The Daily Teaser — 30-9-2014

Bloody hell, it only get’s worse … !

Remember, yesterday, I told you there’d been a stabbing in Brentwood … ?

Just off the High Street, in fact.

That was the least of it.

Turns out it wasn’t the only thing that happened.

It turns out a young woman was raped, late on Saturday night: late enough that it was actually Sunday morning.

I’m an ex-barman: as you may or may not know.   And most of the pub managers I worked for … ?   Were very encouraging about getting us staff to phone cabs for women going home on their own, on a late night.

One or two were insistent.

Now, I know that Friday and Saturday nights are cabbies busiest evenings.   Especially at pub closing time.

But I can’t help but think had the victim put in a cab home, it wouldn’t’ve happened.

As a result … ?   As a result, I’m going to ask you a favour: if you’re one of my female readers, and living in Brentwood.

Get a cab home, if you’re going out this weekend.

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 29-9-2014: The Sweeney … !

Bloody HELL … !

You don’t often seen that in Brentwood … !

Seemingly, at 7pm, on Saturday night, there was a stabbing just off Brentwood High Street: on the Junction of Tower Hill and Sir Francis Way.

The victim died of his injuries: which included a stab wound to the heart.

An 18 year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of murder.

All of this taking place near where a friend of mine lived, which is just a little bit worrying.

~≈†≈~

The Daily Teaser — 28-9-2014: Dr Fleming, I Presume … ?

Drat … 

And double drat … 

With an upside … 

Um … 

I’d better start making sense, hadn’t I … ?

Well … For starters, I’m out of milk until payday.

I can manage without: but, boy, do I miss it in tea.

The upside to the morning … ?   Is the fact my Apple TV’s now updated itself.

Quite what happened there, I don’t know.   Saying that … ?   I DID know I used the thing’s Network testing features: then tried updating it.

The test had a few glitches.   But there subsequent update … went through with no problems.

I’ve no problems with that.

I’m just wondering what on Earth happened there.

~≈Â≈~

Dr Who — Episode 6: The Caretaker

Oh, now wait a minute … !

Tonight’s episode of Dr Who … ?

That’s what I CALL an episode of Dr Who … !

No, really … !!

Whoa, whoa … 

I think I’d better do some explaining, hadn’t I … ?

Yes … 

I think I’d better.

~≈∑≈~

Robocop — The Eternal Argument about Remakes

26th September, 2014.

You know, remakes can be … 

Controversial … 

Yes.

Controversial’s the word.

Those of us who watch films — and especially certain genres of film —are usually a passionate bunch.

I’m no exception, there.

We are, as a group, tend to be very protective of the things we feel strongly about.

I think individual movies are one of those things.

Just to give you an example, here?

I, for one, won’t go near the 2003 remake of The Italian Job.   I don’t know if the thing’s good, bad or indifferent.

I think the fact it got made at all was insulting to the original.

~≈É≈~

The Daily Teaser — 27-9-2014

Bleaaaaaugh … 

No, really … 

Bleaaaaaugh … !

I like a late night movie, I really do.

Really.

The morning afterwards, though … ?

The morning afterwards is always fun: especially as it usually leaves me with eyeballs that feel as though they’ve been put through a wringer.

If nothing else … ?

Well, if nothing else, once I’ve DONE with the post … it should be a cracker.

Assuming my eyeballs are functioning … 

~≈Ù≈~

The Friday Question Set — 26-9-2014

Hmmm … 

Well, it’s still working … 

My Apple TV, I should say: I’m happily streaming an old episode of Deadwood — Al Swearengen, played by Ian ‘Lovejoy’ McShane is currently swearing his head, which is Al Swearengen all over — as we speak.

But I’m having trouble updating it.

Lord knows what’s happening, here!

But if you’d like to put in your contribution … ?

I’d appreciate it.

~≈®≈~

The Daily Teaser — 26-9-2014

Hmmm … 

Has anyone out there got an Apple TV … ?

You know, the little set-top box Apple make?   You plug the thing into your TV, and it let’s you stream content from your computer: or from the ’Net, or an iOS device.

I’ve got one of the 3rd generation ones: or Revision A 3rd generation ones, and found it very handy.   If you’re out of a job, a good range of something to watch comes in handy.

Mine is working acceptable well.

But, for some reason … ?

Is refusing to download and install the most recent update.

That’s … not frustrating: as the things working well, as it stands.

But it’s mildy annoying.

And leaves me wondering whether it’s something to do with Apple’s other recent troubles.

~≈fi≈~

The Daily Teaser — 25-9-2014: The US Constitution

You know, you can TELL I’ve got a documentary on, can’t you … ?

