Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31st July, 2018

31st July, 2018.

Yes: I’ve officially forgot to tape last night’s I’m Sorry, I Haven’t a Clue.

Frankly?

I’m grateful for the BBC’s catch up services: it means I can listen to the episode, while I write.

But ALSO … that I have a tough job trying not to laugh, whilst typing.

Always difficult, that.

At ANY rate … ?

I’m planning to set the timer for Sunday’s repeat.

I’d like to complete the set.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th July, 2018.

30th July, 2018.

Yep: I’m on a short week, this week.

And, understandably?

I’m having mixed feelings about it.

Yes: I’m going to be using holiday time to pad out my hours.

Otherwise I’d be getting paid less, next week.

On the other hand?

At least I’ve some time off coming.

That’s an upside: at least I’d be able to clean, launder, maybe catch a movie, or two.

But?

Right now, I’ve got two quid left for the rest of the week.

I’ll let your imagination do the rest, shall I … ?

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-7-2018: NASA

29th July, 2018.

It’s got to reiterated: it’s a Sunday.

I’m up WAY too early: but that’s what I’m getting paid for!

But I have to say … I actually got some sleep, last night.

Well …

After reading a few more pages of a book.

The book at bedtime at the moment?

Is LeGuin’s The Other Wind.

And … ?

My word, the woman’s prose was gorgeous!

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th July 2018

28th July, 2018

Yep!

We’ve had — for the first time since at least May — we’ve had …

Wait for it … 

Rain … !

Frankly, I’m thankful.

It means today looks like’s going to be genuinely cooler than it’s been.

Than. heavens for that!

~≈§≈~

As another point … ?

And just quickly?

It seems the cast of Star Wars Episode 9 have been announced: and adds Richard E. Grant to the regulars.

You can just tell the former Great Intelligence will be playing a member of the First Order, can’t you … ?

It sounds good.

But?

I don’t know about you, but I’m very aware there’s no new footage of the late Carrie Fisher in there.

Nothing new from one of the cast members who shaped both modern sci-fi, the Star Wars franchise, and — in her role as a script doctor — even Hollywood, itself.

Nothing … 

I … am still sad about that woman’s death, even now …

I can only hope Star Wars Episode 9 is a good memorial.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-7-2018: A wild Hare.

27th July, 2018.

It is — I’m told — Furnace Friday.

I’ve got Radio Four’s Today programme on in the background: which is something of a tradition, for me.

So on top of the Amber warning the Met office have issued?

There’s the possibility of thunderstorms.

We could be looking at flood warnings.

Although I’d rather just have the thunderstorms.

We need to get the air cleared.

~≈§≈~

On top of that … ?

On top of that, we’re expecting a Blood moon, tonight: a Lunar eclipse, in other words.

Given the timings?

It’ll hopeful be visible on the way home from work.

Assuming, of course … 

That the skies are clear.

Oy!

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-7-2018: Potsdam

26th July, 2018.

It’s not that often Britain has heatwaves.

For, of course, a given value of ‘heatwave.’

It’s hot, it’s sweaty, it’s distinctly uncomfortable.

And, what’s more?

I seen the BBC’s got this weather as a near enough permanent news story.

The Met Office is issuing warnings.

All told?

The fact Brentwood’s supposed to be expecting a thunderstorm, today … ?

Isn’t exactly reassuring … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th July, 2018

25th July, 2018.

Yep: I managed to turn off the sound, there, just in time!

Otherwise you’d’ve ended up with an intro video where I’d be yelling of the top of Mishal Hussein and Justin Webb.

Possibly a good thing: although it depends on what they were talking about … !

At ANY rate … ?

Yesterday saw me having to take a day off: after my innards flared up.

Not something I want, as, after all, it means a loss of income.

But at least I managed to catch iBoy, last night.

Which is rather fun, if you like mildly cyberpunked urban gangsters.

~≈§≈~

iBoy — Review

24th July, 2018.

You know, there are plenty of things, I could be saying, right about now.

Really.

I’ve had the day off ill, today.

The guts have been playing up, again.

I swear, I will have to do something about that.

The possibility of implanting my personality into a younger body?

Has some appeal.

