Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3-11-2024 — Culture Day

3rd November, 2024: Culture Day.

I’m a silly idiot!

I was doing dinner, last night: and filling the sink so I could wash up.

And … ?

And … ?

Really wasn’t paying attention to the sink.

It ended up flooding my kitchen … and knackering my washing machine.

In fact it was the various buzzing sounds from the washing machine, as the thing’s mother board was soaked, that grabbed my attention: and told me that I’d missed something!

I’m now facing an expensive repair: or possibly even a replacement.

OK, at the moment, I can afford it.

But it’s my own damn fault that I’m spending money I didn’t need to spend!

There’s possibly comments* …

~≈🧺≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-10-2022 — Bring Out Your Dead.

31st October, 2022.

At some point, last week … ?

I told you that Apple — the company who made my computer — had released a new version of the operating system: and that I had to move my music library to an external hard drive, to make room for the thing.

The installer?   Was a lot smaller than I was expecting.

From the little I’ve read?   That’s because there’s a lot of features that are exclusive to Apple Silicon machine: and not included in the Intel Mac version of the OS.

That’s disappointing: one or two sound interesting.

But that possibly accounts for the size difference between the Monterey installer, and its Ventura equivalent.   (Twelve gigabytes, versus just shy of four for Ventura.)

There’s also the fact that System Settings — the new version of System Preferences — is very different: Preferences was a nice set of icons: System Settings a complicated list.

That’s going to take some getting used to.

The immediate visual upside?

Is the wall paper.

Believe it or not … ?

I find it easy on the eye.

Frankly?

We’re going to have to see how Ventura goes.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 31-10-2021: Halloween

31st October, 2021.

Yes: it’s officially official.

It’s so officially official, the government’s got web pages about it.

Yes: the clocks have gone back, and I’ve had an extra hour’s sleep.

Which is handy.

I saw Dune on Friday: which is fantastic, I should add.

But, boy!   The post and video reviews took a while.

I just hope I get a comment on the video version … !

~≈🏜≈~

Oh, JUST ad a quick thought, as today sees the start of the new series of Dr Who … ?

Bookies, William Hill are offering 9/4 on Lydia West to be cast as the 14th Doctor.

Whether that’s worth your time, I don’t know.

~≈📺≈~

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 — 2-9-2019: Ultimate Surrender.

2nd September, 2019.

OK, OK … 

Today’s introduction video is just a touch … um … odd … !

But I couldn’t resist using the clockwork teeth I picked up a while ago: in a chromakeyed bit of footage.

Just to see how it looked.

~≈§≈~

Can I make a mild confession?

We had a drug raid in my street: a couple of months ago, now.

One that made national headlines.

The reason I mention it … ?

Is that we had three police cars parked on our street, yesterday: and a forensics van.

What the hell they were for … ?

Well … 

I bet you, me and the neighbours, would love to know.

~≈§≈~

El Ministerio del Tiempo/The Ministry of Time — Series 3: Episode 13 — Entre dos tiempos/Between two times — A Review

18th June, 2019

Yep: it’s been one of those days.

One where a piece of kit had to be returned to Basildon Hospital.

Kit that is supposed to check my blood oxygen levels: but that I found incredibly uncomfortably to wear.

The nasal cannula wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.

The machinery that it was attached to?

That made me look like a wannabe Borg … ?

And was supposed to stay on overnight … ?

Well … 



That didn’t last long.

At any rate, I’ve taken the kit back to Basildon Hospital, today, and tried highlighting I have an issue.

Hopefully?



We can see what happens.

~≈Í≈~

At any rate … ?



I’m back home, unencumbered by stuff!

Home: and listening to Japan’s Tin Drum LP.

There’s time when ambient rain suits my mood.



Tonight … ?



The album that introduced the world to Ghosts* seems the thing.

That … ?



And a TV show.

Yes, you’re right.

The last episode of El Ministerio del Tiempo/The Ministry of Time

third series … 


It’s a gig and a half … 

~≈Í≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-3-2019: The Shrine.

15th March, 2019.

