Saturday 30 June 2018

NikNak’s Daily Teaser — 30th June, 2018

30th June, 2018.


It’s true: it’s another early Saturday start … 

And, frankly?

I’m actually felling a bit less knackered that usual.

That’s the benefits of an early night, I think.

~≈§≈~

Were you ever much of a fan of the Smiths?   The band?

I wasn’t.

Although I did buy a few of their early singles.   Morrissey and Marr managed to turn out some great indie pop.


Unfortunately?   Morrissey, the former Smiths frontman, has express some sympathy for former English Defence leader, Tommy Robinson.   AND for right wing party, For Britain: led by former UKIP member, Anne Marie Waters.

He’s made one or two similar comments, before hand.

Not something I’d’ve expected from the world’s best known animal rights activist and vegan.

But given that?

I’m not surprised he’s cancelled some upcoming tour dates.

He’s not said why … 

But there were protests planned.

~≈§≈~

Friday 29 June 2018

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

29th June, 2018.


Yep: ‘strange mood’ is one way of putting it.

I think I’m getting a sense of general malaise: caused by the simple fact today is payday … 

And the money I get … isn’t going to last much beyond today.

Wouldn’t you know it … ?

I do know that — last year — I got a tax rebate.   An honest to God, tax rebate.

Enough to put a chunk towards my rent, and get a new pair of glasses.

I’ve not had the form that tells me if I’m due another, this year.

And, frankly?   Much as I’d LOVE a great big chunk of money landing on my doorstep, I’m also realistic enough to realise I’ve never had a tax rebate, two years in a row.

I should coco … !

~≈§≈~

Thursday 28 June 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th June, 2018

28th June, 2018.


Hmmm … 

Money, money, money … 

Right at the moment … ?

I’m on Universal Credit, as you may or may not know.

Not much: but usually enough to help with the rent.

Even then, I’m begging, borrowing and stealing from anyone that’ll let me have money.

It’s a variable amount: the more I earn, the less I get in benefit.

Of course, if it’s a long month, where there’s — effectively — five paydays?

As there’s been for me, this month … ?

That counts as ‘the more I earn.’

Right at the moment … ?

I’m looking at a very tight month … 


~≈§≈~

Wednesday 27 June 2018

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

27th June 2018


I have to confess, I’m pleasantly surprised.

I had a sneaky look at my YouTube account, last night.

On my phone.

Which told me I had five hundred and ninety subscribers.


So I double checked, when I got home.


Yes.

Definitely five hundred and ninety.

Mostly, I suspect, eyeballing the film clips I’ve managed to post.


But still … 

It’s nice to see there’s a few of them, there … !

Thanking you, whoever you are!

~≈§≈~

I know I’m trying to move on quickly, at the point.

But … ?

I’m also aware of one piece of news.

Saddleworth Moor, up in the Peak District is one of the UK’s most beautiful parts of the world.

But it’s doing something I can’t remember seeing happen in the UK, in my lifetime.



We have a wild fire on the moor.

I’m … 

Well, obviously concerned for people, there: and hoping everyone’s safe.

But … ?

That’s a wild fire.

In the UK.

That’s the first I can remember seeing in the UK … 

~≈§≈~

Tuesday 26 June 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th June, 2018

26th June, 2018.


Oh, my word, I’ve got last night’s episode of I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue.

And it has to be said, Caroline Quentin’s doing rather well for a first timer!

And as for what Samantha’s doing … !

Well … !

~≈§≈~

Can I make a (quick) confession?   And it’s not that often I talk about work.

I took a call on Sunday: for someone seeking temporary accommodation in Kensington and Chelsea, one of the clients my company takes out of hours calls for.

The man’s flat had burned down.

Two others in the building been affected by fire.

And police and the fire brigade were in attendance.

The block, I should should, was in a street called Appleford Road.

I though to myself, at the time?   That that would get a mention in the news.

Post Grenfell, a fire in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea would.

It did.

