The Daily Teaser — 30-4-2015: Scandal … !

Phew … ! That seems to have gone down well … !

Bless, I managed to pick up a copy of Heathers, for a neighbour: I was feeling generous, it has to be said.

A copy that turned up, yesterday: and was gratefully received.

I have to add, here, it was a second-hand copy.   I can’t complain TOO much about that: it WAS cheap!

It was a little scratched, though: something I felt I should warn Faye about.

And something I know gave my copy of both Handbrake and RipIt a head-ache, trying to back-up.   I’m just thankful I thought to use MakeMKV*: that seems to help … !

So did something else.   Giving the surface of the DVD a quick wipe.   With glass cleaner and some toilet paper.

Amazing what you can do with glass cleaner and toilet paper … !

~≈®≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 29-4-2015: Everybody Dance

Ah … !

RIGHT … !

THAT’S turned up.

Bless, I promised a friend/neighbour of mine that I’d try and get hold of a copy of the Christian Slater/Winona Rider film, Heathers: something of a cult classic, I seem to recall.

Hopefully … ?

Well, hopefully, I’ll be able to back it up, before Faye comes to pick it up.

Here’s hoping!

~≈fi≈~

The Daily Teaser — 29-4-2015

And breeeeeeeathe … !

Phew … !

It’s FINALLY done.

OK … “What’s done?” I hear your ask.

The door in the back of the building!

You know, I’d better tell you what I’m talking about, hadn’t I … ?   The past few years have seen me complaining to my landlords about the position of my gas meter.   It, and the three for the three flats above mine, were at the back of the building: and inaccessible to us, without a lot of mucking about.

As this video shows.

Thankfully, though … ?   And after me complaining for several years, AND going to the Brentwood Gazette … ?

After all that, developers, Crest Nicholson have finally both put a door in the back of the building, paved the area, AND fenced it off, so we can’t get to someone else’s car-park and thieves trying to get into ours are slowed down.

Here … 

Finally, we have a door, complete with the key.   Now … does anyone fancy a barbecue … ?

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 28-4-2015

Hmmm … 

I THINK I’ve got a good deed planned for today.

Bless, one of my neighbours finally realised, last night, she needed a hand: building a scooter for her youngest’s birthday.

I’m going to look in, today, to see if I can help.

Or, at least, let her know what I can do, on tomorrow, my next day off.   (Basically, I’m working, today: and waiting for the chap to turn up with the key to our gas meter area.)

I’m glad it’s her sister that phoned, though.

The woman’s got a fantastic phone voice!

Hubba, hubba … !

~≈†≈~

The Daily Teaser — 27-4-2015

Hmmm … THAT’s handy … !

Did I tell you I babysat my four-year-old nephew, Jude, a week or two, ago … ?

We managed to have a LOT of fun with a thing called a Marble Run: basically, it’s a construction toy made with lots of  plastic tubes, pipes and bowls.

You hook them all together, put marbles in, and have fun.

Well … 

I had some overtime, last week, and managed to pick a large Marble Run — a very large one! — from Amazon.   At what was quite a reasonably price.

Personally?

Personally, I’m looking forward to Jude, his Mum, and Aunty Anna* getting back from their holiday in Centre Parcs: I’d like to see the look on his face when we put it together.

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 26-4-2015

FINALLY … !

The thing turned up … !

I managed to order a cable a few days ago: which arrived, yesterday.

One that let’s me connect a monitor with a vga to a video card — like mine — with a DVI port.

I’m thankful, grateful … 

And looking forward to trying it out.

Especially when you consider the second hand Mac Pro I’m using has a comparatively high spec video card — at least, for the generation of the machine — that includes two such ports.

In other words?   I can connect two monitors to it … 

Yes … looking forward … 

~≈Ÿ≈~

’71 — Genius … ?

25th April, 2015.

