Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-7-2021: Fatboy

31st July, 2021.

Hmmm … 

I’ve got to admit, I’ve recently update my iMac, recently: from 11.4 to 11.5.

And … ?

Wasn’t expecting to be notified of another update, quite so soon.

After all, the update — 11.5, to 11.5.1 — comes some five days after the 11.5 update.

I got notified right in the middle of doing some Blu-ray ripping: which was nice timing.

With that done … ?

The update is something I plan to do, today.

After all, Apple’s own page about the update tells it will allow an ‘application may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges.’

In other words, and from what I’ve understood?   At quite a deep level of the operating system, one that could do a look of damage.

Apple also says it ‘is aware of a report that this issue may have been actively exploited.’

That sounds quite serious … 

~≈🖥≈~

I’ll happily admit, I like a movie, now and again.

Although I’ve not watched one, since seeing In Fabric, a while ago.

But I do try an keep an eye on the movie news.

I’m aware, for example, that many films will receive a hybrid release: in other words, a realise on both the big screen, and on Video On Demand services.

Something a few films have been doing: as a result of Covid.

One film that’s being aired this way?   Is the recent Marvel movie, Black Widow.

Something its star, Scarlet Johansson, isn’t happy about.

So she’s suing the relevant streaming company, Disney, for loss of earnings.

Quite which way that will go, I don’t know.

But can’t help think it will have implications.

~≈🍿≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-7-2021: Oh, Henry!

30th July, 2021.

You’ve possibly realised I’m a Dr Who fan: hadn’t you … ?

And have been, for many years.

So I follow the news about it.

Yesterday’s news: that Jodie Whittaker would be leaving, after her last episode in 2022?

Wasn’t exactly surprising: after all, there’d been gossip about it for some time.

It wasn’t surprising … it just confirmed the talk.

What is surprising — or, at least, what surprised me, and the gang at WhoCulture — was the fact show runner, Chris Chibnall, is also leaving.

Stating that: “Jodie and I made a ‘three series and out’ pact with each other at the start of this once-in-a-lifetime blast.   So now our shift is done, and we're handing back the Tardis keys.”

That’s unusual: as his predecessors, Russell T. Davies and Stephen Moffat, have both overseen two actors.

What, frankly, can I tell you?

Except that the Jodie Whittaker years has had its ups and downs.

That I wish them both well, whatever they do next.

And that I’m wondering who’s going to be doing those two jobs next.

Frankly?   I think T’nia Miller* could be good … 

~≈Û≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29th July, 2021.

29th July, 2021.

It’s sunny, for once.

Sunny!

Which is good.

It means I can complain about the sunshine, AND the lack of rain.

After complaining, a few days ago, about a distinct lack of rain.

Don’t you just love it, when I get contradictory!

~≈☀️≈~

One of my favourite bands, when I was younger?

Were American blues/rockers, ZZTop.

I’d never seen them live — I’m told they were fantastic — but know they did some fantastic albums, singles and videos.

You’ve possibly noticed I’m saying were, and did.

Sadly, bassist Dusty Hill, died last night: at the age of 72.

He’ll be missed: by legions of fans, by lovers of Texas Boogie … and by anyone that appreciated the fact ZZTop were that rarest of things: a band that survived, with the same lineup, for fifty-one years.

RIP, Dusty: you’re going to be missed.

~≈🎸≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th July, 2021.

28th July, 2021.

Yes: I’ve had stuff delivered from Amazon.

Small, cheap stuff, it has to be said.

Or stuff that can be easily resold at my local CeX: a copy of Class springs to mind, there.

One of those things?

Is possibly the best single purchase I’ve made on Amazon.

Yes: I’ve bought a backscratcher.

JUST to get to those awkward crevices!

~≈fi≈~

One earlier purchase?

Was Orwell’s Homage to Catalonia: which I’m almost at the end of.

It’s … quite a read: telling us exactly how harsh a civil — indeed any — war can be.

And something I can’t help but quote: and recommend.

“In case I have not said this somewhere earlier in the book: beware of my partisanship, my mistakes of fact, and of the distortion inevitably caused by my having seen only one corner of events.   And beware of the same things when you read any other book on this period of the Spanish war.”

Chapter 12, Homage to Catalonia, George Orwell.

~≈fi≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27th July, 2021.

27th July, 2021.

Yes: it’s official.

I’m running out of potatoes!   And will have to buy some.

I’m just hoping the vegetable stall in Brentwood High Street’s open.

The size of their baking spuds is legendary.

~≈🥔≈~

You’ve realised I’m a fan of Dune: the 1965 Frank Herbert novel.

And looking forward to the upcoming Denis Villeneuve version.

