PPS Please excuse the walking man - just found him and couldn't resist.
Doctor Who, Dalek I Loved You, Dalek, Memoir, Nick Griffiths, Gollancz, Orion, seventies childhood, david bowie, matt smith, radio times, tom baker, david tennant, jon pertwee, patrick troughton, william hartnell, peter davison, colin baker, sylvester mccoy, christopher eccleston, harrison dextrose
Bob the Blog
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(Posted on 2009-07-02 12:20:00 by )
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PS Been watching a lot of The Wire lately. Saying "True dat" a lot is my new favourite thing.
(Posted on 2009-07-02 12:20:00 by ) -
Ta. Stuff can get cut/moved to pieces, but that one remained pretty much as filed, which is always a sign that someone up there's happy.
As I said on Monday am in RT this week and have just wandered into the Media Centre's Doctor Who room, which contains props I'd kill for. Mandragora mask, gold Old Who Cyber head (from something later no doubt, though it looks fab), a green Vox robot mask which I covet beyond all else, and what looks like the unbroken Krynoid seed pod from the classic Seeds of Doom. How I wish...
(Posted on 2009-07-02 12:06:00 by ) -
Nice article old chap! How much gets subbed down-or are you totally in control of your own copy?
(Posted on 2009-07-02 07:03:00 by ) -
425. Papers
So the Sun, Express, Record and Grauniad all picked up the John Barrowman quote from my RT piece, which was nice. Good coverage for the showand actor, one can't help noticing. The Grauniad even sourced an official BBC response: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/jun/30/doctor-who-torchwood-john-barrowman
(Posted on 2009-06-30 12:11:00 by ) -
424. Shattered
Please forgive the lack of blog today (the world lifts its head and yawns briefly) - am working in the radio Times this week, and spent all night working on a script which I won't jinx by adding any more detail. 2.43am and have to be up at 8, if Regan doesn't beat the clock. My Torchwood RT cover's out tomorrow, TW fans. And I'm heartened to see that the WGT ebook has already sold 111 copies. If you haven't already, don't miss out on the exclusive vid and theme tune (plus the book, obv) - get yours now! (Or anytime in the next year or so, really. But now'd be great.) Over and out. Lordy.
(Posted on 2009-06-30 01:45:00 by ) -
Most young bands are pretty tat, is why. The album I was referencing - Dandy Warhols' Welcome to the monkey House - is a notable exception. Highly recommended. And I can't help but adore Battle for Evermore, despite its swords-and-sorcery stylings. (Mind you, I love Rush, who made 2112. Jeez.)
(Posted on 2009-06-28 17:25:00 by ) -
It's just when I do hear a modern beat combo on the radio and think 'ooh worth a listen' when I then buy what I believe younger people call a compact disc I am always disappointed-step forward the Ting Tings/Kaiser Chiefs and Amy Macdonald (among others)- as the non single songs are all rubbish.
(Posted on 2009-06-28 15:25:00 by ) -
I do find the continual referencing of bands I've never heard of quite fun! It's just like when kids in my classes talk about contemporary beat combos about which I know nothing *rushes home to play Led Zeppelin IV' for comfort*
(Posted on 2009-06-26 10:38:00 by ) -
423. I wonder
whether the Dandy Warhols will be covering Blackbird this morning.
(Posted on 2009-06-26 10:15:00 by ) -
Hmm, less of an empire and more a small hut, but thank you. I've never joined the Writers' Guild, but I did join the Society of Authors - which, as is the way with things, largely required me to send them some cash.
(Posted on 2009-06-26 10:15:00 by ) -
Glad to see the Griffiths writing empire going well (-: Incidentally, how do you join the writers guild?
(Posted on 2009-06-26 07:14:00 by ) -
422. Bookseller
The WGT ebook has made the pages of the redoubtable Bookseller publishing trade magazine, which includes more details of the launch. Here's the link: http://www.thebookseller.com/news/89584-page.html
(Posted on 2009-06-24 10:37:00 by ) -
421. WGT ebook launches!
The Who Goes There ebook, featuring an exclusive homemade video (in the style of the DILY one, only dafter) and fabulous theme tune composed by Amongst the Pigoens (see blog 418), is now available for a mere £5.99. Click on the cover at the top of the pic queue (and I'll add a permanent link shortly) for details and a link...
