Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-9-2019: Suleiman the Magnificent

30th September, 2019.

Yep: I’m officially back to work, tonight.

Granted: it’s only four hours,

But I’m OK with that.

It means I’m standing around for less time … 

It also means that — should certain items turn up from Amazon and Ebay — I’m more likely to be in.

~≈Î≈~

What with one thing and another?

I noticed this piece on the BBC’s news site: where Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia — the country’s effective leader — denies ordering the death of journalist, Jamal Khashoggi.

Well, he would say that, wouldn’t he?

But ALSO that Iran — in its support of Houthi rebels in Iran — will have a huge effect on the global oil prices.

He’d say that, too: JUST to get support.

My own personal thinking … ?

Well, I’m no policy wonk, no economics expert … 

But can’t help but think that having vehicles that aren’t reliant on petrol, a lot earlier than have been introduced?

Would have made that less of an issue … 

~≈Î≈~

Just as a final thought … ?

The Today programme’s covering a story: that the UK’s current Health Secretary — Matt Hancock — is considering making vaccinations compulsory.

Which is all to the good, I think.

Granted, many devout Muslims, Jews and Christian will have issues.

But it would be a helpful way of challenging vaccines deniers.

What caught me?   Was that someone on the Today programme said it would ‘provoke a democratic crisis.’

My cynical side … ?

Tells me no-one would notice … 

~≈Î≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th September, 2019.

29th September, 2019.

It’s got to be said, I had a late night, last night.

Well … late ish … !

I caught a movie, if you must know: The Curse Of La Llorona, is you’re interested.

Granted, it may be flawed: but it’s a bit better than some of the earlier entries in the Conjuring franchise.

At least … it got me blogging until one in the morning … !

~≈⇡≈~

The Curse of La Llorona — A Review.

28th September, 2019.

Hmmm … 

It’s late on a Saturday night …

And?



I should possibly be getting to bed.



Possibly.



On the other hand … ?



Maybe not.

As I’m still talking over Christmas presents for my nephew with his mum: my sister, Ruth.

The prices are still mind boggling: but I have managed to get something reasonable priced for him.

Phew … 



To coin a phrase.



~≈¥≈~

At any rate … ?



It’s a Saturday night: quietly spent indoors, doing laundry.



And stuff … 



And thinking I should watch a movie.

Granted, I wanted to catch Hellraiser: Judgement.

And I, Daniel Blake.



But?

I felt saving them for another day could be an option.

Tonight?

I felt The Curse of La Llorona could be just the thing … 

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-9-2019: The Falcon One

28th September, 2019.

Yes: it’s official.

I have the weekend off.

I’m happyish.

It means I can catch up with the laundry, at least!

Ho hum … … 

~≈ß≈~

On other fronts?

I’m going to be filming more Teasers, today: which is fun.

But also … ?

Now I know that my nephew’s present has been bought, I can start looking at exactly what games — or games — to get.

One problem … ?

He’s decided he likes Totally Accurate Battle Simulator.

We’re going to have to explain Steam* games to Mummy, I think … 

~≈ß≈~

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

27th September, 2019

Yes: I’ve got an earworm going through my head.

And, yes: it’s from Japan’s only heavy metal Idoru band, Babymetal … 

Why it’s been banging through my head over night?

I really don’t know.

I’m just — still — wondering why on Earth the band have a state of the Virgin Mary at the back of the stage … ?

~≈®≈~

If you’re in the UK, you’re possibly aware of the Brexit situation.

One thing that caught me?

Was Boris’s Johnson’s recent statement in Parliament: saying that best way to honour the late Jo Cox, MP, was to “get Brexit done.”

Personally?

I felt that was a bit nasty.   Especially as Jo Cox was killed because she was openly supporting remain.

The other?   Was and is the various reports that various MPs are being targeted — by hardline left and right wingers — with … …

Let’s call them threats of violence.

What really caught my eye?

Were comments from controversial government advisor, Dominic Cummings: that anger at MPs was “… not surprising.”

He’s right, there, I think: even though he’s not the type of person I’d agree with.

What’s worrying me, here, though?

Is this.

We in Britain aren’t usually ones for violence.

Oh, we’ve had small scale violent behaviour: for years.