Yes: it’s sad to see it.

A shooter has visited two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

And, from what the Today Programme tells me?

A total of forty-nine people have died as a result.

I’m not religious.

But?   Have always felt that whatever works for you is fine with me.

For me, though?

Mass shootings are horrendous.

Mass shootings at a place of worship?

Of whatever religion?

Whilst people are at prayer?

Regardless of who’s doing the shooting?

There is no excuse for it.

~≈§≈~

Solo: A Star Wars Story — A Review

17th September, 2018.

Yes … 

I know I’ve possibly mentioned Japan — the band — before now.

In fact, I know I have.

But I’ll be frank, I like what I’ve heard of them: even those I’m listening to the seminal albums, including Quiet Life, some time after they were released.

What CAN I tell you … ?

Apart from “Enjoy ’em if you got ’em” … !

~≈§≈~

At ANY rate … ?

At ANY rate … 

I’ve had a night off.

One mostly spent laundering … laundering and making videos for the blog.

Pointless info, here: 30th September of this year marks Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar’s tenth birthday.

No, really: it wasn’t much of a post much of a post, but it went up on 30th September, 2008.

Which is ALSO something I wasn’t planning to mention.

No.

I was planning to tell you I’d seen a movie.

You’re right.

I’ve watched the Ron Howard* directed … Solo: A Star Wars Story.

I know it’s had some flack: but I liked it.

~≈§≈~

Patient Seven: Hmm …

28th August, 2018.

*Spoilers*

Yep: it’s officially official.

I’ve had another day off.

As I write, I’ve some music on in the background.

Japan’s famed Tin Drum album.

Which may not be for everyone, I admit.

But frankly?

I like it.

Although I’m curious to know why a band call Japan produced tracks like Cantonese Boy or Visions of China.

Totally different country.

At any rate … another day … another dollar …



And another movie.

~≈§≈~

You’ve possibly worked out I like a film or two, haven’t you … ?

Possibly, he said!

At any rate, I like a film or two.

And occasionally?

Get recommendations.

Including from an old friend, Faye.

She’s managed another on, today.

The Danny Draven directed, anthology film that is … Patient Seven.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-3-2018: Shogun

24th March, 2018.

Have a lot at the date, there, would you … ?

2018, right?

That’s the year, yeah?

Well … 

Yeah … WH Smiths, the stationers and newsagent — at least the Brentwood branch — seem on the ball.

I was there, yesterday: as the Brentwood branch is home to Brentwood’s main post office, where I pay most of my bills.

I couldn’t help but notice the huge display of security software: as it was by the main door … 

I ALSO couldn’t help but notice the stickers on those boxes … the one that says ‘2017 Ready.’ 

2017.

I hate to sound picky, but the impression I’ve always had is that — with security software in particular — having the most recent version is important: it’ll catch more nasties, that way.

Selling something that seems to be last year’s model … ?

Seems a little off the ball … 

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-2-2017: Turning Japanese

Drat.

At least, I THINK it’s drat.

It’s cold, this morning.

You’ve possibly realised that, if you’re in south-east England.

Right now?

Right now, here in Brentwood?

It’s been making a desperate effort to show … !

I’m not worried.   I’m planning to run up and down Brentwood High Street, in a mankini.

Yeah … 

You’re convinced, aren’t you … ?

~≈§≈~

Oh … 

Did I ALSO tell you I’ve taken a punt?

A bet, in other words?

I’ve sent a Valentine’s Day card.

Frankly?

I’m fully expecting to get a slap in the face!

~≈§≈~

The Daily Teaser — 31-8-2013: the Death Of Diana

Bloody HELL … !

I’ve got BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on: the show has just announced a piece of news that simultaneously not cropped up on the BBC’s news site, AND caught my attention.

It seems a family caring for an elderly relative with dementia, have lost him, after he wandered onto a railway line.

And are now being sued, by the railway company, for severely affecting rail travel.

