Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th April, 2018

30th April, 2018

Yes: it’s a Monday, it’s the start of the week … 

And it’s the start of a week where I’m working every day of it.

Yes.   That’s not necessarily the best arrangement.

I am, after all, going to need some time off!

Right at the moment … ?

Working stupid hours is a case of ‘needs must.’

Especially given the seasonal nature of the job: where I never know what my shifts are, until the week before … 

~≈§≈~

Whilst I’m here … ?

I’ve a confession to make.

Or something I feel I should remind you off: as it caught my ear, today.

By default, I always have BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on, at this time of the morning.

Its mix of reporting, analysis and opinion — and habit of giving interviewees a serious grilling* — is very comforting … and less distracting than the BBC news channel.

But occasionally, they have an odd moment.

A few years ago?

They were the people who first mentioned who this Youtube thing … now was home to what was then the world’s most watched video.

What’s they’ve managed to mention, today?

Is simply that one of the Jack the Ripper letters — one sent to Ealing Police station, in 1888 — is being auctioned off.

Personally?

I’ve a feeling the thing’s a hoax, as many of the Ripper letters must be.

But I’d be interested to hear how much it sells for.

I’d be even MORE interested … if someone actually found definitive proof of who the Ripper was … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th April, 2018

29th April, 2018.

You know … 

I have a long day ahead of me, today.

Frankly?

I’ll be starting at eleven, finishing at seven, and getting home by eight.

All this … ?   After getting up at six.

And that’s before you factor in the fact … that I don’t stop until next Sunday!

Given the amount of deductions I get from my wage slip?

I really don’t expect much of the earnings to survive.

But at least I’m working towards paying off all sort of debt.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th April, 2018.

28th April, 2018.

Oh, well, indeed … 

But there we go: that’s what happens when you need … shopping … !

Or, at least, want to pay your bills!

Frankly?

With the hours going up and down at the mo, things are … rough.

And possibly likely to get rougher.

Frankly?

I didn’t get the loan I put in for.

OK, the upside is, I don’t have to pay it off … 

But it could have help settle an immediate problem.

Hmmm … 

~≈§≈~

American Horror Story — Series 5: Hotel — Episode 6: Room 33

27th April, 2018.

OK … 

Me, without a shirt … ?

Is quite possible NOT some thing you want to see at this time of night.

Unless you’re accessing some of the odder Tumblr blogs!

Mine’s … comparatively normal.

Or, at least, socially acceptable.

Possibly …

Enough burbling!

I’m supposed to be having an early night, tonight: as I’m at work, tomorrow.

And wanted you to know I’ve seen another episode of American Horror Story’s fifth season: Hotel.

Grim it is … 

Grimmer it’s getting … 

Entertaining?   It certainly still is.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th April, 2018

27th April, 2018.

Yep … 

It’s official: Tetris on a tablet is … distracting!

Especially when you’re trying to beat someone else score!

It’s … 

Well … 

~≈§≈~

On other fronts … ?

It seems Rick Dickinson has died in the US: whilst having cancer treatment.

That’s sad: for those of us of a certain age.

Dickinson’s the man that designed the ZX80, ZX81, and ZX Spectrum.

As such?

He’s part of the reason Britain spawned a generation of coders.

He’ll be missed.

~≈§≈~

That’s before we get to another piece of news.

President Trump is due to visit rhe UK in July of this year.

Can I take this chance to encourage chuck eggs at the silly idiot?

Or, at least, rotten tomatoes.

I’d rather he didn’t turn up, but if he MUST, I’d rather we dropped a hint … !

~≈§≈~

American Horror Story — Series 5: Hotel — Episode 4 and 5: Devil’s Night and Room Service

26th April, 2018.

“Now … read on … !”

He says: very aware that writing … ?

Is going to take me a while.

What with one thing an another … ?



I’ve signed up for a Tumblr account: and eyeballing the amount of stuff going past is rather distracting.

REALLY distracting.

No, don’t ask: it’s a mixed audience!

At any rate … ?

I’ve had a night off …

I’ve got some Tangerine Dream playing in the background.



And caught more of American Horror Story’s fifth season: Hotel.



Yes: it’s still looking good.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-4-2018: Guernica

26th April, 2018.

Have you been following the news?

Have you … ?

If you, like me, have been watching the recent news, you’ll know Alder Hey Hospital, in Liverpool, is caring for an extremely ill little boy called Alfie Evans.

Seriously ill.

To the point where the parents have taken the hospital to court: in order to try and save their son.

I can appreciate that: I’d be doing the same, in their shoes.

