The X-Files 2016: Episode 4 — Home Again

You know, I’ve had a mildly quiet day off, today.

Well … 

Beyond bumping into a few people I know, in Brentwood High Street, that is.

It’s given me a chance to do a little basic housework: although you possibly wouldn’t think so.

Oh, and put together a couple of videos for upcoming Daily Teasers: although the real job of work will be finishing off the rest of them, tomorrow.

But that DOES leave me with a free night … 

To … ?

Yes, you’ve guessed … 

Watched some TV.

In this case … ?

Watched episode 4 of the rebooted The X-Files: called Home Again … 

Yes … 

~≈Ë≈~

The Daily Teaser — 29-2-2016

Hmmm … 

Well that’s the Oscars done with for another year.

I’ve just had a quick look at the winners list, over on the BBC’s news site.

And have to admit, it’s nice to see Mad Max: Fury Road has done well, even though it’s not won Best Film: or one of the other big five.

Speaking as a science fiction fan?   That’s disappointing.

Although, yes … 

I’m VERY aware there’s other things to complain about.

~≈fi≈~

The Daily Teaser — 28-2-2016: Waco …

You know, it’s a Sunday.   And, thankfully … ?

It’s one I’m thankful I’ve got off.

Mainly … ?   Well, mainly, it means I can see my family: I get to see my nephew, Jude, as well.

It also means I can start organising ripping DVDs for my sister, Ruth.   Happily … ?   I’ve actually managed to persuade one member of my family that you don’t actually need a DVD to watch a movie.

What else am I doing … ?

Oh yeah … !

Shopping.

Which is going to be fun, considering how bloody cold it is, out there!

I’d better make sure I’m wearing a jumper … 

~≈∂≈~

The Daily Teaser — 27-2-2016: The Labour Party

Right … that’s that delivered … 

I’ve picked up a 64gb USB memory stick: which got delivered, yesterday.

Because … ?

Well, I’ve finally persuaded at least one member of my family that ripping DVDS, and keeping the resulting video files — what you don’t need a DVD, and a DVD player — to watch a film.

So I’ve volunteered to do the ripping: but needed something to transport the results on.

Going by my own collection … ?

That 64gb stick should just about hold them … 

~≈®≈~

The Friday Question Set — 26-2-2016

You know, you have to love a Friday … !

No really.

Frankly … ?   I’ve got the TV on, and Joanna Gosling is standing in for Victoria Derbyshire: and wondering why.

There’s a hell of a lot on, about football.

Which ISN’T my favourite thing … !

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 26-2-2016

Well … 

I’ve officially finished watching the first series of The Strain.

And have to admit, that’s a damn good series.

It’s not THAT often I mention the box-sets I’ve been watching, here in the Teasers … 

But The Strain, along with Penny Dreadful … ?

Are both worth catching.

~≈Ú≈~

The Strain Series 1 — Episodes 11, 12 & 13: Third Rail, Last Rites and The Master …

You know, I’ve got into an awfully bad habit.

No, wait, scrub that: I’ve HAD some awfully bad habits.

Most of which I’m really not going to talk about, here!

But one … bad … ?

One habit I’ve fallen into, recently, is something a lot of us are doing.

Yes … 

I’ve started to binge watch TV box sets.   As if you hadn’t noticed.

And, if you’ve been following on for a while … ?

You’ll know I’d’ve lined up not one, not two, but three — the last three — episodes of series one of … The Strain.

I’m easily impressed by good genre TV: and series 1 … 

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 25-2-2016: Mr Colt’s Patented Thing …

Hmm … that would be something to see … 

I’m not a big railway enthusiast, but I do like travelling on the train.

You get a chance to travel, AND see what’s going past, as you travel.

And, while I’m not a big on for trains … ?

I’m ALSO very aware that The Flying Scotsman — possibly one of Britain’s most famous steam loco — is on it’s way to York.

I don’t know if it’s going to be going through Brentwood.

But … ?

It would be a hell of a thing to see!

~≈Ê≈~

The Strain Series 1 — Episodes 9 & 10: The Disappeared and Loved Ones

Did I mention, last night, that I occasionally like music, when writing?

