Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-8-2020: The Number 31.

31st August, 2020.

Right …

First things first, how does that introduction video look?

I think the new comic filters in iMovie look good: but wanted to get your opinion …

The other bit … ?

It’s the last day of August and I’m concerned that the new Blogger interface will kick in.

Whether I want it to or not, and whether Google’s ironed out the bugs.

We’ll have to see what happens.

In either case … ?

There was a decided nip in the air.

Enough nip to put the heating on for five minutes.

Winter’s coming …

~≈®≈~

You’ll possibly remember that — in yesterday’s post — I mentioned how a bag of human remains had been found in a river near Sudbury.

That’s not much extra news, today.

Although this piece has floated across the BBC’s site.

It seems an initial post-mortem has proved inconclusive … and that further tests are needed.

Here’s hoping those prove fruitful.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-8-2020: 30 Days of Night.

30th August, 2020.

Right … 

I officially have a pile of bits and bobs to do, today.

Mostly … ?

Bits of editing and some tidying up.

And possible, stuff I’ve forgotten.

We’ll see.

~≈®≈~

News … news, news, news, news, news.

I know I and regulars Olga and Debbi have — briefly — mentioned serial killers: after the trailer for Des, ITV’s docu-drama about Dennis Nilsen, dropped.

It’s one of those subjects that will get a lot of discussion, I think.

At any rate?

EssexLive.com tells us that bin bags of human remains have been found ‘at a river near Essex.’

I have two hopes, there.

One?   That the remains are identified quickly: so the family can be told.

Two … ?

That it’s a one off.

I’d hate to see a Green River Killer in the UK … 

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-8-2020: Bring me the Head of Saint John the Baptist

29th August, 2020.

Right … 

I’ve officially had a late night.   I’m officially tired … 

But I’ve also seen another episode of Disney+’s The Mandalorian.

It’s a good episode: I’m just not convinced it’s the best in series.

Still … 

As much as it took me a while to notice … it’s nice to see that title linked to that number … again … 

~≈ß≈~

I don’t know if you follow the news: but I’m sure you’ve heard the news of the death of actor, Chadwick Boseman, the star of Marvel’s Black Panther.

Of colon cancer, at the stupidly young age of forty-three.

I’d only seen him in Black Panther: but came away impressed, both with it, and his performance.

But lord … that’s one hell of a loss … 

~≈ß≈~

The Mandalorian — Series 1 Chapter 6 — The Prisoner — A Review

28th August, 2020.

Right … it’s quite assertively a Friday … 

And a Friday where I’ve got stuff brewing.

Right at the moment … ?   I’ve got Handbrake on the go.

I’ve bought copies of the special edition version of The Power of The Daleks, and Good Omens, on blu-ray.

Normally?   I’d use MakeMKV to turn the discs into .mkv files: then use Handbrake to turn those into .mp4 file.

Recent changes to both MakeMKV and Catalina mean the process can produce iffy results.

Flawed, or unreadable, .mkv files, and no .mkv versions of shorter videos.

Fortunately?   I’ve managed to restore an older version of MakeMKV onto my Mac: via Time Machine.

Which still wouldn’t let me turn the discs into .mkv files.

But has let me make decrypted copies of the disc two series: that I can then re-code with Handbrake.

It’s — thus far — all good.

~≈¥≈~

At any rate … ?

I mentioned it’s Friday in that intro video.

Which I realise looks odd, I know.

Frankly, Apple have finally updated iMovie: scrapping some old filters, and introducing some new cartoony ones.

Which I think look good: and do interesting things to some of my usual Jester backgrounds.

I’m doing it again, aren’t I … ?

Burbling!

It’s Friday … 

Which means I’ve caught yet another series one of Disney+’s … 

The Mandalorian

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th August, 2020.

28th August, 2020.

Yep: it’s officially Friday.

And my next phone meeting with the Shaw Trust — the people running the Work and Health programme I’m on — will be on the 1st September.

This coming Tuesday, when he’s back from holiday.

I’m due a long chat with my case worker, I know that.

Purely to make it clear to them they’ve been not a lot of help.

Hmm … 

The meeting I’m really looking forward to?   Is the next meeting my my Job Centre case worker: on the 21st September.

