Sunday 31 March 2019

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31st March, 2019.

31st March, 2019.


Right … I’ve had a door fall off: right onto my head!

That’s … 

Well, not want you want, first thing in the morning.

I don’t think I’m too badly hurt: although I’m going to have one hell of a bruise.

Right now, my biggest concerns?

Are;
  • Getting the broken door reported to my landlord.
  • Finding out who the hell THIS lot are!


Am I the only person who thinks the male lead singer looks like Jake Blues?


~≈§≈~

Saturday 30 March 2019

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-3-2019: The Telescope

30th March, 2019.


Nice … ?

Nice … ?

You know my intro videos are getting more — mildly — ironic, the older I get.

Nice … is possibly not the word.

I got a letter from my GP’s, yesterday: after a recent set of blood tests, relating to my underachieve thyroid.

It turns out that, on top of everything else … ?

I’ve got a vitamin D deficiency: that, apparently, can exaggerate depression, cause fatigue … and cause issues with digestion.

Yeah … nice is possibly not the word … 

~≈§≈~

Friday 29 March 2019

Star Trek Discovery — Series 2 Episode 11: Perpetual Infinity — A Review

29th March, 2019.


Yep: my health is a mess.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll possibly know — or have guessed from my videos — that I’m over weight.

You’ll possibly also realise I’ve suffered mild depression for many years.

And have what my GP’s tentatively diagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

The list could go on.

Today, though?

I’ve received a letter from them, after a recent batch of blood tests: relating to my underachieve thyroid.

It turns out I’ve got a vitamin D deficiency.

More than probably relating to my weight.

Hmmm … 

Sunshine and oily fish it is, then: along side cod liver oil.

On a more serious note … ?

From what I can see of the symptoms?

It does makes sense of the depression, AND tiredness that’s plagued me for many years … 

We’ll have to see, when any treatment starts … 

~≈§≈~

At ANY rate … ?

Battling tiredness is … 

Well, a good thing.

Especially if you have something you want to watch of an evening.

Yes: it’s Friday.

Yes, that means it’s time for another epode of Star Trek: Discovery, Series two … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-3-2019: Leaving

29th March, 2019.


Yes: the guts are still acting up.

I’m … 

Frankly, not happy.

Usually?

The IBS I suffer with usually manages to flare up, rarely, these days.

But this particular incident?

Has been going on since Wednesday.

Frankly?

Glum seems to be the word … 

~≈§≈~

Thursday 28 March 2019

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser. — 28th March, 2019

28th March, 2019.


Yes: it’s officially official.

My innards choose yesterday to seriously act up.

To the point where they’s still — still — twitching alarmingly, now.

Although, to be honest … ?

It’s not quite my innards that are twitching … 

~≈§≈~

Wednesday 27 March 2019

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th March, 2019.

27th March, 2019.


It’s de PLOD a cus, you … you … 

You reporter, you!

Sorry, JUST indulging an old hobby: yelling at idiots on Radio 4’s Today programme.

Who’ve been telling us how well Dippy the Diplodocus’ UK tour has gone.

Yeah … 

Right … 

~≈§≈~

Oh … 

The point I was going to try and make, when I made today’s intro video?

Is that, apparently, the House of Commons is to debate the Revoke petition on 1st April.

Although there is a statement on the page — from the Department for Exiting the European Union — stating that “Revoking Article 50, and thereby remaining in the European Union, would undermine both our democracy and the trust that millions of voters have placed in Government.”

Hmmm … 

Right at the moment, I’m more concerned it gets discussed in the House.

Here’s hoping … 

~≈§≈~

Tuesday 26 March 2019

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-3-2019: Leonard Nimoy

26th March, 2019.


It had to be said … 

I never know where those intro videos are going to go.

But do know a couple of things.


It’s a hill in New Zealand, so you know.

Oh … 

And blatantly nicked from Quantum Jump’s Lone Ranger.


Heigh Ho … 

~≈§≈~

In other news … ?