I think it’s getting to the point where — whatever the legal outcome — the poor kid’s not long for this world: whether he’s treated at Alder Hey, taking up the Vatican Hospital offer to treat him … or taken home.

It’s sad … tragic … 

Possibly any number of words … 

But, beyond expressing sympathy to Alfie’s parents, and thanking the hospital staff.

Not much one can do.

There is something to add, though.

I ALSO notice this piece from the BBC’s news site.

That tells us hospital staff — and other patients — are being targeted by protestors.

Frankly?

I think that’s unhelpful.   

I think going for staff and patients is abusing them: and abusing them, for no good purpose.

Terry Pratchett fan that I am, I’m ALSO aware of my favourite writer’s thoughts.

“I know it’s a very human thing to say ‘Is there anything I can do’, but in this case I would only entertain offers from very high-end experts in brain chemistry.”

Sir Terry Pratchett.

OK … 

The protestors want to help this child survive.

They don’t want him to die.

They want him to live.

All good.

But if they want to help Alfie Evans … ?

They should learn neurosurgery.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-4-12: Blue Genes

25th April, 2018

Right … we’ve officially got water problems.

Just so you know!

Apparently?   There’s a burst main in the Queens Road area: that, according to the nice young man I spoke to at Essex and Suffolk Water.

Quite when it’ll be fixed?   He couldn’t say.

But at least something’s happening.

~≈§≈~

Can I make a confession?

I shop in Sainsbury’s: and use their self service checkouts.

I filmed this, whilst I was there, yesterday … 

Notice that?   The little demo video that tells us where any change — in notes — will be, is showing dollars.

Why?

I’m in the UK.

Where we don’t use the US currency.

And in Brentwood, where we don’t have many US tourists.

Sainsbury should persuade the manufacturer to do a little editing!

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th April, 2018

24th April, 2018.

Yep … 

The whole prayer situation is … evolving.

Basically?   I thought, yesterday, that I’d managed to sort my money situation out.

But …

Well, let’s put it this way … I need to do more negotiation in order to get things right.

It’s … 

Well, I think I’m going to have to storm heaven, again.

~≈§≈~

As a thought, whilst I’ve got your attention?

I’m a science fiction fan.   And, inevitably, aware you get entirely theoretical scenes where someone has to get clever, opening a door.

Oh, you know the sort of thing: the ones that have what we NOW call fingerprint — or palm print — recognition from specific people, in order to get a door open.

Equally, there’s several solutions if your palm isn’t one of the recognised prints.

Sellotape, twisting your own hand when it’s on the glass, threatening to tear someone’s hand off … 

If you’re of a certain age, you’ve come across SOMETHING like it … 

Then you read this piece on the BBC’s news website.

That tells us that Florida police have tried using a dead suspect’s frozen — in the morgue — body: to try and unlock his iPhone.

When life imitates art?   You worry.

When life starts imitating science fiction?

I THINK you can panic!

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-4-2018: Saint George’s Day.

23rd April, 2018.

Right …

Something I worked out, last night was that my left eyelid has started to work.

Started, I should stress.

Which is good.

A few weeks ago … ?   I managed to go down with Bell’s Palsy: a type of facial paralysis caused by an infection.

On the left hand side of my face, so you know.

So the fact that I’m starting to be able to wink … ?   However imperfectly?

Means I’m recovering.

~≈§≈~

As for prayer … ?

I mentioned, yesterday, that I’d prayed: hard.

Despite being an agnostic.

I’ve been having money problems, recently: and, despite my agnosticism, have found prayer to be … helpful.

It allows me to make the assumption that someone’s listening.

And, even if not listening, taking direct action, or offering advise?

Then, at least, getting my subconscious to grind into gear, to come up with an idea of how to deal with the situation.

Something concerning me, yesterday, and last night, watching Hotel.

Something I can do, today.

I can only hope that the phone call I need to make?

Goes well.

~≈§≈~

American Horror Story — Series 5: Hotel — Episode 2 and 3: Chutes and Ladders and Mommy

22nd April, 2018.

Yes … 

I think that — at the moment … ? — I’m starting to be able to wink my left eye.

That’s remarkable … and welcome.

A couple of weeks ago, now, I had to go into hospital: directly from work, I should add.

With what seemed to be a suspected stroke.

But what actually turned out to be a case of what’s called Bell’s Palsy: a kind of facial paralysis that’s caused by an infection, somewhere along the line.

That fact I’m starting to be able to wink?   Or , at least, do a certain amount of faking it … ?

Means my face is starting to heal.

~≈§≈~



Which reminds … 

Did you read this morning’s Teaser?

