Nik Nak’s Tenth Anniversary Teaser: 30-9-2018: Now We Are Ten …

30th September, 2018.

Yes … 

It’s Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar’s tenth birthday!

Here: here’s that very first post.

Just in case you’re interested … 

The blog started as an advert for the pub quizzes I was running, back then.

And as a way of freely publishing the question sets I used.

Quite frankly?   There were never enough free quiz questions around that quiz masters could use.

It’s evolved, since: morphing into a site that still hands out free quiz questions, but also tells you about movies and TV shows I’ve watched, technology I’ve used, Macs*, and practically anything else that came to mind.

I’ve learnt a few things, too.

Basic HTML tags, where to find legally useable pictures, when to give up on a copyright fight.

Which is a long story.

It’s a fascinating trip, and I’m planning to keep going.

You never know what’ll happen.

~≈§≈~

And what do I end up doing … ?

On this day … ?

What, I hear you ask, have I been doing … ?

Filling the bath with a kettle.

My boiler’s acting up … 

~≈§≈~

Actually, and JUST as a final note?

I’m ALSO going to thank both Debbi Mack, and Olga Nuñez Miret: and anyone else who’s comment, over the years.

You guys make this possible!

Thanking you for reading!

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th September, 2018: Well Met By Midnight.

29th September, 2018.

Yep.

I’ve got Mojave installed on my iMac: as I’m sure you’re possible aware, by now.

And have to admit, the overall speed things is nice: I think that’s a result of more apps having been re-written as 64 bit.

But, me being me … ?

I’m caught by the eye-candy.

I’ve managed to change all the highlights to a subtle shade of green.

I’m easily impressed.

~≈§≈~

Just as a quick thought … ?

Do you use Facebook?

I do: as do many people I know.

It’s helpful, sometimes: especially the messaging app.

However?

It seems there’s been a security breach.

I’m not sure I completely understand the technical side.

But I was one of those who had to log back in, yesterday.

As soon as I’ve time?

I’ll need to change my password … 

~≈§≈~

One LAST thing … ?

Tomorrow’s sees Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar’s tenth birthday.

Yes: there’s a teaser about it.

~≈§≈~

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

28th September, 2018.

Yes.   I’m decidedly knackered.

And, after asking around?

Have no extra shifts.

With no co-workers having any they need covering.

It’s frustrating … 

It’s ALSO something I’ve discussed with my agency.

They’d rather I stayed on — it is they’re income, after all — but are very aware that I’m …

• Not happy.
• Thinking of asking the job to lay me off.

It’s not everyone’s best option.

But, unless I get more hours?

Well … 

~≈§≈~

One NICE thing?

Is that we finally have both an airdate for The Woman who Fell to Earth … and a start time.

Doctor Who, series eleven, episode one, will be one Sunday, 7th October, 2018, at 6:45pm.

Well, finally … !

~≈§≈~

Nik Oak’s Daily Teaser — 27-9-2018: World Tourism Day

27th September, 2018.

Right … 

I was going to include a picture with today’s post.

AND a video.

But right now … ?

Blogger seems to be playing silly buggers: and refusing to upload photos and videos directly to the page where we draft our posts.

I’m using Safari version 12, on macOS 10.14, have cleared my caches and history.

What’s happening?

I’m blowed if I know.

(Would you know it, by the time I get to finishing the post … ?   The issue’s corrected itself …)

~≈§≈~

As a follow up though?   And something I know I mentioned on the write up I did about The last few episodes of American Horror Story’s seventh series, Cult?

I’m … facing a crisis at work.

As I’ve mentioned already, I’ve been rota’d for just one shift, next week.

That leaves me with a horrible dilemma.

Do I leave work?

Yes, it’s now basically uneconomic to stay.

But the horrible thought is that — should I hand in my notice, or walk out — I face having any benefits suspended.

However temporarily, that’s not something I relish.

I don’t face that problem if I’m sacked.   Which doesn’t look good on the CV.

Nor do I have that problem if I’m laid off.

You can possibly see where I’m heading, can’t you?

I’m thinking asking management to lay me off would be a good idea.

Thoughts, please!

~≈§≈~

American Horror Story — Series 7: Cult — Episode 9, 10 And 11: Drink the Kool-Aid, Charles (Manson) in Charge and Great Again.