I’ve started the ball rolling by leaving him a message.

I’ll hear more … when he gets back from holiday!

I’m … impatient, lets put it that way … 

~≈†≈~

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

27th August, 2020.

Right … 

It’s vaguely official: I’ve left a message with my case worker at the Job Centre, telling him what’s gone on with the Shaw Trust’s refusal of my funding request.

I’m not happy about that.

I’m not expecting the Job Centre to be able to do much, either: but I’d’ve got the thing off of my chest!

~≈Ω≈~

I’ve also got to admit, I had my nephew, Jude, over, yesterday.

Hence the mention — in today’s video intro — of silly.

I know it’s daft, but that Comic Ink filter does get a laugh.

Especially when you add silly intros.

No: I don’t know what a Ghillie suit is, either.

~≈Ω≈~

Just as a thought?

David Tennant, the 10th Doctor, is to star in an upcoming docu-drama, Des: in September.

I was fascinated by serial killers, when I was a teenager.

Growing up when the Yorkshire Ripper was on the prowl, learning about Jack the Ripper at the same time, and reading about Dennis Nilson — the killer that Des tells the story of— at the time of the original trial?

And read Killing for Company, the biography?

How could I not?

Seeing the trailer float across my timeline?   Seeing how unnervingly like the real thing Tennant looked?

Well … ?

I’m interested.

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-8-2020: The Number 26

26th August, 2020

Right … I’m actually up early, today: I’ve officially Jude sitting.

AND tinkered with some of the new filters in iMovie.

You may have noticed that: if you’ve watched the video.

The Comic Ink filter on the Jester at the start, looks good.

It’s possibly the best looking bit of the clip!

~≈Å≈~

On other fronts … ?

Argh!

My funding request at the Shaw Trust?

Got refused.

It’s a long, complicated, messy story.

On the job front?   Their view was that they couldn’t justify the funding: as there was no offer of work involved.   Just an initial assessment.

Which is annoying, but there you go. 

However?   They also refused a laptop for a for the European Computer Driving License course.

The ECDL people were thinking of getting me into the classroom for the course: supplemented by practise/homework sessions at the library.

They could just about wangle that: for one new learner.   Usually, even with the loosened Covid restrictions in place, they wouldn’t.

Except?

One of the courses I applied for was the ECDL’s Microsoft Access course: that would’ve have taught me how to use the database section of the suite.

The one part of the MS Office suite NOT available at any library?

Microsoft Access.

As there’s no Mac version available?   Installing Access on my machine would have meant installing Windows* onto an external drive connected to my machine, via Boot Camp.

Something I don’t have the money or confidence for.

Shaw’s best offer?   Was, effectively, to offer to go halves with me, once I get a part time job.

I’ve cancelled the course.

Understandably, I’m not happy.

I’m going to be having a long chat with my Job Centre manager, the next time I talk to him.

~≈Å≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-8-2020: The Number, 25 …

25th August, 2020.

Right … 

We have rain … and a nice chilly breeze!

Which, frankly?   Given how warm it’s been … ?

Is a welcome change.

~≈∏≈~

Does that mean my phone signal’s back up … ?

Nope!

O2’s website tells me they’ll have have more updates on the 31st August … 

Whilst they email update system … ?   Has no idea … 

Apparently?

O2 have got the hang of Matthew 6:3.

Their left hand really doesn’t know what their right hand is doing … 

~≈∏≈~

Which, now I think about it … ?

Equally applies to the Shaw Trust: who are running the Work and Health Programme I’m on, for the Job Centre.

I’ve applied for a European Computer Drivers License course: it’s a computer literacy course.   OK, I’m fairly computer literate.

But having the paperwork that says I know how to copy and paste from one Word document to another is helpful.

With that in mind, I’ve applied for the ECDL course, AND for a home working job that needs me to have a Windows based PC — not something I want, but there you go — running a recent version of Windows Ten, and a recent version of MS Office.

So I’ve sent off the relevant bits of paper-work, and the eyewatering tech specifications to my case worker: who’s referred it upwards.

I checked in with him, yesterday.   Only to find that he’s on holiday: and I need to mail the colleague who’s covering him, to follow up on that.

That colleague?   Has just emailed me, literally, just emailed me.

