Reservoir sky

Today's random photo is the sky over Breaston reservoir, Derbyshire, December 2004.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 25th February
Clarke Carlisle - 94
Alexander Johnston - 78
Dan Brusca - 49
Outclassed! Points from STEAMING, LADDER, BLOATERS and NOVATES.

The Office: The Fire - 4/5

In Treatment: Jake & Amy, Week 3 - 4/5

Shameless - 4/5

Sons of Anarchy: AK-51 - 4/5

What Katie Did Next - 4/5

Question Time - 4/5

Railings

Today's random photo is of railings along Coffin Walk, near Breaston, Derbyshire. Photo taken December 2004.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Dark Angel: Pilot - 3/5
Too long for an opening episode, but Jessica Alba's hot.

The West Wing: Mr Willis of Ohio - 5/5

Countdown: 24th February
Clarke Carlisle (the Burnley winger) - 73
Dan Brusca - 71
Adam Guest - 55
Points from JAUNT, ESCAPED, MASTER, GOITER, DIGRESS, SHOVELER, GROPER, STUTTER and the conundrum, INTERVIEW.

The Great Offices of State: The Dark Department - 4/5

24: Day 8, 10pm-11pm - 3/5
Snoozy episode, except for the insane sequence where Rene stabbed a guy in the face then stabbed Jack in the stomach, only for Jack to pull out the knife and thrown across the room to stab somenone else.

Mad Men: The Arrangements - 4/5

Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares - 3/5
Watched it halfway then gave up.

Nip/Tuck: Alexis Stone, Part 2 - 4/5

West Heath Pergola

Today's random photo was taken at the West Heath Pergola, London, in May 2008.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 23rd February
Dan Brusca - 91
Adam Guest - 70
Barmey Maunder-Taylor - 51
I seem to be doing pretty well just lately. Yesterday's points courtesy of SOLDIER, HELPER, ENTRAILS, READINGS, CABOOSE, RAVAGES, FOLIAGE, HEEDING and RIOTOUS.

The Shield: The Cure - 4/5

The Good Wife: Fixed - 4/5

Lost: What Kate Does - 3/5
No idea what's going on. Some clarity would be appreciated.

QIXL: Gravity - 4/5

Border collie

Today's random photo is my border collie, Zac, in August 2006.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 22nd February
Dan Brusca - 104
Barney Maunder-Taylor - 77
Heather Badcock - 74
Yay for me! My points came from SCAMPI, POOTLING, HECTARES, FLOUNCE, SMEARS, EQUATOR, READINGS, STONERS, DATIVE, PIANO and VIRAGO.

NYPD Blue: Pilot - 4/5
Sherry Stringfield and Amy Brenneman in the same televisual space. Nice.

In Treatment: Sophie, Week 3 - 3/5

Nip/Tuck: Alexis Stone, Part 1 - 4/5

Grey's Anatomy: Tainted Obsession - 3/5

MS Zaandam

Today's random photo is the cruise ship MS Zaandam, moored in San Diego on 8th October 2009. Two months earlier, a woman apparently commited suicide by jumping from the ship as it departed from Seattle.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version. Click here for more about the ship at Wikipedia.

Watched yesterday

Film no.2330
A Single Man - 4/5

Caprica: Rebirth - 4/5

Secret Diary Of A Call Girl: Episodes 3.4 and 3.5 - 3/5

In Treatment: Alex, Week 3 - 4/5

The British Academy Film Awards - 4/5
Glad to see that Avatar didn't win any big awards, especially happy to see Colin Firth and Carey Mulligan win.

Ladybower and Winhill

The western branch of the Ladybower Reservoir in Derbyshire, October 2006. The road is the A57, Winhill is in the background. The guy is my mate Steve.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

QIXL: Gifts - 4/5

You've Been Framed! - 4/5

Harry Hill's TV Burp - 3/5

24: Day 8, 9pm-10pm - 3/5

In Treatment: Laura, Week 3 - 4/5

Law & Order Criminal Intent: The Faithful - 3/5

Pacific Beach

Today's random photo is the view from my hotel room at Pacific Beach, California, on 10th October 2009. For those interested, the hotel is the Best Western Blue Sea Lodge.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 19th February
Dan Brusca - 94
Heather Badcock - 77
Irene Wilson - 70
Points from VENTED, MAINSAIL, TOPPERS, MIRAGES, COLLIES, PRANCED, HURLER and the conundrum, UNBLOCKED.

The X-Files: Grotesque - 3/5

Eastenders 25 - 5/5
Aside from a couple of camera wobbles, this live episode of Eastenders was a tremendous technical achievement.

24: Day 8, 8pm-9pm - 2/5

Oz: Animal Farm - 3/5

Peterborough cathedral

Today's random photo is of Peterborough cathedral, taken February 2008.

Click the photo for the 1024x768 version.

Has Chilcot scuppered a March election?

