House of Cards — Series 6: Episode 8/Chapter 73/Finale — The Review

13th January, 2019.

OK … you’ve possibly guessed that I like showing off, haven’t you … ?

You haven’t … ?

Well, OK, here’s a statement …

I like looking more capable than I am.

Which can be nightmarish: especially playing backgammon.

I’m OK at the game.

But do try and show off, playing what’s called a back game … is where I usually trip up … 

I’ve long since learnt to shut up about computers: there’s WAY more knowledgeable people out there than me.

Although, saying that … ?

I’ve long like showing off what I CAN do with my favourite operating system.

Granted, I’m not going to developing, or compile — build — software.

But, if nothing else?

I know how to use the Terminal to erase awkward files.

AND know how to hook two Macs up to the same router, logging into, and operating, one from the other.

I’ll be damend if I could explain the technology behind it … but at least I can do it.

So that, in this case?

I can wipe an external hard drive, with my MacPro: the older model the observant will see behind me.

And get on with doing what I’m doing on my main iMac.

Thankfully?   I’ve enough on my electricity meter to keep this lot going, for now.



And plenty of ventilation.

Otherwise, police helicopters, the oh-so-wonderful ones with infrared sensors would be sending officers to ask what I’m growing in a one bedroom flat!

~≈¥≈~

At any rate, that’s not what I was going to tell you about.

No.

Nope.



I’ve been watching telly, again … 

And, yes: I’ve caught the last episode of series six of House of Cards.

The last one of the entire series.

That’s something of a git … 

I want to see how Claire Hale-Underwood gets out of this … 

~≈¥≈~

Episode 8 — Chapter 73 — opens with President Hale (Robin Wright) — as the former President Underwood is now styling herself — announcing a new era of government transparency … 

Whilst siblings Bill and Annette Shepherd (Greg Kinnear and Diane Lane) vie with each other for control of the family fortune, they both agree that Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly) … is their man in the White House.



The pair hope the unstable former Chief of Staff could do anything: especially as it seems he killed Frank Underwood.

To a vulnerable President, several months pregnant, little realising this President has a nasty side … 

A nasty side that sees Claire Hale-Underwood fatally stabbing Doug Stamper to death: in the Oval Office, itself, and, right at the end of the episode … ?

Staring at the camera — at us — as the camera fades to black on quite an episode.

~≈¥≈~

Now … 

I’ll make a confession, if I may?

Chapter 73 was a very good conclusion to both this last ever season of House of Cards … and to the show itself.

About my only complaint?

Is possibly the obvious: that the show would have ended very differently, had Kevin Spacey not ended up in a sexual scandal.

I get the impression that it would’ve been Frank Underwood on the floor of the Oval Office, rather than Doug Stamper.

Which is what happens in the original UK version of the show: Frances Urquhart kills Stamper, then gets killed by his wife, Elizabeth: at least on her orders.

That’s what annoys me about the Spacey affair: he’s ruined a good TV show, being involved in a scandal*.

Combine that?   With one or two patchy episodes, this season … ?

And the show has gone out sparkling: rather than being the full-on fireworks display it could have been.

Equally, though … ?



The cast, crew and writers have done a very good job, over all.

And, although I know the US version of the series is following — very broadly! — the UK version, I have to admit, I’d like to see more.

I’d like to see how Claire Underwood gets out of this …

*        Although, obviously, my sympathies are with those who he’s assaulted.

House of Cards — Series 6: Episode 7/Chapter 71 — The Review

11th January, 2019.

Yep: for once I’m actually listening — late at night — to something that’s not on Spotify.

Karlheinz Stockhausen’s Momente.

I think I was having a weird patch, when I got it from iTunes: exploring strange and uncanny musical areas unknown to humanity, with unruly edges that invite the listener to contemplate the infinite in new ways their mind’s eye — hitherto — hadn’t dare perceive.

