Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-2-2020: The Number 29.

29th January, 2020.

I have to say, I’m a Doctor Who fan: I’ve been watching it for years.

So I’m a fan that recognises this symbol.

A symbol that’s generally called the Seal of Rassilon, and used as a generic symbol for the Time Lords: the species the Doctor’s a member of.

And one that’s visible in this publicity shot for the Series Twelve finale.

Right behind the Lone Cyberman.

The mild irony?

Is the symbol was originally designed for a species called the Vogans: from the planet Voga.

And later re-used — for the Time Lords — in The Deadly Assassin.

The mild irony … ?

Is that the Vogans, the species the symbol’s first used for?

Crop up in a series called Revenge of the Cybermen.

Like I say, mild irony … 

~≈†≈~

Oh, just as a quick thought?

Right at the moment, my bed-time reading … ?

Is William Gibson’s Agency: focused on a young woman called Verity.

I’ve got further along in the story.

But noticed chapter grabbed me.

Two of the main characters got discussing the front door of their favourite coffee shop.

It is, according to one character?   TARDIS Blue.

Or, at least, ’96 TARDIS Blue.

You have to love a geeky reference, don’t you … ?

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-2-2020: Friday

28th February, 2020.

Yes: it’s official.

I have an earworm … and I think I know what’s given it to me.

I’ve had my usual bowl of cornflakes, this morning.

And had the BBC’s teletext news, on whilst eating.

And noticed that a proposed safe injection site in Philadelphia had been cancelled: after wide spread opposition.

A safe injection site, so you know?   Is a safe area for addicts to inject: and something that used to be called shooting galleries.

Either way … ?

The line “In any shooting gallery, where promise are made,” immediately went through my mind … and let Dire Straits’ Tunnel of Love start banging through my head!

Lovely … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th February, 2020.

27th February, 2020

Yes: it sound like I’ll be babysitting my nephew, Jude, this afternoon.

Which should be fun.

Assuming?   That I can persuade him that playing Sonic Racing’s a good idea.

There’s only SO much Jelly a body can take!

Ultimate chicken horse … ?

Dear lord … 

~≈¥≈~

I don’t suppose you’ve seen a 1992 film called Candyman, have you?   It was one of those fantastically memorable horror films that didn’t get too much coverage, and one I feel I have to re-watch, at some point.

There’s a new version out, this year.

We’ll have to see if it lives up to the original … 

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-2-2020: Counting Coup …

26th February, 2020.

Yep: stuff’s going on, today.

Frankly?

I’m off to hospital: for some simple blood tends.

Mostly to check if I’m diabetic, and to monitor my thyroid medication.

Oh … and check on the heart medication I’m on is working … 

Here’s hoping.

~≈¥≈~

It’s officially official … I managed to visit the library.

I’d been told my complaint — that you couldn’t use the mice, left-handedly — had been resolved.

It had.

Essex Library’s IT department have managed to install a shortcut on to the main screen: one that allows access to the relevant settings panel.

Now … 

Persuading the library to NOT use Windows … is going to be a job and a half … !

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25th February, 2020.

25th February, 2020.

Right … 

I’m left-handed.

You’ve possibly realised that, if you’ve been reading this blog for a while.

I’m a southpaw that’s always got my eyes peeled on design.

Kettles?   Have to have a measuring window on both sides.

Handles … ?   Door handles … ?   Don’t get me started on handles, scissors, steak knives, tin openers, what-have-you …

Oh … and mice.

Part of the reason I like Macs is the tradition one button mouse: you can change them to left handed use, simply by putting them on the left hand side of the desk.

Windows two button mice, by contrast?   You have to fiddle about, trying to find the relevant settings.   It’s doable*.   But fiddly.

Which is why I’m off to the library.

With Essex Library’s recent upgrade to Windows 10?   They managed to remove the ability to change mouse buttons around.

Something I complained about: both to the Library service, AND to my local county councillor, David Kendall.