In other news, Apple have announced their AppleTV+ service … 

And run over the top of the rest of the stuff I can run on my AppleTV: I’ll find out in Autumn, along side everyone else.

Bar the fact Netflix isn’t taking part in the service?

It looks interesting.

They’ve ALSO announced something else.

An Apple branded credit card.



Quite what’s happening, there, I don’t know.

But I suspect that could be the ground breaker … 

~≈§≈~

Monday 25 March 2019

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th March, 2019.

25th March, 2019.


That was a distinctly grotty weekend: that really was.

Arguments, phone bills, ill relatives, what have you.

Oh … and overcast weather.

The really disturbing bit … ?

Was the dream I had: at around quarter to one in the morning.


About being diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s.

Dream?

Hmmm … 

More like a nightmare.

~≈§≈~

You know … you’re possibly aware I’m something of an Apple fan.

I’ve only had a Mac for a decade and a half!

Today?

The company are holding a big show and tell at their Cupertino HQ: and expected to announce a new streaming service.

It’d be interesting to see what they announce.

But, on a personal level?

I hope I can keep renting, and buying, content in the same way I do, now.

In much the same way that Apple runs both its Apple Music service: whilst letting me buy albums through iTunes.

~≈§≈~

Sunday 24 March 2019

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-3-2019: Tamerlane

24th March, 2019.


You really do have to wonder about the human mind, sometimes.

I woke up this morning, yawning my head off, scratching my ankles, muttering about the pain in my lower back … 

And with the Associate’s Helicopter, Helicopter — or, at least, those two words — set to repeat themselves until I hit you with the tune.


If any neuroscientist out there have ANY idea what’s happening … ?

I’d love to know … !

~≈§≈~

Oh, remember the petition … ?

The Revoke Article 50 petition?

The Revoke Article 50 petition, that can’t, technically be debated by Parliament?

Until the closing date in August, and IF it reaches 100, 000 signatures?


That one … ?

It’s at 4.8 million signatures … 

OK, it’s possibly going to get ignored … 

But if it gets to OVER seventeen million signatures … ?

That would be lovely!

~≈§≈~

Just as a quick, final, point … ?

One for fans of The Prisoner?


Have a tune … 

~≈§≈~

Saturday 23 March 2019

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd March, 2019

23rd March, 2019.




I don’t know about you … but I get early morning earworms.

Song playing through my head, in other words.

This morning … ?   I had that “age of science and technology,” line from Reality Poem, repeatedly repeating itself across my head: repetitiously …

Why?

I’m blowed if I know.

All I can do … ?

Is play you the song.

Passing it on is usually the only way I know, of getting rid of them … 


~≈§≈~

Friday 22 March 2019

Star Trek Discovery — Series 2 Episode 10: The Red Angel — A Review

22nd March, 2019.


You know, you can tell I’m on something of a budget, can’t you … ?

It’s a Friday night, after all.

And … ?

Anyone with spending* money — Ha! — would possibly head out to the pub … 

Or cinema, or late night coffee shop.

What have you.

Me … ?

The best I can do, at the moment … ?

Is literally watch some TV.

Yep: more of Star Trek: Discovery, Series two … !

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-3-2019: World Water Day

22nd March, 2019.

Right … 

Today is going to be something of a long day: shopping, the Citizen’s Advise Bureau, a hospital appointment … 

Not a serious one, I should add: just a blood test to track my underachieve thyroid.

It’s not a day I want to fanny around: excuse the language.

But therefore … 

It’s exactly the day Google’s photo uploader decides to act up.

Technology is a wonderful thing.

Until it goes ka-bluey … … !

~≈§≈~

Oh, by the way … 

If you’re in the UK, you’re possibly aware of the petition: the one that calls on Parliament.

You can find it, here.

It’s hopeless: the thing closes in August, well after any of the leaving days.

But, frankly?

I’ve signed: as have many others.

In part, to raise the issue.

Hey ho … 

~≈§≈~

Thursday 21 March 2019

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-3-2019: World Puppetry Day

21st March, 2019.


