Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th April, 2024.

20th April, 2024.

Right … it’s Saturday.

And … ?

I caught a TV show … on Thursday!

Yes: I’ve caught another episode of Star Trek Discovery: and released a review, last night!

Feel free to thoroughly enjoy it!

~≈📺≈~

Talking of TV?

I’ve just seen this piece float across my Facebook feed.

It seems AppleTV+ are to make a version of William Gibson’s Neuromancer: one of my favourite novels.

Hmmm … 

I must admit, I’m nervous about that: and only hope the producers do a version that’s authentic to the original text.

~≈🖥️≈~

Maxwell Azzarello died on Friday.

No, I didn’t know who he was, either.

Not until — on Thursday — he stood outside the New York court where Donald Trump is being tried, threw lots of pamphlets around, covered himself in something flammable … 

And then lit a match.

Apparently, in protest at both President Biden and former President Trump: and at US government attempts to launch “ …an apocalyptic fascist world coup”.

I can’t help the think the man was a bloody idiot!

Or was … unwell … !

Or, at least, extremely misguided.

I sound harsh, I know.

Justifiable, I think.

Setting fire to yourself — especially over something as trivial as a conspiracy theory* — is an unbelievably stupid thing to do.

~≈🔥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20th April 2023.

20th April, 2023.

Right … 

I’ve had some information: and I’m not happy … !

I finally had a message from my work coach, my Job Centre case worker, yesterday.

I’ve officially been reclassified as having a Limited Capability for Work.

That’s good: although I’m assuming I still have to look for a job.

The downside?

According to my case worker, I only qualify for extra help if I have a Limited Capability for Work, and Work Related Activities.

I am seething!

OK: I’ve got the DWP to recognise I have medical issues.

I’m off for a blood today, in fact.

But no financial help?   In paying for electricity to keep a man with bad eyesight’s home lit?   A diabetes patient’s home warm?

That’s a bit much.

Granted, there’s other routes to explore.

But, even so … I’m good and angry.

~≈¥≈~

American Horror Story — Series 4: Freak Show — Episodes 12 & 13: Show Stoppers & Curtain Call.

12th November, 2017.

You know, I really don’t have money to spend.

I don’t.

So it’s not that often I turn on my heating of an evening.

My flat’s warm enough, as it is.

But to and from the office, today?

Wasn’t necessarily that cold.

But was chilly enough that — right now? — turning on the heating for a bit seemed a good idea.

Especially as the chair in front of my TV?   Has it’s back to the door to the living room: and the incredible draft the vents at the top of the window generate.

One day, I’ll remember how to close them … !

~≈§≈~

At any rate?

At any rate, I have the day off, tomorrow.

Which means, theoretically, I get to sleep in.

So … ?

As far as I’m concerned, it means I can catch up with some more TV.

You’re right, as ever.

I’ve been watching American Horror Story’s fourth series.

Given it was the last two episodes?

I wasn’t going to walk away from series 4.

~≈§≈~

American Horror Story — Series 4: Freak Show — Episode 11: Magical Thinking

11th November, 2017

It’s official.

I’ve done dafter things: but staying up late isn’t one of them.

Or possibly is.

At any rate?

I’m up comparatively late: after a five o’clock start.

Working days: you have to love it.

Frankly?   I’ve another early start, tomorrow.

With, of course, another five o’clock start on the cards.

Foolishly, and if I mistime things?

That means a couple of things.

Either I’m a fool.

OR I’ve had time for just one episode of American Horror Story’s fourth season.

Freak Show.

Yes … magical thinking seems an apt title.

Or possibly not

~≈§≈~

American Horror Story — Series 4: Freak Show — Episode 9 and 10: Tupperware Party Massacre & Orphans

7th November, 2017

You know, I’ve had to admit, I’ve not had that much time off, this year.

Really.

I should, obviously, take more of it.

But, when I’ve not been sleeping like a log?

I’ve been sleeping like … something that’s not a log, to be perfectly frank.

But there we go.

At any rate?

I’ve found out, today, what should be happening with any unused holiday pay I’ve accrued.

