Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-10-2018: Halloween

31st Halloween, 2018.

Nope: I think I’m not a good ghost.

Frankly?

Having a sheet over my head, whilst going ‘Wooooooooooooooo’ is possibly right … 

Although the chief qualification — being dead — is not me.

Thankfully!

At ANY rate … ?

I’ve a day off, tomorrow: which means I can catch a scary movie … 

Unless I do turn into a ghost, between now and then!

~≈§≈~

As a brief aside … ?

I noticed this piece on the BBC’s news site, yesterday.

Apparently, one worker at the US Geological Survey has a bad habit of visiting pornographic websites.

Quite a few of which can infect the machine he’d’ve used with various forms of malicious software.

And some of which … ?   He’d saved to his phone, and an unauthorised USB stick.

I’m thinking a couple of things: I know the company I work for blocks a lot of porn sites.

Partly to stop staff getting — ahem — distracted.

And partly because many of these sites represent a security risk.

But I’m wondering … why the USGS’s IT section … hasn’t blacklisted as many of those sites has possible … 

Yeah … 

Go figure … 

~≈§≈~

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

30t October, 2018.

Right … 

I’m back to work, today.

Which is why — in the intro video, there — I mentioned the trains.

I always tend to notice them when it’s quiet … or I have to go to work … 

Oh, and late at night.

It’s amazing how soothing that can be.

~≈§≈~

Remember, back in 1986, that estate agent Suzy Lamplugh*, went missing: after going to show a potential client a property?

The case was never solved: and Mr Kipper — the supposed client, and presumed killer — remains unfound.

Ever though — back in 2002 — the police named their prime suspect.

Sixteen years later?

Today, in fact.

The Met are searching the back garden of a house formerly owned by the prime suspect’s mother.

Apparently?

They’re acting on information received.

Murder … ?

Is not especially nice.

But I’ll be frank: is that IS Ms Lamplugh’s body, if that IS her?

I’d love to see the case closed, know what happened … 

I can only imagine how Suzy Lamplugh’s family feel about it!

~≈§≈~

The Man in the High Castle — Series 3 — Episodes 10: Jahr Null

29th October, 2018.

Yes: it’s official.

I’ve got a copy of David Bowie’s Blackstar album in my iTunes library.

I’ve a few, since you ask.

But that one, released literally days before The man’s death?

Well, it’s powerful … 

~≈§≈~

But that’s possibly a distraction …

Possibly … 

Given that I’ve had both a day off, plenty of Brian Eno playing away on the Apple TV, as we speak … 

And enough time to have watched the last episode of The Man in the High Castle third season.

And, yes: I think that’s a cracker … 

~≈§≈~

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

29th October, 2018.

Right, it’s officially the start of a shiny new week, and I … ?

Have time off.

There’s possibly going to be time to put my feet up.

But, frankly?   I think wiping down the kitchen’s going to be handy, at some point.

As is going to Sainsbury’s.

They do a loyalty card scheme: called Nectar.

You get a point for every pound you spend, and, once you have five hundred points?

You have £2·50 to spend.

They give you the occasional coupon, as well: you know, eighty points if you buy this, fifty if you buy that, triple points, if you spend so much.

I’ve got a coupon that gives me one thousand points, the next time I shop.

That’s a fiver’s worth, if you didn’t realise.

That’s some milk and a multipack of cola, at Sainsbury’s prices.

And possibly one of their giraffe baguettes.

I can’t say no to that … 

Those baguettes are rather nice …

~≈§≈~

Dr Who — Series 11: Episode 4 — Arachnids in the UK

28th October, 2018.

Can I make a confession … ?

I am — right now — rather tired.

Which is possibly why I look tired in the introductory.

Obviously … !

At ANY rate … ?

I’ve gotten myself home.

Got something to eat … got something to eat … made sure the timer on the boiler was reset.

The clocks went back, today.

At ANY rate … ?

It’s a Sunday night.

For me?

That means one thing.

Another episode of Doctor Who’s eleventh series.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-10-2018: Lady Liberty

28th October, 2018.

Just recently … ?

We all saw the news of letter bombs sent to various public figures in the US: usually Democrats who’ve been vocally opposed to Donald Trump.

Yesterday?

A day after the letter bomber was formally charged?

Something that reminded me of letter bombs sent during the Troubles.

Yesterday … got worse … 

When a man in Pittsburgh went to a small synagogue in the city: killing eleven people whilst shouting ‘All Jews must die.’