(Posted on 2009-06-23 16:32:00 by ) -
I knew it - a flurry of replies! I shall have to make more - ahem - deliberate mistakes in future...
(Posted on 2009-06-23 10:28:00 by ) -
*tangles fingers in toggles of anorak such is his haste to post*
but Pertwee never met the......oh
(Posted on 2009-06-23 06:41:00 by ) -
Ah, but they did make a cameo appearance in 'Carnival Of Monsters'.
You're right Nick, we're not the target audience nowadays and RTD has brought the show back quite brilliantly.
I've a feeling that everything that's built up story-wise and character-wise from March 2005 to when DT finishes later this year was all dreamed up in RTDs head a long long time ago and when he finally lets go and The Moff takes over there'll be quite a bit of a revamp.
Long may the programme continue.
(Posted on 2009-06-22 19:16:00 by ) -
Erm, I was just about to point out there were no Cybermen during Three's era!
I agree about RTD being fresh out of ideas - Planet of the Red Bus proved that - it was little more than a rehash of Midnight with a little Smith and Jones thrown in for good measure.
I, for one, am more or less *dreading* the finale. Though I'll be sorry to see DT go (I love Ten - except when he's being a git - and I'd have loved a Moffat-led era of Ten), I think it's probably as well that he goes as well as RTD and co. Thank goodness for boxsets of Trial of a Time Lord (Yeah, I know, but I don't remember watching it, okay!), and the Key to Time. Oh, and Big Finish - which brings back monsters without actually working them to death (well, except the bleeding pepperpots, 'cos apparently NO ONE can resist them, and certainly not Nick 'Dalek' Briggs!
(Posted on 2009-06-22 17:33:00 by ) -
PS The first punk to point out that Pertwee never fought the Cybermen - yes, yes, I'm aware of The Five Doctors - during his era goes straight to 11 on the Nerd Scale.
(Posted on 2009-06-22 14:10:00 by ) -
I take your point, Royston, but think it's OTT comparing RTD to JNT. I'll join you if and when RTD brings in Nicholas Parsons and dresses Richard Briers up as Hitler. Nice work. The thing is, we slightly oldsters aren't the target audience, and I can remember back to learning of the return of the Daleks/Cybermen/Master during the Pertwee era and becoming compelled to wet myself. But as I've said before, I do think RTD's right to go - four series of 13 eps plus specials must sap the ideas. The fact remains that he brought back the show so triumphantly that we should be able to enjoy it for many more years to come, and since we lived on one TV movie in 16 years, that's good going.
(Posted on 2009-06-22 14:07:00 by ) -
It strikes me that Russell T has a bad case of the J-N-T's and is making the same kind of mistakes. Too many old and continually returning villains, and far to 'Fanboy dream' line ups. Rose/Daleks/Master/Bad Wolf Bay farewell/Sarah-Jane etc etc.
(Posted on 2009-06-22 08:56:00 by ) -
For those of a certain age... http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00l59rk ...ah, the memories.
(Posted on 2009-06-20 12:20:00 by ) -
420. Spoiler
Read no further if you prefer to cover your eyes re the Who Xmas special...
Interesting, though no vast surprise, to see John Simm back for Tennant's finale. If you're gonna bump off a Doc, who you gonna call?
Pic here: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/2484796/Who-to-a-kill.html
(Posted on 2009-06-19 13:10:00 by ) -
419. Location, location
Who'da thunk it? Turns out the warehouse where they film Dragon's Den is just around the corner from me. The wife pointed it out, and if you look through the first floor window, you can see that big silver lamp they show at the end of each episode. Must hang out there and see if I can lob some eggs at Theo Paphitis.
(Posted on 2009-06-19 13:04:00 by ) -
I thought that too, but I've watched Time Team and The Sweeney about 8,272 times. Admittedly I'm finally getting a bit bored of Time Team. "Oh, a shard of Roman pot. Great."
(Posted on 2009-06-18 16:47:00 by ) -
I have cable. After continually surfing for something to watch, I am beginning to wonder why I bother. There are only so many times you can watch 'Time Team' 'The Simpsons' 'Futurama' or 'The Sweeney.'
Hope Dextrose II continues well, I have written precisely 0 lines for my E.C.W. pitch. Ho Hum.