Here’s the trailer … 

One thing that bothered me?   Is simply that the trailer reveals some of the dialogue of the film: little of which seems to match the dialogue of the original novel.

Oh, I grant, Gurney (Josh Brolin) hates the Harkonnens as much as he does in the novel: but the featured speech isn’t in the novel.

Duncan (Jason Momoa) seems as capable as he does in novel: but, again, his dialogue — in the trailer — doesn’t necessarily match what’s in the book.

That whole “My planet is so beautiful,” speech from Chani (Zendaya) isn’t there, either!

So — stickler for authenticity that I am? —   I’m a touch concerned.

But something occurred to me, yesterday.

The dialogue in David Lynch’s 1984 version is — I think — a touch closer to the novel.   It’s more authentic, if you will*.

The question that occurred to me, yesterday?

Was simply this.

“What if the dialogue differences between the book and the 2021 version is where the film’s producers … are trying to stay out of trouble?   Specifically, copyright trouble?”

I don’t know.

But I believe that may be an issue.

~≈©≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26th July, 2021.

26th July, 2021.

Yes: it’s officially nice, bright, sunny, and positively tropical, out.

He says, turning up the irony knobs to eleven.

It’s actually looking distinctly overcast: with the possibility of a lot of rain.

Saying that?   I don’t think my part of Brentwood’s had more than five minutes of drizzle all of yesterday.

Which is odd.

Especially when you consider parts of London — which isn’t that far away — were flooded, yesterday … 

~≈💧≈~

You’re possibly aware I’m a Dr Who fan: and have been for years.

One who’s currently ripping the blu-ray box set of the shoe’s twenty-fourth season: Time and the Rani to Dragonfire, so you know.

The set has two discs for each of the four stories.

I’m just finishing Time and the Rani: and it seems typical of the set.

The first disc has scaled up versions of the broadcast versions of the stories, plus a lot — a lot — of extras.

The second disc — or, at least, the second disc of the Time and the Rani discs — has extended versions of the story.

Plus both raw studio and location footage.

Seven hours worth of raw studio and location footage!

I know some will be happy to see it.

Personally?   I think that much footage is possibly pushing it!

~≈🎥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-7-2021: Tunisia

25th July, 2021.

It’s official: I’ve been hanging around websites: and doing my exercises.

To be honest?   I managed to get some more bits done: for the course I’m on.

That’s a good thing: I do have the habit of lolly-gagging.

I’ve always had a new batch of exercises in: that are supposed to help with my knee.

I’m not sure I’m enjoying these ones: I can hears things creaking!

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24th July 2021.

24th July, 2021.

Yes: it’s looking grim out.

Decidedly grim.

A lot grimmer than yesterday, to be honest.

Yesterday was a nice sunny day … that saw me indoors, for most of it, having assorted Zoom, and phone, meetings.

And just enough time and energy to go to the High Street: to pay my bills.

“I’ll do my shopping, tomorrow,” I thought.

“I’ll have more time,” I thought.

“It’ll still be sunny,” I thought.

Of course, I’ve looked out of the window, this morning … and ‘sunny,’ is the last word I can use about the weather.

Oy veh … !

~≈🌞≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23rd July, 2021.

23rd July, 2021.

It’s officially official: I’ve more meetings, today.

Well, I say meetings: one’s the training course I’ve been on, the othe, a phone meeting with my new — and Basildon based — Work Coach.

My Job Centre case worker, in other words.

That, and the fact it’s payday … ?

Means I’m due to be running about a lot.

Running about: with earworms.   I woke up to The Quartermasters Stores, which shifted to If I Were a Rich Man … 

And then transformed into the background music to Tetris.

Oy … vey … 

~≈Ê≈~

JUST as a final thought thought … ?

You’ve possibly realised I’m something of a Dune fan.

The novel’s been on my bookshelves for much of my life.

So the upcoming film … ?   Is definitely of interest.

The main trailer?   Got released in the UK, yesterday.

OK: I don’t know it makes the film look as texturally authentic as I’d like.

But it does make it look good.

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22nd July, 2021.

22nd July, 2021.

Yep: it’s turned out nice, again.

As you can possibly tell: if you’ve looked outside my building.

It’s quite possibly a lovely day for a trip, somewhere.

I’ll possibly and up in Romford.

Although, frankly?

It’d be nice to go to the coast.

Hey, ho.

~≈¥≈~

I’ve got Radio 4’s Today programme on, again: as I do most mornings.

They’ve reminded me of a couple of points.

It’s getting increasing warm.

So opening windows could be good: especially if, like me, you’ve got a flat with something of a through-draught.