My immediate response … ?   Was to get my chin off the floor.   And ask myself how bloody insensitive was that, to a family who’ve lost a relative.   AND to ask myself what the point was: how can you predict that someone with Dementia will end up heading for railway lines.   It’s like trying to predict when a suicidal person will jump in front of a train.    You can’t, from where I’m sitting, you can only try your best to prevent it.

Dear GODS!

Let’s move on, shall we?   BEFORE I get exasperated … !

~≈Œ≈~

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi* putting in her answers: along with mentioning she liked yesterday’s song, she also bagged four out of five.

Let’s see how she — and you — do with today’s questions, shall we?   Here they are, along with the ‘How To’, License and video … 

Q1) 31st August, 1997, saw the death of Diana: in a car crash in which French city … ?

Q2) Who was she dating — and with — at the time of her death … ?

Q3) What was her title, after her divorce from Prince Charles … ?

Q4) Diana’s funeral was held in which church … ?

Q5) In which London park would you find the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain … ?

Q6) Finally … where is Diana buried … ?

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 30th August saw the Space Shuttle make its maiden voyage: in which year of the 1980s … ?

A1) 1984.

Q2) More to the point, WHICH Space Shuttle … ?

A2) The Discovery.

Q3) The Shuttle was launched from the Kennedy Space Centre: which is on an island in which US state … ?

A3) Florida.

Q4) The Shuttle carried the QAST 1 into orbit.   Was that an experimental satellite, an experimental solar array or an experimental jetpack … ?

A4) An experimental solar array: NASA scientist what to test such equipment,

Q5) Finally … Once the mission was finished, at which base did the shuttle land … ?

A5) Edwards Air Force Base, in California.

Enjoy those.

I’ll leave you with this thought …

“Anywhere I see suffering, that is where I want to be, doing what I can.”

Diana, Princess of Wales.

And with possibly the only song one could play, given the theme.

*        Yeah, thought that might be appreciated, Debbi.   I still want to know how Commander Hadfield managed to get the guitar up to the International Space Station: I mean, NASA have some pretty strict weight controls.   Alan Shepard still doesn’t talk about the 3 Iron he got past them … !

The Daily Teaser — 11-2-2013: Turning Japanese

Well, folks, it’s official.   Essex — at least, my part of it — is now covered in snow.

It always seems to be the case that it happens a second time, when everyone’s least expecting it.

Says I.

But I do know a couple of things.   For starters, the gritters have, reportedly, been out over night.

And secondly, my little nephew, Jude, wasn’t necessarily impressed by it.   (There he is, along with Ruth, his mum/my sister.   Frankly … ?   I think he was more interested in the jam tarts he had, last night.)