(Posted on 2009-06-18 10:01:00 by ) -
Yup. Slag off BBC3, and most other channels because all they show are repeats of repeats. I don't see the point. Twitter is a load of old cobblers - add to that Facebook and all the other "social networking" crap that is now part of normal life. It seems that whatever is new and possibly interesting and relevant is being overtaken by complete crap. And "digital friends". Maybe next time I'm down we can go for an interactive curry, pop a laptop on the table and share the experience with someone from the SIMS? On to Mrs Dextrose. Dare say you're having fun scribbling that one up whilst dreaming of cider and a quality vindaloo. Thought I'd let you know that my emphatic 4 vindaloos in 4 days eventually caused me a few stomach problems........had to stay at home and watch telly.... too many repeats.....read Dextrose again instead. Proof that there is life with repeats after all.
(Posted on 2009-06-18 08:18:00 by ) -
418. Amongst the Pigeons
Cat from Amongst the Pigeons - who composed the wonderful WGT theme for my imminent ebook - is selling advance copies of his debut album, Music to Brush Your Teeth To, via his estore. I've played a very-advance copy to death during drives to and from Cornwall, and absolutely love it. Order your copy, for a mere £7.99 by clicking on the album cover at the top of the pic pile. And if you want to preview tracks, go to www.myspace.com/amongstthepigeons.
(Posted on 2009-06-17 17:43:00 by ) -
I would concur wholeheartedly. Be great to watch old Who from start to finish.
(Posted on 2009-06-17 13:35:00 by ) -
To be honest, I wish BBC3 would stop the constant repeats of the last few series of Doctor Who.
If they feel the need to have it on all of the time, how about showing some 'Classic' Series episodes instead?
(Posted on 2009-06-16 18:35:00 by ) -
417. 2 Things
First I'd like to slag off BBC3, which used to be a great channel, but now smacks of desperation. Last night we watched Ideal, a sitcom we both like a lot - though this latest series has been more self-indulgent than funny, sad to say - after which a series of BBC3 "luminaries" banged on in a little how-great-are-we?!?! advertorial about how the channel takes such risks. Ideal was preceded by a repeat of (brrrr) EastEnders and followed by Katie Price: The jordan Years. Since all the spin of New Labour, everyone seems to think that if they say something, that makes it true.
Secondly, I'm up to 4,200 words on Looking for Mrs Dextrose, and having a ball. ... Or am I? Now I'm worrying myself.
(Posted on 2009-06-16 10:42:00 by ) -
Thanks for the words of comfort and advice. I shall not kill myself after all. (Anyway, I'd be rubbish at killing myself. Haven't been to the dentist in five years since am petrified of small needles. Which rules out hara kiri. Car exhaust? Or is that defunct since unleaded? Living's far more fun. If it all gets too much there's always cider. Mmm... cider.)
(Posted on 2009-06-15 14:06:00 by ) -
Maybe 'poop' could take over.
Twitter - load of old bollocks.
(Posted on 2009-06-15 13:43:00 by ) -
That just proves you're human (and fallible like the rest of us), rather than a robot!
(Posted on 2009-06-15 13:17:00 by ) -
The problem with typing these blog bits too - see, I can spell it! - quickly rears its head once again. I misspelt too as to below, which is practically unforgivable. Am debating whether to kill myself. So I may be back, and I may not.
(Posted on 2009-06-15 11:57:00 by ) -
416. Twitter ye not
I've had a few kind souls ask to "follow" me on Twitter - including someone called "poop", which was disconcerting - but I've decided to close down my account. I can't be bothered, really, and I just can't see why anyone's minutae are of any interest to anyone else. For me, Twitter feels like a step to far along the internet's "Everyone pay attention to me" palaver.
(Posted on 2009-06-14 19:22:00 by ) -
Good to see that he's carrying on the role set by David Ten-Inch.
(Posted on 2009-06-12 13:42:00 by ) -
415. Cough
This just off Popbitch.com:
FYI 3: Jambuster writes: New Dr Who Matt Smith
"Hung like a horse by the way!"
(Posted on 2009-06-11 19:22:00 by ) -
Have you never seen Fnik Fnickerson, Lars Larsson and Gustav Gustavsson the Norweigan comedy trio?
