Sunday 31 August 2014

The Daily Teaser — 31-8-2014

Blimey, that was fun … !

Did I tell you I managed to catch Dr Who last night … ?

I did.   I’ll have the write-up done,  later tonight: fascinating stuff, I should add.

But it’s also an evening where I was joined by Ruth, my youngest sister: and by my nephew, Jude.

I tell you what: having a three-and-a-half-year-old persistantly asking ‘why’, certainly adds a twang to an episode.

On top of that … ?

I think Jude wouldn’t mind seeing a Dalek/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle cross-over.

Um … 

~≈≈~

Saturday 30 August 2014

The Daily Teaser — 30th August, 2014: Mary Shelley

Yayness … !

It’s Officially Saturday … !

Sorry, I’m getting a bit excited, there.

But it’s Saturday morning.   Which means, obviously, we’re heading for Saturday evening: and this week’s episode of Dr Who.

Well, frankly, I’m looking forward to it: especially after last week’s episode.

The trailer looks good: and has Daleks, so we can’t really argue, can we?

It’s just a shame they’ve done nothing with the New Paradigm Daleks: but there you go … 



~≈Ê≈~

Friday 29 August 2014

The Friday Question Set — 29-8-2014

Oh, now THAT work’s!

Did I tell you that I have a TV that can record TV programmes?

None of your internet enabled, smart functionality, here.

No, so long as I can record Dr Who of a Saturday night, I’m laughing.

AHEM!   At any rate, my TV has a built in PVR: or Perosional Video recorder.   It can record stuff to a USB stick, in other words.

Well, I now know that I can plug the stick with the recordings on, into my Mac.   And use a combination of vlc and HandBrake to turn it into something I can play later: on my iPod or an Apple TV.   (I could, also use HandBrake to turn the recording into something playable on other tablets: or other media players.)

It’s all good!

~≈®≈~

The Daily Teaser — 29-8-2014

Hmmm … 

That’s awkward: the plumber didn’t turn up … !

I have to confess, I had a plumber booked up for yesterday: to fix a leaky u-bend.

Not a big repair.   Well … not one that needed fixing in a hurry, or that couldn’t be dealt with by putting a bucket under the leak.

Still, it was booked.   I was in, ready and waiting … 

And they never came.

It seems they had a couple of emergency call outs to deal with, first … !

Well, I say never turned up.

I WILL give my landlord’s credit: for sending me a text message to let me know when the plumber WAS on the way.

Five minutes before I was due to head for the Job Centre, to do my daily job search.   Which, unless I want to lose my benefit, is something I can’t miss.

Yeah … awkward … 

Awkward … 

But at least I’ve managed to rebook the visit.

~≈Â≈~

Thursday 28 August 2014

The Daily Teaser — 28-8-2014: Dr Martin Luther King

You know, I think I have a long day.

Well, ok: as long as it’s possible to get whilst out of a job.

I’ve got my usual job-hunting to do today.

Two hours of it, in fact, at my local Job Centre.

Which, it has to be said, is kind nice.   It gets me out of the house, and allows me to concentrate on the task in hand.

That’s at 2, this afternoon.

Of course, before  then … ?   Before then, I’m going to be stuck indoors, waiting for a plumber to turn up.

To fix the u-bend under the sink.

Fun in the sun has never sounded more interesting, has it … ?

~≈Ï≈~

Wednesday 27 August 2014

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 27-8-2014: The Rainbow Bridge

OK, this could be interesting.

Well, actually, no, it couldn’t.

I’m … 

Well … 

Organising stuff, after a recent purchase.

Pictures and music, mostly.

Bruce — for the moment — will be given honourable retirement: and used as a media server.

What WAS fun … ?

Was getting used to a more recent version of OS X.   I like the decoration.

I don’t know if I’m totally enamoured with Mission Control, the replacement for Exposé.

Cie la vie!

~≈fl≈~

The Daily Teaser — 27-8-2014

Did I tell you I managed to picked up a second hand Mac Pro … ?

At a VERY good price … ?

I managed to pick up a second Hand Mac Pro: at a very good price.

It’s one of the first generation one: some six or seven years old.

