Run You Clever Boy!

How good was the final episode of the current run of Doctor Who?

The second half of series 7 has been a little patchy- Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS and The Rings of Akhaten being in my opinion two duds but balanced with outstanding stories such as Hide and Cold War. The final episode had some lovely little touches that made a fan-boy smile and I hope has set up for a cracking 50th anniversary episode in November. 
 

Elsewhere the Royals time in the Premier league came to an end this weekend, with a result that pretty much mirrors their season as a whole. At least though, they finished above QPR. I wonder if either or both will be on their way back to the top flight this time next year? Reading will certainly have to try harder and be far more consistent, that's for sure.

14 May Reading 0 - 2 Manchester City
19 May West Ham 4 - 2 Reading

Star Trekkin'

Went to see the new Trek film today, subtitled Into Darkness.

The reports in the news had suggested the cinema would be full to capacity with queues out of the cinema. I think 6 people for a showing is a slightly different story but I guess that's what you get on a late Thursday afternoon. Apparently the early evening is the time to miss if you hate crowds.

There were some interesting takes on some well established Trek themes, none of which I intend to spoil here. That would be just mean. The set piece action was very well executed and to be honest I don't think I missed anything by avoiding the 3D showing and instead saving a few quid by going to the 2D version. I've read this was the format the film was shot in and the 3D effects added later. There was quite enough action for me and even a couple of jump from your seat moments.

Story wise, it held together nicely, flowed well and just as I thought the film was wrapping up it gained another lease of life. Nice twist. All the main characters seemed to have enough to do, I don't think anyone can claim their personal favourite was short changed, and as a second film (with the younger crew) we didn't have to spend too much time establishing old familiar characters but with new faces. JJ Abrams has indeed pulled it off and avoided the curse of the odd numbered Trek films by producing two absolute crackers in a row.

Can we have another one please?

Oh and happy 800th blog post to me LOL.

Non-Creative?

This evening I am reproducing the brief text of an email I received this week from a fellow potter. It goes something like this:

The UK Government proposal to re-classify Crafts as Non-creative was drawn to my attention today. The attached link is an article with more information. There is also a concern that in re-designating it will not be possible to enforce Intellectual Property rights. I can see no advantage at such a re-classification for those working in the craft sector.

There's a handy link to an article on the Guardian newspaper site, with more information.

If like me you care about this issue and are a resident in the UK, please click on the link below and follow the simple instructions to add your name to the e-petition being sent to the government. I've reproduced the text of the petition below, just so you know.


Petition to stop the government reclassifying craft as non-creative

Responsible department: Department for Culture, Media and Sport

We request the Government reconsider the proposal that craft no longer be considered part of the creative industries, as part of the 30 April proposed changes set out in Classifying and Measuring the Creative Industries consultation paper.

The craft industry and those who work in it, over 88,000 people making a £3bn annual contribution to the UK economy, are inherently and by their very nature creative. We want the UK Government to stop ignoring The Crafts Council and the thousands of mostly sole trading craftsmen and women who consider themselves to be and indeed are creatives.

The Government should be proud & supportive of our vibrant creative craft industry & celebrate the unique, rich diversity of skills & craftsmanship, not seek to declassify, dismiss & undermine it.
Calling an IT Business Analyst a creative but refusing the title to a skilled potter or ceramicist shows the level of understanding that those proposing the change have of what is and isn't creative.

Apparently web designers will still be classed as "creative" but pottery like this might not be.

You Know You're Getting Old...

...When you have to wear contact lenses due to being shortsighted but find it "sometimes" helps* to use reading glasses when looking at text in a book. Grrrr!

Isn't getting old grand?



* In other words it's near impossible to see the print without them.

Better Late...

Nigel Adkins, new(ish) manager of the Royals, finally got the taste of victory yesterday with a win away at Fulham. Sadly this superior performance won't be enough to save Reading from the drop but at least for the moment lifts them above fellow struggling team QPR.

4 May Fulham 2 - 4 Reading.