Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar: WW2

Showing posts with label WW2. Show all posts

Sunday, 9 August 2020

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 — 6-8-2020: The Bomb

6th August, 2020.

Right …

It’s a Thursday: and I’m expecting it to be quiet.

I’m also expecting to — by the time this post goes live — to be swearing profusely.

Blogger has announced that it’s going to be phasing out the older Blogger.

F#ck!

I’m going to have to do it again*!

~≈¥≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3-9-2019: WW2 — The Anniversary

3rd September, 2019.

Now that’s a sad thing to see.

Terrance Dicks, the former Dr Who writer, and script editor, has died at the age of eighty-four.

Having had a long career in TV: writing for many serials.

He also did something else, too.

He novelised many Dr Who episodes for Target Books, back in the day.

And got a lot of people my age, reading.

I know: I was one of them.

The first book I bought was Doctor Who and the Loch Ness Monster: his print version of Terror of the Zygons.

What CAN I tell you?

Except that Dicks will be much missed.

RIP, Terrance.

~≈§≈~

Oh, I think I’ve solved a mystery.

Or, at least, had it solved for me.

If you recall, I mentioned in yesterday’s Teaser, that there were a lot of police cars on my street: and a police forensic’s van.

It turns out the Gazette’s found out what’s happening.

It seems that — after a concern for welfare report — a man has been found dead in his flat.

That’s another sad thing to here.

I’m just wondering who that was.

~≈§≈~

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.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 1-9-2019: Invasion

1st September, 2019

OK: I’m definitely a bit tired: those eight hour shifts are long!

If you’ve ever run a Marathon?

It’s possibly comparable.

Frankly?

I usually end up with legs that feel like abused bits of lead piping.

Not nice … !

~≈§≈~

You’ve possibly realised I take a mild interesting in technology?

I take a mild interesting in technology … !

And in in media: I like watching film and TV show.

I’ve always taken a mild interesting in video piracy: they’s been around as long as there’s been some sort of video on-demand.

Personally?

Seeing this piece on the BBC’s news website, about the arrest of eight people who ran various illegal streaming sites?

Only confirms what I’ve believed for a while.

It’s very hard to get rid of video pirates.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-7-2018: Potsdam

26th July, 2018.

It’s not that often Britain has heatwaves.

For, of course, a given value of ‘heatwave.’

It’s hot, it’s sweaty, it’s distinctly uncomfortable.

And, what’s more?

I seen the BBC’s got this weather as a near enough permanent news story.

The Met Office is issuing warnings.

All told?

The fact Brentwood’s supposed to be expecting a thunderstorm, today … ?

Isn’t exactly reassuring …

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-4-2018: Guernica

26th April, 2018.

Have you been following the news?

Have you … ?

If you, like me, have been watching the recent news, you’ll know Alder Hey Hospital, in Liverpool, is caring for an extremely ill little boy called Alfie Evans.

Seriously ill.

To the point where the parents have taken the hospital to court: in order to try and save their son.

I can appreciate that: I’d be doing the same, in their shoes.

I think it’s getting to the point where — whatever the legal outcome — the poor kid’s not long for this world: whether he’s treated at Alder Hey, taking up the Vatican Hospital offer to treat him … or taken home.

It’s sad … tragic …

Possibly any number of words …

But, beyond expressing sympathy to Alfie’s parents, and thanking the hospital staff.

Not much one can do.

There is something to add, though.

I ALSO notice this piece from the BBC’s news site.

That tells us hospital staff — and other patients — are being targeted by protestors.

Frankly?

I think that’s unhelpful.

I think going for staff and patients is abusing them: and abusing them, for no good purpose.

Terry Pratchett fan that I am, I’m ALSO aware of my favourite writer’s thoughts.

“I know it’s a very human thing to say ‘Is there anything I can do’, but in this case I would only entertain offers from very high-end experts in brain chemistry.”

Sir Terry Pratchett.

OK …

The protestors want to help this child survive.

They don’t want him to die.

They want him to live.

All good.

But if they want to help Alfie Evans … ?

They should learn neurosurgery.

~≈§≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-4-2018: Colditz.

16th April, 2018.

Yes: that’s right.

1. I’m back at work, today.

And, frankly? I’m still a temp that’s waiting to hear about the possibility of a full time — or, at least, permanent — contract.