True.

Currently?

I’m listening to OMD’s Dazzle Ships: something of a favourite, and one I’ve not played for a while.

I may JUST move on to Architecture and Morality: whilst simultaneously avoiding Junk Culture.

Not that the latter’s a bad collection of songs.

It’s just a touch … you know … 

Poppy … !

And poppy isn’t necessarily what I’m wanting to listen to, right now.

No.

Not when I’m going to tell I’ve just watched two more epodes of … The Strain … !

~≈‡≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 24-2-2016: Gregory’s Calendar …

You know, while I’m posting this … ?

I’m feeling vaguely rushed: as I’m off to work, today.

But I’ve got the TV on, in the background: and the Victoria Derbyshire show has just aired a piece.

About someone in the Croydon area, who’s killing and mutilating cats.

Obviously, that’s upsetting: having owned a few pets, over the years, I know how emotionally involved we get with them.

I can’t help but also pass on a thought.   I’ve picked up an impression, over the years: that many serial killers, when young, kill animals.

And can’t help but wonder …

~≈Ç≈~

The Daily Teaser — 24-2-2016

Right … that’s that done … 

I mentioned, yesterday, that I’d managed to buy myself a cheap second hand hard drive: which didn’t work!

Which surprised me: CeX normally check these things!

Still … despite having lost the recent?  My local branch was decent enough to give me a refund: AND give me a good price on a replacement.

Which is good: it means I’ve got manoeuvring room: and extra transport.

All good … 

~≈Ç≈~

The Strain Series 1 — Episodes 7 & 8: For Services Rendered and Creatures of the Night

You know, I’ve got to admit, I do like an LP, at times.

No, really.

I don’t think I could honestly say I’m a huge music fan.

But … ?

I DO have an iTunes library.

Stuffed full of albums I’ve ripped from CDs, and stuff bought from the iTunes store, itself.

Including Born to Laugh at Tornadoes, the Was (Not Was) album I’ve currently got playing at the moment.

I don’t know about you, I like music when I’m writing, and it seemed to fit my mood.

~≈Â≈~

The reason I’m writing … ?

The reason I’m writing is relatively simple.

You see, I’ve caught up — between frantically working and Teasing — with a TV series I’ve been binge-watching over the past couple of weeks.

Yes, you’re right.

I’ve finally caught up with more episodes of series 1 of … 

The Strain … !

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 23-2-2016

Hmmm … that’s odd … 

I managed to pick up an internal hard-drive, yesterday: just an 80 gigabyte one I could use as transport, and working space, connected through a docking station.

Which promptly didn’t show up, when I got it home and connected it!

I THINK I’ve still got the receipt.   At any rate, I’m a regular at the shop I bought it from: so I don’t think taking it back, today, will be an issue.

But boy … 

Don’t you just love buying second hand … !

~≈Á≈~

The X-Files 2016: Episode 3 — Mulder and Scully Meet The Were-Monster.

Yep … 

It’s a Monday … 

You can probably tell it’s a Monday, simply by looking at the calendar, can’t you … ?

I’m pretty certain I can, I know that much.

At any rate … ?   I’ve had a Monday: one I’ve had off, and one where I’ve mostly done laundry, made Teasers slideshows … 

Like those.

And spent some time with my family: I, my sister Ruth, and my nephew, Jude, headed for Kidspace, over in Romford.

Which is definitely enjoyable.

What WAS a pain — at least for Ruth — was working out how to turn the Transformer she’d bought for Jude from a Robot into a Car.

“Mummy can’t find the smelly boobs,” was Jude’s expert opinion.

Which is … well … hard to argue with … 

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 22-2-2016

Oh, blimey, it’s back!

Did I tell you I’ve an HD Set-top box?   One that lets me record HD channels, SD channels … and, thankfully, radio.

Unlike my TV, which just records TV signals.

Frankly … ?   The thing doesn’t get THAT much use: except when Dr Who is one: I usually end up recording the HD version to a USB stick, in parallel with the SD version my TV can record.

My set-top box’s ability to record radio comes in handy: especially when Radio 4 starts airing my favourite comedies.

Yes.

You’re right.