Iain Dale has just reported that Gordon Brown will appear before the Chilcot enquiry on the 4th or 5th of March.

On the face of it, this would seem to rule out a 25th March election, but on the other hand maybe it's not relevent at all. If Brown called the election, surely Chilcot would just postpone his appearance?

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 18th February
Heather Badcock - 71
Dan Brusca - 48
Stevie Wright - 38
Points courtesy of FINER, MOPEDS, GAYEST, BAILED, HEARING and ENTIRETY.

Lost: LA X, Part 2 - 4/5

Sons Of Anarchy: Giving Back - 4/5

In Treatment: Gina, Week 2 - 3/5

What Katie Did Next - 3/5

30 Rock: Kidney Now! - 4/5

Ladybower and Pike Low

Today's random photo is the northern end of Ladybower Reservoir in Derbyshire, at the foot of Pike Low. Photo taken October 2006.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

A 25th March general election?

News today that Gordon Brown will be announcing Labour's four big themes for the upcoming election has me wondering if he might be on the verge of calling it for 25th March.

There is evidence out there to suggest such a snap poll may be in the offing...

1. If Brown was ever going to call the election for a date before 6th May, it was always going to be 25th March. 1st April and 8th April are out because of Easter. Other April dates would overlap with the timetable for the already scheduled local elections. With this week being half-term, an 18th March date would have either necessitated recalling Parliament this week to wind up its business, or doing that last week and having the first week of campaigning this week, again an awkward clash with half-term.

2. Last weekend we had Brown's interview with Piers Morgan, today he's held a cabinet meeting in Durham, this weekend we have him announcing those themes for Labour's campaign (accompanied by some cabinet heavyweights). It feels like an orchestrated effort toward something.

3. We still don't have a date for the budget. Bear in mind that the 22nd April 2009 budget date was announced on 12th February. Any budget Labour put forward now is bound to damage their poll rating, but if they wait until 6th May for the election they'll have no choice but to do a budget. They can escape this and other potentially negative economic news if they go for 25th March.

4. Similarly, by going now Brown avoids another potential bear trap, having to give evidence to the Chilcot enquiry, until after the election.

5. The Tory poll lead has been trending downwards for a few months now and they're looking distinctly wobbly on various policy issues. Brown may calculate that March is the best opportunity he's going to get.

6. Brown looks more confident if he goes for the earlier option. If he waits until May he risks looking like someone desperately clinging on, something the voters might punish.

7. Labour has no money. Can they afford six or seven more weeks of a phoney-campaign then a realcampaign after that?

8. Guido Fawkes tweeted this week that all Tory parliamentary candidates have been ordered to keep their Blackberries switched on throughout weekend. This doesn't suggest the Tories have some inside knowledge, but if Brown is to seek a dissolution next week then it will become clear this weekend, so clearly the Tories also consider the 25th a possibility.

On balance though, 6th May still looks the more likely date, but I don't think it's as certain as commentators have been predicting in recent months. One thing's for sure, we'll get to know either way over the course of this weekend.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 17th February
Dan Brusca - 74
Heather Badcock - 74
Christopher Smith - 55
Points from AORIST, SEDATION, NEEDING, UNLOADER, VIRILEST, POLENTA and the conundrum SHAMBOLIC.

Thomas & Friends: Toby Feel Left out - 3/5

Newswipe - 5/5

Lost: LA X, part 1 - 4/5

Shameless - 4/5

Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares - 3/5
No idea why I watched this.

30 Rock: Mamma Mia - 4/5

F-14 Tomcat

Today's random photo is an F-14 Tomcat on the deck of the USS Midway in San Diego, 8th october 2009.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 16th February
Dan Brusca - 74
Christopher Smith - 70
Craig Chittenden - 69

Sons Of Anarchy: Patch Over - 4/5

Nurse Jackie: Pill-O-Matix - 4/5

Star Trek: The Naked Time - 3/5
An episode where the Enterprise is at the mercy of a drunken Irishman who kept singing 'Kathleen', Kirk bitch-slaps Spock and they discover timewarp.

Survivors: Episode 2.5 - 3/5
Shitty way for Sarah to go. She was nice.

Kinder Scout

Today's random photo is Kinder Scout in Derbyshire, as seen from the Great Ridge, near Mam Tor. You can just about make out the village of Edale.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 15th February
Dan Brusca - 82
Craig Chittenden - 76
Dan Brusca - 34
Points from SWATHE, VOIDED, BANNER, EXISTED, DIARIST, MARRIED, GAOLERS, SPEAK, COUNTS, RUNNIER and SOFTENED.