26th September, 2018.

Right … 

You’ve possible may or may not know it … but I’m having trouble at work … 

Basically, the amount of shifts, next week … ?

Are down to one.

Too long for Dick and too short for Richard.

After seeking VARIOUS bits of advise … ?

In in a situation where — with the way the benefit systems works — I can’t walk out or hand in my notice.

I have to be sacked or laid off: in order to not have problems, claiming.

It’s … frustrating.

~≈§≈~

On the up-side?

For starters, the time I invested in upgrading from macOS High Sierra to Mojave is … time well spent, I think.

Dark mode is bloody distracting … but the dynamic wallpaper — that slowly changes from day to night — is rather nice.

As is the handle bar: the one that lets you adjust the screens in split screen mode?

Strikes me that’ll be useful.

~≈§≈~

But I’m distracted, here, aren’t I … ?

By eye-candy!

I MEANT to tell you about the last three episodes of American Horror Story, Cult.

~≈§≈~

Nik Oak’s Daily Teaser — 26th September, 2018

26th September, 2018.

Hmmm … 

I think I’m having a bad few days.

I’ve found out my shifts, next week: and I’ve got one.

Between you and me?

I’m not happy.

And will probably seeking advice.

I’ve certainly sent my agency a word, I’ve sent round the usual email to see if co workers need Shifts covered*, I’ve had a conversation with serious management … 

And I’m seriously thinking of a word with the Job Centre, the Citizen’s Advise Bureau, and ACAS.

If readers could send encouraging thoughts, I’d be thankful.

~≈§≈~

There’s upsides to the time off.

For starters, I’ve been able to at least talk to people about the work situation.

But have also managed to update my iMac.

It’s now running macOS Mojave: 10.14, if you want the numbers.

So far … ?

I’m not totally convinced by the new Finder layout … 

The side bar on the right hand side’s seems useless, but that’s after one day’s use.

Dark Mode’s a bit odd.

But the speed everything’s operating at … ?

Is noticeably improved.

I think that’s the 64-bit features, I think.

Oh, and the sand dune, dynamic wallpaper?

Slowly switches from a day or night view, depending on the time of day.

I’m actually looking forward to this.

~≈§≈~

American Horror Story — Series 7: Cult — Episode 7 and 8: Valerie Solanas Died for Your Sins: Scumbag and Winter of Discontent.

25th September, 2018.

Yes.

It’s a Tuesday, it’s a day off, and it’s a day off where I’ve had … 

Difficult times.

It turns out … ?

I’ve got one — one! — shift for next week: the week commencing 1st of October.

I’ve sent around the usual email, to see if anyone needs me to cover a shift or two.

I’ve ALSO spoken to my agency — I’m a temp, so different sets of employment rules apply — to my agency, and asked them to keep an eye peeled for alternative employment.

But … ?

I’m getting sick of begging for work.

It’s demoralising, to say the least.

~≈§≈~

At any rate … ?

I should point out two things, shouldn’t I … ?

First … ?

I’ve been a Mac fan for some time.

And I’ve finally managed to get an chance to upgrade to macOS Mojave, 10.14.

So far, so good.

It seems to be bedding in well, although there was a hang or two, when it initially tried to sign me into iCloud.

Hopefully, though, it shouldn’t give me as much trouble as previous upgrades*†.

~≈§≈~

At any rate … ?

At any rate, I’ve managed to catch seem more TV, tonight.

More episodes of American Horror Story’s Cult.

Hmmm … 

~≈§≈~

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

25th September, 2018.

Yep: I’ve got today — and tomorrow — off.

Given the finances?

That’s not something I’m entirely pleased about, as, to keep the weekly wages up, I have to use up my holiday pay.

Annoyed?

Yes.

I’m also STILL aware that next week’s rota has STILL not been posted.

I have alerted my agency, understandable, still convinced it’s a horrible mistake, still waiting to hear from the relevant manager … 

We’ll have to see …

~≈§≈~

Post The Bodyguard?

Post The Bodyguard, the BBC’s News channel — or rather, Lizo Mzimba, the BBC News Entertainment correspondent — is given airtime to the premiere of The Woman Who Fell To Earth’s premiere, yesterday, in Sheffield.

