Sunday, 31 December 2023
For All Mankind — Series 4 Episode 8 — “Legacy” — A Review
Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-12-2023 — The Big Fat Review of the Year.
Saturday, 30 December 2023
Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30th December 2024.
Friday, 29 December 2023
Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-12-2023 — Mongolia.
Thursday, 28 December 2023
Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28th December, 2023 Teaser.
- Set up.
- Sync most of my bookmarks and passwords.
- Find and sync my Photo and media library.
- Download and install operating system updates.
- Download and install newer versions of software.
- Handbrake, iMovie, and the various media/productivity apps, are working well.
- My data is safe, useable and accessible.
- Drag and Drop is working the way I expect it to.
- I’m back using familiar keyboard shortcuts.
- Formatting blog posts with my preferred software, is working!
Wednesday, 27 December 2023
Nik Nak's Daily Teaser — 27-12-2023 — 361
And frankly? I was expecting a new Mac Mini, on Friday: Friday the 29th, I should say.
Apparently, though?
It’s now due, today.
I’ve even been sent text messages about it.
I can only hope it gets here soon: it would be nice to set things up, early!
Tuesday, 26 December 2023
Doctor Who — Christmas Special — “The Church on Ruby Road” — A Review
It’s Christmas Day.
And?
Until the replacement Mac turns up, I’m stuck writing this post with my back-up laptop.
Yes: I’m grateful to everyone who’s helped me buy that replacement machine.
But?
Angry at having to use a machine that was only ever meant as a ... a ... a toy, almost: a spare, rather than a main machine.
Cie la vie!
Friday -- the date when the new machine turns up?
Can’t come soon enough.
At any rate?
I'm writing this introduction early on Christmas day: in the expectation I'll be finishing it on Boxing Day: and will be letting you know what I thought of “The Church on Ruby Road”, as soon as I can!
Nik Nak's Daily Teaser — 26-12-2023 — The Exorcist
Let's do the happy thing, shall we?
And wish my nephew, Jude, a happy birthday!
Happy Birth, Jude!
Or you can follow Bobby the Cat!
Ahem!
~≈🎂≈~
Moving on ... ?
You've possibly worked out yesterday was Christmas Day.
Gifts were given -- I'm hoping the one's I've been able to afford have gone down well -- and gifts received.
You can tell we're getting old, can't you?
Firstly?
Socks, underpants and gift cards seem to be the order of the day!
Secondly?
I now own an air fryer.
Which could prove useful.
Once I work out how to do baked potatoes with it>
It does tell me how long to do potato gratin.
Ahem!
Finally?
I got to meet Bobby the Cat.
Who's a slippery customer if ever I saw one!
Just as on last sad piece of news?
Those of us of a certain age will remember Richard Franklin: who playe Captain Mike Yates, during the Pertwee years of Dr Who.
Sadly?
He died, yesterday, at the age of 87: after a long illness.
He'll be much missed.
Monday, 25 December 2023
Nik Nak's Daily Teaser — 25-12-2023 — Christmas Day
It's official: it's Christmas Day.
A time of great joy,wonderment, peace, love, wossname and unlimited bowls of rice pudding.
I feel vaguely cynical, already.
But?
Can only hope the things the day is supposed to symbolise -- peace, love, understanding -- takes some sort of hold in the world.
It could be nice.
~≈🎄≈~
Things go on, though.
Including video reviews.
My most recent, of the seventh episode of For All Mankind, is something you can watch, here.
My normally very reliable iMac failed on me, last week.
So?
I managed to take it to a local repair shop: after several friends and family members made some very generous donations.
Friday, just gone? The 22nd of this year?
Was when I was told it would be ready to pick up.
It wasn't.
Nor was it ready, Saturday: there were expensive sounding issues.
So? I told the shop I'd look in on Sunday -- yesterday, Christmas Eve -- as they were open: to do the inevitable talk.
They hadn't fixed it.
Seemingly?
They'd replaced the power supply that was causing issues, but found they were having issues with the screen ... and with the motherboard, and the central processor: and were finding something short-circuiting, somewhere.
They couldn't -- in the time allowed, and for the agreed price -- fix the thing.
I felt that, under the circumstances, taking the thing off them, and back home, would be the best bet.
The possible upside?
Was that people had donated enough for me to buy a replacement Mac: an M2 Mac mini which is scheduled to arrive on Friday.
I'm looking forward to that.
As helpful as the back-up laptop is, it would be nice to use the keyboard shortcuts I'm used to.
There is one thing, though.
I feel I should apologise to you, if you were one of the donors I'm grateful to.
After all, you donated your hard earned cash to me: in the expectation I'd spend the money on a repair, rather than a replacement.
I can only apologise.
At any rate?
Happy Christmas!
Sunday, 24 December 2023
For All Mankind — Series 4 Episode 7 — “Crossing the Line” — A Review
Right … it’s Saturday night as I write this.