Criminal Minds: Psychodrama - 4/5

In Treatment: Season 1, Week 2, Jake & Amy - 5/5

Grey's Anatomy: (I Always Feel Like) Somebody's Watching Me - 3/5

Skins: Episode 4.2 - 4/5

Hampstead Heath

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

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

CSI Miami: Simple Man - 4/5

Mad Men: My Old Kentucky Home - 4/5

In Treatment: Season 2, Week 2, Sophie - 4/5

Sons Of Anarchy: Fun Town - 4/5

The Good Wife: Home - 4/5
In many ways this is your typical legal procedural, but by simple virtue of being done very well it rises above other examples of the genre.

Dominatrix

Today's random photo is my friend Lucina, a professional dominatrix, in Manchester, August 2005.

Clcik the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

In Plain Sight: Pilot - 3/5
This pilot was a bit overlong. Could easily have been condensed into a standard ~45 minute episode. Mary McCormack's lead seems well-characterized though so it will be interesting to see where it goes.

CSI Miami: Evidence Of Things Unseen - 4/5

Harry Hill's TV Burp - 4/5
Philnut was robbed.

Nip/Tuck: Abigail Sullivan - 4/5

Shameless: Episode 7.2 - 4/5

Giant tortoises

Today's random photo is two giant tortoises at San Diego Zoo, 9th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 12th February
Craig Chittenden - 101
Dan Brusca - 61
Mark Gascoigne - 34
Gascoigne did the worst ever Austin Powers impression. It was embarassing. My points came from STEELING, BRAVES, REMNANT, DETAIL, MUPPETS and FESTOON.

CSI Crime Scene Investigation: Early Roll Out - 4/5

In Treatment: Season 1, Week 2, Alex - 3/5
I think Alex is my least favourite character in this.

The Closer: Mom Duty - 3/5

Caprica: Pilot, Part 2 - 4/5
The seeds of an epic are sown.

Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares - 2/5
I'm through with the US version of this. It's exactly the same every single week. The most over-produced show on television.

Mercedes

Today's random photo is a friend, in her car, somewhere in Derby, November 2008.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 11th February
Craig Chittenden - 84
Dan Brusca - 78
Catherine Jackson - 75
Points from MENACE, JOINER, FOISTED, DOUBLET, POODLES, CITRON, REFINE, MOTLIER, SKEINS and the conundrum TOOTHPICK.

Caprica: Pilot, Part 1 - 4/5
Some ropey CGI, but otherwise a very good start. I want Greystone's house.

Survivors: Episode 2.4 - 4/5

Modern Family: Moon Landing - 4/5

What Katie Did Next - 3/5

The Big Bang Theory: The Vengeance Formulation - 3/5
Featuring an *amazing* geek-heaven of a cameo from Katee Sackhoff.

The Big Bang Theory: The Gorilla Experiment - 3/5

Swan

Today's random photo is a swan in Regent's Park, London, June 2007.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 10th February
Craig Chittenden - 82
Dan Brusca - 64
Keith Chatton - 15
My points courtesy of METEORIC, NUDIST, INSURES, POTTIES, ANTELOPE, GRAPE and ABUSED.

The West Wing: The Crackpots And These Women - 4/5

Friday Night Lights: Pilot - 4/5
Never thought I would be so drawn in to a game of American football. Promising start!

Modern Family: Fifteen Percent - 4/5

Secret Diary Of A Call Girl: Episode 3.3 - 3/5

Nurse Jackie: Ring Finger - 4/5

Hole

Today's random photo is random stuff in a hole at Annesley Colliery, Nottinghamshire in March 2005.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 9th February
Craig Chittenden - 92
Dan Brusca - 60
Alan Legg - 46
Points courtesy of PASTE, COUNTER, LOONIEST, DIADEMS, MILKY and ROMANCES.

The Shield: On Tilt - 4/5
So ends season 3.

Thomas & Friends: Mighty Mac - 3/5

30 Rock: The Ones - 4/5

30 Rock: The Natural Order - 3/5

Survivors: Episode 2.3 - 4/5

Harry Hill's TV Burp - 4/5
The K Factor had me in tears. Vote Philnut!

Newswipe - 4/5

Sleepy lion

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

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched recently

Firstly, a couple of plays last Saturday in London:

Red - 5/5
Teriffic play about one of my favourite artists, Mark Rothko. Alfred Molina turns in a stunning performance. I would recommend you go see it, but it finished on Saturday...

The Misanthrope - 3/5
Keira Knightley's stage debut is proof that yes, she really can act. All in all, a great ensemble cast, especially Knightley, Damian Lewis as the titular misanthrope and Tara Fitzgerald. Unfortunately, Martin Crimp's re-working of Moliere's satire is pretty flat in its second and third acts, which drags it down somewhat, but it's always livened when Lewis is on stage.

Yesterday's TV:

Countdown: 5th February
Jay Lopian - 81
Phill Thorne - 79
Dan Brusca - 37
Woeful performance with LOAFERS, FUMING, CARBINE and PATIENT providing the only bright spots.