(Posted on 2009-06-10 06:53:00 by ) -
Hi Lydia. Mrs G is packaging up the floral/Dextrose lady's jumpsuit as we speak (not that we are). Hope it's the right size. The Civil War fascinates me (now, not when I was at school, natch); I used to go (ahem) metal-detecting on Basing Common and picked up a few musket balls. Touching history, innit. Not very nice history, mind. And Cat, I have often been called Griffin, which apalls/appals/appalls (never could spell that) me for obvious reasons. However the worst I have ever been addressed - shortly after I had told some telephonist type that my name was "N for Nick Griffiths - was junk mail to N Fnik Griffis. Who the fuck is called Fnik?
(Posted on 2009-06-09 11:21:00 by ) -
Nick - I hope you are not getting mixed up with Nick Griffin .... Cat
(Posted on 2009-06-08 13:46:00 by ) -
Filming my Mastermind prog on 16th July-so hope Mrs G is busy weaving and sewing that matching Dextrose hat, shirt and jacket ensemble for me to wear. No idea yet as to broadcast date-and if all goes wrong and I actually achieve a minus score, then I will be posting this from an Internet cafe in Bolivia and calling myself 'Lydia.'
As for writing-you are not suffering alone! In between bouts of near hysterical revision for said show, I am trying to put together a pitch for an 'A' level book on the English Civil War complete with sample chapter.
(Posted on 2009-06-08 06:22:00 by ) -
Hi and thanks for all the comments. And best wishes to Mrs Pigeons. Anyone else with a penn'orth? (While I take a break from this typing lark.)
(Posted on 2009-06-07 15:04:00 by ) -
Just finished watching 'The Deadly Assassin' on DVD - one of my birthday presents. Absolutely marvellous. Episode 3 has to be among the best ever episodes in the shows history. The most enjoyable part of watching it all though was the fact that my 6 year old Daughter sat with me throughhout. She was captivated. Just like her Dad all those years ago.
(Posted on 2009-06-05 20:49:00 by ) -
I'll have a look. I find the'sex' side of it a bit tiresome as well. The programme can be really good when it wants to be.
And it's got Eve Myles.
Whch is always a winner.
(Posted on 2009-06-05 13:50:00 by ) -
re TW.
I like TW - so of it is a bit odd but generally I think its a pretty cool show and am looking forward to the 5 parter. Mrs Pigeons is also a fan of DW and TW ...
(Posted on 2009-06-05 12:01:00 by ) -
Ta, Roy. I've had issues with TW in the past, but having heard the scripts for this upcoming 5-parter read out, I'd recommend all give it a shot. Really sounds like a cracker. Watch that space.
(Posted on 2009-06-05 10:50:00 by ) -
The Torchwood with the 1950's plane turning up was probably the best sci-fi story I've watched for years. The rest of Torchwood seems not quite to know what audience it is aiming at-a lot tries the old trick of attracting a teenage audience by being *shocking*, but then denying it is aiming at that audience. There is also a 'look how adult we are by including sex in everything' writing approach which is a bit wearing after a while.
(Posted on 2009-06-04 12:50:00 by ) -
414. TW
Concluded my Torchwood interviews just now with an enjoyable lenghty chat with John Barrowman. Always good value in interview. Looking forward to getting stuck into the feature. What do Who fans here make of the show? Any opinions?
(Posted on 2009-06-04 12:08:00 by ) -
Hi Dave. Lovely to hear from you, shame the news isn't less spotty. Dylan gave me chickenpox when he was three so I would have been, ooh, 31. At Christmas. Ho ho ho etc. At least you saw one of the dinos from Invasion of the Dinosaurs, which is an utter classic in my book, not despite but because of the hanging-by-strings pterodactyls. Am jealous.
Right, deeply busy day for a change. Gotta dash...
(Posted on 2009-06-03 12:38:00 by ) -
Now then, where was I?
Being laid low with shingles for 3 weeks was not part of the plan. Bloody awful disease. Nobody tells you about the pain. Still, we managed to get away for a break to Dorset. Only for my daughter to cop for Chickenpox when we were there. Closely followed by my wife - who had never had it as before in her life.
Aimee - my daughter - being the resilient 6 year old that resilient 6 year olds are - hardly noticed that she was ill. However it left Vanessa - the slightly more fragile adult - pretty much bed-ridden for the best part of 3 days. We came home early. Great holiday...
Still, on one of our trips out, Aimee and I visited the Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester. Upon entering the place your first encounter is with a BBC model (a bloody big one at that) from Pertwee's 'Invasion of the Dinosaurs' and still in pretty good condition considering it's age. That was a nice bonus.
