Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-11-2020: Makin’ Whoopi … !

13th November, 2020.

It’s official the case: I’ve not installed the macOS Big Sur update.

Yet.

Frankly, it went live through the macOS software update system, late, last night.

Alongside updates for Pages, Keynote, Numbers, GarageBand and iMovie.

I’ll have to leave those until after installing Big Sur.

Either way?

Doing them today or tomorrow may be a good idea.

~≈Ü≈~

As a thought?

Very few people will be weeping, today: when they find out that serial killer, Peter Sutcliffe — otherwise known as the Yorkshire Ripper — has died, this morning.

The man killed thirteen women, over a five year period: and inflicted a large dose of terror, along the way.

I can remember hearing about the murders, when I was at school.

There was fear, terror … and a large dose of relief, when he was caught.

The relief at his capture went with a certain amount of anger at the various police forces inability to catch the man.

Just as an example of that?

One of his victims* was found with a new five pound note in her purse: a five pound note that could have been traced from the Royal Mint, to the Bank of England, to main banks, then main branch banks, then local branches … then to the payroll departments of the employers those banks served.   A suspect would’ve been on that payroll list.

You’d assume police would want to trace that fiver, wouldn’t you?

They didn’t … 

I know this was Britain’s first modern serial killer case, that the police had no idea what they were doing with such a case … 

But you’d think they’d’ve twigged that … 

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-11-2020: The Number Twelve

12th November, 2020.

Right … 

I’ve had news … !

My landlord’s Digital Futures team has approved the loan of a laptop for me: so that I can do the ECDL course that starts on the 25th.

Phew!

That’s a relief!

~≈😀≈~

On the door front?

Remember, that we need the building’s door handle, and a security bar, fitted?

And that the repairs had been re-scheduled for the 20th?

Well, I got the phone call, yesterday: it’s been rescheduled, again … for the 19th!

Oy veh … !

~≈🤨≈~

Watchmen — Series 1 Episode 8 — A God Walks Into Abar — A Review

10th November, 2020.

Right … it’s late — ish — on a Tuesday night.

And … ?   It’s late enough that going to bed with a James Bond novel — currently, I’m reading Diamonds Are Forever — is very appealing.

I wanted to get started on this post, though: to register a couple of points.

First?

My landlord was supposed to fix the main door of the building, today.

They’ve re-arranged it for the 20th!

Secondly?

I’ve seen the penultimate episode of Watchmen.

Things are hotting up!

~≈Á≈~

11th November, 2020.

Right … 

I’m now officially back: to tell you I’ve seen the penultimate episode of Watchmen.

But … ?   Do you remember me saying, only last night, that the door repair that had been scheduled yesterday, got rescheduled for the 20th?

It’s now been rescheduled for the 19th … 

I hate having to wait!

~≈Á≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-11-2020: Armistice Day

11th November, 2020

Yeah: stuff’s happening.

Firstly?

You’ll remember me saying that an old friend had died, recently?

I’ve managed to get hold of a card, and some lined paper: to send a condolence message.

One that gets posted, today.

I just hope my handwriting’s legible: it’s been a while since I’ve used a pen … 

~≈ß≈~

You’re possibly aware I’m something of a Mac fan: and have been for years.

So, whilst I didn’t watch it live, was very well aware of Apple’s big launch event, yesterday.

Seemingly?   macOS 11 Big Sur is due to be released, tomorrow.

I’m expecting to see it crop up on my updates, within the next few days.

Quite how that’ll work out, I don’t know, although I know it’s compatible with my machine.

I’m tempted to install it as soon as it’s available: although I’m very aware of the usual advise, when it comes to updates.

Leave it awhile, before installing.   That way, any bugs can be worked through.

~≈ß≈~

That same event, of course, saw Apple introduce new Macs: with Apple’s range of ARM based processor chips.

Two new low end Mac minis, a new MacBook Air, and a 13” MacBook Pro.

It has to be said, the new base model Mac mini — with stock 256gb SSD, and 8gb of what Apple’s calling unified* memory — is being advertised at £699.99p.

Which, for Apple, is comparatively reasonable.

The baseline 13” MacBook Air?   I notice that looks good: although it has a 720p webcam, on a par with my 2017 model iMac.

That’s something that could have had a 1080p camera: it would’ve made the price more reasonable.

At any rate?

From the little I’ve understood, the ARM based M1 chips have been released in the Air, Mini, and 13” models:  machines that are comparatively light weight, and could benefit from the low energy use that ARM chips provide.

That’s a good thing.

Frankly?   Yes: I’d like one.

It’s me you’re talking to.

Although, frankly?

I’d have to wait.

Partly to save up some cash.

Partly … ?

To wait for an M1 based iMac to be released.

And partly?

For any mission critical software to be re-written for the new processors.

I don’t want to give up playing Backgammon, just yet!

~≈ß≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10th November, 2020.

10th November, 2020

Wouldn’t you know it … ?

There’s now a supplemental update for macOS Catalina 10.15.7 … !

Which sounds a bit underwhelming, I know.

I’m also aware the update includes several security patches.

So installing it, as soon as possible?

Would be a good idea.

Apple — being garrulous for once — and telling us that exploits that use the feature being spotted in the wild is … rare … 

~≈Á≈~

It’s officially official.

I’ve just had a phone call: from my landlord.

The repair man is due down, today, to reinstall the security bar on the from door.

And, as I managed to get the call in, in time?

ALSO have a look at the internal door handle.

Here’s hoping … 

~≈Á≈~