Bless ’em, the BBC can knock out a good one, as and when.

The one I’ve got on in the background … ?

Is part two of Oh, You Pretty Things: an in depth examination of the links between music and fashion.

You HAVE to ask, don’t you … ?

What the HELL were people wearing, back then … ?

The shows were fantastic.

But, boy do the eyeballs hurt … !

~≈†≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 24-9-2014: The New Year.

Oh, now THAT’S something to know.

India’s first big — BIG — space project has got off the ground.

Some time ago, in fact.

And is now in orbit around Mars!

Good for them!

But I can’t help think about the UK’s Black Arrow project: that launched four rockets, between 1969 and 1971.

We cancelled it.

On economic grounds.

Whilst simultaneously throwing money at Concorde, if I’ve got the timing right.

That makes my country the only one to have started work on a rocket programme: and never kept it going.

So … ?   Good luck, and congratulations to the Republic of India.

From a blogger in a nation that’s got no right to call itself ‘Great’ Britain.

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 24-9-2014

You know, you can tell yesterday was the Autumn Equinox, can’t you … ?

Well … 

I can, at any rate.

Mostly … ?

Well, mostly where I’ve got myself up at my usual time.

And the view from my window … ?

Is just slightly darker than it was, yesterday.

The night’s are drawing in, folks.

Winter’s coming … 

~≈∑≈~

The Daily Teaser — 23-9-2014

I have told you about ear worms, haven’t I … ?

Haven’t I … ?

In case I haven’t, the term describes any tune or song that pops into your head — sometimes, for no apparent reason — and starts playing.

The one I had banging around my head, this morning … ?

Wasn’t for ‘no apparent reason’: I’d run a link to Dr Feelgood’s Roxette past my favourite Twitter followers, to see what they made of it*.

And ever since then … ?   Wilco’s rather menacing guitar riff has been banging around my head.

I’d better give it to you, before we move on … 

~≈†≈~

The Daily Teaser — 22-9-2014

It’s Monday.

You’d noticed, hadn’t you … ?

And frankly … ?

Well, frankly, I’d rather been back in bed.

You know, doing that … that …

What’s that thing where you dream and snore a lot … ?

Oh, yeah … sleep … 

Yeah, going back to sleep sounds good.

Unfortunately … ?    Unfortunately, it’s Monday: time’s getting on.

Time waits for no-one.

Frankly?

Neither does hunting for a job … 

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 21-9-2014

You know, easily impressed, sometimes.

No, really … !

And, so far … ?

So far, I’ve been rather impressed with Dr Who.   Last night’s episode, Time Heist, was and is an absolute cracker of an episode.

Cyborgs, shape shifters, a hammer alien thing … 

And a bank job.

Where CAN you go wrong … ?

There’s one minor flaw.   And it’s not with Time Heist.   It’s with next week’s episode, The Caretaker.

It’s getting aired, not at 7·30 … but at 8·30.

Now, I know the BBC’s making a big deal about Strictly Come Dancing, this year.   And that Dr Who’s been moved to make way for it.

But that … ?   Is something I find mildly offensive*.   I may just complain … 

~≈Ê≈~

Dr Who Series 8: Episode 5 — Time Heist

You know, I’ve one or two friends who’ve criticised me.

Basically, by repeatedly telling you I’m impressed by a given episode of Dr Who.

They may or may not have a point.

Possibly.

I think I’ve a possible counter argument.

Or had a counter-argument.

I wish I could remember what it was, though.

I’m sure it was cogent, pithy, to-the-point … and very effective.

But, like I say … ?   I’m blowed if I can remember what it was … 

~≈®≈~

Either way, there’s a point, here.

Their point … ?   Simply that I seem to be easily impressed by an episode of Dr Who.

The question I’m asking myself, right now … ?   Is “Am I worried?”

Am I worried, though … ?

No.

Because I think series 8 — Peter Capaldi’s first in the lead role — is proving itself worth of the word impressive.

And tonight’s episode, Time Heist … ?

Time Heist may or may not be on a par with Deep Breath and Into The Dalek.   But I’d certainly say it’s on a par with Listen.

And, like Listen, a hell of an improvement on Robot of Sherwood.

~≈®≈~

The Daily Teaser — 20-9-2014: The Cannes Can

Hmmm … 

That’s something.

Alex Salmond, Scotland’s First Minister, the man who organised Scotland’s Independence Referendum, Leader of the Scottish Nationalists and possibly the best known conviction politician in the UK, has resigned his post.

Both as SNP leader and First Minister.