As was the bundle of 'Who' DVDs for my birthday recently. I'm easy to buy for and easily pleased.
So what else? I see that Matt's got a lovely (she is very lovely!) companion with him for Series 5. I see that 'Outpost Gallifrey' is closing at the end of July. What will all of those people do with their spare time? A life perhaps?
Here's a little story for ya... http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/2459725/Dr-Whos-3-I-dos-Wedding-fever-for-Timelord.html ...if it's in The Sun, it must be true!!!
(Posted on 2009-06-03 04:43:00 by ) -
Ah, little Billy G Stewart. You should read Marcus Berkmann's book, A Matter of Facts, re his quizzing addiction, as he too seems to have a thing for the chap. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Matter-Facts-Insiders-Guide-Quizzing/dp/0349120870/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1243938807&sr=1-5
(Posted on 2009-06-02 10:34:00 by ) -
Will do! Was on 15-1 about 20 years ago, and was captivated by the fact that William G Stewart was the producer of Bless This House (an all time childhood fav programme).
(Posted on 2009-06-02 05:38:00 by ) -
That's so cool! Wow. Deeply impressed. Do post the airdate once you know (and no spoilers). I'll get a HD shirt printed. Really. Best of luck!
(Posted on 2009-06-01 12:41:00 by ) -
Not wishing to highjack your blog Nick but....I just got onto Mastermind as a contestant! filming towards end of July-so you will have the chance to see me make an idiot of myself on national televison sometime next year.
Basil Rathbone Holmes films being my specialist topic.Of course if you have a Harrison Dextrose t-shirt I would be happy to wear it.
(Posted on 2009-06-01 09:26:00 by ) -
413. Mrs Dextrose on Twitter
Had an idea. Why not document the writing of Mrs Dextrose on Twitter? All the highs and lows, the thought processes and all - distractions included. Find me @mrsdextrose
(Posted on 2009-05-31 12:39:00 by ) -
Would that be 'Looking For Mrs Harrison in the Classroom of Doom'? If so Dextrose should examine the Desk of Despair or the Stock Room of Gloom. As for new asst I at first misheard it as Ian Gillan...which would have given an interesting slant to the series-maybe setting episode 1 in Montreux.
(Posted on 2009-05-30 16:45:00 by ) -
She's the one who had the Soothsaying 'battle' with the old guy, when they were referring to Donna as a woman of London, and mentioned that 'she' is returning, and that Donna had something on her back.
(Posted on 2009-05-29 16:31:00 by ) -
412. Yay!
That's the first chapter of Looking for Mrs Dextrose completed! Can't say it's been easy, eating up ideas like the winner of an eating contest, but it feels like an achievement. Still a long, long way to go, though the back has decidedly be broken. 3,200 words. Next chapter: the expedition begins!
(Posted on 2009-05-29 14:52:00 by ) -
411. That one slipped out quietly!
Who's the lass atop the picture queue? Only Doctor Who's new companion, one - hang on I need to go back to the newspiece - Karen Gillan. Largely unknown, though not for much longer, she evidently played a "soothsayer" in Fires of Pompeii, so I imagine she was the one under the veil. Mirrors the hiring of Freema, who also had previously played a minor role in the show. And look how great she was/is. Hit the picture to link to the newspiece.
Now, I really must get myself a bit-part in s5...
(Posted on 2009-05-29 13:03:00 by ) -
410. Wow
Been wandering around spotify - which is very wonderful www.spotify.com - and came across an old favourite, Sufjan Stevens' Illinoise album, which I haven't played in too long. So I bunged on the first traack, Concerning the UFO Sighting..., and it was so beautiful I misted up. I really should play more music. So that you can perhaps experience the same, I've added the track to the sidebar. Should you love it too, here's the Amazon link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Illinoise-Sufjan-Stevens/dp/B0009MWAPW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1243505963&sr=1-1
PS His Christmas album is gorgeous too (but avoid Michigan - the album, not the place, which I have never visited so would refrain from passing judgement).
(Posted on 2009-05-28 11:08:00 by ) -
Tsk. It's a formatted file which you read on a computer or dedicated hand-held, and I believe you can print out too (which would sort of defeat the point). A friend of mine owns a Kindle-type device, which folds out, very thin, book-sized, and the pages appear as they would in a book. And like the iPod, it can store hundreds of books. The way forward? Who knows?
