The Man in the High Castle — Series 4 Episodes 5: Mauvaise Foi* — A Review

30th November, 2019.

I’m assuming — assuming, mind — that you’ve been following the news in the UK.

If you haven’t?

You’re possibly not aware of the attack that took place on London Bridge, yesterday.

A young man — and convicted terrorist — called Usman Khan murdered two people, and injured three others.

His actions?   And motives?   Have been discussed, since yesterday.

And radical Jihadi terrorism has been blamed.

I had the news on, earlier.

According to Khan’s lawyer?   He asked for help being de-radicalised, whilst in prison.

And was refused.

Refused help that could have prevented two people’s deaths.

Granted?   The man got out, and committed two murders whilst wearing the (fake) bomb vest that got him shot.

But … ?

A decision maker in the prison service made the wrong decision: and shares  some of the responsibility for those deaths.

~≈Ü≈~

At any rate?

It’s a quiet Saturday night.

And, with little else to do … ?

I watched TV … 

And, yes: you’re right: it’s another episode from The Man in the High Castle’s fourth season … 

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-11-2019: Saint Andrew’s Day

30th November, 2019.

Yes: today’s the 30th of November, 2019.

And it means that Lighting up Brentwood, takes place.

It means Brentwood’s Christmas lights get turned on.

Yay.

It might well end up making the High Street look wonderfully festive … 

But means means there’s going to be traffic jams … 

~≈†≈~

Oh … 

One thing I have managed to be able to afford?

Is a new USB stick: a sixty-four gigabyte one that replaces a thirty-two gigabyte one.

With the amount of cloud services, and catch up TV services, doing the rounds, they’re less useful than they were.

But there still the odd occasion where they come in handy.

In my case?   I’ve a set top TV box that can record stuff to a USB stick: having a larger capacity one helps.

Once I managed to get the thing formatted correctly* … !

~≈†≈~

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

29th November, 2019.

Hmmm … 

Did I mention I’m jobhunting?

I’m jobhunting … so you know.

And have to report into the Job Centre, every couple of weeks.

And follow any suggestions they make.

They’ve suggested one: a course at a local venue, covering interview technique, and various other bits.

It sound like it could be useful.

But lord, it’s a bit of a walk away … !

~≈†≈~

The Man in the High Castle — Series 4 Episodes 4: Happy Trails — A Review

28th November, 2019.

*Spoilers*

Right then … 

I’m officially … on the a course … 

I’m jobhunting, at the moment.   Just in case you didn’t know.

As such?   I have to do so many hours jobhunting, each day.

And, if required to?   Have to do whatever else the Job Centre thinks will be helpful for me to do.

Which reminds me: looking up an ECDL course, a European Computer Drivers License, could come in handy.

At ANY rate … ?

I’ve been places on a course that Covers a lot of different territory: including Customer Services, and Some basic IT, and presentational, skills.

Three weeks worth of course.

Here’s hoping it helps.

~≈†≈~

At any rate … ?

At any rate, I’ve had my 8 year old nephew, over, today.

Who’s now headed home: have had his weekly dose of Slogoman and Jelly!

They’re YouTubers, before you ask!

That means I know have my TV back: and can settle down to something I’d like to see.

Yep: episode 4 of The Man in the High Castle’s fourth season.

Ahem … !

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-11-2019: Chad

28th November, 2019.

You know, I have to admit to being up early.

Frankly?

I’ve a meeting at the Job centre at 9:30.

Mostly one that sets up the course I’m supposed to go on.

So I was up at six.

Half an hour before that … ?

Someone rang my doorbell: the one on the main door of the building.

At five thirty.

Who was it?

Why did they ring?

Why were they there?

I’m blowed if I know.

I’m not answering the door at that time of the morning … 

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak‘s Daily Teaser — 27th November, 2019.

27th November, 2019.

Yes: I’m officially of to the dentist, today, to get my teeth cleaned.

It’s not something I’ve seen mentioned in anyone’s election manifesto, this year.

