Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-11-2018: Saint Andrew’s Day

30th November, 2018.

Right then … 

It’s officially official: I didn’t get the job at Burger King.

I’m … 

I’ve got a set of mixed feelings.

I’m mildly disappointed.

After all, my last interview, whilst not successful, had a potential spin off: that there’s another vacancy coming up in February that I was welcome to try again.

The one before that … ?

Was the successful one I had for my job in Chelmsford.

On the other hand … ?

I’m very aware that standing around flogging burgers is not something I want to do.

And, frankly?

My health couldn’t deal with all this free staff meals.

No matter how wonderful they are.

~≈§≈~

One thing I know has floated past me in the news?

Is the discussion about China.

Just recently?

New Zealand has decided to not use Huawei, Huawei-made kit or Huawei  for its telecommunications and internet infrastructure: over concerns about the Chinese company’s links to the Chinese government.

Basically?   They feel using it would be a security risk.

The US and Australia have decided to do likewise.

And Canada is reviewing its potential use.

All well and good.

On a personal front?

My question is what is usually is.

Is the UK government doing likewise?

Seemingly not.

My other question?

How many government departments are using locally produced versions of Linux for their offices?

I’m aware that the UK is home to Canonical Ltd: producers of the popular Ubuntu operating system.

My concern has always been cost.

From what little I’ve seen, the overall cost of ownership is lower: with a lot of that being staff retraining.

My other question?

In all probability*, you, me and anyone else will more than probably be reading this post with a US produced web-browser — Edge, Safari, Internet Explorer or Chrome — on a US produced operating system — Windows, macOS, iOS, Android — on a device made and designed by a US company: Microsoft, Apple, Google.

Is Huawei a security risk?

Possibly: a lot of governments seem to think so.

Are US software companies an equally risk?

I don’t know: I’m no expert.

But feel the potential risk is there.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th November, 2018.

29th November, 2018.

Right … I think I’m …

Actually, not nervous.

I’ve an interview, later today, for the soon to open Burger King.

I’m not nervous, believe it or not.

Or, at least not as nervous as I would be, running a pub quiz for the first time.

Either way?

Wish me luck!

~≈§≈~

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

28th November, 2018.

Yes: it’s another Wednesday morning.

And … ?

Yes, it’s possibly going to be jolly.

Or Folly.

Or Holly.

And possibly other things ending in Olly.

At any rate … ?

I’m seriously thinking I want to track down the original Channel Four TV film that created Max Headroom.

It bothers me I’ve never actually seen the thing!

~≈§≈~

El Ministerio del Tiempo/The Ministry of Time — Episode 2: Tiempo de Gloria/Time of Glory: A Review

27th November, 2018.

Yes, ok … 

My phone went off!

Sue me, already!

Joblessness aside?

I have managed sort out Christmas presents for my family: before I left work.

Which is good.

And had mine sorted, as well.

It sounds like I’ll be getting a new mobile phone.

I hope so.

The one I’ve got … is fine … 

Assuming I want the smart-phone equivalent of a ZX81.

OK, it’s not that bad: at least I don’t make phone calls by using Terminal commands.

But it’s … 

Very … 

Very … … …

Slow … 

Yes, quite!

~≈§≈~

At ANY rate, I’m burbling, aren’t I … ?

Just a little, I think … 

It’s getting let, let’s put it that way.

What I intended to tell you?

Was about television.

At least, television series.

One I’ve started watching recently?

The Spanish language El Ministerio del Tiempo: The Ministry of Time, if you want it in English.

Episode 2, Tiempo de Gloria/Time of Glory, of the show’s first series.

Hmmm … Yes … 

It’s still looking good … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-11-2018: Lancashire Day.

27th November, 2018.

Yes: that’s enough of that, I think.

At least, enough of my singing!

As for news?

I don’t know that I, personally, have much.

I know that I’ve not heard — yet — from the company around the corner from me.

I HAVE had a brief chat with another agency: who are recruiting for an insurance company ten minutes bus ride away.

That’s something to keep my fingers crossed for.

I’ve also got an interview: for Brentwood’s soon to be opened Burger King.

One, frankly, I hope I don’t get.

Because?

Well, burger flipping’s a youngster’s game.