PS I'd try Quentin, but he'd only call it The Classroom of Doum.
(Posted on 2009-05-28 09:46:00 by ) -
You know I haven't got the faintist idea what an e-book isl! I reckon Tarantino would snap up the rights to 'Classroom of Doom' though.
(Posted on 2009-05-27 18:01:00 by ) -
409. En fin!
The Who Goes There ebook is finally completed... but I can't run the test version on my Mac, which is a bugger. Includes not only the book itself (with typos subbed out, ahem), but also a very special WGT theme tune composed by the wonderful Amongst the Pigeons, and an exclusive and very daft video - dafter even than the watermelon, I hope - shot by the wife and staring us and teeny Regan. It'll be a bargain. I'll post here the moment it's available online...
(Posted on 2009-05-27 10:21:00 by ) -
408. Suspicious
So I call Spielberg and his PA picks up.
"Hello. Is Steven there?"
"Who's calling please?"
"Nick Griffiths. I have this idea for a Classroom of Doom movie."
"Right."
"I think Steven might be interested."
"Hmm. Hold on."
Eventually the PA's back on the line.
"I'm afraid Mr Spielberg is away from his desk."
Like he has a desk!
"Any idea when he's back?"
"No, sorry. Can I take a message?"
We've all heard that one before.
"No, it's fine, I'll call back thanks."
Gotcha!
"Actually, Mr Spielberg died."
"Really? Oh my god. When?"
"Er. Just now."
It was that "Er" that did it. I'm not holding out much hope.
(Posted on 2009-05-26 14:24:00 by ) -
That Classroom of Doom may have some legs! Dextrose could be the new Indiana Jones. Ish. I'll call Spielberg and see what he says...
(Posted on 2009-05-25 15:42:00 by ) -
Thanks for the link to my stuff !My mum buys up the entire first print run so that explains why my sales rank is higher (-: Actually book number one 'Creative Teaching' has done really well for a teaching book (about 10,000 sales worldwide-much to my surprise!) Perhaps we could combine titles 'Harrison Dextrose and the Classroom of Doom' The Daredevil Book of Teachers Cats' or some such?
(Posted on 2009-05-24 15:00:00 by ) -
Hmm. Since I've never tried to follow someone and been rejected I've no idea what sort of notification you get. I know I've rejected people whom I don't know - and also spammers (you didn't think Twitter wouldn't be susceptible to them, did you?).
(Posted on 2009-05-22 17:33:00 by ) -
407. The Hide, again
Trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SdsXVyDT6w
(Posted on 2009-05-22 16:37:00 by ) -
Just checked out Bowie's Twittering, of which this is the sum extent:
Cheers from a snowy Berlin! Working on some new material!
9:36 PM Jan 5th from web
Ever get the feeling he's not that taken?
(Posted on 2009-05-22 15:42:00 by ) -
Hmm, you'd have thought. I just received a follow request from a chap called Jeff in Seattle. But I don't know any Jeffs from Seattle. I'm following Derren Brown, David Bowie, Jonathan Ross and Amongst the Pigeons. None of whose names are Jeff. So I've declined Jeff. Will he mind? Have I offended Jeff? Should I just have accepted because anyone who wants to follow my Twitters/Tweets(?) must be pathologically short of things to do? I just don't know. Or care. (Yet.)
(Posted on 2009-05-22 15:14:00 by ) -
Twitter's easy peasy to use.
(Posted on 2009-05-22 15:07:00 by ) -
Roy, since you are too modest to plug your own books, I shall do it for you. Here's a link to Roy's books on Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_b?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=roy+watson+davis&x=0&y=0
His latest, Lesson Observation (surely just: 1. Go to a lesson. 2. Loook around a bit...?), is notably more popular than any of mine. A coincidence?
(Posted on 2009-05-22 14:08:00 by ) -
406. Twitter
Against my better judgement I have joined Twitter, in the craven hope that I can persuade Jonathan Ross to add Dextrose to the review list of his new Twitter-based book club. Despite the site looking easy enough to navigate by a crocus, I have however experienced various hiccups. Should I ever get it working properly, and imagine that it's even faintly compelling (unlikely), I'll pass on my, er, Tweet? Agh. Now I've got the f*cking Birdy Song in my head.