The fact I’m sitting here, sweating like an especially sweaty person, on a hot night in southeast England?

Is something else.

And, yes, I realise that’s not a pleasant image.

If it pleasant?

I’d rather you weren’t reading this, frankly.

There’s website’s for the sort of thing.

At any rate, I’m kind of grateful, at the moment.

That I’m the proud owner of an iMac.

One that, like any Mac, these days, lets me navigate around its interface … using assorted keyboard commands.

Hitting the Ctrl button and the Left and Right cursor buttons lets me navigate between the alternate desktops.

Cmd and Tab lets me switch between apps.

Is handy.

Especially when my mouse is recharging.

What CAN I tell you … ?

Apart from yes.

That is Kraftwerk playing in the background: Radio Activity, if you must know.

And, yes.   I’ve used my time to sit in front of the TV and watch a movie.

The 2017 Adam Randall Netflix piece that is … <>iBoy</>.

The things got some heavyweights in there … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th July 2018.

24th July, 2018.

Right … 

It’s officially official.

This is one of the hottest period’s the UK’s face for some time.

I keep hearing people mention 1976: the last time things got this serious.

Frankly?

I might well have been layering the irony, in the intro.

But I’m also aware that — whilst I was watching The Call of Cthulhu — the Met Office released an Amber Health warning.

Because of the heat.

I’m thinking I want to be careful.

How about you … ?

~≈§≈~

While I’ve got your attention?

A little while ago, the BBC bless, them, had various articles about about the National Health Service.

It was, after all, seventy years old.

A couple of articles covered the NHS use of technology: and were fascinating reads.

There’s a lot of good stuff being done.

I’ve always thought there’s something useful they could do: or, at least, look at.

You might not know it, but there’s a movement within IT to promote various shades of what’s called open source software.

Most software, you’re not allowed to examine the source code: the underlying text that our computers execute, when we use an app.

The manufacturers would rather we buy it from them, without poking around in its guts.

The open source movement?

Allows us to.

The thinking is — if I’ve got it right — is that we’ve bought or downloaded it.   Therefore it’s our right to study that code, and make any improvements to it we can.

We can even share those changes.    That’s usually fine with the original makers of a given app: so long as we tell people what we’ve changed, and where we got the original.

There’s a lot of open source software out there that’s ALSO free: at least for home users.

Famously?   Android is based on the open source GNU/Linux operating system.   There’s also things like the Firefox browser, the vlc media player.

And the competing OpenOffice and LibreOffice office suites.

From the little I’ve read, many local government bodies have switched to the two suites: finding the total cost of ownership a lot more attractive than buying Microsoft Office*.

I realise there’s technical challenges.   Ones I couldn’t necessarily follow if you explained them to me with a big fish, and a laser pointer.

But I know they’re there.

I’m also aware that the biggest part of the cost of a switch to one of the open source office suites, would be staff retraining.

But I can’t help but think that making the switch to an open source apps.

Could save the NHS significant amounts of taxpayers money.

~≈§≈~

The Call of Cthulhu — A Review: Hello, Retro

23rd July, 2018.

OK, that’s the intro video done with.

Leaving me with something of a a conundrum.

Do I take five, or ten, minutes … to jump into the shower?

Actually?

It’s not a conundrum, at all.

I’ve just jumped in the shower.

Frankly, with a figure like mine, and on the hottest day of the year, a day when the Met Office has released an Amber Alert?

Washing off the sweat, makes sense.

Either way?

Can you blame a body for getting overheated?

I don’t think you can, to be blunt.

Especially not on a day like this.

Frankly?

It’s enough to make you stay in, it really is.

The only thing with that, of course?

Is having something to watch

Frankly, I did.

The 2005 film that is … 

The Call Of Cthulhu.

And, even this long after reading the original HP Lovecraft short story?

I stil don’t know how to pronounce Cthulhu … !

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd July, 2018

23rd July, 2018

Yep, I’ve got today off: and frankly?

House work beckons.

As does ironing shirts, washing pants, panicking about money, sending emails, putting teatowels on soak, and possibly a few other things.

Taking out my bin bags may be needed … 

Or possibly needful.

I don’t know, quite yet.

Either way?