But whoever sold it on … ?    Whoever sold it to the shop didn’t sell on the original Install discs: but did set it up with a copy of Lion, and iLife ’11.   And had installed a Bluetooth card: which meant I could attach my mouse.

All I have to do is the tricky job transferring stuff over.

Whilst avoiding Armagetron Advance.   Even though it’s a few years old, the thing’s got quite a bit of welly: and does do those intense games a favour.

~≈Á≈~

Tuesday 26 August 2014

The Daily Teaser — 26-8-2014

Oh, thank heavens for that … !

The Bank holiday … ?   Is now officially over.

Which is actually a good thing, from where I’m sitting.

I don’t know about you, but I usually get incredibly bored with public holidays.  Usually because I’ve nothing to do: and no money to remedy that.

Saying that … ?

Saying that, I did manage to watch the Scottish referendum debate on BBC 2, last night.

Yes, I know that’s a bit strange.

But frankly … ?   Frankly, I think whatever happens, that’s a BIG decision, that’s going to affect everyone in the UK.

~≈®≈~

Monday 25 August 2014

The Daily Teaser — 25-8-2014

Oh, now that’s sad … !

Dickie’s died … 

Just in case you don’t know who I mean … ?

I mean Sir Richard Attenborough: the man behind Gandhi, Oh, What A Lovely War! and Magic.   AND who’d been Pinky Brown in Brit Gangster, Brighton Rock.

He’s died: just a few days short of his ninety-first birthday.

After a full life.

Full … ?   I’m surprised to find out exactly how much he quietly did … !

The British film industry — and quite possibly the world — is going to be the poorer for his loss.

~≈∏≈~

Sunday 24 August 2014

The Daily Teaser — 24-8-2014

I’m impressed … !

No, really, I’m impressed … !

Mostly at myself, actually.

I managed to do a rather long post: and get to bed slightly later than usual.

And managed to wake up feeling … 

Well, only slightly tired.

And not too bad, all things considered.

Now … 

You’ve possibly worked out what I was writing about … 

~≈ß≈~

Doctor Who: Series 8 Episode 1 Deep Breath

You know, I’ve been criticized before, about this.

And will no doubt be criticized again.

But … ?

I have just sat down and watched Deep Breath, Peter Capaldi’s debut episode as the 12th Doctor.

And I think I can say this with no fear of contradiction.

For starters?   For starters, I’ve taken what’s call a disc image of the DVD of the episode I recorded.

THAT way, I can rip a copy: purely for my own personal use.   I can replace the episode with a legally purchased copy, as And when it becomes available.   (Some time in early September.)

Secondly … ?   As Deep Breath doesn’t yet seem to be on the BBC iPlayer, I can re-watch the episode: as I’m writing this.

Talking of which … ?   Talking of which, the BBC’s iPlayer service is doing a new set of what the BBC’s now calling the Dr Who Extras: the first such production since the end of Dr Who Confidential, way back when.

Which is nice …!

~≈Í≈~

Whoah, whoah, I should be focusing, here … 

Let’s try and start again, shall we?

~≈Í≈~

Saturday 23 August 2014

The Daily Teaser — 23-8-2014

Well, thank God THAT’S done with … !

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

And therefore probably aware that I’d been sanctioned by the DWP, over the Work Placement Scheme I’d been placed on.

Which is a long story, but basically, I got put off the scheme, before showing what I could do: through, I feel, no fault of mine.

I got sanctioned.

And appealed.   Or, at least, put in for what’s called a Mandatory Reconsideration: the initial stages of an appeal.

I finally got the letter through, yesterday.

The sanction has been overturned: I’m now back on to the normal range of benefits, and off hardship payments.

I’m extremely relieved!

And extremely thankful, to everyone that’s helped me these past few weeks!

Thanking You … !

~≈Â≈~

Friday 22 August 2014

The Friday Question Set — 22-8-2014

PHEW!

And DOUBLE phew!

Actually, no! Possibly even TREBLE phew.

With lashings of cream and ginger biscuits … !

So to speak … 

The REASON for reason for all this excitement … ?

Is I’ve just opened my post to find that the Mandatory Reconsideration I put in for — after the scandalous way the Work Placement Scheme I was placed on went bad — go my way.