And?
Once again, I’m using the back-up laptop to do so.
It’s not a nice experience: but will do for now.
Until my iMac gets back from the repair shop.
I’ve spoken to the shop: and it could well be ready, tomorrow.
The place is a short train journey away.
On a day when the trains aren’t running!
Heigh-ho!
At any rate?
It’s Saturday.
And ... ?
As I’m going to be watching Dr Who on Monday, I’m going to be watching “Crossing the Line”, the next episode of For All Mankind, tonight.
Then telling you about it, tomorrow evening!
Hopefully, I'll see you then!
Nik Nak's Daily Teaser — 24-12-2023 — On Christmas Eve in the Morning!
Or well enough that you don't need help!
I am truly grateful to everyone that's put in to the iMac repair fund: it's helped a lot.
And ... ?
There's a distinct possibility I may -- may -- be able to pick it up today.
I hope so.
My only problem?
I'm not too sure what the trains are doing, today.
I need to get to Shenfield and back: so not knowing?
Is inconvenient!
Saturday, 23 December 2023
Nik Nak's Daily Teaser — 23rd December 2023
So ... ?
You're possibly expecting me to tell you I've brought it home, safe, well, and working.
Unfortunately?
You'd be wrong.
They've managed to fix the power supply which was causing the main problem.
But?
Apparently, the screen's having trouble: and they have to get a component.
Understandably? I'm not pleased.
Especially given the time of year.
It's adding time to the process that I'm definitely unhappy with!
Friday, 22 December 2023
Nik Nak's Daily Teaser — 22nd December 2023
As you're possibly aware?
I'm due to pick up my main computer -- a 2017 21.5" iMac -- from a repair shop in Shenfield, today.
In the hope that it's;
- Repairable.
- Repaired.
- Working.
- Cheap!
I'm definitely anxious about the situation!
Thursday, 21 December 2023
Nik Nak's Daily Teaser — 21-12-2023 — The Daleks
It's officially Thursday.
And?
I'm counting down the days until my iMac's repaired: it's due, tomorrow.
Not that I'm feeling anxious, or anything.
But I'm feeling anxious!
You possibly couldn't tell, could you!?
~≈⸸≈~
At any rate ... ?
In amongst all the various shades of panic, anxiety and caffeinated drinks?
I had a workman visit!
To repair the extractor fan in my bathroom.
Unfortunately?
He couldn't do it: as, apparently, he didn't have the right kit with him.
Or it was too fiddly a job for the kit he had.
That was disappointing.
But at least he was able to arrange for another appointment: when he could bring the relevant stuff.
~≈⸸≈~
Wednesday, 20 December 2023
Nik Nak's Daily Teaser — 20-12-2023 — The Bard
Hmmm ...
I have to admit: I've had another donor put some cash into the repair fund.
They know who they are: and have been suitably thanked!
But saying 'Thank You', again, today?
Does seem a good idea.
Thanks: it's much appreciated!
I have to confess, though, I am extremely nervous about the repair: which is due to be completed on Friday.
Will the shop be able to do anything?
At what cost?
Will my iMac be in working order when I get it home?
Will it work in the shop?
But not on my desk?
Will the oh-so-important back-up drives still work?
I'm feeling very anxious about this.
I rely on that machine for my digital life, and as a source of entertainment, so much that it being in for repair is definitely causing anxiety!
I can only hope that, come Friday?
All is well!
Tuesday, 19 December 2023
For All Mankind — Series 4 Episode 6 — “Leningrad” — A Review
18th December, 2023: the Introduction.
Right ... it's Monday.
And ... ?
Dinner is, as ever, cooking: steak and chips.
With vegetables.
Frankly?
I'm worried.
Because I'm very aware that the introduction video on this post ... isn't up to my usual standard.
Basically?
My usual daily driver -- a 21.5", 2017 iMac -- is being repaired: and it's going to cost a fortune to do.
Times are tough: and I hate to ask.
But, if you can help, financially -- by pressing this link, or pressing the Donate button in the sidebar -- I'd appreciate.
~≈🛸≈~
At any rate?
It's Monday, 18th December, the last of the cards are posted -- after forgetting to take them with me, when I went out -- dinner's doing, and?
I'm going to be watching “Leningrad”, the sixth episode of For All Mankind's fourth series, tonight.
And publishing this review, tomorrow: on the 19th December.
Hopefully?
I'll see you then!
~≈🛸≈~
Nik Nak's Daily Teaser — 19th December 2023
Right ... it's officially Tuesday.
That means I've got my nephew over, later.
Hopefully?
We'll be able to get something done.
Which won't be easy: given my iMac's in for repair!
We'll have to see.
In other news?
In a piece for the BBC, former TV presenter, Esther Rantzen, has announced she has stage 4 lung cancer.
And has announced she's become a member of Dignitas: the Swiss clinic that operates an Assisted Dying facility in Zurich.