To tell me they wouldn’t be able to fund a laptop for the home working job I’ve applied for: without a firm offer of a job.

Which is disappointing, but understandable.

But also told me I’d need to speak to my usual support worker about anything else: when he gets back on the 1st September, about anything else.

Why I mention this?   In connection with Matthew 6:3?

Is simply that one didn’t have a clue about the other’s caseload.

Which is also fair enough … but … 

Well … 

Either way … ?

I think I’m going to have issues, when it comes to doing the course: I may just have to cancel … 

~≈∏≈~

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

24th August, 2020

Yep: it’s Monday!

Which means — potentially — I could hear about the funding I’ve applied for: for the course I’m doing … 

Frankly?

I’m convinced I won’t: these things do take their time!

It’s going to be a waiting game!

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-8-2020: Gene Kelly

23rd August, 2020.

Yes: it’s official … 

I’m waiting for Monday.

I’ve put in for a new laptop: as I’m going to need it for both a course, and a job assessment.

My case worker?

Has to consult with management.

The earliest I’ll hear?

Is tomorrow: Monday.

I’m … 

Well, I’m an impatient old wossname … 

~≈◊≈~

A little bit of sad news — one I know Old Peculiar regular, Debbi Mack will know — is that Penny Dreadful: City of Angels has been cancelled.

Frankly?

That’s a disappointment: that was a fantastic show, one with plenty of potential, great writing, and a superb cast.

What can I tell you?

~≈◊≈~

Just as a quick final thought — before we get to the goods! — there’s a new Batman movie in production.

Called The Batman and starring Robert Pattinson as the main character, Jeffrey Wright as Jim Gordon and Andy Serkis as Alfred.   Oh, and Colin Farrell as the Penguin*.

It looks dark … and interesting … 

~≈◊≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-8-2020: The Number 22

22nd August, 2020.

Hmmm … 

I think we can safely say YouTube’s still having issues.

For a start?

It’s taken a while for today’s Teaser video to upload!

Very slowly upload … !

Plus, of course, I’m wishing I’d taken more screenshots.

I could show you exactly the kind of weird and wonderful stuff showing up in my comments*!

~≈Ω≈~

The Mandalorian — Series 1 Chapter 5 — The Gunslinger — A Review

21st August, 2020.

It’s official!

Yes … I’ve had dinner!

It’s possibly the most exciting thing that’s happened to me, all day!

Hmmm … 

I think I need to get out more, I really do!

At any rate … ?

It’s Friday, and payday.

So I’ve settled my major bills, and done some shopping: and bought a blu-ray on Amazon, along side some other bits.

And?

It’s Friday.

Which means one other thing: another episode of The Mandalorian, series 1.

Yes: it’s still enjoyable!

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21st August, 2020.

21st August, 2020.

Right … I’m officially happy … 

My video’s uploaded to YouTube, and the photo and video uploaded to this post.

Unlike yesterday: the Sylvester McCoy video upload was a car-crash!

I suspect the mess was linked to whatever caused Gmail’s issues, yesterday: but couldn’t say for sure.

Even so … 

~≈®≈~

At any rate … ?

I mentioned, a couple of days ago, that I had applied for a a European Computer Driving License Course.

I’ve got the assessment booked for it.

AND have an assessment for a work at home job, pencilled in.

Except, of course, I need a Windows-based laptop for both — one with a solid state drive, and an ethernet port for — before I do them.

In theory, I can claim funding for both from the Health and Work programme I’m on.

Which I’ve asked for.

Apparently … ?

My case worker’s referring it to management … 

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-8-2020: Sylvester McCoy

20th August, 2020.

Right … 

I HAD woken up with Dr Feelgood’s All Through The City going through my head.

And, right now … ?

Have the rampaging hump.

Photos?

Aren’t uploading.

YouTube videos … ?

Aren’t processing.

Frankly?   And given I’ve a Job Centre meeting, today?

I’m not in an especially good mood!

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-8-2020: Watch Out, Google’s About

19th August, 2020.

Yes … I’ve finally managed to get restarted on something new for PhoenixFM.

Hopefully?   I’s something I’ll be able to get finished quickly: and keep it relevant.

Basically?

It’s going to be themed around Brentwood Council’s planning committee.