Just A Minute’s back on.

I’m looking forward to it: Paul Merton’s setting a bit of a record … 

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 21-2-2016

It’s official.

We now have a referendum lined up.

Just in case you didn’t know?   Yesterday say the Prime Minister announce that — after protracted negotiations about reforms that define the UK’s position in the EU — the UK would be holding a referendum on whether to leave the organisation.

Or to stay in.

On the 23rd of June, this year.

Had a referendum happened twenty years ago?

I would have voted to leave.

Now … ?

I’ll happily admit, I’ve no idea how I’ll be voting: and will probably only finally decide in the voting booth.

I do know this much.

I’d heard arguments — most from those of a pro-Europe stance — that EU membership is a good thing: and that a referendum is unneeded.

I’d disagree.

I think a referendum — whatever it’s outcome — is needed.

This is such an important decision, that we — you and me — must have our say.

~≈Á≈~

The Daily Teaser — 20-2-2016: Swanning About

You know, Harper Lee died yesterday … 

Which is sad.   I read To Kill A Mockingbird — many years ago — and, while it’s not my favourite book, it’s still one that left a mark on me and many other people.

One I felt deserved company from a writer who clearly had a knack for it.

We’ll never know, now, whether she had more, other than Go Set A Watchman.

~≈É≈~

It get’s worse.   I’m listening to Radio 4’s Today programme.   And they’ve just announced the death of Umberto Eco, the man who wrote The Name of the Rose: a book I loved, as I did it’s accompanying film.

Personally?    I might just have to re-read both The Name of the Rose, and To Kill A Mockingbird, as a mark of respect to both.

Not doing so?   Would be rude.

~≈É≈~

In the midst of all this?   The fact Prime Minister David Cameron has renegotiated the terms of the various EU treaties governing the UK’s membership of the organization, and will be announcing the date of the referendum* on the subject at some point today, practically gets overlooked.

~≈É≈~

The Friday Question Set — 19-2-2016

You know, Friday mornings can be a bit rushed.

Especially when I’m doing a long shift.

Honestly, money out of the bank, pay the bills, and then … 

Then into work for a 12:30 to 21:00 shift!

With that said … ?

Let’s get cracking … 

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 19-2-2016: The Phonograph

Phew … but I’m up … 

Which sounds a little obvious, now I see it written down.

But I’m up … posting … and, in between words, getting — mentally, at least — ready to head to work on what is one of the longer shifts I’ve done at my job.

Frankly … ?   I’m doing a 12:30 to 21:00.   And won’t be getting home until about nine-thirty.

Wish me well, folks: it’s going to be a long day … !

~≈∑≈~

The Daily Teaser — 18-2-2016: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,

Hmmm … 

I think I’ve just had a nightmare … 

No, literally.

I’ve always enjoyed getting up relatively early.   Even on a day like today, when I’m off work.

But, at ANY rate … ?   I had a dream where I wear having to write 60-question set: by hand, and with no access to the huge set of questions I’ve got tucked away in a folder on my computer.

Especially for a left-hander, like me: written English is hard to write when you have to push, rather than pull, across the page.

Nightmare doesn’t even start!

~≈ß≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 17-2-2016: Ruth Rendell

Right … 

I’m now officially rushed: as I’m due to head for work, in a tick.

I’m not complaining that much: the extra hour at the start of today’s shift is appreciated, but doesn’t leave me MUCH time to make lunch!

So … without much further ado … 

~≈◊≈~

The Daily Teaser — 17-2-2016

Boy, but I’m yawning, at the moment … !

Mind you … I was up late.

Believe it or not?   Watching some episodes of The Strain, something I’d bought from iTunes on a whim.

A whim … and a bit of a gamble.   Sometimes, one doesn’t know what one’s going to get.

Saying that … ?

Going on the quality of the episodes, so far, it’s a gamble that’s paying off.

Corey Stoll and Mia Maestro make for sympathetic leads, David Bradley — the world’s favourite crusty old git — is good as the series’ equivalent of Abraham van Helsing, and the strigoi — the monsters in The Strain —suitable scary.

I just wish I’d, maybe, you know … not taken as much time, doing the write up.