I have to say, I , personally, was expecting him to stick around for longer: but he said it, himself, it’s not the politicians leading Scotland’s politics, but “ … the energised activism of tens of thousands of people who I predict will refuse meekly to go back into the political shadows.”

The man’s career has been devoted to his country.

And frankly … ?   Frankly, I couldn’t see David Cameron, Nick Clegg or Ed Miliband doing the same,   had the referendum given a yes vote.

Cynical … ?

Of COURSE I’m cynical!

We’re talking about politicians, here.

~≈Ø≈~

The Friday Question Set — 19-9-2014

You know, that’s … 

Well, the only word I can think of, here, is sad.

First Minister, Alex Salmond, is to step down from the job: and as leader of the Scottish National Party.

I’m saddened.

I’m also aware there’s talk — talk — that there’s going to be more devolved powers — ‘Devo Max’, I’ve seen it called — for the Scottish Parliament.

Correct me if I’m wrong, here, but didn’t Alex Salmond suggest that as an option for yesterday’s independence referendum?   Only to see it ruled out in the negotiations with David Cameron.

I’m hoping one will confirm of deny that.

I’m convinced there was: that David Cameron overruled it.

I feel David Cameron would have done that so that the Westminster government could, if events went the way they have, he could talk up extra powers for the Scottish Parliament … and sweep them under the carpet, when no one was looking … 

Cynical … ?

Moi … ?

Well …

Yeah … !

~≈Ç≈~

The Daily Teaser — 19-9-2014: International Talk Like A Pirate Day

Right at the moment … ?

I’m thinking phew: after what has to be the most divisive referendum in British political history.

Scotland has voted ‘No’.

I’m glad: it means my country doesn’t get broken up.

I’m also disappointed.   Dig back a couple of generations, and there’s traces of Scottish blood lurking in my family gene pool.   And there’s enough of a romantic in me to think that Scottish independence could’ve been something to see.

~≈®≈~

The Daily Teaser — 18-9-2014: The Empire

You know, the world could change, today.

Scotland’s voting in the independence referendum.

I’m … 

Concerned.

Well, maybe ‘concerned’ isn’t the word.

But I’m very aware that Independence influences the taxes we pay: and how much gets spent where.   If I’ve understood it correctly, the formula the UJK government uses to determine how much of its tax income is spent where, tends to favour Scotland and Northern Ireland.

If Scotland votes for independence, central Government will be spending nothing on Scotland.   But would also be getting a lot LESS than you’d think.   It would, quite frankly, be losing the revenue from any oil taxes.

On a personal level?

Well, on a personal level, the romantic in me thinks Scotland should vote Yes in the referendum.

I’m also hoping Scotland doesn’t.

Frankly, I was born in the United Kingdom.

I’d like to die in the United Kingdom.

But I’m very aware I don’t get a say in this.   I don’t live in Scotland.   I don’t think any ‘Yes’ voters are going to be listening to an Englishman living in suburban Essex.

Understandably.

Personally, though … ?

Personally, I can only hope the people of Scotland make the right decision for Scotland.

Regardless of what England, Northern Ireland and Wales think.

I can only ask one thing that’s been bugging me.   

What happens if it’s a draw … ?

~≈Ø≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 17-9-2014: The Flying Circus

Yoicks! 

It’s officially getting latish … 

Well … Ish … !

What CAN I tell you … ?

Except I’ve been in to Chelmsford, again: for an ultrasound scan on  a suspected hernia.

What got me about the whole process … ?

Was the direction the receptionist gave me: to get to Radiology.

“It’s second on the left, past Marks and Spencers.”

The National Health Service isn’t what it used to be … !

~≈Ï≈~

The Daily Teaser — 17-9-2014: The Space Shuttle

Hmmm … 

It’s Wednesday.

Which means it’s the day after I’ve had two interviews.

Which is all good!

Although I have to say, the one I had in Chelmsford — yesterday — seemed a bit more kosher, than the one I had on Monday.

Either way, though … ?

Well, either way, I’ve had two interviews.

Which is a morale booster for an ageing jobseeker:  if even I don’t get one of these gigs, my CV’s interesting enough for someone in an industry I’m not experienced with, to want to interview me.

That’s a good thing, I think.

~≈Ω≈~

The Daily Teaser — 16-9-2014: The O Zone

Hmmm … 

That seemed to go … oddly … 

I had an interview, yesterday: in Romford, so you know.

Which was … a bit … odd.

I think the interview went well enough, I think.

The company’s office, though … ?   Was chock full of new model Macs: not an problem, at least for me.

But about eight or so brand spanking new Macs: in an office in a converted flat above a independent supermarket, in an off the beaten track part of Romford … ?

That was odd, certainly.