I've always felt conflicted about the idea.
I can't see myself -- as I am, today -- wanting or needing it.
But? But always felt Terry Pratchett's arguments in favour, persuaded me that legalising it would be a good thing.
It's there: if you need it.
So? Esther announcing this?
I think that can only be a good thing.
Monday, 18 December 2023
Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-12-2023 — International Migrants Day
I've not got to get up early on a Monday morning.
Because?
Because my weight management class is cancelled: until the second Monday in January.
That's something I feel mixed about.
No: my weight's not being monitored.
Something I'm mildly anxious about: but can at least check, at home.
But, yes: it does mean I get an extra few hours sleep.
That's something to be thankful for.
As a brief thought ... ?
I've made a video: to thank people for the help they've given towards the iMac repair fund.
It's also an attempt at some sort of financial transparency.
To explain to everyone who's helped, what I'm planning to do with any excess, should the repair be both successful ... and I have any!
I'm planning to get extra back up: cloud and physical.
And insurance: I'd hate to do through this again!
But, as a last thought ... ?
I'll say it again, to those who've helped.
Thank you: you've been life savers!
Sunday, 17 December 2023
Nik Nak's Daily Teaser — 17th December 2023
Thank you, everyone!
Especially regular commenter, Debbi: whose contribution to my iMac repair fund came through, this morning!
Cheers, Debbi!
Hopefully?
Come Friday, when the repair is due to be finished, those contributions will be money well spent!
I caught the first episode of The Mayfair Witches, on the iPlayer, last night.
That first episode?
Tonally, it was ever so slightly The Witches of Eastwick meets Dynasty: but entertaining enough.
So I thought I'd watch the second episode.
The cast of the opening scenes? Of the few minutes I saw?
Had just about acceptable Irish accents: just about acceptable, Hollywood Irish accents.
Perfectly acceptable, Hollywood Irish accepts.
Apart from one small, minor, trivial, detail.
No, seriously, a minor detail.
The scene was set in Scotland.
I turned off.
Understandably!
Saturday, 16 December 2023
Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-12-2023 — Going to the Boston Tea Party.
Right ...
I've managed to take my iMac into the repair shop.
And?
Jaw-droppingly?
It seems it's not the power supply unit that's the issue.
It's -- potentially -- a problem with the motherboard.
At the least, a short-circuited component.
At the most? Replacing the whole thing.
I'm told that'll be some £300.
Some £120 more that I actually have.
If any one else can help?
I'd love to hear from you.
To be frank, though?
I can't complain much: especially about the amount of help I've had, so far.
A big thanks got to Olga, Carly and Sue: who've all put into to the fund.
It's been gratefully received: and much appreciated.
My only problem?
I can't access anything on my external drives.
Which is frustrating: there's a couple of links -- and their associated passwords -- on there that I can't access.
But at least I can contact the relevant bodies about that.
My only issue?
And it's minor, considering the money involved.
My only real issue is using my back-up, Ubuntu MATE based machine.
And that's mostly due to unfamilierity: the shortcuts and apps are very different.
Let's just say I'm doing a lot of swearing, there!
Friday, 15 December 2023
Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15th December 2023.
With the hygienists, so you know.
Then ... ?
Have to get back here, for a visit ... from a boiler repair man.
I had one, yesterday: from my landlord, checking on why the boiler was heating the flat ... but not heating the water, much.
It turns out it's a valve: and that, as it's still under warranty?
The manufacturers are able to replace it.
Their repair man is due, this afternoon!
On other fronts?
I owe regular commenter, Olga, a big thank you!
Thank you, Olga!
Her donation has done me a huge favour: and will allow me to start moving on the repair of the iMac that's an integral part of this blog, and the associated YouTube channel.
Sean Holland, of Tyche's Games has also offered to help: he -- and partner, Laura -- have relied on it for promotion ideas for some time, now.
At any rate ... ?
Thank you both!
Thursday, 14 December 2023
Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th December 2023.
I use a Mac: and have done for a while.
Yesterday?
Whilst my bath was being repaired?
The dratted thing gave out in me.
Its been having issues for a while: kernel panics on restarting, not switching back on after restarts, needing an unexpected fuse change, what have you.
I tried updating it, yesterday: totally forgetting why I hadn't thus far.
Only to find the thing had died.
From the little I could tell ... ?
Something's gone wrong with either the (non-removeable) power cable, or the power button ...
Or -- as the one repairman I've managed to speak to suggested -- the power supply unit, itself.
I'll be blunt, here.
I need that machine working, in order to keep this blog, my YouTube channel, Jude's channels, and my personal life, going: and to access the benefits system, and the tribunals I'm involved with.
If any one can help with the £150 fee the repair shop wants?
I'd be eternally grateful!
~≈†≈~
Wednesday, 13 December 2023
An Appeal ...
I've been quoted £150 for a repair.