Oh, and closing curtains is good, too: it keeps sunlight out.

That’s something for everyone to think about.

The other thing the show’s told me about?

Is that Kentaro Kobayashi was the creative director of the 2020 Olympic Games opening ceremony.

He’s been sacked: after footage of him making anti-Semitic jokes in the 1990s, re-surfaced.

The Opening Ceremony is tomorrow.

Point one?

They left that a bit late.

Two?   And given the scandals around the Tokyo Games?

I have to ask if we can start calling it a farce … ?

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-7-2021: Belgium … !

21st July, 2021.

Yes!   I’ve an early morning appointment, today: for the Office of National Statistics’ Covid 19 survey.

That’s handy.

I get to take part in something constructive: and helpful for the nation.

And that earns me a £25 Amazon voucher.

Money in the proverbial bank.

~≈£≈~

Talking of money … ?

You’re aware I’m unemployed at the moment: and claiming Universal Credit.

And am grateful for the £20 a week extra I’m getting: as a result of the COVID 19 Crisis.

The last of those £20 payments?   Is due in September.

Frankly?   I’m not looking forward to that: it reduces my income by a very helpful £80 a month.

Something that pays for food, covers my council tax, what have you.

So … ?

News today that senior MPs from Westminster, and from the devolved parliaments, have written an open letter: calling for the top up to be made permanent.

That’s something I welcome.

I think the Government will completely ignore it.

Completely ignore it.

But … ?   I — along side many others in my shoes — are going to be hoping it isn’t.

~≈£≈~

Just as a final thought?

You’ll possibly also know I’ve been listening to Just a Minute for years.

The show — where you have to talk about something for sixty seconds, without hesitation, deviation or repetition — was hosted by the late Nicolas Parsons for many years.

The BBC announced his replacement, yesterday: comedian and broadcaster, Sue Perkins.

Sad I'll no longer be able to play my favourite game, but both delighted and honoured to be the new host of it. #justaminute

— Sue Perkins 💙 (@sueperkins) July 20, 2021

I’m pleased: for two reasons.

One?   It’s nice to see someone left-handed do well.

Two?   She’s perfect for the job!

Frankly, I’ll be looking forward to hearing the show.

~≈⏱≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-7-2021: World Chess Day.

20th July, 2021.

Right … it’s a Tuesday … and the weather is looking good … again.

And, after two meetings, yesterday … ?

I’ve another, today.

Yes: I’m due for a meeting with my case worker, at the Job Centre.

Quite how that will go?   I don’t know.

Well … 

Not until I get there … !

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-7-2021: The Great Fire of Rome.

19th July, 2021.

Yep: it’s a Monday morning.

And a day that looks like it could be glorious, again.

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A post shared by Paul Nikolas Nak Downie (@mrcuddy2977)

Weather wise, that it!

At any rate … ?   I’m due a phone call: from the Work and Health programme.

And another, an hour later, for the training course I’m on.

Busy, busy, busy … !

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-7-2021: Nelson Mandela

18th July, 2021.

Yep: it’s officially a Sunday.

And — as you could possibly tell from the intro video — it’s nice out.

Frankly … ?   That’ll make going for a stroll, later, rather pleasant.

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17th July, 2021.

17th July, 2021.

It’s got to be said: I’ve not been watching much TV, recently.

Or films.

Keeping up with a course, job hunting, making Teaser videos, ripping a pile of blu-rays.

It all takes away from watching the proverbial goggle-box.

As a replacement?   I’ve been reading a good book at bedtime.

After all, a couple of chapters can be read in less time than an TV show.

Well … apart from The Mandalorian: the show makes for riveting, and short, drama.

At any rate … ?

I’ve been getting a whole series of early nights … and reading a book at bedtime.

I’ve just finished Asimov’s Foundation: which I’ve thorough enjoyed.

And started Orwell’s Homage to Catalonia.

I finished chapter one, where Orwell tells us about joining the International Bridge, in Barcelona.

The man was a genius.

I found one line that appealed to me: and know for a fact others will also find one.

‘It was not exactly a uniform.   Perhaps a “multiform” would be the proper name for it.   Everyone’s clothes followed the same general plan, but they were never quite the same in any two cases.’

Homage to Catalonia, Chapter One.

‘All Spaniards, we discovered, knew two English expressions.   One was “O.K., baby,” the other was a word used by the Barcelona whores in their dealings with English sailors, and I am afraid the compositors would not print it.’

Homage to Catalonia, Chapter Four.

~≈📕≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-7-2021: The Test

16th July, 2021.

Yep: it’s another Friday, and another Zoom meeting.

For the over-fifties training course I’m on.

