Who And Who..?

Incoming Doctor Who executive producer Steven Moffat certainly seems to believe in casting based on talent rather than going for big name stars. First Matt Smith in the lead role and now Karen Gillan will assist.

Thank goodness he wasn't tempted by some of the "celebrity" suggestions being touted by the press.

Retro

Can't help wishing the interior of the "new" Enterprise looked a bit more like this:













Somehow the new movie set seems a little too high tech and certainly too big. Don't you dare get me started on Engineering- how big was that and where were all the engineering team?!?

The original series set was a true classic. Or is it a case of nostalgia not being what it used to be? LOL

Sarah Jane Gets Her Doctor

The third series of the Sarah Jane Adventures, to air on the BBC Autumn 09, will feature the return of fan favourites, robot dog K9 and also David Tennant as the 10th Doctor the BBC has confirmed today.

K9 will appear in a reoccurring role across the 12 part series, while Tennant's Doctor will have a starring role along side the regulars in episodes 5 and 6. David Tennant's appearance will be prior his final three Doctor Who episodes, The Waters of Mars (thought to be due November) and two as yet un-named specials possibly Christmas day and New Years day.

To read two very similar articles about this, visit BBC News and Digital Spy.



David Tennant, Elizabeth Sladen and the tin dog in the BBC Doctor Who episode School Reunion.




I almost can't wait.

Watt's Wrong?

Yesterday's Mail On Sunday carried the following piece. Apparently those crazy guys running the European Union have decided that from next year all light bulbs on sale should no longer be labelled in Watts but in Lumen's instead.

They claim this will make things easier for us consumers to understand. Hello? We already understand that a 60W bulb will burn brighter than say a 40W one. Now that 60W bulb will be labelled 800Lm. This move will just confuse the public.

The Watt is an internationally agreed SI unit (System International) of power measurement. OK with my professional hat on, I know that the Watt is basically the measure of power consumed and the Lumen directly relates to light output levels but that doesn't matter; the public perception is that light bulbs are rated in Watts, which we all understand.

Perhaps the issue really is that James Watt was British and Lumen comes from France or Germany and we all know Europe is run by those two countries...

Green Fingers? Only From The Glaze

Having been wowed by Teresa's horticultural prowess here and here I thought I would follow by posting my own efforts.

This is my potted Walnut tree. It's a few years old now. As you can see it's not quite got the hang of sprouting new leaves, although if you look very closely you might- at a pinch- see the first signs. I mean come on: it is late May, something should be happening by now!

So by means of making up (LOL), I've just uploaded some new images of my pottery work over on Webshots. Take a look, let me know what you think.

Mole

Took a trip to see my GP today. I have a mole on my left arm that may be cause for concern, it's about 10mm x 6mm and multicoloured. I go back in 6 weeks.

Just so you know.

Swine Flu Update

If you receive an email from the Department of Health telling you not to eat tinned pork because of Swine Flu- ignore it. It's just Spam LOL.

Terminated!

Fox network have apparently passed on the third series of the excellent Sarah Connor Chronicles.

Oh well the new film is due within the month and that might just revive the movie franchaise. You never know. Just depends if the strangely named "McG" really is as good as people say.













Mind you these past few weeks I have rediscovered NCIS and realised how good it still is. Even the reruns seem more original than some shows.

Hitch-Hiking Across The Airwaves

Sticking with the audio CD theme, this week or maybe for the next few, I will be listening to this in my car...














The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy- the increasingly inaccurately named trilogy. Look out for book six "And Another thing"-penned by Eoin Colfer and approved by Douglas Adams' widow- out in Oct 09. Hard to imagine that an odd little radio series should spawn a successful book, tv and film range...

Wayne's World

The current issue of SFX magazine (yes, I still prefer paper over virtual!) has an interview with Jeff Wayne, creator of the musical version of War of the Worlds, based on the HG Wells novel.

Reading the article reminded me just how good this classic from the 70's really is. Fantastic music and a strong cast featuring Richard Burton as the narrator, David Essex, Julie Covington and Phil Lynott. I just had to dig out my double CD! You can guess what I'll be listening to in my car for the next few days.

