The Stolen Earth

********SPOILER WARNING********

***If You Haven't Watched It Yet,

DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER!

You Have Been Warned!***

The Stolen Earth is the penultimate episode of this season of Doctor Who and had a lot to live up to. Following last weeks amazing Turn Left, and with information leaked and released to the public about who would be appearing in the episode it certainly was facing an uphill challenge. But, I think that it managed to satisfy on every level, for every type of viewer from die-hard fan to the casual viewer, you couldn't help but be glued to the set (or laptop) with all that was happening for fear of missing some vital piece of information. This explains why I have watched it twice on BBC iPlayer now as well as catching the last half "live" on television.

The episode starred not only David Tennant and Katherine Tate, but also Elisabeth Sladen, Freema Agyeman, Billie Piper, John Barrowman, Bernard Cribbins, Eve Myles, Gareth David-Lloyd, Jacqueline King, Thomas Knight, Adjoa Andoh, Michael Brandon, and even Paul O'Grady (as himself) who Ianto loved, and laughed at hysterically at quite an inappropriate moment (considering the Daleks were invading!). The story combined the forces of the parent show with that of it's "children" Torchwood and the Sarah Jane Adventures, quite aptly as the Doctor's companions and close allies were referred to as the "Children of Time" throughout the episode.

I was initially disappointed with the reactions of both Sarah-Jane and Cap'n Jack upon hearing "Exterminate", both just gave up. Jack even said to Ianto and Gwen, "I'm sorry we're dead!" I've never known the characters to be so defeatist! But I guess it was a good tool to inform those viewers not in the know, the depth of the danger that the Earth was facing.

We had our first view of the Supreme (Red) Dalek, though it's origin is still shrouded in mystery, and also our first view of the Shadow Proclamation, and, at last a description of exactly what it is: an outer-space police force, whose soldiers are the Judoon (surprisingly popular since their first appearance in Smith & Jones).

Now throughout the series we have hear about several planets (planetoids) that have gone missing, but in this episode we have an explanation of why and where they were taken. Pyrovilia, Adipose III, the Lost Moon of Poosh and others were transported by the Daleks to the Medusa Cascade (also constantly mentioned this series) and put one-second out of synch with time to hide them. They were used as a sort of space engine or circuit board by the Daleks, for as-yet unrevealed purposes.

Davros was revealed, as was a returning Dalek Caan, who is now completely insane but, apparently, only speaks the truth. This is worrying as during the episode he has predicted "Death is coming. I can see it! Everlasting death for the most faithful companion!" Who would that be? Who was the most faithful companion? There have been bad portents for Donna throughout the series, including another from one of the members [servants?] of the Shadow Proclamation who says, "Sorry for your loss." "The loss yet to come", but I would not necessarily call her the most faithful companion. I personally think this has to be Rose, who gave up all for the Doctor; her job, her relationship, her family and even her home reality!

Caan also referred to the Doctor as the "Three-fold man" and "the Dark Lord", but we have no explanation yet. Surely he should be the ten-fold man?

We finally have an explanation for the mysterious disappearance of the bees. Apparently some of the bees are actually aliens from the planet Melissa Majoria and have returned home. Should have guessed that one!

There were brilliant FX throughout, with shots of the spaceships, the Daleks and explosions all around.

I still love Wilf, he has to be my favourite character of the series. His idea of blinding the Daleks with his paint-ball gun was brilliant, if flawed. Next thing you know he'll be putting coats over their heads and blankets under their wheels!!

When Rose saves him and Sylvia from death-by-Dalek with her BIG gun, he wittily asks her "Do yo want to swap?" Brilliant.

Enter Harreit Jones, no relation of Martha (that we know of) and her funny, yet repetitive self-introductions. "I'm Harriet Jones - Former Prime Minister" while holding up her I.D. "Yes, I (we) know who you are!" say Cap'n Jack, Martha and the Daleks (all at different times). Funny.

Rose is unfortunately left out of the "Space Facebook" conversation between Harriet Jones, Torchwod, Sarah-Jane and Luke, and Martha and Mrs Jones! All because Wilf has no web cam, "She [Sylvia] wouldn't let me. Said they're naughty!"

Jack stays true to form and flirts with Sarah-Jane, despite her initial hostility at their use of guns. "Not now Captain" orders Harriet Jones. Does everyone know of his reputation?

Harriet's new toy, the Sub-wave Network is funded by the Mr Copper Foundation. That rang a bell, but I couldn't think where from. Then I found out, and was so please to find it was the old tour-guide (Clive Swift) from Voyage of the Damned who was left on Earth with a credit card hosting unlimited credit! I said at the time that we wouldn't have seen the last of him. I love being right!

AND, I wonder how many people tried to dial the telephone number displayed as the mobile number for the Doctor on the program? Just in case you missed it:

07700 900461

Davros seemed happy that the Doctor was on his way to Earth. He needs him for something, but we do not know what yet. Was Harriet in on the plan to lure the Doctor in? She does have a grudge against him for his role in deposing her from power! Does she now possess some other resources (powers?) that we don't know about yet? She developed the Sub-wave Network, how? Does she have, say Time Lord knowledge from somewhere? Could there be a ring of truth in that maybe? She is virulently opposed to the use of the Osterhagen [spelling] Key (whatever it is), so maybe it is what is needed to defeat the ultimate, and as yet unrevealed final plan.

Ianto shows two major emotions during this episode: jealousy and courage. Jealousy twice. First when Jack reveals that he heard about the "secret" Project: Indigo from a soldier in a bar. And secondly when the Doctor finally appears on the "Space Facebook" web chat, and Gwen comments that "He's a bit nice! I thought he'd be older!" Ianto retorts, "He's not that young!" obviously worried about Jack's fascination with the Doctor, whom Jack has already abandoned them once for, and does again in this episode. His courage shows through when, despite visibly shaking with fear at times, he stands side-by-side with Gwen to face the Daleks face-to-face as they invade the Torchwood hq.

Donna also seems intrigued by the "handsome" Jack. "Who's he" she enquires pointing at the screen. The Doctor answers, "Captain Jack. DON'T!"

The major shock comes right at the end, when the Doctor sideswiped by a blast from a Dalek and his injuries for his regeneration to begin, just as he is about to be reunited with Rose! A new Doctor, there has been nothing said about a new Doctor! Well, not yet anyway!

The program ends just as the Doctor enters a regeneration stance with energy pouring out of his hands and head. And we get the absolutely annoying and unnecessary caption: "TO BE CONTINUED!" Really? I never would have guessed!

Okay, sorry for the [again] long-winded summary of the episode but there was just so much in it. Comedy, tragedy, excitement, revelations, more questions, long-forgotten story links, and brilliant performances from all.

What questions were answered?

Where the bees have gone.

Where the planets disappeared to.

Who the Shadow Proclamation are.

Are Tosh and Owen, of Torchwood, still dead. Yes!

What Mr Copper did with his card with unlimited credit.

What questions remain?

How is Rose teleporting and communicating across the reality "border"?

What is Davros' ultimate aim?

Is Davros the actual MASTERmind of this unknown plan?

What will happen to Donna?

What IS Donna? She is "something new" apparently.

Which of the companions will die?

What will the Shadow Proclamation do to the Doctor for disobeying orders?

Can UNIT recover from their defeat?

What exactly is the Osterhagen Key?

What else has the Mr Copper Foundation funded?

Why would Davros want to destroy reality itself?

Why are all the stars going out? We still do not know!

Why are there so many characters called "Smith" and "Jones" in Dr Who?

What do we have to look forward to?

The return of Jackie Tyler and Mickey Smith, who are captured by the Daleks for "testing," as revealed in a clip shown on BBC's Blue Peter.

The death of a major character.

Lots of humour, despite the dire circumstances.

The result of the Doctor's "regeneration." It can't be a real regeneration as David Tennant is still in the upcoming specials for Christmas and next year!

A finale that promises to be FU***NG AMAZING!

And probably a few surprises along the way.

I really can't wait. I want to see it now. I will probably even watch The Stolen Earth again before Saturday comes.

