The World According To Dan

I'm away for the summer!

2010-04-14T14:52:00.002+01:00

Well, actually that's a lie.

However my internet presence is moving from the blog for a little while, maybe longer.

The best place to find me is now http://twitter.com/danbrusca but you will still be able to view posts just like those on this blog if you go to http://danbrusca.tumblr.com.

Today's movie recommendations

2010-04-14T08:18:00.002+01:00

Freeview
2200 The Bourne Identity (ITV2)
2300 The Bourne Identity (ITV2+1)
0020 Miami Vice (ITV2)
0120 Miami Vice (ITV2+1)

Sky Movies
0700 I Am Legend (Sky Action/Adventure)
0750 Jurassic Park (Sky Modern Greats)
0955 Juno (Sky Comedy)
1000 Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade (Sky Modern Greats)
1015 Revolutionary Road (Sky Drama/Romance)
1030 No Country For Old Men (Sky Indie)
1145 Juno (Sky Comedy)
1250 The Firm (Sky Crime/Thriller)
1550 Iron Man (Sky Showcase)
1700 I Am Legend (Sky Action/Adventure)
1750 Jurassic Park (Sky Modern Greats)
1820 Being John Malkovich (Sky Indie)
2000 Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade (Sky Modern Greats)
2145 Revolutionary Road (Sky Drama/Romance)
2315 The Firm (Sky Crime/Thriller)
2325 The Baader Meinhof Complex (Sky Indie)
2340 Iron Man (Sky Showcase)
0220 Dead Man Walking (Sky Modern Greats)

Watched yesterday

2010-04-14T08:15:00.001+01:00

Countdown: 13th April
Claudia Tyson - 83
Dan Brusca - 71
Peter Zyss - 69
Points from CAMEL, CROONER, NOVENAS, LOITERED, WAISTED, PERGOLA, GRAZED and ABUSING.

CSI Miami: Dispo Day - 4/5

FlashForward: Queen Sacrifice - 4/5

Mad Men: The Grown-Ups - 3/5

The Good Wife: Painkiller - 3/5

Breaston sunset

2010-04-14T08:11:00.003+01:00

Today's random photo is a view from my bedroom window in Breaston, Derbyshire, in January 2005.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Today's movie recommendations

2010-04-13T08:49:00.002+01:00

Freeview
2100 Collateral (Film4)
2315 You, The Living (Film4)

Sky
1930 X2 (Syfy)
2030 X2 (Syfy+1)
2200 Collateral (Film4+1)
0015 You, The Living (Film4+1)

Sky Movies
0900 Gone Baby Gone (Sky Crime/Thriller)
1240 The Dark Knight (Sky Action/Adventure)
1705 Gone Baby Gone (Sky Crime/Thriller)
1735 There Will Be Blood (Sky Indie)
2100 The Dark Knight (Sky Action/Adventure)
2340 Born On The Fourth Of July (Sky Modern Greats)
0005 Rambo (Sky Showcase)
0215 The Cottage (Sky Sci-Fi/Horror)
0335 The Diving Bell And The Butterfly (Sky Indie)

Watched yesterday

2010-04-13T08:46:00.002+01:00

Countdown: 12th April
Dan Brusca - 83
Peter Zyss - 76
Ned Walker - 65
Points from INTRUDE, MOULDER, STRAPS, NERVIER, NATTERED, PIANO, PAVES, BADDIES, GOINGS and TIDAL.

House: Private Lives - 4/5

Doctor Who: The Beast Below - 4/5

Law & Order Special Victims Unit: Wanderlust - 2/5

Fringe: Peter - 2/5

In Treatment: Sophie, Week 8 - 4/5

London Eye

2010-04-13T08:44:00.002+01:00

Today's random photo is of a rainy day at the top of the London Eye in December 2006.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Today's movie recommendations

2010-04-12T08:27:00.002+01:00

Terrestrial
2300 Straw Dogs (Five)

Freeview
2100 Enemy At The Gates (Film4)
2200 Payback (Five USA)
2300 Children Of Men (ITV4)

Sky
2200 Enemy At The Gates (Film4+1)
2300 Payback (Five USA+1)
0000 Children Of Men (ITV4+1)

Sky Movies
1005 Air Force One (Sky Showcase)
1205 Alien 3 (Sky Modern Greats)
1300 RocknRolla (Sky Crime/Thriller)
1315 Cloverfield (Sky Sci-Fi/Horror)
1335 Once (Sky Indie)
1420 The Rock (Sky Action/Adventure)
1620 The Last Of The Mohicans (Sky Modern Greats)
1640 Batman Forever (Sky Action/Adventure)
1845 Executive Decision (Sky Action/Adventure)
2100 The Rock (Sky Action/Adventure)
2100 Cloverfield (Sky Sci-Fi/Horror)
2100 RocknRolla (Sky Crime/Thriller)
2200 Alien 3 (Sky Modern Greats)
0000 The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas (Sky Drama/Romance)
0005 Con Air (Sky Modern Greats)
0350 The Hunt For Red October (Sky Showcase)

Watched yesterday

2010-04-12T08:22:00.003+01:00

Film 2338
Kick-Ass - 4/5
A most entertaining, original and fresh-feeling film, though not quite as amazing as critical opinion suggests.