And had the Sanction overturned.

I am relieved: and thankful.

And going to thanks EVERYONE that’s helped and supported me through it!

Friends, family, and everyone that’s pressed my Donate button.

You know who you are, folks!

Thank you … !

~≈^≈~

The Daily Teaser — 22-8-2014: The Loch Ness Monster!

You know, I think I’ve a busy-ish day, today.

The usual job-search up at the Job Centre.

And a training seminar at Brentwood library: on interview technique.

Now, I’ll be frank: I don’t know how much help that’s going to be.

But … ?   Well, I’m glad the Job Centre managed to set it up for me: it’s something I’ve felt needed polishing for some time.

Here’s hoping the polish takes: and bags SOMETHING for me … !

~≈Â≈~

Thursday 21 August 2014

The Daily Teaser — 21-8-2014: The Shogun

Did I tell you I have an iPod … ?

A much repaired fourth generation one: but I’m not complaining.

Mostly … ?

Well, mostly because it syncs nicely with my AppleTV set top box.

That And the iPod version of iPlayer?   Means I can happily catch up last night’s episode of Dead Ringers.

You can never get enough of Jon Culshaw’s version of Tom Baker, can you … ?


~≈Â≈~

Wednesday 20 August 2014

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 20-8-2014: Space Stuff!

Oh … Well … 

That’s the job-search done for the day.

So you know, I’m job-hunting, at the moment.

And have to formally report to my local Centre, each day: to look for work, there.

Today’s search … ?

Is done with: and I’ve managed to book up, tomorrow’s.

OK, granted this year’s seen me have more interview than in the previous three?

But I’m starting to wonder when SOMETHING will crop up.

Oy vey … 

~≈†≈~

The Daily Teaser — 20-8-2014: H. P. Lovecraft

You know, I have to admit to a thing about a good documentary.

No, really.

I’ve got one playing in the background, as I write: part one of the BBC’s Everyday Miracles series.

I don’t know if it’s telling much I don’t know.

But it’s fascinating to watch, anyway.   And amazing to find out some details.

And still more amazing to be reminded of details I’d already known.

The man who made the modern day safety razor so much more than what it was.


My only question … ?   Is how on Earth did he end up with a name like that … ??

~≈Ê≈~

Tuesday 19 August 2014

The Daily Teaser — 19-8-2014

Right, I’m up early, again.

Yes, in case you’re wondering: I’ve another early start at the local Job Centre, doing my daily job search, there.

I have to admit, I like their public computers they use.

It’s a pair of HP PCs, running a much simplified version of Ubuntu.

Very simple: the only thing you’ll see on the Desktop are a web-browser (a version of Firefox), a word-processor and a spreadsheet (Open Office).

The system’s aren’t a bad user experience.   But does have it’s problems:
  • You can’t change the mouse over to left handed use: a major crime as far as I’m concerned.
  • You can’t easily save a web page as a .pdf from what I can see: a useful function I use for my records.
  • Lastly, the Job Centre’s IT department doesn’t seem interested in updating the systems: the web-browser is an older one, that couldn’t be used with a couple of jobs (or their webpages) I’d recently put in for.
Hopefully, though … ?   These are things that can get worked on.

~≈Ù≈~

Monday 18 August 2014

The Daily Teaser — 18-8-2014

*Yawns* … 

I’m officially up — comparatively — early for me: I’ve an early morning start at the Job Centre, today.

But I’ve ALSO had something of a late night.

Frankly, the situation with the sanctioning I’ve received — an unfair sanction, I feel — is ridiculous: and something I felt I should air my opinions about.

So I did: here … 

Feel free to leave a comment … !

~≈®≈~

Sunday 17 August 2014

Men At Work Placement

OK, OK … 

It’s a Sunday evening!

But there’s not much on TV at the moment.   There’s not a lot on the radio, either.

And frankly … ?

Frankly, there’s something I’ve been meaning to get off my chest: about being out of work.

~≈◊≈~

The Daily Teaser — 17-8-2014

Sunday … 

I have to admit, the past couple of Sundays have been day’s I’ve found unnerving.

Mostly, I think, as a result of a lack of something to do.

