Hmmm..... not a lot to say really. Apart from really enjoying Robert Pattinson in the titular role, I don't really see why we needed yet another (sort of) reboot, but I went along for the ride.

I say sort of, because this isn't a Batman origin story - he has been fighting crime in Gotham for about 2 years at the start of this.

I found the 174 minute run-time way too long, and although the story is interesting (no spoilers here) it didn't grip me in the same way that say Dune or No Time To Die did.

I think trimming down to 150 minutes would have given a more manageable (for the audience) and more punchy
experience. I actually think the run-time might put some people off actually.

Robert Pattinson was very, very good though, and I noticed with interest a small but not insignificant role for Rupert Penry-Jones (as the Mayor of Gotham).

p.s. apparently the whole series is up on the ITV hub? I am happy with one a week.

Quote from: Slim on March 07, 2022, 08:42:38 AM

Quote from: R6GYY on March 07, 2022, 08:27:04 AMThe Ipcress File (ITV series)

Any good, Reg? I loved the film though I don't think I've seen it since the '90s.

I am enjoying it. I haven't seen the film for many years myself. I have one gripe which is an almost constant 'tilted' camera view although I am getting used to it. Other than that - highly enjoyable and I shall stick with it. Interesting to note that Harry Saltzman's (producer of The Ipcress File film and of course associated with the Bond franchise) son Stephen is credited as one of the executive producers.

The Ipcress File (ITV series)

FM - Synchronized

First time I have listened to this and surprise, surprise, it is right up my street. Production is sumptuous as I would expect. I really must try and get to see them in August.

I see they have a new album Thirteen coming out in a couple of weeks.

Some might be interested in this.

https://www.gerryanderson.com/gerry-anderson-a-life-uncharted-launches-nationwide-cinema-tour-with-bfi-southbank-premiere/

There is a scene in episode 3 which is similar to what you describe James.

I am enjoying it very much, but pacing myself and watching about 1 episode a week.

Episode 3 was the last one that I've seen so far.

Vandenberg: 2020
The Scorpions: Rock Believer

Nothing booked as yet, but there are currently a couple of gigs coming up at the Buckley Tivoli that I am interested in.

FM - Friday, August 12, 2022
Vandenberg: Saturday, December 3, 2022

If money was no object (and it definitely is) I'd be off to see:

Rick Wakeman and The English Rock Ensemble (nearest is Birmingham O2 Academy on March 31)

Watching Stay Close reminded me about another Harlan Coben adaptation I saw a few years ago - The Five.

I'd like to watch it again, and have just received it (used) from Music Magpie for £3 and some change. I think I could have watched it on Amazon Prime for £9.99 but that kind of sticks in the throat when I already pay a subscription to them.

Drifting slightly . . .

I did actually pay Amazon Prime extra for the last Fabulous Baker Brothers TV series - but that was the only way I could get to watch it. Not available on DVD. Ho hum.

This is it, in case anyone is wondering (I have their previous 2 series on DVD):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fabulous-Baker-Brothers-Britain-Season/dp/B082P1Q5C7

Juggling a few things at the moment.

Amazon Prime:
Reacher

BBC iPlayer
This Is Going To Hurt
The Responder

Netflix:
Stay Close

Disney+
Bones (nearing the end of season 8 at the moment)
Big Sky season 2

And from other sources as we can't wait for the UK platforms to catch up . . .

The Rookie season 4
Seal Team season 5
S.W.A.T. season 5
New Amsterdam season 4

Oh - actually Seal Team season 5 has just finished. We've just watched the last cliff-hanging episode. Bummer. Long wait for season 6 and a rumoured film now I guess.

I see that Stranger Things season 4 has a release date set for May 2022 in the UK. Bring it on, although I expect the dynamics are going to be very different to the previous seasons.

Thanks for importing the avatars James. I was going to try and do it myself, but hey ho, there is my 20 year old picture 

Cheers!

+1 for a TV/film forum please.

I used a cafetiere for quite a while (I don't exclusively drink espresso based drinks), and then a V60 pour over. Whilst I still have, and use, cafetieres, I have got myself a Clever Dripper now in preference to the V60 as the coffee sits in the water for longer, then you put it on your cup/glass/mug when it is brewed and it drains out. Very clever indeed, and relatively cheap too. Although it does need filters. So you get the benefits of a cafetiere without the silt/grounds - a cleaner cup.

Here is James Hoffmann (again!) with his method of using the Clever Dripper. Very interesting about putting the water in first and adding the coffee on top.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpOdennxP24

I got mine for about £17 from Union Roast Coffee.

Below is a video that sort of explains it. It is for use in making espresso. The tool is used to distribute / move around your ground coffee to even the coffee out and remove any clumps that might have appeared.

I don't know why there are 2 tools in use here - I only use one. Before this printed one, I just used a straightened out paper clip!

After that, you then tamp and brew.

https://www.testing1x2x3.com/post/puck-prep-part-1-wdt-weiss-distribution-technique