Did I mention that, at the start of April, I watched Jack O’Connell film, Starred Up: about a young prisoner who’s life changes radically, when he’s transferred from a Young Offenders Institute, to an adult prison.

It’s a very good film, I should add: one I believe is worth your time and money, much as it was mine.

I got paid, yesterday.

On the strength of that viewing?

On the strength of that viewing, sand the money burning a hole in my pocket, I decided to rent another film, tonight: after a (for me) long day.

The film in question?

The Yann Damange directed, Gregory Burke penned, Jack O’Connell film that is … 

’71.

And, I hear you ask, IS it a genius piece of film making … ?

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 25-4-2015: Integrated Circuitry.

Blimey, I’m up, early.

Basically … ?

Basically, I’ve a 9 o’clock start, today.     And a staff meeting at 8·30.

Before that?   Well, before that, I want to post up today’s Teaser.

But ALSO wanted to tell you I’d picked up a couple of albums from iTunes: a couple by The Associates, whose work I’d enjoyed back in the early 1980s.

The one problem?   Is that their seminal album, Sulk, isn’t on iTunes: or Google Play.

Although copies are on Amazon.   For an eye watering price.

Blowed if I’m paying that for a CD!

~≈¥≈~

The Friday Question Set — 24-4-2015

You know, I HAVE to admit, I’ve just re-read my intro for last week’s Friday Question Set.

And have to admit, it’s a bit … You know … 

Sparse!

Putting it mildly … !

At ANY rate, if you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll possibly realise a thing or two.

There’s been a stabbing in Rollason Way: which, frankly could’ve been worse.

But, worse or otherwise?

Worse or otherwise, I’m more pleased about the fact I’ve now got a rear entrance.

At the back of my building, before we start with the funny looks and dubious metaphors!

Frankly, it’s a welcome backdoor: as it now means I can get to my gas meter.

Happy Days!

~≈®≈~

The Daily Teaser — 24-4-2015

You’re probably aware that I’ve got a gas meter, aren’t you?

I’ve got a gas meter: JUST so you know.

It’s at the back of our building: in next doors carpark, and for years, has made reading and/or topping up a meter very hard to do.

You’ll also be aware I’d had words with both my landlords, Crest Nicholson about installing a door in the back of the building, so I — and the three other affected tenants — can get to our meters.

Well … guess what … ?

The work on that door started on Tuesday.   And, happily?   Is almost completed.

Happy days!

~≈Ÿ≈~

The Daily Teaser — 23-4-2015: UN English Language Day

You know, it’s amazing!

No, really!

I’m talking about the stabbing that took place in Rollason Way: my street, in other words.

You would not BELIEVE the amount of gossip it’s generated … !

Or possibly you would.

I DO know that at least one other neighbour — Olga, a couple of floors upstairs from me, and ALSO affected by The Gas Meter Situation —has gone on record to say how shocking the incident is.

She does have a point.

Although, personally … ?

Personally, I think it could have been worse.

We could have seen a fire, there, yesterday.

We could be talking about a death toll, rather than injuries.

~≈Ê≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 22-4-2015: Earth Day

Oh … 

Blimey … 

THAT’S a thing.

If you’ve read today’s Daily Teaser, you’ll Realise there’s been a stabbing in my street: Rollason Way.

A couple of door away from me, I should add.

I’ve been nosing around, a little.

A VERY little, I should add.

From what I’m hearing, at least one person named.   At least, I’m TOLD it’s someone who works in a local hairdressers.

Whether it’s true or not … ?

I don’t know.   But I’d love to find out … !

~≈Ç≈~

The Daily Teaser — 22-4-2015

You know, I was going to start by telling you that it’s official.

Workmen have started work on building a fence around the rear of our block of flats: and will be paving the area, then putting in a door at the back of our building.

They tell me they’ll be finished by Thursday.

All good!

Until last night, when I was heading off to work.

