Thursday 30 June 2016

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 30-6-2016

That’s it: I’m officially knackered … !

Mind you … ?

I did manage to stay up, late, last night.

Chatting to an old friend, via Facebook Messenger.

That’ll bloody well teach me!

Still … 

I’ve one last day off before I go back to work.

Frankly, I can have a nap, later … 

~≈∏≈~

Wednesday 29 June 2016

Nik Nak’s Weekly Teaser — 29-6-2016: The Television Centre of the World


Yes, it’s Wednesday.

And yes … 

I’m practically skint!

There we go.   That’s what happens when you treat yourself to a blu-ray copy of Event Horizon.

You end up short of sleep, and short of cash.

Still, at least I’ve enough to go and get myself some milk.

I hate tea without milk!

~≈Ç≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 29-6-2016

Damn … 

I think I could do with being back in bed!

To be honest?   To be honest, I could probably have helped myself, there: by getting an early night.

But there you go … 

I was RATHER keen on settling in with Event Horizon!

Still … 

No harm done.

So long as I get some caffeine in me … !

~≈Ç≈~

Tuesday 28 June 2016

Event Horizon — Still DAMN good!



28th June, 2016.

You know, I’ve — currently — got some free time on the go, right now.

I’m not complaining.

Really.

It lets me get on with some stuff I want to do: writing, mostly, but a little shopping, as well.

Including a blu-ray.

Now, you’re going to be thinking two things, aren’t you?

Why on earth didn’t you just rent the film from iTunes, as you usually do?   

Well, frankly, I didn’t have enough credit in my iTunes account.

And frankly?   Some of the specials that came with the disc look impressive.

OK, that’s maybe not an excuse to go seeing Event Horizon again.

But when a film’s this good, I want every excuse I can.

~≈Â≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 28-6-2016: Saxophony


Drat … ! I didn’t get to see Event Horizon, last night.

As the blu-ray I’d bought hadn’t finished, by the time I’d got around to wanting to watch something.

Still, it’s ready to go, as and when I get another chance.

Which might be, tonight, I don’t know as yet.
At ANY rate … ?   Last night saw me watching 13Hrs, instead.

Nice film, that.   Especially when you consider it’s only 99p to rent the thing on iTunes.

Not bad for 99p … 

~≈¥≈~

Monday 27 June 2016

13Hrs/Night Wolf — The return of the 99p Rental

27th June, 2016.

You know, I HAVE to confess … 

I like a movie … 

Now and again!

Frankly, I’ve been working, erratically, these past few weeks: AND putting a lot of effort into the blog.

Finished off an interesting Teaser, today: and helped an old friend proof-reading an early couple of blog-posts.

The friend in question is someone I’ve known for sometime: and both bright, young and just starting writing.

If you DO see her stuff out there, please, be encouraging: she IS only young!

At ANY rate … !

At any rate, I’ve had time off, today.

Time off that I’ve … 

Frankly, looking forward to catching a film.

I had thought to catch up with the 1997 science-fiction/horror film, Event Horizon.

But that … ?   Hadn’t finished ripping, by the time I wanted to see it.

So … I mooched through the iTunes store to see what I could see.

I’ve got a pile of movies on an internal drive I use as storage.

Including the film I saw, tonight.

The film … ?   Was the Jonathan Glendening directed, 13Hrs.

The fact iTunes had it as a 99p rental?   Got me thinking I should see it.

Those can be surpringly good for the price.

~≈Ü≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 27-6-2016: On Route

Right … 

I’ve a few days off, right now.

Which means I can … 

Well, do several things, actually.

I’m thinking shopping’s the thing: but more likely?

I’d like some more sleep!

But … ?   The Teasers call: both Daily and Weekly.

And, frankly?   I’m a touch low on funds: but have enough iTunes credit — and unwatched, backed up stuff — to make watching a film a serious option.

I’m just wondering is I should dig up Event Horizon.   I don’t care if the critics don’t like it: I fell in love with the thing, the minute I saw it!

~≈Ê≈~

Sunday 26 June 2016

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 26-6-2016

Yeah … 

Gods … !

As I write … ?

I’m very aware it’s a Sunday.

And very aware it’s a Sunday AFTER I’ve down a very late shift.

And back in, today … for another long shift … 

I really can’t complain.   That’ll earn me enough to make up the savings I’ve spent, this week: going off ill, LAST week, meant losing some income.

Frankly … ?

I can only hope it goes quickly.

Frankly?

I’ve the day off, tomorrow, I’d REALLY like some sleep!

~≈®≈~

Saturday 25 June 2016

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 25-6-2016

You know, I don’t think I’ve seen a day like it.

