Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-10-2019: Halloween.

31st October, 2019.

Yes: I’ve finally had my boiler  … looked at!

As you may or may not know?

My boiler’s having issues: giving out lukewarm water, rather than hot water.

According to the engineer who turned up, yesterday?

One main issue?   Is simply that what he called the back plate is — much like an old kettle — covered in limescale.

Which is what’s causing the problem, apparently.

The engineer’s told me he’d be recommending both repair or replacement: whatever was more economic.

And that I’d have to give my landlord’s a call, to finalise that.

Hmmm … 

I thinking one thing is certain.

This is going to take a while … 

~≈ß≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-10-2019: Sir Christopher Wren.

30th October, 2019.

I’m sorry, I’m going to get a touch political, if you don’t mind.

We now have an election date: 12th December, this year.

I may — if I’m feeling up for it — do a relevant Teaser about it.

That … ?

That’s going to be interesting, I think.

Especially given the weather … 

At any rate?   I’m planning — assuming they’re standing — on voting Green … 

Or spoiling my vote, if not.

~≈⇞≈~

Oh, just as a quick extra point …  ?

I mentioned the debate around the idea of voter ID, recently: and mentioned this petition*.

It hasn’t reached the required number of signatures to get debated in Parliament.   Including twenty-two in my home town.

It has had a response, though.

Mostly in favour of introducing ID.

The deadline for it?   Is in April, next year.

Here’s hoping it gets the signatures.

~≈⇞≈~

Oh, and just as a final point?

Apparently, content creators — TV and movie producers, in other words — are complaining.

Because Netflix has introduce a new feature.

Yes: Netflix have introduced a fast forward button.

Something QuickTime, VLC, and god knows how many other media players, along side DVD players, Blu-ray players and VHS machines, have had for years.

Ye gods!

“Night City was like a deranged experiment in social Darwinism, designed by a bored researcher who kept one thumb permanently on the fast-forward button.”

Neuromancer, William Gibson.

~≈⇞≈~

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

29th October, 2019.

Right … I actually had a phone call, yesterday: from the contractors who repair boilers for my landlord.

Well … they rang once: which means I phoned them back, near enough instantly.

It seems they’ve managed to arrange a supervisors visit for Wednesday afternoon.

The first thing I said to myself, when I put the phone down … ?

“At LAST!”

Understandably!

The sooner the thing’s repaired or replaced, the happier I’ll be!

~≈©≈~

Mr Robot — Series 4: Episodes 4 — 404 Not Found — A Review

28th October, 2019.

Hmm …

Yeah …

It’s been a long, quiet day.

Well, bar jobhunting, and and picking up a decongestant inhaler.

And putting stuff together for Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar.

With the telly on.

According to the news?



Boris’s planned election on 12th December will now not go ahead: as it didn’t the parliamentary support it needed, today.

So they’re planning to do it again, tomorrow.

The arguments were STILL going on, on the BBC’s news channel, at gone 6, today.



Which got me changing channel to watch the News at Six.

And then settling in for an episode of Series 4 of Mr Robot

ANYTHING to get away from Brexit … !

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-10-2019: International Animation Day

28th October, 2019.

Yep: I’m officially getting old.

I managed to get one of those decongestant inhalers, yesterday: something you can get to help clear a blocked nose.

They’re  usually cheap … and helpful, this time of year.

And guess what I managed to do … ?

I managed to waste £1·50: and forget to put it into my shopping bag.

Anne, Debbi, Olga?

Can one of you kick me: I’d only miss!

~≈§≈~

Oh, just as a quick question … ?

Were you ever a fan of the band, Nirvana?

It seems that the cardigan Kurt Cobain wore at the band’s famous Unplugged gig was sold for some $334, 000: about £260, 000.

Which is nice.

Mind you … ?

I think they could’ve given it a wash, first … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-10-2019: Independence

27th November, 2019.

Yes: it’s official.

I’ve gotten a good night’s sleep … because of clocks.

Or, at least, because of clocks going back, at one — or possibly two — in the morning.

I’m sort of thankful.

I managed to watch the Andrei Tarkovsky version of Solaris, last night.

At two hours and forty-seven minutes?

It’s a bit on the long side.

~≈®≈~

I can’t help but notice that Westminster’s Liberal Democrats and Scottish Nationalists, have joined together: and want to try and trigger a general election on the 9th December, this years.