Countdown: 8th February
Craig Chittenden - 97
Jay Lopian - 74
Dan Brusca - 74
Points from RELINING, DIAPERS, BARONET, MELODY, COPED, JAILERS, NOTIONS, SAUTEED and the conundrum, BEAUTIFUL.

Law & Order Criminal Intent: Smothered - 4/5

Law & Order Special Victims Unit: ...Or Just Look Like One - 3/5

In Treatment: Season 1, Week 2, Laura - 4/5

You've Been Framed! - 4/5

Pylon

Today's random photo was taken from the churchyard of St Chads, Church Wilne, Derbyshire in August 2005.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Dog in the corner

Today's random photo is my border collie, Zac, in August 2006.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 4th February
Dan Brusca - 95
Jay Lopian - 69
Rosina Bellerby - 48
Points courtesy of DERAILS, PATIOS, ENLIVENS, GAUDIEST, BROCADES, LINER, MAILERS, POUTED, DONKEYS and LAMENT.

In Treatment: Season 1, Week 1, Jake & Amy - 5/5

Skins: Episode 4.1 - 3/5

In Treatment: Season 1, Week 1, Gina - 5/5

24: Day 8, 6pm-7pm - 4/5
24: Day 8, 7pm-8pm - 3/5
I think Katee Sackhoff is miscast. Since Battlestar Galactica she's had an image of being an ass-kicker, so turning her into what is so far quite a weak character is quite a change to what we're used to. It's not that she shouldn't play such characters, it's just that in a high testerone show like 24, the viewer expectation would be that she would be slapping people around all over the place.

Nurse Jackie: Nosebleed - 4/5

Newswipe - 4/5

The L Word

Today's random photo is a billboard advertising The L Word, taken in Manchester in June 2005.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Modern Family: Not In My House - 5/5

Countdown: 3rd February
Jay Lopian - 82
Dan Brusca - 77
Mark Abbitt - 37
Points from MINUSES, MOUTHED, REVOLT, RELIANT, FIANCEE, REGALED and ENJOYS.

The Big Bang Theory: The Adhesive Duck Deficiency - 4/5

The Good Wife: Stripped - 4/5

Grey's Anatomy - 4/5

Secret Diary Of A Call Girl: Episode 3.1 - 3/5

Secret Diary Of A Call Girl: Episode 3.2 - 4/5

Harry Hill's TV Burp - 4/5

You've Been Framed! - 3/5

Soviet submarine toilet

Today's random photo is a toilet aboard Soviet submarine B-39, taken in San Diego on 8th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 2nd February
Mark Abbitt - 70
Dan Brusca - 67
Norman Rudland - 61
Points courtesy of COLLIERS, CHOIRS, DEACONS, PATTIES, MATTERS, PRALINE and REGISTER.

The Office: Office Olympics - 4/5

Oz: Strange Bedfellows - 4/5

Mad Men: Love Among The Ruins - 3/5

Sons Of Anarchy: Seeds - 4/5

Edale Cross

Today's random photo is the signpost at Edale Cross, which lies at the top of the Jacob's Ladder route up Kinder Scout in Derbyshire. Photo taken January 2008.

Click the photo for a 1024x768 version.

Train Time

Continuing my trawl through the archives of British Transport Films, last night I watched their 1952 film, 'Train Time'.

The film is a partially dramatized look at how British Rail scheduled and organized trains, especially freight trains, at the the time. It shows how different regions co-ordinated their rolling stock requirements and how new scheduled services were worked into the timetable.

There were two points of interest for me. Firstly, the film starts out with a farmer taking his broccoli crop to a Cornwall freight yard for transportation to London. The sequence serves as a jump-off point to show how BR was able to move rolling stock from different parts of the country to make up the special trains required to transport the annual crop. All very worthy I'm sure, but you have to wonder how many cinema-goers sat their saying "that's not broccoli, it's cauliflower" because there isn't a single floret of broccoli in the entire thing, despite the insistent voiceover.

Secondly, there's a sequence showing the freight yards at Toton in Derbyshire. The above still is the main control room at Toton, at the foot of Toton Hill. Back in the day, Toton was one of the largest, if not the largest, rail depots in the country. By the 1980s it was a pale shadow of its former self. Much of the sidings had been torn up and the main control room, together with other smaller control rooms (in a similar art deco style) had fallen derelict.

A friend and I used to regularly play there, including in the above building. We used to salvage railway memorabilia such as old timetables, some of which I sold at rail fairs in Derby, and bits of random equipment like control panels and so on, though we stopped doing that when I once tried to unscrew a light switch only for it to explode in sparks - we had been entirely oblivious to the fact that although derelict, the buildings were still wired to the mains...

There's a superb website featuring photos on Toton at Toton Rail. There's an aerial photo of the sidings here in which the main control room can be seen top-right. A more recent photo showing how the place has shrunk is here.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 1st February
Norman Rudland - 77
Dan Brusca - 69
Howard Lovelady - 61
Points courtesy of FADING, CAROUSEL, LEAFING, GRAPHITE, OPENED and POLENTA.