You’ll know I live in the UK: and that my country has voted to leave the UK.

The reaction to, that I’ve seen?

Is … 

Deeply angry … 

Understandably.

I’ve had half an eye on social media.   There’s some angry mutterings on Twitter: but I must say, I’ve only following so many people in the UK,

Facebook, on the other hand?

Facebook, where I’m following or friends with more of my fellow Brits, I’m seeing a lot of anger.

A lot of anger.

I don’t think Brentwood, England and the UK, is having a civil war.   Wars, as many have point out, usually aren’t civil.

But, after seeing quite a few people openly complaining about those who’ve voted Leave, on the streets of Brentwood?

I’m thinking it’s a close-run thing.

~≈®≈~

Friday 24 June 2016

The Friday Question Set — 24-6-2016

You know, I keep — ALMOST — forgetting it’s Friday.

And that I’d like — LIKE — to post up the Friday Question Set!

Ha!

It’s been a LONG few days since the last time I posted one of these up.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 24-6-2016

That’s … 

You know, I’m sorely tempted to say ‘That’s torn it.’

But those words seem just a little bit too glib, to describe what’s been announced.

So you know?

The UK has voted to leave the EU.

With 51.9% of those who voted — a 72% turnout — voting to leave, and 48.1% voting remain.   Going by the figures?   England and Wales mostly voted Leave, with Scotland, Northern Ireland and London mostly voting Remain.

We have two years to negotiate leaving: under Article 50 of the relevant treaty.

Given the currency’s going berserk as we speak?   And many businesses not yet saying what they’re going to do?   And much of the EU’s governing bodies not yet announcing how they’re going to react?

Those negotiators better be good.

~≈®≈~

Prime Minister, David Cameron, has just spoken.

And has announced that he will be standing down as Britain’s PM, and Conservative party leader.   And that a new leader will be chosen, by the time of the Party conference in October.

That new leader will then be put in place as PM: and in the position of Prime Minister, for the rest of this Parliament.   AND in charge of the Leave Negotiations.

That — as much as the Referendum’s result — is unsurprising.

But, speaking personally?   Much as I’m NO Conservative voter, I have to give the PM credit: for taking the BIGGEST political punt of a lifetime.

~≈®≈~

As a final thought?

Phew!

As a final thought, I voted remain.   As far as I understand it — from the media coverage of her death — Jo Cox MP, was killed, in part, because she was a Remain campaigner.

I voted Remain, in part, because I felt I would be supporting her killer, in voting Leave.   Although it was a close-run thing.   One or two people who’d commented on Facebook, made comments about those planning to vote Leave, I personally found deeply offensive: and almost had me voting Leave, in sympathy.

But voted Remain, as a way of sticking up two fingers to Jo Cox’s killer.

That was one part.

There’s a few others.   One?   Simply that at least one of my regular commentors — Olga — is a Spanish national living in the UK: and I’d hate to see her being unwelcome, purely because Britain had left the EU.

The other?

My family is bizarre.   But, basically, my step-father — and father of my two sisters, Anna and Ruth, and long since divorced from my mother — has properties in Spain.

Often?   Ruth, Anna and Jude holiday there.

The fact we’ve now decided to leave?   Means my nephews’s holiday in a beautiful part of the world are now — in all probability — far more difficult to arrange.

Has Britain blown it?

Quite probably.

I can only hope we figure SOMETHING out!

~≈®≈~

Thursday 23 June 2016

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 23-6-2016

Today … 

It’s raining.

It’s raining, on the morning after some of rather BIG thunderstorms.

It’s also raining — here in the south-east of the UK — on the morning of the vote.

The vote.

The vote on whether Britain’s should remain a member of the European Union.

Quite frankly?

I’m still fairly undecided.

On the one hand?   I know voting Leave will annoy the hell out of Brentwood’s local MP, Eric Pickles.

Annoying a Tory?   The mildly rebellious teenager in me would be happily pleased to do so.

On the other hand … ?

On the other hand, I’m tempted to vote remain: after the death of MP, Jo Cox,

I know the case is still sub-judice

But I get the impression — from the media coverage of her death, at the time of her death — that her killer murdered her, in part, because she’d help many refugees.

And partly because she’d been a member of the Remain campaign,

Personally?   My emotional instinct is to vote leave: not because the Leave campaign is making an issue of controlling migration, but because Britain gains more sovereignty as a result.

But I’m ALSO sympathetic to the family of Jo Cox.

And think if her murderer killed, in part, in support of Leave?

I think voting Remain is a good way of showing my sympathies.