We’re a passionate people: up to and beyond the point of fatalities, at times.

What worries me?

Is this … 

Will we get violent enough to start killing … ?   To start a violent, mass uprising?   One with fatalities?

God, I hope not.

That’s really not a country I want to live in.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th September, 2019

26th September, 2019.

Yes: after a late night, Tuesday and Wednesday … ?

I’ve got an easy start, today … !

Easy?

Early!

You see … ?

My typing’s abysmal, this time of the morning … !

~≈€≈~

Oh … 

Just as a quick point … ?

I’ve been doing a little reading up on things.

Mostly?   The model of Playstation that the family’s looking at, for Jude.

I knew the thing could record games — the amount of stuff on Twitter, Twitch, YouTube, et al — told me that.

But I’ve found pages like these to be useful.

And … ?

Frankly means getting someone a USB drive could be a good idea … 

~≈€≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th September, 2019

25th September, 2019.

I swear … the older I get, the more those late nights are … 

Well … let’s just say they’re making my knees hurts … !

Which is usually why I have a shower when I get in.

That don’t half help!

~≈Ü≈~

JUST as an update on the Christmas present front?

It sounds like the Switch isn’t an option.

But that the Playstation 4 is!

Oy … yeh!

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th September, 2019.

24th September, 2019.

You know, the weather’s frustrating, isn’t it … ?

I’ve a meeting at the Job Centre, today.

Up at its new offices in Brentwood High Street.

And … ?

Yes, granted: I hate walking up that hill.

I really loathe it … 

When it’s raining.

Which it is today.

When you consider we’ve had one of the warmest Septembers for a while?

The weather picks a fantastic day to … you know … change!

~≈Ü≈~

Something I know that’s coming up … ?

Is Christmas.

Regular readers will know about the Family Christmas Present.

That’s happily sorted: with a Chromecast, and a gift voucher.

Then, of course … ?

My sister, Ruth — my nephew, Jude’s, mother — contacted me, last night.

She’s decided to get a Nintendo Switch for my nephew.

And — as I mentioned in this post — suggested I get a game for it … 

I’m not going to call the prices extortionate*.

No.

Not when grabby, exorbitant and daylight robbery are hanging around … 

~≈Ü≈~

Bowling for Columbine — A Review

23rd September, 2019.

You know … I’ve had time to grab a movie.



But you’d guessed that, hadn’t you?



You’ve been and watched the introduction video, after all.



What you might NOT realise, unless follow my Daily Teasers?

Is the Family Christmas Present Debate.



Basically, the long discussion I’ve had with the family, about what a suitable group present would be.



That’s sorted: it’s going to be a Chromecast: one of the cheaper ones, at least: along side ten pounds worth of gift card they can spend on a movie.



Of course, my sister Ruth — my nephew’s mother — informs me she’s now going to get a Nintendo Switch for him …

And suggested I buy him a game for it.

Have you seen the price of the things?



You can’t call it daylight robbery.

It leave you no chance to call it extortion!

At any rate … ?



At any rate, with a night off?

I’ve had time for a film.

And, given Old Peculiar regular Olga Núñez Miret, has joined fellow regular, Debbi Mack, in suggesting Bowling for Columbine?

I felt it was about time I saw my second Michael Moore film … 

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd September, 2019.

23rd September, 2019.

Yes: I’ve got a last bit of benefit in my bank account.

And yes: I’ve been doing something else, as well.

I’ve been taking soundings.

About the Christmas present, in case you were following my posts for the past few days.

From what I can see, the Chromecast seems to be the preferred option: mostly due to the range of apps that can stream from a phone to the device.

I’m glad to hear it: it gives me a better idea of what’s wanted … 

~≈ß≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd September, 2019

22nd September, 2019 Teaser.

I think I’m right in today’s intro: I’m going to need to have words with my family.

Christmas is looming: and I’m still — still — mulling over a family present.

I’m thinking a Chromecast — or Roku/Firestick — would be an idea: as my family could stream stuff to them from assorted phones and tablets.

Oh, and cheap.

Something like a laptop?   And some recent Android media streamers?

Are a touch more expensive, and can’t — from what I can see — be streamed to, from a phone or tablet without a lot of faffing about.

But can be set up with individual user accounts: oh, and parental controls.