There’d be WAY too many irritating school kids lurking around.

And a constant diet of staff-discounted Whoppers?

Isn’t what you call healthy … 

~≈§≈~

Actually, talking of news … ?

I noticed this piece on the BBC’s new site, today.

About 18 year old gamer, Daniel Enrique Fabian.

Who’s been arrested and charged after committing rape …

That he stream live to the internet … 

OK … 

You want to rape someone, fair enough.

Don’t expect me to approve.

But to rape someone … 

And stream it live to anyone watching your channel?

Expect me to call you a bloody idiot.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-11-2018: Simply The Best

26th November, 2018.

Yes: it’s a Monday morning … 

And, were I working, I’d be back at work.

Instead … ?

I will of course, be job hunting.

Theoretically?

I’m due to hear — either today or tomorrow — about a phone interview I’ve had.

Hopefully?   I’d get a face to face one, too.

Actually bagging the job would be nice.

It’s literally around the corner … !

I’m hopeful: but big enough to be realistic about these things.

We’ll see.

~≈§≈~

Dr Who — Series 11: Episode 8 — The Witchfinders

25th November, 2018.

Yes: it’s Sunday night, again … 

And yes: I’ve had the night in.

As you may or may not know, I’m job hunting at the moment.

So, even given it’s the weekend … ?

I’ve been merrily filling in online forms, checking boxes … 

And getting mildly annoyed one potential interview wanted ID I couldn’t.

Isn’t that a pain … ?

At ANY rate … ?

I’m getting help, and told that I can get help with ID.

Or, at least, a provisional driving license.

Here’s hoping that helps!

~≈§≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s a Sunday.

Which means I had dinner with my family, earlier.

My nephew, Jude?   Has managed to discover a new game on Mummy’s phone … 

Which Ruth’s happy about … 

At ANY rate … ?

At ANY rate, as it’s a Sunday?

That meant one thing … 

It meant Doctor Who.

Series 11.

Episode 8 … !

~≈§≈~

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

25th November, 2018.

Actually, I tell something of a lie.

Yes: I’m listening to Radio 4.

But the Sunday Service hasn’t started, just yet.

It’s still the news.

Apparently?   The bookmakers have stopped taking money on whether the Duchess of Sussex is going to have twins.

Which USUALLY means it’s a certainty, but there you go … 

~≈§≈~

In amongst the turmoil of modern radio listening?

I notice it’s Sunday.

Which means … ?

Well, for starters?

It’s Dr Who night.

And, boy I’m kicking myself that I’m not in the US.

Had I been?   I’m sure I’d’ve notice that Amazon Prime managed to this this week’s episode, instead of uploading LAST weeks episode.

Gosh, that was silly!

At any rate?

It’s not on Pirate Bay.

Thankfully or otherwise.

And it’s a mistake that’s been corrected.

~≈§≈~

The other thing to quickly mention, here?

I’ve had quite a lot of free time, just recently.

You’ve noticed.

I’ve managed to fill it by job-hunting: and catching up on the half a ton of media files in my media collection.

One thing I managed to catch, last night?

Was the first episode of the Spanish language TV series, El Ministerio del Tiempo.

The Ministry of Time, if you want it in English.

Can I suggest you catch that … ?   Especially if you were ever a fan of Torchwood.

It’s rather good.

~≈§≈~

El Ministerio del Tiempo/The Ministry of Time — Episode 1: El tiempo es el que es/Time is what it Is: A Review

24th November, 2018.

Not that I’m feeling rushed here … 

No, really, I’m not … 

I’m just very aware that it’s getting rather late.

And that there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask … 

How’s your Spanish?

If you’re anything like me, it ranges from know how to say ‘Thank you,’ to completely non-existent.

If you’re anything like Old Peculiar regular, Olga?

Then you’re a native Spanish speaker, and speak Catalan and English as well!

AND a professional translator.

I’m quite definitely the former: totally hopeless at anything resembling a foreign language.

But quite thankful for the existence of subtitles.

Without those?   Watching a series Olga mentioned to me, some time ago, would have been impossible*.

Yes: and as I mentioned in the opening video, there?

I’ve just seen the first episode of the Spanish language series, El Ministerio del Tiempo/The Ministry of Time.

