Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-11-2017:

You’ve heard of Britain First, haven’t you … ?

At least, you will have done: by now.

They are one of Britain’s more notorious far right group, noted for an hardline anti-Muslim stance, and very sympathetic to the likes of the Ku Klux Klan, and Germany’s AfD.

They have huge online presence: that is much larger than their (thankfully tiny) real-world one.

They’ve had a free advert.

In the form of three re-tweets from President Donald Trump.

Which has earnt him a lot of condemnation, internationally.

From several members of the Conservative government who are of an Islamic background.

So POTUS has endorsed the views of a vile, hate-filled racist organisation that hates me and people like me. He is wrong and I refuse to let it go and say nothing

— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) November 29, 2017

And from the Prime Minister, Theresa May.

That condemnation by her?   Is possibly the only reason I have for voting Conservative.

Trump has issued another tweet: ticking the Prime Minister off.

Frankly?

He wouldn’t have need to: had he not retweeted videos from Britain’s most notorious neo-nazis.

As far as I’m concerned?   As far as I’m concerned, the man is spreading hatred and bile: and, with the words of warning to the PM, poking his nose into the UK’s affairs.

In a way that’s ill-advised, and very unwanted.

Personally?

I know that the President has had a formal invite: to make a state visit to the UK.

He’s not a man I want in the UK.

I can only hope the invite is withdrawn: or that protestors make Trump’s visit a bloody, tomato hurling misery.

~≈§≈~

Oh, one more thing … 

I mentioned, yesterday, that there’d been an issue: for Macs running High Sierra.

Basically, using the word ‘root’ as a login name, leaving the password field blank, and hitting a few times, logs you into the machine: with root access.

Thankfully?

Apple have responded quickly: and issued a patch that should be installed automatically.

According to the BBC, the patch will go on machines running High Sierra: and, interestingly, “Users running older versions of MacOS will see a notification prompting an upgrade.”

I might just have top keep an eye peeled for that.

The possibility’s been worrying me since the news broke.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th November, 2017.

Blimey … 

That’s a rarity … 

I’m a Mac fan: noted for it, in fact.

Partly, because it’s got a better reputation for security.

So I was mildly surprised to hear that there’s a security flaw in the latest version of macOS operating system, called High Sierra*.

Apparently, and if you have physical access to the machine, you can go to log in page, type in ‘root’ in to the name field, then hit enter a few times.

It logs you in: and logs you in as a root user: with seriously powerful access to every aspect of the machine.

However, Apple has issued a work-around — here, in the Change the Root Password section — and is working on an update that plugs the flaw.

Hopefully?

That should solve things.

Right now, though?

That’s quite a slip for a company with such a good rep for security.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th November, 2017.

Oh … 

It’s officially official.

Prince Harry has got engaged to actress, Meghan Markle.

Good for them: the wedding, next spring, will make for something cheerful.

I can still remember seeing this letter from the Prince’s press: about how Ms Markle faced a lot of flack during their relationship, some of an racist nature.

And will possibly face more.

Even though — having worked in pubs for many years — am very aware there’s some pub customers who will be making comments.

The sort who I know for a fact think Enoch was right, and Hitler, too soft.

Not views I agree with, I should add.

I still think think to judge a person on their ethnicity is simply wrong: and hope it stops.

~≈§≈~

I’m ALSO aware that that I watched Casablanca, last night.

It’s a fantastic film.

But I’ noticed — and was shocked by — one thing.

When we’re introduced to Ingrid Bergman’s character, it’s when she and her husband walk into Rick’s Café, she recognises Sam: as her ex-lover’s band leader and pianist.

And, to confirm her suspicions?

Turns around and to ask a waiter about the African American man on the piano: by saying “Who’s the boy playing the piano?”

That caught my attention.   The term ‘boy’ was used for a long time by many in the US: as a way of describing African American men.

One that’s not used‡, these days, as, understandably, a lot of black people object.

But it does shows you times have changed: hopefully for the better.

But I fully expect my black readers to say something!

~≈§≈~

Casablanca: Wow!

