper?

Learns that she may well come to regret the decision.

In the back of all this?

Dandy (Finn Wittrock) and his mother, Gloria (Frances Conroy) have being trying to find a cure for Dandy’s boredom.

Gloria … ?

Hire’s Twisty the Clown.

The result?

Will be gruesome.

~≈Â≈~

Now … 

Good … ?

Yes, actually.

Something I know I’ve long enjoyed?   Is what I’ve come to Call Spot the Reference.

In other words, seeing if I can spot where I think a writer’s got an idea.

Part of the late Sir Terry Pratchett’s appeal — for me — was seeing I could figured out what he’s used as a source of inspiration.

The Discworld’s major city?   I always believed Ankh-Morpork was a mix of medieval London — I’d worked that out, before they published the map — and Lakhmar, the setting for many of Fritz Leiber’s Swords novel.

I think I’m seeing the same  in American Horror Story.

Murder used very few such ideas.

But Asylum?   Asylum Bloody Face was a variation on Leatherface, Zachary Quinto’s Dr Thredson, a take on Hannibal Lector, Lizzie Brochere as a Franco-Americaine version of Lizzie Borden …

I could go on.

And they’re doing it again: Michael Chiklis is almost the archetypal thug, Jessica Lange IS Marlene Dietrich … 

And Twisty the Clown?

Whilst Twisty is a version of John Wayne Gacy’s killer clown?

In terms of outfit, he’s more of a take on the Joker … 

Mixed with the late, great, Joey Grimaldi.

For me, so far, Freak Show is doing what the late Sir Terry did.

Throwing together some obvious ingredients.

And putting together a hellishly superb story.

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-10-2017: Black Cat Day

Right … 

I’m officially been and gone up early.

You could possibly tell, couldn’t you … ?

Or possibly not.

At any rate, I’m up early, to go to work, early: and hoping my innards don’t play up.

I DO know I was careful about what I ate, last night.

AND managed to catch the first episode of Freak Show, American Horror Story’s fourth season.

It’s looking good.

Although I have to say: the BBC, back when they made the TV version of The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy.

Dot and Betty Tattler would’ve caught the effects department’s attention!

~≈Ω≈~

American Horror Story — Series 4: Freak Show — Episode 1: Monsters Among Us

26th October 2017

I have to confess, I’m back to work, tomorrow.

Assuming, off course, my stomach decides NOT to go into spasms.

Which means?

First, I’m up early, tomorrow.   Early enough that I’ll be listening to the BBC’s World Service, as it airs before Radio 4 gets started.

Secondly?   That the Teaser, tomorrow, will get a lot more hits than usual, as a result of that start.   At least, I hope so.

And, thirdly?   That I only had tiome for one episode of a tv box set, tonight.

I fancied something horrific.

I fancied … American Horror Story’s fourth series.

I fancied … Freak Show … !

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-10-2017 — Alfred the Great

There are times seriously hate my guts, I really do.

I was supposed to be working, yesterday.

Which had a stop put to it: because of a potato!

I’ve finally worked out — after chatting to a friend or two — that it’s the spray-on oil I’m using to help crisp up my baked spuds, and cook my roast spuds!

Looking back?

I think I was extremely heavy handed.

With the result I had extreme stomach cramps, all morning.

The only upside to the day?

The only upside to the day, was two fold.

I managed to catch a movie, last night.

Life isn’t necessarily the best sci-fi horror I’ve seen, but it’s well made, and watch, and kept me on the edge of my seat.

Unless that was the cramps …

~≈Ê≈~

The other thing I managed to do — in the afternoon, once my innards had calmed down? — was head of the Brentwood High Street.

To my opticians!

I’ve managed to get the process started, to replace my glasses.

Which they’re doing at no cost.

So, while I’ve lost a day’s pay?

The day wasn’t a complete lose … 

~≈Ê≈~

Life: That’ll Do …

25th October, 2017.

You know, I was due to go into work, today.

Was, notice.

But I’m feeling annoyed, as my traitorous guts?   Decided to have an attack.