I love this picture so much, but I do wish that they were ALL in it (Gwen, Ianto, Luke, Mrs Jones, Wilf, Sylvia).

A Troubled Man

Also today celebrating his 30th birthday is troubled Australian Rules Footballer, Ben Cousins. Ben is an extremely gorgeous man with a great body and is lucky enough to be skilled at a sport that he loves. Unfortunately, he also has a drug problem which cost him his career and almost certainly some friendships and hurt his family and friends. I wish him well in his rehabilitation, but, with all the chances he has had it does seem a long shot. Shame as he is a hot, hot, hot guy!

Birthdays

Today's LGBT Birthdays:

Paris Barclay - US director and screenwriter - 52

Miron Bialoszewski - Polish author, poet, playwright and actor - Born 1922, Died 1983

Gunvor Hofmo - Norwegian actor - Born 1921, Died 1995

Ben Patrick Johnson - Gorgeous US model, actor and presenter - 39

Larry McKeon - US politician - Born 1944, Died 2008

Gene Malin - US actor, drag queen and musician - Born 1908, Died 1933

Nice Weather Again

I rose from my bed at 10:00 as I had given up trying to sleep further because of the pneumatic drill going about 100 meters up the road. After a bit of work on the computer I decided to go into town to treat myself to some more comics. I went to Forbidden Planet and got quite a few comics that were missing from my collection, but it came to less than £30 which was great.
I bought some lunch and sat in Soho Square to eat it. Not a lot of talent there today but the sun was out and quite strong for most of it. I really want to get some colour on my skin this year. It's been about ten years since I had a proper tan. After about an hour I decided to come home and walked it for a change. I've also been over to Waitrose to get a supply of food, as I had nothing in. Quite a productive day really and fairly enjoyable. The only thing is, I am feeling really horny now! I need a big hunky man to warm me up and cool me down!

Stolen Earth

I have just watched the whole of Stolen Earth on BBC iPlayer, but I am far too tired to do a full review of this AMAZING episode now and I am just going to go to bed. I may even watch it again tomorrow before posting my review. But for those who haven't seen it, I know I have said this before for other episodes, but .....................

"WOW"

........ you have to watch it and I really can't wait to see next week's episode and find out some REAL answers, as opposed to the hints, theories and total lies running around the 'net at the moment.

Essex Men Are Horny

I forgot to mention how incredibly attractive I found so many of the men I saw yesterday and today in Essex while I was visiting my family. When we went to the scool fate, and at the restaurant yesterday there were a couple of handsome and slightly hunky guys having drinks there. But this morning at the boot sale and when we were shopping around Lakeside there were so many gorgeous men, many of whom had very fit bodies, short- or no-sleeve tops and it really got me horny. I found it difficult to concentrate on the task at hand, namely finding suits for the wedding. Most of the guys were dads, and were pushing prams or walking with their kids, but in my mind they were all just looking for an excuse to stray to the "dark side!" I guess it is a good enough reason to visit Essex more often! I just hope that some will be at the wedding as I intend to extend the tradition of the bridesmaids getting some to the "father" of the bride, as I will be giving my sister away I deserve to have a bit of cock as my reward. Don't I?

Birthdays

Today's LGBT birthdays:
Kaitlyn Ashley - US porn star - 37
Ylva Lindberg - Swedish ice hockey player - 32
Robert Rodi - US author, playwright and performance artist - 52
Egon von Furstenberg - Swiss fashion designer - Born 1946, Died 2004

Family Visit

I have just got back from my sisters, after staying overnight. The reason for the visit was two-fold:
Firstly to see my nieces second daughter for the first time. Keleigh is less than a couple of months old and still at the floppy head stage, and so, to me looks like every other baby. The next time I see her (probably at the wedding in August) she should be a bit more developed and so have some personality. Courtney, who is Mikala's eldest has just turned 1 and is brilliant fun, most of the time, especially when you waggle your finger up and down in front of her lips she makes a noise like the Crazy Frog!!
The second reason for the visit was to get a suit for my sister's wedding, which, as I said above, is in August. I am giving her away so I had to be there to match up with the groom and his best man (and son Aaron). They are on order, but we have told my sister that we couldn't find anything which is a bit cruel as she is already getting stressed about things as it is! I'm sure we will put her out of her misery in a couple of days (weeks?).
I actually had a good time, though sleeping at my sisters wasn't nbice as it was so warm and stuffy and there were no windows to open really. She also has one of these air fresheners which spray every couple of hours, and it is so noisy it kept waking me up! I managed a few hours sleep though.
After going to a school fete with my sister and my other sister's hubby, we went out for a meal last night, which made a nice change for me. Both my sisters were there with their other halves and one of my nieces and one of my nephews were there too. Apart from waiting ages for our food it was a good night.
This morning we went to a boot sale, which I haven't done for a few years, and I managed to get a couple of Star Wars action figures quite cheaply to add to my collection. So, all in all a productive trip and I even got out in the sun, though it doesn't seem to show yet! It takes alot for me to get a tan! I hope that I will get the opportunity to top it up this week as it is London Pride next Saturday. I am only going to attend if the weather is great though as last year in the rain it was miserable.
I missed most of Dr Who yesterday as I was too busy with family things and forgot until half way into it, so I should be checking that out later tonight. The final episode is next Saturday though so, if I do go to Pride, I may just leave early to get home to watch it. There is always Soho Pride (and Brighton Pride) next month to make up for it!

Steve Burton

Today is American actor Steve Burton's birthday. Now I mentioned this guy last year and said that he was a bit "pretty" for my tastes. I don't know if I have found new pictures or just different ones, but he looks a lot more beefy that in the other photos I had so he is certainly on my radar now! Happy 38th birthday Steve.

Birthdays

Today's LGBT birthdays:
Brad Fraser - Canadian playwright and screen writer - 49
Florence Henri - US photographer - Born 1893, Died 1982
John Inman - UK actor - Born 1935, Died 2007
Jim Kolbe - US politician - 66
David Kopay - US American Football star - 66
Ataru Nakamura - Japanese singer - 23
Wim Sonneveld - Dutch comedian, actor, singer and director - Born 1917, Died 1974

A Deserved Night Out

I was really looking forward to my night out, especially after a week stuck at home with nothing to do and no money. I met Tim and Richard in the Duke of Wellington and we had a few drinks there while stood outside, interrupted only by the the door-Nazi, who was as camp as a row of tents, and really annoying telling us we had to stay within the yellow lines or the council would close down the pub!
We then went on to Comptons, the Admiral Duncan and then to Barcode. We went to the basement bar of Barcode, as it was easier to get served, and I was really impressed. It was the first time I'd been downstairs since the refit and I thought it looked amazing, and looks so much bigger too. Tim & Richard left early, well earlier than me, I hung about until closing time at 01:00 then got a bus home.
When I got off the bus I saw a handsome guy walking along the other side of the street, in the other direction and we caught each other's eye. I stopped, as did he and so I crossed the road to chat to him. It turns out he was walking in completely the wrong direction for where he wanted to go, so we both then walked in the other direction - toward my place. We stopped outside and then I invited him in. We had our fun and then he left, walking home in the right direction.

I woke up late this morning, but with no headache (thanks to drinking Red Bull during my night out - it always works for me) and heard someone banging a door somewhere in the flat. I tried to ignore it but an hour later I heard it again. I got up to investigate and found Alex, my flatmate banging on the bathroom door. I assumed that Kevin was locked in there, as he has a tendency to do when he is really pissed. But, when I got to the door I saw that it was unlocked. Puzzled, I opened the door to see Kevin's girlfriend Penny sat on the toilet asleep with her trousers around her ankles. I quickly closed the door again and let Alex continue his banging. My bedroom door slammed shut, due to the wind blowing through and that seemed to rouse her. Lucky really as I have to get ready and head off to my sister's soon as I am staying there tonight. I guess I should go.

Tried Not To Go Mad On Pay Day...

..........But Failed!!