I got curious about the fact a neighbour — over the road from me — was looking out of his window, towards the other end of Rollason Way: just before I went to work, last night.

It turns out someone got stabbed.   In Torville Court, a few doors down from where I live.

Turns out two people have been taken to Queens Hospital: at least one of whom is in a ‘serious, but stable’ condition.

It’s all go, ’round here, I know that … !

~≈†≈~

The Daily Teaser — 21-4-2015

Did I tell you I’ve got William Gibson’s latest novel, The Peripheral, as bedtime reading … ?

I’m reading William Gibson’s latest, of … 

Yeah, you get my point.

And it HAS to be said, I’m enjoying it, thus far.

I forget where I saw the phrase: but someone described Gibson’s prose as being ‘dizzying’.

I think I know what they mean: he certainly trots along at a good pace.

Personally … ?

‘Enjoying it’ might be too mild a term.

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 20-4-2015

Blimey, that’s a thought, I’m back at work, today.

Which is possibly something you’re excited about, aren’t you?

I can tell, you know!

But at any rate … ?

At ANY rate, it means I’m back, doing my bit for the company charity.

I don’t know how much everyone else has picked up.

But going by the little cards on the store’s walls?

I’ve managed to raised £268.

I’m not complaining: it means I’ve done some good.

That’s something to be pleased about.

~≈®≈~

The Daily Teaser — 19-4-2015

Drat … !

I’ve got an earworm going through my head … !

Arrgh … !

I was going to start off today’s post by telling you I’ve been reading William Gibson’s new book — The Peripheral — of an evening.

Frankly … ?

It’s just starting to warm up: and get into Gibson’s familiar, and rather dizzying, prose.

Instead?

I’m going to inflict the earworm I’ve had banging through my, at you.

I’m sorry, it’s the only way … !

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 18-4-2015

Ye gods, but bits of me are twanging, at the mo … !

Really … !

Frankly, I’ve been happily working quite a few hours, this week: managing to get finished, last night, at 10:30.

I got home by 11.

And posted the Friday Question Set, and got to bed, by 12.

With the net result, of course, that bits of me are … 

Well … 

Let’s just say I’m lining up cuppa number 2, as we speak.

That’s actually a good thing.

Frankly?

I’m back at work, again, today.

I can’t complain, to much.   It means I can look at buying my nephew something.   And think about another tattoo … 

Oy heh … 

~≈Ñ≈~

The Friday Question Set — 17-4-2015

You know, this is a Friday.

You know it.

I know it.

We know it.

THEY know it … 

Yes, quite!

We’ve established it’s a Friday, today, haven’t we?   Yes.

And I’ve got to admit, it’s possibly the latest I’ve possibly posted up a post — on a Friday — for quite some time!

~≈Ÿ≈~

The Daily Teaser — 17-4-2015

Right … 

It has to be said, I caught quite a lot of the Leader’s Debate, last night.

Yes, I know, politics can be a chore.

But on the other hand … ?

I thought it looked like it could be … well … 

Entertaining.

Whether it was, or not, I really couldn’t tell you.

Personally, though … ?

Personally, I know Ed Milliband and Nichola Sturgeon did well, I’m also rather impressed with Natalie Bennett of the Greens.

Whether that will translate into votes, I really couldn’t tell you.

Come that first week in May?

We’ll have to see what happens.

~≈Œ≈~

The Daily Teaser — 16-4-2015: Cops And Robbers

Right … 

It’s looks like I’m up night and early, today.

Basically, a mix up in hours now means I’m doing 14·30 until 21·00, last night, and 10·30 ’til 16·30, today.

I’m not complaining.   It means I can concentrate on working on the till, dealing directly with customers: something I think is a strength of mine.

Just as example of that?   We’re having a fund-raiser, at work: you pay a pound, which goes to charity, then pick a straw.   Depending on the piece of paper that rolled up in the straw, you stand a chance of winning a free meal.