I’ve got Irritable Bowel Syndrome: and boy, it’s irritating!

Especially when it causes me to lose a days pay.

But at least I’ve figured out what’s caused the problem, after chatting with a friend or two, via Facebook Messenger service.

Yep.

Last night’s baked potato.

I’d put too much oil on the blessed thing!

~≈Ÿ≈~

So, there’s a downside.

There’s ALSO a couple of upsides.

For a start, I mentioned I managed to lose the arm of my glasses, the other day?

I did.

Well, I managed to haul my decaying carcass up to Brentwood High Street, once the stomach cramps had stopped*.

And managed to have a word with my opticians about it.

They’re going to replace the things: at — thankfully — no extra cost.

AND … ?

I managed to catch a movie.

Been a while since I've watched a decent film.
Let's see if #life is that film

— Paul Downie (@Cuddy2977) October 25, 2017

I don’t know if Life’s too short, a bitch or a four letter word.

But the film?   Is decent enough.

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-10-2017: The Revolution

Hmmm … 

Looks like I’m working the weekend, next week.

Which means I’ll be possibly having quiet words with co-workers to see if they need shifts covered.

No guarantees, there, but there you go!

~≈®≈~

At any rate … ?

I’m working on Friday: but have tomorrow off.

Frankly?

That means I might well be able to catch a movie tonight.

Although, equally as frankly?

That depends on how knackered I feel when I get home, tonight!

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th October, 2017

Right … I’m up at four, again.

Ready to head off to work for nine o’clock.

And I have to admit, I actually got an early night, last night.

Well.

Earlyish.

I still managed to sneak in an episode of Star Trek: Discovery, last night.

I don’t know that the episode was as good as earlier ones: but, as the series so far, is incredibly good, its ‘not good,’ is on a par with other serials ‘very good.’

Plus?

The villainous Kol makes an appearance.

And there’s a veiled Klingon called Dennas, lurking about.

I have to admit, I’m wanting to see more of this version of the Klingons, they’re very impressive.

~≈Ÿ≈~

Star Trek: Discovery — Episode 6 — Lethe

23rd October, 2017.

Can I make a confession?

Right now?

I’m feeling very tired.   After all, I was up at four, this morning: posting today’s Daily Teaser, and getting ready for work.

But I didn’t want to get to bed, early, tonight … 

Without catching a TV show.

And then telling you about it.

Yes … that’s right … 

I’ve watched another episode of Star Trek: Discovery.

~≈◊≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd October, 2017

Oh, my good lord, it’s Monday.

It’s incredibly early on a Monday.

And … ?

Just for The week, I’ve actually got something vaguely approaching a 9 to 5 job in an office.

Bar the early start?

Bar the early start, it’s nice to know that — however temporarily — I’m doing something vaguely approaching a regular day job.

Given I’ve spent much of my adult life working evenings — and working evenings in various shades of the hospitality industry, which isn’t as much fun as it sounds — that’s a nice change … 

The fact the rail replacement service went into operation, yesterday?

Even that couldn’t spoil things … 

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd October, 2017

Bleugh … 

I’m up, early.

Again.

The pleasures of a working world, eh … ?

Actually, that’s something … 

Yesterday, and today … ?

Yesterday and today, the rail replacement bus is back.

Just for the weekend, thankfully.

But still, long enough to be annoying!

I have to admit, the actual bus ride is nice.

But … ?

The train’s quicker!

There’s less traffic!

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21st October, 2017

Ye gods … !

I am feeling ever-so-slightly — ever-so-slightly — knackered.

There you go, though.

That’s what happens when you get up early, the previous day.

And then get to bed, comparatively late, that same day.

Shame, really, there’s possibly a lot I could say … except I’m too knackered to … !

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-10-2017: Oh, Danny Boy … !

It’s official: I’m up early, again.

And worrying I’ve not got time to do everything I want to do, before I head off to work.

Basically?   It’s Friday: so I’d like to tray and get some bills paid, before I head off!

Rush, rush … 

Rush … !