Let’s just say it’s interesting, and leave it there, shall we?

~≈Î≈~

At any rate … ?

At any rate, I’ve had today, off.

And, yes: feeling as tired as I have been for the past few days.

But not so tired that I couldn’t catch up with more TV box set.

Yep.

Monday is Star Trek Discovery night.

Tonight, on the other hand?

Is American Horror Story night … 

Is about series 4 … 

Is about … Freak Show.

~≈Î≈~

Episode 9 — Tupperware Party Massacre — shows us Jimmy Darling (Evan Peters) slowing turning into a drunk: as events catch up with him.

Because of that?   He’s seen off of a house where he’s been turning tricks at a tupperware party.

After bursting into tears on one clients lap.

And, before he gets there?   Having a confrontation with Dandy (Finn Wittrock) who’d gotten a psychic reading — ahem — from Maggie (Emma Roberts).

It’s only after Jimmy leaves the tupperware party?

That the real trouble starts.

With Jimmy’s arrest for massacring everyone at the Tupperware party. 

~≈Î≈~

Episode 10 — Orphans — opens with tragedy.   Salty (Christopher Neiman) his died in his sleep: and his partner and fellow pinhead, Pepper (Naomi Grossman), is overcome by grief.

Meanwhile?   Maggie gives Desiree (Angela Bassett) and her new love a reading.

And, once recovery from her hangover?   Visiting the Museum of Morbid Curiosities with Desiree.

Only to be shocked at what she finds there.

Jimmy’s hands … 

~≈Î≈~

I have to admit, Freak Show … ?

Freak Show is showing me something.

It’s showing that American Horror Story’s writers are on form.

Not only that.

I’ve felt, for some time, that the show’s changing, ensemble cast, is one of its strengths.

From the little I know?   Jessica Lange leaves the series after this series.

But is, as Madame Elsa, putting in the performance of a lifetime.

There’s something else.

Something American Horror Story shares with Star Trek: the Next Generation is that large ensemble cast.

What’s more, the former seems to have learnt as trick from the former.

Give each character a moment to shine: sometimes with an episode about them, sometimes a strong scene.

It’s the latter in the case of Tupperware Party Massacre: the scene where Ethel goads Dell into hanging himself had me on the edge of my seat.

And the sceen towards the end, where Dot admits how she feels to Jimmy, Betty admits she can be very tactful when needed, and where Jimmy breaks the twins hearts by admitting there’s someone else?

Left me feeling quite emotional.

But not as emotional as Orphans.

Quite frankly, in showing us Pepper’s story, the writers have fed  us a story that ties Asylum and Freak Show together.

And shows us Naomi Grossman giving the emotional performance of a lifetime.

If you watch no other episode of Freak Show?

Go watch Orphans.

If you’re not wiping away tears by the end?

You’ve no heart.

American Horror Story — Series 4: Freak Show — Episode 7 & 8: Test of Strength & Bloodbath

2nd November, 2017

You know, I’ve literally just realised — by going an looking, so you know — that the overflow in my sink’s blocked.

And that I’m going to have to do something about that.

Had I realised, earlier?

I’d’ve unscrewed the thing, and got clearing it out.

But right now, as it’s not really that urgent?   I think I can wait until the morning: if nothing else, to at least get some drain cleaner.

And put my washing machine onto a empty hotwash.

With a bit of luck, and some crossed fingers?

That usually helps unblock stuff.

~≈†≈~

Of course the reason I hadn’t actually noticed the blockage?

Well, there’s possibly a lot of reasons why I didn’t notice the blockage: after All, I did try and make a point of getting some caustic soda, every-so-often, to keep my sink clean.

The reason, tonight?

Was that I was in a hurry … to catch more TV.

Yes.

You’d be right: I’m developing an addiction to series 4 of American Horror Story.

A 12-step group could be useful.

Although I don’t know if there’s a Freak Show Anonymous …

~≈†≈~

American Horror Story — Series 4: Freak Show — Episode 5 & 6: Pink Cupcakes & Bullseye.

1st November, 2017

Oh … 

That’s what a dental check-up feels like.