Hopefully … ?

Hopefully, that’s something I can remedy, today.

If nothing else, I’ve just enough cash to get myself a loaf, in town.

Not much, I know.

But at least I can get out of the house … 

~≈¥≈~

Saturday 16 August 2014

One Hour Photo — Talk about Unnerving … !


15th August, 2014.

You know, I am rather strapped for cash, right now.

Basically … ?   Basically, I’ve seen some of my benefit payments suspended, as a result of being laid off from a Work Placement.

Not nice: and yes, I’m appealing it.   At least, I’ve put in for a Mandatory Reconsideration, the initial stage of the Appeals process.

Hopefully, that’ll go in my favour.   Until I get word about that … ?

I’m getting Hardship Payments, keeping me above the proverbial breadline.

I’m just glad that some better financial times meant I had the chance to spend some of my income on the occasional iTunes card.   This means I’ve some (minimal) credit on my account: to rent the occasional movie with.

In my shoes … ?

In my shoes, I don’t call that bad, or good, financial planning.

I call that a morale boost.

~≈Ù≈~

The Daily Teaser — 16-8-2014

You know, I have to confess to having a late night, last night.

Catching a movie, would you believe … ?

Rather an appropriate one, all things considered.

At any rate … ?   It leaves me with something of a full weekend.

Notionally, at any rate: it’s full of things I’d like to get done.

Assuming, of course, I can stop yawning … … 

~≈Â≈~

Friday 15 August 2014

The Friday Question Set — 15-8-2014

Did I tell you I’m jobhunting, don’t you … ?

I’m jobhunting.

So you know.

And like ANY of us that’s on the hunt for a post, we can be vulnerable to all sorts of things.

Unexpected shortages of money, for one thing.

Attacks of melancholia.

Or  ‘The blues’, if you’d like me to be less poncey … !

And most recently … ?

Good ol’ fashioned scams.

We get warned about these things: of course we do.

Speaking personally, I’d always taken note of warnings I’d had: and made a mental note to be VERY careful if I ever cam across something iffy.

THAT happened, this morning: a call from a very nice Indian woman, supposedly from TotalJobs Recruitment — if I heard her correctly — who had seen my CV online.   Who wanted to know what sort of work I was after.

And who THEN told me she had just the thing for me … and that I’d need to phone them, to do the interview … 

Which is what got me thinking the call was odd.

Usually … ?   Usually, if someone want’s to do a phone interview with me … They’d be phoning me, to tell me they wanted to interview me … and ask when the best time to phone me to do the thing would be.

I told the young lady I’d know credit on my phone: and wouldn’t for a week, at least.   And could see email me her number?   I’d be able to contact her, as and when, she had.

That was at 9•24, this morning, going by my mobile’s log.   They’ve not been in touch, since.

Personally … ?   I think I’ve managed to avoid a premium rate rat.

(JUST as a last word … ?   The University of Manchester have written up a very good ‘How To’, if you get what you think is a dodgy offer: here … )

~≈†≈~

The Daily Teaser — 15-8-2014: We’re Off To See The Wizard, The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz.

You know, I do love a good tune, I really do.

No, really … !

I think all of us do.

I’m also very aware that quite a few of us suffer with earworms.

In other words, the sort of songs that go bouncing around our brains: for no apparent reason, and at minimal excuse.

Personally … ?

I’ve actually woken up, this morning, with Dr John’s Croker Courtboiullion bouncing around my brain.


Or, and Jump Sturdy: both from the album, Gris Gris … 


Lord knows WHY the two songs decided to take up residence.

But at least they’re from an entertaining album … !

~≈Ú≈~

Thursday 14 August 2014

The Daily Teaser — 14-8-2014: The Rocky Horror Picture Show

You know, I’ve been following Dr Who, now, for some time.

And a fan who’s as keen to see what Peter Capaldi does with the part, as anyone.

So … ?   Well, as you MIGHT guess, I’m looking forward to the 23rd August, when Series 8 starts.

The fact Aunty Beeb hadn’t released a start time was very annoying.

So … ?

Well, the fact is, the BBC released this tweet, yesterday.
Officially stating Series 8 would be kicking off at 19:50, on Saturday, 23rd August.

