Dr Who Xmas Special 2017: Twice upon A Time — Thanking Mr Moffat

25th December, 2017.

You know … 

You can — sort of — guess I need to be up early, for work, tomorrow.

I’m writing this, for heaven’s sake: rather than doing something more Christmas.

But, to be fair?

I have spent a lot of time with my family, today: with lots of presents given and received.

Of and at least one smashed plate, one dropped glass, and a lot of frayed tempers!

But that’s Christmas for you.

Happy … with grotty bits … 

~≈§≈~

That’s truly Christmas for you.

The extraneous bits of Christmas?

Well, I think I can say the gifts I’d managed to get my family went down well.

And one or two gifts I got given caught my eye.

There’s an iTunes card in there: from Ruth and Jude.

An Amazon Gift card from my mother.

And a copy of the newly remastered Tom Baker era Shada: famously never finished because of a strike.

All gratefully received, I should add.

~≈§≈~



Of course, the really extraneous part of Christmas?

For me as a Dr Who fan is extremely extraneous.

Yep.

You’re right … 

It was Twice upon a Time … 

And Hmmm is a possible response.

~≈§≈~

The Strain — Series 4: Episodes 8, 9 & 10 — Extraction, The Traitor & The Last Stand.

21st November, 2017.

OK, now I’m feeling like a proper computer geek.

Which sounds strange, I know.

You’ve possibly noticed the Daily Teasers that I publish, here.

Along side the fact that at least two regular readers — Debbi Mack and Olga Núñez Miret — take a certain amonut of fun in doing them.

The reason I mention that?   Is simply the fact I want to tell you: I use Wikipedia as a jumping off point for writing the Teasers.

I realise there’s an argument about the site’s reliability: about how anyone can write an iffy entry for it.

I’m ALSO the first to counter that argument.   Any one can put a factually incorrect entry onto Wikipedia.

Equally?   Anyone of us can correct that mistake.

Power of the internet, hey?

At any rate, my point is simply this.

That I managed to edit an entry on Wikipedia.   I added a bit to the entry about 21st November: about the fact Robert Mugabe resigned, today.

How noteworthy that is, I don’t know.   How long it’ll stay there, again, I don’t know.

But … ?   OK, I can’t afford to donate to Wikipedia.

But, after using it as a research tool?   I feel I’ve made a positive contribution to it.

~≈§≈~

At any rate?

Something else I wanted to tell you was JUST as simple.

You’ve probably — if you’ve been following me for a while — realised I’ve been watching quite a bit of TV, recently.

American Horror Story, Mr Robot, Man in the High Castle.

Dr Who, obviously!

And, just recently?   Series 4 of The Strain.

Frankly, series four is the last of The Strain.

And, frankly?

I think the fourth series is the show’s strongest … 

And made sure the show goes out on a high.

~≈§≈~

The Strain — Series 4: Episode 6 and 7 — Tainted Love and Ouroboros.

19th January, 2017

*Mild Spoiler*

You know … 

I’m actually feeling vaguely grate that I’ve had the day off, today.

Frankly?

It means I’ve been able to do the basic food shopping I usually do on a Friday — but couldn’t due to work commitments — today.

Granted, it’s a chore. it’s use up quite a bit of remaining money … 

But it’s done.   And bagged me a few extra Nectar points.

Oh, And a voucher that bags me five times the points … if I spent more than £40 in Sainsburys!

I don’t think I have that much spare shopping money in the week!

Never mind, hey … ?   Maybe after Christmas!

~≈§≈~

At ANY rate … ?

At any, I’ve also had an evening off: which, if you hadn’t guessed by, now?

Means I’ve had time to sit down with an AppleTV, a television … 

And the next too episodes of Series 4 of … 

The Strain … !

~≈§≈~

The Strain — Series 4: Episode 3 — One Shot

16th November, 2017

You know, I’m having what I think I can call a late night.

Despite the fact it’s, what, 19:50?

Ten to eight … ?

Whatever you want to call it, it’s a comparatively late night for me: as I want to be up at four, tomorrow morning, to get the Daily Teaser for the day, done.

AND get to work by nine.

Whilst, presumably, looking and feeling as fresh as a daisy.

Although, granted, that’s an odd looking daisy … 

~≈§≈~

The point I’m trying to make?

Is simply that I’m trying to get any early night.

And?

And want to catch an episode, early, of the box set I’m currently watching.