But?   If you’re receiving Universal Credit in the UK, you can get a certain amount of dental treatment for free.

Including hygienist appointments: so long as you use a trainee … 

I’m not complaining.

Even if I do end up getting strapped to a chair, it’s an afternoon out.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-11-2019: Anarchy in the UK

26th November, 2019.

Right … 

It’s the 26th November, 2019.

And if, like me, you are in the UK?

You have until 11:59, tonight, to register to vote.

I believe you can do that at your local town hall.

But know that you can do it online, here … 

There IS a certain amount of irony, there.

A post that mentions Anarchy in the UK … is telling people to do something … 

~≈Ç≈~

Are you a film fan?

I am: or, at least, I like watching them.

And couldn’t help but notice the reports around the recently released Blue Story.

Especially ones blaming trouble at one multiplex, on the film.   One cinema chain has reinstated it, I should add: after dropping it.

I’ve one question, for starters.

In that original incident?   What the bloody hell were the site’s security doing?   How the hell did they drop the ball so damn far, several police officers were injured?

A second?

From what I can see, the kids who caused the problems were in the thirteen to fifteen age range.

How on Earth did a bunch of thirteen year olds get into see a film with a Fifteen rating?   What were the staff doing?

I think the blame lies with the staff, not the film!

I’m also tempted to think we’re looking at a potential — and unwarranted — media frenzy.

One similar to that which occurred after A Clockwork Orange was released in the UK.

Similar to the frenzy surrounding First Blood, in the wake of the Hungerford Massacre.

Similar to the frenzy around Child’s Play 3, after the murder of James Bulger.

In all of those cases?   I’m tempted to blame, not the movies, but the criminals.

The films — at most — may have suggested how to commit the crime, rather than encourage the killers.

But, from what I can see of the relevant Wikipedia articles?   There’s no evidence the killers saw the movies concerned.

Just as — from what I’ve understood of the news reports — the children involved in the gang fight …were too young to get in to see Blue Story.

My question is NOT Why is this film out.

My question is What were the staff doing … ?

Because they weren’t doing their jobs.

~≈Ç≈~

Mr Robot — Series 4: Episodes 8 — 408 Request Timeout — A review

25th November, 2019.

You know … I’m amazed … mildly.

I had an interview, last week.

And … ?

I had the phone call, this morning, to tell me I’d not got the job.

Which amazed me: it doesn’t often happen.

I’m grateful for it, thought: they were able to outline my strengths, as well as the weaknesses that didn’t get me the job.

It’s something I can work on.

Unfortunately?

The interview I went for, today, in Billericay?

Told me I would be contacted this afternoon.

And hasn’t bothered.

I’m assuming it’s a non-starter.

At any rate … ?

At any rate, I’m home … 

And … ?   Just seen another episode of Mr Robot’s Series 4.

~≈†≈~

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

25th November, 2019.

Yes: it’s officially official.

I’ve got an interview in Billiricay, today.

In a convenience store.

I’m … 

I’m a little indecisive about it, I have to say.

The thing that’s causing the doubt?   Is simply the transport costs.

The place I’d be working is around the corner from the nearest station: and is right next to the bus stop.

That’s not the issue.

But given the nature of the shop … ?

The hours will mean early starts and late finishes.

Which means more frequent train tips, as the buses don’t finishes as late as the trains.

I think this is going to need thinking about … 

And leaves me hoping I get offered the job I was interviewed for, last week.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-11-2019: William Webb Ellis.

24th November, 2019

Yes: I’m actually thankful.

I’ve managed to afford two things.

First off?   I’ve managed to sign up for Apple’s Arcade service.   As they’re offering a free month.

It had to be said, the service also seems to be cheap enough, and, like the iCloud backups I used, seems to come out of the funds I’ve accrued using iTunes Gift cards.

About my only complaint?

Is some of the games need a bit of tweaking: just to make sure they can be played on the Mac, itself.

It’s not a PC!

Secondly?