Lost: The Package - 3/5

Law & Order: Indifference - 2/5

The Sarah Silverman Program: Humanitarian Of The Year - 3/5

24: Day 8, 5am-6am - 3/5

You've Been Framed! - 4/5

Snow dog

2010-04-12T08:15:00.001+01:00

Today's random photo is of my dog, Zac, in the snow near Breaston in Derbyshire, February 2007.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Today's movie recommendations

2010-04-11T07:59:00.002+01:00

Terrestrial
1820 The Mask Of Zorro (Five)
2100 Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (Five)
0130 Ju-On: The Grudge (Channel 4)

Freeview
1530 Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (ITV2)
1630 Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (ITV2+1)
2100 The Devil Wears Prada (Film4)
0230 Ju-On: The Grudge (Channel 4+1)

Sky
2100 The Matrix (Watch)
2200 The Matrix (Watch+1)
2200 Blown Away (Sci Fi)
2200 The Devil Wears Prada (Film4+1)
2300 Blown Away (Sci Fi+1)

Sky Movies
1005 Jaws (Sky Modern Greats)
1200 Pretty Woman (Sky Drama/Romance)
1415 Gone Baby Gone (Sky Crime/Thriller)
1550 Being John Malkovich (Sky Indie)
1750 Jaws (Sky Modern Greats)
1830 Das Boot (Sky Indie)
2100 Watchmen (Sky Sci-Fi/Horror)
2100 Hannibal (Sky Crime/Thriller)
2200 Wall Street (Sky Modern Greats)
0100 Cape Fear (Sky Crime/Thriller)
0135 The Usual Suspects (Sky Indie)
0215 Dead Man Walking (Sky Modern Greats)
0225 In Bruges (Sky Comedy)
0250 The Silence Of The Lambs (Sky Sci-Fi/Horror)
0310 Hannibal (Sky Crime/Thriller)

I'd also like to make a special mention for Irma Vep on Sky Arts 2 at 10pm. The film's a 3/5 but Maggie Cheung is stunning!

Watched yesterday

2010-04-11T07:51:00.002+01:00

Peep Show: Local Zero - 4/5

Look Around You: Module 2: Water - 4/5

Criminal Minds: The Boogeyman - 3/5

Heat - 5/5
One of my favourite films and one I have seen many, many times though not for several years. Looking at it now, it's just as good as ever. So many iconic scenes and how's this for a cast? - Rober De Niro, Al Pacino, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Tom Sizemore, Diane Venora, Amy Brenneman, Ashley Judd, Mykelti Williamson, Wes Studi, Ted Levine, Dennis Haysbert, William Fichtner, Natalie Portman, Hank Azaria, Danny Trejo, Henry Rollins, Tone Loc and Xander Berkeley!

Santa Monica

2010-04-11T07:47:00.002+01:00

Today's random photo is of the beach at Santa Monica, as seen from the pier, on 21st October 2010.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Today's movie recommendations

2010-04-10T09:40:00.001+01:00

Terrestrial
1720 The Aviator (BBC Two)
0105 Solaris (Channel 4)

Freeview
1230 The Poseidon Adventure (More4)
2100 Control (Film4)
0205 Solaris (Channel 4+1)

Sky
1330 The Poseidon Adventure (More4+1)
2100 Apocalypse Now (TCM)
2150 The Matrix (Watch)
2200 Control (Film4+1)
2250 The Matrix (Watch+1)

Sky Movies
1000 Jurassic Park (Sky Modern Greats)
1015 Iron Man (Sky Action/Adventure)
1045 Valkyrie (Sky Crime/Thriller)
1150 AI: Artificial Intelligence (Sky Sci-Fi-Horror)
1230 No Country For Old Men (Sky Indie)
1250 Changeling (Sky Crime/Thriller)
1415 The Dark Knight (Sky Action/Adventure)
1430 Twilight (Sky Showcase)
1440 Juno (Sky Indie)
1640 Unbreakable (Sky Sci-Fi/Horror)
1650 Air Force One (Sky Action/Adventure)
1750 Jurassic Park (Sky Modern Greats)
2000 Cast Away (Sky Drama/Romance)
2000 Twilight (Sky Showcase)
2100 Iron Man (Sky Action/Adventure)
2100 Valkyrie (Sky Crime/Thriller)
2200 The Baader Meinhof Complex (Sky Indie)
2305 Changeling (Sky Crime/Thriller)
0030 No Country For Old Men (Sky Indie)
0155 Lenny (Sky Modern Greats)
0315 Killer: A Journal Of Murder (Sky Crime/Thriller)

Watched yesterday

2010-04-10T09:12:00.002+01:00

Countdown: 8th April
Peter Zyss - 65
Brian Kuhl - 60
Dan Brusca - 37
A woeful performance, only scoring in five of the fifteen rounds, my word-points coming from SEXUAL, COMPOSED, PANTIES and MOVIES.

Countdown: 9th April
Peter Zyss - 55
Dan Brusca - 49
Andrew Pullan - 38
Points from MILLED, COMIC, CLIMBER, FASTEN, STOOGE, NATTERS, WINTER and DEPOSE.

Friday Night Lights: Who's Your Daddy? - 4/5

In Treatment: Alex, Week 8 - 4/5

Hung: A Dick And A Dream or Fight The Honey - 4/5

Sons Of Anarchy: The Sleep Of Babies - 4/5

Outtake TV - 4/5

The Good Wife: Infamy - 4/5

In Regent's Park

2010-04-10T09:09:00.003+01:00

Today's random photo was taken in Regent's Park, London, in June 2007.

Click the photo for a 1200c1600 version.

Why the Tories' tax break for married couples is wrong

2010-04-10T08:52:00.002+01:00

The Conservatives have revealed a proposal to give a tax break of £150 per annum to the lowest-earning third of married couples. I can understand why a government might want to make a statement about the importance of marriage (and civil partnerships), but this proposal is a daft way of doing it.

First off, at £150 it's not exactly much of a statement, is it? It's like recognising the importance of your wedding anniversary by buying your wife a bunch of flowers from a garage.

But let's look deeper. When people talk about recognising the importance of marriage, isn't what they really mean the importance of creating stable environments in which to raise children?