QIXL: Greats - 4/5

British Transport Films: Train Time - 3/5
Another post on this to follow.

Mad Men: Out Of Town - 4/5
The most perfectly crafted show in the history of television.

In Treatment: Season 1, Week 1, Sophie - 4/5

Random photo of the day

Torpedo tubes aboard Soviet submarine B-39 in San Diego, 8th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

In Treatment: Season 1, Week 1, Alex - 4/5

Kings: Goliath - 4/5
This short-lived US series never made it to the UK, but thanks to my multi-region DVD player I'm now able to catch it on Region 1. This first episode was perhaps overlong, but it was interesting enough and Ian McShane is superb as the vain King Silas.

Shameless: Episode 7.1 - 4/5

Nip/Tuck: Jenny Juggs - 3/5

Shameless: Episode 7.2 - 3/5

Random photo of the day

Random stuff on the hangar deck of the USS Midway, San Diego, 8th October 2009.

Click the photo for the 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

Bad Girls: Marriage Of Inconvenience - 3/5
Most gross oral sex scene in a mainstream drama ever!

Big Love: Eviction - 4/5
I started watching Big Love a few years ago, but due to the appalling scheduling it had in the UK, didn't even get to finish season one. Subsequent seasons never got here at all. It's a shame because it's a superb show. However, now I have a multi-region DVD player, I can now re-engage with it via Region 1. Huzzah!

Hustle: The Father Of Jewels - 1/5
An episode in which Matt DiAngelo takes centre-stage. Ugh. His character is phenomenally dull. Couldn't bare to watch beyond the first 20 minutes. I've decided to wave goodbye to Hustle now, I think it's safe to say it's reached the natural end of it's life and it's time for the BBC to pull the plug.

Nurse Jackie: Pupil - 4/5

In Treatment: Season 1, Week 1, Laura - 4/5
Sky Arts started showing this last October but because I was in America I missed the early episodes, so had to miss the entire run. Luckily for me, Sky started re-runs last week. So glad they did because on the strength of this first episode alone I know it's going to be great.

30 Rock: Cutbacks - 3/5

30 Rock: Jackie Jormp-Jomp - 3/5

Newswipe: Episode 2.2 - 5/5

The Good Wife: Pilot - 4/5
Looks like a fairly conventional legal drama, but this first episode was pretty good. Julianna Margulies is a good lead and David Paymer and Titus Welliver are classy support.

Survivors: Episode 2.2
OK, but felt like it went on forever. I think I'm losing patience with the concept of hour-long drama. Maybe I watch too much American TV ^_^

90210: Environmental Hazards - 2/5
Fully expected to watch a few minutes of this then give up on it for good, but it seems my addiction to AnnaLynne McCord is much stronger than even I realised!

Random photo of the day

Cressbrook Weir on the river Wye in Derbyshire, November 2008.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 29th January
Dan Brusca - 85
James Rawson - 76
Howard Lovelady - 71
My winning points came from MEDIATES, READING, NEMATODES, BLONDE, REFLEX, ENGINES, PRALINE and PUKING.

24: Day 8, 5pm-6pm - 4/5

Heroes: Hysterial Blindness - 3/5

Random photo of the day

A donkey on the beach in Skegness, September 2007.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 28th January
James Rawson - 100
Toni Balestra - 90
Dan Brusca - 84
Points courtesy of MARBLES, MONITORED, TOASTING, BAITS, HOURLY, VOWELS and PLANTED.

The Inbetweeners: The Xmas Prom - 4/5

QIXL: Gallimaufrey - 4/5

The Bible: A History: Creation - 3/5

24: Day 8, 4pm-5pm - 4/5
The new CTU looks a bit too shiny. Everything is reflected in everything else. I imagine it's the kind of place where you're likely to walk into a glass door. At least it has Katee Sackhoff, which is never a bad thing. Here's hoping she doesn't spend the entire season batch processing data volumes or other such bollocks.

Random photo of the day

Taken at the reservoir near Breaston, Derbyshire, December 2004.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 27th January
James Rawson - 105
Dan Brusca - 82
Phil South - 41
My points came from TIRADE, AMOUNT, PALLID, MOTIVES, SENSED, INSIDERS, ROASTED and CALLER.

Sons Of Anarchy: Pilot - 4/5

Star Trek: The Next Generation: Tapestry - 1/5
Possibly the most boring episode of Star Trek ever.

Modern Family: Up All Night - 4/5
Sofia Vergara is so hot when she's angry...

The Big Bang Theory: The Cornhusker Vortex - 3/5

The Big Bang Theory: The Guitarist Amplification - 3/5

Grey's Anatomy: Good Mourning - 4/5
Nice to see season 6 maintaining the high standard of season 5.

Spaced: Beginnings - 2/5

Random photo of the day

Randomly snatched photo on the train from Skegness to Long Eaton, somewhere in Lincolnshire, September 2007.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 27th January
James Rawson - 87
Dan Brusca - 70
Glenn Sheasby - 62
Didn't score from the numbers, but came up with a plethora of words: STONKER, SALIENT, ARSENAL, COUNSEL, BAILED, SPAWNED, BEMOANS, CROFTER, SQUARES and DECREPIT.

The Wire: Misgivings - 4/5

Leverage: The Nigerian Job - 2/5
A US version of Hustle in all but name, this is nowhere near is slick and the pay-offs lack the sophisticated plotting of the BBC original.

Random photo of the day

Some random gubbins aboard Soviet submarine B-39 in San Diego, 8th October 2009. You can read more about the submarine here.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 23rd January
James Rawson - 107
Dan Brusca - 71
Colin Grainger - 69
My points courtesy of STRAINED, CANOES, PURGE, MAKERS, BOVINE, CODIFY and DIVERTS.

Peep Show: Dance Class - 4/5

Film 2329
The Day The Earth Stood Still - 3/5
Having not seen the original, I was able to watch this with an open mind and I kind of enjoyed it. It's all a bit daft, but it's perfectly watchable and Keanu Reeves is pretty good.

Nip/Tuck: Briggette Reinholt - 3/5

Random photo of the day

Failing light over Pacific Beach, California, 11th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

Film 2328
A Prophet - 3/5
A decent addition to the prison movie genre, but it's overlong and drags in places.

Damages: I Lied, Too - 3/5

America's Next Top Model: How Short Can You Go - X/5
Unrated as I got about ten minutes in and decided I just don't give a damn any more.

90210: The Porn King - 2/5
I really am only watching this to see AnnaLynne McCord now. Not sure how long that can last though. I would be surprised if I was still watching by the end of the season.

Newswipe 2.1 - 4/5

Random photo of the day

Whale riding at SeaWorld San Diego, 12th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Peep Show: Funeral - 4/5

Film 2327
Transsiberian - 3/5
A watchable, Hitchcockian thriller with some nice photography, but with a cop-out ending.

Funniest Ever You've Been Framed - 4/5

Glee: Acafellas - 3/5
I think I'm over this now. I revisited the first episode a couple of weeks ago and enjoyed it muchly, but I now have a feeling that once you've seen one episode of Glee, you don't really need to see any more. There's really nothing wrong with the programme, but for me, it's not appointment-to-view TV.

30 Rock: Apollo, Apollo - 4/5

Random photo of the day

A chicken at (I think) Upper Booth, in the Hope Valley, Derbyshire, May 2008. Award-winning photography, every day!

Click the photo if you inexplicably desire a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 22nd January
Dan Brusca - 91
Colin Grainger - 85
Jagie Rai - 41
My points came from DETONATES, LIBELS, CANDIES, VOMITS, HOLLER, EXTANT, FORDS, PIGGY, STONIER and ARTEFACT. However, this edition was more notable for Rachel Riley's laudable efforts to bring a bit of kinkiness to the proceedings...



Star Trek: The Next Generation: Face Of The Enemy - 4/5

Hustle: Tiger Troubles - 2/5
I think it's time the BBC called it a day on Hustle. It's usually entertaining enough and the pay-offs are as slick as ever, but the characters are going nowhere and it's all just a bit too familiar. Kelly Adams continues to be a superior replacement for Jaime Murray though, being both a better actress and not in the slightest bit smug as a character.

Random photo of the day

The Hope Valley, Derbyshire, from the southern slopes of Kinder Scout. Taken January 2008.

Click the photo for a 1024x768 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 21st January
Oliver Garner - 81
Mark Goodliffe - 75
Dan Brusca - 48
Garner came from 26 points behind to win and achieve octochamp status. Goodliffe wasn't impressed. My points came courtsy of TAPPER, GELATIN, SWAINS, SENATE, CALMED and PASTIES.

QIXL: Germany - 4/5

Law & Order Criminal Intent: Art - 4/5
From this I learned that paintings created after 1945 contain a higher level of radiation than those created before because of the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This is a useful way of detecting post-war forgeries of paintings created before '45.

Heroes: Acceptance - 3/5

Random photo of the day

Richard the Lionheart leading the charge at Westminster, May 2009.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 19th January
Oliver Garner - 115
Wendy Tripp - 38
Dan Brusca - 34
My only points-scoring words were ORGANIC and TEASING, plus the conundrum, TOOTHCOMB.

Countdown: 20th January
Oliver Garner - 97
Daphne Lord - 67
Dan Brusca - 48
Better, but still poor. Points from BERATE, GRAMPS, TENSIONS, DIARISE, REALTOR, LOCATED and FROTHED.

Las Vegas: Urban Legends - 3/5

Film 2326
Breaking And Entering - 2/5
Starts out interesting enough, but it's pretty much downhill all the way from there, becoming increasingly unconvincing and tedious. Among the cast, Robin Wright Penn is supposed to be playing a Swedish woman raised in America, which makes her thick Dublin accent something of a mystery.