But enough … !   Let’s move on, shall we?

~~~~~~

Yesterday’s Teaser saw Debbi posting her answers: along with @soolebop tweeting the one he felt confident about … !    With @soolebop bagging one point and Debbi bagging 6 out of 6, yesterday also saw Debbi giving yesterday’s video a flattering mention*.

Let’s see how everyone does with today’s questions, shall we?

Here they are, along with the ‘How To’, License and video … 

Q1) 11th February, 660BC is the traditional date of accession of the first Japanese Emperor: what was his name … ?

Q2) More to the point, what’s the Japanese version of he and his descendants’ title … ?

Q3) Who’s the current Japanese Emperor … ?

Q4) Historically, the Japanese Emperor’s home was Edo Castle: what’s it now called … ?

Q5) And finally … the Imperial seal of Japan is a stylized version of which flower … ?

And here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 10th February, 1996, saw Gary Kasparov beaten: by whom … ?

A1) The IBM supercomputer, Deep Blue.

Q2) At which game … ?

A2) Chess.

Q3) Moving on … 10th February, 1931, saw which city named as the capital of India … ?

A3) New Delhi.

Q4) 10th February, 1906, saw the launch of HMS Dreadnought: which British king launched her … ?

A4) Edward 7th.

Q5) 10th February, 1861, saw Jefferson Davis notified that he’d been named as President of where … ?

A5) The Confederate States of America.

Q6) And finally … 10th February, 2005, saw North Korea announce it possessed what … ?

A6) Nuclear Weapons.

I’ll leave you with THIS quote from a well known Japanese person …

“To strive for the common prosperity and happiness of all nations as well as the security and well-being of Our subjects is the solemn obligation which has been handed down by Our Imperial Ancestors and which lies close to Our heart.”

Emperor Hirohito, April 29, 1901 – January 7, 1989

And with these tunes … 

*        I always try with these things, I know that much, Debbi.   The unfortunate thing about the video, today, is that the two tunes were the only ones I could think of … !

Spirited Away: That’s the spirit …

You know, I’ve got to confess, times are decidedly hard, at the minute …

Recent events, and the lack of hours at work, leave me with little in the way of finances, and no weekly quizzes to actively prepare for.

Beyond the daily questions I’m posting here, of course.

Feel free to leave answer for those, folks.   It’s nice to know I’m having an effect.

I’m so short of money that I’m can’t – at the moment – see how I’m to take up the very nice invite from the No Idea’s, to sit in with them on The Rising Sun’s quiz, tomorrow night.

Which is a very nice, and very flattering invite, indeed.   Adrian, Margaret, John and Trish have bee one of the most formidable teams I had taking part in one of my quizzes, and getting a invite from them is both an honour, and praise, indeed.

But – to quote an old cliqué I’ve heard, from the people who saw the truth of it – one day at a time.

Something I did mange to do, last night, was use the hard drive recorder to tape “Spirited Away” so I could watch it today.

And I’ve got to admit, I found it rather good.

I’m not usually one for cartoons.   I think, like many of us in Britain, I grew up on 2000AD and endless repeats of Tom and Jerry cartoons and tend to think anything beyond that is kids stuff.

Reinforced by the heavily censored version of Battle of the Planets shown by the BBC, when I was a child

Which isn’t necessarily the case, of course.

I have, after all, seen Shrek and found it hysterical – plenty in there to make kids laugh, and adults laugh even louder, recognising the references.

But the  Japanese made and Hasao Miyazaki directed, Spirited Away is a different kettle of fish.

In part, I feel, because the film seems to keep the computer animation so prevalent in many animated films one sees, these days, to something of a minimum, giving Spirited Away a very old fashioned look and fell.

Another point is the simple fact is it is – as you may guess from the name of the director – a film made in Japan, originally for a Japanese audience, in Japanese – with English subtitles, I should add – and with a very Japanese look and feel to it.   I’m assuming it also draws from the varied animé traditions that have grown up in the land of the Rising Sun, over the past few years.

Which made it and very unique looking film, to my comparatively innocent eyes.

I think I can safely say I have a limited knowledge of Japan: with what I know largely picked up from news reports, an ageing copy of GURPS Japan, and the World War Two history I learnt at school, along with know roughly what Japanese letters look like, as they come enabled, under Leopard.

Actually, a bit of a side issue, here.   I used to work at a shop in Brentwood High Street, called Arnold’s Gift Centre, whose owner was a London-born chap called Arnold.   Obviously.   But I can remember something he said, when we saw a news report about the A-bombs being dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki  – I think the report was about one of the anniversaries, but don’t quote me – and said he’d always mentally put the A-bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on a moral par with the Holocaust.

Which, as he was Jewish, always stuck in my mind, and definitely left an impression on me: and always gets me looking sideways at warfare.   It strengthened a long held certainty that wars are not the best way to sort out an international argument.

And that neither side behaves well in such a conflict, whatever side wins, or claims the high ground.

But, back to my earlier point, Japan is, to me, unfamiliar territory.

And “Spirited Away” an alien looking film.

But it’s also one that tells story that will be familiar, even though it’s in unfamiliar garb.

Quite simply it tells us of how Chihiro, the little girl at the heart of the story, is forced to grow up by travel through an alien enviroment, finding friends, love, meaning.

It’s a coming of age movie: a very familiar rite de passage.

And one that touches emotions in a way I’ve not seen a cartoon do.

I think I’d like you to see this film.

And let me know what you think, folks …