Episode one of series one, so you know.

I’m impressed.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th November, 2018.

24th November, 2018.

It’s a Saturday morning, and here I am … 

Not exactly financially able to get out and splurge.

But there you go … 

If nothing else, though?

I know I’ve had a brief chat with one of the staff at the local job centre: and found there’s help some financial help available.

And implied there’s help available should I want to put in for a provisional drivers license.

Which would come in handy in situations where I need ID.

Here’s hoping I can do something about that: no ID has cost me one job interview, already … 

~≈§≈~

Dune: The Review …

23rd November, 2018.

OK … 

I think I managed to totally ruining that intro video, there.

Yes: I’ve used the Pitch Shift Down button on the whole clip: rather than the few seconds I meant to use it one.

Cie la Vie!

If you’ll excuse the term.

At ANY rate … ?

It’s getting late … 

But I wanted you to know I’ve watched another movie.

Yes: I’ve finally decided to sit down and watch — and then write about — the David Lynch film that is … 

Dune … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-11-2018: Dr Who … ?

23rd November, 2018.

Yep: it’s a Friday.

And the first Friday I’ve not had wages for a while.

Or benefit payments.

Frankly, I’m expecting those, this time next month.

I think that — if things don’t improve — I’m going to have to put in for a hardship payment.

Cie La Vie … 

~≈§≈~

At any rate … ?

I’ve enough in my accord to head out, and get a loaf and some milk.

But I’m going to have to wait.

As I’ve a phone interview, today.

Hopefully … ?

It’ll go a little better than others … 

~≈§≈~

Kin: The review …

22nd November, 2018.

OK … Once again it looks like Blogger is playing silly buggers: and giving me gyp uploading pictures on to a post.

Trust me: you’re not sitting where I am.

It’s …

Rather frustrating when you earlier I didn’t have this issue with earlier versions of both Safari, and Blogger.

Hey …

Ho!

~≈§≈~

At ANY rate … ?

I’ve … had a lot of time on my hands.

As you ma or may not know, I’m between jobs at the moment.

So spent a lot of my time worrying about money, starving, thinking about how to keep warm …

Oh …

And watching a film or two.

Tonight … ?

Tonight I’ve managed to catch the relatively recent released that is …

Kin …

~≈§≈~

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

22nd November, 2018.

It’s officially official.

I had an interview over in Harold Hill, yesterday: managing to get myself good and lost, in the process.

Which was possibly a bad omen.

Unfortunately?

I didn’t get the job.

I will give the company credit for at least getting in touch with me, quickly, and letting me know.

Letting me know:

That I’d not got the job.

That they’d be recruiting for their Customer Care team in February

I’d be welcome to try again, then.

That’s something, I suppose … 

Although, hopefully?

I’d’ve found something, by then … 

~≈§≈~

The Quatermass Xperiment: The Review.

21st November, 2018.

Yes: I’ve had an interview, today.

And yes: unfortunately, I didn’t get the job.

I’m … 

Well, disappointed, obviously.

On the upside … ?

They HAVE told me that they feel I would be more suited to they customer care team: and that, should I still be looking in February, I should re-apply, then.

Hmmm … 

Oh, and there’s another job I’ve put in for, that I’m going to have to walk away from … 

The want both my birth certificate and a driving license.

I don’t drive.

And adoption papers aren’t good enough.

You can imagine how hard job hunting’s getting, already, can’t you … ?

~≈¥≈~

All that is enough to drive a man to drink.

Something I can’t afford, on so many levels!

Especially if you consider I’ve not drunk since the turn of the century, or there abouts.

There’s possibly a lot of reasons for that: non of which I’ll be telling you about on a public blog!

At any rate?

At any rate, I was definitely feeling a touch sorry for myself … 

But have been able to keep myself distracted.

With my movie collection: I’ve a few still, sitting on an external drive on a shelf at my desk.

Quite a lot, as you might be able to guess.

Having that much choice, but also having seen the 1969 Quatermass and the Pit, recently?

I fancied keeping the retro thing going: with the 1950s movie, The Quatermass Xperiment … 

Hmmm … 

~≈¥≈~

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

21st November, 2018.