27th November, 2017.

Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘bucket list’?

It’s a list of things you’re supposed to try and do, before you die: before you kick the bucket, in other words.

I … 

You know, if you have to sit me down, and say, “Paul, what’s on your bucket list,” I swear, I couldn’t tell you.

Beyond, say, getting a recent model iMac, I don’t think there’s much I’d have on there.

But the concept is one I know.

And, frankly?   A bucket list is something I keep thinking I should pencil up.

I’ve also noticed that bucket lists are the sort of things people want to make a contribution to.

Really.

You have to …

Do this.

Watch that.

Eat the other thing.

If you had the time and money — in between earning the money, raising the kids, and whatever else you need to do — to do so.

There’s only so much time in the day, in other words.

~≈§≈~

However, one thing I do know?

Is that those oh-so-helpful bucket list suggestions include albums.

I know one friend has suggested I give Die Antwoord a listen.

Others suggest different bands.

I’ve been hairing around iTunes and Spotify, listening to various bits and bobs: and built up a serious amount of electronica as a result.

I’m also very aware that those suggestions?

Will include a film or two.

God knows how many people have suggested Citizen Kane, for example, or The Third Man.

There’s one film that has cropped up, plenty of times.

A Humphrey Bogart/Ingrid Bergman film made in 1942.

One I wrote a teaser about, only a few short days ago.

You’re right … 

Casablanca … 

And, yes: I’m thankful I looked it up.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-11-2017: Bruce Lee

OK, I’m feeling just a little bit rushed.

I’ve got a dentist’s appointment this morning: and I’ve taken to email some advise … ?

Has taken longer than I thought!   (Oh, you’ll find Disk Utility handy for formatting USB sticks, Debbi: and VERY easy to use!   Easier than Pages.)

So, without much further ado … ? 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-11-2017: Casablanca

Bloody Hell, I only bought them on Friday … !

I ordered trousers from Amazon: on Friday, obviously.

Both pairs?

Turned up yesterday!

One with the postman, the other on the back of an Amazon van.   That’s been handed to a neighbour, and is something I’ll pick up after work.

What amazes me?

Is the speed those trousers turned up.

Some twenty-four hours!   I’m wearing one pair already!

Dinah?   Say something!

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th November 2017

Hmmm … 

That’s new trousers ordered, than … 

I have to admit, I’m mildly thankful: that online shopping exists.

It meant that, yesterday?   I was able to order some new trousers via Amazon.

All good: they should turn up by the middle of the week.

I have a confession to make, though.

They weren’t on any kind of Black Friday offer.

I’m thankful, as strange as it seems.

As you may or may not know, Black Friday is the day after the US Thanksgiving holiday: a US public holiday.

And, from what I’ve seen?   It’s a day many Americans book off from work: to turn the Thanksgiving into a long weekend.

And go Christmas shopping.

The problem I with Black Friday?

Isn’t on grounds of rampant consumerism promoted by various businesses.

It’s the fact that companies in the UK are started marking Black Friday: as many did, yesterday.

Marking a shopping day after someone else’s public holiday.

It’s cultural imperialism of the worst possible sort.

The sort British companies quite happily volunteer for.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th November, 2017.

Ah HA!

It looks like it’s holding!

I don’t know about you, but I ten to rely on Wikipedia for writing both the Teaser, and the  quizzes I wrote for the pub quizzes I ran.

But could never afford — for much of the time — to make a donation.

I have, however, made a positive contribution.

You see the screen shot of the Wikipedia page for the 21st November?

The entry about Robert Mugabe’s resignation?

That woz me, wot dun it!

Ahem!

In other words, it was me that created the entry, flagged up the fact on the relevant talk page … and is desperately hoping it’s still there in a years time.

Frankly?

I’m enough of an tart for the attention, to go Wheeeeeeeeeeee … ! whenever I see the page: and that my bit’s still there.

But on a more serious note?

It’s nice to know that a contribution I’ve made, is still in place,

I just hope it’s still there, next year.

It’s be nice to use it as the basis for a 2018 question.