I may just have to catch a movie or something.

But what’s frustrating?

I’m a bit of a fan of a few TV shows.

Dr Who, Mr Robot, American Horror Story, Stranger Things, Star Trek, Merlin … 

Quite a few.

The fact most of them don’t have new episodes dropping?

Well … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd July, 2018

22nd July, 2018.

Yep: it’s Sunday, and I’m off to work, in a bit.

Yes: I’ve got Radio Four on in the background.

And yes: it’s broadcasting the World Service, it’s that early in the morning.

Frankly … ?

You’d not think skateboarding’s that old, would you … ?

~≈§≈~

Just as a thought … ?

I saw this piece on the BBC’s news site.

Basically?

The European Space Agency are looking for names for their Mars rover.

I know it breaks the rules — as he died after 1993 — but I suggested Patrick Moore.

As his moon maps were used by NASA, and the Soviet Space Agency, as guides for their lunar explorations, it seems only right to honour him by naming a small part of exploring Mars.

What do you think … ?

~≈§≈~

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

21st July, 2018.

Yep: I’m working, today.

And tomorrow, as well.

Yes, strong tea is definitely helping.

Yes, I really do want to go back to bed.

And yes: I’m looking forward to my next day off!

Oy, veh!

~≈§≈~

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

20th July, 2018.

Yep: it’s official.

The trailer for Dr Who’s eleventh series — the first with Jodie Whittaker as the Thirteenth Doctor — was the official Dr Who Youtube channel: and BBC America’s.   Along side Jodie’s first appearance at the San Diego Comic Con.

Along side anything else?

I suspect a few of the clips in the trailer are from one or two episodes.

There’s quite a LOT of scenes with the 13th Doctor in the 12th’s outfit: so in the immediate aftermath of the regeneration.

You get to see the new sonic screwdriver in action.

No apparent shoots of the new TARDIS set … 

And still no date.

That’s a disappointment … 

But, it’s a nice trailer to see … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-7-2018: Le Metro

19th July, 2018.

OK, OK, I can hear you now: asking WHAT film … ?

What trailer?

This one: for the upcoming Queen biopic, Bohemian Rhapsody.

It has to be said, that looks rather good.

For starters?   Rami Malek’s English accent sounds good.

And the chap playing Bryan May?

Has the voice spot on!

I have to admit … I wouldn’t mind seeing that.

Although the strange part?

Is that the films makers look like they’ve got the Live Aid sections of the film SO spot, you could be back stage.

That’s the bit that feels weird, though.

I can remember seeing Live Aid on TV: only two bands played well that day.

Status Quo were one: opening the Global Jukebox, the concert the world saw, with Rockin’ All Over The World.

The other … ?

Well … 

It’ll be something to re-live …

~≈§≈~

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

18th July, 2018.

Yes: it’s Wednesday, and it’s decidedly a morning … of a day back at work!

Oy veh … !

It’s ALSO a morning where — as ever — I’ve got the radio on.

And something that’s cropped up … ?

Is that streaming services provided by Amazon and Netflix — and others like them — are now increasing popular: mores than many pay TV services from the likes of Sky, Virgin or BT.

That’s possibly a good thing.

Although it would be nice if I could afford them on a regular basis.

Not on my money!

Saying that?

I’m sure the finances will improve.

Either way?

It’s interesting to see how the technology has changed, and developed, over the years.

I’d love keep watching it …

~≈§≈~

Talking of watching?

You know I caught The Endless, on Sunday?

It opened with a quote — “The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.” — from H. P. Lovecraft.

Which got me thinking I should try and catch a film based on his work.

I caught The Color Out Of Space.

Interesting watch, that … 

~≈§≈~

The Color Out Of Space: Worth the Time

17th July, 2018.

OK, I’m definitely on to something, there.

That light?   The one Photo Booth seems to like me having on, when I record a video of myself?

Don’t half glare.

Possibly that’s my own fault for not wanting to switch the main light on.

Whatever.

At any rate … ?

It’s a Tuesday night.

Various bits and bobs have been done.

Including the fixing of my bathroom light.

You know?   The one that was only fitted a few months ago, by the chap who did my electricity check?