If that's true, then why not target help more directly by increasing child benefit and extending it to expectant mothers, giving further help in paying for childcare and so on? After all, there's no reason at all to give a tax break to childless couples or couples whose children have grown up and left home. As Alex Barker in the FT points out, a third of the beneficiaries of this proposal are pensioners.

As a non-married taxpayer, I could support that because I see the value to society of raising children. I fail to see why I should help subsidise couples simply because they're married and for no other reason.

E-2 Hawkeye

2010-04-09T12:49:00.000+01:00

Today's random photo is of an E-2 Hawkeye aboard the USS Midway, San Diego, 8th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-04-08T09:20:00.001+01:00

Countdown: 7th April
Peter Zyss - 87
Daniel Stevanato - 79
Dan Brusca - 74
Points from WEAPON, DEVIANTS, PORCINE, REJOICE, UNSTATED, CLAMPED, GATORS and MOUND.

In Treatment: Laura, Week 8 - 4/5

Shameless: The Gypsy & The Hobo - 4/5

Submarine gubbins

2010-04-08T09:15:00.003+01:00

Today's random photo is of various gubbins aboard the former Soviet submarine B-39, San Diego, 8th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-04-07T07:45:00.002+01:00

Countdown: 6th April
Dan Brusca - 91
Peter Zyss - 68
Hamish Ewan - 55
Points from SPORTIER, ENTRAILS, DOLING, SALUTERS, COMPOSED, BUTTONED, SARDINE, QUOTE and AMORAL.

FlashForward: Better Angels - 4/5
The episode I watched yesterday was actually 'Blowback'.

Duncan Bannatyne's Seaside Rescue - 2/5

Fringe: Jacksonville - 4/5

Please remove your hat

2010-04-07T07:41:00.002+01:00

Today's random photo is the entrance to the medical section of the USS Midway, San Diego, 8th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-04-06T08:49:00.002+01:00

Countdown: 5th April
Dan Brusca - 88
Peter Zyss - 77
Steve Tamplin - 77
Points from CORDIAL, PATIENT, TROLLIES, DAUBED, GRAZES, TINGLED, THINKER and the conundrum, ANARCHIST.

Oz: The Truth And Nothing But... - 4/5

You've Been Framed! - 4/5

Film 2337
Choke - 3/5

FlashForward: Better Angels - 2/5

At the Luxor

2010-04-06T08:44:00.002+01:00

Today's random photo is the view from one of my windows at the Luxor, Las Vegas on 13th October 2009. This view overlooks McCarran Airport.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-04-05T08:27:00.001+01:00

Frasier: Halloween - 4/5
Liking Ros' boots and miniskirt, oh yes...

Lost: Ab Aeterno - 4/5

House: 5 To 9 - 5/5

Shameless - 3/5

Sons of Anarchy: Capybara - 4/5

Star of India

2010-04-05T08:24:00.000+01:00

Today's random photo is the mainsail and rigging aboars the Star of India, San Diego, 8th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-04-04T08:42:00.002+01:00

Homicide: Life On The Street: Gone For Goode - 4/5

Las Vegas: Like A Virgin - 3/5

Doctor Who: The Eleventh Hour - 4/5
A promising start for the Moffatt/Smith iteration of the series. Matt Smith is a natural in the role and Karen Gillan should prove to be a feisty companion (loved her seamed stockings too). New Doctor episodes are always tricky because there's there's always a degree of exposition required to set up the relationship with the new companion, but Moffatt's approach was genius. The putative storyline about 'Prisoner Zero' was actually a little weak and had a few oh-so convenient cop-outs, but it ably served the purposes of establishing characters and setting up long-term story and character arcs. Moffat's script showed some sharp wit too. The preview trailer for the rest of the series held much interest, not least appearances by Bill Nighy, Helen Baxendale (I think) and a Dalek in army colours. There's much to look forward to.

Have I Got A Bit More News For You - 4/5

The Good Wife: Lifeguard - 3/5

USS Midway

2010-04-04T08:34:00.000+01:00

Today's random photo was taken on the gangway of the USS Midway in San Diego, 8th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-04-03T08:25:00.002+01:00

Countdown: 2nd April
Peter Zyss - 87
Barry Watson - 79
Dan Brusca - 61
Points from TARRIES, RADIANT, CLIENT, MONITOR and PANACHE.

From The Earth To The Moon: We Interrupt This Program - 2/5
This episode centered on the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission. It's a difficult thing to tackle because the film Apollo 13 is pretty much the definitive telling of those events and anyone watching this series is likely to have already seen that. The writers opted to tell the story from the POV of the journalists covering it. An original approach, but a really dull one.

Law & Order Special Victims Unit: Hysteria - 4/5

You've Been Framed! - 4/5

Fringe: The Bishop Revival - 4/5

Mad Men: The Color Blue - 4/5

In Treatment: Gina, Week 7 - 2/5

The Great Ridge

2010-04-03T08:21:00.003+01:00

Today's random photo is of part of the northern slope of the Great Ridge, near Mam Tor in Derbyshire. It was taken in October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version and count the sheep!

Watched yesterday

2010-04-02T08:52:00.002+01:00

Countdown: 1st April
Barry Watson - 95
Dan Brusca - 66
Rodney Carbery - 65
Points from GLORIES, MATADOR, SUNNED, TROUP, BEAVERS and DUTIES.

CSI NY: Bad Beat - 4/5

FlashForward: Kairos - 3/5

What Katie Did Next - 4/5

Question Time - 4/5
David Milliband and Simon Schama next Wednesday.