I’m tempted to tell you “The mind boggles.”

That wouldn’t do justice to my reaction … 

I’m truly shocked.

I know, perfectly well, there are people out there who don’t like others: purely on the basis of race, religion, what have you.

Views I don’t agree with, I should add.

If you do?   I’m not going to agree with you: you’re entitled to have them, but I don’t like them, I don’t want them, and I’m not to agree with them.

I’m ALSO thinking something else.

You’re perfectly entitled to be as racist, as anti-semitic, as homophobic, as Islamophobic, as you want.

But, if you think — as this man seems to — that murdering people because they’re Jewish, Black, different, is a good thing, ridding your country of people who are fundamentally wrong … ?

That’s where my tolerance stops.

Killing is out and out wrong.

And, as far as I’m concerned, killing people is wrong.

Killing people because they’re different to you?

Is even worse* … 

~≈§≈~

That’s the other thing that strikes me … 

My first thought when I saw news of this crime hit the news?

Was that someone would bring guns into the argument.

I don’t know if the USA’s allowing common gun ownership necessarily has anything to do with this crime.

Although make guns a lot harder to buy could’ve helped.

I know perfectly well from living in the UK, that this sort of hate crime is common, here: there’s been plenty of hate crime — attacks on synagogues, mosques, gay bars — over the years.

The big difference?   Because of UK gun control laws, there’s no shooting injuries involved in these incidents.

So possibly, America could do with thinking about tighter gun control may help.

But am very aware it will take time.

I’m also thinking this …

That President Trump’s opinion — that’s it’s a terrible thing — is good.

But that his other opinion — that an armed guard in the synagogue — would’ve helped?

I’m not convinced.

Guns in a holy place are an idea I find particularly blasphemous.

~≈§≈~

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

27th October, 2018.

Yes, it’s true.

It’s early: after all, I’m off to work, today.

And … ?

One way or the other, it’s two early to have an earworm.

Especially if the only way to get rid of it is to play it to you … !

~≈§≈~

A few months ago, Tyler Barriss phoned police in Kansas: telling them he was holding hostages.

And gave the police a false address: a rival Call of Duty player’s.

Barriss is facing charges.

More charges, in fact.

Personally?

I’m British, and think armed police is a hideous idea.

But have never seen their part in this as a bad thing: they were, after all, doing what they were trained to do in an armed hostage situation.

But I’m glad Mr Barriss is being charged.

This sort of prank?

Is not good.

~≈§≈~

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

26th October, 2018.

Yep: NOW I’m worried.

It’s not a work day: but, as it’s payday?

One I’d’ve preferred to have been up on time for.

Wouldn’t you know it … ?

I forgot to turn off my alarm … !

Arrgh … !

~≈§≈~

The Man in the High Castle — Series 3 — Episodes 8 and 9: Kasumi (Through the Mists) and Baku.

25th October, 2018.

You have, haven’t you … ?

You’ve actually gone and read today’s Daily Teaser, haven’t you … ?

No … ?

Oh, well, thought I’d ask.

It’d be nice … 

But I’m not going to worry if you haven’t.

One thing I did mention … ?

Was that today was a day off … 

Which meant a lot of cleaning, for one thing.

The amount of one brand of noted product I used?

I should change my name to Barry Scott.

At ANY rate … ?

I’ve had some time off … 

Which means more time watching … 

The Man in the High Castle, series three … 

~≈§≈~

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

25th October, 2018.

Right, well … 

I’ve got time off … 

And time off that’s going to involve laundry.

Certainly a bloody nosy washing machine … 

Dratted thing!

At any rate, I’ve time off: some of which will be spent doing stuff.

Ho … hum … 

~≈§≈~

George Soros, billionaire and Democrat donor, has received an old fashioned mail bomb.

Along side various US politicians.

None of which, thankfully, went off.

Obviously, I think that’s not a nice way to treat a politician.

But it did surprise me.

After all, the last time I remember hearing about mail bombs?

Was in the 1970s: as I recall, the Irish Republican Army sent a few.

It seems an irrational way of protesting.

One that could be intercepted, as these were.

One that will get you charged with attempted murder, at least.

And one that strikes me as very inefficient.

After all, you’ve got to get the parts put together, then send the things to the right address, at a time  your victim is there, AND make sure they — and not the babysitter — open the thing.

It seems too much effort, for very little return.

Frankly?