Yeah … 

Odd, in other words … 

~≈§≈~

At any rate … ?   And not wanting to rush?

I want to go to bed, tonight: as I have a long day, tomorrow.

Remember that I’d put in for a provisional driving license?   To help prove my ID at job interviews … ?

I’d sent the form off: and had it sent back, as I’d forgotten to sign it.

Then got it back, again, today … 

As they wanted my most recent addresses … 

Ridiculous … ?

Yes.

It leaves me asking what on EARTH I’m bothering for … !

~≈§≈~

At any rate …

It’s enough to turn you to drink, to be honest.

Or more Stockhausen, in my case …

Or, just to be different … ?

Another episode of series six of House of Cards … 

~≈§≈~

House of Cards — Series 6: Episode 6/Chapter 71 — The Review

10th January, 2019.

You know, the one thing I can say about unemployment?

Is that trains fares are expensive.

At least, that’s what my case worker was telling me this morning: after filling in two more forms for two more tickets, next week.

Tuesday and Wednesday, so you know.

Wish me luck on that front.



At any rate … ?

The situation had left him telling they’d have to think about getting me a discount card.

Which would be nice …

~≈§≈~

At any rate, I mentioned that I had the video for Bowie’s Blackstar on?

Which seemed appropriate, as today marks the anniversary of his death.

What can I tell you … ?

Apart from the fact the album’s superb, the video strange … 

And Bowie left a very large legacy … 

~≈§≈~

Bowie … ?



Schmowie!

Ahem!

I’ve had — as ever — time off: that I want to make good use of.

And … ?   Well, in that time, I need to get to bed early: as I have a dentist appointment in the morning.

And … ?

I want to tell you I’ve seen more of House of Cards’ sixth seaon.

~≈§≈~

House of Cards — Series 6: Episode 5/Chapter 70 — The Review

6th January, 2019.

Right … 

Firstly … ?

Yes: I have a copy of the Beatles Abbey Road, playing in the background, as I write.

Yes, that Abbey Road: the one whose cover famously proved Paul McCartney was dead.

Or that — at weekends — he was called Clara.

At any rate … ?

I have to confess to having had dinner at my family’s place, today.

Jude, my now right year-old nephew?

Was showing off one of Christmas presents.   It turns out the retro games console he got, can be plugged into the TV.

Hours of fun, there: and yes, he found a retro game with the Turtles on it …

~≈§≈~



At any rate that’s sort of incidental … 

Especially as not even Grandma could figure out how you switched between mini games on the Olimpic game … 

Sorry, I was getting side tracked, there … !

At any rate, most of the chat, really IS incidental: as I’ve caught another episode from House of Cards sixth season … 

One that seems less weak than the last I saw.

~≈§≈~

House of Cards — Series 6: Episode 4/Chapter 69 — The Review

5th January, 2019.

Yes, yes, OK … 

Sue me already: I’v got Kraftwerk’s Tour de France on in the background.

I like the odd bit Düsseldorf school, German electronica!

And, although I haven’t actually yawned on the video?

I am decidedly rushed, at the moment.

Because … ?

I’m actually feeling like I want an early night … 

But wanted to let you know I’ve seen another episode of series six, of House of Cards … 

~≈§≈~

House of Cards — Series 6: Episode 3/Chapter 68 — The Review

4th January, 2019.

I’m kind of right, aren’t I … ?



Modern technology has a tendency to beep …

Quite a bit.

Even as I speak … ?

Both my phone, and my tablet, are beeping at me: in a desperate attempt to tell me I have a message.

A former workmate, telling me she’s made a move in Words With Friends.

Or something.

But it IS odd, when your phone, and tablet, do it … seconds apart … 

And then get told what the time is, by you computer* … 

At any rate … ?