It’s … going well, I think: although I’ still need to sign up for one more of the basic online courses they offer.

There’s hoping I remember!

~≈fi≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th July, 2021.

15th July, 2021.

Yes, I’ll admit it: I’m something of a news junkie.

Well … I listen to the news.

OK, OK … I have the Today programme on, every morning.

And … ?   They’re reporting on the National Food Strategy report, authored by Henry Dimbleby.

OK: there’s possibly a lot in there.

Including taxing the salt and sugar content of various food and drinks.

That … ?   Could possibly be a good thing.

Although I’m worried that’s going to put the price up of cheap food many of us rely on.

The headline that caught me, though?

Was the idea this tax could be use — in part — to help the National Health Service prescribe fresh fruit and vegetables, for those of us who need them.

To me, personally … ?

That sounds — depending on how it’s done — like a good idea.

~≈🫑≈~

Oh, JUST as a thought … ?

You’ll remember I had a colonoscopy a couple of weeks ago.

Which was fun … !

I had the results letter, back, yesterday.

The polyps that got removed?

Were benign.

I’m officially don’t have colon cancer!

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A post shared by Paul Nikolas Nak Downie (@mrcuddy2977)

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-7-2021: Storming the Bastille

14th July, 2021.

It’s official.

The weather looks a lot like it did on Monday: ever so slightly grim.

It’s overcast: with the possible promise of rain.

Unlike yesterday, which was relatively sunny.

That means stocking up on spuds … ?   Is going to be fun!

~≈Ê≈~

It’s got to be said, I’m not one for awards.

Or, to be more precise, watching the Emmys.

They don’t usually get aired, over here.

However?

This year’s nominations have been released … and The Mandalorian’s done well.

It’s nice to know I’ve backed a potential winner.

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-7-2021: Patrick Stewart.

13th July, 2021.

I have to admit, I woke this morning … very aware that the weather, outside … ?

Looked grim.

It’s actually looking … well … slightly better.

Not sunny … but sunnier than it was … 

~≈Á≈~

You’re possibly aware I follow politics.

Although not to the same extent as some.

If you’re reading the desktop version of this site, you’d’ve noticed the petitions I have in the sidebar.

One to keep the £20 uplift to Universal Credit.

The other, supporting scrapping voter ID.

The petition to keep the uplift is having issues: it’s nowhere near the 100, 000 target needed to force a debate in the House of Commons.

Feel free to share it, if you think it’s important.

On the other hand?

The Voter ID petition has hit the target: and is now waiting for a parliamentary date.

Here’s hoping that’s soon.

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12th July, 2021.

12th July, 2021.

Yep: it’s raining.

And frankly?   I’ve got to get potatoes in this lot!

Hopefully … ?   It would’ve stopped by the time I get out.

Which will be at some point after My 11 o’clock Zoom meeting.

That course … ?   Is certainly helping me get through the week.

Let’s move on, shall we?

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11th July, 2021.

11th July, 2021.

It’s official: I had a bad night’s sleep, last night.

Up and down to the loo, lord knows how many times!

One of these days?

I’ll learn how to avoid diet colas!

~≈🥤≈~

Did I mention Friday … ?   Just gone … ?   Friday 9th … ?

When I went out … ?

I was hearing music: from somewhere!

It turns out it was someone holding an illegal rave in Kelvedon, about two miles away.

I was wondering what was going on … !

~≈🎹≈~

Just as a last piece of news?

You’re probably aware of situation in the area: with the phone masts.

The local mobile phone mast — on top of Ewing House — was taken down in June of 2020.

And never replaced.

There’s been talk of various replacements alternative sites: including at Pastoral Way, at the old Warley Hospital site, and at the Coptford Road multi-storey carpark.

I’ve just seen a recent piece of news, courtesy of the Yellow Advertiser.

It seems the Pastoral Way site has been turned down.

But the Coptfold Road site could still go ahead.

Here’s hoping.

~≈📱≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10-7-2021: Wyoming

10th July, 2021.

Yes: it’s Saturday.

And yes: that means things are happening.

Personally … ?

I’m tempted to do a little light shopping: although there’s little I need.

Bar some cash on my electricity.

The pleasure getting rained on for the past few days … ?

Means the lights come on relatively earlier … !

~≈Á≈~

Oh … you’ve realised I’ve read the occasional Iain M. Banks Culture novel: and thoroughly enjoyed them.

You’re ALSO aware the entrepreneur, Elon Musk, is a fan: naming a couple of his landing platforms after Culture ships.

Turns out that couple is now three ships: his most recent one has been demonstrated … and is called the A Shortfall of Gravitas.

It’s about time … 

~≈Á≈~