He’s email, this morning, to tell me that the IT section has added a shortcut to the main desktop of Essex Library computers: something I didn’t notice, the last time I was there.

Hence another trip.

I won’t necessarily believe it: until I see it.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th February, 2020.

24th February, 2020.

It’s definite: I’m rushed!

I’ve officially got an appointment … at the Job Centre, at 9:30.

Which would be lovely … if it was still around the corner, from my place!

It’s not: it’s now in Brentwood’s Town hall.

Yes: I know I need the exercise … but even so … 

~≈†≈~

Just as a quick point … ?

Remember I’ve been trying to turn a cheap USB memory stick into a Ubuntu installer?

And been having issues doing so?

A quick Googling told me that balenaEtcher, the app that’s supposed to make making these things easy … is having issues under macOS Catalina.

Wouldn’t you know it.

At ANY rate … ?

I’ve finally managed to borrow my sister’s PC, last night: installing the Windows version of balenaEtcher, and converting the stick into the installer.

Then getting into the BIOS system, so I could re-arrange the boot order.

And then double checking it, to see if it worked.

I think we can say it did.

Roll on my birthday … 

~≈§≈~

Doctor Who — Series 12: Episode 9 — Ascension of the Cybermen — A Review

23rd February, 2020.

Yes: it’s Sunday night.

Just so you know.

And those of you who’ve been following me for a while … ?

Will realise I’ve had dinner at my family’s.

And been able to borrow one of my sisters laptops to check out … 

Do you know what an installer is?

It’s something that lets you install software — productivity software, operating systems, drivers, what-have-you — onto a computer.

I’ve been trying to make one for a while, now: that will let me install a version of the open source operating system, Ubuntu, onto a laptop.

The laptop’s a birthday present, so you know, and something I’ll be getting in a few weeks time.

But I’m not particular keen on having Windows on there: which is why I’m trying to make an OS installer.

I’ve not been able to use my Mac to do it.

So ended up using the Windows version of balenaEtcher to turn the stick into an Ubuntu installer.

Given I’m a committed Mac fan?

You can imagine my annoyance.

But, at any rate, I now have a suitable stick … 

All I need now is a suitable computer … 

~≈Ω≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s Sunday.

Sunday night.

And, before you ask?

Yes: I’ve seen tonight’s episode of Doctor Who, series 12.

Ascension of the Cybermen … 

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-2-2020: Pepys

23rd February, 2020.

Yes: it’s officially the case: I want to go back to beck … !

Mostly?

Because I had a rather late night las night: watching a movie!

Sometimes, you have to follow up a suggestions, don’t you … ?

~≈†≈~

Knives Out — A Review.

22nd February, 2020.

It has to be said: I think I spent too much of my youth watching The Young Ones.

The anarchic early eighties comedy series: rather than the Cliff Richards movie.

Which sort of explains my ‘Movies, movies, movies,’ opening.

I was aiming for Vyvian … 

Hmmm … 

It’s possibly fallen flat‡, hasn’t it … ?

~≈†≈~

At any rate … ?

I’ve a spare Saturday night … 

One that I fancied spending with a movie.

And, if you’ve spent time reading this morning’s Teaser*, you’ll realise both Debbi and Olga had suggested one Daniel Craig movie in particular.

Yep … 

Knives Out … 

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-2-2020: Saturday …

22nd February, 2020.

Right … it’s officially official: stuff is going on … 

For starters?

YouTube was playing silly buggers: which is why today’s post’s been held up.

It refused to add today’s Teaser video to the relevant playlist.

Which added minutes to the process … !

THEN … ?

Despite being told — yesterday — that BT were withdrawing support for email apps … ?

My email client, Thunderbird, has started working.

Ever get the feeling being annoyed first thing in the morning is getting to be a habit … ?

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-2-2020: The Phone Book.

21st February, 2020.

You know BT — my internet service and phone provider — are wonderful.

Really.

They’re kind, warm and wonderfully fluffy, and you can pet them for hours.

He says, with his tongue very firmly stuck in his cheek.

On a more honest front?