I hope you enjoyed it, if you did.

I do know I happily confessed to praying: despite being agnostic, at best.

Frankly?

Frankly, it’s something I intend to do again, as strange as that sounds.

To be even MORE frank?   I’m having money worries, right now.

Serious money worries, of the sort usually only solved by winning a huge lottery prize — ha! —, inheriting lots of cash — HA! — or taking out an loan.

Yeah … sensible, with a credit rating like mine.

It would possibly help, if I could empty my retirement pot early.

Which I can’t, until I retire.

Hmmm …

The only viable option, right now?

Is to make a few phone calls in the morning.

Even though I’ve started the process of getting a loan, with a credit union, I need to help myself, by talking to people.

~≈§≈~

At any rate … ?

At any rate, there was little I could do, today: beyond prayer.

Apart from keeping myself occupied: by catching up with some more TV.

Yes … American Horror Story fifth series, Hotel, is starting to pick up.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd April, 2018.

22nd April, 2018.

Yes …

Quite frankly, I’ve prayed.   Which I know sounds strange, coming from a agnostic.

But frankly?

I’m in enough money troubles to … 

Well, arguably try anything once.

Even if I’m a non-believer

But ALSO … ?   I’m aware prayer can be something of a psychological tool: helping me to help myself out of a hole.

Will it work … ?

I hope so … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-4-21: The Death of a Prince.

21st April, 2018.

Yep: it’s officially official.

I’ve managed to scrape together enough cash to my myself … 

A haircut … !

I don’t know about you, but I feel a bit better for it.

I’m a bit less … you know … shaggy … 

~≈§≈~

Just as an extra point: from the news section … ?

It seems the government’s scheme to roll out local TV stations — the nearest to me is London Live* — isn’t going well.

At least … the UK’s communication watchdog, ofcom, has decided to stop any further rollout.

On financial grounds.

Personally?

I think that’s sensible.

I’d guessed there’d not be a market for them.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-4-2018: Chinoiserie

20th April, 2018.

Yes: it’s official.

I grant I’ve got money troubles.

Believe it or not, some of the deductions, I’m getting means I’m thinking the job’s looking … uneconomic, at the moment.

But … ?

I’ve STILL got a pile of box sets to go through: built up over a collection of a couple of years.

And managed to start catching up with American Horror Show’s fifth series: watching the first episode last night..

OK, they’ve not got Jessica Lange in this one.

But Lady Gaga seems surprisingly competent.

And Sarah Paulson’s hair is GRUESOME!

~≈§≈~

American Horror Story — Series 5: Hotel — Episode 1: Checking In.

19th April, 2018.

OK …

A good time … ?

There’s possibly a lot that constitutes ‘a good time.’

Isn’t there?   Drunken nights out, rampant sex, artistic destruction of pianos whilst chanting “Tra-la-LA … ” … !

Or possibly not: especially if you’ve heard the original Diversion 2 mix!

My point is actually simple: in amongst the engine noises.

That’s there’s more than one way to have a good time.

On my budget?   Catching up on a favourite TV is one of them.

Frankly?



It’s been a while since I’ve sat down with American Horror Story.

And, going on the first episode?

Series 5, Hotel, looks interesting.

Good, over all?   I don’t know, yet.

But … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-4-2018

19th April, 2018.

I’m very aware that regular reader, Olga, has already read this post.

And that her fellow regular, Debbi — along with her partner, Rick — will have seen the junction near me: and be aware of how narrow the road is.

It always bears mentioning, though.

For as long as I’ve lived on Rollason Way, I’ve been concerned about emergency vehicle access to my street.

I’m convinced the mix of the narrowness of the streets, and the amount of cars parked on it will delay fire engines, in particular.

And contribute to someone’s death.

Yesterday?

Someone made that worse … 

We have a building going up in Saint James Road.   Extra flats that will add more cars to the on street parking: along with the greater congestion.

Well … 

The workmen building that building?

Have narrowed the road, temporarily, in order to carry on the site.

Personally … ?

I couldn’t walk on that bit of pavement, before the cones went up: because of the number of parked cars.

I — temporarily — can’t walk on that pavement, because of the building site’s blocking of it.

I think a Vogon constructor fleet would be welcome: so long as it just demolished that site.

Because, frankly?

This will decrease emergency vehicle access.

That is good … 

~≈§≈~

Road Works …

 18th April, 2018

Yeah … 

 You’ll excuse the lack of a shirt, there, but I’ve just had a walk: just to get a bit of exercise.

