The Daily Teaser — 30-11-2014: St. Andrew’s Day

Ohhhhh, lordy, but I’m up, already … 

Yes: nice and (comparatively) early.

Mostly because I’ve got an early start, today, at work: I’m doing a ten ’til four shift.

Not that I’m complaining.   It’s nice to be working, again, after all this time.

But, BOY, am I looking forward to going back to bed … !

~≈†≈~

The Daily Teaser — 29-11-2014: C. S. Lewis

You know, I really am going to have to learn to replace my stick, every-so-often.

My flash memory stick, I should add at this point.

I’ve got a couple of 16GB ones: ones I use for recording programmes on my TV.

And wouldn’t you know it?   I forgot to take an (almost) full one out, last night, and replace it with the empty one.

Right now … ?   Right now I’m glad what I was recording, is on iPlayer.

That documentary about the Marshall amp is fascinating stuff … !

~≈fl≈~

The Friday Question Set — 28-11-2014

I have to admit — quickly, before my nephew turns up! — that I’ve got a box set on.

Believe it or not … ?

The original first series of Twin Peaks.

It’s nice too see it again.

But I tell you one thing, though: it’s easy to forget quite how over the top it was!

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 28-11-2014

You know, my attention can get caught by so many things.

Especially when the radio’s on.

I don’t know if you’d heard, but cricketer, Phil Hughes, died, yesterday: after being hit when a fast ball*.

At the age of 25.

My thoughts and condolences to go his family: 25 is no age for someone to die at.

#PutOutYourBats

The reason I mention it … ?   Is because they’ve mention people are paying tribute to Phil Hughes by propping their bats outside their doors — some with caps, others with balls — and then uploading a picture to social media, under the hashtag, ‘#putoutyourbats.’

It probably won’t change the world.   It won’t bring back Phil Hughes.

But it does seem a beautiful gesture to mark the passing of one who died so young.

~≈§≈~

Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes: Nice … !

27th November, 2014.

You know, I have to thank my Aunty Bella, again, at some point.

No, really.

A while ago, now, she sent me a few quid.   Enough to buy myself an Apple TV.   The little Apple made set-top media box let’s me stream my media content from a computer with iTunes over to whatever TV it’s plugged into.

It’s also let’s me listen to quite a few internet radio stations.   I’ve got one playing now, in fact: Le Chic Day ’n’ Nite, I should add.

No, I’m not that much of a clubber.

But it’s nice to listen to, when I write late night.

And got a bit more oomph to it than some of the Ambient stations on there.

~≈®≈~

The Daily Teaser — 27-11-2014: The Crusades

You know, suddenly … ?

Suddenly, I have a day off.

OK, granted, that comes with the fact I’m now working: and frankly, I’ll probably spend a lot of it in bed.

Or phoning the Gazette, to see why this week’s Teaser’s done a bunk!

Either way?

Well, either way, my point is that I have the day off.

And, after nearly four years out of a job … ?

After four years out of a job, a day off between shifts is rather nice.

~≈¥≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 26-11-2014: The Heist

Oooohhhh, but that’s nice … !

Being able to sit down, that is.

In case you didn’t know … ?

I’ve recently started a new job: only a part time, at a local KFC.

But, after four years of being on the dole … ?   It does feel good to be back at work.

Good … 

But knackering, after an ⓧ hour shift … !

~≈†≈~

The Daily Teaser — 26-11-2014

Bleugh … !

And DOUBLE bleugh … !

Or possibly even triple bleugh … 

Did I tell you I was working, yesterday … ?

I didn’t … ?   I was working, yesterday.

Quite a long shift, actually.

With the net result that, this morning … ?   I am definitely felling my age,

And leg muscles.

And lower spine.

And feet.

And … well, you get my drift … 

~≈Î≈~

The Daily Teaser — 25-11-2014

You know, I’ve got to admit, I’m looking forward to work, tonight.

No, really!

I’m a little worried, though.

After all, it’s a seven hour shift: which means I’m going to be in no fit state, first thing in the morning.