Oy Veh!

~≈É≈~

The Strain Series 1 — Episodes 5 & 6: Runaways and Occultation.

You know, SOMEWHERE out there … ?

Is a universe where I get to bed sensibly early, the night before I’m due to go into work.

Oh, to hell with it.

I’ve done dafter things: trust me on that!

I DO know one thing, though.

That tonight is a night I had free.

Tonight is ALSO a night where broadcast TV had nothing appealing on.

You’ve possibly worked out — by now — that means I’ve hit the streaming media, again.

You’d be right.

I’ve caught episodes five and six, of the first series of The Strain.

And yes … it’s still watchable … 

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 16-2-2016

You know, there’s not THAT much on TV I like watching, at the mo: beyond the odd documentary.

Which means I’ve been catching a lot of box sets, over the past few weeks: as an alternative to a movie.   AND to broadcast TV.

Most of the shows on free to air terrestrial TV aren’t grabbing my interest.

However, The X-Files is something I‘ve been enjoying.

And … ?   I’ve got last night’s episode of Gotham on, ion the background.

Series 2?

Is looking damn good.

~≈§≈~

The X-Files 2016: Episode 2 — Founder’s Mutation

You know, this is getting to be a habit.

That is to say, getting home, quickly grabbing something to eat … and then sitting down to watch TV … 

Is getting to be a habit!

Yes … It’s a Monday night.

Which, if you noticed the post I put up, last week … ?

Means one thing, at the mo … 

Episode 2 of … 

The X-Files …

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 15-2-2016

It’s official.

It’s bloody freezing!

I’m in south east England, so you know: in Brentwood, obviously.

And, for the most part?   We’ve had a mild winter period.

Well … apart from the humungous amounts of wind we’ve had.

Last night, though, while I was watching The Strain?

It started snowing.

Oh, it didn’t settle: thankfully.

But … ?

But, this morning, I’ve woken up and got out of bed in the strong awareness that it’s cold.

Cold enough to seriously ramp up the heating, for the first time in a while.

Speaking personally … ?

I’m freezing … !

~≈∏≈~

The Strain Series 1 — Episodes 3 & 4: Gone Smooth and It’s Not for Everyone.

You know, I’m glad that stopped.

The snow, before you ask.

We’ve just had a brief smattering of it, if you’re wondering.

Which hasn’t settled, thankfully.

Although, frankly?   I’m very aware my five year old nephew, Jude, will be sorry he missed it.

~≈Ê≈~

At any rate … you’re probably wondering what on EARTH I’m doing on Saint Valentine’s night?

Frankly … ?   I’m happily single.

And, despite the best efforts of the Brentwood Gazette — no, don’t ask! — I’m ALSO not doing anything, tonight.

Having been perfectly happy with dinner with my family.

And having got back home … ?

Catching a couple of episodes of a box set I bought on iTunes.

You’re right … 

Two more episodes of series one of … The Strain … 

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 14-2-2016: Saint Valentine’s Day

Oh, that’s a thing … … !

You know I work in a local fast food restaurant?   And that I write for the local newspaper?

It’s not THAT often the two collide.

But a friend at work managed to drag me into a corner to point something out to me, last night.

The Gazette’s running one a Valentine’s day article: one ‘Who’s Caught YOUR Eye’ kind of things, featuring messages from people who’ve spotted someone they like, in Brentwood High Street.

One of them … ?

Is from a woman who bought some food from I worked, and — apparently — got served by me.   And, in her words … ?   “You short changed me but you were cute so I’ll let you off.”

You know … I don’t know whether I’m flattered: I’m possibly old enough to be her dad!

Or old enough to worry about stalkers … !

~≈fi≈~

The Daily Teaser — 13-2-2016: International Radio Day

Oh, thank heavens for that … 

I’m feeling a touch better … 

It has to be said, yesterday, I actually had to phone in ill to work: I had a seriously nasty of stomach cramps.

Not something I like doing: as it — obviously — means I get one less days pay.

But … ?   The way I felt, yesterday, I’d not have been much use to anyone … 

~≈Â≈~

The Strain Series 1 — Episodes 1 & 2: Night Zero and The Box

You know, I’ve got to admit: being off ill is not fun.