The pay structure, on the other hand … ?   That was definitely off!   If I’d understood it correctly, we’d only get paid for the second ten hour shift … if we’d made a sale … 

Which sounded distinctly dubious … 

Here’s hoping the interview I’ve got today, in Chelmsford, is less dubious.   I could do with a job that pays regularly … !

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 15-9-2014: Marco Polo

I have to admit to feeling rushed, this morning.

Belief it or not, I’ve got an interview, today: over in Romford.

I’ve another, tomorrow: in Chelmsford.   But that’s another day.

Either way … ?

I’m feeling VAGUELY rushed … 

And vaguely wondering how kosher the job is.   I’m finding job adverts for the company: but not necessarily solid.

Hmmm … 

Here’s hoping something comes good of it.

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 14-9-2014

Who the hell was that … ?

I have to admit, I got something of a late night, last night.

Or, at least, a late night for me.

After blogging about last night’s episode of Dr Who, I should add.

I got myself off to bed: and nicely comfortable.

Slowly nodding off: as you do.

When the doorbell went off … 

I’ll be frank, I didn’t answer.   Well, it was 12·30!

I still have NO idea who on Earth that was.

And will apologise to any of my neighbours, if it was urgent.

But banging on my door in the morning would’ve been nice … !

~≈Â≈~

Doctor Who Series 8: Episode 4 — Listen

You know, I’m a Dr Who fan.

Never pretended otherwise: never wanted to, in point of fact.

I’m someone who’s grown up on the show: enjoyed, but very aware that some stories have been good, some bad and some … 

Well, some just OK.

Looking back … ?

Looking back for either, there’s probably a few I could point to.

The Greatest Show In The Galaxy always struck me as poor.

Last week’s episode, the Mark Gatiss directed, Robots Of Sherwood?

I’m thinking, right now, that Robots Of Sherwood was one of the OK episodes.

Light, fluffy and fun.   With the emphasise on ‘light’, I should add.

Then there’s Listen: tonight’s episode.

I’m very aware that some of my fellow fans aren’t fond of Steven Moffat.   Personally … ?

Personally, I think fans who’ve given tonight’s episode a miss, on the grounds it’s written by Steven Moffat would be bloody stupid.

Speaking for myself, I think Mr Moffat’s put in one of his best scripts: at least since Silence In The Library/Forest Of The Dead … 

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 13-9-2014

Yeah GODS, but I’m up early … !

No, really early!

At least … early for me.

And definitely way too early for a Saturday morning.

Frankly … ?

I’m asking myself why.

Oh, yeah, I know why … !

I’m babysitting, me nephew, Jude.

I’d better get a move on, as I’m starting early … … 

~≈Á≈~

The Friday Question Set — 12-9-2014

Rush, rush, RUSH … !

Which is possibly something you DON’T need, or want, to know.

But let’s be frank … ?

I’m right in the middle of doing dinner: AND making my next batch of Daily Teaser videos!

With THAT said … ?

~≈fi≈~

The Daily Teaser — 12-8-9: The Battle Of Marathon

That’s an odd one … 

Seems I’ve missed a special delivery.

I have to admit, I was out, yesterday: after job searching at the job centre — it looks like I’ve bagged a couple of interviews, by the way — I headed up to town to get some milk.

I got back at around half past One.

And checked my mail, after the plumber had been.

I got back at just after half past One.   Seems the postman turn up at five to two, when I was in.   13·56, according to the card.

When I was in!

He could’ve knocked, is my point.

~≈Â≈~

Which is what gets me, at the moment.

No.

I’m wondering what on EARTH’S been delivered.

With my luck … ?

Well, with my luck, it’ll be something unwanted: a court summons, say, or an arrest warrant.

Something like that.

It couldn’t possibly be a cheque!

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 11-9-2014

Right … That’s the plan for today roughed out!

Did I mention — last week — that I was due a visit from a plumber?

Who didn’t turn up.

Apparently, they’d received a couple of emergency call outs: although my personal suspicion is that they couldn’t find a parking space.

Well: I managed to make another appointment for today.   The plumber should be looking at that u-bend, at some point between two and four, this afternoon.

Here’s hoping they get here.

I need that bucket to flush the loo … !

~≈Á≈~

The Daily Teaser — 10-9-2014: The Large Hadron Collider

Oh, well, now … 

That’s Christmas sorted out then … !

~≈‰≈~

You’ve possibly realised I’m something of an Apple fan, hand’t you … ?

Three Macs, occasional posts on the subject … ?   Yeah, I’m assuming you’ve worked out I like them.

So, their big announcement, yesterday, that they’d be producing the new Apple Watch, at some point, next year … ?