I’ve got to say, I had a dentist appointment: that’s slowly turning into something a touch longer than I expected: in order to get a tooth extracted.

The dentist — a young lady, I should add — was very reassuring: and got all my details.

And managed to stick all sorts of things into my gob to find out what was happening in there.

The net result?

That I’m now due back, next week, for a scale and clean.

And some rigorous plier action.

You know, now I see that written down … 

~≈Â≈~

At any rate?

It’s a Wednesday, today.

A day off: and one where I’ve had the start of some complicated dentistry, received advice on brushing, spent time with my family, hugged my nephew* …

And spent time watching television.

Yes: you got it.

More American Horror Story series 4 … 

Freak Show … 

~≈Â≈~

American Horror Story — Series 4: Freak Show — Episode 3 & 4: Edward Mordrake parts 1 & 2.

29th October, 2017.

Hmmm …

I guess it’s official official.

I have toothache.

A little more than just tooth-ache, actually.

I think … 

No, scrub that, I know one of my teeth is coming loose.

Which means I’m going to have to scout around Brentwood: to find an local NHS dentist, who’s both affordable, AND convenient.

Tricky one, that … 

~≈Ÿ≈~

At any rate … ?

It’s a quiet Sunday night.

I’m indoors.

And, of course, looking to keep myself entertained.

Yep.

You’re right.

I’ve sat down with more American Horror Story, series 4: Freak Show.

And, given Jessica Lange’s performance as Madame Elsa Mars?

I can’t be the only one thinking of Lilli Marleen …

~≈Ÿ≈~

American Horror Story — Series 4: Freak Show — Episode 2: Massacres and Matinees

27th October, 2017.

Right … 

It’s … what … twenty past 8 on a Friday night, and frankly?

I … am … … considerably … … … 

Knackered.

To the point of wondering whether starting writing a post is a good idea.

After all, I’ve been up since four, this morning, so I could write the day’s Teaser, AND get into work.

Possibly not.

But?

I happen to have a copy of the seminal Dr Feelgood album, Down By the Jetty on in the background.

And somehow … ?

Wilko Johnson’s hammer headed, slice and dice guitar, over the top of the Big Figure’s drums, and John Sparks bass, combined with the late Lee Brilleaux’s singing?

Is pure Thames delta blues: and seems to be helping.

Or, at least, seems to be helping me concentrate on what I wanted to tell you.

Yes: I’ve been up since four.

Yes, I’m as tired as a goose on heroin.

But, yes … I’ve seen another of Freak Show, series 4.

That’s right … 

Freak Show … 

~≈Â≈~

Episode 2 — Massacres and Matinees — tells us what we already know: that there’s a killer on the loose in the town of Jupiter.

That’s there’s a curfew being imposed by the town’s police.

And that Madam Elsa (Jessica Lange) has hired Dell Toleda (Michael Chiklis) and his wife, Desiree.

And, given Dell’s temper?

Learns that she may well come to regret the decision.

In the back of all this?

Dandy (Finn Wittrock) and his mother, Gloria (Frances Conroy) have being trying to find a cure for Dandy’s boredom.

Gloria … ?

Hire’s Twisty the Clown.

The result?

Will be gruesome.

~≈Â≈~

Now … 

Good … ?

Yes, actually.

Something I know I’ve long enjoyed?   Is what I’ve come to Call Spot the Reference.

In other words, seeing if I can spot where I think a writer’s got an idea.

Part of the late Sir Terry Pratchett’s appeal — for me — was seeing I could figured out what he’s used as a source of inspiration.

The Discworld’s major city?   I always believed Ankh-Morpork was a mix of medieval London — I’d worked that out, before they published the map — and Lakhmar, the setting for many of Fritz Leiber’s Swords novel.

I think I’m seeing the same  in American Horror Story.

Murder used very few such ideas.

But Asylum?   Asylum Bloody Face was a variation on Leatherface, Zachary Quinto’s Dr Thredson, a take on Hannibal Lector, Lizzie Brochere as a Franco-Americaine version of Lizzie Borden …

I could go on.