I’ve got beeping going on … 

Which isn’t why I’m writing … 

No … 

I’ve been at it again … 

Catching another episode of House of Cards, series six … 

~≈§≈~

House of Cards — Series 6: Episode 2/Chapter 67 — The Review

3rd January 2019

Yep: I had Mike Oldfield’s Incantations album on, when I did that video introduction.

And, yes: right now?

I’ve changed metaphorical records.

To Tubular Bells.

Frankly?

I think Tubular Bells is possibly the better album.

At least, the less twee LP.

After all, Incantations has at least mention of the word ‘teepee’: which puts it into raving hippie territory, from where I’m sitting … 

At any rate?

I’ve posted the Spotify version of Incantations.

I may as well give you Tubular Bells … 

~≈§≈~

At any rate … 

Sorry, I almost said at any rat there … !

At any rate, you’ve possible realised — by now — that I like a TV box set, every often.

That usually, I’d go for science fiction, or horror.

But you’v e possibly also worked out that US political thriller, House of Cards has been on my books for a while.

Certainly the first episode of series six was, last night.

Tonight … ?

Well, I’ve had time for another episode, tonight …

You’d possibly guessed … 

~≈§≈~

House of Cards — Series 6: Episode 1/Chapter 66 : The Review

2nd January, 2018.

Right … 

I have to admit, there is something I’ve been meaning to do for a while, now.

Actually, no: there’s several things I’ve been meaning to do.

Bungey jumping off a hobbit is one idea.

Winning a million quid is another.

Oh …



And figuring out the controls my phone’s version of Spotify: so that I can use it as a remote control for the version on my iMac … !

It’s OK, I’ve figured it out, thus far … but there does seem to be a bit of poking around involved.

Just get ads interrupting a favourite LP.

Still … 

It’s a new and different way of accessing my content.

Which is the important thing.

~≈¥≈~

Now … 

Things I’ve MEANT to do … ?

As you know, I like the odd TV show.

And, as you’ve possibly worked out?

Dr Who being one favourite.

Something I know I haven’t caught in a while … ?

Something that’s now officially over: leaving me only the one season to watch … ?

You’re right … 

I’ve been meaning to catch series six of House of Cards for some time, now … 

~≈¥≈~

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 4 and 5 — New Horizons and Belly of the Beast.

17th November, 2017.

I think — only think, mind — that I’ve read there’s certain meditational states that are the results, not of d … 

No, wait …

…

… …

Someone just rang on my door, there, and totally interrupted the train of my thought.

Whoever they were?

Wanted me to let them into the block: so they could buy a car from someone here.

Without being able to tell me who that was.

Or even what number the seller lived at.

Whoever it was that rang my door bell?

Was not someone I was going to let in.

Not at this time of night.

After all, if I’m going to buy your car?   I’d have the sense to ask where I’m going to get it from.

~≈Ê≈~

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.

~≈§≈~

House of Cards — Series 5: Episodes 11, 12 & 13 — Chapters 63, 64 and 65

18th October, 2017.

There’s something of an old … 

No, there’s something of a new slogan doing the rounds: over the past few years.

An advertising slogan, so you know.

“You should’ve gone to Specsavers.”

Britain’s budget optician are very reasonable, on price.

But charged me £7·50, the last time I needed a repair.

An arm dropped off my regular glasses.

That’s another few quid going their way.

Once I get paid!

~≈Â≈~

Not that it’s completely irrelevant to what I’m doing.

Ish!

Frankly, I’ve managed to buy an album: by Karlheinz Stockhausen, consisting of parts one and two of Kontakte, and a previous electronic work of his, called Gesang der Jünglinge.

I bought it on a whim, to be honest.

I’ve taken a vague — very vague — interest in eleoctronic music: having grown up on the theme tune to Dr Who, And the likes of Gary Numan, OMD and Hot Butter’s Popcorn.

The whim itself?

Got provoked by seeing today’s Google Doodle: marking the studio where a lot of Stockhausen’s electronic stuff was recorded.