And found that, just around the corner from where I live — on Rollason Way, in Brentwood — workmen building at the junction with Warley Hill … have closed off half the street.

Building a building that many in the area have long opposed, for a mix of reasons.

For some years, now?

I’ve been concerned that the various planning decisions in my area mean getting police cars down my street is hard.

Getting ambulances and small delivery vans down it, harder.

Getting a fire engine down the street?

Extremely hard, indeed.

I’m also very aware that this wee, one of my neighbour’s smoke detectors went off.

At least once a day, over the course of three days, as a result of smoke generated by frying bacon!

Fire engines were called out, each day, to deal with it.

This was before the workmen narrowed the street.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th April, 2018

18th April, 2018.

Actually … I think I look like more of an early eighties scarecrow, than I did in the early 1980s.

Wouldn’t you know it.

And, in point of fact … ?

That’s poking up look?

Is all done without the aid of hair product.

Bleugh … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th April, 2018

17th April, 2018,

For some time … ?

I’ve had a basic belief.

That computer security — at a national level — is a bit … 

Nationalistic.   Incorrectly applied nationalistic.

Just to give you an idea pf what I mean … ?

The BBC ran this piece, yesterday: telling us that an arm of GCHQ — Government Communications Headquarters — have declared Chinese company, ZTE, is a security threat.

The company is one of China’s biggest, makes both phone handsets, terminals … and the infrastructure networks that carry signals from them, to the rest of the network.

The fear is … ?

That ZTE’s building of a lot of networks gives them unparalleled access to sensitive UK information. And that they can pass this, easily, to the Chinese government.

Personally?

I don’t it doubt for a minute.

I also know Russia is having a finger pointed at it, recently: with awareness that it’s carryout out various shades of cyberwarface.

Personally … ?

I’m very aware many servers will be using a mix of Linux-based or Microsoft server software,  various shades of cloud storage — storage not controlled in-house — and operating systems from US companies.   

All this?   All this, and many of us will be using computers, and mobile devices, running US software.

Apart from Facebook?   Or companies like Cambridge Analytica?

Who’s got access to that?

Given this piece, I’m aware — and unsurprised — that Britain is carrying out cyber attacks on Islamic State.

I believe that we may be right to complaint about shady Chinese or Russian cyber-activity.

I also feel that we’re vulnerable to US cyber-espionage.

Through the phones, tablets, laptops and desktops we use everyday.

Ignoring that?

Is stupid.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-4-2018: Colditz.

16th April, 2018.

Yes: that’s right.

1.   I’m back at work, today.

And, frankly?   I’m still a temp that’s waiting to hear about the possibility of a full time — or, at least, permanent — contract.

You would NOT believe the amount of hoops I’ve had, to get this far.

Or maybe you would.

At any rate?

It’s coming at a point where hours are being cut — at the start of work’s general summer season — which is putting a twist on things.

The amount of hours I’m getting is going down: to the point where handing in my notice And going back on the dole is looking far more economic.

The sooner guaranteed hours turn up, the better.

~≈§≈~

2.   The other thing I meant to mention … ?

Is simply the fact I saw the South Korean horror film, The Wailing, last night.

It’s quite long: at some two and a half hours.

But it’s certainly worth a watch: there’s enough twists, turns and twitches to keep you entertained.

It pertained kept me interested.

~≈§≈~

3.   And, as a final thought … ?

R. Lee Ermey, best remembered as Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket, has died at the age of 74.

I might just have to check the film out.

Never having seen it, it seems a good way to mark the man’s passing.

~≈§≈~

The Wailing: That’s interesting!

15th April, 2018.

Yes … 

I have been known — occasionally — to catch a movie.

Occasionally?   I’ll swap it for a film.   Occasionally both … 

Ever less rarely?   I’ll catch a TV show, or a good read.

Or an album: Into Battle with the Art of Noise is — at the moment — never off my metaphorical turntable.



Or the AppleTV, at least.

Via iTunes, rather than Spotify, but, at least, you get to hear it without paying for it!

At any rate?   You get the point.

I like a film, now and again: managing to rent/watch both Thelma and Raw, recently.

With Thelma coming off the worse to Raw, I should add.

Yes.

I’ve had another night off.

And caught another movie.

Tonight’s?

The supernatural horror that is … 

The Wailing.

Although ‘interesting’ is possibly selling it short!

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th April, 2018.

15th April, 2018.

Yes: it’s officially official … 

I’m having trouble with my hot water.

Normally, the boiler’s supposed to give hot water: regardless of whether the heating’s on.   It’s a combi boiler: I’m assuming that’s how they’re supposed to work, as that’s what’s mine’s done for the past decade.