I don’t know when it’s starting outside the UK: you’ll need to check whatever channel the show’s on, in your area.

But personally?   I’m looking forward to that … 


~≈†≈~

Wednesday 13 August 2014

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 13-8-2014: International Left-Handers Day

Bloody HELL, but that’s a longer day than I thought it would be.

MOSTLY where I’ve been on the phone to the Department of Work and Pensions, chasing up my Mandatory Reconsideration, after the the disaster that was my mandatory Work Placement.

Seemingly … ?   I’ll find out what happens in — I’m told — after about two and a half weeks.

Basically … ?   It’s a case of “Hurry Up And Wait” … 

~≈∑≈~

The Daily Teaser — 13-8-2014: International Left-hander’s Day

Bleugh … 

You know, I’ve had an early start, today.   I’ve got to be at the Job Centre, slightly earlier than usual.

And I want to get this post — and the Gazette Teaser — up nice and early.

With the NET result … ?

Well, with the net result that my eyeballs are on the decidedly blurry side.

What CAN I say … ?

Apart from “Let’s Move On” … 

~≈Â≈~

Tuesday 12 August 2014

The Daily Teaser — 12-8-14: The Personal Computer

Oh, now that’s sad: that is really, really sad.

Robin Williams* — actor, comedian and so much more — has lost the fight with his demons.

He’s been found dead, overnight, at his home in California: apparently a suicide, and — from what initial reports are saying — from asphyxiation.

After having struggling with depression, and bipolarity, for many years.

I never knew the guy, but always enjoyed his work: from Mork and Mindy, to Aladdin, to Patch Adams, to Mrs Doubtfire, to Bicentennial Man.

I feel … 

Well … 

I think the world’s lost a friend today: we’ve lost  a man who brightened our lives, by making us laugh, but who could never conquer his own demons.

Nanu, Nanu, Robin Williams.

Rest in Peace.

~≈É≈~

Monday 11 August 2014

The Daily Teaser — 11-8-2014

You know, I’m starting to think I hate Sundays!

No, really … !

I think that’s a function of everything that’s going on for me at the moment.

The main thing? Is that I’m still waiting to hear from the DWP about my benefit payments: and, of course can do anything until today.

There’s a few other things, as well: most of which I’ll have to sort out, this afternoon.

Including a leaky sink joint.

Trust me, you really don’t want to know about flooding … !

Oy veh … !

~≈∏≈~

Sunday 10 August 2014

The Daily Teaser — 10-8-2014

You know, I don’t think I’m unsympathetic person.

Really.

So I can’t help but be sympathetic to the plight of the various minorities in Iraq, at the moment.

Sympathetic … 

And generally approving of the US and UK airdrops of supplies to the various minority groups in the area.

I’m also very aware that, at some point, we could well get refugees coming to the UK.

I’d welcome that, too.

I’m very aware, though, that some of my countrymen will object in such a situation: quite forcefully.
  • “We don’t have the room!”
  • “They should go home!”
  • “They’re coming over here, stealing our jobs!”

I think I can guarantee a few other responses, as well:  many of them won’t be as polite.

Many will border on the violent.

Not something I’d agree with, I should add.

Either way … ?   I think if the UK gets refugees from Iraq, right now?

I think they’re no going to get the welcome they deserve.

That might not be as bad as what they’re going through, now … 

But isn’t going to help … 

~≈∑≈~

Saturday 9 August 2014

The Daily Teaser — 9-8-2014: The International Day of The World’s Indigenous Peoples!

Hmmm … 

I’ve got Radio 4 on, again.   The station’s been something of an old friend, now, for many years.

Its news coverage is second to none.

But the one thing I do listen, in the morning … ?

Is the Today programme.

It’s also mentioned the fact that nitrous oxide — laughing gas — is getting popular amongst the young.

Seemingly, the gas can be bought, quite legally, from all sorts of places.


And comes in little silver canisters, about the size of a cigarette lighter.

I have to admit, that answers a question.

I’d seen a few of them about: and wondered what they were for.

Hmmm … 

Looks like the world’s a’changing on me.