~≈É≈~

Wednesday 22 June 2016

Nik Nak’s Weekly Teaser — 22-6-2016: Going Underground


It’s Wednesday: and it’s a Wednesday before the biggest vote of Britain’s life.

The EU referendum vote, in case you were wondering.

Although, frankly?

Frankly, I’m more worried about posting these questions … 

Oh, and taking some milk BACK to the shop I bought it from.

Yoghurt is not what I wanted.

~≈®≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 22-6-2016

Now, THAT’S better!

I’ve had a few days off work: today being the last of them.

Frankly?

Well, bar taking back some off milk to the shop where I bought it, I had everything done I need to do … 

Yesterday afternoon.

That meant only one thing.

Yep!

I had time to catch a movie!

Thank heavens for that!

~≈®≈~

The Conjuring — Nice … !

The
Conjuring
21st June, 2016

You know, I knew there was something I forgot to do.

No, really!

The past few months have seen me doing all sorts of things.

Mostly?

Worrying about my health and working.

And writing for both here, and for the Brentwood Gazette.

So … ?

I’ve not had as much time to devote to things I like — occasionally — to do.

Catch up with people.

Read a good book.

Watch some TV: although I’ve done a bit of that, recently.

Oh … and caught a film or two.

I’ve not caught a film or two in a long time.

I’ll be frank?   While I didn’t have much credit in my iTunes account?

I did have enough films in my collection I’d not seen to make it worth my while to go browsing through me, to see what I had.

You’re right.

I did pick The Conjuring … 

And, yes, I think ‘nice’ is a good word.

~≈Â≈~

Tuesday 21 June 2016

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 21-6-2016

Right … 

That’s another summer solstice done with!

And yesterday morning?   Was pretty bloody gruesome, weather wise.

At least we can say it’s sunny, today.

~≈†≈~

At any rate?

At ANY rate, I know last night saw me drinking a cocoa.

Yes, I know that sounds innocent: until you realise my IBS decided to react … 

Typically … !

At any rate?

I had one piece of good news.

Simply this: I’m Sorry, I Haven’t A Clue is back on, next week.

Gives me something to look forward to!


~≈†≈~

Monday 20 June 2016

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 20-6-2016


Did I tell you today is the Summer Solstice?

I didn’t?

Today — in the Northern hemisphere — marks the Summer Solstice: the longest day of the year, and, according to those in the know, the start of meteorological summer.

There’s a problem with that.

I’ve looked out of my window.

Given it’s flaming’ June?
  • It’s gruesome.
  • I’ve got my heating on!
You’re right … 

It’s summer … 


~≈†≈~

Sunday 19 June 2016

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 19-6-2016

I hate my guts!

Hmmm … 

Let me try and explain that, if I can.

I’ve started to suffer with bouts of stomach cramps: that my doctor’s linked to IBS.

To try and keep a lid on this?   I have to basically watch what I eat.   Some things set it off, basically, and some things don’t.

Yesterday?

Yesterday, as I was due to work from 16:30 to closing time, I had an early dinner.

A baked spud, pie, and some mixed veg.

Which set off my stomach: forcing me to phone in ill.

That’s … 

Understandably, that’s NOT something I’m happy about.

For starters, the box of pies concerned?   Were new: a brand I’d had before, with no problems.   Indeed, that was the second pie from a box of four.

The first one didn’t set off my stomach.

The second did!

So that’s one thing.

The other?

The other, and really annoying, thing?

Is that I’ve now lost eight hours work.

Being ill.

I am not a happy bunny … !

~≈†≈~

Saturday 18 June 2016

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≈~

Friday 17 June 2016

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 17-6-2016: Nova Albion

Good lord … 

What the hell happened, there?

I don’t know if you’ve been following the UK news, but yesterday saw the death of Jo Cox: MP for Batley and Spen.

She was shot.

And stabbed.

By someone who’d apparently yelled ‘Put Britain first,’ as he was putting a bullet through her.

Personally … ?

My thoughts are with her family at this time.

~≈Â≈~

Equally personally … ?

I have to ask, what on EARTH happened, there?

Right at the moment?

Right at the moment, I wondering … well, several things.

But mainly, what motivated her killer.

I note from her obituary, Mrs Cox‡ was part of the Remain campaign: supported staying in the EU.

I also note that the killer, apparently, used that ‘Put Britain first’ phrase.

And can’t help but ask if that was the motivation.

It seems likely to me: but we won’t necessarily know, until police release more details.

~≈Â≈~

I’m also thinking something else.