Snake

2010-04-02T08:49:00.000+01:00

Today's random photo is a snake at San Diego Zoo, 9th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-04-01T09:02:00.002+01:00

Countdown: 31st March
Barry Watson - 79
Dave Wilkinson - 66
Dan Brusca - 34
I didn't perform badly, but I was outclassed on this occasion. My points came from JUNIPER, RANDIER, STRIVE, DOZIEST and MANGLED.

Durham County: What Lies Beneath - 4/5

The Sarah Silverman Program: Officer Jay - 4/5

Mad Men: Wee Small Hours - 4/5

FlashForward: Buddha In The Ruins - 3/5
I always suspected they would oen up the prospect of a second blackout as a means of continuing the story.

Pressure gauge

2010-04-01T08:58:00.002+01:00

Today's random photo is a pressure gauge aboard the USS Midway in San Diego, 8th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-31T08:54:00.001+01:00

Countdown: 30th March
Dan Brusca - 81
Dave Wilkinson - 80
Anna Woodward - 63
Points from RABBLES, LOOPING, ANODES, RESHAPED, WAISTED, RATIOS, RECOUNT, JOINER and the conundrum, COMMOTION.

Law & Order: Poison Ivy - 3/5

24: Day 8, 3am-5am - 4/5

Cougar Town: Pilot - 2/5

House: Moving The Chains - 4/5

Undergrowth

2010-03-31T08:47:00.001+01:00

Today's random photo is undergrowth near Breaston, Derbyshire, in December 2004.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-30T08:45:00.002+01:00

Countdown: 29th March
Dan Brusca - 73
Dave Wilkinson - 63
James Bradbury - 57
Points from MEANDER, UNTOLD, TARDIEST, ELECT, HOOFED, DESPAIR, GARISH, MOUNT and SICKER.

In Treatment: Jake & Amy, Week 7 - 4/5

Ask The Chancellors - 4/5
Vince Cable won this hands down, but neither Darling or Osborne did anything to damage themselves of their parties.

Lost: Recon - 3/5
I really have no idea what's going on this season.

USS Midway

2010-03-30T08:35:00.002+01:00

Today's random photo is of the USS Midway in San Diego, 8th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-29T07:55:00.001+01:00

The Wire: A New Day - 4/5

Shameless - 4/5
Last week's E4 episode.

Sons Of Anarchy: Better Half - 5/5

Hung: This America of Fifty Bucks - 4/5

What Katie Did Next - 4/5

Beluga dolphin

2010-03-29T07:51:00.002+01:00

Today's random photo is a beluga dolphin at SeaWorld San Diego, 12th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-28T08:34:00.002+01:00

Funniest Ever You've Been Framed! - 4/5

Sons of Anarchy: Hell Followed - 5/5

Hung: The Rita FLower or The Indelible Stench - 3/5

In Treatment: Sophie, Week 7 - 4/5

The Good Wife: Threesome - 4/5

Hung: Thith Ith A Prothetic or You Came Just Right - 3/5

From Kinder Scout

2010-03-28T08:30:00.002+01:00

Today's random photo is the view, looking east along the northern edge of Kinder Scout, Derbyshire, in May 2008.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-27T09:21:00.002Z

Countdown: 25th March
Dan Brusca - 102
Dave Wilkinson - 54
Anne Evans - 36
Points from MURDERED, QUOTES, LIONESS, EXEUNT, STONING, MIGRATE, BIPOLAR, CRICKET, DEFILES and the conundrum, WHEEDLING.

Countdown: 26th March
Dave Wilkinson - 64
Dan Brusca - 49
Charlotte Godwyn - 48
The 5,000th edition of the show. Points from HOODIES, JOINED, RADIATES, TRAINED, VOLTAIC, SINCERE and SLICING.

Howards' Way: Episode 1.1 - 3/5

That Mitchell & Webb Look: Episode 1.1 - 3/5

Spire

2010-03-27T09:16:00.001Z

Today's random photo was taken from my window at home in Breaston, Derbyshire, in January 2005.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

A night at the Schachters'

2010-03-26T16:33:00.003Z

I was down in London yesterday for an Old Vic-related supper party at the home of art dealer and collector Kenny Schachter.

I got to my hotel, the Park Plaza County Hall, about 2.30 to discover that they had given me a free upgrade to a penthouse suite, which was an epic win. The suite, on the 14th and top floor, had a spectacular view of the London Eye, the Palace of Westminster and beyond, as well as a nice big balcony to enjoy it all from. I guess I should at least give them a plug...

http://www.parkplaza.com/countyhall_london

I took a wander out to bank a cheque and pick up a new riding crop then headed back to the hotel for a nice, long, hot bath before my friend arrived. We had a drink in the hotel bar then got a cab over to the Schachters' in South Kensington.

The Schachters' house, spread over five floors, is part family home and part art gallery. The walls are crammed full of paintings and photographs and there sculptures and conceptual models all over the place. At the end of the garden there's another building, containing Kenny Schachter's car collection and a large, high-ceilinged basement which is also full of artworks.

Most of the party guests congregated around the huge kitchen - that's where the champagne was, so it's understandable! We chatted for a while to an American woman called Lynn. She was a Wall Street trader who moved to London in September 2008. Ouch! I then introduced her and my friend to Kevin Spacey. We actually had a good long chat with him. He told us about his recent filming in China and his subsequent personal travels around Asia and the Middle East that followed on from it. He also talked about The Social Network, the movie he's making about Facebook.

Kevin gave a very witty speech later and premiered his Morgan Freeman impression, which in time will no doubt become as famous as his Christopher Walken one!

We chatted with various other people throughout the evening, including fellow Old Vic supporters and the lovely Jessica Hynes, who is keen for as many people as possible to go to iPlayer and watch Lizzie & Sarah. My friend left about 11 and I hung around a little longer to chat to a few more people. Kenny Schachter showed me a painting he owns by Gerhard Richter, one of my favourite artists and which he estimated as being worth about $1 million. He also showed me a Warhol of Mao Tse Tung valued at about $3 million. Pretty expensive home decor...