I treated myself to some comics today, spending nearly £50, but they are all good'ens. I'm hoping I won't sit down and read them all in one go! I also brought some aftershave as I've been without decent one for months now, relying on old samples and birthday presents since then. And I got myself some light-weight canvas shoes and short, trainer socks. The shoes I love and they were only £20 - Bargain! So that all came to about £130 with some food shopping that I did, and that is even before I go out tonight (all arranged with Tim, 19:00 at the Duke of Wellie) and before I get to my sisters' tomorrow. I'm staying overnight and shopping for a suit for her wedding on the Sunday at Lakeside (what joy!).

Birthdays

Today's LGBT birthdays:
Cazwell - US rapper -36
Paul David - US singer - 42
Ted Haggard - US evangelist [i.e. hypocrite] - 52
Gia Paloma - US porn star - 24
Cyril Wong - Singaporean poet - 31

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:
Carlo Boszhard - Dutch singer, actor and presenter - 39
Babe Didrikson Zaharias - US golfer - Born 1911, Died
Lance Loud - US singer, author, journalist and reality television star - Born 1951, Died 2001
Stephen McCauley - US author - 53
Adam Tremadoc - UK porn star - 32
Mark Weigle - US singer - 41
Jeremy Wolfenden - UK journalist and spy - Born 1934, Died 1965

From Life and Times of a Guy

Life and Times of a Guy

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:
Bimbo Boy - Swedish singer - 24
Nisha Ganatra - Canadian actress and director - 34
Larry Kramer - US playwright, author and activist - 73
Storm Large - US singer and reality television star - 39
George Michael - UK singer - 45
Al Parker - US porn god - Born 1952, Died 1992
Forrest Reid - UK author, literary critic and translator - Born 1875, Died 1948
Labi Siffre - UK singer, poet and playwright - 63
Nadia Styles - US porn star - 26

Mamma Mia

I have just seen the trailer for the new film Mamma Mia, based on the hit stage musical. I heard ages ago that it was being made, and I thought it would be a disaster. I just didn't think it would work on the big screen, but with an awsome cast such as this, how can it not be a fabulous hit.
We have Meryl [sounds like a venereal disease] Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, the amazing Julie Walters, Christine Baranski, Chris Jarvis, and the cute Dominic Cooper. Check out the trailer:

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:
Mark Anthony - UK porn star - 41
Magnus Carlsson - Swedish singer (Alcazar) - 34
Kristian Digby - UK television presenter - 31
Wick Ederveen - Dutch actor and director - Born 1953, Died 1994
Vladimir Luxuria - Italian actress, presenter and politician - 43
Jose Smits - Dutch politician - 51
Allan H Spear - US politician - 71

A Few Good Men

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:
Kenneth Halliwell - UK playwright and lover and murderer of Joe Orton - Born 1926, Died 1967
Alfred Kinsey - US zoologist - Born 1894, Died 1956
David Leavitt - US author - 47
Dennis Price - UK actor - Born 1915, Died 1973
Joao Silverio Trevisan - Brazilian author and activist - 64
Alan Turing - UK mathematician, logician and cryptologist - Born 1912, Died 1954

Turn Left

******** Spoiler Warning********

***BIG TIME***

Okay, so we've all wondered "What if?" at some point in our life. We may even be able to isolate specific moments when a decision has changed our lives, for better or worse, over long periods of time. I know I can think of more than a couple of moments like that in my life. Well, this episode of Dr Who, Turn Left, explores what would have happened to Donna, or not happened to her but around her, if she had taken one small decision slightly differently. As Marvel Comics would have titled the comic (if they were still running the title);

"What if Donna Noble had turned right?"

Like dominoes, turning right at this specific point had a cumulative effect on the world surrounding Donna, and affected the fate of the whole planet. As Rose points out to Donna, she is "the most important person in all creation!" This episode goes some way to proving that point, but I imagine that the next two will prove it even more, though I don't know how.

Donna sets about this change in events when she encounters a sinister fortune teller on an alien planet, which she is visiting with the Doctor, of course. Though, this story is almost entirely without him for the whole story. While interrogating Donna, the fortune teller distracts her long enough for an alien creature, one of the Trickster's brigade, to attach itself to her and influence her, and allow her to alter her long past decision. (The Trickster was previously seen in "Whatever Happened To Sarah-Jane?" episode of The Sarah Jane Adventures.)

What difference could turning right instead of left make anyway? Ho-Boy!!

Because of he change of direction, and subsequent change of employer, she never worked at H.C. Clements, she never met Lance Bennett and he probably proposed to some other "silly" temp to make her the victim of the Empress of Racnoss. When Donna wasn't with the Doctor to tell him to stop when he was defeating the Empress he stayed until the end, which in this case was his end. The Doctor died in this battle, leaving the Earth almost defenceless.

In the Doctor's absence, his once and future allies try to defend Earth, but all are killed or taken in battles that, in the real time line, the Doctor would have won. Martha Jones dies saving a colleague when her hospital is transported to the Moon in the adventure that took place in "Smith & Jones."

The Judoon were defeated and the hospital returned, but at the cost of Sarah-Jane Smith and her young companions, Maria Jackson and Clyde Langer. Luke wasn't mentioned strangely, or they may just have talked over the point where his name was said.

Buckingham Palace and subsequently London and most of South-East England were destroyed when the Doctor wasn't present to prevent the replica of the Titanic from crashing there. What effect this would have had on Astrid Peth is unknown.

This devastation results in massive relocation in WWII-like evacuations and the expected millions of US dollars in aid never materialises as the US and much of the world is devastated when the Adipose children are born from the fat of their citizens. Another event prevented by the intervention of the Doctor (and Donna) in real time [Partners in Crime].

When the Sontarrans attack Earth with their Atmos car systems, intending to poison the Earth, the UK is saved only because of its previous ill-fortune, as there is a serious lack of petrol after the oceans were "closed" following the previous attacks. The remaining members of Torchwood Cardiff, Gwen Cooper [Williams?] and Ianto Jones, are killed defeating the Sontarrans, and Cap'n Jack is transported to the Sontarran homeworld.

With the UK in dire straits, the emergency government initiate measures the world never thought it would see again and sends the non-British to "labour camps," which the ever on-the-ball Wilf sees for what they truly are, concentration camps.

By this point Donna's mum has given up all hope, not just with Donna but with life. And when Donna and Wilf witness the stars "going out," she finally realises that she is ready to help the mysterious blond who she has met on various occasions but who will not reveal her name.

Donna is truly terrified when the blond, Rose Tyler [as if you hadn't guessed], shows her the "thing" on her back which so many other people have almost seen. She is also told by Rose that she will die. She mistakenly believes that by agreeing to Rose's time-travel plan she can prevent this, it isn't until she has made her journey that she realises that only by dying will she make the changes necessary to restore her true reality.

Her false decision rectified by her self-sacrifice time is restored and Donna is returned to the room with the fortune teller on the alien planet and the "time beetle" dies. The fortune teller is now terrified of Donna, stating: "You are so strong? What are you? What will you become?" almost certainly a portent of things to come (over the next two weeks?).

I took my time when coming to review this episode because I was so overwhelmed by it. For an episode without the Doctor (much), it was an incredibly action-filled, thought-provoking and incredibly well performed piece. Catherine Tate showed almost every emotion possible throughout this episode, an amazing performance that should win her a BAFTA. One should also go to Russell T Davis for writing this incredibly difficult episode.

So much happened in this episode, or didn't as the case may be, that I had to watch it a second time to get my thoughts sorted and my brain around all the information. I may even watch it a third time as I'm bound to have missed stuff.

I had forgotten how strangely Billie Piper talks, like she has a mouthful of something [teeth?] all the time!

I was pleased to see Clive Standen return, briefly, and in a UNIT uniform too! About the only talent in the whole episode.

And, isn't it amazing how switched on Wilf is for an old geezer. When the news report mentions "rhinos" he immediately realises that they must be aliens. What has happened in his past to make him so insightful to what the universe is really like? I hope that can be explored at some point in the future.

We are all now waiting in desperate anticipation of the end-of season finale double bill to beat all end-of-season shows. Almost everyone is in the next two episodes apparently: The Doctor, Donna, Rose, Martha, Cap'n Jack, Ianto, Gwen, Sarah-Jane, Luke, Jackie Tyler, Mickey, Wilf, Sylvia Noble, Francine Jones, the Daleks, the Judoon, and

.

.

.

wait for it

.

.

.

as if you didn't known already,

.

.

.

guess who's back?

.

.

.

I can tell you as Confidential gave it away, right at the end,

.

.

.

.

Davros!

And, just what, or who, is the red Dalek? There have been many rumours going around about this series, especially about what is coming up for the finale, but I have yet to hear any rumours that could be true, now that certain possible stories have been proven wrong by stories that we have seen. For example, I had heard that Donna was going to "hatch" spiders out of her back, which had been laid there by the Empress of Raknoss. That was obviously an off-the-mark assumption about the time beetle in this week's episode.

But, is the red Dalek really a transformed Harriet Jones? Or. could "she" be someone else who is strong and has been destined for something since she was born? Just my own personal theory.

As I've just mentioned Confidential gave away the mystery guest character for next week's episode, but it also cleared up some other things and made me aware of some things I just hadn't connected. Such as, the planets that are being destroyed. Two have been mentioned that I have spotted, and were both mentioned individually, in separate episodes so it would take someone more obsessive than me to have linked them. But, in Partners in Crime, it was mentioned that the Adiposian hatching planet had been "lost." In The Fires of Pompeii, it is revealed that the home planet of the Pyroviles has been destroyed. Obviously, if the stars are "going out" then their planets would not be able to survive.

RTD also pointed out, in Confidential, that it has been said that death follows the Doctor around. If he didn't go certain places would so many die? This episode, as was RTD's intention, shows that if the Doctor isn't around then see how many more millions would die!

And finally, please resolve the bee thing! It is really beginning to buzz, I mean bug me now. I've heard that Davros is using bees to make Daleks, but that seems preposterous as Daleks made out of honey would not be very scary, just very tasty!

Oh, and I was just slightly freaked out when I found a dead bee at work the other day!! Had one escaped Davros' work hive? We'll find out within a fortnight!

I Despair

I really do despair of my stupidity and naive honesty sometimes. I was in Waitrose today using my last couple of pounds to get some essentials (bread, milk and toilet roll), while paying with an embarrassing handful of change I noticed a £5 note on the floor. Before I'd even though anything about it, I had picked it up and handed it straight to the cashier. She looked as shocked as I felt as I realised how stupid I was being. That £5 could have helped me get back within my overdraft limit if I put it into my account tomorrow! I really and such a bloody useless goody-goody sometimes and it never EVER gets me anywhere! What a twat. I walked home with a look of disbelief on my face at what I had done!

Birthday Bruiser

Also today we have a sexy guy from the States who is celebrating his 45th birthday. Randy Couture may sound like a drag queen or porn star, but he is actually a successful mixed martial artist so I wouldn't call him a drag queen to his face. I would however like to see him in porn as he is a really sexy guy with a great body and looks like a slightly older version of Jason Statham when he is unshaven. Very Nice.

Anyway Randy have a good day.

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:
Kevin Aviance - US fashion designer, musician and female impersonator - 40
Bill Blass - US fashion designer - Born 1922, Died 2002
Martin Krafl - Czech politician - 37
Peter Pears - US singer - Born 1910, Died 1986
Peter Prijdekker - Dutch swimmer - 60
Jai Rodriguez - US actor, musician and presenter - 29
Jimmy Somerville - Scottish singer (solo, Bronski Beat, Communards) - 47

The Day After

I took a while to get to sleep last night as I had slept most of the day yesterday, but I eventually got off. I woke up at around 04:00 but stayed in bed until 05:00. I was up for a couple of hours before I went back to sleep again, eventually getting up at 09:00. Still a lot earlier than yesterday. Hopefully, today will not be a completely wasted (in both senses) like yesterday!
Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes and especially to Ray for blogging about my birthday on his site. Cheers all.

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:

Alyson Annan - Australian field hockey player - 35

Jared French - US painter - Born 1905, Died 1988

David Marshall Grant - US actor and playwright - 53

Michael Kuhnen - German neo-Nazi - Born 1955, Died 1991

Janos Volt - Hungarian porn star - 30 or 33

I'm gonna try this one!

I've just seen a quote on the LGBT page of Wikipedia and I love it.

“If homosexuality is a disease, let's all call in queer to work: "Hello. Can't work today, still queer.”
—Robin Tyler

Happy Birthday To Me

Well it is almost 16:00 and I have not long been out of bed! What a waste of the day, eh? But it is because I went out last night and got a bit wrecked. The guys from work had invited me for drinks for my birthday and so I popped down to the Lord Abercrombie near Liverpool Street station at around 18:00 and stayed almost until closing time. I must have been a mess when I got home, because my room was all messed up, stuff all over my desk, clothes everywhere and half a packed of Jammie Dodgers eaten! It was a good night though.
Today I have only received one card so far, from my sister Maxine and just had an text from my other sister Lynn, and one message on Facebook from Mike, who I used to work with. Best of all though is that I had a phonecall yesterday from Dean in Aus. He was on his way home from a night out and decided to phone me to wish me a happy birthday, he was a bit merry. He was a bit miffed that he'd got the wrong day so he phoned me this morning too! Bless him.
It is amazing the amount of people who also have their birthdays today. I have met quite a few people in my life who share this day with me. A guy at school Anthony Ford has his birthday today, as does Katrina who I used to work with at Ravel in Lakeside, and Annalize (who also sent me a message on Facebook) and Erald, who I worked with at Goldman Sachs, also have their birthdays today. How many people have you met who share your birthday?
It is also my niece Mikala's birthday tomorrow, though I am too skint to buy a card for her, so a text and an email will have to do. I am going to see her next weekend anyway so I can give her some money then as I will have been paid.

Almost Forgot Frankie

How could I almost forget to include Frankie Lampard? I am a bit of a fan of Frank, he plays for Chelsea who are the only team I know anything about (though my knowledge is a bit out of date since I left my long-term job last year where there were loads of Chelsea fans), but I have nothing bad to say about Mr Lampard. He seems to set a fairly good example apart from the amount he gets paid which is extortionate but that goes for all professional footballers in this country. He is quite a sexy guy too and I find it hard to believe that they still call him "Fat" Frankie Lampard.

Frankie boy is 30 today and I really wish I could help him celebrate. When he scores a goal he always celebrates by kissing his ring! I would like to offer my services to kiss his ring for his birthday, if that isn't too forward!

It's alright Frankie, I wouldn't tell anyone!

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:
Alexander the Great - Ancient Macedonian military commander - Born 356 BC, Died 323 BC
Ray Dragon - US porn star, fashion designer and photographer - 46
E Lynn Harris - US author - 53
Peter Paige - US actor, director and playwright - 40
Vikram Seth - Indian poet - 56
Donald Vining - US author, playwright and publisher - Born 1917, Died 1998

Typical

Tonight was due to be my last shift for my current company as they have lost the contract on the building I work in and I am on holiday for 17 from tomorrow. They lost the contract for various reasons, but mainly because they were never able to man the site adequately with enough staff, or enough decent staff. Typically on my last shift I get in to work to find out that they have sent someone else to do my shift. So, they go from not enough staff to too many staff. I had the option to stay, but I thought I could have an extra day added on to my holiday time, so I came home. I am now a bit bored, but don't want to go out as I am out tomorrow night and expect I will be out on Saturday night too. A quiet night in catching up on stuff is what is called for I think.

The Message

If ever there was a video that could portray some of what I want to achieve with The Decade, then this video is it. Enjoy and thanks to Ray for making me aware of it:

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:
Jos Brink - Dutch actor, columnist, presenter and activist - Born 1942, Died 2007
Marga Gomez - US actress, playwright and comedian - 48
Rebecca Loos - Spanish wannabee - 31
Rayveness - US porn star - 36
Peter Rehwinkel - Dutch politician - 44
Jason Tyler - US porn star - 29

Don't forget to check out Gay For Today for biographies of famous LGBT people.

I Had A Little Idea....

A couple of weeks back, while trying to figure out what to do with my life, I came up with an idea that I got quite excited about. I wanted to create an internet-based information directory for LGBT people, especially young people who are just coming out, coming to terms with, or realising that they are gay.
When I was a kid I knew from an early age that I was gay. I didn't know the word, I didn't know exactly what it meant, but I knew that I liked guys not girls. I also "knew" that it was "wrong." I had no idea where to get information about being gay, I didn't even know where to start. I eventually phoned the Samaritans and they gave me the phone number of the Gay Switchboard in London and that, along with my friendship with Craig Armet led me to learning who I was and who I could be. He and the friends I made through him were responsible for my "gay education" and for making me the person I am today. I have infinitely more confidence than I did as a child and I am a reasonably sane and good person. I believe every child has the right to this information.
I wanted to provide a website detailing biographies of famous gay people, laws that affect the gay community, places associated with the community, interviews with gay celebrities and details of charities and youth groups to help people become who they really want to be.
I was sort of aiming for a Wikipedia-style database, but more of a magazine content. I have no funds, no business acumen and do not have the writing or website skills to sort this out, but I still feel it is an important project.
Today I received an email advising me of a new website, Wiki.PinkPaper.com, which is similar to Wikipedia and organised by the British free weekly Pink Paper people. It is slightly more than your normal wiki and I have yet to explore it all, but it does seem that I have been gazumped in my idea, even though this project doesn't go as far as I wanted to.
Oh well, back to the drawing board. Whatever will my next (non-starting) idea be? Who knows, but stay watching, there is bound to be one!
Maybe I should go back to my idea about The Decade? Hhmmmnnnn!!

Not Long Now

I have one more night shift to go before my holiday time. I have booked 7 days off, but with the change in shift patterns (due to the new company taking over on Monday) and the way the shifts work too it means that I have 17 days off in total! How great is that? I am, unfortunately, not able to afford to go anywhere really nice, but will be visiting my sister in Basildon, Essex to sort out my suit for her wedding in August.
I was advised of a works drink evening when I got to work yesterday. On Friday they are having a leaving drink for the senior supervisor, which is confusing as he isn't leaving the site that I work at, just the other site that he also used to run. I was invited saying that it was a joint celebration as it is my birthday on the following day too. It turns out that this was an afterthought by the organisers. :-( But I think I'm still gonna go as everyone else I know is too busy with holidays etc.

What You Want

From the way the poll is going, this seems to be all that you want from me. Oh well, who am I to deny you?

Eddie Cibrian

I haven't seen a lot of Eddie Cibrian lately but I guess I will have to make an effort to watch Ugly Betty when the new series starts as he is in a few episodes of that. I really liked the series Invasion, but it was never followed up with a second series so we never got to see what happened in that and I also liked Third Watch in which Eddie also starred. It's about time he got a major hit show as he can act, and looks fantastic which is even more important (joke, sort of!). Even Sunset Beach was worth watching because of him (and all the other hottie guys!).

Eddie is celebrating his 35th birthday today and I wish him well.

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays are pretty thin on the ground:

Nigel Owens - UK (Welsh) international rugby referee - 37

Skye Woods - US porn star and bodybuilder - 35

Birthdays

Todays All-American LGBT birthdays:
Christy Canyon - US porn star - 42
Martin Dillon - US singer and musician - Born 1957, Died 2005
Diane Murphy - US actress - 44
Carl van Vechten - US author and photographer - Born 1880, Died 1964
Tori Welles - US porn star - 41

Birthdays

Only 2 LGBT birthdays today (that I know of):
Steve Kenson - US RPG author - 39
Jenny Shimizu - US model and actress - 41

Queen's Birthday Honours LIst

I've just seen on BBC News that the list of celebrities being awarded honours for the Queen's Birthday has been released. And boy is it a real queen's list too!
Gay fave and friend June Brown (Dot [Cotton] Branning off Eastenders) gets an MBE;
Russell T Davies gets an OBE;
Superstar Victoria Wood gets a CBE (should be made a dame in my opinion);
And even Paul O'Grady gets an MBE;
Talk about a queen's dream dinner guest list!! Good on all of them!!

Also Today...

Today also marks the 35th birthday of a really handsome former model from the US, turned soap opera actor. Greg Vaughan has starred in The Young & the Restless and General Hospital, as well as Sabrina, Will & Grace, Nash Bridges and Charmed which is probably where he met his ex-wife Alyssa Milano. She always gets the gorgeous guys on and off screen doesn't she? Bitch!

Happy Birthday Greg

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:
Simon Callow - UK actor - 59
Mary Carey - US porn star - 28
Stephen Funk - First US soldier to refuse to serve in Iraq - 26
Neil Patrick Harris - US actor - 35
Bif Naked - Canadian singer, musician and actor - 37
Patricia Nell Warren - US author - 72

Midnight

********Spoiler Warning********

I was happy when I eventually got away from work to be home in time for the start of this weeks Doctor Who episode, Midnight. It made a nice change to watch it on television rather than on my laptop, via BBC iPlayer!
The whole episode plays out as a study in hysteria and paranoia, showing how, when faced with an unknown danger, man turns on his companions and acts in packs to attack who they perceive to be the enemy or the weak. It is well written, but ultimately I felt a bit let down and not hooked by the story.
Lindsey Coulson, played her character, Val, well. She was the main instigator of the hysteria from the get-go when the level of oxygen was mentioned in passing, she hooked onto it and got everyone thinking that the air was running out! For a sci-fi show it had a lot of realism when dealing with how people, any group of people, would react in a similar situation.
The young actor playing Val's son, Jethro, was good too, Colin Morgan. Being a voice of reason for most of the show, he showed an intelligence not acknowledged by either of his parents. He could have been companion material, and the Doctor did like him, well at least until even he turned on the Doctor. He was cute too, for a young guy!
This episode also starred David Troughton, son of the second Doctor, Patrick Troughton, making him the second child of a former Doctor to appear in an episode this season alone. He played a, not so intelligent, professor. He has appeared in several episodes before though, even in episodes with his father.
Ayesha Antoine, playing the professor's assistant Dee Dee, was great. Showing an intelligence that in another situation could also have led to her becoming the Doctor's next companion.
Speaking of companions, Donna was absent during this story. She appeared briefly at the beginning and the end, as she was off sunbathing somewhere, though thankfully we didn't see much flesh.
This story was a different take on the Doctor. One of the few stories where he is companionless it showed that he often needs a companion to help him reason with other humanoids who he otherwise does not see eye-to-eye with. When the entity starts to sway the opinion of almost all his fellow travellers he gets a look on his face of real emptiness, not knowing what to do! When he had this I felt that he looked like the actor Alastair Mackenzie (mainly known to me from Monarch of the Glen), I wonder if they are related? This is the second time Tennant has looked like someone else to me (the other being a young Kenny Everett).
Though not a brilliant episode, in my humble opinion, it was an incredibly well performed piece that was obviously incredibly difficult to film. Lots of scenes with everyone talking at the same time, and other scenes with people saying the same lines after each other and at the same time. I can only imagine the nightmarish thoughts that went through the actors minds when they first saw their scripts! It was a bit of a break between the [background] ongoing story of this series, that could have been shown at any point in the series. The only link to continuity was the brief shot of Rose Tyler on the transport monitor, silently calling for the Doctor as she has in previous episodes. Next week is when we find out what she is trying to warn the Doctor about. Oh, and it appears from the sneak-peak we get of next week, that Donna does indeed have something growing on / in her back! I thought that was a bluff story line when I read it months ago! And it also appears that the Doctor will not be in next weeks episode, which I also read that would happen months ago. Just goes to show you can never know what to believe and what not to!

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:
Boy George - UK singer and dj - 47
Alan Carr - UK comedian and television presenter - 32
Merijn Henfling - Dutch magazine editor - 30
Sam Irvin - US director and producer - 52
Steve McDonagh - US actor and presenter - 44
Paul O'Grady - UK presenter, entertainer and former drag queen [Lily Savage] - 53

Hellish Day

But I guess that I knew it would be. I was working today just with the security manager so I was unable to take my laptop in to entertain myself (they are banned from work, but we all take them in anyway on weekends and night shifts!). As usual, the rules only apply to everyone else where he is concerned. He can't ever be bothered to wear uniform, today he was in black jeans and t-shirt, he stayed in his office almost the whole day, only venturing forth to do 2 patrols (he should have done 3) and go out for cigarettes and to go and get himself some lunch from Waitrose, leaving me in the building on my own, which is also not allowed.
I saw him for maybe an hour of the whole 12 hour shift, the rest of the time I was sat in front of the CCTV monitors trying to amuse myself playing patience with a pack of cards (a real pack, not computer one, because they aren't allowed), and reading, which sends me to sleep. I couldn't be bothered to struggle so allowed myself to sleep a couple of times, but only for about 10-20 minutes at a time. He should have had the CCTV connection on his computer in his office, so he could monitor the cameras while I was on my patrols, but he didn't even bother with that.
What angered me most, quite early on, was that Control phoned me early on to confirm my shifts for next week and I have been changed from a night shift on Monday to a day shift, without being asked. Now that is nothing unusual, he never asks, but he does usually put up an altered rota on the wall so you can see the changes yourself. There has been no rota for next week on the wall at all this week, then, as if by magic, when I got back from my patrol, one had appeared. He didn't mention it at all today either! He really pisses me off sometimes.
I was so pleased when the end of the shift came along, but I have to suffer the whole thing again tomorrow as I am working with him once again! Oh, what joy!
Roll on Friday morning, 07:00 when I will be free for almost 2 weeks. I really can't wait!

Also Today ......

I know I mention his birthday every year, but Chris Evans (the US actor) is so sexy, especially when playing Johnny Storm, aka the Human Torch in the Fantastic Four films that he deserves repeated mentions. Chris is just 27 today, enjoy your day matey.

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:
Eden Alaura - US porn star - 31
Alexandru Bogdan-Pilesti - Romanian poet - Born 1870, Died 1922
Fred Butter - Dutch singer, actor and dancer - 51
Rose Cleveland - Sister of the US president - Born 1846, Died 1918
Brian Dowling - Irish Big Brother winner and television presenter - 30
Patrick Goodwin - US musician (Pansy Division) - 35
Annemarie Grewel - Dutch politician and columnist - Born 1940, Died 1998
Siegfried (Fischbacher) - German magician (Siegfried & Roy) - 69
Lela Star - US porn star - 23
Lee Calvin Yeomans - US playwright - Born 1938, Died 2001

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:
Djuna Barnes - US author - Born 1892, Died 1982
Nick Brown - UK politician - 58
Spencer Livermore - UK politician - 33
Paul Lynde - US actor and comedian - Born 1926, Died 1982
Sandro Penna - Italian poet - Born 1906, Died 1977
Scott Thompson - Canadian actor, comedian (Kids in the Hall) and author - 49
Henry Scott Tuke - UK painter and photographer - Born 1858, Died 1929

Real Birthday Man

Today is the 46th birthday of an American actor I must admit to never having heard of before: John Enos III is apparently best known for appearing in The Young & the Restless, a show we do not get over here in Blighty, from 2003. From the pictures that I have seen I can see why he would be popular. He is a really sexy guy with a great body and so utterly masculine. Wow.

Happy Birthday John.

What Would You Like From a New Gay Website?

Today I'm starting a new poll. I hope you will all participate.
I am looking for a new project, so that I can get myself out of the employment hole I seem to be in. I would like to set up a new gay-themed website, and I would like to hear feedback from everyone to see what they want from a website.
I would ideally like to create an educational and inspirational site that could be used as a teaching tool in schools, colleges and universities worldwide, but I think that is a pipe-dream, but who knows?

The options I have given in the poll are:
Interviews - With famous LGBT people and those who contribute to our community and well being.
Biographies - About famous LGBT people and those who have contributed to our community and well being.
Reviews - TV, Movies, Books, Plays, Shows etc etc etc.
Pictures of Sexy Guys - I know this will get the most votes, but hey if it is what you want!
Legal Information - Age of concent / Sexual laws / Marriage laws etc (home and abroad).
Health Advice - For health issues affecting us all.
Upcoming Events - Details of Pride parties, PA's, IDAHo events, World AIDS Day, etc etc etc.
TV Guide - A guide to gay shows and shows with gay content on as many channels as possible.
Gay History - Educational information about our history (Concentration Camps, Pederastic societies, Stonewall Riots, Hate Crimes etc etc etc).
Other - Anything else that I may not have thought of, though, as I'm not telepathic I will need a comment to be left or an email (to alex.robins@hotmail.co.uk) to know what this "other" idea is.

I really hope that many of you will vote, you can pick as many options as you want, and please comment to let me know what is wanted from a gay magazine (web based or paper) as I really need to get my teeth sunk into a new project before I go brain-dead from the boredom of my current employment.

Thanks, in antici ..................... pation!!

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:
Gioia Bruno - Italian singer (Expose) - 45
Richard Loeb - US serial killer (Leopold & Loeb) - Born 1905, Died 1936
Johnny Rahm - US porn star - Born 1965, Died 2004
Barrie Stevens - US choreographer, director, singer and actor - 65
Jack Wrangler - US porn star and theatre director - 62

Tired after last night

I had arranged to meet Alfredo last night a few days previously and had heard nothing from him about a time or a place so I sent him a text in the afternoon, knowing that he was working and couldn't answer straight away. I didn't receive a reply by 19:00 so I went into Soho thinking that he had changed his mind or was working later than expected or something. I went to Barcode first, which was quiet and didn't have any draught Strongbow cider (meaning that I had to have a Bulmers which is over £1 more expensive! per pint), so I only stayed for the one. I then went to Rupert Street. While I was there I received a text from Alfredo and we arranged to meet at Liverpool Street station.
We went to a bar next to the entrance of the station, which looks like a (badly) converted ball room and had a couple of drinks there. We then went on to another couple of bars before going back to Alfredo's.
I didn't leave there until abou 01:00 and so when I woke this morning for work (and all day) I was still tired. But, it was a good night. He sent me a text earlier to say he was feeling really tired too.
I really like him, but I don't think it is going to go far as I am not as into the physical side as much as he seems to be. I feel really old saying this, but all I really want is a good, close companion and a good kiss, cuddle and fumble most of the time! Sad, eh? Not the sort of thing that gets lots of responses on Gaydar / Mandate is it?

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:
Ronnie Burkett - Canadian puppeteer - 51
Clemens Cornielje - Dutch politician - 50
Louis Couperus - Dutch author - Born 1863, Died 1923
Ben Daniels - UK actor - 44
Rob Newton - UK hurdler - 27
Terrence Rattigan - UK playwright and screen writer - Born 1911, Died 1977

Sleep - I remember that....

It was another warm night last night and I wasn't tired when I turned in at about midnight, but I thought I should sleep so that I can attempt to get into a normal pattern for when I go back to work tomorrow. I took ages to get to sleep and then was woken by something at around 02:00 and took about 3 hours to get back to sleep again, it was already beginning to ger light outside before I did manage it. I did stay sleeping until around 07:30 so at least I got some rest, but I imagine I will be extremely tired at work tomorrow as usual and struggling to stay awake (having nothing to stimulate my mind all day!). Oh well.
Oh, and the sun has disappeared today, though it is still really muggy! I wonder if Alfredo is still on for meeting up tonight?

SPOILER ALERT - not really

I have just seen a "leaked" picture suposedly from the final episode of this series of Dr Who and, if it is to be believed, then the rumours that I had heard previously are true. Dr Who fans will hopefully delighted at this returning character, but that is all I am saying!