They’ve decided to stop supporting desktop email clients.

Which means I can’t use Thunderbird or Mail to access my email: just the website.

Not something I’m happy with … 

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-2-2020: Rihanna

20th February, 2020.

Right … I’m eternally grateful to YouTube!

I woke up this morning, with Steve Earle’s Copperhead Road ear-worming its way through my head.

But managed to replace it … 

With Rihanna’s Pon de Replay.

Which has now, stubbornly, taken up residence.

I may have to start listening to the theme tune to El Ministerio del Tiempo* … 

Alonso and company manage to chase most things off … 

Ahem!

~≈¥≈~

Fishermen’s Friends — A Review.

19th February, 2020.

Right … 

You’ve possibly watch that introduction video … haven’t you?

Basically?

I confess to not knowing my own mind.

Not knowing if I’d want to settle down in front of the TV … with a film or a TV show.

Granted: there’s a few of each I wanted to check out.

Being in the mood I’m in … ?

I fancied a movie.

And, to be perfectly frank?

I fancied a feel-good movie.

And … ?

In deciding on the Chris Foggin directed Fishermen’s Friends, I think I picked a good one …

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19th February, 2020.

19th February, 2020.

Yes: it’s true … 

I’ve had Kenny Rogers’ Lucille floating around my head.

Although, frankly?

I seem to have Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town, doing the rounds, as well.

Why?

I do not know.

~≈Ÿ≈~

You’ve possibly — if you’ve read the past few days Teasers — realised I’m trying to set up a USB stick as an Ubuntu OS installer.

And not had much luck, using balenaEtcher to do so.

And not had much more luck: using various Terminal commands.

The last batch I got … ?

Seemed to work.

Art least, the stick showed up on my Mac as unrecognised, yesterday: I assumed the process had worked.

So?

I went to Brentwood Library, yesterday: to try it there.

It didn’t.

The stick initially showed as unrecognised, when I logged on.

I tried booting into BIOS*: to see if I could rearrange the boot order.

I couldn’t: as I didn’t have the Administrator password.

Hmmm … 

I think the phrase ‘back to the drawing board’ is going to turn up … !

~≈Ÿ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th February. 2020.

18th February, 2020.

Right then … 

THAT seemed to work.

As you know, and as far as I know … ?

I’m in line to get a cheap laptop for my birthday.

And thinking of putting the open source operating system, Ubuntu, on the thing.

To that end, I’ve been eyeing ways of making an installer: out of a disk image, and a USB stick.

Which HAD proved difficult.

At least with the copy of balenaEtcher I have.

So I used the Terminal commands on Ubuntu’s page.

Which didn’t work: as the files I had weren’t gzipped* files.

I did frantic hunting.

And eventually got a suggested set of Terminal instructions from Quora.

To cut a long story short?

The process seems to have worked: as, when I plug the stick brought up the macOS dialogue that asks what to do with an un-initialised USB stick.

Usually, it should show up either with that warning … or one that tells me it has no mountable file system.

Which means?

All I need to do now, is check whether this is now an Ubuntu installer on a PC.

Looks like I’m walking to the library … 

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th February, 2020.

17th February, 2020.

Yep: I’ve officially spent last night in front of a computer screen.

Reviewing The Haunting of Villa Diodati, last night’s episode of Dr Who.

Did I tell you I’m knackered as a result?

I’m knackered as a result.

Still … 

I can go back to bed later … 

~≈Ö≈~

Possibly … ?

After I’ve done a little fiddling about.

Remember me mentioning that I’m potentially getting hold of a cheap laptop?

And trying to set up an Ubuntu installer for it?

The app I’ve got, that — theoretically — lets me do this, seems to be having issues.

I have managed to find instructions on how to do this, via a set of Terminal commands.

All well and good: except that — as far as I can tell — I need to enable my root account: and set up a password for it.

Not necessarily something I’m comfortable about: as the root account is too powerful for every day use.