They’ve managed to make a pig’s dinner of the parking on my street.

And were — in part — responsible for the phone mast going down in the area.

That should grab someone’s attention.

~≈Æ≈~

That meeting I had, yesterday?   Went mildly askew!

The chap conducting it?   Got himself double booked: we ended up doing the meeting at three in the afternoon, rather than at ten.

Hmmm … 

At any rate?   I can now look for call centre work that wants me to work from home: safe in the knowledge I have provisional approval for the funding to get a Windows — yuck — laptop should I need it for work.

However?   We’ve still not found a place, locally that does the European Compute Driving License course.

We’ll have to check on that … 

~≈Æ≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18th August, 2020.

18th August, 2020.

Right: it’s officially the case that I’ve the next meeting with the Shaw Trust — who run the Health and Work programme I’m on —today: at ten.

I can honestly say I’ve done the basic research they’ve asked about: about the European Computer Driving License.

Or, at least, I’ve emailed them people who run it.

Hopefully, I’ll be able to sort something out … 

~≈†≈~

Nik nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th August, 2020.

 17th August, 2020.

Right … 

It’s Monday … and I’ve just had another go at the new Blogger user interface.

Has Google managed to make any noticeable improvements?

Nope!

The Tag feature is still causing problems: by presenting a list of potential tags, whilst filling in the tags!

I’d possibly be able to put up with the other other alterations to the platform … if Google can get that right!

~≈†≈~

Hmmm … 

I’ve another appointment with the Work And Health program: tomorrow.

At ten.

That’s possibly a good thing.

The last meeting I had generated a couple of job leads.   Admittedly, unsuccessful ones, but at least ones I hadn’t considered.

Right now … ?

We’ll have to see if they can offer anymore help.

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-8-2020: The Games … !

16th August, 2020.

Yep: it’s a Sunday.

And yes: it’s going to be quietly quiet.

Which should let me catch up with a few things.

Mostly the videos for the next couple of weeks worths of Teaser videos.

One of these days?   That’ll pay me enough to buy a punt!

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-8-2020: The Wow Signal

15th August, 2020

Yep: it’s raining!

It’s rainingly raining in a rainy kind of way.

As it didn’t, yesterday.

After blah days of solid — and hot — sunshine?

Frankly, that’s welcome!

Saying that … ?

I’ve a little shopping to do, later.

I think a coat may be in order.

~≈¥≈~

The Mandalorian — Series 1 Chapter 4 — Sanctuary — A Review

14th August, 2020

It’s officially the case … that I’ve had a very long day.

Yep: the eased Lockdown means I’ve been able to look after my nephew, Jude.

Although, frankly?

I was up at five to do so.

A Teaser doesn’t write itself, after all.

~≈®≈~

At any rate … ?

I’ve actually had an evening meal that consisted of … well … toast … to be brutally honest.

A lunchtime pizza with my nephew?

Tend to be a little on the large side … and, frankly?   Left me thinking that watching a short TV show could be just the thing.

Yes: you’ve got it right.

I’ve seen another episode of The Mandalorian’s, first series.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th August, 2020.

14th April, 2020.

Yep: it’s official.

I’ve got up at silly o’clock!

Which I’m possibly going to pay for, later!

Especially as the expected thunderstorm — an incredibly dramatic thunderstorm — turned up, last night.

The reason I’m up so early?

I’m looking after my nephew, Jude, today.

Hopefully?   I won’t get two much fuss, heading into town with him, to bank a cheque.

The one from O2, finally turned up!

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-8-2020: International Left-handers Day.

13th August, 2020.

It’s officially the case … that I’ve looked out of my window … !

And … ?

Well, as I think I’ve mentioned in the introduction video … ?   We have cloud cover.

Hopefully?

We’ll get rain.

~≈®≈~

Saying that … ?

The, it seems, was a factor in Scotland, yesterday … 

It seems the overnight rain … helped caused a landslide … which hit at the wrongest possible time …

I’m hoping for rain … 

But, equally, as I live near the line from Southend to Liverpool Street?   I’m hoping Brentwood Station avoids that … 

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th August, 2020.

 12th August, 2020.

Right … 

Right now, it’s just coming up to eight o’clock in the morning: and, even with the windows open, it’s hot and sticky.