Hmmm … 

It’s an album worth hearing, I think: especially if the soundtrack to Forbidden Planet is up your street.

~≈Â≈~

House of Cards — Series 5: Episodes 9 & 10— Chapters 61 & 62

17th October, 2017.

Hmmm … 

There’s something I’m aware of: in the (vague) smog we’ve been facing, just recently.

That TV shows come in, thick: and fast.

That new and interesting ones crop up: when old ones seem to die off.

Perennial favourite, Dr Who is still on the go.

However?   Gotham, now on it’s fourth season in the US?

Seems to be not getting an airing on its former UK home, Channel Five.

Indeed, Netflix seemingly took over, half through season three.

Frankly?   I don’t actually have a Netflix subscription, but, should they start airing Gotham series four?

I’m sure I could change my mind.

At ANY rate, tonight was a night off.

Tonight … ?

I was happily sat in with two episode of series five … of House of Cards … 

~≈Ÿ≈~

House of Cards — Series 5: Episode 7 & 8 — Chapters 59 & 60

12th October, 2017.

This is going to sound like one of those daft confessions — hell, it is on of those daft confessions — that you possibly only get at night.

After staring at a screen, all day.

No, I’ve not been at work.

I’ve bee at home, house keeping: and making more videos for some up-coming teasers.

But, just for the usual change of scene?

I felt I owed my self a … TV show!

Yep: more episodes of series five of House of Cards.

Well, you HAVE to: it’s on better form than Lights Out

~≈◊≈~

House of Cards — Series 5: Episodes 5 and 6 — Chapter 57 & 58

8th October, 2017.

Hmmm … 

I’ve got to confess to being mildly worried … ish.

I think … 

I bumped onto one of the neighbours today.

Who — purely in a spirit of neighbourly concern — mentioned she felt I was putting on just a little too much weight.

She’s got a point, I think.

Although, unfortunately?

It sort of comes with the job.

Sitting at a desk, all day, doesn’t exactly get you a lot of exercise, or healthy eating.

I do try and get myself up Warley Hill, though: at least once a day.

Not something I’m finding easy.   The heavier I get, the harder it is to walk up the hill: and the heavier I get as a result.

Very discouraging.

Discouraging … 

And something I’ll have to have a word with my GP about, I think: as and when the appointment comes around.

In November!

I think the National Health Service is a national treasure.   But it CAN take a while!

About the only possible upside?

Was that I that I’d just — literally — come back from Brentwood High Street, after doing some shopping.

I’d had something vaguely resembling healthy exercise.

That went well with an evening slobbing out in front of the TV: watching more episodes of … 

House of Cards … !

~≈Ÿ≈~

House of Cards — Series 5: Episodes 3 & 4 — Chapters 55 & 56.

4th October, 2017

Hmmm … I have to admit, I’m … 

Undecided … 

Yes: undecided seems to be the phrase.

Frankly?

Going on the trailers, Wonder Woman, with Gal Gadot in the title role?

Looks good.

Although it’s not available to rent on iTunes, just yet.

And, at £13·99 to buy?   Seems a little too expensive.

There’s always another time.

Tonight?

Well, to hell with it: a man has to watch something with Robin Wright in it.

That … ?

Means more of series five of House of Card … 

~≈Á≈~

House of Cards — Series 5: Episodes 1 & 2 (Chapters 53 and 54.)

3rd October, 2017.

Hmmm … 

Can I make something of a confession, here?

I’ve had my hours cut, at work.

Which basically means?

That I’m … if not house bound, per se: then definitely not getting out as much as I’d like to.

Even if it IS just for a stroll.

The situation’s discouraging, let’s put it that way.

It is, after all, a blow — however minor — to the confidence.   One not helped by the interview I had last week.

Oh, granted, that’s a good thing to have done.

But — as anyone who’s seriously out of work will tell you — waiting to hear back from a job?

Is very … very … discouraging.

~≈Ê≈~