And it’s nice to make a positive contribution, however small.

~≈§≈~

War for The Planet of the Apes: That’ll Do!

23rd November, 2017.

You know, I have to admit, it’s going to be quite some time before I get another night off.

I have seen the glory of the coming of next week’s rota.

And … ?

Frankly, I have Saturday and Sunday nights off: the 25th And 26th, in other words.

But am working on those days.

Basically, I won’t get a whole day off, until next Sunday.

This means two things.

Firstly?

I had today to do laundry and enough Teaser slides shows to be going on with: although I will have to find time to do more, soon!

Secondly?

I only had tonight to watch a film.

One I’d been meaning to catch, as soon as I knew it’d hit iTunes.

You’re right … 

I’ve been wanting to catch War for the Planet of the Apes for a while … 

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-11-2017: Whose Dr Who …

Did I mention I’d seem my doctor, just recently?

I saw my doctor, just recently.

I have to admit to feeling just a touch tireder than I should be, to be frank.

Practically falling 

The net result?

I have to go back … 

After having a lot of bloodtests.

Hopefully?

It’ll be nothing more serious my under-active thyroid getting less active!

~≈§≈~

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

Oh … 

I knew I’d seen the name, before!

Did I fell You I was watching TV, last night?

I was watching TV, last night: the last few episodes of The Strain, so you know.

And, it the midst of going through some old blog entries: in a vague effort to do some comparing and contrasting.

Remember me writing all those entries about Star Trek: Discovery?

Something that vaguely bothered me was Shazad Latif: who appears in the series and whose name seemed vaguely familiar.

Well, I’m happy.

In digging up the various links I realise I’d included Mr Latif’s name in the tags for Penny Dreadful: he plays Dr Jeckyll in the series.

Thank heavens I did.

That’s been bothering me for a while!

~≈§≈~

The Strain — Series 4: Episodes 8, 9 & 10 — Extraction, The Traitor & The Last Stand.

21st November, 2017.

OK, now I’m feeling like a proper computer geek.

Which sounds strange, I know.

You’ve possibly noticed the Daily Teasers that I publish, here.

Along side the fact that at least two regular readers — Debbi Mack and Olga Núñez Miret — take a certain amonut of fun in doing them.

The reason I mention that?   Is simply the fact I want to tell you: I use Wikipedia as a jumping off point for writing the Teasers.

I realise there’s an argument about the site’s reliability: about how anyone can write an iffy entry for it.

I’m ALSO the first to counter that argument.   Any one can put a factually incorrect entry onto Wikipedia.

Equally?   Anyone of us can correct that mistake.

Power of the internet, hey?

At any rate, my point is simply this.

That I managed to edit an entry on Wikipedia.   I added a bit to the entry about 21st November: about the fact Robert Mugabe resigned, today.

How noteworthy that is, I don’t know.   How long it’ll stay there, again, I don’t know.

But … ?   OK, I can’t afford to donate to Wikipedia.

But, after using it as a research tool?   I feel I’ve made a positive contribution to it.

~≈§≈~

At any rate?

Something else I wanted to tell you was JUST as simple.

You’ve probably — if you’ve been following me for a while — realised I’ve been watching quite a bit of TV, recently.

American Horror Story, Mr Robot, Man in the High Castle.

Dr Who, obviously!

And, just recently?   Series 4 of The Strain.

Frankly, series four is the last of The Strain.

And, frankly?

I think the fourth series is the show’s strongest … 

And made sure the show goes out on a high.

~≈§≈~

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

Blimey, wonders will never stop.

Wonders … 

Or possibly revelations.

You’ll know, of course, that both Hollywood and Westminster have seen allegations of various shades of sexual misconduct.

Something that — as far as I knew — hadn’t hit the technology world.

Until I saw the news — on the BBC’s news site — that hacking legend, and original phone phreak, John Draper — better known as Captain Crunch  — has been accused by several people: of unwanted sexual behaviours.

The man’s role in creating the Blue Box, that let you make free phone calls?

Made him a legend.