I’ve had stomach cramps, so you know.

And had to take the day off, as I’ve not exactly felt stunning.

Saying that?

These thing never last beyond a day.

So, by the morning … ?

I should be fine, and ready to go back to work: as per normal.

In the mean time … ?   Figuring out what to do with my time … ?

Well, I got bored.   And am short of cash.

And didn’t really fancy heading out.

So … ?

I had enough iTunes credit to buy or rent a film.   Or an app … or a TV show.

I went for a TV show.

Actually … ?

As iTunes were doing the first series for a reasonable £4·99, I went for a whole series: of something that had caught my eye a while ago.

The FX series, The Strain.

Going on the first two episodes?   I think that’s a fiver well spent.

~≈Â≈~

The Friday Question Set — 12-2-2016

That’s unfortunate … 

I’m still, dispute being notionally working, at home.

I’m off ill, if you must know: with some serious stomach cramps.

I should be well enough to go back to work, tomorrow, though.

At least, I hope so: I can ill afford to lose the hours.

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 12-2-2016

Well, that was a bit of a bad day … 

You know I work shift: in a local fast food restaurant.

Yesterday … ?   Well, yesterday was one of those day’s where everything went badly.

My till was — seemingly — down at the end of the day: by quite a lot.   But that was easily explaining: I’d actually miscounted the amount of £10 notes I’d had.

Everything else that was happening … ?

Well, let’s say there was a hell of a lot of exploding egos around!

~≈Ê≈~

The Daily Teaser — 11-2-2016

You know, I have to confess, I do like listening to Radio Four’s Today programme, first thing in the morning.

Personally … ?

I’ve always thought breakfast time TV was a bit … distracting … 

And frankly … 

It’s got a bit more of a mix to it.

After all, they’s just done a piece about the US’s beloved show, Sesame Street, moving to HBO: the home of Game of Thrones.   Which does get you wondering exactly how many dragons the Count CAN count.

And they’ve moved pom to a brief interview with former Deputy PM, Nick Clegg, about the government’s draft Investigatory Powers bill.

And then moved on to the weather.

Like I say … always a good mix.

~≈fi≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 10-2-2016: The Game

Right … It’s a Wednesday … JUST so you know.

Which means that it’s time for the Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser.

And — almost — time for me to go to work.

But, JUST in case you want to see this post on the Gazette’s site?

I should warn you they’ll be going live a little later than usual: as Joe — the Gazette reporter who usually puts the Gazette version through for me — is news gathering at a crash on the A12: one that sounds quite serious.

~≈†≈~

The Daily Teaser — 10-2-2016

It’s Wednesday … 

And today, I’m off back to work.

No, before you ask, I’m not complaining: even though I’ll be posting up both this, AND the Weekly Teaser, before I go.

Personally … 

I’m have to confess to being grateful, to an extent.   That I actually have a job.

Being in a year’s worth of employment, after so long off work … ?

Has really boosted my confidence …

~≈Ú≈~

The Daily Teaser — 9-2-2016

Oh … 

Nice … !

You’ve probably worked out I’m a fan of writer, Terry Pratchett.   One upset by his death, and the Alzheimer’s that was a contributing factor in it, but one who treasures the collection of work by the man: still sitting on my shelves.

At any rate … ?   I’ve got up, this morning, and done my usual thing: making a cuppa, cleaning my teeth … and quickly checking the BBC news site, before opening up a new post, here.

One thing caught my eye.

The news that Salisbury Council have approved plans for a statue of Terry Pratchett.

Personally … ?

I think that’s entirely appropriate.

~≈®≈~

The X-Files 2016: Episode 1 — My Struggle

Can I make a mild confession, here … ?

In amongst work, writing teasers, and everything else?

I like to — occasionally — watch a movie.

Or watch a TV show.

Back in the late 1990s, and early 2000s?

I’d be happily glued to a couple of genre shows: as, I suspect, were many people my age.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer, and its spinoff, Angel, as one pair of examples.

Another?   The ultra-geeky Robot Wars.

Yet others?   Twin Peaks, and that doyen of franchise genre TV, the various shades of the Star Trek franchise.