I’ve also had a haircut.

Hopefully, in time for tomorrow’s interview.

The only problem?

Is — inevitably — it’s going to start growing, again … !

~≈¥≈~

Just as a final thought … ?

The Series Twelve trailer has been released.

Here … 

Yep: there’s Cybermen.

I loved the Moffat era weaponised corpses presentation of them.

But want to see what’s the Chibnall/Whittaker era will do with them.

There’s ALSO the fact that — unless I miss my guess — Stephen Fry and Lenny Henry are in the same episode: playing M and James Bond, respectively.

We’ll have to see.

~≈¥≈~

Oh, JUST as a final thought for those of us in the UK?

We’ve got until 26th November, 2019, to register our vote in the election open the 12th December.

If you haven’t yet?

You might want to get a move on … 

~≈¥≈~

The Man in the High Castle — Series 4 Episodes 3: The Box — A Review

23rd November, 2019.

OK … 

It’s true: I’ve caught some TV, tonight.

In possibly more ways than one.

Firstly?

The officially official trailer for Dr Who’s twelfth series is now out.

And it looks rather good.

Especially if you saw that Cyberman, too!

~≈†≈~

I also have to admit … I’ve signed up for Apple’s Apple Arcade: its game streaming service.

It seems cheap enough: and there’s a lot of games on there that seem the sort of thing I’d go for.

I have to say, thought: there’s one game on there: called Marble It Up: Mayhem!

You have to roll a marble around a 3d obstacle course.

It’s fantastic looking: and very enjoyable to play.

But?

The controls for the desktop — Mac — version are like this.

For a START?

Whoever ported the game across to the Apple Arcade, obviously didn’t know about the Mac’s one button mouse.

And W, S, A and D are fine keys for up, down, left and right.

If you’re right handed: and using the mouse in your right hand.

Guess which left hander tried it on the Mac, first … ?

Yep: Juggins, here … 

At least the version on the Apple TV … benefits from the game controller.

~≈†≈~

Talking to TV … ?

Talking of TV, I managed to catch some, tonight.

Yes: I’ve managed to catch episode 3, of The Man in the High Castle’s fourth season.

This is looking good.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-11-2019: Doctor Who.

23rd November, 1963.

Right … I have to admit, I got my Universal Credit payment through, yesterday.

And … ?

And I think I have just about enough left to get a haircut.

I’ve an interview on Monday: shorter hair would good, I think.

Here’s hoping!

~≈†≈~

Talking of Universal Credit?

I caught part of the four way debate on Question Time, last night.

And turned off after Jo Swinson — Liberal Democrat Leader — came on.

I’m not voted for them since the Coalition: I don’t see what I should have to put up with her on my TV.

One unfortunate fact became clear.

The Liberal Democrats seem keen to support retaining and reforming Universal Credit, whilst Labour wants to scrap it: and the Greens, who I’m planing to vote for, planning to replace it with a basic income.

I would rather keep hold of my Universal Credit: now I’ve got used to it.

As an extra worry?   The inevitable delay caused with any change in benefit.

There was one involved in the move from Unemployment Benefit (and Housing Benefit) to Jobseekers Allowance (with Housing Benefit), and a longer one caused by the switch from Jobseekers Allowance to Universal Credit (which has a housing component).

That longer delay caused a lot of people to build up arrears to build up: more arrears than they would do normally

Frankly?   I couldn’t vote Labour: they plan to scrap the payment.

Made made no announcement on what they’ll replace it with, nor deal with issues caused by the delay in payments that come with every shift.

Nor have they explained how they plan to replace the various Child Tax credits covered by Universal Credit payments: something I know affects friends of mine.

Nor — something that affects me, more — how they plan to replace the Housing Benefit component of Universal Credit.

My local Green candidate has, at least, informed me that their plans for a Basic Income include a housing component: although they haven’t stated how they plan to deal with any delays.

Frankly?   The Tories are still not getting my vote: even without a seeming plan for Universal Credit.