If you've never heard this or like me, haven't played it for a good few years, what are you waiting for?







Steve Coppell has stepped down as manager of Reading Football Club after last night's play-off defeat. Read about it here. You'll be missed Steve.

Out

Reading 0 - 2 Burnley.

Burnley win 3 - 0 on aggregate and go through to Wembley to face Sheffield for the final promotion place.

Life in the Championship continues...

Piccies

Have just uploaded some recent images, here.

Ho Hum

Burnley 1 - 0 Reading

The second leg is Tuesday night and the Royals must win by two goals in order to get to Wembley.

At least fans of Rugby Union have something to cheer about: the "Exiles" London Irish, who also play out of the Mad Stad, thumped Harlequins 17 - 0 to go through to their first ever Guinness Premiership final. They face Leicester on Saturday 16 May at Twickenham. Nice work.

On The Take?

Isn't it about time our politicians from all parties cleaned up their act? Whether the expense claims they make are within the rules or not, the perception is that the system is being milked for maximum personal benefit.



A selection of government figures past and present, including (top left) Prime Minister Gordon Brown.




This is not what we expect from those we elect to represent us and to run our country. We want them to set a good, moral example. Or is that too much to expect? Read the report from the Daily Telegraph.

Update: Is it right that some of these MP's can claim annual expenses in excess of what some (ordinary) people earn in a year?

Blockwork

Just to prove how popular the Harry Potter range (and author J K Rowling) still is, Legoland- just up the road at Windsor- has asked children to take part in a scheme to produce a mosaic portrait of the writer. According to Lego she was voted the ultimate children's hero of the last 10 years.

How cool is that? Then again I must admit to bias, having grown up playing with Lego* (and still owning it!) as well as loving the adventures of the young wizard.

Now I just need to find an excuse to take Little Lad there. Whether he likes it or not LOL.



*Other plastic brick construction sets are available but are not nearly as good LOL.

Happy Star Wars Day

May the 4th be with you.















Enough said LOL.

Play. Off.

The Royals failed today in their attempt to win automatic re-admission into the Premiership having battled superior opposition in the form of Birmingham. Reading will now face Burnley in the first round play-off. A strong performance should ensure a trip to Wembley to meet the winner of the Preston versus Sheffield United round. The winner of the Wembley game will gain the third promotion slot.

Reading 1 - 2 Birmingham.

The Coca-Cola Football League Championship : Table 03 May

			| Home					| Away
	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Wolverhampton	46	15	5	3	44	21	12	4	7	36	31	28	90
2	Birmingham	46	14	5	4	30	17	9	9	5	24	20	17	83
3	Sheff Utd	46	12	6	5	35	22	10	8	5	29	17	25	80
4	Reading	46	12	5	6	40	17	9	9	5	32	23	32	77
5	Burnley	46	14	5	4	42	23	7	8	8	30	37	12	76
6	Preston	46	16	3	4	39	20	5	8	10	27	34	12	74
7	Cardiff	46	14	5	4	40	23	5	12	6	25	30	12	74

Mum would have been 69 today. I miss her.

Fly

Took Grandad and Little Lad down to the River Thames at Hurley yesterday. Spent a lovely afternoon feeding the geese and (trying to) fly a kite. As you can see the 'kids' had fun despite the lack of wind LOL.







Have just added a couple of images to Webshots from yesterday, if you fancy looking.

Salvation?

Series two of The Sarah Connor Chronicles has come to an end in the UK on Virgin 1 this past week with something of a neat, gripping twist and- in the real world- its fate hangs in the balance with Fox. As a fan of the films (yes even no.3!) I loved the first season and thought on the whole the second to be better on many levels. I can only hope with the fourth film in the franchise (which I'm looking forward to no end) coming to cinemas shortly, those TV execs will see benefit in renewing for a third series.



Elsewhere (BBC 3 to be exact) the third series of Heroes comes to an end this Monday. Unless they have seriously pulled out the stops for the last episode, I doubt there is any merit in it returning for a fourth. It's looking rather tedious now.