Still … ?

The upside to this means I can get a few things done in the meantime: the inevitable bits of paperwork that have to get handed in, a few teasers to write, what have you.

Hopefully … ?

Hopefully, I’ll get a few emails in, too … 

~≈®≈~

The Daily Teaser — 24-11-2014

Now, that was nice to see, last night.

Bless, the BBC’s been doing a science-fiction season over the past few days.

And, while I think I’ve already seen most of the films they’re airing as part of this … ?

It’s nice to see that they’re ALSO repeating they 1981 version of John Wyndham’s The Day Of The Triffids.

To be frank … ?

To be frank, I know the Triffids themselves are — arguably — ropey.

But I personally think this version’s on a par, if not better, than the 2009 version: that took a few liberties with the text I felt were unjustifiable.

Either way … ?

I also think it’s worth an evening of your time.

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 23-11-2014

Well, that’s something.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I live in a small Essex town, called Brentwood: best known, to some, as home to The Only Way Is Essex.

A town that used to — but now doesn’t — have a cinema.

I, personally, like the the idea of living in a town with a cinema: and have written about  Brentwood Council’s attempt to get one built for some time.

I added another post to the pile, last night: mostly about how I’d sent a letter to cinema chains, to see what size cinema they’d find viable.

Hopefully, I’ll hear back, soon.

Either way?   Either way, I should thank Old Peculiar regular, Debbi, and everyone else who commented on the post, last night: Mike, Terrence and Dave.

Now … Let’s move on … 

~≈Ÿ≈~

About That Cinema …

Brentwood Gazette Article
12th November, 2014

My Letter Part 1

You know, it’s an ongoing thing … 

That’s possibly a phrase that’s got you wondering, hasn’t it?

But what I’m talking about … ?

Is Brentwood’s Cinema.

Or rather …

The cinema we haven’t got: and haven’t had for some time.

~≈fi≈~

The Daily Teaser — 22-11-2014

Ladies and gentleman, it’s Official.

We now have an extra link!

Just in case you hadn’t noticed, if you scroll down, you’ll see a link to the site of Old Peculiar regular, Debbi Mack.

And under that … ?

Is a link to the Hidden Herstories site: who’ve been kind enough to put in a reciprocal link, back here.

Which is helpful for all concerned.   From what I’ve understood, part of how Google — and other search engines — works is by counting the number of links going into a site: and boosting it up the search results, as a result.

If you’d like a link here — and can put a link to the Old Peculiar on your site — feel free to leave me a comment: or send me an email.

Now … 

Let’s get a move on, shall we?

~≈†≈~

The Friday Question Set — 21-11-2014

Right … 

I’ve OFFICIALLY double checked.

I’ve got today and tomorrow off!

I’ve checked.   Which was good: and certainly something that could’ve been more useful, over the past few days.

Where, frankly, I made a complete Horlicks of my shifts!

But that’s possibly a story for another time … 

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 21-11-2014: World Television Day

ARGH!

Once again with the wrong shift!

Turns out that, yesterday, when I thought I had the day off?

I was supposed to be working, in the evening!

Talk about embarrassing!

Thankfully, I think everyone was fairly forgiving about it: as I’m a new boy.

Still … That’ll teach me to read the rota, correctly … !

~≈¥≈~

The Daily Teaser — 20-11-2014: The Grand Mosque

Right … 

I’ve officially got the day off.

The day off, time to myself … 

And time to do some shopping, with the last of my benefit payments.

Frankly … ?

Well, frankly, I’m looking forward to that.

One thing the weight management programme I’m on has taught me, is that a healthy snack’s important.

Or, at least, healthier than some of the alternatives.

Personally — and as odd as it sounds — I’m getting used to apples.

Ha!   Like you hadn’t worked THAT out already … !

~≈Ê≈~

The Anomaly: That’s Entertainment … !

19th November, 2014.

It has to be said, I do like a movie, now and again.

No, really.

Personally … ?

Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and The Imitation Game: either renting them or seeing them at the cinema.

Actually, anyone wanting to buy me a cinema ticket and the train fare to Romford, is welcome to.

I don’t think a cinema’s going to be built in Brentwood for a while: ever though the recent consultation that Brentwood Council did, indicated a cinema is something the folk of Brentwood wanted to see.

At ANY rate … ?

At any rate, I likes me a movie, now and then.

Tonight’s rental … ?

Tonight’s rental was the Noel Clarke directed, 2014 film, that is … The Anomaly.

And … ?

Well, it’s far from perfect … 

~≈®≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 19-11-2014: World Toilet Day

Well, THAT was embarrassing: I managed to mix up my shifts … !

Basically, I thought I was working, today: and it turns out I wasn’t … !

BOY, did I feel like a lemon … !

~≈Á≈~

The Daily Teaser — 19-11-2014: The National Lottery

You know, right now … ?

Right now, I’m thinking the phrase is ‘Yoicks’.

With good reason, actually.

I had my second shift, at my new job, last night.   And managed to get to bed at 12.

And, boy, I’m feeling it!

There’s bits of me going ‘twang’ that haven’t twanged in a while!

All that … ?   All that, and boy, and I’m yawning like a good ’un.

Perils of a working life and many, I think.

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 18-11-2014

Well, here we go.

Tonight’s my second shift at my new job.

And I have to admit, it’s hard work.

Especially when you consider I’ve not been working for a while.   It does take a while to get back into the swing of things.

Thus far … ?   It’s been less berserk than the pub trade which I spent so time in.

Less berserk, more fun … and with a nicer crowd of people … 

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 17-11-2014

Hmmm … 

It’s a Monday.

Which means I’ve a busy one.

After all, I’ve got to tell the housing benefit people I’m now working.

AND I’ve got my weight management programme, tonight.

Do you get nervous at that sort of thing … ?

I do: especially when it comes to the BIG moment: actually finding out how much, if anything, I’ve lost.

I’ve done well: thus far, I’ve lost about five kilos.

Here’s hoping … 

~≈fl≈~

The Daily Teaser — 16-11-2014

Hmmm … 

I’ll be frank, I’ve got last night’s episode of Atlantis on: the opening episode of Series 2, in case you’re interested.

I THINK they’ve missed a bit.

Unless I have.

At ANY rate … ?   King Minos have been written out of the series.

As the actor who played the part, Alexander Siddig, has now joined the cast of Game Of Thrones.

Be interesting to see him in that, actually: I think I, along with the rest of the planet, have been thoroughly enjoying GoT for some time.

Its gain is Atlantis’ loss.

Either that … or HBO pays better … !

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 15-11-2014

Right … That’s my first shift done with … 

Did I tell you I’ve started work, just recently?

At a local fast food place.

All good.   I’ve even got the first bits of uniform in: but still need hat and shoes.

They should hopefully come in, today.

I‘ve also got a couple of last bits of initial e-learning to do.

About the one problem … ?   Is the set up of the store’s computer.   The way the company’s IT department have set it up means you can’t switch the mouse to left hand use.

As anyone who knows me will tell you, that’s an especial bugbear of mine.

Although personally … ?

Personally, that’s something I’ve always thought of under several different term.

Starting with ‘git’ and going rapidly downhill from there … 

~≈fi≈~

The Friday Question Set — 14-11-2014

Oh … !

Now that’s rapidly responsive … !

Remember, this morning, I told you how we’d had an … incident … here in my building?

To be frank … ?

Nothing’s been done to remedy it.

Which sounds bad, I know: but I’ve had word, already, from our landlord’s reps to the area.

Repair crews have had the job booked up: hopefully, we’ll see that fixed soon.

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 14/11/2014: World Diabetes Day

Oh, LOVELY … !

Someone’s kicked the front door in … !

I have to admit, the street I live on … ?   Is mostly, an OK place to live.

OK, you get the ODD incident.   Mostly what — back in the day — we used to refer to as ‘handbags as dawn’.