And they’re doing it again: Michael Chiklis is almost the archetypal thug, Jessica Lange IS Marlene Dietrich … 

And Twisty the Clown?

Whilst Twisty is a version of John Wayne Gacy’s killer clown?

In terms of outfit, he’s more of a take on the Joker … 

Mixed with the late, great, Joey Grimaldi.

For me, so far, Freak Show is doing what the late Sir Terry did.

Throwing together some obvious ingredients.

And putting together a hellishly superb story.

American Horror Story — Series 4: Freak Show — Episode 1: Monsters Among Us

26th October 2017

I have to confess, I’m back to work, tomorrow.

Assuming, off course, my stomach decides NOT to go into spasms.

Which means?

First, I’m up early, tomorrow.   Early enough that I’ll be listening to the BBC’s World Service, as it airs before Radio 4 gets started.

Secondly?   That the Teaser, tomorrow, will get a lot more hits than usual, as a result of that start.   At least, I hope so.

And, thirdly?   That I only had tiome for one episode of a tv box set, tonight.

I fancied something horrific.

I fancied … American Horror Story’s fourth series.

I fancied … Freak Show … !

~≈Â≈~

American Horror Story — Series 3: Coven — Episodes 12 and 13: Go To Hell & The Seven Wonders.

22nd September, 2017.

You know, you can possibly tell I’ve got an early start in the morning, can’t you?

Possibly.

Frankly?

The fact that, on a Friday night, I’m putting up a blog post I expect to go live well before bedtime.

Hopefully, before midnight.

Tomorrow, you see, I’ve got to start work at ten.

In the morning.

Which means getting up at five.

So … ?

Frankly, that means an early night, from where I’m sitting.

And an early start to a TV box set I’ve been watching.

You got it.

American Horror Story, series three.

Coven.

~≈Œ≈~

American Horror Story — Series 3: Coven — Episodes 10 and 11: The Magical Delights of Stevie Nicks & Protecting the Coven.

18th September, 2017

You know, this is possibly going To be the last post I’ll write of an evening.

Until … oooh, I don’t know … 

Probably Friday, at the earliest, now I come to think of it.

Frankly?

I’ve had the weekend off.

And today.

Which — if you’re sharp — means you’d work out I’m back At work, tomorrow.

I’m … feeling as ambiguous as one normally does in these situations.

But … ?

I felt I should spend the evening typing, after watching more American Horror Story.

The album in the background?

The Age of Plastic, by the  Buggles.





Although I seriously wish I could find Nicky Moore’s version of Heartbreak Hotel on Spotify!

The episodes, though?

Episodes ten and eleven of American Horror Story’s third series.

Coven.

~≈Ÿ≈~

American Horror Story — Series 3: Coven — Episodes 7, 8 & 9: The Dead, The Sacred Taking and Head

17th September, 2017.

Bloody hell, it’s — comparatively — late!

Ar least, for starting a blog post, it’s late.

Did you managed read this morning’s Teaser?

If you did, you’d possibly have realised I’ve been over my family’s for dinner.

And … ?

And to help build a new rabbit hutch for Mikey and Donnie, my nephew’s rabbits.

Well … Grandma, Ruth and I built the hutch.

Whilst Jude supervised, obviously.

Which has left me fed, mildly tired …

But still keen to watch more episodes of season three of American Horror Story.

Coven’s wandering a bit, maybe.

But still looking good.

~≈Î≈~

American Horror Story — Series 3: Coven — Episodes 4, 5 & 6: Fearful Pranks Ensue, Burn, Witch, Burn & The Axman Cometh.

16th September, 2017.

Hmmm … 

Right at the moment?   I can safely say my media streaming box — a fourth generation AppleTV, if you’re asking — is getting some overtime done.

Right at the moment, I’m listening to the latest OMD album, The Punishment of Luxury.

I don’t know if I’m completely convinced,  just yet.   I still think English Electric was the better overall album: standing along side Dazzle Ships and Architecture and Morality as some of their better work.

Still … ?   Robot Man and Precision and Decay are good.

If you can find them, give them a listen!