I’d not’ve minded being at that.

At ANY rate, we’re getting coverage … 

We’ve got an airdate … 

But we still have no bloody story time … !

Annoyed … ?

Yes!

~≈§≈~

And FINALLY … ?

Apple have finally released macOS Mojave, the most recent version of its Mac operating system.

Which I managed to download, yesterday.

Download … but not yet install.

As I’ve got a couple of days off, the installation is something I can take my time over.

After I’ve done the usual back-ups, downloading of software, and what have you.

I’ve updated before now, am confident about doing these things …

But, as ever … ?

Am bloody nervous about it.

Wouldn’t you know it … ?

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-9-2018: Nevermind

24th September, 2018.

Yep, it’s official, I used to play guitar: badly, at that.

As you can possibly tell, if you watch until the end of the intro video.

Strange, I know: but even given that, I felt I should at least give the thing an airing: considering the days subject.

Yes.

You’d noticed the photo, hadn’t you … ?

~≈§≈~

I’ve got to admit, I’ve noticed something on Facebook.

Someone’s posted to a Dr Who group I’m in: claiming that the start date had been announced.

7PM, on the 7th, seemingly.

I’m not quoting that as definitive, though.

There’s nothing on the BBC website, yet, after all.

~≈§≈~

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

23rd September, 2018.

I officially think I’m … 

No … I know I’m feeling both my age, and the slight chill in the air.

To be fair?

It’s Five in the morning, and I’ve got another early start.

And frankly?

I’ve put the heating on, to try and take the edge of the chill.

Frankly?

I think my boiler’s struggling: as I’ve not used the heating for a few months.

What with one thing and another … ?

I’m going to be busy, tomorrow morning.

On — off duty — the phone.

~≈§≈~

I also wanted to highlight something else.

I’ve long taken an interest in technology: including the code breaking that took place at Bletchley Park, during World War 2.

So … ?

The new, recently, that computer historians have re-enacted de-coding Enigma traffic, with the site’s reconstructed Bombe?

Caught my attention.

Frankly, I wouldn’t’ve minded seeing that … 

~≈§≈~

There’s more.

I was a teenager in 1980s.   And you couldn’t escape the sound of Chas and Dave: you really could.

Pianist, Chas Hodges, died yesterday.   Which is sad.

The songs he wrote for the duo were well written bits of pop: and I still think There Ain’t No Pleasin’ You is a cracker of a love gone bad song.

And as for Gertcha …?

Well …

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-9-2018: One Web Day.

22nd September, 2018.

No, really … 

I’m not happy.

In point of fact, I’m fucking fuming: if you’ll excuse the language.

I’ve seen my rota for the week commencing 1st October.

I have no shifts for that week.

Why … ?

Why?

I have no idea.

The last time I had a One-to-One — the regular meeting we have with our supervisor, to discuss how we’re doing — was in June.

And, from what I could gather, back then … ?

Things were going — as far as I could tell — well.

So, seeing last week’s rota?   Where I was down to two shifts, until a couple of co-workers asked me to cover.

Is something I should maybe have taken as a hint.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21st September, 2018.

21st September, 2018.

Yes, it’s true: I’m getting too damn distracted by games!

Especially Backgammon and Meow Match!

Don’t even go there … !

Actually, Absolute Backgammon?

Is rather good.

The one with the kittens, though, is just a bit too cute … 

~≈§≈~

On other fronts?

If, like me, you’re something of a Dr Who fan, you’ll be pleased to see that there’s a new trailer, doing the rounds.

Which is interesting to see.   I’m thinking we’re hearing tinges of the new theme tune, where Jodie Whittaker’s encouraging us to subscribe.

Frustratingly, though … ?

There’s still no b•*§%y airdate.

Waily-Waily … 

To quote some of Terry Pratchett’s odder characters.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s daily Teaser — 20th September, 2018

20th September, 2018.

Yes: it’s Exciting Thursday!

It means we can sing, dance, jump up and down, and generally behave like gibbons.

Ha!

It always amazes me the amount of tripe I can dig up first thing in the morning!

~≈§≈~

Either way … ?

I’ve got the radio on, in the background: Radio 4, as ever, happily playing away.

And … ?

Apparently, the Prime Ministers of Malta and the Czech Republic have both announced they feel a second Brexit referendum would be a good idea.