Yes: I’ve finally managed to see The Golem!

Last night, if you must know!

And … ?   And, I hear you ask?

I have to admit, it was … 

Granted, wasn’t maybe fantastic.

But it did earn itself three stars: and an interestingly bonkers, video intro.


~≈§≈~

Oh … My … Good … 

Lord … !

You’re possibly aware that all of us get scam robot calls, occasionally.

At least, I do.

I’ve literally, literally, just had another.

One of the “We are your ISP/BT, we’re going to cut off your internet, please press button one to get put through to an agent,” variety.

I pressed one.

Got through to the relevant agent … 

And asked her if she had a gibbon.

She put the phone down.

How rude!

~≈§≈~

Just as a LAST couple of points?

I’ve an interview, latter today: with a local insurance company.

Hopefully?

It’ll end up in a job, as it’s SERIOUSLY local.

Frankly, though?

Well, let’s just say my confidence isn’t necessarily high … 

~≈§≈~

On top of that … ?

Brexit … 

Just Brexit … 

Oy … 


~≈§≈~

The Golem: How He Came into the World/Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam: A Review

20th March, 2019.


OK … OK … 

For those of you who watched the intro video … ?



I’m still — still — craving chocolate.

But?

Right here and now, I can say three things.

One … ?

I’ve got coco!

Drinking chocolate, in other words!

Two … ?



I THINK I’ve got that Max Headroom effect as well as I can.

At least, with a copy of iMovie … !

Three … ?

I’ve actually managed to pick out a movie … 

You’ve possibly worked out WHICH movie, have’t you … 

You’re right.

The famously lost, found and refunded, Der Golem, wie er in die Welt kam: The Golem: How He Came into the World.

It’s … interesting … 

~≈§≈~

Wednesday 20 March 2019

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th March, 2019: Dame Vera.

20th March, 2019.


Yep: I’m mildly annoyed at Theresa May.

She’s ruined my plans for the 29th March … !

OK … 

Let me explain that, maybe … 

I’ve a Teaser planned and written for the 29th March: themed around the fact we were due to leave the EU.

Then, today … ?

Theresa May announced she will be asking the EU for a short delay.

OK, I’ve only needed to do a little rewriting … 

But, even so … 

~≈§≈~

Actually, about that Referendum?

I can remember that there were plenty of media coverage of why people wanted to vote leave.

Immigration seemed to form the biggest part.

But the idea the the UK was controlled by the European Union.

By, effectively, a foreign power.

However?   Donald Trump Jr — son of President Donald Trump — has written a column for the Daily Telegraph in which he criticises the Brexit process.


OK … the man’s entitled to his opinion.

But those sort of views coming from Trump Jr could indicate his father’s view.

Could indicate the general view of the Administration.

And, to me?

Smacks of an foreign power who wants control of another nation … 

And NOT the foreign power people were complaining about.

~≈§≈~

Tuesday 19 March 2019

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th March, 2019.

19th March, 2019.


I have to say, I had dinner with my family, on Sunday.

And I’m wonder what the hell that toy is … !


Possibly?   It’s best not to speculate … !

~≈§≈~

At any rate … ?

I’ve got an interview on Thursday.

For a company in Brentwood.

With my confidence being as low as it is, I’m not expecting to get very far.

But, as in all these things?

We’ll have to see.

~≈§≈~

Monday 18 March 2019

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th March, 2019

18th March, 2019.


You know, it’s got to be said, I think — think — we can safely my nephew, Jude … ?

Has inherited the family sense of humour.

Which is all good, I think.

There’s possibly a lot more I could say, there.

But … ?

Well … 

He does come up with the occasional good point … 

But occasionally doesn’t.

Thank heavens for that.

~≈§≈~

Oh, just as a sad bit of news?

It seems guitarist, Dick Dale, has died.

I have to admit, I didn’t know much about him: beyond the fact he did the original version of Misirlou, that was later used in Pulp Fiction.