Something my youngest sister, Ruth would appreciate: when setting up an account for Jude, my eight year old nephew.

It’s … 

Well, yes: you can see why I’m thinking talking is a good idea … 

But if you have any thoughts, yourself … ?

Feel free to mention them … !

~≈€≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21st September, 2019.

21st September, 2019.

Yep, that’s what happen when you work late.

You feel tired in the morning!

The wonders of having a job when you’re older … !

The good — or bad — part?

Is that I won’t necessarily have enough time to have a cheeky siesta, before I go to work!

Oy vey … 

~≈Œ≈~

Oh … 

The Christmas present issue, yesterday?

I’m thinking of buying my family a group present: some sort of media streaming device.

I’ve asked around, I’ve posted a question or two on Facebook and Twitter, I’ve asked at work.

And … ?

Things like the Roku, the Chromecast and the Firestick can be streamed to from phones and tablets.

Laptops and Android boxes, you can’t: but you can use catch-up services in a browser, and play a few games.

Yes.

You’re right.

I’ve narrowed it down to two whole categories … … … … … … … … …

~≈Œ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-9-2019: Storming Nevada

20th September, 2019.

Yes … I have dreams, occasionally.

We all do.

I think, for most of us?

Remembering them is … occasionally trick: unless they’re striking.

I had one, over night: dreaming I lived in the top of a block of flats … and was looking out of the window, at an especially large fire that had broken out, many storeys below.

Feeling relatively neutral about what I was watching: as it wasn’t affecting me directly.

What prompted that?

I’m blowed if I know!

It’s one of pyschology’s little mysteries, I think!

~≈¥≈~

The other thing I’m thinking about … ?

Is Christmas.

I’ve actually got enough money coming in, to get a group pressie for my family.

I’m not sure what, though.

A lot will come down to price, practicality … and what seems fitting.

But what I’m thinking … ?

Is getting them either a laptop or media streaming box.

Something that can be hooked up to the main TV, and used to watch the various catch up services: and access things like Netflix, and Amazon Prime.

Something like a Firestick, Google Chromecast, or Roku box?

Or maybe an Android media streamer?

Would let them does this.

Something like a laptop?

Would be a touch more expensive, be able to access the same sort of apps: mostly.

But ALSO be able to access various other bits of software.

Decisions, decisions, eh?

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-9-2019: Talk Like A Pirate Day

19th September, 2019.

Yes: I know it’s Talk Like a Pirate Day … 

But, sadly?

It’s also veteran Today presenter, John Humphrys, last showª.

That’s rather sad.

The man’s been scaring politicians for the past thirty-two years.

That’s a much needed function.

If nothing else?

He’s savaged former PM, David Cameron, about the referendum.

That’s a good thing, from where I’m sitting.

It’s just a shame Boris Johnson’s refused to appear on today’s show.

Say no more … 

~≈ß≈~

JUST as a quick thought … ?

I’m a Dr Who fan: you knew that, didn’t you?

So the fact that one or two sites are reporting Stephen Fry* is rumoured is shooting for the next series of the show?

Is interesting … 

But I’ll believe when I see him in an episode.

~≈ß≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th September, 2019.

19th September, 2019.

Yep: I’m back at work, today.

And … vaguely looking forward to it.

If, for no other reason, than it gets me out of the house.

And, theoretically?   Fitter.

It’s all that walking!

~≈†≈~

Either way?

It means that I’ll not be watching TV, tonight.

Which is a mixed bag.

After all, I’ve now finished watching Chernobyl.

That’s a series I can’t help but recommend to you.

It’s … 

Well … 

Go watch the thing: the way the thing’s been shot is something else.

~≈†≈~

Chernobyl — Episode 5: Vichnaya Pamyat — A Review

17th September, 2019.



It has to be said, I’m back at work, tomorrow night.

Which is …

Well …

About par for the course, when you think about it.

At any rate?

I’ve popped in an old friend: who’s expecting an AppleTV, at some point.

I’ve cleaned the house, written more Teasers: Anne, the Badwolf herself, will like one, I’m certain.

Oh …

And I’ve railed against man’s inhumanity to man.

Well … watched some Blake’s Seven, anyway.



It’s been quiet, in other words.