Last night … ?

Given the state of the front door window, last night, I think we can say this was suitcases, rather than handbags.

Someone … ?

SOMEONE had a little too much to drink, last night … 

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 13-11-2014: Real Football‡

Hmmm … 

You know, I had an interview, yesterday.

In Romford, it has to be said.

Which … 

Well, it seemed to go well.   I and my interviewer had the usual sort of give and take one gets at these things.

I’ll only know for sure: next Monday, when — if — they call.

I’m hopeful.   Frankly, it seems like an ideal job for me.

But I’m also realistic.   For all I feel I did well, however ideal a fit I feel I maybe, however well I feel I may have got on with my interviewer* … ?

I’m realistic enough to admit, I may well not get the job.

If I hear nothing, come Monday?   I’ll know for sure.

~≈Î≈~

Godzilla: Hmmm …

12th November, 2014.

You know, it has to be said: bagging a job has left me wanting to spend money I’ve already spent.

On the perfectly reasonable assumption that — as yet — I haven’t actually done anything with it.

Or earned it.

Yet.

Which sounds bloody odd, now I come to write it down … 

Hmmm … 

I could possibly re-state that, couldn’t I … 

Yes.   I could … 

~≈®≈~

The Brentwood Gazette Weekly Teaser — 12-11-2014|: Quids In!

Well … 

We’ve OFFICIALLY landed on a comet … !

Well … 

I say we: I actually mean us, collectively.   humanity, that is.

We’ve landed on a comet.

Or, more strictly, a probe — called Philae — has landed on Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko: at just after 16:05.

One launched I should add, from the Rosetta Probe: and originally launched by the European Space Agency, some ten years ago, and control from Mission Control Darmstadt, in Germany.

All good.   Hopefully … ?

Hopefully … it’ll give us lot’s of exciting science.

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 12-11-2014

Hmm … 

That seemed to go well.

My first day at work, I should add.

Saying that … ?

Saying that, it WAS our initial day day.   Basically, my fellow newcomers and I were all getting inducted: getting a basic run-down of the company’s aims, and what it does, basic Health & Safety and Emergency procedures, and doing the basic ‘joining up’ paperwork.

Which was nice.

The real stress test will be Friday, which is my next shift.

Before then … ?

Well, before then, I’ve got today.   Which includes a quick meeting with my Job Advisor: to see what help I can get, after returning to work.

Oh … 

And I’ve got an interview, this afternoon, in Romford.

It never rains, but it pours … 

~≈Ÿ≈~

The Daily Teaser — 11-11-2014: Armistice Day

Right, it’s official: I’m in a rush.

I’m official: I’m back at work, today.

OK: it’s only a part-time job at my local KFC.

And OK: today’s only the formal induction, and only going to be for two hours.

But, boy … !

It’s nice to say I’ve got a job!

~≈®≈~

The Daily Teaser — 10-11-2014

Hmmm … 

Didn’t expect to see that.

Did I tell you I’m on Twitter?   I’m on Twitter: if you didn’t know.

Like most of us, there, I try and be polite: and keep my use of bad language to a minimum.   Hard work, sometimes, but I usually manage it.

Which doesn’t mean I’ve not been on the wrong end of it.

I’m a Dr Who fan, as you know: and have a Twitter list about the subject.   Saturday And Sunday?   Was busy, obviously.   And usually?   Usually, most of the people I’ve got on it are polite, and happy to talk: including, I should add, the people who aren’t enjoying the Moffat era of the show.

Some, on the other hand?   Some, like one chap I talked to, yesterday, definitely aren’t interested in being polite.

I’d innocently — and politely, I felt — suggested to one group that, if they were seriously not enjoying the show, then maybe changing channels — or turning off the TV — would be an idea.

And got … well, not a torrent of abuse: but certainly got replies with seriously offensive language.

Now I’ve worked in pubs.   I’ve used, and heard, all sorts of language: especially when kicking people out at closing time, on Fridays and Saturdays.