(Posted on 2009-05-22 14:01:00 by ) -
Sue MaccyD's, not me. I don't overheat that stuff.
(Posted on 2009-05-22 11:51:00 by ) -
I now have a burned ear and am going to sue your backside off. At no point did you say drink the tea before utilising your recommended Internet device.I will settle out of court for £150,000.
(Posted on 2009-05-22 11:01:00 by ) -
Roy, you should feel free to plug your books here at will. (Just keep it short.) My blog is your blog.
PS If you don't have home internet, I recommend two paper cups attached to a length of string. Just hold one end next to your neighbour's Home Hub and place the other next to your PC. Presto! (If that doesn't work, you can always chat to them very indistinctly.)
(Posted on 2009-05-22 09:37:00 by ) -
405. The Hide
I was playing pool one afternoon in town with my mate Ian (we'd been working, promise), when we got chatting to a couple of blokes, one of whom turned out to be a film director, and grandson of Joseph Losey (The Servant, The Go-Between, A Doll's House... looking these up and wow, he also did M. I adore M!). Anyway, this Marek Losey was very personable and we've been in touch. This morning he sent me a viral video for his upcoming film, The Hide, which sounds fabulous. Here's the link for that:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dezPYjMzeus
And here's a link to a review, so you can see what it's all about: http://british-films.suite101.com/article.cfm/film_review_the_hide
(Posted on 2009-05-22 09:32:00 by ) -
Curse the man flu that robbed me of my chance to be visitor 40,000 ( I have no internet at home). Still I firmly intend to be visitor 4,000,000 this time next year.
*sniff you don't put a link to my books. Would it help if the next one involves teaching in an arctic wilderness?*
(Posted on 2009-05-22 09:23:00 by ) -
404. Curious
No claim for the 40K - but I did have someone email me having hit 40,001. So unless I hear otherwise, the 40K+1 wins it. Congrats to Lee - copy winging towards Toon shortly. (Let's hope the football team have similar luck.)
(Posted on 2009-05-22 09:23:00 by ) -
403. Couldn't stay away after all
Check here for a quick and slightly pointless interview with Matt Smith, which he bats away with good humour. The signs look good. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8050894.stm
(Posted on 2009-05-21 15:27:00 by ) -
402. Yeek
That shot up quickly. Just checked in and the site counter's at 39,973 so a mere 27 hits until the 40K (see compo below). I'll keep away for a bit, so I don't win my own prize...
(Posted on 2009-05-21 14:25:00 by ) -
401. Dextrose
Have only just noticed that the Legend Press website offers the first two chapters of Harrison Dextrose, as a taster. Here: forward.legendpress.co.uk/mainsite/files/HD_sample.pdf
(Posted on 2009-05-20 12:53:00 by ) -
400. 40,000
Near enough now that I can explain the rules of the x0,000th compo, which remain the same, as ever. Keep an eye on the site counter, and if you're the 40,000th visitor - on the dot, mind - take a screen grab as proof and send that to me via the Contact me bit under Home, and I'll send you a signed, dedicated copy of WGT, anywhere in the world. No cheapskates here. So keep 'em peeled...
(Posted on 2009-05-20 08:58:00 by ) -
399. Bye-bye, Snow Dalek
Sad as I am to see him go, I have to tell you about a book I finished very recently, on which I was sad to close the covers for the last time. Northern Lights & Shadows, by Lee Basnar, is the author's tale of 16 years in the Alaskan wilderness, with his wife and some bears for company. I've read a few Alaska-based books, and some can feel a tad amateurish; Basnar, on the other hand, nails it. So if you'd like to see more, click on the cover thumbnail. (I've also read that One Man's Wilderness book, which Amazon flags up, which I would also recommend, though that's a little more hardcore re log-cabin building.)
(Posted on 2009-05-19 15:16:00 by ) -
I assure you the w*nkers on the site wouldn't drink my meths. Lighter fluid is far superior.
(Posted on 2009-05-19 15:12:00 by ) -
I assume the meths stash is there for when the cider runs out.
(Posted on 2009-05-19 09:21:00 by ) -
398. Last chance
...to relive the week everything went white and even Walthamstow looked lovely - I'll be posting details of a fab book I just finished here tomorrow, which will nudge the Snow Dalek off the bottom, so click on it now to remind yourself of its excellent splendour.