Quiet enough that I’ve actually wanted to finish off a series.

A miniseries, if you must know.

Yes: I’ve seen the last episode of Chernobyl… 

~≈☢︎≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-9-2019: Boston.

17th September, 2019.

Right … 

It’s not often I get to criticise a Prime Minister.

Much!

But … ?

He didn’t take part in a joint press conference, yesterday.

This is after — at Prime Minister’s Questions, a few weeks ago — calling Jeremy Corbyn a chicken.

Am I the only person thinking Boris have issues, dealing with the public?

Apparently not.

Frankly?

The sooner an election takes place, the better.

~≈¥≈~

Chernobyl — Series 1 Episode 4: The Happiness of All Mankind — A Review

16th September, 2019.

It’s a Monday night.

And, frankly?



It’s a Monday night where I’m listening to the only Cabaret Voltaire album I own.

One of these days?



I might just have to … you know … 



Buy some more.



Once I can get a few suggestions from Quora, obviously.

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-9-2019: Dolores de Grito

16th September, 2019.

Yes: time off … 

It is sort of nice, isn’t it … ?

And have to confess I had an email back, after the recent interview.

You know, the one for the bookies?

It seems — accord to the email I got — that I spoke to the relevant managers … 

Hmmm … 

All I know is simply this.

The person I was supposed to speak to, wasn’t called Zoe … 

~≈§≈~

As for what’s going on … ?

I note that the BBC’s released an article showing how universities in the UK are having trouble dealing with students’ mental health issues.

The impression I picked up from it — and the Today programme’s reports on the subject — is that Universities seem to have no formalised duty of care: in the same way schools do.

That surprised me.

If students are having mental health issues at your university, and you’re not helping them deal with this?

That means they’re not necessarily in a fit state to learn whatever you’re trying to teach them.

And you job’s directly affected as a result.

~≈§≈~

I know I’ve mentioned this, a time or two.

But I’m a fan of the Frank Herbert novel, Dune.

One plot thread?

Sees the Fremen — a group of desert dwelling religious fanatics — ‘fighting for their freedom’ by destroying the thing that keeps the transport system going.

I mention this?

Because of recent news that two Saudi Arabian oil plants have been destroyed: with the knock effect that oil prices have risen.

The oil plants?   Plants processing a substance that keeps the transport system going?

Have been destroyed by drones flown by Houthi rebels.

The Houthi?

Are a religiously inspired movement fighting for freedom in Yemen, and fighting their Harko Saudi oppressors, by destroying the thing that keeps the transport system going.

The thing that annoys me, sometimes?

Is how people will tell you science fiction’s either for kids … 

Or nothing to do with the real world …

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-9-2019: International Day of Democracy

15th September, 2019.

Ir’s got to be said: I’m back to work, today.

Which is nice.

Although?

That does mean I’m not planning to watch telly, tonight.

Which is a shame.

I’m rather enjoying Chernobyl, at the moment … 

~≈†≈~

Oh, just as a quick thought?

I notice Glasgow Council’s banned some parades over the weekend.

I can’t say I blame them.

The parades in questions include four Loyalist ones and at least on Irish republican one.

Frankly?

Northern Ireland’s always seemed to have issues around sectarianism: something I think’s been getting violent in recent years.

Historically, there’s been less in Scotland.

Some … 

But considerable less.

So seeing parades get banned in Scotland is a good thing, I think.

But … ?

I think we’re going to see more of this, given Brexit seems to be encouraging it … 

~≈†≈~

Chernobyl — Series 1 Episode 3: Open Wide, O Earth — A Review

14th September, 2019.



Yes: it’s true: I’ve seen a bit of news: and it’s got me thinking about one of my favourite novels.

Frank Herbert’s Dune.

The novel covers all sorts of territory.

But is, in part, the story of a group of religious fanatics — the Fremen — fighting for their freedom by destroying the substance that powers the Dune universe’s transport system.



The reason I got thinking about that … ?

Was that I saw news, today, that a couple of major oil plants in Saudi Arabia have been destroyed by Houthi rebels from the Yemen.

Fighting their Saudi oppressors by destroying the one thing that keeps the transport system going.

Not that I think there’s any similarities.