And distinctly unpleasant.

However?

The BBC’s Weather page tell us we’re expecting a thunderstorm.

I hope so … !

Something’s got to clear the air.

~≈†≈~

While I’ve got the BBC’s new pages open … ?

Apparently, the UK is now in a recession: one on a par with the last one, back in 2008/9.

I’m … 

Not surprised, to be honest.

I do remember the first time I met my current case officer at the local Job Centre: he’s a nice chap who’s recently become a father.

Which is a side issue, maybe.

My point?   Is that, when we first met, I told him I’d be very surprised if I got a job, before I retired.

His reply was that he intended to try and help me avoid that.

Some × years on … ?

I’m still trying to find an employer that’ll have me.

And thinking a recession going to really slow my job hunting down … 

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-8-2020: Enid

11th August, 2020.

Yes: today’s the day when I’ll be doing a lot of filming.

Those Teaser video’s don’t make themselves.

Frankly, though?

I’ll be doing that, after I’ve had a walk around the block.

Which does two things.

Gets me some exercise.

And gets me away from the noise of the washing machine.

As much as I like clean t-shirts?

The noise from my washing machine is … 

Loud … 

~≈Ç≈~

You’ve possibly worked I’m a Terry Pratchett fan: and have been, since the mid-1980s, when I first came across his work.

I’ve been floating around the ’Net, whilst writing this: and came across this piece from the well known The Wertzone blog.

It seems the BBC America crew producing The Watch series have been making more changes — unwarranted changes — than I thought.

Most fans will be able to about the major Watch characters.

Including the fact that Captain Carrot was adopted by dwarves, and that Cheery is a female dwarf fighting hard to get recognised as a woman.

To quote The Wertzone?

“Cheery had also been changed from a young dwarfish woman anxious to prove her worth in her patriarchal society whilst also retaining her femininity to a young, non-binary human raised by dwarfs, borrowing Carrot’s background and story for no immediately obvious reason.”

Frankly?

The BBC America series is sounding more and more like an utter travesty … 

I’m urging anyone I know to go nowhere near the damn thing.

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th August, 2020.

10th August, 2020.

Yep: I’ve woken up with an earworm!

Frankly, I’m blaming the fact I’ve got a phone meeting, this morning: with a the chap from the Health and Work programme I’m on.

Hmmm … 

You’re right … 

I can’t see a connection between a phone appointment and the Vengaboys, either!

Arrgghh!

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-8-2020: The Second Bomb

9th August, 2020.

Yes: I’ve looked the weather prediction for the next few days.

It’s going to be hot.   Or uncomfortable, as I like to think of it.

I can only hope it does rain on Wednesday: we’re going to need it!

~≈Ω≈~

I’ve now got a few days free: as I’ve got some filming done.

So that means I’m going to be thumb twiddling.

I’ll be job hunting, of course.

But … ?

I think I’ll start planning the next piece for PhonixFM.

I’ve a couple of ideas I want to get down on paper: including planning fo the area.

Given the situation with the mobile phone mast?

I think I can make it relevant … possibly … !

~≈Ω≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 8-8-2020: Quorum

8th August, 2020.

Yes: it’s Saturday.

I’ve seen another episode of The Mandalorian.

Which is a good one for Western fans, I know that … !

At any rate … ?   It’s Saturday: and I suspect it’s going to be both quiet … and unpleasant.

It’s muggy … 

~≈Ç≈~

Do you remember the digital poverty pieces I did?   Both here and for PhoenixFM?

As part of the basic research I did for Pt One?   I emailed the Department of Education, to see what they were doing to help.

The Department emailed me a reply — finally — yesterday.

What they’ve told me … ?   Is that …

‘… laptops and tablets will be provided for disadvantaged families, children and young adults who do not currently have access to them through another source, such as their school. Digital devices can be requested for:
care leavers.
children and young people aged 0 to 19, or young children’s families, with a social worker.
disadvantaged year 10 pupils.’

They also tell me that …

‘… internet access will be provided through 4G wireless routers for any of the following people who do not currently have it:
care leavers.
secondary school pupils with a social worker.
disadvantaged year 10.’

And that further help and guidance is available, here.

Here’s hoping that lot helps.

~≈Ç≈~