Incidentally, I'll be making more of my blog pics into links in the future. For instance, click on that Deadly Assassin box and you can order it off Amazon. Old Dubya's set to go next. Phew.
(Posted on 2009-05-18 18:03:00 by ) -
Dear Roy, I am still chuckling as I type. Seems the hate mob never arrived. One of your cat's lives has been used up. My meths stash remains.
(Posted on 2009-05-18 11:53:00 by ) -
*puts down fire extinguisher and removes asbestos suit* *idly kicks stone and checks watch*
(Posted on 2009-05-18 06:45:00 by ) -
Interesting debate. Any other thoughts? Where the hell is the flame-torch-wielding mob? Come on, I've got a stash of methylated spirit...
(Posted on 2009-05-15 18:32:00 by ) -
No disagreements from me Roy. RTD's obsession with his precious Mary Sue - to the extent where Martha is treated as second best, not only by the Doctor but by the show's fans as well - is aggravating (and that's putting it mildly!). Rose supposedly got trapped in a closed off parallel universe, but RTD couldn't leave well enough alone and dragged her back yet again, breaking his own rules in the process (and not even for a good reason or - more importantly - a good story!) Around my neck of the woods she's known as the Boomerang Blonde. Personally I can't wait for RTD to be gone, 'cos then I know the blonde won't be back (if Moffat's 'clingy girlfriend' comments at last year's Comic Con are any indicator). I'd quite like to see Alex Kingston's River Song return (since we know she met Ten for the last time from her PoV but the first time from his in the Library 2-parter) - an older companion with a younger-looking Time Lord would be an interesting contrast, I feel.
(Posted on 2009-05-15 13:26:00 by ) -
I have to say I thought RTD started going downhill with the Dr as Gollum story, and as a writer probably stayed on too long. Even in series one he seemed more interested in Rose and co than the Doctor. *awaits mob with flaming torches crying 'heretic,unbeliever'*
(Posted on 2009-05-15 10:59:00 by ) -
Here's that story, if you can handle the alleged spoiler: http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/news/2009/05/15/exclusive-claire-bloom-to-play-doctor-who-s-mum-for-david-tennant-s-swansong-as-the-time-lord-115875-21361000/
(Posted on 2009-05-15 10:47:00 by ) -
Ah, the Amazon sales rank. I wish they'd take it off so I could stop worrying about it. But congrats on the new one and good luck with that lightbulb.
PS Have been reading various Who casting rumours, most of which I've forgotten. However I do recall reading that the Doc's mother will appear in the final special, played by some aged ex-Hollywood starlet. When people start crying for their mother, you know things have become dicey.
(Posted on 2009-05-15 10:42:00 by ) -
Ha! take that JKRowling!! my new book is a soaring number 148,869 in the Amazon sales rank. A new light bulb for my kitchen is nearly within reach.
(Posted on 2009-05-14 14:55:00 by ) -
PS When I said below that the Cats & Dogs pages were unattractive, I should point out that I meant my web pages, not the pages of the books themselves, which look lovely. And David Mostyn's illustrations crack me up every time - bless the man.
(Posted on 2009-05-14 13:14:00 by ) -
Said dvd is already nestling snugly on my shelf due to Amazon's excellent pre-order service.
(Posted on 2009-05-14 13:06:00 by ) -
397. Ooooooh
I see that The Deadly Assassin, my favourite Who story ever, has just been released on DVD - with a commentary by Baker T himself. So very very tempting.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Deadly-Assassin-DVD/dp/B001UHNYWI/ref=dily-21
(Posted on 2009-05-14 11:57:00 by )
Click on a book cover to order from amazon
Published April 2008
published april 2008
421
+ + + + OUT NOW + + + +
418
411
410
published april 2007
397
ebook sept 08
EBOOK JUNE 09
coming nov 09
399
57
95
390
426. Groo
I'd forgotten what enduring a hangover in an office is like. Have just bought fish and chips in a polystyrene container and can't face them. I'm in the BBC "Media Centre", which is very open-plan, but there's one office downstairs - office, remember - that's called the "Production Village". Presumably the people who named it have never seen a village. Outside is an American barbeque just for today - a treat, it seems, given the queues. Oh, and you have to queue twice - once to get a plate inside then again to get your food outside. Meanwhile, there's a jitterbug demonstration going on in the middle of the floor. I developed the fear. Ah, the BBC.