You would NOT believe the amount of hoops I’ve had, to get this far.

Or maybe you would.

At any rate?

It’s coming at a point where hours are being cut — at the start of work’s general summer season — which is putting a twist on things.

The amount of hours I’m getting is going down: to the point where handing in my notice And going back on the dole is looking far more economic.

The sooner guaranteed hours turn up, the better.

~≈§≈~

2. The other thing I meant to mention … ?

Is simply the fact I saw the South Korean horror film, The Wailing, last night.

It’s quite long: at some two and a half hours.

But it’s certainly worth a watch: there’s enough twists, turns and twitches to keep you entertained.

It pertained kept me interested.

~≈§≈~

3. And, as a final thought … ?

R. Lee Ermey, best remembered as Sergeant Hartman in Full Metal Jacket, has died at the age of 74.

I might just have to check the film out.

Never having seen it, it seems a good way to mark the man’s passing.

~≈§≈~

Casablanca: Wow!

27th November, 2017.

Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘bucket list’?

It’s a list of things you’re supposed to try and do, before you die: before you kick the bucket, in other words.

I …

You know, if you have to sit me down, and say, “Paul, what’s on your bucket list,” I swear, I couldn’t tell you.

Beyond, say, getting a recent model iMac, I don’t think there’s much I’d have on there.

But the concept is one I know.

And, frankly? A bucket list is something I keep thinking I should pencil up.

I’ve also noticed that bucket lists are the sort of things people want to make a contribution to.

Really.

You have to …

Do this.

Watch that.

Eat the other thing.

If you had the time and money — in between earning the money, raising the kids, and whatever else you need to do — to do so.

There’s only so much time in the day, in other words.

~≈§≈~

However, one thing I do know?

Is that those oh-so-helpful bucket list suggestions include albums.

I know one friend has suggested I give Die Antwoord a listen.

Others suggest different bands.

I’ve been hairing around iTunes and Spotify, listening to various bits and bobs: and built up a serious amount of electronica as a result.

I’m also very aware that those suggestions?

Will include a film or two.

God knows how many people have suggested Citizen Kane, for example, or The Third Man.

There’s one film that has cropped up, plenty of times.

A Humphrey Bogart/Ingrid Bergman film made in 1942.

One I wrote a teaser about, only a few short days ago.

You’re right …

Casablanca …

And, yes: I’m thankful I looked it up.

~≈§≈~

Conspiracy — A Review …

19th January, 2017.

I don’t know where it comes from: but there’s an old saying.

Words to the effect that the good we do is buried with us: and the evil that we do, lives on.

It’s from one of Shakespeare’s plays, I believe.

Although I couldn’t tell you exactly which one.

However, that phrase about the evil men do, living on … ?

Always springs into mind, sometimes.

Writing Teasers about things like the Holocaust, for example.

Gruesome murders tend NOT to be that depressing, believe it or not.

Depressingly unstoppable …

But …

Hmmm …

I’m not quite sure where that’s going, frankly.

All I can say? Is that I try not to use words like good or evil, every day.

But, sometimes? Sometimes, we’re faced by things that we can only describe as evil.

Gross simplification that it is

Sometimes I think we’re forced into doing so: to give ourselves a handle into an event.

~≈Ê≈~

There is, of course, a reason for this.

You’ve possibly realised I like to catch a movie, now and again, don’t you … ?

I do: in case you didn’t know.

And, frankly?

I had a free night, tonight.

I fancied catching something. And had a choice of what to watch.

I’d bought myself a copy of They Shoot Horses, Don’t They: on the recommendation of Teaser regulars, Olga and Debbi.

Who’ve been raving about it for a while, now.

Or … ?

A copy of 2001, wartime drama, Conspiracy: that I’d borrowed from a friend at work.

What can I tell you?

I flipped a coin.

And got Conspiracy.

I wasn’t unpleased: history’s a habit of mine …

And the Wannsee Conference was historic.

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 18-6-2016: Their Finest Hour

Right …

It’s a weekend: and I think I’m only just getting into gear.

Although, obviously, ‘getting into gear’ is a very loose term.

And frankly?

I’m going to have to metaphorically change gear at some point.

Frankly? I’ve got to go shopping at some point: AND get myself out to work, this afternoon.