I’m used to strong opinions.   I’m used to offensive language.

I’m used to hearing offensive language: in a pub, after the user’s had a few, and getting kicked out.   I expect it, in that context.

I might expect to hear that sort of language, in private, from friends who are seriously angry about something.

I don’t expect to get it in a public forum, first thing on a Sunday morning.   Not my local newsagent.   Not in a supermarket, while I’m shopping.

And certainly not on Twitter.

~≈®≈~

The Daily Teaser — 9-11-2014

You know … I love late night blogging, I really do.

Well … I like it, I should say.

But, boy … !   I’m not as young as I was, I know that.

I think I can safely say that, this morning … ?   I feel just a touch more tired than I usually do.

Still … 

I think I’ve put together a good post: about last night’s Dr Who finale episode, Death In Heaven.

A good post, about possibly what has to be the best episode of the season.

If it’s not the best episode of the rebooted Dr Who, ever.

~≈fl≈~

Dr Who Series Eight: Episode 12 Death In Heaven

*Spoilers*

8th November, 2014.

Oh … 

My … 

Giddy … 

Aunt … !!!

Did they just DO that … ?

No, wait, they did, didn’t they … ?

Tonight’s episode of Dr Who, the Rachel Talalay† directed, Steven Moffat penned, Death In Heaven … 

Sees the death of Osgood, played by Ingrid Oliver: killed by Missy/The Mistress, as she escapes from two UNIT guards, and a pair of handcuffs.

Sees Colonel Ahmed — Sanjeev Bhaskar*, in a cameo part — dragged out of a plane window.   Whilst in flight.

Sees the death of Danny Pink, after he’s been converted into a zombie-style Cyberman.   With a BIG finish, I should add!

Oh … 

And see the Master shot.

Dead.

By the Brigadier.

The fact there’s flying Cybermen, lots of graveyards, and a post-title teaser with Nick Frost as Father Christmas … ?

Could almost be beside the point, couldn’t it‡ … ?

~≈^≈~

The Daily Teaser — 8-11-2014

Hmmm … 

No, just, Hmmm … !

Basically, all of that noise … ?   Is that I think I’ve had an early morning.

No, correction, I know I’ve had an early morning!

What make’s this morning, different from yesterday morning … ?

Is simply the fact I’m starting to notice it’s getting colder, as it’s getting nearer to winter.

OK, granted, it’s not that colder.

Yet.

But I think I’m starting to feel my age … !

Now … Let’s me grab a cuppa … 

And we can move on … 

~≈§≈~

The Friday Question Set — 7-11-2014

Blimey, I have SO got to get a move on, hadn’t I … ?

Frankly … ?

I start a new job on Tuesday.

And, yes, I know that’s a few days away.

But I want to try and get the videos done for the upcoming  Daily Teasers*.

With THAT in mind?

Let’s get a move on … !

~≈§≈~

The Daily Teaser — 7-11-2014

Hmmm … 

You know, child abuse is … not a good thing.

And I think we can say that’s understating thing, just a touch.

After all, I’ve know people who’ve been the victims of abuse: they’ve not had an easy life, recovering from it.

So I think I, like others, have had half an eye on the progress of the Wanless enquiry.   That’s been trying to track down what’s called the Dicken’s Dossier, after it disappeared: the dossier was a collection of documents that MP, Geoffrey Dickens handed over to the Home Secretary, back in the 80s, that detailed allegations of abuse committed by senior MPs and public figures.

Which is a scandal.

One I’m wondering about.   You see, I had a friend who used to work at the Royal Courts of Justice: Britain’s central and highest courts, in other words.   (The Old Bailey, Britain’s central criminal courts, are a separate entity: about half a mile away.   The RCJ deals with everything else: including some criminal matters.)

He alway’s used to say — with something of a knowing smirk — that evidence in various pornography/obscene publications cases used to go — AHEM — missing in transit.

He never specified exactly what sort of pornography.   And, at the time, I assumed the stuff concerned nastier versions of stuff anyone could get in their locals newsagents.