I think Dr Who’s suspension, between 1989 and 2005, got the BBC spending money on all sorts of things.

And — I seem to recall — airing them at about 6 o’clockish, on BBC2.

One of the series it aired?

Was the original The X-Files.

So that fact it’s gone and been given a new lease of TV life?

Meant I’d be glued to it, when it got aired on Channel 5, tonight …

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 8-2-2016

Right … I’m now up and and the day AFTER having dinner with my family.

And … ?

Well, it has to be said, my nephew, Jude … ?   Seems to like having fun with boxes.

BIG boxes!

Really incredibly BIG BOXES … !

Which he’s now turned into a robot suit, I should add.

~≈§≈~

Which looked fun, it has to be said.

And ALSO meant I could talk Ruth, his mother and my sister, into taking her computer back to my place: as it needed going over.

A basic cache clearing, virus check and defragging.

Hopefully … ?

That’s should counter the slowing Ruth’s been having issues with.

~≈§≈~

The Daily Teaser — 7-2-2016: The Prince of Wales

At LAST … !

I have a Sunday off!

He says, grabbing some tea … 

I work shifts: just in case you did know.

And, as the sales rise and fall over the year, where I work, the hours go up and down.

I can deal with that: I get enough financial help to be able to cope.

But it IS nice to have a Sunday off: it means I can have dinner with my family: including my nephew, Jude, who I haven’t seen for a few weeks.

Frankly … ?   I’m looking forward to that … 

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 6-2-2016

Right … I can officially say I’m looking forward to finishing both Stormbringer, and Weaveworld.

Although Weaveworld is a bit of a big beast … !

The reason I mention this … ?

Is that I’ve ordered a short story collection called Press Play To Start: one with a video games theme.

I’d like to read it … because there’s a contribution from noted video games writer Rhianna Pratchett.

Yes … she’s his daughter: frankly … ?

That’s why I’m getting it.

I’m a fan of  her father: and felt I’d like to see how she does.

I suspect she’s picked up some of the family talent.

That’s just going on her current record …

~≈fl≈~

The Friday Question Set — 5-2-2016

Well, that’s THAT done … !

Frankly … ?

I’ve done a little shopping, today: along with paying my bills.

On thing I HAVE managed to do … ?

Is buy myself a copy of Press Play To Start: a short story collection, themed around video games.

Mostly … ?

Because of one name.

You’re possibly aware I’m a Terry Pratchett fan, aren’t you?

His daughter, Rhianna … ?   Has contributed a short story for the collection.

Personally, I’m looking forward to Monday, when it’s delivered.

Hopefully … ?   I’d’ve finished both Stormbringer and Weaveworld, by then … !

~≈†≈~

The Daily Teaser — 5-2-2016

Right … 

Payday, again … 

Which reminds me of a couple of things.

First up … ?   I’m going to have to put a few quid in my savings account.

It’s not something I’ve ever made a habit of, of the past few years: and is something I want to keep doing.

I’d LIKE to buy a newer model Mac, at some point.

On top of THAT?

Well, I wanted to get myself a copy of Liverpool: Frankie Goes To Hollywood’s second album: but JUST found out it’s cheaper on iTunes.

And to think, I didn’t think they had a copy.

~≈Â≈~

The Daily Teaser — 4-2-2016

Right … 

I’ve got time off, today.

Frankly, where shifts are short, at the slower end of the year.

It’s all good: I’m using some of my excess holiday time to make up the proverbial hours.

At least at least, that way, I get to work on the Friday Question Set: AND more stuff for the Gazette.

If I’m REALLY lucky … ?

I might just get out of the house, long enough to give my shoes an airing … 

~≈Â≈~

The Brentwood Gazette’s Weekly Teaser — 3-2-2016: The Day The Music Died

Can I — as I’m mildly rushed — ask you and Gazette reporter, Joe Sturdy — if he’s reading this — to do me a huge favour?

Make sure I go no-where NEAR Pac-man 256 on my Apple TV: when I’m supposed to be posting up the Weekly Teasers?

It’s just a LITTLE bit distracting … !

Ahem … !

~≈®≈~