Yep, you’ve guessed it.

The Strain, Series 4 … 

~≈§≈~

The Strain — Series 4: Episode 2 — The Blood Tax

15th November, 2017.

Would you mind, awfully, if I yawned at you … ?

Weel … 

Not at you, per se.

I’m just yawning, in general.

After all, I’ve been and gone and done a full day’s work: after having got up at four, this morning, to post today’s Daily Teaser.

I think you’ll excuse me: under the circumstances.

~≈§≈~

At least I hope you will.

At any rate?

It’s just gone nine: in the evening.

Normally?

If I were getting up at four, again, tomorrow?

I’d not be staying up, comparatively late, tonight.

I’m up at seven, tomorrow.

Not taking the perfectly good chance to watch another episode of Series four of The Strain … ?

Would be rude … 

~≈§≈~

The Strain — Series 4: Episode 1 — The Worm Turns

14th November, 2017

Can I make a confession, here?

I’ve just finished work, got myself home: and had not a lot to eat.

I’ll survive.

Someone with this much blubber could possibly do with a better organised diet, frankly.

But the odd night with a quick sandwich … ?

Possibly can’t hurt.

Although I’m very aware that looks … faintly … ridiculous.

As a statement.

Hmmm … 

I’m burbling, aren’t I … ?

I am.

Frankly?

I’ve got an early start, tomorrow.

But given it’s finally hit iTunes … ?

I wanted to do one thing.

Catch up with an old friend.

Catch up with the first episode of Series 4 of … 

The Strain.

~≈§≈~

The Strain Series 3: Episodes 8, 9 and 10 — White Light, Do or Die and The Fall

27th December, 2016.

It has to be said, 2016 is getting a reputation for celebrity death.

I mean Bowie, Prince, Peter Vaughan … 

And today … ?   Sees the loss of writer, Richard Adams — the man behind the much loved Watership Down — and the death of the much loved Carrie Fisher: who everyone hoped would survive The heart attack she had a few days ago.

Both are incredible losses.

~≈Ê≈~

Especially — on a personal level — that of Carrie Fisher.

I don’t know about you?   But I was one of that generation for whom Star Wars was the science fiction movie.

Let’s be blunt, that film had a huge influence: especially for us science fiction fans.

Before it came out?

Before it debuted, science fiction was a joke genre.

Afterwards?

People realised it was big money.

That film was made, when a mixture of factors came together.

One of those?

Was the beautifully put together cast.

Star Wars would have not been Star Wars without Carrie Fisher.

I think she honestly help change a genre.

~≈Ê≈~

Frankly?

Frankly, I think that — given a day like today — catching up with some — comparatively — light and frothy TV seemed to be in order.

OK … 

The Strain isn’t going to be everyone’s idea of light and frothy.

But … 

~≈Ê≈~

The Strain Series 3: Episodes 4, 5, 6 and 7 — Gone But Not Forgotten, Madness, The Battle of Central Park and Collaborators

26th December, 2016.

You know, I do like the idea of time off.

No, really.

I’ve annual leave, today: AND a day off, tomorrow.

And enough credit in my iTunes account to buy an album.

Brian Eno’s Ambient 1: Music for Airports, so you know: on of the earliest ambient albums ever made.

I can see what he means about “ignorable and interesting.”

It’s nice background music … 

~≈⌘≈~

Nice background for what, you might ask … ?

Well … ?

I don’t know about you: but I like listening to stuff, whilst I write.

And ambient — or, at least, this specific ambient LP — seems to be good aural furniture.

The reason I’m writing?

Is that I’ve just seen a few more episodes of series three of The Strain.

And wanted to tell you about them.

~≈⌘≈~

The Strain Series 3: Episodes 1, 2 & 3 — New York Strong, Bad White & First Born

20th December, 2016.

It’s officially five days before Christmas.

No, really.

In case you hadn’t guessed from the date at the start of the post.

And … ?

Well, frankly, there’s only so much Xmas excitement a body can take.

Especially if you’re balancing a social life, work, AND a hobby … maybe getting sick of the sight of Christmas time TV.

Or, at least, not seeing anything in the schedules that grabs your attention.

I know that latter option?   Applies to me.

Frankly?

I’m just thankful that, a few months ago, I managed to pick up Season Three of The Strain from iTunes.

Given I’d enjoyed the first two seasons?   I felt squirrelling the third away for a rainy — or, at least, quiet — day would help.