I managed to bring in £45, yesterday.   Not that I want to blow my own trumpet — although no-one else will! — but that’s a) pretty good, and b) the best any member of staff’s managed to do.

I’m rather pleased with that.

Now … 

Does anyone else think the lead singer of Fuzzbox look like Alex Kingston … ?

~≈Ë≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 15-4-2015: Dr Johnson’s Dictionary

Right, I’m gently rushing.

Well …

Rushing … ish.

I’m at work in a bit: and desperately trying to move quickly!

~≈Í≈~

The Daily Teaser — 15-4-2015: Sink The Titanic

You know I do babysitting, right … ?

Well, no, actually, no I don’t.

But, yesterday, I did manage to look after my four year old nephew, Jude.

Who’s incredibly cute, it has to be said.

Incredibly cute … 

And who thoroughly enjoys marbles.

Actually, no, that’s wrong, too.

What he likes — to the point of making sure his Uncle Paul promised to get him another — is those Marble racing things: assorted tubes and pipes you can hook together to race marbles down.

This thing!

You’ve got to love noisy stuff like that, haven’t you … ?

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 14-4-2015

You know, I think — possibly — I’ve done something … provocative.

Possibly.

You know I’m a Terry Pratchett fan, yes?   And one saddened by his passing.

And angered — and saddened — by his contracting Alzheimer’s Disease: especially considering the condition killed a beloved grandmother.

With the election coming up … ?

The BBC are doing a #BBCAskThis hashtag: where you can submit a question — via a short video — and send it to them.

One like this … 

Whether it get’s asked, I don’t know: I don’t know that I’ve phrased it well enough to be aired.

But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be asked.

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 13-4-2015

Right … I’m now officially up, and about.

And lining myself up to go to work.

And granted, it’s got it’s ups and downs.

But I’ve got a nice liveable amount of hours, coming up.

At some mind-bggling finishing times.

Still … 

It’s all money in the proverbial bank: so I can’t complain, too much … 

~≈Â≈~

The Hobbit: The Battle Of Five Armies: I’m Glad THAT’S Over … !

11th April, 2015.

You know, I’m something of a film fan.

Well … 

I’m someone that likes watching films, let’s put it that way.

I think the term film fan possibly implies a level of geekiness that really isn’t me.   At least, as far as films are concerned.

At any rate, I like a film, every-so-often.   I’ll quite happily sit through something … if I believe it will repay me with an evening’s entertainment.

I’ve done that, tonight.

In purchasing — purchasing, note — the third part in Peter Jackson’s take on J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit: called The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies.

And having sat through some one hundred and forty-four minutes of movie?   Can’t help but think someone’s bitten off a bit more than he can chew.

I don’t know about director, Peter Jackson … but I know I’ve got work in the morning!

Right at the moment, it’s 22:50.   And I’m due to whole my ageing carcass out of bed incredibly early: to get myself into work for 10:30.

I’ve done stupider things, in my time: as I’m sure friends and family will tell you.

Right now … ?

Right now, I’m trying to think of a stupider one than watching a long movie, before a seriously early morning.

And RIGHT NOW … ?   I’m going to hit the save button on TextEdit so I can climb into the sack … 

~≈†≈~

The Daily Teaser — 12-4-2015

You know, I’ve done some daft things in my time.

Quite a few things, actually.

Right at the moment?

Right at the moment, the daft thing in question is having a late night — watching a very long movie — before having to get up early to go to work.

Oy … veh … !

The upside … ?

The upside is that at least I get a good long run up to do the post.

About the movie … !!

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 11-4-2015

You know, I’ve been listening to Radio 4’s adaptation of Good Omens, over the past few days.

The station’s been repeating over the past few days: as a nod to the late Sir Terry Pratchett.

I’ve got to admit, I’m thoroughly enjoying the series.

It’s a good nod to the late Sir Terry, I think.