Labour?   Likewise, have no plan for the Benefit.

The Liberal Democrats?   Plan — from the little I’ve seen — plan to reform the payment: I welcome that, but still am not voting for them.   Their joining the coalition in 2010, left me finding them difficult to trust.

The Greens … ?   Have at least got something approaching a plan: even though I have my doubts about some aspects … 

Make of that, what you will … 

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-11-2019: Huxley

22nd November, 2019.

Yep.

You know it.

I know it … 

We know it … 

There is stuff going on … !

On a serious note?

I noticed this piece floating past.

It seems a gay man in Russia has been involved in making a video: answering children's questions about his life.

Russia being as discriminatory as it it?

He’s now been charged … with sexual assault.

After a complaint from a Deputy Parliamentary speaker.

OK … promoting homosexuality is considered a crime in Russia.

Which I know the LGBQ+ doesn’t like.

I can’t say I blame them.

But seeing this chap charged with assault, rather than promotion?   Or discussion, as we’d possibly call it?

Seems just a little odd.   To say the least.

~≈¥≈~

On a LESS serious note?

The Dr Who office has made a casting announcement.

Series 12 of Dr Who will see Sir Lenny Henry and Stephen Fry join the cast.

Personally?

I’d love to see how they are used.

Saying that … ?

I can still remember them both on the edgier bits of comedy.

And remembering Alexei Sayle beat them too it: he appeared in Revelation of the Daleks, back in the day.

~≈¥≈~

The Man in the High Castle — Series 4 Episodes 2: Every Door Out… — A Review

21st November, 2019

Hmmm … 

I have to admit, I’m … 

Well, thinking all sorts of things.

I notice — for example — that Jeremy Corbyn’s announced that — should Labour get into government — they will scrap the Universal Credit benefit I’m on.

I’m thinking I couldn’t vote for them, giving that.

Partly?   Because they haven’t said what they’ll replace it with.

And partly because the change from Universal Credit to its replacement will come with the same sort of delays that happened with the change from Job Seeker’s Allowance to Universal Credit.

And from the old Unemployment Benefit to Jobseekers Allowance.

All of which saw delayed payments: at least to me.

And, I’m assuming, to others.

I’m ALSO very aware the Greens are planning what they call a Universal Basic Income of some £89 a week.

One that seemingly doesn’t include housing costs.

As someone planning to vote Green in this election … ?

That’s a concern … and also why I contacted the local Green candidate.

I’ll hear back from them, another time: but I’m … 

Well … 

Concerned … 

~≈¥≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s a Thursday … 

A Thursday where, frankly?

I felt I could go another episode of the fourth season of The Man in the High Castle.

I’m on the second episode … 

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21st November, 2019

21st November, 2019.

It’s got be said, I’m actually up early, today.

I’ve a meeting at the new and improved Job Centre.

What’s called a Commitments Review meeting.

In other words, one where my work coach and I go over what I need to do, in order to keep claiming money.

It should go well.

Although, as ever?   There’s things I want to chew over.

The last time I had an extended period of joblessness, I ended up having to sign on for the privately run Work Program.

Something that the then government was heavily promoting as a jobhunting cure-all … and something that, as it turned out, was about as useful as a chocolate teapot.

Actually … ?   Less useful.   You could eat the teapot.

So … ?

I just want to find out what I could be facing … 

~≈Ü≈~

The Man in the High Castle — Series 4 Episodes 1: Hexgram 64 — A Review

20th November, 2019

Right … I think I’ve had something of an almost close shave.

I’m off to an interview on Monday.

And need to apply for the price of a ticket.

Except, of course, I needed needed to wait for the email confirmation that I had an interview to turn up.

So I could show it to my contact at the Job Centre, tomorrow.

Hmmm … 

Here’s hoping it gets through … 

~≈¥≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s a Wednesday.

It’s a Wednesday and I fancied some TV.

Yes: I’ve started watching fourth season of The Man in the High Castle … 

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th November, 2019.

20th November, 2019.