Rather than on the 12th of December, as suggested by Boris Johnson.

Between them, they represent a hefty chunk of parliamentary seats.

I’ve got my own issue with both dates, frankly.

Politicians, everywhere, encourage the likes of you and me to vote for someone.

Like any of us, they want to keep their jobs.

One way of encouraging that, is to make sure voters turn up to vote.

One way to contribute towards that?

Is simply to make sure elections are held in spring, summer, or early autumn.

When the weather’s nice.

Whether an election is held on 9th December, or 12th December?

I think the fact some MPs want it in December means that the (potentially bad) weather will mean an election has a low voter out.

I can’t see that benefitting anyone … 

~≈®≈~

Solaris — A Review

26th October 2019

Right … 

Unemployment’s a funny ol’ thing.

Really.

You and up with time, little cash …

And a wad of jobs to try and apply for.

Frankly?

Frankly, I’ve a big media collection: but, in case nothing in there’s grabbing my attention … ?

A little cash in my iTunes account: just in case anything grabs me.

Something did, actually: something I’d never actually seen, but long heard of.

The 1972, Andrei Tarkovsky directed, Solaris …

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-10-2019: Bob Hoskins

26th October, 2019

You know, Brexit’s possibly describable as a farce.

Not a satire, but a farce.

Or a chimp’s tea party: which is farcical, anyway.

But … ?

I’m starting to put my boiler into the same bracket.

My boiler was due to be repaired, last Thursday: the engineer couldn’t do anything, as it was too old.

I was due to get a supervisor out, Thursday afternoon.   Who couldn’t, as earlier jobs overran.

Lunchtime, yesterday?    The electrician out to fix my bathroom light turn up, and was done in five minutes.

Yesterday afternoon, at about 16:30?

The engineer who originally turned up, last Thursday, turned up, again: rather than the supervisor I was expecting.

Officially re-diagnosed the boiler as old, and told the office so, as they phoned him while he was here.

And told me they should be phoning me on Monday, to book up a visit from the supervisor … 

I’m … 

Yeah … 

Trying to find a decent farce … 

~≈fl≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-10-2019: Nevada Day

25th October, 2019.

Right … I’m assuming you’ve been following the issues I’ve been having with my boiler?

Basically?

The heating works.   But the hot water it generates is … lukewarm … at best.

The original engineer was out like week?

Offered a work around … 

But no actual repair, as he felt it was to old to be fixed.

So … I managed to arrange a visit from a more senior engineer: for yesterday afternoon.

He didn’t turn up.

Basically?   He’d had a few jobs in my street, in the morning, and gave me a phone call to see if he could look in early.

And told me he’d be back, once he found out that I was in Sainbury’s.

Then got the office to phone me, to re-book the visit for today, as his jobs in Chelmsford over-ran.

He’s turning up, this afternoon.

Which is good.

It means I can get something done about the boiler.

And he won’t trip over the electrician who’s due to fix my bathroom light … 

About the only downside?

I’ll be stuck indoors all day …

~≈†≈~

While we’re at it … ?

Have you heard of Tor?   The web browser that gives you one hell of a lot of privacy online, by routing you through an encrypted network of computers?

Granted, it has it’s iffy uses: not least accessing the deep web, and the dark web.

But some companies like to have a onion address — one only accessible through Tor — as it means users in repressive countries can access them.

It turns out one of those companies?   Is the BBC.

They’ve just released an onion address for their news site.

This one, in fact.

Don’t open in a normal browser.   You won’t get far …

~≈§≈~

Max Headroom — 20 Minutes into the Future: A Review

24th October, 2019.

It has to be said, I’m … terrible, sometimes.

Especially on a few fronts.

Getting a boiler repaired is one.

It’s a long story: one for later, maybe.

Making my mind up is another.

Frankly … ?

There are times the I don’t know if I’m coming or going … !

At any rate … ?

Tonight, I’ve managed to see Max Headroom: 20 Minutes Into The Future …

And I’m possibly kicking myself for missing it the first time around … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-10-2019: World Polio Day

24th October, 2019

It’s definite.

I’ve got a man coming down to look at my boiler … again … !

Basically, the last chap that came told me there was little he could do, beyond recommending a workaround — which doesn’t seem to help — as the boiler was old.