Oh, and practically invented a genre of guitar music.

But … 

Well … 


You have to do something, if a fellow lefty goes … 

~≈§≈~

Sunday 17 March 2019

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-3-2019: Saint Patrick’s Day

17th March, 2019: Saint Patrick’s Day.


Yes, I know: that picture in picture thing in iMovie isn’t …

Well, I was going to say ‘stunning,’ there.

But in truth … ?

In truth, that fact I — and complete and utter film amateur — has access to a powerful piece of software that lets me edit video, and insert all sorts of stuff into that video… ?

Is still something I feel grateful for.

~≈§≈~

Talking of video … ?

You’re no doubt aware of the shootings that took place in New Zealand on Friday.

And of how the killer streamed it, live, to Facebook.

Facebook and other other companies who’ve had the thing uploaded to their platforms, have been working hard to get rid of copies that they find, or have pointed out to them.

Personally?   I got curious, last night, when the BBC News channel mentioned a specific, known, right wing site: that was hosting various copies of the video.

My inner child, I think, came to the fore, and went looking.

I wish it hadn’t.

The video — or versions of it — is disturbing easy to find.

Personally?

I think, however hard governments chide sites that host videos?

I think my thoughts are with the technology companies.

Whichever spokesperson described the job as a game of whack-a-mole?

Has a point … 

~≈§≈~

El Ministerio del Tiempo/The Ministry of Time — Series 2: Episode 13 — Cambio de tiempo/Change of time* — A Review.

16th March, 2019.


OK, OK … 

For any of you who’ve watched the intro video† in this post … ?

Yes: I held the tablet the wrong way around!

If I’d realised … ?

Well, I’d’ve probably done things differently.

Whatever way around the actual footage of my street is … ?

I’m glad I filmed it: as it’s given me a chance to toy with iMovie’s Picture in Picture filters.

OK … that video doesn’t look stunning …

But it was a first try …

~≈§≈~

At any rate … ?

Recording some footage of my street, in the bad weather … ?

Was something to do: in between sorting out laundry, cleaning, job hunting, madly texting people …

The usual stuff one does on a quiet Saturday.

That stuff … ?

Frankly includes a TV show.

As you know, I’ve been watching El Ministerio del Tiempo/The Ministry of Time for quite some time, now: finding it funny, dramatic, tense, emotional … anything a good series should be.

I’ve watched the last episode of Series 2, tonight.

Yes: Phwoh is entirely appropriate … !

~≈§≈~

Saturday 16 March 2019

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16th March, 2019.

16th March, 2019.


There is much we could be saying.

Really, there is.

Yesterday’s attack on a pair of mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand … 

Well … I know the word hateful is one that’s getting bandied about.

It’s possibly a clique … 

But it’s possibly also the politest way of describing what went on.

~≈§≈~

I know this much: from what I’ve seen in the news.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, has offered her condolences to the families of those lost … 

And announced further gun control measures.

That’s a good thing.

I’m also aware the attacker — I note many outlets are following Mrs Ardern’s lead, and not naming him — has been quickly arrested and charged.

All good … 

I can only hoped he’s given a long time in prison, and has his access to the ’Net, both inside and out, restricted.

Because?

Notorious, the attacker streamed his deeds, live, on Facebook*.

And had posted a manifesto online, where he announced — or, at least, heavily suggested — his plans and targets.

From what we’re told?

He described New Zealand’s Muslim population as ‘invaders.’

The man’s Australian by birth.

That’s one thing.

And describing them as invaders?

I can’t help but wonder what New Zealand’s Māori communities would make of that.

~≈§≈~

As a final point about this … ?

I note the attacker victims include children.

… 

… … 

… … …

I can only reaffirm my own belief when these things happen.

That killing children is the worst crime imaginable … and means the reasons the attacker did this … ?

Are completely invalid.

If an ideology allows the death of children, then that ideology is morally invalid, and deserves to die, itself.