At any rate … ?

Ever since the mandatory gas safety check, a few months ago … ?

The thing’s … only really given hot water when the heating’s been on.

Fair enough during winter.

But a little bit iffy, during a slowly heating up spring and summer.

Which is why, only a few minutes ago?   I paid a discrete visit to my landlord’s website.

To make use of their ‘Report a Repair’ page.

Frankly?

This is getting silly!

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th April, 2018

14th April, 2018.

Right … 

It’s a Saturday: obviously.

Anyone looking at the calendar would be able to tell you that.

It’s also 14th April.

Again, the calendar would be helpful, there.

There’s also … been Allied airstrikes against selected targets in Syria.

Complete with an announcement from President Trump.

I’m …

Not sure I approve.

The three governments involved have kept things to an — apparent — minimum: by limiting strikes to alleged chemical weapons sites.

And?

Personally?

I don’t like the fact we’ve done this: just on general principles.

Nor do I like the fact we’ve done this with no apparent mandate from the United Nations.

And, while I can understand — indeed, approve of — the UK’s expelling Russian diplomats, post Salisbury, I can’t approve the fact that a British government is acting — on this — under US government instructions.

What’s more?   I think the President’s language — at least in the video announcement, above — to be very emotive.

Too emotive for this situation.

However?

What’s done is done …

I, personally?   Can only hope airstrikes don’t lead to further involvement.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13th April, 2018.

13th April, 2018.

Morning, afternoon, evening … 

Which is always something that’s mildly tickled me.

The sheer reach of Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar means I’m getting read by people across the planet.

By people across different time zones.

So … ?

Well … it’s tickled me.

But it does mean saying ‘Hello,’ in a video, rather interesting.

~≈§≈~

By the way, have you been keeping an eye on the news?

You’ll be aware — if you have — that there’s increasing demands for action against President Assad’s forces: in reply to his apparently use of chemical weapons against civilians.

Personally?

I really don’t care for the idea of the UK joining any such action.

There’s possibly lots of arguments for doing so.

Assad’s a nasty piece of work: and the war is harming civilians.

Wars ALWAYS harm and kill civilians.

But I personally feel there’s arguments against: even if they’re rather simplistic ones.

One … ?   Is simple precedent.   

We did nothing after Saddam Hussain’s regime used chemical weaponry agains the small town of Halabja.

Even when the Western Allies invaded Iraq — in the First Gulf War — they went in being able to show the Ba’athist regime had invaded Kuwait.

Even the Second Gulf War — where the evidence of the regime’s ownership of weapons of mass destruction was extremely shakey — Tony Blair at least tried to persuade the Bush Administration that getting UN approval would be good publicity.

The situation in Syria, now?   And the West’s response to it?

I see there’s on-going investigations of President Trump’s election campaign: whether there was Russian involvement with the President’s campaign, or had Russian help.

I believe the West’s response to the situation in Syria has more to do with President Trump’s political problems at home, than it does with any defence of innocent civilians.

That it is spin, in other words.   It’s the Trump regime’s attempt to look tough on Russia.

That is NOT a good reason for military action, or for Britain’s involvement*.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th April 2018

12th April, 2018.

Yes: it’s definitely Thursday.

And I’m starting to wonder what’s been happening with my YouTube account.

Seemingly?

Whenever I try an look for a video I’ve already uploaded?

YouTube tells me my channel doesn’t exist.

Lord knows what’s going on, there … 

I’ll have to start … you know … asking awkward questions.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-4-2018: Apollo 13

11th April 2018.

Good … *Yawn* morning, everyone.

Although, saying that?

I actually feel as if I’ve had enough sleep.

Despite being ill, last night: and having the day off.

The guts were playing up, again.

Which means a loss of income, obviously: NOT something I like.

But there we go.

Hopefully?

Hopefully, I’ll be sorted with some sort of permanent position: although, right now?

I’m sceptical about it happening.

The only upside?

The only upside to the day off, yesterday, is simply this.

I managed to catch an entertaining film, last night.

~≈§≈~

Raw: that’s more like it …

10th April, 2018.

Yep, it’s officially official.

Bell’s Palsy couldn’t stop me.

My grinding intestines?

Bloody well could!

I hate that when it happens.

Frankly?

It means — as I’m sure you’re aware, by now — a loss of income.

With the finances being what they are, that’s not something I can afford to miss.

I have been stuck indoors … with only a movie collection for company.

One of those movies?

Was Raw.   And I think it’s a touch better than the last film I caught … 

~≈§≈~