I think … I’ll have to use my old MacPro: then let you know … 

~≈Ö≈~

Doctor Who — Series 12: Episode 8 — The Haunting of Villa Diodati — A Review

*Spoilers*

16th February, 2020.

Yes: it’s definitively the case.

My tumble dryer, the one that isn’t audible to you, but that I could hear whilst recording that video … 

Is a loud b*gger!

It’s noisy enough that I think I should replace it.

Except, of course, that it’s something I only bought last year!

Ho … 

Hum!

~≈Ÿ≈~

One thing I’m aware of … ?

Is simply that there’s a possibility I’ll be getting a cheap laptop, soon.

On my birthday, at the start of March.

The 4th, if you wanted to buy me a card.

At ANY rate … ?

There’s a possibility of a cheap laptop.

Me being me?

I’d rather not have Windows on the thing.

Just on general principles.

I’d far rather use an open source operating system like Ubuntu.

Usually?

I’d use an app called balenaEtcher to turn a USB memory stick into what’s called a live disc: a kind of installer, in other words.

Except, of course, balenaEtcher is having some sort of spasm … and refusing to work!

There’s a possibility, though, that I can get the same result by fiddling around in Terminal: the macOS equivalent to the Windows command line.

Old fashioned typed commands, in other words.

On top of that … ?

I may have to enable my root account — a sort of extremely powerful user account on a computer — to get that to work.

It’s not something I’m used to, or confident about: I’m very aware the root account is not something to play around with, lightly.

Although I can, in theory, activate the one on my old machine: and try the job on there.

We are going to have to see, aren’t we?

~≈Ÿ≈~

At any rate, it’s a Sunday night.

A Sunday night when Doctor Who

 is on.

Yes: you’re right, another episode of series 12.

I’ve been glued to it.

And, yes … 

The Haunting of Villa Diodati is fantastic.

~≈Ÿ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-2-2020: Lithuania

16th February, 2020.

I’ve got Radio Four on in the background.

As ever.

OK, the Sunday Service on: which, this week, is a little bit too happy-clappy for my taste, but there you go.

But pone thing I noticed on the news?

Are apparent discussions in the Cabinet: on cancelling the TV license: and replacing it with subscription fees for the BC.

Personally?

I’m thinking that’s really not a good idea.

I think many of us — those of us who could never afford Sky, Netflix, what have you — would never be able to afford a subscriber based BBC.

Would never want the adverts the idea — to me — implies.

Would miss out on the one source of news that would get turned off if they don’t pay for it.

In all honesty?   I think the idea is rooted in our current Tory government’s dislike for the BBC.

I can’t help but notice many of them seem to prefer to NOT be interviewed by Aunty.

~≈¥≈~

I don’t know about you … ?

But I saw the sad news of Caroline Flack’s death, yesterday.

My thoughts are with, and condolences go to, her family.

One thing I notice, though?

Is that Ms Flack had been charged with assaulting her partner.

Something I’ve learnt, very personally, over the years?

Is that — in between being arrested, charged and convicted — those facing criminal charges will feel suicidal.

Some?   Will kill themselves, during the process.

My opinion?   Is that these people need as much support as possibly: in order to survive the process, to serve their sentence and for justice to be done.

It sound like Ms Flack got charged, and got the legal help … but not necessarily the psychological help anyone in her shoes should get.

Justice — and Ms Flack’s family — lose out.

~≈¥≈~

As one final thought, there?

Ms Flack’s agency, Money Talent Management, have described the legal proceedings against her as a ‘show trial.’

And as putting ‘huge pressure’ on a vulnerable person.

Hmmm … 

I’m … 

I can understand them saying that: they are trying to defend their client, after all.

But?

I feel vaguely insulted.

How do they feel about other women — or men — caught up in the same situation?

Not a lot, I suspect.

They may be keen to be seen to be doing the right thing.

But they are no help to anyone else who’s been charged.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th February 2020.

15th February, 2020.

Yep: it’s true.

The UK’s going to be hit by Storm Dennis: from roughly twelve o’clock, today.

I’m not too worried about my part of the world.