Right …

Right at the moment, I’ve managed to get up, half an hour earlier.

That way … ?

I can get the usual stuff done that I need to do.

Then head off for the interview I’m due to have in Harold Wood.

Or, at least, the nearby Harold Hill area.

Personally … ?

Getting there is no issue.

Finding the place … could be awkward … 

I’m hoping Google Maps can help!

At any rate … ?

This is not a day to be procrastinating, fannying about or playing silly buggers.

So, of course … 

Today’s the day Blogspot decides it’s going to give me gyp, uploading the photo and video … 

Wouldn’t you bloody well know it … ?

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th November, 2018

20th November, 2018.

Right … 

I am having … 

A problem.

Yes: you’ve guessed it … 

My router’s re-setting itself … !

That’s a lovely thing to be waking up to!

~≈§≈~

Oh, just as a thought … ?

I managed to watch a film, last night.

Frankly?

I was feeling a little retro: and managed to catch the Hammer version of Quatermass and the Pit.

Interesting to watch, that one.

~≈§≈~

Quatermass and the Pit: A Review.

19th November, 2018.

Yes: I’m officially out of a job.

Yes: I’m officially trying to keep mind body and soul together on a non-existent pittance.

And yes: I’m so bored that tinkering around with iMovie’s broad range of interesting effects seems like a goo idea.

Yes … 

You’ve just watched the intro video, haven’t you … ?

Just be thankful I’d not got all Max Headroom at you.

It still surprises me what you can do with copy and paste!

~≈§≈~

At any rate … ?

I’ve had time off.

Obviously!

While I’m off?

I’ve time to — obviously — go job-hunting.

And cleaning … and … 

Well anything that doesn’t involve cash to be frank.

That includes raiding the movie collections.

Believe it or not, I’ve something or an extensive one, built from the various DVD and blu-ray back ups I’ve done over the years.

And one I’ve still not completely watched.

Given that, given I had time off … ?

Watching one of them would be good.

Sitting around for a while … ?

The 1967, Hammer version of the Nigel Kneale scripted, Quatermass and the Pit.

Frightening?

Well … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-11-2018: International Men’s Day

19th November, 2018.

Yep: it’s a Monday: which means it’s another day, gloriously job hunting.

Where I’m not, you know … thinking about job hunting.

Or trying to access the internet — here or at Brentwood Library — so that I can, you know 

Job hunt!

You can see a theme, here, can’t you … ?

~≈§≈~

At any rate … ?

You can possibly tell I’ve had some time on my hands.

Obviously.

Right at the moment, I do know I’m worrying about the basics: food, gas, electricity, what have you.

I’m OK for a few days … but thinking I may have to put in for a hardship loan of some description.

Here’s hoping I can find out who I get that from … !

If the interview I’m due to go to on Wednesday doesn’t pay out?

Well … 

~≈§≈~

One nice upside … ?

Is simply the fact I managed to catch last night’s episode of Dr Who*.

Which, granted, wasn’t necessarily the strongest episode: but still one that was rather good.

About my only complaint, thus far: one I know won’t be actioned until next year, at the earliest …?

I miss these guys … !

~≈§≈~

Dr Who — Series 11: Episode 7 — Kerblam!

18th November, 2018.

Yes: it’s one benefit of not having a job … 

For those of you who last last week’s review?

Yes: I’m now out of work.

Having been laid off.

Long story … 

To be frank?

The job was worthwhile … but there’s always the one or two people you have a rough time getting on with.

At ANY rate … ?

I’m job hunting … 

And have an interview on Wednesday.

Wish me luck for that … !

~≈§≈~

At any rate, there’s one upshot of that.

• It means I’ve been …

• Job-hunting.
• Cleaning.
• And raiding the movie collection.

Here, here, here and here, so you know.

There’s several other things I need to do: that I’d rather keep to myself, thank you!

I’ve ALSO managed be at home when another episode of Doctor Who’s eleventh series has been on.

It’s a pleasure to be in when my favourite show goes live.

Especially when it’s good.

~≈§≈~

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

18th November, 2018.

Yep: in amongst everything else?

It’s bin emptying day, today.

I’ve ALSO got a couple emails to do, job-hunting to be done … 

And confess I dropped of a couple of CVs, in Romford, yesterday.