For starters?   These past few weeks, I’ve become more inclined to vote leave: feeling that the issue of sovereignty — the amount of control Britain hands to the EU — is the main one for me.

I don’t like the idea that a lot of UK law is made in Brussels.

But?   I’m ALSO aware that someone getting shot, because they’re supporting Remain?

Got me thinking I should vote Remain.

I CANNOT support Leave, knowing someone has killed in support of that side of the argument.

~≈Â≈~

I’m ALSO wondering what the Leave and Remain campaigns will make something of this.

Would be wondering how to exploit Mrs Cox’s death.

Yes, I know that would be bad taste.

But is it as bad as pulling a trigger on a mother of two?


~≈Â≈~

Thursday 16 June 2016

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 16-6-2016

Right … then … 

It’s a Thursday: and one where I’m off.

And frankly … ?

One where I’ve actually finished watching series two of The Strain … !

And, while I don’t know if — on a technical level — it’s as good as Penny Dreadful, it is a very good action piece: one that romps along at a fantastic pace, keeping its viewers — or me, at least — thoroughly engaged.

And all the better for that!

~≈Ç≈~

Wednesday 15 June 2016

The Strain Series 2: Episodes 11, 12 and 13 — Dead End, Fallen Light and The Night Train

You know, I’m getting into some bad habits, I really am.

Seriously.

Eating at the wrong time, too mush sugar in my tea, staying up late … !

Actually … ?

I’ve a good — ish — reason for staying up late, tonight.

For starters?  I’ve time off, tomorrow.

Secondly?

I’ve just watched the last three series of The Strain’s second series.

And?

There’s a suitably satisfying big climax, there … !

~≈Ê≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 15-6-2016


You know, I‘ve on a day off, at the mo.

But frankly?

And despite not needing to go out?

Frankly, I’m getting a touch of cabin fever: AND need to get a new mouse mat!

With that said … ?

Let’s get a move on … 

~≈†≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-6-2016

Right … 

I’m officially up … 

And, with a day off ahead of me?

Thinking, with a certain amount of anticipation, that I’m going to go back to bed!

Yes, you’ve guessed it: I’ve been up, late, watching The Strain, again!

On the OTHER hand … ?

On the other hand, I might not: I’ve got the three last episodes to get through, tonight … !

~≈É≈~

The Strain Series 2: Episodes 9 and 10 — The Battle for Red Hook and The Assassin

I have a confession to make, right now … 

Right now … ?

Right now, as I THINK I managed to mentioned, I’ve had a serious lack of sleep.

Something I know at least one regular reader has spotted.

At any rate, I put this down to one relatively simple thing.

A lack of sleep.   I had something of an early start, this morning …

Combined with a late night, last night.

Watching a couple more episodes of series two of The Strain.

I think that’s sort of the nature of The confession, though.

It’s not about the lack of sleep.

Nope!

It’s about fact the series is getting just a touch … you know …

Moreish … !

If that’s the right word for seeing two more episodes, tonight …


~≈®≈~

Tuesday 14 June 2016

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14-6-2016

Right … 

I’m up, comparatively early: at least … comparatively early for me … 

Frankly?

I’m starting work, today, at 10: so wanted to be up early to get everything I need to do, done.

And right at the moment?   I’m regretting the fact that I watched two more episodes of The Strain, last night.

Even though they were two damn good episodes!

At any rate?

At any rate, I’m tired … 

But at least wearing my new glasses … !

~≈Œ≈~

Monday 13 June 2016

The Strain Series 2: Episodes 7 and 8 — The Born and Intruders

You know, I have a confession to make.

When I write?   When I write — or, at least, type — I like to listen to music.

I find it less distracting than having the TV on: or, sometimes, the radio.

Frankly, that dates back to my childhood.

My school insisted I practise hand writing, and suggested listening to music whilst doing so.

I got pretty sick of The Blue Danube, I know that.


The reason I mention this?

Is simply that I’ve got New Muzik’s From A to B on in the background: 


I have to add, it was one of the first albums I ever bought: I think I’ve still got the cassette, somewhere.

And frankly?

Well, frankly, it still sounds damn good: even after thirty-six years … 

~≈É≈~

At any rate … ?

At any rate, recommending an album is not necessarily what I wanted to do.   Even though I might ALSO suggest you go and listen to some OMD.   Architecture and Morality was and is one heck of a good LP.

Even given the always morbid thought Souvenir is the one song I’d want played at my funeral.

At any rate, I’ wanted you to know one thing.

Yes … 

I’ve been watching more of The Strain.

And, yes: episodes seven and eight are starting to shape up … 

~≈É≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 13-6-2016: Yeats.