~≈Â≈~

American Horror Story — Series 3: Coven — Episodes 1, 2 & 3: Bitchcraft, Boy Parts & The Replacements.

4th September, 2017

It’s September 4th.

Or 4th of September, if you’re that-away inclined.

It’s a Monday.

And my day off: the last one I’m due, this week, at least.

So I’ve enough hours to be going on with, to be frank.

I do know that, this time last week?   Was a bank holiday Monday.   And getting to was tricky.

The trains?   Had been replaced by a bus service.

That bus service was delayed: as part of Warley Hill had been blocked off.

Someone had been attacked: and seriously injured in a late night brawl.

Sadly?   That person has since died of his injuries.

Right now?

My thoughts are going to his family.

My thoughts are calling the two young men who attacked him, last week, a pair of idiots: for getting drunk enough — unintentionally, no doubt — to kill.

Their bank holiday weekend has turned them into killers.

Frankly?   We throw the phrase ‘murder on the streets,’ around with such ease.

And then?

Something happens on our street.

~≈§≈~

Hmmm … 

That’s not quite what I intended to tell you about.

Well … 

Actually, yes, I did: but what I wanted to tell you?

Was that the chap had got out of hospital, alive, well … and relatively hole.

Instead, I can’t.

Personally?   All I can say is that I’ve picked up an impression over the years.

That many of the men and woman in UK prisons of murder, are there for near enough the same reasons.

They’ve gone out for the evening … had maybe one beer too many … got into an argument … 

And found themselves, in the morning, in a police cell: being told they’d inflicted life changing, or life threatening, injuries on someone.

Any one of us could be the victim: or the killer.

Murder on the streets, eh?

~≈§≈~

At any rate?

Most of my day has been spent feeling thoughtful about that unnamed victim, and his death.

In between that, and basic house work?

I really wanted to catch some TV: to occupy my thoughts with something lighter.

Series three of American Horror Story.

For a given value of light, obviously.

~≈§≈~

American Horror Story — Series 2: Asylum — Episodes 12 and 13: Continuum and Madness Ends

19th July 2017

I have to admit, there are SOME days?

That I hate letting the side down.

Really.

Like today.

To be brutally honest, my innards are a wreck that mystify me: let alone any medical staff.

This morning … ?   They decidedly put me out of whack: by making sure I threw up.

A day off work it was, then: I’d HATE to have thrown up ono a keyboard.

To be EQUALLY frank, though?

My guts are seriously annoying: as they’ve caused me lose a day’s pay.

Again.

The only real upside … ?

Hmmm … I don’t know if there is one.

Bar the fact I could, at least, catch up with the last two episodes of series two of American Horror Story — Asylum — and think I’ve seen some very powerful stuff.

~≈Ç≈~

American Horror Story — Series 2: Asylum — Episodes 10 and 11: The Name Game and Spilt Milk

18th July, 2017

Right … 

I can officially say it’s just a little bit toasty, around here.

19º … and cloudy: although I’m told it’s been warmer, today.

I’m ALSO told … ?

That we’re expecting thunderstorms.

Although, right now?   I’m finding that hard to believe.

Either way … ?

Either way, I’ve had time off, today.

And … ?

Felt that, frankly, I need to catch up with Asylum: season two of American Horror Story.

Another two episodes seemed just the thing.

Although I wasn’t expecting The Singing Detective … !

~≈Ï≈~

American Horror Story — Series 2: Asylum — Episodes 7, 8 and 9: Dark Cousin, Unholy Night and The Coat Hanger.

13th July, 2017

You know … I’m due back to work, tomorrow.

Frankly?

I’m looking forward to it.

Company, the chance of earning some money … 

Yeah … 

Not much money: although that might improve.

IF I get through the extra training!

At any rate?

At any rate, I’ve had today off.

So … ?

Right now, I’ve got synthpop classic, The Age of Plastic on in the back ground.

And I’ve just seen three more episodes of American Horror Story’s second series, Asylum.

And yes … it’s still beguiling: and introducing some new characters.

