The Daily Teaser — 31-7-2014: Battlin’ Romans … !

Hmmm … 

That seemed to go well … 

Did I tell you I had a phone interview, on Tuesday … ?

Well, I had a phone interview on Tuesday: which went well enough that I bagged the second stage interview.

An in-person one on Monday.

On top of that … ?

I had an initial one, at the local Job Centre, yesterday.   For a local bookies.

Which ALSO went fairly well.

At least well enough that I had to go online to apply: seemingly, the interviewer is going to rush me through to a face-to-face interview.

All well and good, if it happens.

I can, at this stage … ?   Well … all I can do is quietly hope, on that front.

And prepare, as well as I can, for Monday’s interview.

Here’s hoping that goes well.

~≈Æ≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 30-7-2014: Emily And Other Brontës

You know, you wouldn’t believe it’s been just over three year’s since I’ve given up smoking, now, would you … ?

Would you … ?

I REALLY couldn’t tell you.

Well … beyond telling you I’ve given up for three years, that is … !

One other thing might give away the fact I’m a recovering smoker.   The fact the England Commonwealth Games team shirts remind me of a certain well known brand of cigarettes.

Say no more … !

~≈†≈~

The Daily Teaser — 30-7-2014

Well … 

That’s another interview done with.

As you possibly know, I’m job hunting: and had an interview, on Friday, for a demonstrator’s job in Basildon.

And I had another — a phone interview —  yesterday.

Although whether I’ll end up bagging a second interview as a result, I don’t know.

And on top of all this … ?

On top of all this, I’ve another interview, today: at four-fifteen, at my local Job Centre.

For a local bookies.

Here’s hoping SOMETHING comes up.

My finances aren’t exactly a barrel of roubles, at the moment … !

~≈Ô≈~

The Daily Teaser — 29-7-2014

You’ve been following me for a while, haven’t you … ?

So you’re probably aware I’m job hunting: and although times are rough, the fact I’ve had interviews, recently, and have as couple more, soon, is a good thing.

The problem I’m having … ?

Is the fact some of my benefits have been cut, in a dispute: one that I’ve done everything I can avoid.

Theoretically … ?   Theoretically, I should hear by roughly the end of the week: after 28 working days.

Just, of course, JUST about what’s happening

I phoned the enquiry line.   Only to be told there’s an effective eight to ten week delay on Mandatory Reconsiderations: the type of appeal I’m going through.

The best way of describing my reaction … ?

Was bloody furious … !

Possibly even f*cking fuming … !!!

How on EARTH does a government tell you something is supposed to take 28 days: and then add THAT amount of extra time?

Personally … ?   As much as I’d rather complain to various forms of management, and as I’d hate to commit some form of benefit fraud, to pay the bills?   I can see how tempting the latter is, given the circumstances.

Provocation is a hell of a thing to plead in court.

Let’s move on, shall we?

~≈◊≈~

The Daily Teaser — 28-7-2014: The Oncoming Storm

Well … 

It’s Monday morning.

Which mean’s it’s back to the working — HA … ! — week.

Saying that … ?

Saying that, I’ve got to admit to having seen a movie, on Saturday: Terry Gilliam’s The Zero Theorem, in case you’re wondering.

Which — as you’d expect from Mr G — was impressive.

I DO know I think I owe him a vote of thanks.

I think the resulting post I put up was one of the best I’ve ever done.

Thanking you, Terry Gilliam … !

~≈Ç≈~

The Zero Theorem: Thoughts …

*SPOILER ALERT*
I should emphasise I reveal something of The Zero Theorem’s climax in this post.   If you’re bothered by that, then please, only read this post after you’ve watched the film.   I think the post, and the film, will repay you for that.

26th July, 2014: 23·34

Right at the moment … ?

Right at the moment, I’m convinced that — out there in the teeming places we call the multiverse — is a universe that smells of fish.

It’s exactly like ours in all aspects.

The same physical laws.

Its history is identical to ours.

Hell, if you look out of its equivalent of your front room window, the view will be exactly the same as it is in our universe.

There’s just one difference between here and there.

It smells of fish.

Slightly off salmon, if my imagination’s correct.

That’s possibly the most irreverent way to start a post about a film.

And possibly irrelevant, too.

But it’s also the sort of idea I get on especially hot and sweaty evenings, sometimes.

It’s one that’s telling me I should have a shower.   I’m nearer my armpits, in this weather, than you are.

It’s not necessarily nice … 

~≈◊≈~

The Daily Teaser — 27-7-2014

I’m now officially … 

Well … 

Looking forward to a quiet Sunday, actually.

With maybe a little writing.   And catching up with documentaries.

Including The Men Who Made Us Spend: the BBC’s documentary about the last few years worth of consumerism.