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th October, 2017

Bugger … !

If you’ll excuse the phrase.

I’ve had another arm fall of my spectacles!

Yes, I know what you’re going to say, you’re going to say I should’ve gone to Specsavers.

I know.

It’s where I went to get the blessed things fixed, the last time they broke!

~≈Î≈~

Which, of course, didn’t stop me watching the last few episodes of House of Cards fifth season, last night.

Nor did it stop me treating myself to song music by Karlheinz Stockhausen.

Which was a very interesting first: for me, anyway.

Interesting: especially if, like me, you grew up on the theme tune to Dr Who

And fascinating to hear … 

~≈Î≈~

House of Cards — Series 5: Episodes 11, 12 & 13 — Chapters 63, 64 and 65

18th October, 2017.

There’s something of an old … 

No, there’s something of a new slogan doing the rounds: over the past few years.

An advertising slogan, so you know.

“You should’ve gone to Specsavers.”

Britain’s budget optician are very reasonable, on price.

But charged me £7·50, the last time I needed a repair.

An arm dropped off my regular glasses.

That’s another few quid going their way.

Once I get paid!

~≈Â≈~

Not that it’s completely irrelevant to what I’m doing.

Ish!

Frankly, I’ve managed to buy an album: by Karlheinz Stockhausen, consisting of parts one and two of Kontakte, and a previous electronic work of his, called Gesang der Jünglinge.

I bought it on a whim, to be honest.

I’ve taken a vague — very vague — interest in eleoctronic music: having grown up on the theme tune to Dr Who, And the likes of Gary Numan, OMD and Hot Butter’s Popcorn.

The whim itself?

Got provoked by seeing today’s Google Doodle: marking the studio where a lot of Stockhausen’s electronic stuff was recorded.

Hmmm … 

It’s an album worth hearing, I think: especially if the soundtrack to Forbidden Planet is up your street.

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th October, 2017.

Well, finally … !

I actually feel like I’ve had some sleep.

Although, given I got to bed, last night, at twelve?

You’d not necessarily think so!

But … ?

Well, I have to say, House of Cards, series five, is still looking good.

Not quite as stunning as earlier series: but I’m assuming that’s a function of the new show runners — Frank Pugliese and Mellisa James Gibson — starting work.

At any rate … ?   It’s all good.

~≈Ÿ≈~

House of Cards — Series 5: Episodes 9 & 10— Chapters 61 & 62

17th October, 2017.

Hmmm … 

There’s something I’m aware of: in the (vague) smog we’ve been facing, just recently.

That TV shows come in, thick: and fast.

That new and interesting ones crop up: when old ones seem to die off.

Perennial favourite, Dr Who is still on the go.

However?   Gotham, now on it’s fourth season in the US?

Seems to be not getting an airing on its former UK home, Channel Five.

Indeed, Netflix seemingly took over, half through season three.

Frankly?   I don’t actually have a Netflix subscription, but, should they start airing Gotham series four?

I’m sure I could change my mind.

At ANY rate, tonight was a night off.

Tonight … ?

I was happily sat in with two episode of series five … of House of Cards … 

~≈Ÿ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th October, 2017.

Hmm … 

That was something … 

It you, like me, live in the UK, you’d’ve realised that what was left of Hurricane Ophelia hit the country, yesterday.

Doing considerable damage in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

If, like me, you’re in the south east?

You’d’ve been between the devil and the deep blue sea.

Caught between weird weather conditions from Ophelia, and smoke from the wildfires hitting Spain and Portugal.

And leaving skies in Essex, certain, very odd.

Which my phone’d camera doesn’t catch very well.

But … ?

Well … 

Smoke and storms will do weird things to skies.

Including turning the skies over Chelmsford and Brentwood a definite, and dirty, yellow.

Very odd to see … 

~≈Â≈~

Star Trek: Discovery — Episode 5 — Choose Your Pain.

16th October, 2017.

You know … I have had a long — long — day at work.

Mostly involving me being up at four, to get in at nine: then work until five, this evening.