Yeah, you’d think a bulb would last, won’t you … ?

At additional any rate … ?!

I’ve ALSO got Japan’s Gentleman Take Polaroids on in the background.

Track 7: Nightporter, if you must know.

Strikes me the band put a lot of work into that, and a handful of other, tunes.

But that possibly suits my mood, right now.

Mildly sleepy, slightly mournful … 

And having watched a film: the 2010 movie adaptation of the H. P. Lovecraft short story, the Huan Vu directed, The Colour Out of Space.

And yes: it’s slow …

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th July, 2018.

17th July, 2018.

Yes … 

With predicted temperatures somewhere in the mid-twenties, it’s actually looking like it’ll be cooler than yesterday.

I don’t know about you … ?

But I’m looking forward to it: it’s a day off, and I’d like to get something of a breeze going through the flat.

It is a day off, after all … 

~≈§≈~

At ANY rate … ?

It’s a day off: one in which the gentle tones of this week’s episode of I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue on in the background.

And a possibly conundrum … of what, if anything, to watch, tonight.

We’ll see, shall we?

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-7-2018: Mo’ Money

16th July, 2018.

Yes: I’m right, aren’t I … ?

There’s interesting stuff doing the rounds.

For starters?

I’ve — as ever — got Radio 4’s Today programme on: and John Humphrys is giving a Russian hell.

Or getting hell from Sasha Baron Cohen.

One of the two.

At any rate, they’ve just had former Education Secretary, Justine Greening, on.

Whose calling for a three option, second Brexit referendum.

A three option Brexit, please note.

I HATE agreeing or endorsing anything said, done or even breathed on, by a Tory.

It’s on a par with asking Hilary Clinton to vote Republican.

But?   I’ve been thinking for months that we need a second referendum: one with exactly her suggestions.

The Government’s making a complete hash of it.

Her options?

• The soft Brexit proposed by Theresa May’s Chequers document.
• A Hard Brexit: leaving the EU with no deal.
• Staying in the EU.

Personally?

I don’t see it happening.

Mores the pity.

But I know I’d be happy to vote for staying in the EU.

~≈§≈~

Before I move on … ?

I actually manage to catch … the series 11 teaser trailer*.

Although whether it’s a trailer or not is generating discussion on Twitter.

At ANY rate?

I’m pleased to have seen it: it looks good.

But notice that, beyond the ‘Coming This Fall’ text on the US version?

There’s no actually airdate.

That’s disappointing … 

~≈§≈~

In amongst all this?

I managed to catch a film, last night.

One called The Endless.

Quite what to make of it?   I’m sure I couldn’t say.

But it’s an interesting film.

~≈§≈~

The Endless: A Review …

15th July, 2018.

You know, there comes a time …

No, let’s forget opening pretentiously, shall we?

I’m me.

And would far rather be blunt.

Ish.

I’d ALSO far rather be dancing the boo-ga-loo.   But am very aware my knees couldn’t take the strain.

And that at my age, and with my build … ?

Dancing is going to look undignified.

At least if nothing else, I can put some classic Japan on and tap my feet.

If I don’t look undignified … 

~≈§≈~

At any rate … ?

At any rate I’ve had a restful day off, today: dinner with the family, and some laundry, included.

Oh, and making movies with iMovie.   Teaser videos, anyway.

Experimenting with some of the filters can be handy … 

As you might have noticed, watching the intro.

I ALSO like watching TV: if there’s anything worth watching on.   As my family will tell you, the only reason I was interested in the World Cup final, today?

Was the fact the first teaser trailer with Jodie Whittaker’s 13th Doctor aired during half time.

Would’ve been nice to see an air date, there, but still …

It’s nice to see it.

It was ALSO nice to see what I eventually ended up seeing, tonight.

Yep: I sat down with the 2017 film, The Endless.

No … 

Beyond saying this is a good film?

I couldn’t quite tell you what I’ve seen.

~≈§≈~

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

15th July, 2018.

Right, then … it’s a Sunday … 

Which you’d possibly guessed.

Which means … ?

Well, frankly, dinner at my family’s, and finding out what my nephew, Jude, has been up to.

Oh … 

And try and get some laundry done!