Personally?

I like the idea.

Given I voted Remain in the original, back in the day, I’d hope that would be an option in any new vote.

But, if it does happen, I get the impression Remain wouldn’t be on the voting slip.

I’d rather it was: we as a nation made the biggest mistake of a generation in voting to leave.

And, frankly?

Anything that takes the decision out of the hands of politicians is a good idea.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-9-2018: Talk Like A Pirate Day

19th September, 2018: ye lubbers!

Yeah, blow doing that for a long time!

He says, eyeballing the Teaser video … … 

At any rate?

It’s Talk Like A Pirate Day.

So if you haven’t recorded a silly video and posted it somewhere … ?

Complete with a certain amount of corpsing?

I’ll be disappointed … 

~≈§≈~

If you’re in the UK, you’ll possibly know that the British Board of Film Classification is the body that gives films a certificate: one that will permit it to play in cinemas across the country.

Something that can be changed by local councils.

And something that’s been done by a few councils: for a film called A Northern Soul.   Most of the councils concerned have given it a milder classification than the BBFC.

All well and good.

I’ll be frank, though.

It’s the first time I’ve heard of it happening in a while.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th September, 2018.

18th September, 2018.

Yep: I’ve got a regret, again.

I would love a TV, with a bigger screen.

Especially when you consider I watched Solo: A Star Wars Story, last night.

Amazing stuff, I should add.

But … ?

The only regret I have about it?

Is my TV screen’s a bit too small!

It, and the rest of the recent Star Wars entries really do deserve a big screen!

~≈§≈~

I’ve also got to confess: I’m slightly jealous.

Of Japanese businessman, Yusaku Maezawa.

He’s been announced as one of SpaceX’s first Moon tourists.

I don’t know about you, but I’d love to be in Maezawa-san’s shoes!

Cash, hey … ?

~≈§≈~

Solo: A Star Wars Story — A Review

17th September, 2018.

Yes … 

I know I’ve possibly mentioned Japan — the band — before now.

In fact, I know I have.

But I’ll be frank, I like what I’ve heard of them: even those I’m listening to the seminal albums, including Quiet Life, some time after they were released.

What CAN I tell you … ?

Apart from “Enjoy ’em if you got ’em” … !

~≈§≈~

At ANY rate … ?

At ANY rate … 

I’ve had a night off.

One mostly spent laundering … laundering and making videos for the blog.

Pointless info, here: 30th September of this year marks Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar’s tenth birthday.

No, really: it wasn’t much of a post much of a post, but it went up on 30th September, 2008.

Which is ALSO something I wasn’t planning to mention.

No.

I was planning to tell you I’d seen a movie.

You’re right.

I’ve watched the Ron Howard* directed … Solo: A Star Wars Story.

I know it’s had some flack: but I liked it.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-9-2018: Taking A Constitutional …

17th September, 2018.

Yes: it’s Monday.

And frankly, I’m in money troubles, already.

To be honest?

I’m having to send off a letter: to try and make sure I can keep reduced payments, reduced.

Wish me luck.

~≈§≈~

American Horror Story — Series 7: Cult — Episode 5 and 6: Holes and Mid Western Assassin

16th September, 2018.

Yes, I’m right, aren’t I … ?

That intro’s just a bit … you know … 

Odd … !

As for the comment at the END of it … ?



The less said, the better.

At any rate … ?



I’ve been at work, this morning: very early.   I officially — I think — have eyes that could do with closing.

Especially, having been up since four, and feeling rather tired.

And, having stared at a monitor for too long at work, what do I come home too?

MORE monitors.

Frankly?



I had a letter to write.

One that was much needed, and theoretically … ?   One that should help the cash flow.

~≈§≈~

Ha!

Frankly?



I don’t think much is going to make a difference to the cash flow problem, to be brutally honest.

Apart from maybe a lottery win.

A big lottery win.

One we could possibly describe as ‘humongous.’

I should be so lucky.

For starters, I can barely afford a lottery ticket.

For another?   I had to ask Siri how to spell ‘humongous’ … !

At any rate?

I’ve had a free evening: one I could catch more of American Horror Story Cult.

Yes: it’s still going strong … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th September, 2018

16th September, 2018.