Making an online video seems a lot easier.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-10-2018: The UN

24th October, 2018.

A day off … 

TWO days off … 

I like days off.

When I get them … 

Oh, no, before you ask: today isn’t one!

My NEXT day off … ?

Is tomorrow.

Yes: I’m impatiently looking forward to that … 

~≈§≈~

While I’ve got your attention … ?

I noticed a news piece on the BBC’s news site, yesterday.

John Lewis, the department store?   Are to stop selling DVD players.

I have to admit, I’m not surprised.

I sold my DVD player a few years ago, now: to a friend who wanted it, but didn’t have an internet connection, at the time.   Its recording functions long since replaced by USB sticks.

I’ve been streaming movies, music and TV shows from various sources for so long, now, that buying or renting a DVD is … 

Mostly historical, now I think of it.

Most of my DVDs?   Have long since been ripped, then sold to my local CeX.

So, given that streaming is now so common?

I’m wondering how much longer it will be, before blu-ray goes that same way.

~≈§≈~

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

23rd October, 2018.

Yep: it’s another day, another dollar … 

And another day thinking I should be watching Rosa, again.

That was one HELL of an impressive episode.

And one that’s seen a lot of discussion on Twitter.

Something I know for myself: having seen the reaction to my write up about it … 

OK, @Dark_Blue_Box @AuthorSJB @debbimack @DWfan9 @whofalldifan @wtr240175 @DaftPhully @Greebobek @dsmom09 @SirJakeB

I don’t THINK there’s spoilers.

But don’t read my write until you’ve seen #Rosa, hey?https://t.co/cx4QALOgnY

Nut? I THINK I’ve just seen NuWho’s best episode

— Paul Downie (@Cuddy2977) October 21, 2018

It’s fascinating stuff to be part of … 

If you’ve read it, or commented … ?

Thank you!

~≈§≈~

Oh, JUST as a thought … ?

Apparently, there’s now more fast-food places on our streets.

As someone who’s over weight?

I agree, it’s bad.

The frightening research shows the more take-aways, the higher the obesity levels.

The problem IS … ?

Most of the ones around here are fairly cheap.

On my money … ?

A hot dinner that’s cheaper than a healthy sandwich … ?

Is an attractive option … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily teaser — 22nd October, 2018

22nd October, 2018.

Yes, it’s official: if you watch that video, you’re looking at the face of late night blogging.

After last night’s episode of Dr Who?

I finished writing the post at one in the morning.

Hopefully?

That’s not reflected in the post’s grammar.

At ANY rate … ?

With much of a strong opening, closing, writing, acting … ?

With THAT much of a take on social realism?

Rosa is possibly new Dr Who’s best episode …

~≈§≈~

Dr Who — Series 11: Episode 3 — Rosa

21st October, 2018.

It’s true … 

I am tired … 

I have, after all, been up since five, this morning.

After having got to work for ten.

That sort of day can take it out of a body.

At any rate … ?



I came home looking for ward to something to eat.

That’s covered.

And getting some sleep.

I’ll be doing that, once I’ve posted this. 

Oh … 

And catching some TV.



You can possibly guess, by now, what show I’ve caught, can’t you?

You’re right.



The one I’ve got on in the background, right now.

The one I’ll quite possibly start my day off, with, tomorrow morning.

You’re right … 

Episode 3 of Doctor Who’s eleventh series.

Rosa.

Yes … 

‘Hot stuff’ is bloody accurate … !

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-10-2018: LeGuin

21st October, 2018.

Hmmm … 

OK … 

OK, I have to admit, I sent yesterday’s introductory video to a couple of friends: who both mentioned they couldn’t tell if I was saying ‘bulb,’ or ‘bong’ … !

My speech isn’t THAT bad, surely … ?

At ANY rate … ?

I’m just thankful I’ve managed to get better with the Max Headroom effect … !

~≈§≈~

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

20th October, 2018.

It’s true … 

I’m replaced that bulb … !

And it’s now shining away like the shiny, switched on, thing it is.

Ahem!

What DOES get me, though?

Was pricing.

I got two bulbs, in Poundland, for two pounds.

The same type of bulbs, in my local Sainburys?

As a two pack?

Four pounds.

Four whole pounds.

Fou … 

Yeah.

Double the price.

You tell me … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th October, 2018

19th October, 2018.

Yep, it looks like I’m going to have to be going into Wilko’s today.