Going to be a hell of a long shift …

~≈ß≈~

In other news?

A man called Thomas Mair has been charged with the murder of Jo Cox, MP.

Good!

The quicker we, and her family, can see justice, the better.

And JUST as a matter of personal interest?

I’d like to know the killer’s motivation for this crime: as I’m sure Jo Cox’s family would.

I think the sooner the truth comes out, the better.

~≈ß≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 20-1-2016: Wannsee

Right …

I’ve got to admit to being at work, today: in a couple of hours time.

In the meantime?

That 4th generation Apple TV is paying its way: frankly … ?

Well frankly, the fact it’s got the BBC iPlayer on its AppStore is a blessing.

Means I can catch up with the Tracey Ullman Show!

~≈†≈~

The Daily Teaser — 15-11-2015: The Coventry Blitz

Oh, now THAT’S handy … !

The USB sticks I ordered from Amazon, last week, have turned up.

2 gigabyte ones, I should add. Which I mostly got, with the idea — believe I should say — that you can never have two many USB sticks.

They’re a bit like pens, in that respect.

You can never have too many pens. You can never find one, when you need one: and, seemingly, when you DON’T need one … ?

You end up tripping over the blessed things!

At ANY rate … ? I might well just give the sells a good review.

The sticks were delivered ahead of the stated due date: AND came with a set of lanyards. The little thingies that let you hang the sticks from a wrist/neck/keyring.

It’s just a shame I’ve not yet worked out how to thread the things onto the sticks, as yet!

~≈Ÿ≈~

The Imitation Game: Is A Great Film!

11th March, 2015.

It has to be said, I was going to open this post with the line, “I’m a sucker for a good film.”

Which — in a sense — is true.

I like watching good films.

But it struck me that opening with that line?

Was that opening with “I’m a sucker for a good film” would possibly be just a bit too glib.

Too superficial … shallow …

Too …

Yeah … I think you get my point.

That opener was way to shallow an opening. Too shallow …

Given the fact I wanted to tell you about a serious movie: one I know I’ve just been wanting to catch, ever since I heard of its making.

And release, last year.

The 2014, WW2 era drama, Morten Tyldum directed, The Imitation Game.

And wow …

I think it’s been worth the wait.

~≈†≈~

The Daily Teaser — 1-9-2013: WW2

Oh, thank God for that … !

I’m thinking, right now, that the Syria Situation is one that’s very serious.

Incredibly so.

I, personally, feel that any kind of military action in Syria’s civil war would be unwise.

And certainly premature, without evidence — strong evidence — of who launched that chemical weapons attack on the 21st August being presented to the UN.

So President Obama’s announcement, yesterday, that he’d be seeking Congress’ approval for any military on the part of the US, was one I welcomed.

Welcomed … and breathed a sigh of relief on hearing.

Thank god for that, he's taking to congress, FIRST! #Barack #Obama #PresidentObama #Syria
— Paul Downie (@Cuddy2977) August 31, 2013

The US Congress reconvenes on the 9th of this month. Hopefully, their deliberations will include presenting the strong US evidence President Obama and Secretary Kerry say the US has, before UN.

Here’s hoping that shows us a way of helping the people of Syria, whilst reducing risks to our soldiers.

~≈Ù≈~

Moving on …

Yesterday’s Teaser saw both Debbi*, AND a returning Mr Strict putting in their answers. With Debbi telling us she like the video of Alan Shepard playing golf on the moon, and Mr S showing us exactly where the Diana Memorial Fountain is, yesterday saw both scoring six out of six.

Let’s see how they — and you — do with today’s questions, shall we?

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

Q1) 1st September saw the start of World War 2: in which year of the 1930s … ?

Q2) More the the point, when Nazi Germany invaded where … ?

Q3) The day also saw Nazi leader, Adolf Hitler, sign the orders allowing his government euthanize the mentally handicapped: and who else … ?

Q4) 1st September of that year also saw which famously neutral European country mobilize its army … ?

Q5) The day also saw Nazi Germany institute the last version of which German medal … ?

Q6) Finally … name any of the three main Axis powers …

Here’s yesterday’s questions and answers …

Q1) 31st August, 1997, saw the death of Diana: in a car crash in which French city … ?
A1) Paris.