Going by this piece, the fire’s been noted by the BBC: was in Appleford Road, in Ladbroke Grove, in Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

Well, the fire had been noted … 

As had the fact that the police had — in one flat — found a body.

What got me immediately email work to key them know they might want to pass details of the call, and the recording of the call, to the police?

Was that the chap who phoned it in, said they flats had ‘exploded’ … 

And that there were rumours petrol was involved.

Petrol.

As far as I know … ?   Petrol’s never involved with fires, accidentally.

I have a feeling that fire was started deliberately.

And in order to hide evidence … 

~≈§≈~

Monday 25 June 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th June, 2018.

25th June, 2018


Yep, that’s right … I’ve got my laundry going in the background.

Because?

I worked yesterday: which is my usual laundry day.

So, right now?   I’ve got my pants on the go.

Which is possibly too much information, but there you go.

Frankly?

My only hope is that my pants are dry by the time I need them.

~≈§≈~

Something else I mentioned, over the weekend?

Was the Bombe: the device invented by Alan Turing, and used Bletchley Park to decode German Enigma traffic during World War Two.

The rotors on it?   Moved: while they were working out the start position of the rotors on the Enigmas, stopped when they’d got an answer … and ticked whilst working.   

They stopped ticking, they’d — metaphorically — exploded.


I’ve only seen one, once: on my last visit to the Museum, there.

According to this report?

The replica Bombe at Bletchley Park has now been moved, next door: to the National Museum of Computing.

I’d love to see it, there.

~≈§≈~

Sunday 24 June 2018

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

24th June, 2018.


Yes: it’s a Sunday: one where I’ve actually had something approaching sleep.

Which helps: as it’s a Sunday where I’m up early to get to work for nine.

Fair enough.

But, given the delays on the train, this week?

I’m concerned that today — as the past few Sundays — there’s going to be a bus replacement service … 

As lovely as a bus ride is … ?

I’d rather be on the train.

It is, in these situations?

Quicker … 

~≈§≈~

Saturday 23 June 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd June, 2018.

23rd June, 2018


Or, at least … I’ll fall asleep on the train …

Assuming it’s not been replaced by a bus.

Or been delayed.

Usually, the trains from Brentwood to Shenfield — that form the first part of my journey to work — aren’t delay that much.

At least, not by more than a minute or two.

On Monday, though?

We had half an hour’s wait.

Half a bloody hour.

This was compounded … 

By the fact delays, on yesterday’s trip.

A signalling failure.

In Ilford!

Yes, you’re right.

‘Bloody irritated’ isn’t the phrase!

~≈§≈~

Friday 22 June 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-6-18: Newcomers

22nd June, 2018


Yes: I didn’t spill me tea.

Well … 

Much … !

Nothing a cloth couldn’t solve.

I’m getting old … !

~≈§≈~

Right, while we’re at it … ?   Or about it … ?

I like TV: and will happily admit I’m not a sports fan.

So, normally?

Don’t watch football.

And TEND to ignore tennis, as well.

But … ?

Did notice that the BBC iPlayer will be screening this years Wimbledon championship in glorious 4K.

Via the iPlayer.

Frankly?

Long may that reign.

Again, I’m thinking of the pub game, here: where, in all of the fourteen years I was pulling pints, management’s biggest cost — out side of beer, food and staff? — was TV subscriptions.

Just as an example?   I worked in one pub where the area manager decided to cut cost for the year, and cancel its Sky TV subscription.   We lost half a dozen potential customers that first day: all of whom walked in, asked if we were showing the next big game … 

And walked out, just as quickly, when they found out we couldn’t.

So the fact that the BBC is airing World Cup games, and the upcoming tennis, for free, to anyone with a smart TV, or TV box?

Including pubs?

Is only good.

~≈§≈~

Thursday 21 June 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21st June, 2018

21st June, 2018.


Yes: it’s the Summer Solstice.

Or, at least?   It’s the Summer Solstice … if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere!

It’s the middle of winter, of course: if, like regular readers, @BudgetDude and @MrDStrict … ?

You’re south of the equator, and it’s the middle of winter, and the Winter Solstice.

At any rate … ?

I’m knackered … 

Knackered … on the day daylight’s going to be hanging around … 


~≈§≈~

Oh, while I’m here … ?

I mentioned in yesterday’s Teaser that English schools were facing a dilemma.

And gave you my thoughts about it.

The other bit of tech news that caught my eye?

Was the fact one hundred Microsoft staff had written to Satya Nadella, the company’s CEO: protesting about the US government’s use of Microsoft services in the various processing centres that had separated asylum seeking families.

Which looks like it’s over, thankfully: after an international outcry.

My personal thinking … ?

Was sort of mixed.

Had Microsoft withdrawn any services provided to the US government, it would have forced the government to look at alternative software providers: including open source options like LibreOffice, OpenOffice or Thunderbird mail.

Something I’ve believe would be a better — and cheaper — option for a government.

They’d save taxpayer’s money.

It’s a little late for that, now, I think.

Firstly?   The President’s has signed an executive order: that eases up on separating children from their families.

Thankfully.

Secondly?

I’ve had the impression for many years, that most of the IT industry is a touch left wing.

That the makers of most open source software?   Like their colleagues in Microsoft?

Would ALSO have objected.

~≈§≈~

Wednesday 20 June 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th June, 2018.

20th June, 2018.


Yes, I’m back at work, today.

And frankly?

I’m thinking I’ve got an extended run: from today until next week.

With no actual day off until next week.

Frankly.

It’s money: so I can’t complain much.

But, BOY, I’ll be looking forward to time off.

~≈§≈~

Something I noticed on the Tech news, yesterday … ?

Was that UK education is having a specific issue.

Recently, the UK’s various education authorities has toughened computer science classes: making them harder to do.

And less appealing to kids.

One reason for the UK’s tech sector doing so well?   Is simply that kids get interested as youngsters.

They certainly did, when I was young.

Most of the coders and IT people my age?   All grew up, as I did, working out how to make a ZX Spectrum — or BBC Micro, or Oric, what have you — go beeeeeeep*^ when you pushed a button.

At ANY rate … I think making the classes harder will be a bad thing, long term.

There’s something else.

I know — as an adult — I did what’s called the European Computer Driving License: a computer literacy course.

I knew most of it.

But wanted the paperwork that said I’d done it … to reassure potential employers that I could sit in an office, use a computer, and not melt down, working out how to switch the thing on.

And have the impression that, until recently, that’s what ‘computer science’ classes focused on.   Making sure people had a basic level of computer literacy: enough to be able to function in today’s modern society.

I think these days?

Using a computer — a tablet, laptop, phone, till, what have you — is on a par with reading and writing, or driving.

A basic skill that makes life a lot easier.

Frankly, these days?

I think compulsory computer literacy glasses would be good.

Leaving the tougher science classes for later.

~≈§≈~

Tuesday 19 June 2018

American Horror Story — Series 6: Roanoke — Chapter 9 and Chapter 10.

19th June, 2018.


OK, OK, SUE me … !

I happen to like Jean Michel Jarre.

Or, at least, his earlier stuff: including Equinoxe.


That’s not why I’m here, though … 

There’s possibly a LOT of reasons why I’m here … 

One of them … ?

Is that I’ve just seen the last two episodes of American Horror Story, series 6, Roanoke … 

And yes: that was a good little series … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-6-2018: Garfield.

19th June, 2018


Yeah … 

Watching American Horror Story definitely leaves you with an ear worm or two.


Even if — in my case — you can’t actually sing them.

At any rate, and if you’re in the UK?

Do you remember those ever so slightly creepy Metz adverts back in the 90s?

The Judderman ones?


Yeah … 

That’s what I thought, the minute I clapped eyes on Gaga’s outfits … 

~≈§≈~

Monday 18 June 2018

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

18th June, 2018.


I think we can say I’m not a football fan.

No: really: I’m not a football fan: as I managed to mention in last night’s post about American Horror Story.