Emails, emails, emails … 

Just so you know, I’m a Mac fan, and user.

And get emails from them: mostly receipts, but also from the Communities, one of Apple’s help section.

As you may know, with the recent update to macOS, the Mac’s operating system, Apple dumped the iTunes app.

And replaced it with a Music, TV and Podcast app.

Personally?   I think have basically stripped the old iTunes apps of its Movie, TV and Podcast functions: and filled the gaps with re-worked versions of relevant AppleTV apps.

Ones that aren quite as functional as the iTunes app functions they replace.

I’m not happy.

The emails?

Are from one post I’m following: that tells us that many others are also unhappy about the changes.

I’m not surprised.

Right now?

I can only hope Apple are paying attention to posts like that: and are planning improvements for either Catalina 10.15.2 … or whatever replaces Catalina.

~≈†≈~

Just as an extra though?

I’m very aware that BBC America’s doing a series based on Sir Terry Pratchett’s Nightwatch/Discworld novels.

I have my issues with some of the casting.

They’ve cast Lara Rossi as Lady Sybil: which has got my goat.   I’ve no issues with her ethnicity: although I’m aware I won’t come off looking good, by mentioning it.

I’ve no issue with her ethnicity: but her build.

Sybil’s supposed to be built like (say) me, Miranda Hart or Rusty Lee.   Quite … sturdy … in other words.   Lara Rossi’s very slim.   Ellen Thomas would be better options, I feel.

Then there’s Sam Vimes (Richard Dormer) and John Keel (Hakeem Kae-Kazim).

I’ve no issue with the ethnicity … but the fact that characters are supposed to vaguely resemble each other.

Which they clearly don’t.

I’d have the same issue if the pair had been cast as the other character.

They’ve ALSO cast Anna Chancellor as Lord Vetinari.

You can see the issue, there.

Frankly?

I’m planning on going no-where near this travesty.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-11-2019: Jodie Foster

19th November, 2019.

It’s true: I had an interview, yesterday!

At a local phone shop.

I thought it went fairly well: although I though I should have mentioned extended warranties in the role playing* section, rather than the case I did discuss.

However?

The decision’s ultimately not down to me: much as I’d like to get the job … 

~≈¥≈~

As an extra thought?

While I was prepping various bits and bobs for the episode of Mr Robot I caught, last night?

I got a call from another potential employer, last night.

I’ve got another interview on Monday … 

~≈¥≈~

And, just as another extra thought?

Google’s released its Stadia games streaming service, today.

Along side the micro console it can be played on.

Personally?

I wouldn’t mind a go at that: and think it possibly could be a good birthday or Christmas present for my nephew.

Possibly.

Unlike Netflix, you don’t pay a subscription for the service, and get access to a lot of free games.

You pay a subscription … and, with a basic subscription, have to pay extra for games.

Frankly?

I don’t know if that’s going to generate big sales for Google.

~≈¥≈~

Mr Robot — Series 4: Episodes 7 — 407 Proxy Authentication Required — A review

18th November, 2019.

Right … I’ve had an interview, today.

Which you’d know about: if you’d read this morning’s Teaser.

To be frank?

It seemed to go well.   Although, looking back, I think that — during the role-play section — I could have mentioned extended warranties, rather than the case I did mention … 

If that makes sense … ?

At any rate … ?

It’s a Monday night.

And I fancied some TV.

You, you’ve guessed it … 

Episode 7 of Mr Robot, Series 4.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-11-2019: Morocco.

18th November, 2019.

Right … 

I now have an official interview … for a job … !

I’m … 

Mildly nervous, to be brutally honest.

And having the usual problem: the sneaky little voice at the back of my brain telling me there’s no point in going, as I won’t get the job.

Quite I how I deal with that, I don’t know.

~≈†≈~

Are you in the UK, as a thought … ?

JUST as a reminder, I’ve had my poll card through.

Which means I’m managed to guarantee that I can vote.

And found out my polling station is still where it was.