These days … ?   I have to admit, these days, I wonder one thing.

What sort of porn went missing … ?

~≈ß≈~

The Daily Teaser — 6-11-2014

Blow me!

THAT worked … !

Remember, yesterday, that I said I was going for an interview?

There’s a long story, there: but, through a mix of me not double-checking, and the company not actually saying anything in the email, but I ended up walking to Pilgrim’s Hatch — near where my family live — for an interview that was actually in Mountnessing.

Which is inaccessible to a non-driver, like me.

~≈Á≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 5-11-2014: Bonfire Night

Right … 

I’m going to type rather fast, today.

I’ve an interview at 12·30, today: and need to get ready.

In Pilgrim’s Hatch, I should add, so quite a walk!

So, without much further ado … ?

~≈∂≈~

The Daily Teaser — 5-11-2014: GUNPOWDER … !

Hmmm … 

Did I tell you I had an interview, yesterday … ?

I had an interview, yesterday.

For a local fast food restaurant, so you know.

There’s a certain amount of irony there: in that the suggestion to go to the weight management programme I’m on, came — in part —from my Job Centre advisor: who also found the interview for me.

At ANY rate … !   I had an interview, yesterday.   Which I suspect went well enough.   Saying that … ?

Saying that, I think I won’t get a position from the franchise running the restaurant.

Britain has an age related, statutory minimum wage: a lot of the rest of the interviewees were younger, and therefore cheaper, than me.

Go figure … !

~≈Ê≈~

Black Sheep: Shear Stupid Fun … !

4th November, 2014.

You know, there’s times a body has to cut loose, there really are.

You know, do something a touch out of the mainstream.

Some people going skiing.

Others … ?

Go on murderous rampages, shooting everyone in sight, with large caliber weaponry.

I should add that the latter … ?

Isn’t something I intend doing.

Well … 

Not outside my imagination, anyway … !!

At ANY rate … ?

At any rate, people do different things, in order to have a change from the usual routine.

Personally … ?

Personally, I like to have wild orgies, involving lots of attractive blondes who can’t get enough of me: and want to be the mothers of my children.

Barring that … ?

Barring that, of course, I’ll settle for a  movie, a nice cup of tea, and a bun.

Or the movie and a cup of tea: I’m trying to lose weight, thank you.

~≈Ô≈~

Hmmm … 

I’m in full on burble mode, aren’t I … ?

You’d noticed, hadn’t you … ?

I can tell.

Whether I can or not, I’m very aware it’s late.   I’m burbling … 

And I wanted to tell you about the film I’ve just seen.

That’s how I occupy myself on a quiet night.

I catch a film.

Tonight’s movie … ?

Was the 2006, iTunes rental that is … Black Sheep.

And if I told you it was bloody stupid … would you believe me … ?

~≈Ô≈~

The Daily Teaser — 4-11-2014

Hang on, what … ?

What … ?

I’m just listening to Radio 4: my usual early morning listening.

The Today programme’s political coverage is usually second to none: to the point where your political career can get a kick-start — or kicking — only after appearing on the show.

It’s daily racing tips are usually well spoken of, too.

It’s even mentioned one horse that did well, yesterday: called Who Shoot Thebarman.

Hmmm … 

Interesting name.

Although, as an ex-barman, myself … ?   I don’t know if I can completely approve … !

~≈Ÿ≈~

The Daily Teaser — 3-11-2014

Right … 

It’s Monday.

But you’d possibly worked that one out, hadn’t you … ?

At any rate, it’s Monday: which means a couple of thing.

Firstly … ?   I’m off to my weight management programme, tonight.   I’m curious: I hadn’t actually lost much weight, last week.   We’ll have to see how things go, there.

And secondly … ?

Well, I’m back off to the local Job Centre, again: I’m kind of getting used to the idea of heading up there to do an online search.

It’s nice to get out of the house: even if I’m only heading five minutes up the road.

~≈Â≈~