And that he’d be reporting as much, back to HQ.

That … ?

Hadn’t reached my landlords: let alone the contractors who do the repairs.

Which is what got me phoning all and sundry, on Tuesday: to relay what I’d been told.

My landlord told me they couldn’t do anything until they’d had a report.

The contractor … ?

Is sending a supervisor, no less, today.

This afternoon: to assess the situation, and gather evidence for that report.

That’s nice.

It gives me time to top my gas up.

~≈†≈~

Oh, JUST as a quick thought … ?

It sounds like Dr Who is recording a Christmas special: although whether it’s Christmas 2019 or Christmas 2020?

I’m not sure.

However?

Something’s around … 

pic.twitter.com/ONZfLuASWa

— Jack 🎃 (@TheLoneLocus) October 23, 2019

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-10-2019: Philippi

23rd October, 2019.

Yes: it’s pay day.

Or, at least, the day I get my benefit.

The only problem I have there, is that this month’s payment has been cut*: due to the only payment I’ve had from my last job.

The last one from them?

Gets to me the day before Halloween.

At least, in theory: I have my doubts about it.

That last payment, though, have a knock on effect on next month’s benefit payments: which means November is going to be tough.

We’ll have to see what happens.

~≈Ÿ≈~

Hmmm … 

Are you following the news about Brexit?

Yesterday in Parliament saw MPs approve the Government’s deal with the EU … but vote against the three day time table.

With the net result that … 

Well … 

We have a bloody mess in the House of Commons.

Personally?

I’m hoping the EU approves some sort of delay.

One that allows either a general election: or — my preferred choice — a second referendum.

That sounds like it may go ahead.

On the other hand?

I don’t know that the approval for an election will go ahead.

It seems the Government may have to trigger a Vote of No Confidence, in itself, in order for that to go through.

Going on current form?

I’d expect the Government to lose that … 

~≈Ÿ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-10-2019: International Stuttering Awareness Day

22nd October, 2019.

Yes: it’s nice out.

It least … it’s not raining … and not predicted to rain.

Which means the work to the Job Centre for my regular fortnightly meeting involves not getting … wet.

The relief is incredible.

On a slightly less sarcastic note?

I’m going to have to ask about the YouTube channel.   If it ever does start earning money, I’m going to have to have half an idea about how it affects any benefits I’m on.

Oy vey … 

~≈¥≈~

Mr Robot — Series 4: Episodes 3 — 403 Forbidden — A Review

21st October, 2019.

You know, you can tell a body’s got a quiet life style.

No, really!

The most exciting thing I’ve done this week?

Is got some shopping!



Or, and browsed around my channel, on YouTube.


I haven’t actually made much … 



But, at least, managed to post up a (brief) pair of videos about movies, over the past few days.



Something I think I should do with the TV shows I write about … but not just yet: as I’m onto the third episode of Series 4 of Mr Robot.



It would be like starting a book halfway through!



~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-10-2019: Trafalgar

21st October, 2019.

Did I mention I watch movies, occasionally?

I watch movies, occasionally!

The reason I mention it?

Is simply that I watched one last night: the latest Stephen King adaption, It: Chapter Two.

I’m not necessarily stunned, I should add: as I think the review, and video, makes clear.

But … ?

I have to admit, I had the post finished, and was in bed, but one in the morning.

Knackered is possibly not the word!

~≈§≈~

I’m assuming a lot of my readers are in the UK, US and Spain.

Although, according to some of the analytics I’ve seen, I’ve got one hundred and ninety-six readers in Russia.

They’re possibly to disrupt the US elections.   Or Brexit … or something … 

At ANY rate … ?

I’m betting you, like me, have had the odd (fraudulent) phone call where the caller claims to be from Microsoft, or a Microsoft sanctioned company, and that their records show your machine’s causing issues.

They talk you into all sorts of behaviour to scam you out of money … or take remote control of your machine.

Commonly?   A lot of these are in India.

And the report I’ve just heard, this morning?

Tells me the a few of these call centres have now been closed by Indian police: working with the City of London police, and Microsoft.

Personally?

I’m glad to hear it.

That won’t stop all of them, or prevent more starting.

But at least takes some sort of action.

~≈§≈~

It: Chapter Two — A Review

20th October 2019.