But, just in case you DIDN’T realise … ?

You have until the 26th November — next Tuesday — to register to vote.

Where you go in person, I don’t know.

This link tells you how to vote by post.

This is the link to do so, on line.

Please think about registering: I think this election’s going to be important.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-11-2019: Scorsese

17th November, 2019.

Yes: I think Arrggghhhggghghghghhghghghgh is possibly the word!

I have — wait for it — an earworm.

Yep: Divine’s doing this thing, in my head … 

Again … !

Why?

I really don’t know!

~≈†≈~

Just as a quick thought for the technology fans, out there?

I’ve recently read a recent article on the BBC’s technology pages: about the Raspberry Pi.

It’s fascinating to see how well the small-form-factor computer has done.

Especially when you realise the thing’s the third most popular computer, by sales, on the planet … 

Next to the PC, and the Mac.

That’s one up for the UK … !

~≈†≈~

Spiderman: Far from Home — A Review

16th November, 2019.

Right … 

Have you ever been nervous about a job interview?

I’ve got one on Monday afternoon: and I’m not nervous … yet.

I am a little intimidated by the amount of possible reading up I have to do: ands by the amount of technology I’d be selling.

It’s something of a different realm … !

~≈†≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s a Saturday: where I’ve had little to do … bar catch something on TV.

Even with this year’s Children in Need over?   There’s still little on that I wanted to watch.

Frankly?

I — metaphorically — grabbed a film.

Yep: you’re right.

Spiderman: Far from Home.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-11-2019: Blunt

16th November, 2019.

You know, I get the feeling something’s happening that I’m not getting told about.

I — finallyish — had my boiler fixed, yesterday.

It seems to be giving me both heating and hot water.

But … ?

Having had the supervisor down — who told me the element needed replacing — the the engineer, yesterday — who told me the job looked like it would take up to three hours, then took half an hour to replace a sensor, and then told the boiler still needed replacing — I’m getting the feeling there’s a lot of … 

If you’ll excuse the language, I’m getting the feeling there’s a lot of crap being talked.

~≈§≈~

Hmmm … 

Can I make a confession?

I’m not a fan of the BBC’s Children in Need charity shindigs.

So … ?   Last night, I had V for Vendetta on, instead: whilst writing a few teasers, and adding questions to my quiz spreadsheet.

Ha!   That thing used to fit on a floppy disk, many years ago.

There was a Dr Who themed piece, though: for a little girl called Anastasia, who needed up getting her own Sonic Screwdriver.

Which is nice.

I’m … hmmm … just a touch disappointed they team didn’t write and produce a themed scene: as they’ve done in earlier years.

Oh, well … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-11-2019: Free Danzig

15th November, 2019.

Right … 

It’s official.

I started the morning with Tommy Cooper’s Don’t Jump off the Roof, Dad, banging around my head.

Why?

I don’t know: but it’s mildly irritating.

I THINK I’ve managed to replace it with Spike Jone’s Cocktails for Two.

Which could possibly be even worse … 

~≈†≈~

Another thing to mention … ?

Or not, if you’re trying to avoid politics?

I’ve officially had words with the local Greens: and they’ve managed to get enough money together to pay the deposit that lets their candidate stand in this year’s election.

That’s a good thing.

For starters, it means I can comfortably put up the ‘Vote Green’ posters.

It means I don’t have to take down the campaign fund appeal: the one you’ll see in the sidebar, when you use a desktop browser.

It also means I won’t have to spoil my vote in this election.

Which is what I be doing if the Greens hadn’t stood.

I know there’s arguments that spoiling your vote is a waste of a vote.

Possibly, it is.

I would make a counter argument, there.

Here in the UK, you have various ways of abstaining from a vote … if you’re a local councillor, or member of Parliament.

Beyond either not turning up to vote … 

Or spoiling your vote if you do.

Personally?

I think whoever wins this year’s election should look at reforming the voting process.

If, for no other reason that to include a None of the Above option.

~≈†≈~