But finding Draper’s involved in this sort of behaviour?

Will tarnish that reputation.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th November, 2017

You know, we could be looking at the end of the world.

Charles Manson’s died, Robert Mubage is — or isn’t — standing down as Zimbabwean president, and Angela Merkal’s not been able to form a government.

Obviously, it’s not.

If you’re reading this, later on this evening, the world is quite assertively still around.

It’s not been blown up by Vogons, in other words.

The reason I mention this?

Is simply that it’s my way of telling you I’ve got the news on.

And that the bit that’s caught my eye?

Is this.

It seems that up until about 1947, MI6, the UK s espionage organisation, had a secret slush fund.

Funding all sorts of shenanigans.

Personally?   I’m really not surprised.

Somehow, MI6 having black funds so secret that not even MI6’s finance section knew about?

Seems very in character.

And is a very good way of explaining Le Carré’s phrase, reptile fund.

You have to love a reptile fund, don’t you?

~≈§≈~

The Strain — Series 4: Episode 6 and 7 — Tainted Love and Ouroboros.

19th January, 2017

*Mild Spoiler*

You know … 

I’m actually feeling vaguely grate that I’ve had the day off, today.

Frankly?

It means I’ve been able to do the basic food shopping I usually do on a Friday — but couldn’t due to work commitments — today.

Granted, it’s a chore. it’s use up quite a bit of remaining money … 

But it’s done.   And bagged me a few extra Nectar points.

Oh, And a voucher that bags me five times the points … if I spent more than £40 in Sainsburys!

I don’t think I have that much spare shopping money in the week!

Never mind, hey … ?   Maybe after Christmas!

~≈§≈~

At ANY rate … ?

At any, I’ve also had an evening off: which, if you hadn’t guessed by, now?

Means I’ve had time to sit down with an AppleTV, a television … 

And the next too episodes of Series 4 of … 

The Strain … !

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-11-2017: The Lottery

Right … 

It’s Shopping Day … !

Which actually sounds a bit more exciting than it actually is.

Basically … ?

It means it’s the first chance I’ve had, since payday, to go shopping.

And check my lottery ticket.

Teabags may be involved, at some point.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th november, 2017

You know, I can’t help but think the government is incompetent.

Or, at least, capable of inspiring incompetence in others.

The reason I mention this?

I saw a news report, yesterday: that told us many on various illness related welfare payments had been underpaid.

This was being corrected: albeit slowly.

In other news: and going by news on the BBC’s Moneybox programme, those of us claiming Universal Credit, and on weekly pay, could lose their money: and have to reapply, in January.

Apparently?   It’s — in part — where some months have five Fridays: and others had four.   Friday is payday, so you know.   In other words, I’d not get Universal Credit because I have too many paydays, rather than the amount of hours I’m actually working.

I’m weekly paid and on Universal Credit.   And worried.

Up until now?   Up until now, occasionally, I’ve not been paid by the Benefits in some months because of this.

But then had payments restored, automatically, a month later.

I’m worried: especially if I have to reapply for the thing … 

~≈Ÿ≈~

The Strain — Series 4: Episode 4 and 5 — New Horizons and Belly of the Beast.

17th November, 2017.

I think — only think, mind — that I’ve read there’s certain meditational states that are the results, not of d … 

No, wait …

…

… …

Someone just rang on my door, there, and totally interrupted the train of my thought.

Whoever they were?

Wanted me to let them into the block: so they could buy a car from someone here.

Without being able to tell me who that was.

Or even what number the seller lived at.

Whoever it was that rang my door bell?

Was not someone I was going to let in.

Not at this time of night.

After all, if I’m going to buy your car?   I’d have the sense to ask where I’m going to get it from.

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-11-2017: The Student Body

Right, I’m back at work, today.

And, what’s amazing me?

Is the simple fact I’m tired: still.

After having, in theory, enough sleep: even after catching an episode of The Strain.

Hopefully, though?

The simple fact I’m now recovering from an tooth extraction, means I can start drinking hot tea: and, at least, pick myself up, that way.

