iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 4h

Because I no longer use the Hellsite, I've added the Thameslink channel to WhatsApp. I'm going to regret this, aren't I? There will be alerts every seven and a half minutes - on a good day...

Screenshot of Thameslink WhatsApp channel. At the top, a picture of a train; underneath details of an incident involving trespassers between St Albans and West Hampstead Thameslink that has been resolved.

000

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 9h

I just found myself humming a random little tune. I recognise that. What is it? "Snow is falling and people calling 'Yoo-hoo!'" ARRRRRRGH!!!!! Shoot... Me... Now!!!

static.klipy.com

Fml Piggy

Alt: Miss Piggy is banging her head on a table. The captions reads, Just Shoot Me

000

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 9h

I'm tempted. She made Tuesdays and Fridays the highlight of my week. Yes, I should get out more...

010

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

I shared a house (in my younger days) with somebody who exactly did that. Their argument was that they could put the two halves together to stop it drying out. Of course, you could do that - but it's easier (and fairer) to share and eat the whole damned thing. Or wrap it up!

100

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

It's fascinating - and a bit odd (in a good way). And she has good choice in friends.

010

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

PSA: always check that the cap is on the milk carton properly before shaking said carton. Again!!!

010

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Oh God! Another vox pop on 'Broadcasting House' - a quick flip to Radio 3, then! Members of the public spouting predictable opinions is neither informative or entertaining.

000

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Previously, I was less clear whether everything was supernatural or in Peter's mind - I'm now 99% that it's Peter's brain, but like to keep the 1% just in case. And isn't Technicolor glorious. Not realistic, just glorious.

000

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

- everybody being important and valuable - respecting other ethnicities and religions - the difference between law and justice - British imperialism may not have been an unadulterated joy for parts of the Empire. I mean, if those are the values people want us to go back to, I could be persuaded.

110

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

I've just rewatched 'A Matter of Life and Death' - and saw it differently this time. The thing that I did note is that parts of the population - you know who! - would be calling for the sal volatile because it's so woke. It's full of controversial ideas, such as:

100

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Ah! I've got the timings wrong. 'Dido' *is* 1 hr 40m, but Orfeo is 2 hr 45m (although 1hr 40m according to ETO!) - which would be a bit of a late night.

100

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

A BBC newsreader - quoting Zelenskyy - has just referred to Trump’s deal with Putin as a "grift", hastily correcting it with 'gift'. Nah, mate - no need for the correction. It was fine first time round.

static.klipy.com

Michael Scott Says 'You're Not Wrong There'

Alt: Michael Scott Says 'You're Not Wrong There'

000

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

That's quite a peak BlueSky response you've attracted there. 🙄

100

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Do post about 'Dido' when you've seen it - especially the finish time. 1 hr 49 seems optimistic fro 'Dido' PLUS another piece PLUS interval. (Once bitten, twice shy!

100

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

I don't have much luck with ETO. Last year, one show ended 45 minutes later than advertised - and on the evening of the other, Thameslink was in a mess and there were no trains. And a couple of years ago, Thameslink was rail replacement buses - and much as I love opera, I don't love it that much!

100

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Has Hegseth said yet that he's going to be in the firing squad? It seems the likely next step.

000

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Sadly, no longer around but I'd go for Stephen Moore using his Marvin voice.

010

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

I think what finally made me decide I was retired rather than 'maybe interested if it looks interesting' was when I: • submitted CV • then asked to put CV information into their application form • then asked to revise application form to align with new JD. Frankky, lads, just sod off! I'm retired.

110

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

He's going to sneak them out in napkins for the dogs/cats/other wildlife, I bet.

000

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

It's when you hear expressions like "the leader of the civilised world" that your brain starts to shut down. If only Tom Lehrer were still around.

010

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

I've just seen the most BlueSky response to a newspaper article. I could say - well, write - something that would get me on lots of lists. But I won't*. Discretion is the better part of valour. *Yet!

static.klipy.com

Please Don'T Say It Alex Walter

Alt: Please Don'T Say It Alex Walter

000

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Turning? That boat sailed a long time ago, and doesn't look like coming back any time soon.

110

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

It’s shame on me apparently. And I still can't update options!

Hi BREN MCGOWAN

Sorry, we were unable to deliver your parcel today, Thursday, 8 October 2026.

We’ll attempt to deliver it the next working day.

We’re sorry for any inconvenience

000

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Ah! Flu and shingles. If I remember correctly - it was a couple of years ago - I had one in each arm. This meant that whichever way I turned over in my sleep, I felt it!