But … ?

Two weekends like this is a touch worrying.

~≈†≈~

Just as a quick bit of technology news?

It seems Twitter have now come up with a plug to block … um … unwanted nudes.

Dick pics, in other words.

Well done, them: the amount of times I hear complaints about it, I’m surprised on one’s done it sooner.

~≈†≈~

Remember me mentioning — a few days ago — that there was a possibility I’d be getting a cheap laptop for my upcoming birthday?   And that I’d be putting Ubuntu on the thing?

By a weird coincidence, and old friend contacted me, last night.

Wanting the same thing.

If that goes ahead, we may have to dual boot the thing: the one game they do want to keep?

Is Windows only.

Which is a little bit inconsiderate of the game’s makers: but there you go.

Now … 

Has anyone seen my Ubuntu Budgie installer?

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-2-2020: Saint Valentine’s Day …

14th February, 2020.

Right … it’s official.

I’ve started reading a book … in bed.

That’s actually been a habit of mine for a while, to be honest.

The one I’ve started … ?

Actually isn’t a romance: I’m not a romance kind of person … 

No … 

It’s William Gibson’s Agency.

I’m three chapters in: and it’s proving to be interesting stuff.

Even if I am finding Eunice, the AI character, reminiscent of the Dixie Flatline: the personality construct in Neuromancer. 

Not that I mind.

You have to like consistency, don’t you … ?

“I’m dead, Case. Got enough time in on this Hosaka to figure that one.”

Dixie Flatline, Neuromancer, William Gibson.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-2-2020: Radio Daze

13th February, 2020.

You know, job hunting’s starting to pall.

Really!

Right now, I’m obviously blogging.

But, frankly?

I’m doing a lot of thumb twiddling!

~≈¥≈~

One thing I do know?

Is I managed to finish Orwell’s The Lion and The Unicorn, last night.

That?   Is quite the read!

I know it sounds strange: especiallly if — like Old Peculiar regular, Debbi Mack — you have a To Be Read pile the size of Chelmsford.

But if you want a good example of of how to write well in English, The Lion and The Unicorn is possibly it.

And … ?   I’m no expert, but think Eric Arthur Blair possibly knew a thing or two.

“The heirs of Nelson and of Cromwell are not in the House of Lord.   They are in the fields and the streets, in the factories and the armed forces, in the four-ale bar and the suburban back-garden: and at present, they are being kept under by an army of ghosts.”

I think … I’ll be keeping The Lion and The Unicorn close at hand.

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-2-2020: Georgia on my Mind

12th February, 2020.

Hmmm … 

I follow the news, occasionally.

With an interest in technology subjects.

One piece that has caught my eye, today?

Was that Ofcom — the UK’s media regulator — now has power to police social media sites for harmful content.

Child abuse images, decapitation videos, cyber bullying, what have you.

It’s a nice idea.

But … ?

I don’t know how much clout the UK’s regulator would have.

After all, most of the tech giants concerned — Facebook, Twitter, Weibo — are based in other counties.

Primarily, the US, Russia and China.

I think … that this move would have had more clout, had we still been members of the European Union.

Being a member of an EU regulator, Ofcom would have a lot more oomph.

~≈Ü≈~

The Death of Stalin — A Review

11th February, 2020.

You know … the job hunting is really going badly.

Honestly.

I would’ve expected something to turn up, by now.

Unfortunately?

I’ve had not a blessed sausage.

Not even a vegetarian one!

It’s … 

It’s depressing, to be honest.

I’m coping, I’m looking forward to eventually landing a job … 

But, lord, it’s hard work!

~≈†≈~

At any rate … ?

I’ve been able to keep myself occupied.

I don’t have much money: but do have a collection of movies, sitting around: ripped from the occasional DVD, and blu-ray.

And able to rent and streaming both the occasional TV show … and the occasional movie.

The latter is something I’ve done, tonight.

Yes: I’ve watched a movie that’s been in my collection for a while.

The 2017 film, The Death of Stalin.

~≈†≈~