~≈§≈~

Friday 15 March 2019

Star Trek Discovery — Series 2 Episode 9: Project Daedalus— A Review

15th March, 2019.


Yes!

It’s officially official … the back door of my building is shut.

Like you couldn’t work that out from the video introduction.

Basically?

I and three of my neighbours have keys to the back door of our building.

So we can get to our gas meters.

Only one of my neighbours has forgotten hers … and had to borrow mine, is the gas man could get to the meters.

Hooooo  … hum … !

At any rate … ?

At any rate, it’s a Friday night: and, with little to nothing in the way of money … ?

I put the TV on, once more: turn to the channel with … 


~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-3-2019: The Shrine.

15th March, 2019.


Yes: it’s sad to see it.

A shooter has visited two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

And, from what the Today Programme tells me?

A total of forty-nine people have died as a result.

I’m not religious.

But?   Have always felt that whatever works for you is fine with me.

For me, though?

Mass shootings are horrendous.

Mass shootings at a place of worship?

Of whatever religion?

Whilst people are at prayer?

Regardless of who’s doing the shooting?

There is no excuse for it.

~≈§≈~

Thursday 14 March 2019

El Ministerio del Tiempo/The Ministry of Time — Series 2: Episode 12 — Hasta que el tiempo os separe/Until time do you part — A Review.

14th March, 2019.


Thank heavens for that … 

The banging around from upstairs?

Has quietened down!

Just so you know, my neighbour upstairs has young children.

Loud, young children.

Which I can put up with.

But … ?



My lord, they can’t half stomp around … 

~≈§≈~

Bar that … ?

Bar that, today’s been … quiet … 

Bar the inevitable paper chase, climbing around trying to organise stuff.

But … ?

But, inevitable, I’ve had time to catch up with some TV.

Yep: it’s time for episode 12 of El Ministerio del Tiempo/The Ministry of TimeSeries 2.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th March 2019.

14th March 2019.


Right then … 

I am wondering what happened, there … !?

If you’ve not been following the news … ?

You’ll realise that Facebook had issues.


Quite what happened there?

I don’t know.

Although, given there’s talk both Twitter and Facebook have had fake accounts set up, trying to interfere with the Brexit process … ?

The fact it went off on the night off a big Commons vote on the subject was … 

Interesting … 

Frankly?

I’m just grateful I had something to watch on TV … 

~≈§≈~

Wednesday 13 March 2019

El Ministerio del Tiempo/The Ministry of Time — Series 2: Episode 11 — Tiempo de lo oculto/Time of the Occult — A Review.


13th March, 2019.



It’s officially official.

Facebook … ?   The titan of social media … ?

Right at the moment?

Seems to be having issues: with many users on it, some Facebook apps, Messenger, and the Facebook owned Instagram, and WhatsApp.

That leaves me thinking a few things.

Given tonight’s Brexit vote?

And even the small amount of foreign interference with British political life, through the site?

That’s possibly a good thing.

At any rate … ?

Hanging around on Facebook wasn’t in MY plans for the evening.

Oh no … 

Watching another episode of El Ministerio del Tiempo/The Ministry of Time Series 2.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13th March, 2019.

13th March, 2019.


Yes: I’m up early, today.

I’ve got a trip to … the dentist … !


And frankly?

Expect to come out … 

Mostly?   With all my teeth, possibly a lecture about oral hygiene … 

And maybe a free toothpick.

Who knows.

One thing I do know … ?

Is I’ve got an earworm on the go.

Believe it or not … ?

The theme tune from El Ministerio del Tiempo … 

I’m getting withdrawal symptoms.


~≈§≈~

Just as a quick point … ?

I think I have an interview interview lined up: but need to double check on my timings.

But one thing that DID cross my timeline?

Was this piece from the BBC.

It seem that Swedish researchers are working on an AI based robot that will do job interviews.

Hmmm … 

Frankly?

While I hate filling in online forms?

I think an unbiased robot interviewer?

Might just give me some form of advantage.

Speed the day … 

~≈§≈~