Q2) Who was she dating — and with — at the time of her death … ?
A2) Harrods heir, Dodi Fayed.

Q3) What was her title, after her divorce from Prince Charles … ?
A3) Princess of Wales.

Q4) Diana’s funeral was held in which church … ?
A4) Westminster Abbey.

Q5) In which London park would you find the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain … ?
A5) Hyde Park.

Q6) Finally … where is Diana buried … ?
A6) Althorp, the Spencer family home.

Enjoy those.

I’ll leave you with this comment, from a VERY well known Parliamentarian …

“Many people, no doubt, honestly believe that they are only giving away the interests of Czechoslovakia, whereas I fear we shall find that we have deeply compromised, and perhaps fatally endangered, the safety and even the independence of Great Britain and France.”

Sir Winston Churchill, speaking in Parliament, in 1938†.

And with this medley …

* I think he bagged a birdie on that first crater, Debbi: but don’t quote me … ! :D

† That quotation takes on a whole new meaning, in the light of the Syrian Situation …

Thursday, 19 April 2012

BBC News - Alan Turing papers on code breaking released by GCHQ

Now THAT’s a result …

Anyone who’s been reading me for a while knows I’ve always got time for the late Alan Turing: the Cambridge mathematician who originally came up with the idea of a programmable digital computer, and helped this country win WW2.

Well, handily, two 70 year old papers on code breaking by Turing have recently been released by their owners/holders.

GCHQ, of all people … !

Nice to know they’ve let them go.

But it probably tells you quite a bit about either them.

Or Turing, himself.

‹‹‡››

Moving rapidly on … ?

You’ll probably remember me saying— this morning — that I’d had a recent letter published in this weeks Gazette:after an article they’d published: all about the planned development in Saint James Road.

Here’s the article concerned.

And here’s what the Gazette released yesterday.

I read your article about the arson incident and have to do two things in response.

Firstly, congratulate my fellow tenant, Mr Williams, for his speedy response: He may not have saved lives: but has served as a positive example.

Secondly — as you’re probably no doubt aware — I and others have been objecting to Taylor Wimpey’s plans to further develop the area, for at least two years.

My own personal objections hinge on the one point your article puts very well.

That — with the current state of development in the area — parking has increased to the point where emergency vehicle access, as this incident shows, is hard and verging on the impossible.

Now, I’ll admit, I’m hoping a couple of things happen as a result of this.

For starters, I hope that Taylor Wimpey’s current and future plans for the area get turned down, the next time they come before Brentwood Council’s Planning committee.

What’s more, I’ve been told by several people — Taylor Wimpey’s spokespeople, included — that, due to ‘the legalities involved’, something has to be put next to Brunel House.

I really hope someone comes along to rewrite the laws that say that.

Here’s hoping it all adds to the objections to Taylor Wimpey want to put there.

Saturday, 4 February 2012

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas: Waiting for the inevitable End …

You know, I’ve GOT to admit, it’s SOMETHING of a late Friday night, tonight.

Seriously …

Right at the moment, I’m in Kent, at the moment — south of the river, and in Strood, in case you were wondering — and over some friends of mine.

Gwen, and her partner, Stef — along with mutual friend Peter — and I were …

All …

Well, watching a film, would you believe.

And, if you hadn’t guessed it was the 2008 WW2 drama, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, then you’ve not noticed the poster, have you … ?

‹‹•››

Based on the John Boyne novel of the same name, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas sees Asa Butterfield as the films hero, Bruno, and his family as his father — a high ranking Nazi officer played by David Thewlis — taking charge of a Nazi death-camp.

During his (forbidden) exploration of the area, Bruno comes across a part of the area he believes to be a farm, and makes friends with Shmuel — Jack Scanlon — a child Bruno believes to be wearing striped pyjamas as part of a complicated game.

We know otherwise, of course.

And as we slowly come to realise that The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is heading to only one ending … ?

We care deeply for the two children at the heart of the drama.

‹‹•››

Now, I’ve got to admit, this is one HECK of a film.

I’m confess, here, that I, Stefan, Gwen and Peter were silent at the end of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.

There is — very literally — little one can — indeed, should — say about the ending of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.

Except it had a sense of inevitability to it that left us all breathless.

And silent.

And horrified.

With the result we’ve agreed: The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a film ALL of us have to see.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas