And … ? Having looked out of my window, I can tell Brentwood’s looking overcast.
Will I be putting money on much needed rain?
Nope!
Going by the BBC’s weather prediction for the area, it’s going to be muggy, overcasting … and distinctly non-rainy.
That’s a shame: we could do with it.
~≈Û≈~
Oh, I’ve had Radio 4 on. And, in their Sunday morning religious magazine show?
A pair of talking heads were discussing the protests that take place outside abortion clinics: which was a fascinating listen … that saw the pro-life protestor accusing the clinic support of accusing him of thoughtcrime.
It has to be said: it’s the first time I’ve heard the word used outside 1984.
~≈Û≈~
Oh … before I forget … ?
Yes: I’ve reviewed another episode of Star Trek Picard.
If you’ve been following my blog for the last few weeks? You’ve possibly realised that I’ve been watching Stranger Things, series four on Tuesdays: and reviewing the episodes on Wednesdays.
I’ve been watching the second season of Star Trek Picard on Fridays, and posting my written and video reviews of each episode on Saturdays.
Tonight, of course, is Friday: so, on top of mentioning today’s Teaser — just in case you were wondering about the stuff I mentioned in the intro video —I’ll be watching the next episode, called Two of One.
Right Said Fred and Hole in the Ground were a hell of a lot of fun.
There were film appearances, TV appearances, the most Jackanory appearances by any one given performer.
Personally? I remember seeing him as Tom Cambell in Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D, the second Dr Who movie.
I think the man’s biggest legacy? Was providing the narration — and voicing every single character — in The Wombles.
The show was the only one at the time that talked about recycling stuff: at a time when no other show — with the possible exception of Blue Peter — did so.
Legacy doesn’t even start …
~≈♽≈~
Yesterday … ?
I was up early: I had a Zoom meeting to attend, at ten, and wanted to make sure I’d done my usual stuff done, first.
I didn’t notice the yelling from up the road: at around 7:20ish.
There’s always someone having an argument, around here!
I also didn’t consciously notice the emergency ambulance, trauma team, and half a dozen police cars, turning up
Or know about them, until;
Someone asked what was happening on my street’s Facebook group.
At least three people contacted me — through Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp — to ask if I was ok, and what on Earth was happening!
Which is me all over!
At any rate? A resident of Torville Court, the block next to mine, had been attacked: and seriously injured.
According to the Essex Live reports? A 28 year old man had been arrested on charges of Actual Bodily Harm, and for assaulting one of the ambulance staff.
From other things I’ve been told? And if the victim is who I think it is? (Which seems likely, from descriptions I’ve been given.)
The victim is said to have all sorts of dodgy dealings.
Was a piece on the Today program: that tells us a group of MPs have recommended pausing deductions from Universal Credit, ones that repay arrears and overpayments.
I’m one of the people who has some deductions: to repay council tax arrears.
I’m … kind of caught.
I’d like to get those arrears sorted: that would have long term benefits.
I also have to admit, a pause would be welcome: even given I’ve re-negotiated some bills, and had help with others?
The extra few quid a month would be useful.
My only concern? Is whether the government will accept that recommendation.
In other words, I’ve got nothing planned for the day: beyond making a phone call or two, and possibly buying the makings of some spaghetti.
Oh … and watching Stranger Things, tonight.
It’s looking rather good.
~≈🧟♀️≈~
I keep an eye on the technology news: occasionally, at any rate.
So I’m very aware that facial recognition technology is something of a hot issue.
It’s seen by some as being very invasive of privacy: and many will remind you that it’s had — and probably still has — issues recognising people of colour.
I recall reading one piece that told us many black British men had been asked to take off their lipstick. I’ll let that sink in, shall I … ?
At any rate … it’s problematic.
It’s also come to a crunch point.
SouthernCo-op* is facing legal issues: at least, according to this piece.
Basically? Big Brother Watch has filed a complaint about Southern’s use of Facewatch: a facial recognition.
It’s invading people’s privacy.
Southern, themselves? Say they’re only planning to use it in branches with a history of crime and anti-social behaviour.
Personally? And while I’m aware of the issues?
I’ve also worked in retail.
Were I still working in shops?
I’d feel comfier knowing something like this is around.
I mentioned — in yesterday’s Teaser — that we were expecting seriously high temperatures.
With the Met Office predicting some 40°C.
It wasn’t quite that bad.
The hottest it got?
Was 38.1°C: in Surrey, and other parts of England.
I know it got to 36° in Brentwood: and that my flat hit 30°!
It wasn’t pleasant.
It’s possibly going to get worse.
The Today programme’s talking about 40° to 42° maximums.
With the temperature in my part of town predicted to be 38°.
I think today is going to be another day like yesterday.
It’ll be a two shower day.
(I can still remember one family holiday to Spain: back when the UK was a LOT cooler, and Spain, comparatively tropical. Stepping off the plane was like walking into a war of heat. Stepping out of my front door, yesterday? Reminded me of that trip.)
~≈°≈~
You’ve possibly realised I’m on benefits: as a result of an extended job search.
And — like many in the same shoes? — waiting for the first of the government’s Cost of Living payments.
That first payment, of £326, turned up yesterday.
Even though I’ve spent a good chunk of it? A big wedge on gas, electricity and my internet connection? I’m grateful it turned up.