As the evening drew to a close I chatted to actor Ian Redford and a guy called Stanley F. Buchtal, who mainly produces documentaries, but whose first film was John Waters' Hairspray. Finally, I met Obi Abili, star of Six Degrees Of Separation at the Old Vic and ended up sharing a cab with him back to the hotel. Really nice guy. He even gave me his email address!

Overall, a great evening!

From the Monsal viaduct

2010-03-26T13:59:00.004Z

Today's random photo was taken from the Monsal Viaduct in Derbyshire's Wye Valley in November 2008. The viaduct is on the long-since abndoned London-Midland Railway between Bakewell and Buxton.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-25T09:12:00.003Z

Countdown: 24th March
Dan Brusca - 70
Dave Wilkinson - 67
Paul Archard - 24
Points from PIRATES, MOWING, HOUSE, PIRATE, FIELDERS, NOTATES, GRADATE and DOGFACE.

What Katie Did Next - 4/5

Shameless - 2/5
Last week's E4 episode.

Hung: Doris Is Dead or Are We Rich Or Are We Poor? - 4/5

Transamerica Pyramid

2010-03-25T08:33:00.001Z

Today's random photo is of the Transamerica Pyramid, San Francisco, taken 18th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-24T08:01:00.002Z

Countdown: 23rd March
Dave Wilkinson - 78
Dan Brusca - 73
Charles Bockett-Pugh - 67
Points from TOUTERS, MARDIER, NESTLED, FUCKED, SALIVA, STOOGE, FOISTED and the conundrum, SCHOOLBOY.

Friday Night Lights: Wind Sprints - 4/5

In Treatment: Alex, Week 7 - 4/5

The Delicious Miss Dahl: Selfish - 3/5

Fringe: What Lies Below - 3/5

Border collie

2010-03-24T07:58:00.002Z

Today's random photo is my border collie, taken in March 2005.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-23T08:24:00.002Z

Countdown: 22nd March
Dan Brusca - 77
Dave Wilkinson - 65
Kevin Davis - 60
I'm glad Davis lost. I'm sure he's a perfectly nice guy but something about him made my skin crawl. Anyway, my points came from WAIVERS, FOOTED, HEAVENS, ACACIA, TIMINGS, DREAMED, GONDOLA and the conundrum, MULTIPACK.

The Shield: Grave - 4/5

In Treatment: Laura, Week 7 - 3/5
I'm not really interested in the kids, thanks.

Wonders Of The Solar System: Order Out Of Chaos - 3/5
A little disappointed by this. The content is interesting, but it feels stretched over an hour. Prof Brian Cox seemingly took forever to explain anything.

San Diego

2010-03-23T08:22:00.003Z

Today's random photo is San Diego as seen from my room at the Holiday Inn San Diego Downtown on 8th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-22T08:11:00.003Z

QIXL: Gardens and Groceries - 4/5

Kings: First Night - 4/5

The Peter Serafinowicz Show: Episode 1 - 4/5

24: Day 8, 2am-3am - 4/5

Lizzie and Sarah: Pilot - 5/5
Go watch this on iPlayer, it's a prime example of boundary-pushing British comedy and deserves a full series.

Glenn Martin, DDS: Save The Tooth - 3/5

House: Remorse - 5/5
The psychopathic woman was really, REALLY, sexy.

On Kinder Scout

2010-03-22T08:07:00.003Z

Today's random photo was taken on Kinder Scout, Derbyshire, in January 2008. It was a bit foggy...

Click the photo for a 1024x768 verison.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-21T07:52:00.001Z

The Good Wife: Unprepared - 4/5

You've Been Framed! - 4/5

Lost: Dr Linus - 4/5

Harry Hill's TV Burp - 5/5
Philnut!

House: The Down Low - 4/5

Golden Gate helicopter

2010-03-21T07:43:00.002Z

Today's random photo was taken on the Golden Gate bridge, San Francisco, on 16th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-20T07:46:00.002Z

The Armstrong & Miller Show: Episode 1.2 - 3/5

Sons Of Anarchy: The Pull - 5/5

Secret Diary Of A Call Girl: Episode 3.8 - 3/5

Hung: Do It, Monkey! - 4/5

Chimney

2010-03-20T07:42:00.002Z

Today's random photo was taken in Manchester in June 2005.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-19T08:03:00.001Z

Inside John Lewis: Episode 1 - 4/5

Criminal Minds: The Aftermath - 4/5

Mad Men: Souvenir - 5/5

Nip/Tuck: Wesley Clovis - 4/5

Hung: The Pickle Jar - 4/5

Question Time - 3/5

St Pancras

2010-03-19T08:00:00.001Z

Today's random photo was taken at St Pancras station, London, in December 2007.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-18T07:20:00.001Z

Oz: Escape From Oz - 4/5
And so ends season 2.

Fringe: Johari Window - 3/5

On Hampstead Heath

2010-03-18T07:13:00.002Z

Today's random photo was taken on Hampstead Heath, London, in May 2008.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-17T07:23:00.002Z

Las Vegas: Lyle & Substance - 3/5

In Treatment: Gina, Week 6 - 5/5

Trauma: All Fine - 2/5
Got about a third of the way throught this second episode and decided to call it a day. Despite the pleasure of spotting places I visited in San Francisco last year, this is pretty dull fare with an uncharismatic, unlikeable cast of characters.