I just get annoyed when some one tells me “Science fiction has nothing to do with the real world …”

Ho …

Hum … 

~≈√≈~

At any rate … ?   It’s a Saturday night: one where I’ve just bought a Cabaret Voltaire album: as Spotify seems to be having issues playing the damn thing.

It’s also the night where I’ve seen another episode of miniseries, Chernobyl.

Oh yes … 

~≈√≈~

Nik nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th September, 2019.

14th September, 2019

Yes: on a day where the Daily Teaser features the work of the late Pérez Prado?

I’ve got the theme tune to Tiswas* going through my head!

It always amazes me what my brain comes up with, sometimes!

~≈§≈~

At any rate, the elephant in the room?

The Times?   Is serialising David Cameron’s autobiography, For The Record.

And?

The former Prime Minister has admitted he’d not be ruling out a second referendum.

Frankly?

Knowing the man who got the UK into the Brexit mess doesn’t regret it … is ambiguous … 

But knowing he wants a second referendum?

Gives him a few brownie points: at least in my view.

~≈§≈~

Chernobyl — Series 1 Episode 2: Please Remain Calm — A Review

13th September, 2019.

Yes: it’s god’s own truth.

Much as I’d love to go out, I really don’t have the cash.

Not that I’m that worried, either way.

I’m happy to stay in.

Going up Warley Hill — in either direction — really doesn’t appeal!

At least, after going into town — once — to go shopping, and then a second time for a meeting.



A third time doesn’t appeal … !

Either way … ?

Either way, something’s been appealing to me, box set wise …

The miniseries, Chernobyl.

~≈†≈~

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

13th September, 2019.

Argh!   I’m officially getting beeped at, in today’s intro video.

But isn’t that always the way?

Technology’s getting noisier, I swear blind it is!

At any rate, that’s rather besides’s the point.

Today … ?

Today, I get to spend the last bit of a recent tax rebate … 

And go shopping … 

~≈¥≈~

Oh, and on top of that … ?

I’ve got a meeting at the job centre, this afternoon.

Why — as I’ve been left two my own devices, for the past few weeks — I don’t know.

We’ll have to see.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-9-2019: Marathon

12th September, 2019.

Right … 

I’ve HAD the haircut I was talking about, yesterday.

And, it has to be said, I feel a lot less shaggy!

It’s only minor … 

But it’s nice to have done … !

~≈Œ≈~

Something that’s not nice … ?

And that’s been causing a riot on at least one Terry Pratchett group I’m in … ?

Is The Watch, the upcoming BBC America adaptions of Sir Terry Pratchett’s Night Watch series of novels.

I’m … 

I’m not happy.

I noticed this article, yesterday, announcing the cast.

I’m … … 

I can cope with Richard Dormer bagging the key role of Commander Vimes.

Although I’d’ve preferred Idris Elba.

But I’m more concerned about other elements.

For a start … ?

Lara Rossi’s been cast as Sybil Ramkin: wife to Sam Vimes.

Her ethnicity isn’t an issue for me: although I’m aware others may not believe that.

The simple fact is the usual authorised pictures of Sybil — those by Paul Kidby, who did much of the  art for the later Discworld covers — present Sybil as a larger lady.   She’s supposed to be able to handle half a dozen dragons on a leash.

Ms Rossi’s too slim, in other word: slim enough that the phrase ‘fat shaming’ can be thrown into the conversation.

This version of Sybil is also described as a ‘vigilante.’

When the original character — in the novels — runs a dragon sanctuary*.

There’s other things.

Carcer?   Gets described in the article as ‘wronged and wounded.’

As a HELL of a lot more sympathetic as he actually is.

Carrot?

Isn’t being played by a redhead: nor does he seem to be carrot shaped.

The article tells us Carrot gets trained by Constable Angua: who doesn’t join the Watch until a couple of books after Carrot.

And as for Cheery … ?

The character’s described as a ‘non-binary forensics expert’: making her sound like like an LGBTQ activist, looking to carve out a third gender space.

She’s not.

She’s a dwarf woman, struggling to get her femininity recognised in the extremely sexist dwarf society.

Just a BIT different.

Frankly?

Given what I’ve seen … ?

I’m going nowhere near this series.

I don’t think it’s going to be anything like the Terry Pratchett novels I know.

~≈Œ≈~