It might JUST pay me to put a few things on the airer, as well … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-8-2018: Bastille Day.

14th July, 2018.

Yep: it’s a Saturday, and frankly?

It’s another early Saturday!

Yay!

~≈§≈~

You watch the news, don’t you … ?

I’ve just seen one piece go past.

That Sinn Fein’s former leader, Gerry Adams, has had an explosive through at his house: by dissident republicans, apparently.

I know the guy’s got blood on his hands: from his earlier career as the leader of the Provisional IRA.

But … 

Well … 

I think someone wants to upset the applecart.

That doesn’t help Northern Ireland.

~≈§≈~

Oh, one for the fans, by the way?

I’m not a football fan.

But I’m quite possibly going to be taping the half time section of the final, tomorrow.

Frankly?

The trailer for series eleven of Dr Who airs during half time.

I’d like to see that … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-7-2018: Friday the 13th

13th July, 2018.

Bugger!

Olga, Debbi, I’m sorry!

I deleted your answers for yesterday!

I am quite literally kicking myself!

All I can do here, is buy you both a (metaphorical, unfortunately) box of chocolates.

And give you both five out of five.

Is that OK … ?

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th July 2018

12th July, 2018.

Yep: England is officially out of the World Cup.

And frankly?

I couldn’t be happier.

I’m — if you hadn’t guessed — not a fan.

Oh, well done to the team for getting that far.

It has been a while.

But frankly, I’m just glad the rabid, noisy nationalism that always turns up at these dos!

~≈§≈~

I’m also … ?

Still stuck indoors!

The engineer didn’t turn up, yesterday.

OK, there’s still more that needs doing.

But, my word, getting out of the house would be nice!

~≈§≈~

I have to admit, in the midst of all the sitting around?

I’ve been form filling, teaser writing … and keeping an eye on the news.

I couldn’t help notice that we’re getting a visit from Mr Trump.

I don’t like the guy.

From what I’ve seen of the man’s general policies, I think the US head of state is … 

Objectionable: not only for his opinions on migrants, but also in his attempts to undo President Obama’s healthcare reforms.

Frankly?   Anywhere — or anyone — that decreases public health care provision is not somewhere I want to be: nor want to have hanging around the UK.

I’d love to join the protests, in other words.

And can’t help but notice he’s not spending that much time in London, where the bulk of them — and the balloon — will be.

Strikes me that NOT letting protests get to you?

Is a good thing for a politician … 

~≈§≈~

The other thing I noticed?

You realise it’s the Twelfth July?

A date importent to Unionists in Northern Ireland: and a date when Orange marches are a cause of contention in the area.

That’s the other thing I noticed, over the past couple of days.

There’s problems — and potentially armed, masked, men — in Northern Ireland.

Since the Good Friday Agreement, and the Troubles finished, there’s not been issues in the region.

But … ?

For me, seeing reports of burning cars, pipe bombs and masked men in the area?

Isn ’t good.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-7-2018

11th July, 2018.

I am officially going to be stuck indoors, today.

At least, until three thirty, when I go to work.

Waiting … for an electrician to turn up, to fix my birth room light.

Birth room?

Bathroom!

On the down side?

I won’t get out of the house until this afternoon.

On the upside?

At least I can fill in a few forms.

After yesterday’s doctor’s appointment?   I’ve a few that need doing.

~≈§≈~

As you might have guessed?

The England football squad will be facing Croatia, tonight: at seven pm BST.

As a non fan?

Good luck to the team.

But frankly?

I could happily ignore the game at work.

The jingoistic triumphalism that assumes that — as I’m alive and breathing — I’m going to wet my pants when Kane, Alli, Maguire et al, walk onto the pitch.

Is something I can’t ignore, as it’s thrust into my face, every time a game’s on.

Must to my protest.

If you’re watching the game?

Please do not inflict your assumptions — or the singing — onto me or other fans.

~≈§≈~

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

10th July, 2018.

Yes: I’m up early.

And yes: it’s for a doctors appointment.

In the wake of the CT scan I had, a couple of month ago.

I’m … well, there’s one or two bits I know, having had some of the results.

We’ll have to see what happens, won’t we?

~≈§≈~