I’m watching episode three, so you know.

About how stuff gets sold to children.

It amazes me how much money the market’s worth.

Although, speaking as an uncle who’s got a nephew fixated with Lightnin’ McQueen, and Tow Mater … ?

It really shouldn’t.

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 26-7-2014

Hmmm … 

Well … 

That seemed to work out … 

Did I mention I had an interview, yesterday … ?

In sunny Stratford, I should point out.   Which was nice, actually: I used to work there, many moons ago.

So the train trip in and out was something.

At any rate … ?   At any rate, I think it went well.   The question is … ?   Whether I impressed the interviewer enough for the company to hire me.

Frankly, I don’t know.

I’ll only find out if they phone me by Wednesday, to let me know.

Here’s hoping … 

~≈Â≈~

the Friday Question Set — 25-7-2014

Well, that’s something … I’ve just had an interview.

In sunny Stratford, would you know.

For a demonstrator’s position, for Sony, in Basildon.

I think it went well.

Possibly.

But … ?

Well, one never knows until one hears, does one … ?

If nothing else, I managed to get a look at the newer generation MacPro, sneaking into the Apple Store, on the way home.

 Oh, and one of the more recent model’s of Mac Mini.

Ha … !

If any of the interviews I’ve managed to line up over the next few weeks turns up, I know what I’d like to treat myself to … 

~≈Ù≈~

The Daily Teaser — 25-7-2014

You know, the back of my neck don’t ’alf itch … !

But there you go: that’s part of the price of getting a haircut.

And also part of the preparation for going to an interview.

Yep: I’ve got another interview.   This afternoon, in fact.

In Stratford, at the Westfield Shopping Centre.

I’m … 

Well, yes, I’m mildly nervous.   I usually am, whenever I’m due up for an interview.

I’m also feeling … … 

Well, not confident.   More resigned.

I’m not sure I’ll end up getting the job, for starters.

We’ll have to see, won’t we?

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 24-7-2014: At The Gate.

Ahh … Well that’s THAT sorted out, then … !

I wrote, yesterday, that it seemed as if building work had started next to Brunel House.

I’ve managed top track down what’s happening, there.

It seems there’s work being done: to sort out some of the ongoing issues the building has with … 

Wait for it … 

Sewerage … !

That’s kind of a relief: although possibly not if you’re in Saint James Road.

As it means there’s more time for any objections to the planning applications to go in.   It also means that the ongoing situation with the sewerage system in Brunel House — and any associated smells! — can get seen to.

That’s a GOOD thing … !

~≈Ç≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 23-7-2014: Telstar

You know, I hate to talk on about a dead subject.

Really.

But I’ve written — over the years — about the patch of unused ground, next to Brunel House, in Saint James’ Road.

And how angered I was to see Brentwood Council repeatedly allow building, there.

It got passed through, easily, again, only a few months back.

And, as I’ve passed the patch, today … ?

It looked like the builders are in.

At least someone is: clearing the ground.

It looks like residents who objected were wasting their time.

Which means my decision at the last local election — to deliberately spoil my vote — was the right decision as far as I’m concerned.

Voting for anyone gets nothing done.

~≈€≈~

The Daily Teaser — 23-7-2014

Hmmm … 

You know, with little to do, I tend to rely on TV as a form of entertainment.

Obviously.

Well … TV … and radio.

The fact you can pick up digital radio is sort of nice: but not what I meant to tell you.

No, I meant to say that I’ve been following Channel Four series, Utopia.

Which is fantastic stuff.

It’s just a shame I missed the first series … !

~≈Ù≈~

The Daily Teaser — 22-7-2014: The Union

Right … 

I’m now slightly less rushed!

Yesterday morning, I managed to get up late: as a result of turning off my alarm, before it had gone off.

If you’ll excuse me quoting Homer Simpson, at this point … ?

D’oh … !

~≈Â≈~

What was frustrating … ?

Was I had hoped to mention what I’d been doing on Sunday night.

Bless ’er, my kid sister Anna had managed to get hold of tickets: to the Vue cinema in Romford, where they were streaming the last of the Monty Python (Mostly) Live shows from the O2 Arena.

OK, it was a cinema, rather than the Arena, itself.

I’m not complaining.

Anna and I got to see possibly the most influential comedy troop doing their best known sketches, live.

I just wish I’d managed to record the Parrot Sketch, and the Crunchy Frog sketch.

They were hysterical: to the point of making my chin hurt* … !

Ahem … !

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 21-7-2014: Artemis

ARRRRGH!

I got up late!

I slept through my alarm … !

I HATE sleeping through my alarm!

Which is a shame, I wanted to take my time, telling you I and my sister were at a cinema in Romford, last night.

Watching the streamed version of the live show, these guys were doing.