I was right about that … 

~≈Á≈~

The Strain Series 2: Episodes 9 and 10 — The Battle for Red Hook and The Assassin

I have a confession to make, right now … 

Right now … ?

Right now, as I THINK I managed to mentioned, I’ve had a serious lack of sleep.

Something I know at least one regular reader has spotted.

At any rate, I put this down to one relatively simple thing.

A lack of sleep.   I had something of an early start, this morning …

Combined with a late night, last night.

Watching a couple more episodes of series two of The Strain.

I think that’s sort of the nature of The confession, though.

It’s not about the lack of sleep.

Nope!

It’s about fact the series is getting just a touch … you know …

Moreish … !

If that’s the right word for seeing two more episodes, tonight …

~≈®≈~

The Strain Series 2: Episodes 7 and 8 — The Born and Intruders

You know, I have a confession to make.

When I write?   When I write — or, at least, type — I like to listen to music.

I find it less distracting than having the TV on: or, sometimes, the radio.

Frankly, that dates back to my childhood.

My school insisted I practise hand writing, and suggested listening to music whilst doing so.

I got pretty sick of The Blue Danube, I know that.

The reason I mention this?

Is simply that I’ve got New Muzik’s From A to B on in the background: 

I have to add, it was one of the first albums I ever bought: I think I’ve still got the cassette, somewhere.

And frankly?

Well, frankly, it still sounds damn good: even after thirty-six years … 

~≈É≈~

At any rate … ?

At any rate, recommending an album is not necessarily what I wanted to do.   Even though I might ALSO suggest you go and listen to some OMD.   Architecture and Morality was and is one heck of a good LP.

Even given the always morbid thought Souvenir is the one song I’d want played at my funeral.

At any rate, I’ wanted you to know one thing.

Yes … 

I’ve been watching more of The Strain.

And, yes: episodes seven and eight are starting to shape up … 

~≈É≈~

The Strain Series 2: Episodes 5 and 6 — Quick and Painless and Identity

You know … 

I have to admit, I’m getting into a habit, recently.

No, really.

I’ve gotten into the habit, every-so-often, of watching TV!

Well, yeah, I hear you say: a lot of people do!

Yes, I know.

But, over the past few months, I’ve managed to catch up with a few box-sets: mostly?   Mostly Penny Dreadful, and House of Cards.

Oh, and something else … 

The Strain.

Blimey, this show’s addictive!

~≈√≈~

The Strain Series 2: Episodes 3 and 4 — Fort Defiance and The Silver Angel

Well … those seemed to go well enough … 

Did I tell you I had a GP’s appointment, today?

Following up on the blood tests from a few weeks back, and the ultrasound, yesterday?

Sounds like I’ve got the (relative) all clear on both.

Or, at least, nothing’s there that my doctor and I weren’t expecting!

Bar IBS!

~≈Â≈~

On top of that … ?

I’ve had some eye tests, today: for new spectacles.

Those should be ready to go, on Monday: although I’ll need to have them fitted.

Worryingly, though?

It seems I have very early stage cataracts.

Although they’re not affecting my vision, as yet, my optician tells me it’s something they want to keep an eye on.

So to speak.

Right now … ?

I’m glad we don’t need to operate.

The operation sounds damn scary!

~≈Â≈~

At any rate … ?

At any rate, I had an evening free.

An evening I wanted to spend, deliberately not worrying about my health: and living in the now.

You’re right.

In front of the TV, again.

With series 2 of The Strain.

Well, I had the next two episodes at the head of the playlist.

~≈Â≈~

The Strain Series 2: Episodes 1 and 2 — BK, NY and By Any Means …

Well … 

The hospital visit seemed to go well … 

I’ve had today booked off, so you know.

Mostly?   Well, mostly because I had a hospital appointment, today: in Basildon.

Nothing too drastic, I should add.

Basically checking on my kidney function.

At any rate … ?

With this much time off?

With this much time off, I have to admit, I really fancied binge-watching a TV show.

Having finished with series three of House of Cards, not yet having a copy of Penny Dreadful, and being nowhere near the new series of Dr Who?

The only other option was something that’s been sitting on my hard drive for a few months, now.

You may have guessed from the image … 

Yes: that’s right.

Series two of The Strain: at least the first two episodes … 

Handy it was there, wasn’t it … ?

~≈†≈~

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 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 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 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 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 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≈~