~≈§≈~

Frankly, though?   I’m personally just grateful that tooth’s out.

It means that, right now?

My mouth’s a lot less uncomfortable than it was.

That, as far as I’m concerned?

Is all well and good.

~≈§≈~

The Strain — Series 4: Episode 3 — One Shot

16th November, 2017

You know, I’m having what I think I can call a late night.

Despite the fact it’s, what, 19:50?

Ten to eight … ?

Whatever you want to call it, it’s a comparatively late night for me: as I want to be up at four, tomorrow morning, to get the Daily Teaser for the day, done.

AND get to work by nine.

Whilst, presumably, looking and feeling as fresh as a daisy.

Although, granted, that’s an odd looking daisy … 

~≈§≈~

The point I’m trying to make?

Is simply that I’m trying to get any early night.

And?

And want to catch an episode, early, of the box set I’m currently watching.

Yep, you’ve guessed it.

The Strain, Series 4 … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-11-2017

Right … 

It’s Thursday … 

Which means several things.

Frankly?

I’ve got a day off, today.

That means?

I’ve got to get an early night, tonight: as I’ve got an nine o’clock start, tomorrow.

Which certainly implies just one episode of The Strain.   Par for the course, in one sense: it’s what’s been happening for the past couple of nights.

As a last thought … ?

I’m feeling slightly rushed.

As, at eleven, today?

I’ve an appointment at the dentist.

I’m feeling a little rushed: and nervous.

But hopeful.

I’m hoping it’ll be the day this tooth comes out … !

~≈§≈~

The Strain — Series 4: Episode 2 — The Blood Tax

15th November, 2017.

Would you mind, awfully, if I yawned at you … ?

Weel … 

Not at you, per se.

I’m just yawning, in general.

After all, I’ve been and gone and done a full day’s work: after having got up at four, this morning, to post today’s Daily Teaser.

I think you’ll excuse me: under the circumstances.

~≈§≈~

At least I hope you will.

At any rate?

It’s just gone nine: in the evening.

Normally?

If I were getting up at four, again, tomorrow?

I’d not be staying up, comparatively late, tonight.

I’m up at seven, tomorrow.

Not taking the perfectly good chance to watch another episode of Series four of The Strain … ?

Would be rude … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th November, 2017

Thankfully?

Thankfully, I’ve had some sleep.

Although bits of me are trying to convince me otherwise.

But … ?   At least I managed to get some sleep.

AND catch some TV.

I don’t know if you know it, but I’ve been watching The Strain for some time.

It’s not stunning … but is watchable.

Very watchable.

And, on the strength of the first episode?

It looks like the show’s fourth season could be a good one.

~≈§≈~

The Strain — Series 4: Episode 1 — The Worm Turns

14th November, 2017

Can I make a confession, here?

I’ve just finished work, got myself home: and had not a lot to eat.

I’ll survive.

Someone with this much blubber could possibly do with a better organised diet, frankly.

But the odd night with a quick sandwich … ?

Possibly can’t hurt.

Although I’m very aware that looks … faintly … ridiculous.

As a statement.

Hmmm … 

I’m burbling, aren’t I … ?

I am.

Frankly?

I’ve got an early start, tomorrow.

But given it’s finally hit iTunes … ?

I wanted to do one thing.

Catch up with an old friend.

Catch up with the first episode of Series 4 of … 

The Strain.

~≈§≈~

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

Right … 

It’s officially silly o’clock!

I’m up at silly o’clock, listening to my pants slowing drying in the tumble dryer — only slightly less loud than a concrete mixer — and Radio Four’s news.

Well … 

The last traces of the news: as presented by the BBC World Service, who use Radio Four’s airwaves while it’s off air, overnight.

Frankly, though?

I’m aware that January’s a long way off, right now.

I caught Episode 9 of Star Trek: Discovery, last night: which was very impressive.

That was the last episode of the first half of the first series.

I’m very impatient: and can’t wait until January … 

~≈§≈~

Star Trek Discovery — Episode 9: Into The Forest I Go

13th November, 2017

Right now, I’m intent on just … 

One … 

Thing.