I think I can safely say this … 

I’ve got a mild headache … !

I have to admit, I was at work, last night.

And … ?

Well, at roughly 9 o’clock, about half an hour before I was due to clock off.

And, yes: that’s about then the mild cramps started!

Which went and got worse: and only calmed down around twelvish: once I’d had a cocoa!

The net result, though … ?   Is that, this morning, I’ve something of a headache!   From, I suspect, tiredness.

Great: just what I wanted … 

~≈®≈~

Sunday 12 June 2016

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 12-6-2016

You know, working for a living has its advantages, and disadvantages.

These days?

I can afford to buy my own trousers, for example: rather than really on the kindness of others.

I’m developing an Amazon habit, I know that … !

One of the down sides?

Is simply the fact that I work shift: and occasionally finish so late, it’s early in the morning.

I’m not griping, THAT much.

But six hours sleep, every-so-often, is starting to twang!!


~≈Ê≈~

Saturday 11 June 2016

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-6-2016: Troy

Well, it’s official … 

We have to wear hairnets at work!

I can’t complain, there.

Really.

Health and Safety’s an important thing: as those of us on the front desk are food handling, at SOME point, we have to wear them.

Especially if our hair’s beyond a certain length.

But … ?

Well, yesterday was payday: which was good.

Hairnets, as far as I’m concerned?   Aren’t bad.

But I had a haircut.

Hairnet’s aren’t bad … 

But don’t half itch … !

~≈†≈~

Friday 10 June 2016

Nik Nak’s Friday Question Set — 10-3-2016

Now that … 

Is what I call a nice day at work.

Basically … ?

Today, I did a four hour shift.

OK, that’s not going to earn me much.

But, on the other hand?

The other hand is I managed to find time to do a little basic laundry … and shopping … 

And … ?

And post up THIS week’s Friday Question Set: whilst watching a documentary about The Exorcist.

Which reminds me … 

I really have to try and see a movie … 

~≈Ê≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 10-6-2016

Right … 

It’s Friday: and also payday.

Which means, as I’m back at work, today, that getting into town, paying my bills, and then doing some shopping?

Is going to involve a lot of walking around!

No problem, there, I think: I could do with losing a bit of weight.

Even so?

I’ll probably appreciate the sleep, tonight.

~≈†≈~

Thursday 9 June 2016

The Strain Series 2: Episodes 5 and 6 — Quick and Painless and Identity

You know … 

I have to admit, I’m getting into a habit, recently.

No, really.

I’ve gotten into the habit, every-so-often, of watching TV!

Well, yeah, I hear you say: a lot of people do!

Yes, I know.

But, over the past few months, I’ve managed to catch up with a few box-sets: mostly?   Mostly Penny Dreadful, and House of Cards.

Oh, and something else … 


Blimey, this show’s addictive!

~≈√≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 9-6-2016

Hmmm … 

I don’t know if you follow the news, but I mentioned that the deadline to register to vote in the EU Referendum was midnight on Tuesday: a couple of days ago, now.

Tuesday came and went: as did the deadline.

As did the news — yesterday — that the website had crashed, overloaded by people trying to register at the last minute.

Effectively, it was a jammed switchboard: there was more people trying to phone in, than phones for them to phone in on.

To remedy that?

The deadline’s been extended: with support from both the Government, and from the Electoral Commission.

I tend to think that’s a good thing: the more people vote, the better.

I do know electoral law is a complicated thing: and that legal challenges, on the grounds of Gerrymandering are on-going.

~≈◊≈~

I can’t help but think a couple of things.

Frankly, I think a lot of people could have registered for the referendum a LOT earlier than they did.   That could well have saved a lot of trouble.

I’m ALSO think a couple of other things.

For starters, I think whoever runs the website for the government should maybe have foreseen this happening: and made provision to increase the bandwidth in anticipation of a last minute rush.

I’m also thinking this.   There’s legal challenges already going ahead against the extension.

I think the government, working with the relevant bodies, should modify UK law.   I think we need to have something in place, before the next general elction or referendum, that allows a similar extension the next time something like this happens.

Technology being what it is, I’m sure this will happen again.

~≈◊≈~

Wednesday 8 June 2016

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 8-6-2016: World Oceans Day


Sunset at Noronhas Beach
Right then … 

I’m actually having a — wait for it — day off!

After having other days for … 

For medical reasons!

Well … 

An ultrasound scan on my stomach and kidneys: a GP’s appointment, after some recent blood tests.

Oh, and an opticians appointment.

The GP’s was the least worrying, actually: but there you go!

~≈†≈~