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:
Alektra Blue - US porn star - 25
Ossie Clark - UK fashion designer - Born 1942, Died 1996
Patricia Cornwell - US author - 52
Eva Dahlgren - Swedish singer - 48
Benny Neyman - Dutch singer - Born 1951, Died 2008
A H Nijhoff-Wind - Dutch author - Born 1897, Died 1971
Cole Porter - US composer and songwriter - Born 1891, Died 1964
Adamo Ruggiero - Canadian actor - 22

Forest of the Dead

********Spoiler Warning********

After a week of anticipation of this episode I found I was disappointed as it seemed that the story was all resolved a bit too easily for my liking. This, being the second part of a two-parter which began last week, was obviously going to resolve the story. We were left with more questions to be answered, but most of last weeks questions were dealt with and I found myself wishing that they had taken more time, maybe making it a 3-parter.
We found out what happened to Donna. We found out who Dr Moon was. We found out what CAL stood for. We found out why the Doctor gave (will give) River Song her sonic screwdriver. Thanks to Steven Moffat in Confidential, we know where River Song gained her squareness gun. And, at last, both Steven Moffat and Russell T Davis admitted that the sonic screwdriver and psychic paper are "cheats" to get the story moving along quicker, "get out of jail free" cards. Both are grossly overused, especially this series, if you ask me (which nobody did).
We were tempted with the knowledge that River Song knows the Doctor's real name. And given cause to speculate under what circumstance the Doctor would have revealed that to someone (there is only one reason, according to him! Could it be marriage?) We still do not know where Donna is, in the time that River knows the Doctor. We are not even sure if the Doctor is in the same regeneration when he meets her. And, more importantly if the Doctor does get married, which of his many companions will get to be the best "man" and who will be bridesmaids? AND, will River wear the same dress that Donna has now worn twice (yes it was the same dress in this episode as in Runaway Bride!).
But, what intrigues me most is, what is the significance of the pink feather on the camera shown in Confidential? Is it another Spoiler?
I don't think I can ever recall a Dr Who baddie just giving up at the end of a story. The Vashta Nerada are a swarm race with little intellect and emotion, so why would they agree to let the humans leave the Library removing their only source of sustenance? That was a big gaping hole in the resolution to this story for me. So improbable, especially as the Doctor had no way of defeating them to threaten them with. So, I'm thinking, maybe that isn't where they left it. Maybe they come back later in the series. I think I recall a trailer with someone (Rose?) warning that the "darkness is coming!" Have the Vashta Nerada stowed away on the TARDIS? Are the Doctor and Donna still counting their shadows? See, I told you there were more questions!
With this episode I was also disappointed at the fate of River, her mind being "stored" in the computer for eternity in a muted analogy to heaven with (almost) everyone dressed in white, and found myself thinking back to Astrid's fate in Voyage of the Damned at Christmas. There must be a way to bring both of these characters back (I'm not greedy, I'll settle for them being in different series'!). How dare the creators of Dr Who write two such brilliant characters, for two great actresses and then leave us wanting so much more.

There was plenty of the usual humour in this episode and, was it my imagination, or was the music, as they first descended down on the gravity platform, meant to sound like the Batman music? I remember he used to descend to his Bat Cave in a similar fashion (well, sliding down a pole is sort of similar to a gravity platform given the difference in time and technology!).Jason Pitt, as Donna's "perfect" husband, was a bit of all-right! Apparently he is also in River City (which I've never seen). And, unknown to her, he really does exist and remembers her too. I wonder if she will ever see him again.

Last weeks episode could be summed up by "Wow!"

This weeks more by "Oh!?", but to be fair, it would have been hard to top lat week whatever happened.

11 Hours

I am starting my last shift of this rotation at 20:00 tonight then have 11 hours before I finish and then I have Monday and Tuesday off! Hooray. It seems like this week has gone on forever! I have nothing planned for Monday except sleeping, which I hope I won't need to do all day. I might ask Tim if he wants to meet for drinks (it is cheap night on Monday's too, which will be a bonus). Tuesday I have already arranged to meet up with Alfredo, so I'm looking forward to that. I don't know where we are going yet though.

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:
Malcolm Boyd - US author, minister and activist - 85
Donna Deitch - US film maker - 63
Marguerite Yourcenar - French author - Born 1903, Died 1987

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthday people are all Americans:
Tracey Adams - US porn star - 49
Robert Dover - US equestrian rider - 52
James Ivory - US film maker - 80

Handsome Men

Big Brother 9

Is it really only the 9th season of Big Brother UK? Seems like it has been going on forever. Oh well!

As usual I watched the first show of the series just to see if there were any nice guys going in the house this year. Out of 16 contestants (so far) there are 2 that caught my eye, the first is Dale who is only 21 and reminded me at times of Brad Pitt (only at times though), he is good looking but as is pre-requesite for BB contestants, he is so full of himself which is an instant put-off.

Rex is also a bit full of himself and good looking but not as nice as Dale. He is 24 and a chef from Hampstead, I wonder if he's ever had a spit-roast on the Heath?

Kathreya, from Thailand, made me laugh. She is so small and podgy and smiles all the time. She will either win the series or be one of the first out of the door.

The rest of them are freaks and wannabes with nothing interesting that I could determine. Yes, there is a poof (an outrageous one, of course, coz, god-forbid, we have a normal person in the house who happens to be gay), a cross-dressing blind man (I bet BB though it's dreams had come true when this guy applied), and an albino thug!

Birthdays

Quite a few LGBT birthdays again today:
Sandra Bernhard - US actress, singer and comedian - 53
Harvey Fierstein - US actor and playwright - 56
Mark Lund - US author, publisher, producer and presenter - 43
Marcel Musters - Dutch actor and singer - 49
Holly Near - US singer / songwriter, actress, activist and author - 59
Violet Trefusis - UK author - Born 1894, Died 1972
Siegfried Wagner - German composer - Born 1869, Died 1930

Working Late!

After a hellish week where I had felt incredibly tired all the time I was at work, I was actually feeling better today. Maybe it was because I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, I have two night shifts from tomorrow and then two days off.
Well it was a good job that I was feeling better and more awake as Control (I use that word very loosely) had failed to roster a second person in for tonight's shift and so I had to wait at work for someone to arrive. It was 21:45 before they did and I was meant to have finished at 19:00. I was not impressed. No wonder this company lost the contract! I am SO looking forward to my lay in tomorrow morning!

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:

Chad Allen - US actor and activist - 34

David Brudnoy - US presenter - Born 1940, Died 2004

Lisa Cholodenko - US author and filmmaker - 44

Federico Garcia Lorca - Spanish poet - Born 1898, Died 1936

John Maynard Keynes - UK economist and mathematician - Born 1883, Died 1946

Michael MacLennan - Canadian playwright, screen writer and producer - 40

Suze Orman - US author and tv presenter - 57

Lluis Pasqual - Spanish theatre director - 57

Tony Richardson - UK director and producer - Born 1928, Died 1991

Francois Sagat - French porn god - 29

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:
Sam Harris - US singer, actor, producer and director - 47
Peter Joback - Swedish singer - 37
Val McDermid - UK crime author - 53

Another Slow Day At Work

I was struggling to keep awake at work again today. I got a reply from a text I'd sent to Alfredo at about 00:45 which woke me up. I then was woken again at about 02:30 by some workmen banging on some manhole covers outside my window. I was not very happy.
Today there is some potential good news though. A company want to come a film scenes for a well-known television program in our building, some time in the next 2 weeks. I won't say which show, just in case I have to sign a confidentiality clause or something, but it's a good-un (though not Dr Who!). So, if this does go ahead then it will make for slightly (infinitely) more exciting days while it is going on. If I ask I can probably endure that I will be on for whatever shifts these will be too as I am still one of the golden boys there! So, fingers crossed everyone.

Results Time

My latest poll "How Did You Hear About This Blog?" resulted in only 23 votes, which is quite disappointing to be honest, but thank you to those who did participate.
It turns out that the highest percentage of people who voted (56%, or 13 people) found this blog through a link from another site. I have no feedback to say which other site(s) this may be, but I wish to extend my thanks to those who have links here.
3 people (13%) found this blog through a friend, thanks are also extended to those friends.
4 people (17%) found me through Googling, which I have done accidentally too.
2 (8%) can't remember or don't know
and only 1 (4%) person found the blog through being invited by me.
As I said I am disappointed with the lack of votes, but keep your eyes peeled for the next poll. I will be counting (on) your votes!!