So it possibly doesn’t help that I’m still up: instead of doing what someone sensible would do, and getting more slepp.

Slepp?

Sleep!

Frankly?

I’m not going to worry too much, though.

For starters, seeing the sky on the way home, tonight?

Was quite something.

I managed to walk from work, to Chelmsford Station, got the train from there to Shenfield, then the Shenfield to Brentwood train, THEN the walk from Brentwood station to my flat … 

Not under a blood red sky, but under one described as a kind of dijon mustard colour.

A dirty yellow-tinged grey from Chelmsford to Brentwood: and a more lemony yellow — not so much cloud cover, don’t you know — going from Brentwood Station to my home.

A mix of smoke heading north: from Portuguese and Spanish, wildfires … 

And the effects, however distantly felt, of what’s left of Hurricane Ophelia.

Quite something to see, that!

~≈Ÿ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-10-2017: Jane Eyre

Hmmm … 

That seemed to go well enough.

I’m up nice and early, today: as I’m due to be in at nine.

And did what I usually do, when it’s dark.

Tried turning the kitchen light on.

Which didn’t come on.

First thing I though?   Was I needed another dratted neon tube.

Turns out I was wrong, there.

When I managed to find my step ladder, to have a look?

Turns out the fitting had come loose: and just needed tightening.

Quite what happened there, I don’t know: but I think I need to book a repair … 

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-10-2017: I Love Lucy,

Bleugh … 

It’s incredibly early on a Sunday morning.

And I’d like to ask a question … 

Well, an extra question.

What AM I doing up, this early?

It’s comparatively easy to answer: I’m at work, early.

Oy … 

Veh … !

~≈fi≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th October, 2017

I’m a contradiction, I think: even to myself.

I’ve actually managed to pick up a couple of extra hours, this morning: as one co-worker is off.

But … ?

My own personal internal monologue?

Is quietly reminding me to book some time off!

I think I’ll need it!

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-10-2017: Last Night’s Wreckage

Mmmm … 

I think I’m in a funny ol’ mood.

Mind you, I think I know why.

I’m at work, this weekend.

And, frankly?

Won’t stop until Monday*.

That won’t help.

Neither will the pay: I was on short hours, last week: so the money’s down.

Ho … 

Hum … 

~≈Ê≈~

House of Cards — Series 5: Episode 7 & 8 — Chapters 59 & 60

12th October, 2017.

This is going to sound like one of those daft confessions — hell, it is on of those daft confessions — that you possibly only get at night.

After staring at a screen, all day.

No, I’ve not been at work.

I’ve bee at home, house keeping: and making more videos for some up-coming teasers.

But, just for the usual change of scene?

I felt I owed my self a … TV show!

Yep: more episodes of series five of House of Cards.

Well, you HAVE to: it’s on better form than Lights Out

~≈◊≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-10-2017: The Wickedest Man Alive

I’ve got to admit to being a news junkie: I’ll follow ANYONE, if they’ve got a half decent news feed.

Well … 

If they’re a BBC journalist on Twitter!

OK, my point … ?

Is that I’ve had half an eye on the situation with producer, Harvey Weinstein.

Who’s facing accusations of various shades sexual assault charge.

I’m not going to defend the man.

I’m not surprised about the accusations, though: let’s face it, stories about the Casting Couch have been around for a while.

And that’s before you start talking about Fatty Arbuckle.

Does that diminish the films he’s produced?

I don’t know.

But I can imagine someone will want to start a boycott.

~≈É≈~

One other piece of news that floated across my feed?

Was that — seemingly — Kaspersky Labs popular anti-virus software has been exploited: by the Russian government.

Not that I use it: with the amount of malicious software around for the Mac, I tend to use common sense, rather than software to keep my machine free of nasties.

But?

I think that — if the Russian government is exploiting a popular piece of protective software — that implies, if not proves, that the US government are going something similar.

Granted, the likes of you and me aren’t going to have anything on our devices of interested to a government determined to spy on rivals?

But it certainly adds a new terror to privacy concerns.

~≈É≈~