Random photo of the day

Zac in the snow near Breaston, Derbyshire, February 2007.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Random photo of the day

A view along the remote northern edge of Kinder Scout, Derbyshire, May 2008.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 veriosn.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 19th January
Oliver Garner - 99
Dan Brusca - 69
Keith Bush - 48
My points came from PUTTIES, REMOVES, RAILED, TONGUE, CREEKS, AILERON, SPRAINED, EASIEST and MEANY.

The Big Bang Theory: The Creepy Candy Corollary - 3/5

The Palace: Episode 1.8 - 4/5

The Shield: All In - 4/5

Paul Merton In Europe: Episode 1 - 2/5

Nurse Jackie: Steak Knife - 4/5

Random photo of the day

Zac in the snow on Coffin Walk, Breaston, February 2009.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

Film 2325
Up In The Air - 4/5
It loses it's way somewhat in the final third, but overall this is a sparkling, engaging and enjoyable drama with excellent performances.

Damages: Because I Know Patty - 3/5
Finally finished the first season, still not much wiser as to what was actually going on but Ted Danson was a revelation throughout.

30 Rock: The Bubble - 3/5

Piers Morgan On Marbella - 4/5

90210: Sit Down And Stop Rocking The Boat - 3/5
There will come a point where I have to admit I'm only watching this because of AnnaLynne McCord's amazing body, but I'm not there just yet.

Nip/Tuck: Enigma - 4/5

Harry Hill's The Best Of TV Burp 9 - 4/5

Random photo of the day

Somewhere on Hampstead Heath, May 2008. Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version, though I can't imagine why you would want it!

Watched yesterday

CSI Miami: Dead Woman Walking - 3/5

Glee: Pilot - 4/5
Glee: Showmance - 4/5
Decided to give this another go and I'm glad I did because I enjoyed it much more this time around. Not sure that it has much longevity as a series though as all high school dramas have a limited shelf-life simply by virtue of the characters getting older and leaving school. That said, they could evolve the cast with new characters joining the Glee club each year as the older ones move out.

Survivors: Episode 2.1 - 4/5

Random photo of the day

Roses on the wane in Regent's Park, London, June 2007.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 15th January
Oliver Garner - 114
Dan Brusca - 68
Garry Brough - 67
PROUDER, MEANING, STATIC, FIELDER, RESONATE and LOTION contributed to my score.

The Wire: Know Your Place - 4/5

Film 2324
Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans - 3/5
If you like the first two Underworld films, you'll like this. If you didn't, you won't. It's really that simple. Personally, I think Mark Kermode is right when he says this is the best of the three, but I enjoy them whereas he doesn't. Rhona Mitra ably fills the hot vampire role Kate Beckinsale took in the first two films (though the character is different). Bill Nighy also is a joy to watch.

Law & Order UK: Samaritan - 4/5
By far and away the best drama on ITV in years and perhaps even the best iteration of the Law & Order franchise.

Random photo of the day

My border collie, Zac, in the local reservoir near Breaston in Derbyshire, May 2005. Quite literally a 'reservoir dog'. The power station in the background is Ratcliffe-On-Soar.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 14th January
Oliver Garner - 113
Andy Hewitt - 67
Dan Brusca - 53
Pretty poor performance, my only scoring words being SWIPE, SOAKS, GRATING and BLONDE.

Two Pints Of Lager & A Packet Of Crisps: Spunk - 2/5

Heroes: Ink - 4/5

Hustle: Episode 6.2 - 4/5

Nurse Jackie: Tiny Bubbles - 5/5

Question Time - 4/5
I believe Peter Hain was sincere, but it was still highly enjoyable to see him getting a kicking anyway. Shappi Khorsandi's answer to the question about the failed Hoon/Hewitt plot was embarassing.

Random photo of the day

Taken on the Monsal Trail in Derbyshire, November 2008, this stone wall may actually be the remnants of a railway station or halt. The trail follows the route of the former Midland Railway from Wye Dale to Bakewell.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 13th January
Oliver Garner - 105
Dan Brusca - 71
Troy Ramsey-Axelsson - 22
The gay Australian flight attendant didn't do so well... My points came from BOASTERS, NOTION, RECASTING, PIRACY, DEFAME and ACTIVES.

QIXL: Girls and Boys - 3/5

Heroes: Orientation - 3/5

Heroes: Jump, Push, Fall - 4/5

CSI New York: Manhattan Manhunt - 4/5

Random photo of the day

A panda asleep in a tree at San Diego Zoo, 9th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 12th January
Oliver Garner - 84
Jan Parker - 72
Dan Brusca - 46
Bit of a woeful performance after Monday's success. I blame Rachel for wearing a dubious dress. My points came from DEMOTE, TALK, COTTON, STEERING, VESTED and SAMPLE.