Well, I was mailing my family, with a certain amount of desperation, I know that … !

About the only flaw with the thing … ?   Is that they didn’t call it the iWatch.

Although, let’s be frank.

Apple may be saving that for the much rumoured TV … 

~≈‰≈~

The Daily Teaser — 9-8-2014

You know, I really AM going to have to sort my life out.

Or, at least, rough out my day.

After all, I WAS planning — yesterday — to contact the training company who’d walked me through the ECDL course, gad contacted me: asking if I’d like to do they Customer Services course.

I told them I wouldn’t mind: but would have to contact them, after I’d contacted my Job Centre adviser.   She needed to check with her manager: AND needed a few of the official details.

I just need to make sure I contact them to tell them this.

Yeah … 

Roughing out my day … 

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 8-9-2014: Star Trekking … !

Oh … 

That’s how much it weighs … 

Sorry, I get confusing, don’t I … ?

I’ll be frank, first thing in  the morning, I usually like having the radio on.

THIS time of the day … ?

This time of day, and by default, I’ll be doing what I am now: listening to Radio 4’s Today programme.

And, according to a quick snippet I caught as I turned on the radio … ?

The Earth has a mass of — as the scientist put it — “7, followed by 24 zeros, kilograms”.   Or 7*10E24, if you want to put it that way.

Or 7, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000, 000 (7 septillion) kg.

That is a heck of a lot of zeros … !

~≈Ø≈~

The Daily Teaser — 7-9-2014

It’s Sunday … 

It’s Officially Sunday … 

And I’m thinking it’ll be a long day: with little to do.

Still, I’ll find SOMETHING, I’m sure.

One good thing … ?

Is the simple fact that — bless her — my mum managed to pick up a fluorescent tube for me.

Something I can get installed, tonight.

Here’s looking forward to that … !

~≈Â≈~

Dr Who Series 8 Episode 3: Robot Of Sherwood

You know, technology changes … 

And yet STILL … ?

Still things stay the same.

I ’ve possibly mentioned before now that I’m happy to record stuff that’s on TV: and keep hold of those recording until such time as I’m able to get a suitable DVD box set.

And … ?

Well, up until a few years ago, I’d quite happily record those shows to a blank DVD: and then use HandBrake to transcode the results into something I could watch later: on whatever device I happened to favour.

There’s a FEW settings, before you ask.

At ANY rate, it’s still something I tend to do.

Even thought, these days, the ‘recording’ is on a USB flash memory stick.

I’m still using HandBrake: possibly the most versatile thing of it’s kind doing the rounds.

~≈®≈~

At ANY rate, you’re going to ask me, aren’t you … ?

Why on EARTH have I mentioned HandBrake … ?

Well, it’s my default ripper: for when I’m recording stuff from TV, to either watch later.

Or, at least, until I can get a version on DVD or from an OnDemand service, like iTunes.

The programme in question, of course, was today’s episode of Dr Who: the Mark Gatiss penned, Robot of Sherwood.

I think I can safely say there were no scenes of Daleks getting blown up by Ninja Turtles.

I think I’ll have a disappointed nephew … 

~≈®≈~

Transcendence: That Damn Frankenstein Complex!

5th September, 2014.

Can I ask you a question … ?

Can I … ?

Have you ever read anything by the late Dr Isaac Asimov … ?

Yes, I know: I can’t actually hear you answer.

Let me just, then, take a minute to briefly explain the subtitle.   “That Damn Frankenstein Complex!” is a phrase used — repeatedly, sometimes — in the good doctor’s work: usually by characters of his who built robots.

And usually when those builders saw members of the public, unfamiliar with — and scared of — the robots they’d created.

Now …

I don’t know about you: but I feel Asimov hit a nerve, there.

Let’s face it: how many people do you know who are nervous around technology … ?

Exactly.

So the fact I can think of a few films that also be accused of suffering from it.

The Will Smith version of I, Robot, for example.

War Games, with Matthew Broderick.

And — arguably … ?

Arguably, I think we can also include the Wally Pfister directed film, Transcendence, in there.

Although, possibly, it’s a better film that I, Robot …

~≈É≈~

The Daily Teaser — 6-9-2014

Oh, now, that’s awkward … !

My bulb’s blown … !

 Normally … ?

Normally, that wouldn’t be a problem: most of the bulbs in my flat can be easily replaced.

In fact, I’ve got a drawer-full of replacements, should any go.

Except for one particular bulb.

Yes … 

The fluorescent tube in my kitchen.

Frankly … ?

Well, frankly, I can wait until payday, before I replace it.

But, Lordy, I’m blowed if I know how much that’s going to cost … !

~≈Ê≈~