Wonders Of The Solar System: Empire Of The Sun - 4/5

You've Been Framed! - 4/5

Horizon: Is Everything We Know About The Universe Wrong? - 4/5

Surfin' USA

2010-03-17T07:21:00.000Z

Today's random photo was taken at SeaWorld San Diego on 12th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-16T08:34:00.002Z

Countdown: 15th March
Kirk Bevins - 81
Chris Davies - 70
Dan Brusca - 37
A lame score, but I have a good excuse. This was a special one-off head-to-head between the last two Countdown champions, so the standard was going to be high. It didn't help that Rachel changed the large numbers in the numbers round, so I had to contend with 12 and 37 (the other two numbers didn't appear). As it turned out, I actually beat both Bevins and Davies on the second numbers game thanks to my superior knowledge of the 37-times-table. My words: VISTAS, DEEMING, PEDALOS and LOANERS.

United States of Tara: Aftermath - 4/5
Oooh, I do like Alice.

24: Day 8, 1am-2am - 3/5

In Treatment: Jake & Amy, Week 6 - 3/5

I forgot to mention last week that I watched some of the Eurovision show on BBC One last Friday. I didn't see the two acts that were eliminated initially, but if the pisspoor standard of the final three is anything to go by they must have been truly woeful. The song is very much Stock and Waterman (Aitken, wisely, didn't participate), which may have been OK for the late 80s and early 90s, but it's hopelessly out of date for today's Eurovision. Peter Waterman was on 5 Live last week saying that when we heard the song, we wouldn't be able to get it out of our heads. Unfortunately for him I came away with last year's winning song in my head, which was performed just before the winner was announced. Expect us to crash and burn in Oslo.

Giant tortoises

2010-03-16T08:31:00.001Z

Today's random photo is of two giant tortoises squaring up at San Diego Zoo on 9th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-15T07:51:00.002Z

British Transport Films: The Diesel Train Driver - 4/5

In Treatment: Sophie, Week 6 - 5/5

Film 2335
The Lure Of Las Vegas: A Kick In The Head - 3/5

You've Been Framed! - 4/5

Film 2336
Requiem For Detroit? - 3/5

Behind ewe

2010-03-15T07:48:00.002Z

OK, lame joke. For all I know they're not even ewes. This photo was taken in January 2008 near Upper Booth, Derbyshire (at the foot of Kinder Scout).

Click the photo for a 1024x768 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-14T08:14:00.002Z

QIXL: Greeks and Gods - 4/5

Star Trek: The Next Generation: Birthright, Part 2
Conclusion of a dull Worf-centric two-parter, no doubt one of those episodes where they cut the budget to fund better episodes at other times.

Harry Hill's TV Burp - 4/5
I love this, but if you turn the sound down it looks for all the world like the kind of Italian TV show that Clive James would mock on his shows of the 1980s and 90s.

Film 2334
Antichrist - 4/5
Undoubtedly heavy-going, but I'm glad to live in a country where such an explicit work can be show on TV without cuts. Charlotte Gainsbourg gives a tremendous performance, rightly recognised at Cannes, but which makes a mockery of Sandra Bullock winning the Oscar last weekend.

What Katie Did Next - 3/5
Katie, I love you an all, but half an episode (no, really) talking about the alarm on your sunbed is perhaps a little much!

Roses

2010-03-14T08:13:00.002Z

Today's random photo is of roses in Regent's Park, London, in June 2007.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-13T08:14:00.002Z

Countdown: 13th March
Kevin Davis - 80
Stuart Inglis - 73
Dan Brusca - 32
Gosh, one my most woeful performances. My paltry score came courtesy of AVOWED, FASTEN, RESUME, VARLETS and RODENTS.

The Office: Halloween - 4/5

In Treatment: Alex, Week 6 - 4/5

Hung: Strange Friends or The Truth Is You're Sexy - 4/5

Lost: Sundown - 4/5

Building

2010-03-13T08:11:00.001Z

Today's random photo is of a building in Manchester taken in June 2005.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-12T08:15:00.002Z

Countdown: 11th March
Dan Brusca - 80
Kevin Davis - 76
Darryl Hall - 50
My points came from MOUTH, REFINED, FROTHIER, WARTIER, SPASMED, BATTLED, GLORIOUS, CAUSE and MOURNS. There's a poem there...

"Mouth refined,
Frothier, wartier, spasmed!
Battled glorious cause!
...mourns."

Look Around You: Module 1, Maths - 4/5

In Treatment: Laura, Week 6 - 4/5

Nip/Tuck: Benny Anderson - 4/5

Hung: Great Sausage or Can I Call You Dick? - 3/5

The Good Wife: Unorthodox - 4/5

Railway

2010-03-12T08:13:00.002Z

Today's random photo is a stretch of railway near Breaston in Derbyshire, December 2004.

Clcik the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-11T08:00:00.001Z

Countdown: 10th March
Dan Brusca - 83
Kevin Davis - 73
Sam Denniss - 37
Points from GROATS, BARTERED, PALATE, UNLEASH, EMBROIL, VETOES, SOURING and ROCKET.

CSI Crime Scene Investigation: XX - 4/5

Fringe: Unearthed - 3/5

Shameless - 3/5

Mad Men: Seven Twenty-Three - 4/5

Sky

2010-03-11T07:58:00.001Z

Today's random photo is the sky over Breaston, Derbyshire, one day in August 2005.

Clcik the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Up on the roof

2010-03-10T11:10:00.003Z

A screenshot from Sky News on Sunday, a random rooftop in Los Angeles:

A photo I took on 20th October last year when visiting a friend:

What are the chances?!

Watched yesterday

2010-03-10T07:43:00.001Z

Countdown: 9th March
Kevin Davis - 90
Dan Brusca - 58
Stevan Ryan - 41
Points from HOISTED, POUTIER, MASSAGE, RACIST, MERITED and SANDIER.