The West Wing: Five Votes Down - 4/5

The Big Bang Theory: The Pirate Solution - 4/5
BAZINGA!

Nurse Jackie: School Nurse - 4/5
Nurse Jackie: Daffodil - 4/5
O'Hara is damn sexy...

Harry Hill's The Best Of TV Burp 8 - 4/5

Random photo of the day

An apartment block in downtown San Diego, 8th October 2009.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

Countdown: 11th January
Dan Brusca - 79
Jan Parker - 65
Robert Kennedy - 40
A comfortable win to start the new year. Good to see Rachel Riley back - her commitment to tiny dresses is appreciated... My points came courtesy of EXPLAIN, COLONIAL, MANATEES, MINUTES, MOVES, BANDITO, JACKET, POINTER and SYBARITE.

Hotel Babylon: Episode 2.5 - 3/5

Nurse Jackie: Sweet 'n' All - 5/5

90210: To Sext Or Not To Sext - 3/5

Nip/Tuck: Don Hoberman - 4/5

Nurse Jackie: Chicken Soup - 4/5

Random photo of the day

Just some random water and bush-type stuff on Coffin Walk, Breaston, Derbyshire in December 2004. Not much of a photo, for sure, but them's the breaks...

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Film 2322
The Road - 3/5
Technically accomplished, but unfortunately pretty boring. The kid's performance is overrated too. He spends most of the film being wrapped up by Viggo Mortensen.

30 Rock: The Funcooker - 4/5
Jane Krakowski is an amazing comic actress.

Film 2323
Surveillance - 3/5
Takes a long time to get into this, but the final quarter, presaged by a neat twist is very good. Bill Pullman gives a suitably unhinged performance.

Law & Order: By Hooker By Crook - 3/5

Harry Hill's The Best Of TV Burp 7 - 4/5

Top Gear - 4/5

Great British Railway Journeys: Liverpool TO Eccles - 2/5
Way too MOR.

Hustle: And This Little Piggy Had Money
The pre-credits sequence featuring Kelly Adams re-creating Kylie's 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head' video was inspired and Adams herself is way hotter than Kylie.

90210: To New Beginnings! - 3/5
The plot is entirely vapid, but if you're guy the only reason to watch this is for the girls, of which AnnaLynne McCord reigns supreme.

In other TV-related news, I finally got fed up of not being able to get certain American shows over here, either on TV or DVD, so have ordered a Philips multi-region DVD player from Richer Sounds. To go with it, I've also ordered some R1 DVDs:

- United States of Tara S1
- Popular S2
- The Closer S2
- Kings
- This Space Between Us (film starring Leslie Bibb)

I've also picked up a few more R2s:

- Big Love S1 (subsequent seasons will be R1 only)
- Friday Night Lights S1 (again, something which never got further on R2)
- Sex And Death 101 (another Leslie Bibb film)

Most of these have been ordered via Amazon (both .co.uk and .com), the exception being United States of Tara which is from Play USA. It's out of stock though, which seems to be the case for literally about 90% of titles they have listed. Not very impressive at all.

Random photo of the day

A sign at Litton Mill railway cutting on the Monsal Trail, Derbyshire, November 2008.

Click the photo for a 1600x1200 version.

Watched yesterday

Wainwright Walks: Scafell Pike - 4/5
I want to do this walk. Looks epic. There was a guy on this who ran up 70 fells for his 70th birthday and once did Scafell Pike in 47 minutes. Madness!

Film 2321
The Cottage - 4/5
Hugely entertaining horror comedy featuring excellent performances from Andy Serkis, Reece Shearsmith and a gloriously potty-mouthed Jennifer Ellison.

Random photo of the day

Something random onboard the USS Midway, San Diego, 8th October 2009. Ten points to anyone who can tell me what the hell this is.

Click the photo for a 1200x1600 version.

Watched yesterday

Celebrity Big Brother: Day 4 - 3/5

British Transport Films: Elizabethan Express - 4/5
The BTF archive may just be one of the most important cultural documents of post-war Britain. This film in particular features some pretty stunning footage of the A4 locomotive Silver Fox.

The IT Crowd: The Red Door - 2/5
Sorry, tried to give this series another go after not getting very far with it first time around, but it's pants.

Celebrity Big Brother: Day 5 - 3/5
Celebrity Big Brother: Live - 2/5
That live show was beyond tedious. Unfortunately I don't feel any kind of connection to any of the housemates. I'm not rooting for any of them and I don't really care who wins. For that reason, Big Brother, I'm out!

Piers Morgan On Las Vegas: 4/5
Water rationing could be introduced to Vegas within two years and the water could run out in seven or eight. Ouch.

Random photo of the day

A malevolent, monolithic rock looms from the mist on Kinder Scout, Derbyshire, January 2008.

Click the photo for a 1024x768 version.