Last night’s episode … ?   Even included Death’s best joke: about having never laying a hand on Elvis.

Personally … ?   Well, personally, I’ve been reading through A Slip Of The Keyboard: as a way of remember my favourite author.

Good Omens is a good companion piece.

~≈Ê≈~

The Friday Question Set — 10-4-2015

That’s sad: Richie Benaud’s died.

If you’ve not heard of him … ?   The late former commentator was one of the cricket commentators on the BBC, for many years.

And, during his cricketing career, one of Australia’s better known Test captain.

OK, I was never a fan.

But still, that’s sad: both for fans, and his family.

I can only offer my condolences.

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 10-4-2015

You remember I told you — on Wednesday — that the Brentwood Gazette had published a story about the gas meters, here in Damon House.

You don’t?   I did.

And … ?

Well, bless ’em, the Gazette’s doing a follow up story: on how we’ve been told developers, Crest Nicholson, are to install a door in the back hallway.

To help us tenants got to our meters.

Here’s hoping the story get’s them moving a touch faster.

The sooner it’s started — and finished — the happier I’ll be.

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 9-4-2015: Isambard Kingdom Brunel

Oh … This could be good … 

I mentioned, yesterday, that I’ve had a mention in yesterday’s Brentwood Gazette: complaining about my building’s otherwise inaccessible gas meters.

Basically, they’re in next door’s carpark: and can’t be got to, unless we climb out of a window, or use next door’s Tradesman entrance.

Well, we’ve had some good news.

Crest Nicholson, the developers responsible for maintaining and altering the structure of the building, have finally decided to to door what I’ve been asking for, for quite some time.

Put a door in the communal hallway in the back of the building.

Indeed, the area outside my flat?   Saw workmen measuring up for the relevant bits and pieces, yesterday!

Personally?

I’m both grateful to the Gazette for running the story: and waiting for work to start.   Here’s hoping!

And here’s to the power of a free press!

~≈†≈~

Starred Up — Intense … !

8th April, 2015.

You know, I’m a film fan.

You’ve possibly worked that out, hadn’t you?

At least, going by the number of films I’ve written about.

Saying that … ?

Saying that, I’ve possibly not seen as many as noted film critic, Mark Kermode: nor am I aiming ofr the same sort of territory as one chap I follow on Twitter: Dave B plans to watch 2500 films, and tell you about it, on his blog.

I’m nowhere near that ambitious.

Or as prolific.

No.

I just want to catch a film, every so often, and then tell you what I thought about it.

The film I saw tonight, Starred Up … ?   Is one of those films.

And boy, I think I’ve seen a cracker.

~≈É≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 8-4-2015: Language is a Virus

You know, SOMETHING’S up … 

I’ve written — before now — that I’ve had a 

 problem with my gas meter.

I … and at least three neighbours.

Basically, out meters are in next doors car-park, and inaccessible: unless we climb out of a window.

And as you’re possibly ALSO aware … ?

I’ve taken the story to the Brentwood Gazette.

As you can possibly see from the picture.

I’ve ALSO just spoken to the relevant bloke at Crest Nicholson.

Who tells me work is due to start on a doorway in the communal hallway, so I and our fellow tenants can actually GET to the blessed things: without climbing out of a window, or walking around the houses.

I’m told the workmen were down, today, review things.

Hopefully?

They’ll start on that, soon.

I’ll just let you know, shall I … ?

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 8-4-2015

Oh, well, that’s THAT done … !

You’ve probably known — for some time — that I’m a fan of writer, Sir Terry Pratchett.

His recent death was something that saddened me, deeply: especially as he’d died from Alzheimer’s, a condition that complicated my grandmother.

I’m looking forward to The Shepherd’s Crown, his last novel: it get’s released in September.

With a certain amount of sadness: I, as every other fan, won’t be able to get it autographed.

Saying that … ?   Saying that, I’ve been keeping my eyes on Discworld Monthly, over on Facebook.