Roanoke is looking rather good, I should add: they’ve hideously slaughtered Kathy Bates, twice.

At ANY rate … I was making the point that I thought the first England games was on, tomorrow night: and made the point that — as I had the day off? — I wouldn’t be watching it.

Turns out I got the date wrong.

It seems the games on, tonight.

I still — hopefully — won’t watching it.
A)  I’m not a fan.
B)  I’m at work.
What more can I tell you … ?

~≈§≈~

Talking of productivity?

Which we weren’t, but you can see the drift, I hope.

The World Health Health Organisation has announced it’s adding video game addiction to its list of its list of mental health conditions.

Frankly?   Giving my own personal history, I’m very aware it’s something I need to keep an eye on.

I’m VERY aware getting hooked on something — from alcohol, to video games, to gambling — is not a good thing.

And can have a serious effect on health, and productivity.

~≈§≈~

American Horror Story — Series 6: Roanoke — Chapter 6, Chapter 7 and Chapter 8.

17th June, 2018


No: you’re right …

I’m not especially devout, either.

But … ?

I’m not a fan of football.

Quite what to point at, that makes me distinctly uninterested in the world’s national game … ?

I really couldn’t tell you.

Suffice to say …

Suffice?

Ha!

At any rate: I’m not one for the football: having grown up when BBC1 screened first division games.

And would delay delay Dr Who, if need be, when a game went into extra time.

Something that’s left me preferring to not watch the silliness if it’s on.

And not recognising a professional footballer should he walk into somewhere I’m working.

Which is true, actually.   We had Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock turn up at one pub I worked in, not long after he did I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here.

I thought he’d been on Big Brother.

And, equally as honestly?   I’d probably only recognise Vinnie Jones because he’s been in a couple of films I’ve seen.

Not because of his footballing career.

At any rate, the point I’m trying to make?

Is that I’m not a football fan.

And that, given I’ve a day off, during the 2018 World Cup?

I wasn’t actually planning to watch the games.

~≈§≈~

Sunday 17 June 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-6-2018: Our Ken.

17th June, 2018.


Thai food … 

Yep: it was another family night out.

And, yep: at a local Thai restaurant: part off a chain called Lemongrass.

Something I have to admit I was slightly unsure of: as I’d never had Thai food.

I went with the relatively mild sounding Weeping Ang … Weeping Tiger … !

Basically?   Steak with tamarind sauce.   Kind of like a very sweet soy sauce, if you can imagine such a thing.

Hmmm … 

I THINK I was impressed: impressed enough to want to go again.

~≈§≈~

Saturday 16 June 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-6-2018: Our Ford and Master.

16th June, 2018.


Yep … I’ve got the weekend off!

Tonight … ?   Actually seems me off at a posh (ish!) family meal: celebrating my sister, Anna‘s birthday.

At Brentwood’s only Thai restaurant.

Which looks good.

Although I HAVE to admit … I couldn’t tell you how to pronounce the names!

~≈§≈~

While we’re here … ?

Or, at least, you’re there, and I’m here?

You’re aware that I’ve been concerned about the possibilities of fire in my area: and others.

And seen the various fires reported by the BBC over the past few days.

The one today … ?

Is in Glasgow.

At the School of Art.

For the second time in four years: it, and the Mackintosh Building were being restored after that that last fire, and were due to re-opened next year.

It’s hard to see.

What’s harder … ?

Is the simple question.

“How did this happen … again?”

~≈§≈~

Friday 15 June 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th June, 2018

15th June, 2018.


Yep: I’ve actually not just got tomorrow off: but Sunday, too.

It means … ?   I’ve got the weekend off!

The first one I’ve taken voluntarily … 

For some time.

Frankly?

I’m looking forward to it!

~≈§≈~

While I’m here … ?

I’m on Universal Credit: a government benefit that’s claimed by many, and designed to replace many others.

I get it?   To help with my rent.

I’ve ALSO felt it’s badly handled.

The benefits it replaces?   Were paid fortnightly.   Universal Credit?   Monthly.