010

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

The EE complaints form allows you 500 characters - there's brevity and then there's making sure you can't say anything. They obviously want you to phone - that way you can't keep a written record...

000

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.

Hi BREN MCGOWAN

Your parcel is due to be delivered:

Today, Thursday, 8 October 2026

Delivery is estimated between:

3:45pm and 7:30pm*

We won't need a signature. Not going to be in?

010

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

I went to a very nice event at the school where I'm a governor. It was really good - and there were photos with the mayor and the MP. I've just got home and realised that my hair is sticking up because I dashed out without a last minute check. And there are photos...

static.klipy.com

Beaker

Alt: Beaker with sticky-up orange hair.

230

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Ditto - I've got the balcony door wide open because I'm too darn hot!

020

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

The best way to improve iPlayer? Remove that bleedin' logo in the top left hand corner that spoils the picture. (Yes, that all to nearly all broadcasters/streaming services, but still...)

010

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

I have no options. Surprise, bloody surprise!

A screenshot of the Royal Mail app. At the top, in red, is an exclamation mark in a triangle. Below it, the words:
Sorry, no options are currently available for this parcel.

Will not have any options

210

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

I should just give up hope, shouldn't I? (And go to bed!)

A screenshot of the Royal Mail app. At the top of the image is a picture of a postman pushing a trolley. Underneath, it reads:
Ready for Delivery

We normally expect to deliver to your address between 4:15pm - 7:30pm

100

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Peak middle class: Leaving Wigmore Hall, a man turns to his partner and says, "Time for John Lewis I think!" (To be fair, I've had worse Wednesdays.)

010

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Autumn - so it's all hedge trimmers and leaf blowers in the park. Bloody wonderful!

000

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Any chance somebody could tell me where these no-go zones are as I didn’t get the memo and so I don't have a clue where they are supposed to be?

0160

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

And if I'm not mistaken, it’s just 'the fruit of the tree if knowledge' - I think Renaissance painters may have popularised the apple. I left before they got onto vaccines, mobile phone masts and moon landings. They've got a point though - it makes you think...

static.klipy.com

Holt McCallany as Bill Tench Says No It Doesn't

Alt: Holt McCallany as Bill Tench Says No It Doesn't

000

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

I went for a swim on the way back from the hospital. There was a poolside conversation about the mark of the beast - and the authorities catching people through mobile phones: they're called Apple and what did Adam eat in the Garden of Eden... These people are walking amongst us!

static.klipy.com

Joe Santagato: The Idiots Are Back

Alt: Joe Santagato: The Idiots Are Back

100

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

And it'll be worth £75K less because it's in a flood plain and can't get insurance.

060

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Indeed. Unfortunately, we didn’t think she was joking.

000

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

When I went, somebody made a comment about how th pyramids were originally quite remote from Cairo but now they're quite close. (You've probably guessed what's coming.) "How did they move them?" a woman asked, looking puzzled. You could hear the sound of eyes rolling in Luxor.

110

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Distraction? When the Today programme starts bleating on about it, I leap over to retune to Radio 3. Although the list of things that make me do that is getting rather long...

010

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

So apparently Badenoch has it in for the arts and nature. I think I'm relieved that she's not even vaguely interested in trying to get my vote.

static.klipy.com

Elmo I Don't Know Idk

Alt: Elmo I Don't Know Idk

020

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

Just adding a few more words to my mute list...

010

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Weirdly, I've never seen that before - I've only seen it used as a photo. So profuse thanks.

010

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

SPOILER ALERT: This is the one with a mutilation, isn't it? Very popular - for that reason - when I was at school. (1960s)

010

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

I ❤️ Dench, and she's excellent as Queen Victoria with a supporting cast of all-stars. 'Victoria & Abdul' - Dench replaying Victoria - is one of the worst films I've ever started to watch. I couldn't finish it. Avoid like the plague.

010

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

If I focus on favourite - meaning the ones I've watched most - I think mine might be: - Great Expectations - I Know Where I'm Going! - Mrs Brown - The Importance of Being Earnest - The Lady Vanishes Whatdaya mean, old fogey?

111

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

I was getting the ones the teams didn't - which must mean something.

010

Bren McGowan @brenmcgowan.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Some of my pelargoniums survived outside last winter. (I am further south, and I'm on the first floor, so that helps.) This year, I'm considering taking cuttings just in case the very cold and very wet does for them this time.

010