I’m intent on writing the quickest post I possibly can.

Before I hit the sack.

Four o’clock start, don’t you know?

But I had to tell you: I’ve seen episode nine of Star Trek Discovery.

And, while I don’t see the point in a mid-season hiatus — especially on what, after all, is a purely online TV series — I’m actually looking for January: when CBS are releasing episode 10.

But … ?

Well … 

~≈◊≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13th November, 2017

Hmmm … 

Radio Four’s Today programme has just told me UK’s intelligence chiefs have against using anti-virus software.

To be specific, against using anti-virus software from Kaspersky Labs.

There are worries the company has too many links to the Kremlin: or, at least, to it’s intelligence agency.

I couldn’t tell you.

I AM surprised about the fuss being made about it.

I have a personal belief: that, while the FBI, and other law enforcement bodies are concerned about the encryption involved with apps like WhatsApp, and Apple’s Messages, US intelligence agencies will have equally friendly relationships with various US software makers.

And bagging whatever help, information and cooperation they can.

In other words, doing the exact same thing.

Let’s face it: you’re reading this in a version of Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, Edge or Firefox.

All bits of US software.

Who’s looking at your browser history?

~≈Ê≈~

American Horror Story — Series 4: Freak Show — Episodes 12 & 13: Show Stoppers & Curtain Call.

12th November, 2017.

You know, I really don’t have money to spend.

I don’t.

So it’s not that often I turn on my heating of an evening.

My flat’s warm enough, as it is.

But to and from the office, today?

Wasn’t necessarily that cold.

But was chilly enough that — right now? — turning on the heating for a bit seemed a good idea.

Especially as the chair in front of my TV?   Has it’s back to the door to the living room: and the incredible draft the vents at the top of the window generate.

One day, I’ll remember how to close them … !

~≈§≈~

At any rate?

At any rate, I have the day off, tomorrow.

Which means, theoretically, I get to sleep in.

So … ?

As far as I’m concerned, it means I can catch up with some more TV.

You’re right, as ever.

I’ve been watching American Horror Story’s fourth series.

Given it was the last two episodes?

I wasn’t going to walk away from series 4.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-11-2017: Remembrance Sunday

Well, there we go … 

It’s a Sunday … when I’m due to tea into work for ten.

And, thankfully?

It’s the day before a day off.

Which means I’ll be able to catch up with my sleep, at some point.

Something I’m looking forward to: I don’t know about you.

One thing I did manage to do, last night, before I went to bed?

Was catch another episode of  Freak Show.

Granted, this is only series four of American Horror Story: some of the latter ones may be better.

But, being brutally honest with you?

Freak Show’s got an emotion depth to it the earlier three series don’t.

And got me thinking I should catch Magic, the old Anthony Hopkins film.

Maybe one day …

~≈Ÿ≈~

American Horror Story — Series 4: Freak Show — Episode 11: Magical Thinking

11th November, 2017

It’s official.

I’ve done dafter things: but staying up late isn’t one of them.

Or possibly is.

At any rate?

I’m up comparatively late: after a five o’clock start.

Working days: you have to love it.

Frankly?   I’ve another early start, tomorrow.

With, of course, another five o’clock start on the cards.

Foolishly, and if I mistime things?

That means a couple of things.

Either I’m a fool.

OR I’ve had time for just one episode of American Horror Story’s fourth season.

Freak Show.

Yes … magical thinking seems an apt title.

Or possibly not

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11th November, 2017

*Yawn*

Yep … 

It’s Saturday.

And, as much as I don’t mind working days?

I think that all those years working from Lunch to early evening?

Means getting up at five for a 10 o’clock start?

Does leave its scars.

~≈Ê≈~

In other news?

Other news has seen Ofcom, the UK’s telecoms regulator, has announced that — if a customer’s broadband goes down — they’d be done compensation.

Some eight pounds per day.

I know that’s not much.

But frankly?

That’s going to come in handy, at some point.

~≈Ê≈~