But let’s move on.

~≈Œ≈~

Sightseers … Ben Wheatley’s other Film …

19th July, 2014.

You know, there’s times when a boy has to rely on the kindness of friends.

Even if they’re not actually present, in the room.

You’ve possibly worked out I’m a film fan, haven’t you … ?

And one who — at the moment — is a little on the skint side.

Literally skint: I think I’ve got about £1·50 to my name.

Nowhere near enough to buy my usual £15 iTunes card I]d usually get, every so often, to buy an iTunes card.

Which is how I usually rent movies.

Saying that … ?

SAYING that, a few of my friends are usually kind enough to let me rip their DVD collection.

I get a digital copy of a film my friends think I may like.   They get their film backed up: AND ready to watch in a digital form.

Saying that … ?

Well, saying that, I am blowed if I can remember quite who I borrowed Ben Wheatley’s Sightseers from.

More on that in the morning, I think …

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 20-7-2014

I think I can safely say one thing.

Just the one thing.

Ye gods, that was one extremely hot night!

No, really!

I think I’m like a lot of people in the UK.   I’ve grown up in a country that’s got a fairly moderate climate.

That was then.

Lord knows what’s happened, since.

But Britain’s got warmer!

Which means night like last night — hot, sweaty, windows-wide-open nights — are getting more frequent.

Personally … ?

Well, personally, I’m thinking I’d like to beg, borrow or steal some air-conditioning.

That’s got to be better than just opening the windows!

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 19-7-2014

I have to admit, last night was … 

Well, rainy, for a start.

Although that’s maybe putting it mildly.

It was thundering.   And my lord, that was something to watch.

~≈®≈~

As is the TV documentary I’ve got on in the background: and called The Joy Of The Guitar Riff.

Which has covered practically everything from Chuck Berry to My Bloody Valentine.

All the up to Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit, and whatever that White Stripes song is.

Nice … !

~≈®≈~

Rain …

Why do we write … ?

No … Really … 

Why do we write … ?

That’s a good question, isn’t it?

Why … do … we write?

~≈Œ≈~

The Friday Question Set — 18-7-2014

Ye … 

Mothering … 

Gods … 

!

I love my country, I really do.   Although, granted, I know it has its good and bad points.

There’s a few of both.

The climate … ?

Usually isn’t one of them.

Well … 

It usually isn’t.   Unless Britain is covered in snow.

Or, like the south east, at the moment, bloody hot!

If you’re like me — just a touch overweight — then we’re both a bit over heated.

And frankly, glad to have windows we can open … !

~≈Ù≈~

The Daily Teaser — 18-7-2014

Bloody hell … !

That was what I call a show … !

I don’t know if you’re in south-eastern England, but we’ve had some amazing weather, the past few weeks.

With last night being something of a highlight.

We had one hell of a thunderstorm, last night.

Which is one hell of a thing to try and sleep through!

But there’s more expected for parts of the country, today.

Which should be even more of a show.

Especially given any storms are going on top of a heatwave.

Sweat or rain: one way or another, this part of the world’s going to get damp … !

~≈§≈~

The Daily Teaser — 17-7-2014: The Last Days Of The Tsars

Hmmm … 

I think I can safely say I’m not enjoying being in receipt of hardship fund payments?

I’m not.

I’m up and showered early, again: because I’ve got to do something, today, that means being out early.

Yes.

I’m off to a food bank.

I’ve used one before: so I know what to expect from them.

And personally?

I’m glad the places exist.

I really don’t fancy starving … 

~≈◊≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 16-7-2014: The Islamic Calendar

Hmmm … 

Sounds like I’m in possible trouble.

Well, not trouble, per sé.

I’m in schtick, as an old boss would’ve said.

Yes.

I’m having to apply for help from a food bank … !

You know, the charities who collected donated food, and give it to those in need?

I’m on the latter end of the equation.

Wouldn’t you know it … ?

~≈Œ≈~

The Daily Teaser — 16-7-2014: SNAKES!

Bleugh … 

I’m up early, again.

And, yes: I’m off to the job centre, again, for my usual daily job search.

AND later, to sign on.

Twice in one day.

Joy, never ending, eh … ?

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 15-7-2014: The Rosetta Stone

Yoicks … 

I think … 

Oy … veh … !

~≈Â≈~

Just so you know what that’s all about … ?

That’s basically where I’m suffering a late night.

Making the videos for the blog, so you know … !

At ANY rate … ?   Let’s get a move on … !

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 14-7-2014

It’s got to be said, I’ve managed to get up, comparatively early, today.

Comparatively: because, of course, my local job centre wants me to do a job search, there, rather than at home.

I can’t complain about that.

After all, it gets me out of the house, and allows me to focus on the task in hand.