And several people have managed to change they message alert tone to the Bingley Bingley Beep noise used by the Dis-organisers owned by Sir Samuel Vimes.

Something I’ve done myself.

I might have to change that.

I can see why Old Stoneface get’s annoyed … … 

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 7-4-2015

Hmmm … 

You know I’ve been watching Gotham, don’t you?

I’ve got to admit, as frustrating — extremely frustrating — as I’ve found the mid-season gap?

The actual series itself, is VERY good.

Last night’s episode — the one I’ve got on in the background, now, following, following the Crane family shenanigans — is looking as good as ever.

And quite grim.

I’m not complaining, yet.

Just wondering if Channel 5 has some form of alert for the start of the next series … 

~≈fl≈~

The Daily Teaser — 6-4-2015

Right … 

It’s a Monday: and the start of another week.

But I have to admit: yesterday … ?

Yesterday, my guts felt bloody awful!

Lord knows what happened there, but the only thing that seemed to help?

Was getting a seriously early night.

The one upside to that, though … ?

Was that I was able to catch up on some more reading: A Slip Of The Keyboard is some interesting stuff … 

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 5-4-2015: On Easter Islands.

Right … 

It’s official.

I’ve now … wait for it … rearranged my bedroom.

Yes, I know, It’s not a MAJOR thing.

But frankly?

Frankly, I was getting bored with where everything was: and wanted to shake things up a little.

I’ve ALSO now got about seven or eight foot of bare wall.   And no paint.

You know, I might just have to do something drastic about that.   I could do with some space in my living room.

I might just move some bookshelves.   Sir Terry Pratchett has made for good bedside reading over the years … 

~≈Ÿ≈~

The Daily Teaser — 4-4-2015: The Death Of Dr King

Wouldn’t you know it … ?

I’ve managed to get myself up and out of bed.   AND necked my first cuppa of the day: after, obviously, doing my teeth, and the other basic necessities.

Reminding myself that I was going to tell you that yesterday saw me posing for a local photographer, in an effort to highlight the fact my gas meter’s in an awkward place.

The story get’s published on Wednesday, if all goes well.

 Then … ?   Then … ?

Well, then, stumbling through my bedroom in the wake of my alarm going off, THEN, I get an earworm crawling through my head.

Rihanna’s Pon de Replay, if you must know.

There’s nothing else for it: but turning the music up … 

~≈Á≈~

Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark: Interesting Effort …

3rd April, 2015.

I have to admit, there’s several things I’ve not done for a while.

No, really.

I’ve not gone out to the pub, for a while.

I’ve not — thankfully — smoked tobacco.   Or marijuana, come to think of it.

I haven’t had sex, either, come to think of it.   Nor run down Brentwood High Street, stark naked, and singing a happy tune about cheese.

Which is possibly something you didn’t want to know, now I’m come to see the words written down.

At ANY rate … ?

Amongst things likely — or otherwise — there’s one thing I know I’ve not done.

Seen a movie for a while.

And, granted I’ve a few quid on my iTunes account?

Granted I’ve got that, I know I had a copy of the Guillermo Del Toro penned, Troy Nixey directed, Don’t Be Afraid Of The The Dark lurking around in my collection: and it’s something I wanted to watch.

Having nothing else to do?

I thought I should clear the movie watching backlog.

Given there was nothing else on … 

~≈Ê≈~

The Friday Question Set — 3-4-2015

Well, that’s THAT done … 

I mentioned, this morning, that I was due a visit from a photographer from the Brentwood Gazette.

Well, he’s been: and grabbed a couple of photos of me, leaning out of my back window: and pointing at possibly one of the most contentious things in Rollason Way.

Yes … 

My GAS METER!!

Long story … but basically, it’s in the wrong carpark.

Hopefully … ?

Hopefully, this’ll force Crest Nicholson to do SOMETHING about it … 

~≈†≈~