Or possibly Poundland, depending on which I reach first.

As the lightbulb in my lamp went, last night: when I was writing about more episodes of The Man in the High Castle.

It’s lucky it happened the day before payday.

It means I can get a fresh one … without waiting … !

~≈§≈~

The Man in the High Castle — Series 3 — Episodes 6 and 7: History Ends and Excess Animus

18th October, 2018

No, I’m right, aren’t I … ?

Stuff doesn’t get built to last!

I only changed the bulb in the lamp — the one in the lamp shade right next to my desk — a couple of days ago.

And … ?

And, JUST when I want to record an intro video, and want half way decent lighting … ?

‘Click,’ goes the bulb … 

And out goes the light.

I think I’m going to have to visit Poundland in the morning!

Or possibly Wilko’s, going by the web site!

At ANY rate … ?

It’s been a quiet day off … 

That’s seen me catching more TV.

You can tell I’m going to mention the third season of The Man in the High Castle, again, can’t you … ?

~≈§≈~

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

18th October, 2018.

Hmmm … 

I was going to do my usual thing.

Tell you about the earworm that’s wondering around my head.

Except it seems to have wondered off: without actually telling me what it is.

Shame, that … 

~≈§≈~

In other news?

Apparently, Google are to shut down their Google+ social network.

Party because it gets comparatively little use compared to other such networks.

But partly because of a big data breach.

I’m … 

Hmmm … 

I’m not sure how I feel about that.

As far as I can tell, my data’s safe.

But I can appreciate people will not be happy.

I’m worried, though: as — as far as I can tell — clicking that G+ button has a small but noticeable effect on the amount of hits this blog gets.

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

~≈§≈~

Just as a couple of points?

Can someone tell me to lay of the massive, multiplayer online roleplaying games?

Oh, and Michael Caine’s written a memoir … 

Ho hum … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th October 2018

17th October, 2018.

Yep: the Man Booker Prize has been won by Anna Burns.

Good for her: £50, 000 prize money is always appreciated.

Personally, though … ?

I’ve got one question.

How is it Britain’s major literary prize has never gone to a science fiction, or fantasy novel?

Personally?

It’s long since been the case the SF doesn’t — with a few exceptions* — get Oscars.

It’s still the case with something like the Booker.

We?   Are in a ghetto.

Still.

~≈§≈~

One good bit of news for SF fans?

Is ratings.

Or, at least, those for Dr Who.

Jodie Whittaker’s first episode had total viewers rated at … 10.9 million.

The best for an opening episode since Christopher Ecclestone’s debut, Rose.

Well done them!

~≈§≈~

The Man in the High Castle — Series 3 — Episodes 4 and 5: Sabra and The New Colossus.

16th October, 2018.

Yes, OK … I’m getting old.

But … ?

Frankly … there’s a couple of things.

First off … ?

I’m in a Facebook group: for Dr Who fans.

This year’s celebrity gimmick?

Get J. K. Rowling to do a script for Dr Who.

Personally?



I read the first of the Harry Potter books, a long time ago: I can see the appeal, but felt the series wasn’t for me.

Although, yes: it’s got kids into reading.

Which is a big achievement.

But … ?

The fact EVERYONE keeps going on about Ms Rowling, AND the Harry Potter franchise, as if it were the only thing on the bookshop’s shelves?

Is just a little bit off-putting.

The more I hear … ?

The more annoyed I get about it.

And secondly … ?

Yes: I got some cheap Sainsbury drinking chocolate.

OK, twenty years ago, that possibly would’ve been a beer.

Frankly?

I’m glad I’ve replaced it with cocoa … 

And a TV show.

Yes, you’ve guessed it: I’m catching up with The Man in the High Castle, season three, again … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-10-2018: World Food Day

16th October, 2018.

Yes: I’ve officially got an earworm, this morning.

If you didn’t want to know the tune that’s banging around my head?

Tough!

I’m going to play it to you, anyway … !

Have some Propaganda … 

You’ve got to admit, it’s just a bit … lush … !

~≈§≈~

Oh, one thing … 

You’ve possibly realised I’m glued to Dr Who.

You’re right: I am.

Episodes one and two are looking rather good.

It’s ALSO occurred to me … that both episodes are rather cinematic … 

Definitely, I think … 

I mentioned how The Woman Who Fell  o Earth was a nod at The Predator: but neglected to mention I felt The Ghost Monument took a central plot point — a large scale chase — from The Cannonball Run.