OK, I think … 

No, I know … !

I’m getting too old for this sort of early morning.

Frankly?

I could do with … well, maybe being ten years younger.

Although, saying that … ?

I didn’t have a web cam on the computer.

You’re possibly thankful.

~≈§≈~

Did I mention I’m not especially religious?

Although I will admit to happily praying, when appropriate.   Making the assumption that someone’s listening, and — if nothing else — can just nod sympathetically, is something I often find helpful.

A vaguely religious piece of news has got me thinking, though.

You’ve possibly heard of Wonga: the loan company famous for loaning to anyone at high interest rates, regardless of whether they could afford the loan.

The company recently collapsed.

And, inevitably, there’s been all sorts of speculation about what will happen to it.

Including this piece.

It seems a senior member of the Labour Party has suggested the Church of England buy out the company’s loan book: in order to prevent further potentially exploitation of those debtors.

Personally?

I think it’s a nice idea.

Think it’s a nice idea.

I’m not necessarily convinced it’s a good idea.

I’m no economist, no theologian.

But I know that the Vatican has also had problems with the Institutum pro Operibus Religionis, the Institute for Religious Works.

The Vatican’s bank has been surrounded by controversy for many years, with a series of investments that don’t match it’s principles: and a series of Mafia-linked customers.

That’s one reason for not liking the idea.

The other?

Passages in all four Gospels of the Bible — Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48 and John 2:13-16 — tell us how Jesus kicked the moneychangers and assorted others out of the temple.

Personally, I’m looking at the possible Wonga deal, and asking “What would Jesus do*?”

I think he’d avoid it like the plague.

~≈§≈~

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

15th September, 2018.

Yep: it’s a Saturday.

Yes: it’s a early start.

And yes, you’re right.

I’d rather be back in bed.

Still … needs must, and all that.

I sort of like earning money and paying bills.

What can I tell you … ?

~≈§≈~

Hmmm … 

Technology watcher that I am … ?   As well as rabid Mac fan … ?

You can bet I’ve kept my eyes peeled on the company when they make a big announcement.

So … ?

Well, it’s nice to see the details of the new iPhone and Apple Watch doing the rounds: even though, for me, they’re unaffordable.

One thing I had noticed in all the hype, though … ?

Was that Apple has updated iOS, and introduced new versions of the MacBook Pro?

It’s not updated the rest of the Mac line.

Purely from an emotional point of view?

And given it was the first Mac I actually bought, new?

It’s a little disappointing to not see the Mac mini updated.

~≈§≈~

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

14th September, 2018.

It’s officially true: I have an ear worm.

And it’s not even the whole damn song … !

No.

Normally?

I’d get the whole of Billie Piper’s Because We Want To banging around my brain.

No.

I’ve got the duck-call noise at the start of the thing on repeat!

Why, I don’t know.

There’s something els I don’t know, either.

Why the hell is the bouncer at the end of the video a rhino?

Oy … !

~≈§≈~

While we’re here … ?

I notice there’s technology news, over at the BBC’s website.

Yes, OK: I’ve been following it for years.

You’ve possibly worked that out.

One piece I noticed?

Was this one: telling Microsoft has introduced an experimental feature in some of the developer versions of its Windows 10 operating system.

Warning people who install Google Chrome or Firefox not to do so: and that their own Edge browser is a more secure option.

Personally?

I hope that feature isn’t one that’s introduced into the main consumer version of the operating system.

I’ve felt for a long time that you and I should have a choice in what software to use.

This — to me — makes Microsoft look like it’s thinking very gently, of discouraging end users from trying alternatives.

Little bit sneaky, that … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-9-2018: Jupiter Optimus Maximus

13th September, 2018.

Yeah: I’m at work.

Well … not right now, obviously.

The boss would complain about a member of staff floating around the office in his dressing gown!

No, what I mean is, today’s a work day day.

Yummy … !

~≈§≈~

Saying that … ?

Saying that, we’ve new trainees at work.

I’ve mixed feelings.

As — inevitably — my hours will suffer.

On the other hand … ?

I’m buddying at least one new trainee: who’s nice enough, and seems competent.

And the simple fact I’m helping train a new member of staff?

Is flattering.

Oh, well … 

We’ll have to see.

~≈§≈~