I’m officially terrible.

No, really.

I had dinner with my family, earlier this evening.

I’m job hunting right now.

I get to see my relatives … and get a meal.

So stuff works out.



Until, of course, I got home … and realised I’d left my spectacles at my mothers.

Hmm …

Thankfully?   My sister Anna, happily dropped them off.

I’m grateful … 



And kicking myself!

~≈†≈~

At any rate … ?

At any rate, with time on my hand … ?



With time on my hand, I wanted to catch a movie.

Given it’s been recently released on demand, and that I’d seen Chapter One, last year?

Given I’d seen the radically different Kidulthood, last night?

I fancied something familiar, yet different.

I fancied It: Chapter Two.

And, if you’ve seen the extremely brief video I’ve posted on YouTube?



I have my doubts … 

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-10-2019: Sydney Opera House

20th October, 2019.

Right … 

You’ve possibly realised I’m a film fan.

It’s not like I haven’t made it obvious, over the years.

Last night, though … ?

I managed to catch the Noel Clarke penned Kidulthood — my review’s here — last night.

Something I’ve not done?

Is a video version of these reviews.

I still haven’t, I think.

But, in the light of now being able to earn money on uploads?

Thought something could be helpful … 

~≈Ω≈~

In a sad bit of news?

A sad bit that I missed … ?

Is that Rick Loomis, founder of Flying Buffalo Games, has died of lymphatic cancer: after a long fight with the disease.

I’m saddened to hear that.

His company’s Tunnels and Trolls was my first role playing game: and the second one to be published.

It’s … 

Well, it’s sad to hear the man who’s company picked up the challenge of Dungeons and Dragons, and made the concept cheaper and easier to play, has gone.

RIP, Rick.

~≈Ω≈~

Kidulthood — A Review

19th October 2019.

It’s a Saturday night.

It is a Saturday night, isn’t it … ?

Yes: it is.

I suppose everyone of us is allowed amount of doubt, trepidation and uncertainty.

Especially on a quiet night in: when you have little cash, little to do …

But at least have access to a large collection of films you’ve not seen: and an Apple TV to watch them on.

And something experimental you think you should try: if you get around to watching a movie …

Yes: I’m on YouTube.

And yes, I’m a YouTube partner.

Yes: I’d like to make money from any ads that get placed on them.


And yes: I’m thinking I should maybe add video content to my channel where I review films.

Or, at least, point Youtube viewers at the reviews I post here.

Point A?   Let me know if the extra video does something.

Point B?   I’ve just watched a fantastic film.

Point C … ?   The film in question is the Noel Clarke penned Kidulthood.

Point D … ?   I’m impressed with Kidulthood … !

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-10-2019: Ferdinand and Isabella.

19th October, 2019.

It’s officially official: I actually forgot to phone my landlords, yesterday.

About my boiler!

It sounds like it’s going to need replacing at some point … !

I’ve managed to email them, though: and can always follow that up on Monday.

So long as I set up a reminder!

~≈†≈~

In the midst of all that … ?

In the midst of all that, Parliament is meeting today: on a Saturday.

The first Saturday meeting since the Falklands War.

It’s so MPs can vote on the Leaving deal Boris Johnson and the EU have brokered.

I’m not sure I follow all of the ins and outs.

I can only hope we — you and me, the voters of the UK — get a vote in a second referendum.

I know I’d be voting remain, again.

~≈†≈~

Just as a final thought?

The ‘~’ sign is a tilde.

I keep thinking it’s the only written symbol named after an actress* … 

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-10-2019: The Return of the BBC …

18th October, 2019.

Right … 

I’ve now had my boiler fixed.

No, wait: let me re-phrase that.

I’ve now had my boiler looked at.

Unfortunately?

The engineer couldn’t do anything, as he felt that the boiler was too old to be repaired.

Something he would be highlighted to his managers: with a warning that his recommendation could well be … overlooked …

He did offer me a work-round: that would give me access to hotter water when needed.

But I came away with the distinct impression he’d be happier if the boiler was newer.

I think I need to phone my landlord …

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-10-2019: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

17th October, 2019

Another year, another day, another dollar: ha!

But in all that?

I’m getting my boiler looked at, today.

Much like it’s needed for the past couple of years.

Quite what’s happening … ?