On the other hand … ?   On the other hand, I’ve got up early: and managed to get started on this post at about the same time as usual.

Wouldn’t you know it.

At ANY rate … ?

At any rate, one thing I can do is the latest trailer for Series 8 of Dr Who.   After all, it means we can ignore the fact the first episode got leaked … 

(As an afterthought … ?   As I write, I’ve the embed code for the BBC and YouTube version of the trailer in front of me.   The YouTube version a lot neater … !)

~≈Û≈~

The Daily Teaser — 13-7-2014

You know, it’s July.

You can tell, can’t you?

And, of course, here in the UK, we’re in the northern hemisphere, where it’s summer.

Nice and warm, yes?

Theoretically, yes.

Except we’ve now got nice warm rain, out there.

After a thunderstorm, last night.

Lovely.

In theory, I’ve not needed to water my garden

It’s just a shame I’ve not actually got a garden … !

~≈Á≈~

The Daily Teaser — 12-7-2014: Marquee Moon

You know, I taped a documentary, last night: about songs that the BBC — for various reasons — banned.

Lulu’s Boom Bang-a-bang, for example, and Blondie’s Atomic were banned during the First Gulf War.

Lola, by The Kinks?   Product placement, so you know.

The documentary, afterwards?

Features quite a few.

I’m not sure why Eliza Dolittle’s got a mention … oh, right … the Jesus reference in whatever that song was.

And they banned Screaming Lord Sutch’s* Jack The Ripper … ?   Good Lord!

I think that calls for a tune … !

~≈Î≈~

The Friday Question Set — 11-7-2014

Well, that’s sorted.

I’ve just been talking to an officer from Brentwood Council.

Believe it or not, about a smell.

In Saint James Road, just around the corner from me.

Her opinion?

Was that it could well have come from a dead rat in the bushes: but she’ll following up on it for me.

~≈∑≈~

The Daily Teaser — 11-7-2014: The Copper-coloured top

Well … That’s THAT finished with.

Did I tell you I’ve been on a Fresh Start Course, for the past couple of weeks?   It’s something that’s been organised by the Job Centre, I should add.

And something I suspect has been make-work.

But, at ANY rate … ?

At any rate, it’s finished: a day early, too.

And I have to say, I don’t know how much use it’s been: but it HAS got me out of the house, and meeting different people.

Here’s to seeing what happens next.

~≈‰≈~

The Daily Teaser — 10-7-2014: Wyndham’s Babies …

You know, you can TELL it’s a Thursday, can’t you … ?

Well, I can.

Mostly by looking at my computer’s screen.

There’s a time and date display on the left hand side of the menu-bar.

Ahem … !

At any rate, it’s Thursday: which means I’m one day away from finishing the Fresh Start course I’m on.

Here’s hoping something positive comes of that!

~≈Ô≈~

Actually, as it’s Thursday — and for no other reason than it is Thursday — would you mind doing me a favour, please … ?

Would you mind going to this page — that’s my newly introduced Money page — and hitting the Share buttons?

I’d be really grateful … !

~≈Ô≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser

Well, that’s Day 8 of the Fresh Start Course done.

And …?

Well, so far, it’s going a lot better than either the Work Programme I attended for two years.

And a LOT better than the Mandatory Work Placement I was put on, which — frankly — was a complete disaster.

~≈Ù≈~

At ANY rate … ?

At any rate, it’s getting me out of the house in the mornings.   And, while it may not lead to anything definite, it’s introducing me to people, and it’s taught me how to make an origami butterfly.

Not REALLY useful, then … 

But not as bad as things could be … 

~≈Ù≈~

The Daily Teaser — 9-7-2014

Well, things are calming down at the mo.

Well, I SAY calming down.

The finances aren’t perfect.   Very FAR from perfect.

But at least I know I’m due money from the Hardship Fund, until such time as my Job-seeker’s Allowance restarts.

The job hunting’s going … just.

The Fresh Start course I’m on … is actually quite fun, to be frank: it’s getting me out of the house and meeting people, if nothing else!

So … ?

My point is that I’m coasting, at the mo, until the Mandatory Reconsideration comes in.   Hopefully, that’ll go my way.

But I still find it both angering and annoying that I’m in the boots I am, through no fault of my own.

~≈∏≈~

The Daily Teaser — 8-7-2014: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Another morning, another day.

And, yes: I’m waiting for money to turn up.

As you may or may not know, I’ve received a sanction on my benefits: for some I feel was beyond my control, and something I’m appealing against.

I’ve ALSO had news about my Hardship fund application.

I’m due 60 percent of my usual benefit … Starting a fortnight from now.

’Til then … ?

Lord knows what I’m supposed to do.

Ho-hum!

~≈‰≈~