~≈Ÿ≈~

American Horror Story — Series 2: Asylum — Episodes 4, 5 and 6: I Am Anne Frank (Pt 1), I Am Anne Frank (Pt 2) and The Origins of Monstrosity.

12th July, 2017

You know those quiet days you have?

You know the days … !

The ones that go quietly … but have expected shirts and unexpected USB flash drives in them?

Yep: it’s official.

I had a shirt delivered, today.   Which was expected: the postman left me a card, yesterday, to say it was in the office: as the package was to big to go in my letter box.

The unexpected USB sticks?

Were unexpected because I was expected them a week or so from now … but there you go.

At least they’r partitioned and ready to go!

~≈†≈~

Oh … 

And there’s light … surprisingly … !

Did I mention the light in my kitchen, blew, last night?

It blew, last night.

Which is inconvenient when you’re trying to make cocoa, I know that.

Oh … And when you’re doing yourself a cup of tea, prior … to sitting down and watching some TV.

In my case?

Problem solved: I got a new bulb.   And those neon tubes AREN’T cheap.

Tea that’s the right colour?

Is the best company for American Horror Story series two.

Asylum.

~≈†≈~

Episode 4 — I Am Anne Frank (Pt 1) — sees a mysterious woman (Franka Potente) being held at the hospital.

Held there, as her husband feels she is not looking after her child, correctly.

The woman claims to be Anne Franke: who died at Bergen-Belsen.

And, what’s more?

Claims that’s where she met the man called Hans Grüber.   Now better know as the Asylum’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Arden (James Cromwell.)

Episode 5 — I Am Anne Frank (Pt 2) — shows us Sister Jude — Jessica Lange — calling in on Nazi Hunter, Sam Goodman: convinced he can help investigate Dr Arden. 

That self same Dr Arden?   Has worked out exactly how to help Anne/Charlotte.   With a pre-frontal lobotomy … 

Lana?   Lana — Sarah Paulson — has been … rescued … from Briarcliff, by Dr Thredson — Zachary Quinto.

Who isn’t as helpful as he seems … 

Episode 6 — The Origins of Monstrosity — opens with a flashback to 1962: showing us when Monseigneur Howard — Joseph Fiennes — first met Dr Arden: when Briarcliff had been a tuberculosis hospital.

It ALSO shows us Lana: still trapped in Thredson’s basement … and becoming increasingly concerned.

Lampshades made from human skin will do that.

What she doesn’t know … ?

Is that, in 2012?   SOMEONE is still wearing the Bloody Face mask …

~≈†≈~

Now … 

Am I enjoying Asylum?

Hell, yes!

Although, granted, it’s a supernatural horror fan’s delight: with even more references than a reference book!

After all, one central character, Kit?   is in Briarcliffe, not because he’s a murderer, but because he claims to have bee kidnapped by aliens.

Another, Dr Arden?   Walked out of Boys from Brazil.

Dr Thredson?   Is an unholy mix of Leather Face, Dr Lector, the Red Dragon and Ed Gein!

And I swear, Grace — Lizzie Brocheré — Grace is channeling Lizzie Borden.

Loving it?

All that and there‘s a song by a Belgium singing nun.

Yep, I’m loving it!

American Horror Story — Series 2: Asylum — Episodes 1, 2 and 3: Welcome to Briarcliff, Tricks and Treats & Nor’easter.

11th July, 2017

Oh, I hate my situation, right now!

Right at the moment?

The glasses prescription is in.

And I’d hoped, with the little cash I had left?   To pick myself up a new mobile phone.

I’ve seen a couple of halfway decent ones, at reasonable prices.

But, wouldn’t you know it?

The light in my kitchen has gone.

The neon tube.

I’ll have to replace that, tomorrow.

Bang goes the phone idea … !

As does my rear.

Right at the moment … ?



It doesn’t help that my IBS is playing up.

Splat may be the more appropriate term, there.

Yes … that possibly IS a bit too much information, isn’t it?

What possibly isn’t … ?

Is the simple fact I have some time to myself.   And copies of series two of American Horror Story.

Asylum

Yep: I’m impressed, thus far … !

~≈Ê≈~