Bad Girls: Curtain Call - 4/5

In Treatment: Gina, Week 5 - 4/5

Weeds

2010-03-10T07:41:00.002Z

Today's random photo was taken in a field near Breaston, Derbyshire, in August 2005. Reminds me of a Pollock painting...

Click the photo of a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-09T08:09:00.002Z

Countdown: 8th March
Kevin Davis - 93
Jamie Ellwood - 68
Dan Brusca - 58
Fail. Points from WAITED, BOATING, REPLAYS, COUNTED, BEATNIK, LOONIES and AERIALS.

The Inbetweeners: Work Experience - 4/5

In Treatment: Jake & Amy, Week 5 - 3/5

24: Day 8, 12pm-1am - 4/5

Trauma: Pilot - 2/5
I'll watch another episode, but so far this seems surprisingly boring for a show with a high action quota and the characters seems largely unlikeable.

Stiles

2010-03-09T08:08:00.001Z

Today's random photo is of a couple os tiles in breaston, Derbyshire, February 2009.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-08T10:03:00.002Z

Film 2333
Crazy Heart - 4/5
It gets a bit loose in the final third, but overall this is a well-crafted and performed drama and nobody could possibly begrudge Jeff Bridges his Oscar win.

Las Vegas: Coyote Ugly - 3/5

In Treatment: Sophie, Week 5 - 4/5

Nip/Tuck: Lola Wlodkowski - 4/5

The Good Wife: Conjugal - 4/5

Hung: Pilot - 4/5

Lost: Lighthouse - 3/5

Trees

2010-03-08T09:59:00.001Z

Today's random photo is of trees, seen from the disused Miller's Dale railway station, Derbyshire, in June 2009.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-07T07:31:00.002Z

Big Love: Easter - 4/5

Secret Diary Of A Call Girl: Episode 3.6 - 3/5

Secret Diary Of A Call Girl: Episode 3.7 - 2/5

Sons Of Anarchy: Old Bones - 4/5

Harry Hill's TV Burp - 4/5

Film 2332
The Hurt Locker - 4/5
Going head-to-head with Avatar in tonight's Oscars, The Hurt Locker is clearly the superior film. It's not as 'nerve-shreddingly tense' as I had been led to believe and it has no storyline, but the lengthy set-piece scenes are utterly compelling.

Dan Brusca

2010-03-07T07:28:00.002Z

Today's random photo is a self-portrait taken in December 2004.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version, though I can't think why you would want one.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-06T08:28:00.002Z

Countdown: 5th March
Dan Brusca - 100
Raheel Mirza - 58
Jamie Ellwood - 57
Good game, good game! Points from REMAINS, FORAGING, BLOUSE, ADROIT, TRAINED, CAROUSEL, CLOISTER, MIASMA, LIGHTER and DONATES.

CSI Crime Scene Investigation: Getting Off - 4/5

Survivors: Episode 2.6 - 3/5

In Treatment: Alex, Week 5 - 5/5

Friday Night Lights: Eyes Wide Open - 5/5

Mad Men: Guy Walks Into An Advertising Agency - 5/5

In the Wye valley

2010-03-06T08:22:00.002Z

Today's random photo is a rock face in the Wye valley, Derbyshire, November 2008. The river often floods at this point and unless you want to a diversion away from the river you just have to accept yo're going to get your feet wet!

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-05T07:41:00.002Z

Countdown: 4th March
Raheel Mirza - 75
Dan Brusca - 59
Shakeel Aamer - 38
Not such a good day... points from BAP, ENAMELS, OUTLIER, ACTIONS, STARRED and HUNKIEST.

Star Trek TNG: Birthright, Part 1 - 4/5

In Treatment: Gina, Week 4 - 4/5

What Katie Did Next - 5/5

In Treatment: Laura, Week 5 - 5/5

Question Time - 4/5
Will Self won this by a country mile. Carol Vorderman was embarassing though. She was clearly going for the populist vote but failed to construct any coherent arguments to support her views.

Vale of Edale

2010-03-05T07:39:00.001Z

Today's random photo is of a gloomy day across the Vale of Edale, Derbyshire, October 2006.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-04T07:59:00.002Z

Countdown: 3rd March
Dan Brusca - 83
Raheel Mirza - 73
Colin Davis - 41
My points came from DEFILES, PAUSES, NEMATODE, STONING, BRAINS, MALTIER, DECREPIT and TEXTING. TEXTING isn't actually in the Oxford Dictionary of English - the official Countdown dictionary - but Susie Dent allowed it, so I'll take the points.

Kings: Prosperity - 4/5

Shameless - 4/5, 3/5

In Treatment: Jake & Amy,, Week 4 - 4/5

Killer whales

2010-03-04T07:56:00.003Z

Today's random photo is a couple of killler whales just before the 'Shamu Story' show at SeaWorld San Diego, 12th october 2009.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version, though it's a bit blurry.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-03T08:25:00.002Z

24: Day 8, 11pm-12pm - 4/5

The Great Offices of State: The Secret Treasury - 4/5

Countdown: 2nd March
Dan Brusca - 95
Raheel Mirza - 68
Phil Peart - 32
Yeah baby! Points from OUTSIDE, DIAPER, NOVATES, DOILIES, CARAMEL, RETURNER, AMBIT, GRAFTS, TRAPEZE and WOMEN.

Archer: Mole - 3/5

B-39

2010-03-03T08:16:00.002Z

Today's random photo is the conning tower of former Soviet submarine B-39 in San Diego, 12th October 2009. Seeing this photo I realised that I didn't go up into the tower, thus missing an opportunity to re-create the pre-opening titles scene of The Hunt For Red October. For shame...