When I was fully unemployed?   Monthly pay is something I know I struggled with: especially after a lifetime of weekly and fortnightly pay.

Granted, right now?   I’m doing ok, so far.

But when I went onto it?

It took quite some time to get payment.

Today?

The National Audit Office has ALSO criticised the thing.

Arguing that it’s more expensive than the benefits it’s replacing.

And … ?

That late payment’s an issue for many people.

Personally?

I’m glad someone agrees with me!

~≈§≈~

Thursday 14 June 2018

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

14th June, 2018.


No, really … 

I’ve got something serious for you.

That’s if you don’t mind me burbling on about my street?

Here … 


That video’s the result of many things.

Partly?   It’s a response to the Grenfell Tower fire: today’s the first Anniversary, so you know.

But ALSO … ?

If you don’t mind me being blunt, it’s ALSO a response to the area I’m in.

I live in Brentwood: near the station.

My particular part of the area has — as I feel the video shows— always been heavily congested: with parked cars impeding any emergency vehicle access.

That’s something that’s been concerning me for the decade I’ve lived here.

And something — if memory serves — that also affected emergency vehicle access around Grenfell Tower, this time last year.

The congestion is something I thought — initially — wouldn’t last long.   The other end of Rollason Way was still a building site, when I moved in.

How long, I asked myself, would it stay a building site?

About three years, as it turns out.

Now … ?   The congestion’s being caused — mostly — by parked cars and delivery vans … 

And the building work around the corner.

The more things change …

~≈§≈~

That’s ONE thing.

The other?

We have what’s called a ‘stay put’ policy in place.

In other words?   In other words, if a fire breaks out in one of the flats on Rollason Way, other people are supposed to stay in theirs.

The compartmentalisation in these buildings is supposed to protect us.

One thing I DO know?   Is that the Grenfell Tower enquiry has highlighted the fact that — when it was refurbished a few years ago — the various works done affected this compartmentalisation: meaning the fire spread faster.

The blocks, here, haven’t been refurbished: they’s still relatively new.

But?

That was enough for me to contact my landlord: to see if the policy was to be reviewed.

I’ve not heard back.

Oh, I’ll contact my landlords.

And possibly the fire brigade.

But it is rather worrying … 

~≈§≈~

As is one final thing.

RIGHT now, the BBC are reporting a fire in a block of flats in Lewisham.

One that sounds like it could’ve been worse.

The report … 

Highlights the fact the alarms hadn’t gone off.

Don’t even get me started … 

We don’t have communal fire alarms …

~≈§≈~

Wednesday 13 June 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13th June, 2018

13th June, 2018.


Yes: I’m officially stripy … !

One of these these days?   I’ll learn how to make sure Photo Booth DOESN’T do that.

Saying that?   I’m not actually complaining TOO much.

My first computer was a ZX Spectrum.

Practically anything is an improvement*.

~≈§≈~

Oh, before we head for the Teaser?

Have you bought a phone — with a credit or debit card — from Carphone Warehouse?

The BBC are reporting that the company has had as data breach: involving a LOT of personal and payment card details.

It might just pay you to change any passwords.

~≈§≈~

Tuesday 12 June 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-6-2018: Russia.

12th June, 2018.


Yes, sorry about that!   I’ve actually managed to find the basic audio filters on iMovie.

Hubba, Hubba!

OK, that’s possibly not much of an achievement.

But it does mean I can tweak any coming Teaser videos: for amazing, and outrageous comedic effect.

Yeah … right … !

~≈§≈~

Monday 11 June 2018

American Horror Story — Series 6: Roanoke — Chapter 4 and Chapter 5

11th June, 2018.


Yes, OK … sue me!

But I’m still going to like Jean Michel Jarre’s mid-seventies albums.

Saying that?

I can’t help but notice he did an album of stock music.   In 1973: effectively predating Oxygène.

Here’s hoping the blessed thing gets released on iTunes!

~≈§≈~

At any rate … ?

Explaining my choice of background music is not why I’m here.