Twenty or so years ago, everyone was causing a stink about the use of Ecstasy.

Cie la vie … 

~≈Ç≈~

Friday 8 August 2014

The Friday Question Set — 8-8-2014

Well, that’s THAT sorted … 

Remember, a couple of week’s ago, now, I had an ultrasound scan?

Suspected hernia, would you believe!

Well, bless, my GP’s been trying to prod Broomfield Hospital about a rereferral they’re supposed to have issued.

!!.

Well, at the suggestion of my GP … ?   I’ve phoned the surgery’s reception to see what’s happening.

Who’ve suggested I phone Brentwood Community Hospital.

Who I couldn’t get through to … 

So I phoned my surgery, again … who promptly suggest I phone Broomfield Hospital … 

Who promptly told me I should be getting a letter about an appointment with them, in up to something like six weeks from now.

Heigh … ho … !

~≈Á≈~

The Daily Teaser — 8-8-2014

Bleaugh … !

And DOUBLE bleaugh … !

I’m back at the Job Centre, this morning: nice and early, again.

And frankly … ?

I’m up … showered … clean … 

And already feeling more than a little bit sweaty … !

August, in England.

You’ve got to love it … !

~≈fl≈~

Thursday 7 August 2014

The Daily Teaser — 7-8-2014: Mauthausen … 

You know, I’m sure I set my alarm for six!

I’ve an early start, I though to myself, when I set the thing.

Oh, yes, I know what’s gone on!

I got up … and reset it for 6:30 … !!

I’ve got plenty of time to get to the job centre … !

Yeah … sure … right … 

Either way … ?   Well, either way, I’ve got to got to the Job Centre, today: I’m doing my job-searching, there, today.

We’d better get a move on, hadn’t we … ?

~≈Â≈~

Wednesday 6 August 2014

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 6-8-2014: The War


Hmmm …

That’s inconvenient …

You’ve probably realised I’m job-hunting: and have had my benefit payment’s sanctioned.

And that I’ve appealed this.

I’ve phoned through to the relevant authorities, today.

Again!

Who tell me me that not only has no decision been made: but that I’ll have to phone beck, next week, in order to a) find out if a decision’s been made, and b) whether it’s been delayed …

By eight to ten weeks.

Ridiculous is NOT the word … !


~≈◊≈~

The Daily Teaser — 6-8-2014

Oh … my good lord … 

It’s raining … 

Raining … ! 

~≈É≈~

Which is possibly an odd way of opening a post, I know.

But the swooshing sounds of the cars going past?   Going over the wet road outside my flat … ?

Is pleasant.

Why that is … ?   I really couldn’t tell you.

It’s possibly because — to me — it sounds vaguely like the sea: waves crashing slowly on the shore.

Something so primal it can’t be explained.

~≈É≈~

Tuesday 5 August 2014

The Daily Teaser — 5-8-2014

Hmmm … 

That’s a good start to the day.

The interview I had yesterday didn’t go well: from the discussion we had, they’d’ve felt comfier with someone who wasn’t also have been looking for a second job.

Oh … 

And who drove … 

Drat … 

~≈≈~

On top of that … ?

On top of that, my copy of Safari’s bee on a go-slow, this morning.

Arrghghghghgh … !

I think I’m having a BAD start to the day … !

~≈∂≈~

Monday 4 August 2014

The Daily Teaser — 4-8-2014: Champagne … !

Here we go … 

Another day … another dollar.

Or metaphorical dollar, at any rate.

Of course, I should maybe phrase that as ‘Another day, another interview’, as I’ve got an interview, today.

I’m hoping to do well at it.

Hoping.

But to be frank … ?

My confidence is at a bit of a low: and in all honesty … ?   I’m not actually expecting much of it.

Here’s hoping I can muster up some positive thoughts, before I get there.

~≈€≈~

Sunday 3 August 2014

The Daily Teaser — 3-8-2014: The Commonwealth Games

You know, I didn’t actually get much writing done, yesterday.

Well … 

Not as much as I could’ve done, certainly.

Saying that … ?

Well, saying that, I did manage to catch myself a movie, last night.

The French film, Chrysalis.

Well recommended, that one … 

~≈◊≈~