Partly, I wanted the day out.

And partly?   I wanted to see how the Oyster I’ve got, works.

Seemingly?

Quite well.

So that’s that sorted … 

~≈§≈~

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

17th November, 2018.

Right … 

It’s my first Saturday off since … 

Well, either last week, or for some time.

I’m … 

Well, there’s a lot of paperwork I still need to do: emails to send, applications to make, what have you.

I’ve got teaser videos to make: quite a few, actually, I’ve taken the chance to finish the rest of the months.

You never know, I might get lucky with the interview.

And need a ton!

~≈§≈~

It’s official.

I’ve got Radio Four on, at the moment.

The Today programme, so you know.

Get’s what’s being discussed?

It’s spelt B•R•E•X•I•T, just in case you’re wondering.

Frankly?

Given that fact the presenters have been discussion how there’s a cabal in the Cabinet, supposedly plotting an alternative Deal?

And ANOTHER group who are plotting a leadership contest, to try and replace her?

I couldn’t vote Conservative if you paid me.

But we have a PM who’s STILL not been knocked off her perch.

Does anyone want to ask if she’s been nailed there … ?

~≈§≈~

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

16th November, 2018.

Yes: the job situation has left me feeling definitely a bit … 

You know … 

Glum.

Which, to be frank?

Is nothing new.

I suffer with a mild form of depression: and tend to want to sleep a lot as a result.

Or, at least, feel a lot of fatigue and tiredness.

Personally, if I look glum, the next time you spot me?

Say ‘Hello.’

That helps … 

~≈§≈~

With all the spare time?

I’ve had the television on, a lot.

Frankly?

I can be odd without it for the radio on.

Of course, I had the news channel on.

Of course, the BBC broadcast the Prime Minister’s Brexit Statement: the one she made, yesterday, announcing the details of the Brexit Deal she’s finalised.

I had that on … because frankly?   It’s important.   The only way we find out how we’re getting of the EU, is to keep an eye on this.

What shocked me — and I’ll apologise for sound and vision not being exactly matched — was when one MP — arch-Brexiteer, Jacob Rees Mogg — asked this.

In other words?

What he’s asked the PM … ?

In the middle of the House of Commons, in a completely — as far as I know — unprecedented way.

Is if he could start a leadership challenge.

Someone’s in trouble.

~≈§≈~

Jurassic World: A Review

15th November, 2018.

Yep: I’m right, aren’t I … ?

It’s another day: and another dollar …

And yet another post.

Unemployment is … 

Not starting to frustrate me, just yet.

After all, I’ve a little cash for the moment, and something to keep myself occupied.

Were it not for the fact it’s coming up to Christmas?

I’d be using some of the last bit of pay I’m due — tomorrow’s, so you know — to buy some paint: and take the time to redecorate.

As it is … ?

Well.

At any rate … ?

It’s another night off in the hopefully soon to be over rough patch.

I’ve a couple of options.

Stare at a screen saver.

Stare at another screen saver …

Watch a movie.

Yes: I went for watching a movie, in the end.

There’s only so much sitting in front of a screen a body can take!

~≈§≈~

At any rate … ?

At any rate, yes: I managed a movie, tonight.

And, yes: another movie in a franchise: Jurassic World.

You wondering what I thought, aren’t you … ?

~≈§≈~

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

15th November, 2018.

Yep: I’m off job hunting, again, today.

Job hunting … 

And possibly trying to buy a tie: if I can find a plain(ish) one in any of Brentwood’s many charity shops.

I’ve long since lost any I’ve had!

~≈§≈~

In amongst everything else … ?

We now know what’s been rumoured for some time.

There is no Dr Who Christmas special, this year: instead, there’ll be one on New Years’ Day.

Personally?

I’m a little disappointed: I like the special where it was, as practically my whole family would watch, given us some valuable bonding time.

I get the feeling the actual episode will be superb: they have been, so far.

But … ?

New Year’s Day, rather than Christmas Day is something I don’t like the sound of.

~≈§≈~

Just as a last point … ?

I watched a movie, last night.

Frankly?

Given yesterday’s theme, digging up The Godfather seemed just the thing.

~≈§≈~