Which is why I mentioned them both, this morning.

I don’t think they’re blatantly nicking plot lines.

But merely doing lifting the very basic ideas — a long term chase for money, an alien hunter — and do a very Doctor Who spin on them.

Personally?

I like that … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-10-2018: From Hell … !

15th October, 2018.

Yep: I’m back to work, today.

Yep … 

I’m felling ambiguous about it.

And yes … 

There’s a little discreet job-hunting going on.

Not that it’s getting very far, but — in theory — I have a phone interview pencilled in for tomorrow.

Although I’ve still not heard back about it.

We’ll have to see, won’t we?

~≈§≈~

In other news … ?

I managed to catch last night’s episode of Dr Who — The Ghost Monument — relatively late: as I finished work at six.

It’s an intelligently written, very Banksian take on The Cannonball Run … 

With a twist … 

I don’t think The Cannonball Run had killer robots, holographic race organisers or deadly sea-water.

I liked it: and think it will repay further viewing.

Oh … and the new titles look good … 

Ahem!

~≈§≈~

Dr Who — Series 11: Episode 2 — The Ghost Monument

14th October, 2018.

I have to admit: I feel mildly pleased with myself.


I’ve been at work, today: managing to get home, with a brief takeaway meal, just as tonight’s episode of Dr Who — The Ghost Monument — finished.

Mildly pleased, I hear you say … ?

Well yes.

I actually managed to avoid Twitter and Facebook, in the meantime.

Spoilers, and all that … 

~≈§≈~

Unlike like week?

Episode 2 — The Ghost Monument — opens with the new title sequence* … 

But opens by showing us Ryan and Graham — Tosin Cole and Bradley Walsh — being rescued from certain death in deep space: being teleported into a passing spaceship by its pilot, Angstrom (Susan Lynch).

Whilst the Doctor and Yas being rescued by Angstrom’s rival, Epzo (Shaun Dooley.)

The pair of rogue pilots?

Are taking part in an in galactic arc organised by Ilin (Art Malik): in the hopes of winning serious amounts of money.

A race whose final stage is a planet with no inhabitants, sniper robots, killer robots …

A race that — in theory — only one of them can walk out of.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-10-2018: World Standards Day,

14th October, 2018.

Yes!   I’m up on time!

I can now officially, sing, dance and prance naked around my front room!

No, maybe not.

At least … not with the webcam on … !

~≈§≈~

At any rate … ?

I’m am still — slightly — saddened about the death of games designer, Greg Stafford.

While I never got to play, or referee, RuneQuest, I couldn’t help but notice the rules.

Which were, for the time, quite revolutionary.

Most role playing games used levels as a way of measuring experience: RuneQuest’s focussed on the improvements of individual skills.

Its predecessors treated magic, and spells, as bullets: used once, then not again, until re-learnt.

After RuneQuest?   After RuneQuest, which had two forms: at least one of which drained a character of strength, and meant they had to rest before casting, again.   Something later games started to emulate.

And combat … ?

Don’t get me started!

But that was just half of the game.

The other half, as I mentioned in yesterday’s Teaser?

Was Stafford’s.   Was the background world, Glorantha.

Where other games of the time — Dungeons and Dragons, and Tunnels and Trolls, most noticeably — had sketchy backgrounds descended from Middle Earth, RuneQuest’s built-in background was far more detailed.

And only grew … 

Having been built on work Stafford had been doing since his college days in the 1960s.

That background … ?   That background, rooted in Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces, and Stafford’s interest in Bronze Age Europe?

With its unique interpretation of the standard fantasy races, and its uniques ones, like the Dragonewts?

Was and is unique.

Giving that RuneQuest was being revived at the time of his death?

Greg Stafford will be much missed … 

~≈§≈~

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

13th October, 2018.

Right, I have seriously got too post this, as quickly as possible.

It’s a work day: where I’m doing a long shift.

So the one day of the week I didn’t want to do what I actually did.

Forget to put my alarm on!

~≈§≈~

The one thing I DID want to mention … ?

Was the very sad death of games designer, Greg Stafford.

The man will be much missed by his family.

But will missed by the games community.

Creating Chaosium as a company was one thing.

But in helping design RuneQuest, and its background world, Glorantha?

He made something very special: not just your bog-standard Tolkienesque background.

And forced other companies to start releasing games with background.

He leaves one very special legacy.

~≈§≈~