Click the pgoto for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-02T07:58:00.002Z

Countdown: 1st March
Dan Brusca - 74
Raheel Mirza - 65
Sarah Wilkinson - 48
Sarah was an Old Vic fan! My points courtesy of LOOKERS, CASTED, ROOMIES, CLEARED, PLOSIVES, MORTAR, IMPOSE and SAUNTER.

Peep Show: The Commission - 4/5

In Treatment: Sophie, Week 4 - 4/5

Lost: The Substitute - 4/5

QIXL: Gothic - 4/5

Nurse Jackie: Health Care and Cinema - 4/5

Watched yesterday

2010-03-02T07:56:00.001Z

Today's random photo is an unidentified fish at SeaWorld San Diego, 12th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

2010-03-01T09:01:00.002Z

Film 2331
Micmacs - 4/5

United States of Tara: Pilot - 3/5

In Treatment: Alex, Week 4 - 4/5

The Great Offices of State: Palace of Dreams - 4/5

The Good Wife: Crash - 3/5

Harry Hill's TV Burp - 4/5

From Kinder Scout

2010-03-01T08:57:00.002Z

Today's random photo is the view along the northern edge of Kinder Scout, Derbyshire. Also visible are Ashop Clough and Black Ashop Moor. Photo taken May 2008.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Further notes on that YouGov poll

2010-02-28T12:44:00.000Z

A few more notes on that YouGov poll from today's Sunday Times...

1. Fraser Nelson at the Spectator points out that if translated to an election result, the poll would give Labour 321 seats and the Tories 260, leaving Labour just five short of a majority.

2. A lesser reported tidbit from the poll is that for the first time in an age, Labour are more trusted on the economy than the Tories. This is absolutely key because as we all know, it's the economy, stupid.

3. It appears that the earliest editions of the Sunday Times had different poll results, ones that gave the Tories a 6% lead, yet in later editions that got changed to 2%. This requires an explanation.

Could there still be an election on 25th March?

2010-02-28T09:29:00.001Z

Last week I speculated on the likelihood of Gordon Brown calling a general election for 25th March. If it was to happen, we would have received word over the course of last weekend. Well, that weekend came and went and so it seemed did any prospect of an election before the expected 6th May date.

Then this morning the Sunday Times published a YouGov poll that could be a possible game changer and bring 25th March back into play. It has the Conservatives at 37%, Labour at 35% and the Liberal Democrats at 17%. To put that into context, Labour won the 2005 general election with a 36% share of the vote, so they're just 1% off the pace.

Now it's important to say that this is just one poll and it's also YouGov's first poll under a tweaked methodology, which may have had some impact. However it does feed into the general trend in recent months of a decline in the Tory lead and regardless of its accuracy it will reinforce the idea that the tide is turning against them.

This reinforces my view that Brown's best chance of victory is to call the election for 25th March. The narrow gap between the parties means that a campaign is now winnable for the first time since he took office. In fact it's hard to see the benefits of waiting until May because March and April hold nothing but potential danger for the PM.

The first and, in my opinion, most minor danger is Brown's schedlued appearance before the Chilcot enquiry on Friday. Provided he keeps his cool, he should get through it with nothing more than a couple of days press scrutiny and if Iraq wasn't an issue at the 2005 election then it's hard to see how it would be now. However, a poor, tetchy performance from Brown could damage him. The bullying allegations have had no impact on Labour in the polls, but actually witnessing flashes of temper could make some people change their minds.

The second danger is the budget. We know from his recent interview with Sky News' Jeff Randall that Alastair Darling is working on the budget, but we still don't have a date. If there is a budget (and there would have to be one if it's a May election) it can only be received two ways, neither of them good for Brown. If it's an honest budget that sets out the scale of spending cuts and tax rises required, the voters will be spooked. Voters may want the truth, but as the saying goes, they can't handle the truth. If it's a dodgy budget that tries to hide the pain, the public will see it as as such and punish Labour accordingly. The budget is quite simply a lose/lose proposition.

The third danger is the Q1 2010 GDP figures which are due out on 23rd April. There's a real possibility that these could show the UK back in recession and in the middle of an election campaign that could be explosive.

If he chooses to then he has to go to the Queen tomorrow and seek a dissolution as there has to be 17 business days between that and the election. To do so would be highly unusual. Normally there's a few days between the PM seeking dissolution and it actually taking effect. This is known as the 'wash-up' period and it's used to tie-up the business of Parliament. The last time dissolution was sought and took effect on the same day was in 1924. Doing so tomorrow means that any legislation currently going through Parliament will have to be abandoned save for perhaps one or two important matters that Labour and the Tories can agree to speed through at a break-neck pace.

One final consideration is party logistics. Both the main parties are geared up for 6th May. For sure, they'll have plans for a snap campaign, but it's hardly ideal for either and it could be two weeks before polling day before both are fully up-to-speed. On the flip-side Labour's poor financial position makes a short campaign desireable, though when it comes to the crunch the unions will bail them out, so the importance of Labour finances can be somewhat overstated.

On balance I think that a 25th March election is now more likely than it was a week ago because the political planets are in alignment. But Brown is cautious - some would say a ditherer - so 6th May still has to be the favoured date. Maybe he'll surprise us though, going to see the Queen tomorrow would, finally, be a supremely confident act for a Prime Minister hitherto regarded as something of a bottler and for that, at least, he would deserve some credit.

Watched yesterday

2010-02-28T07:52:00.002Z

The Inbetweeners: Field Trip - 4/5

In Treatment: Laura, Week 4 - 4/5

You've Been Framed! - 3/5

Mad Men: The Fog - 4/5

The Big Bang Theory: The Maternal Congruence - 4/5

Grey's Anatomy: Invasion - 4/5