No … 

I told you — last night — I’d made a start on American Horror Story’s sixth series, Roanoke.

And though you might to want to know … 

That, yes … I‘ve seen two more episodes.

And guess what?   Gaga’s starting to talk … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-6-2018: The Day We Went To Bangor …

11th June, 2018.


Yes … 

I got sleep, last night … 

But not as much as the night before!

Saying that … ?

I think I can say I had good reason.

Basically … ?

I’d no movies to watch: nothing was grabbing me on iTunes, and frankly?

Frankly, Black Panther has spent a long time as a ‘Pre-order’ only movie.

Which I can’t help but feel has given Pirate Bay users a field day!

At any rate … ?

At any rate, I’ve actually managed to catch the opening three episodes of American Horror Story, sixth series, Roanoke, last night.

It’s possibly the best series, yet.

I certainly know this.

It also looks like it’s going to be giving Angela Bassett a run for the money.

~≈§≈~

American Horror Story — Series 6: Roanoke — Chapter 1, Chapter 2 and Chapter 3.

10th June, 2018


Yes: I’m not lying.

I had planned to watch a movie, tonight.

No, really.

I honestly had planned to watch a film.

But … ?



With Black Panther still only available to pre-order on iTunes and Amazon, possibly giving good old fashioned video pirates a chance to earn money?





And with nothing in the collection grabbing my attention … ?

I fancied watching something … available … and watchable.

So … I looked in my collection of TV box sets.

Yes.

I’ve got all of the currently available copies of American Horror Story.

With nothing else grabbing my attention … ?

I thought getting started on series 6, Roanoke, might just repay me.

So far … ?

~≈§≈~

Sunday 10 June 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th June, 2018

10th June 2018.


Yep: it’s true … I’ve a day off.

Today and tomorrow.

I’ve got work to do, though.

Frankly?

Being single is lovely: but does men no-one’s around to volunteer to do the laundry … 

Which reminds me … 

I possibly need to put my teatowels through the wash … 

~≈§≈~

Saturday 9 June 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9th June 2018.

9th June, 2018.


Yes: I’m officially as tired as a tired bloke, tiredly yawning on Twitter: and here’s hoping THAT gets retweeted about a bit … !


I wouldn’t mind knowing how many people yawn as a result … !

Which reminds me … apparently, we don’t do contagious yawning if we have a form of schizophrenia.   Or autism.

But DO, if we are a human who doesn’t have those conditions … 

Or we’re a chimp … 

Amazing what getting distracted at this time of the morning can do for you … 

~≈§≈~

Friday 8 June 2018

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8th June, 2018.

8th June, 2018


Oh … yeah … it’s Friday … !

And, yes: I’m looking forward to my next day off, Sunday.

Frankly?   Catching up with sleep will be good, as would … well … all sorts of things.

~≈§≈~

Actually … ?

Not being a mussel would be .

I’ve got Radio 4’s Today program on in the background: as ever.

In amongst the daily updates on Brexit, other stuff about Brexit, and the Cabinet’s feuds — triggered by Brexit — there’s been a report …

That all mussels bought in shops are contaminated by seaborne micro-plastic waste.

That’s … 

Well, frankly?   I’ve never really been one for shellfish.

The effect we’re having — on our own diets — is one more reason for me to not try it.

~≈§≈~

Oh … 

One more thing … 

You’ve realised that I’m not a football fan.   But am a technology watching ex-barman.

One who’s noticed that Amazon have bought the rights to screen various English Premier League football matches from 2019.

I’m THINKING that could have a big impact on the pub trade.

As — if I’ve understood things correctly, and depending on the price structure — all a pub; would need would be a Fire stick, and an Amazon Prime subscription.

Which, from what I could see?   Are a LOT cheaper than the prices Sky and BT charge pubs.

Frankly?

If the hospitality industry can move fast on this — in negotiating those prices — it could save itself a fortune on costs.

And stop pubs getting done from buying fully loaded kodi boxes.

~≈§≈~