I honestly couldn’t tell you.

~≈ℇ≈~

Did I mention Extinction Rebellion?

The protest movement is known for it’s direct action: with member glueing themselves to walls, railings, trains and planes across the world.

This morning, however?

Frustrated commuters have pulled an Extinction Rebellion protestor off of a tube train in Canning Town.

Personally?

I’m sympathetic to Extinction Rebellion’s cause: I think governments should be doing more.

But, having been a commuter who’s had his train delayed, too many times, by people who’ve jumped in front of them?

I’m with those commuters.

However sympathetic I may to your cause?   I vote Green, after all.

However sympathetic I am, don’t stop my trip to work.

I’m likely to be less sympathetic.

Now … 

Have a playlist … 

~≈ℇ≈~

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

16th October, 2019.

It’s officially official: I’v had good news.

On one front … ?

I’ve been approved for monetisation on YouTube.

In other words, I’ve been my Youtube Partner Programme membership’s been approved: and — once my ad revenue hits £60 — I can start earning cash.

Here’s hoping.

~≈⨂≈~

In other good news?

I had a CT scan on my lungs this year: in July, if I’m remembering things correctly.

As an earlier one had revealed nodules: the doctor would be concerned: if these had grown in size or number.

I get the results letter, yesterday.

The nodules … haven’t grown.

I am extremely relieved.

As, for the moment, it means I’m free of what could have been lung cancer.

I’m relieved, understandably.

And frankly?

Thanking whatever higher powers are reading this!

~≈⨂≈~

Just as one last thing, before I move on to the Teaser?

I don’t know if you were following the Queen’s Speech, recently … ?

I had half an eye on it, I should add.

One policy that caught the attention of many?   Was the Government plans for photographic ID to be required, when we vote.

That’s still not something I could support.

Mostly?

Because, every time the idea is mentioned, the usual forms of ID are mentioned.

A passport or drivers license.

These things cost.

And are — if you’re unemployed, like me — completely unaffordable: the £75 to £85 for an adult UK passport pays for my gas and electricity, to give you and example.

The £43 for a new, provisional drivers license?   Half my shopping for the month.

It’s £20 for a replacement provisional license: something I was only able to purchase with help from the Job Centre.

I needed it to provide photographic ID for a job interview.

Help I suspect the Job Centre wouldn’t give me, or others … if I needed photographic ID to vote.

I know the idea is to help reduce voting fraud … 

But?

The impression I’ve always picked up — over the years — is that a lot of voting fraud centres around postal fraud.   I don’t see photographic ID being helpful, there.

Given all that?

I can’t support this.

But can, at least, sign the petition about it.

~≈⨂≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th October, 2019.

15th October, 2019.

Right … 

Did I mention I have a YouTube channel?

I’ve got a YouTube channel.

You might have noticed.

I’m now officially the owner of a YouTube channel that’s got more than 1000 subscribers.

I’ve got a subscriber base.

Amazingly!

With the watch hours I’ve got?

That means I’m eligible for YouTube’s Partner Programme.

The programme, in other words, that lets you make money from the ads that are placed on your videos.

I think I’ve managed to successfully sign up for the thing, and it’s getting reviewed.

Unfortunately?

Google — YouTube’s owners — have a payment threshold of £60: they only pay out once you’ve earned that much.

I’ve earned £19·46p

Hmmm …

Would you mind hitting an ad, if you’re watching my channel … ?

~≈†≈~

Mr Robot — Series 4: Episodes 2 — 402 Payment Required — A Review

14th October, 2019.

It has to be said, that’s a thing … 



Possibly good, possibly bad … but none the less … a thing.

Being a job hunter, that is.

It means I have time on my hand.



Absolutely no cash: but plenty of time.

Plenty of time to at least experiment.



It seems Apple’s new Music app — one of the company’s replacements for the now gone Mac version of iTunes — includes the ability to embed a song in one of your playlist.



I’m writing this piece with Pages, I should add: and will paste it into the New Post form on the Old Peculiar, once it’s done.

So I won’t know how that Vangelis tune will look, until I hit publish.



At any rate … ?

To have time, at the moment, to experiment

To complain about some of the glitches in Catalina.



And frankly?



To watch TV.

Yes: I’ve watched another episode of Mr Robot, Series 4 … 

~≈Ω≈~