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:
Josephine Baker - US dancer, singer and actress - Born 1906, Died 1975
Christine Bakke - US ex-ex-gay movement member - 37
Allen Ginsberg - US poet - Born 1926, Died 1997
George Quaintance - US artist and photographer - Born 1902 (or 1903), Died 1957

Bad Day At Work

I think it may be just the repetition of day shifts, especially as I had 8 consecutive day shifts in my last shift rotation and was on my second of this one today, but I was so incredibly bored today. It felt like the day was never going to end. Nothing happened the whole day so it felt like an exercise in futility just to be there, colliding with an experiment in temporal larghissimo and combined with a tedium Olympics. I think that almost does the feeling of boredom that I was feeling justice.
I was forward planned enough to take some comics into work today so that, when I'd finished reading the papers (all five of them), I still had something to do on my breaks. I really need to find some way of keeping myself entertained at work, as I am bored of sudoku and kokuro now.
More to the point I need to find a different type of employment. I am still looking for my writing break, so anyone who knows anyone on a magazine, paper or website that needs a freelance writer for any topic (but preferably social commentary, biographies or reviews) then please put my name forward to them, or let me have their contact details and I'll contact them.
This year is my year of "change for the better," I have decided so I really have to start putting myself forward for the things that I want.

Craig Armet

As mentioned briefly in the last post, today would have been the birthday of one of my best friends who sadly passed away 5 years ago. Craig was a mobile DJ, who also used to run a gay night at Boxes in Exeter and later went on to work on Plymouth Sound and South Hams radio stations. He was a minor celebrity in Devon and known by hundreds (if not thousands) of people around the Torquay area.
I met Craig about 17 years ago after putting an advert in the Record Mirror magazine for gay "penpals," out of 10 replies he was the only one I kept in touch with. Soon after getting to know him via letters and phonecalls I plucked up the courage to visit him in Torquay. I had no gay friends at the time and it was a big step for me. I was introduced to many of Craig's friends on my first day there and felt slightly overwhelmed but they were all great and very friendly. After my first visit I began to visit Craig in Torquay more and more. It got to a point where I was going down there up to six times a year for a week at a time. At the first opportunity I moved down to Torquay and stayed there for a few years.
Craig was always there for me, even understanding when I all but ignored him when I started seeing my first (and only) boyfriend while I was living in Torquay. When I became single again he was there for me (as was Alexis) and helped me come to terms with being dumped. He was also there for me (along with Alexis again) when my mum died, a couple of months after moving away from Torquay.
I can't express what a difference Craig made to my life, but I know I wouldn't be the person I am now without his influence. I am grateful for his friendship and for the friendships I have made, and maintained, through him.

Craig, thank you, you are missed.

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:
Craig Armet - UK radio (and mobile) DJ and bloody good and incredibly missed friend - Born 1961, Died 2003
Crawford Barton - US photographer - Born 1943, Died 1993
Christopher Bernau - US actor - Born 1940, Died 1989
Andy Cohen - US television executive - 40
Anderson Cooper - US television presenter - 41
Ferron - Canadian singer and musician - 56
Candace Gingrich - US activist - 42
Ton Vorstenbosch - Dutch playwrite - 59

Shadows

Silence In The Library

********Spoiler Warning********

Wow!

I could just leave it at that. "Wow!" sums up this latest episode of Dr Who quite nicely. It is a real, back to basics, hide behind the sofa (with a torch) episode that will scare the buggery out of your kids and leave you with sleepless nights yourselves as you pacify you crying children when it's time for them to go to bed! And it is a two-parter which leaves you with a fantastic cliff-hanging moment at the end of this episode.

As the Doctor explains in the story, every culture expresses an irrational fear of the dark. Everyone has, at some point even if it was just fleetingly, been a bit scared when the lights have gone out. This story explains that we do indeed need to be scared of the dark because the darkness can kill you.

The casting of Alex Kingston as Professor River Song is a stroke of genius. When she is first introduced I found her a bit sinister, as she had a constant creepy grin on her face the whole time. But this is explained as the story progresses as being because she knows the Doctor, probably quite intimately, but from some point in his own personal future. If only this could be because she will become his new companion after Donna dies. Sorry, she's already dead as of the end of this episode, isn't she? Probably not, but I have heard rumours that she does die at some point in this series, but I would imagine that they will leave that until the last episode, wouldn't they? Or would that be too obvious? The great thing about the revamped Dr Who is that the "obvious" isn't often the way the story develops. Which is why we love it.

If I found River Song sinister initially, I can't say how I feel about Dr Moon, played by Colin Salmon (of the impossibly deep voice). By the end of the episode we still have no idea if he is good or evil, but he does reveal to the girl (who has no name apparently) that her nightmares are real and her "reality" is false. So, who (or what) is she and who is Dr Moon really? I heard the character name mentioned before somewhere, but I can't think where. Wikipedia states that he is in just 2 episodes of Dr Who (this episode and its second part presumably) but is that just because subsequent appearances are under wraps? I guess, like everyone else, I will have to wait and see. You would think that having a friend working on the series would mean that I would be privy to certain privileged information, but Tim is always tight-lipped about anything to do with future story lines. "I couldn't possibly say" is his off-pat reply, which gets a tad annoying, yet still I keep asking questions in the hope that he may let something slip.

Sinister could be the byword of this episode as there are so many "sinister" things and people. Along with my feelings toward River Song initially and to Dr Moon, there is obviously the darkness itself (the Vashta Nerada to give it its proper name), the little girl is, in a way, a bit sinister, Steve Pemberton, of League of Gentlemen fame, is sinister (in the same way that most self-important jumped-up little businessmen are), and so too are the Nodes. The Nodes are information booths, 51st century stylee. Basically a statue with a real human face, donated by dead people. They have a library (I had to say it) of faces stored in their data banks and, as Donna explained in disgust, "It chose me a dead face it thought I'd like!" Nice.

Silence in the Library leaves you with more questions than you could possibly have imagined before you watch it. Who exactly is Dr Moon? What relevance does the girl have? Is Donna really dead? Are the other people "saved" from the library really dead? How well exactly does Professor River Song really know the Doctor? Are we going to be seeing a lot more of her? And does the Doctor really "never land on a Sunday"? Written by Steven Moffat, who also penned one of my other favourite episodes, Blink, this was a fantastic episode of classic-style Dr Who. This is a stunning episode not to be missed and I am counting the days until I can watch Forest of the Dead next week. It fills me with confidence knowing that he is to take over the reigns from Russell T Davies in 2010.

Last Night

Yesterday I hadn't heard from Alfredo, despite texting him in the middle of the afternoon, so I wasn't sure if we were still going to be meeting. I knew he was working though so I guessed that he hadn't been able to check his phone messages. I was right. Just as I settled in to watch Dr Who I got a call from him and we arranged where to meet.
I met him in Barcode and we stayed there for hours chatting. I found it so easy to talk to him, which makes a change for me, conversation with someone new is normally a struggle for me, but I just felt so relaxed with him. After Barcode we went on to Escape, which seemed to be a really mixed place now, rather than exclusively gay as it used to be and we had a nice time in there too. Alfredo was talking to one really pretty girl who was giving me daggers, I think because she realised she was getting nowhere with him!!
At the end of the night I went back to his place and after a short chat we were both so tired we fell asleep. He had to work at midday so I walked with him to Liverpool Street station and then came home. Its nice to know that he doesn't live too far away as I hope to be seeing more of him in the near future.
All in all a very good night, though I spend far too much money (again!). I've not just used this weeks budget but most of next weeks too! Oops!
Today I am really, really, really tired. I am getting far too old to be going out drinking two nights running. Sometimes I feel too old to be going out one night running! Maybe I should give up drinking, but the alternatives are really not appealing. I drink cider, which has been said to "rot your stomach" just imagine if I was drinking lemonade, cola or orange juice all night, I'd be rotting my teeth too!

Birthdays

Todays LGBT birthdays:
Ashok Row Kavi - Indian author - 61
Lionel Pries - US architect and artist - Born 1897, Died 1968
Tom Robinson - UK singer, songwriter and musician - 58