The Joy of the Proms

Hello Dear Reader

The BBC Proms, such a varied event is underway once more. I have already listened to a few of the proms and last night I sat down to Mahler's 5th. It is very difficult to describe to people what you end up listening too particularly here in words. There are the odd one or two you can sort of hint at, Da-Da-Da-Darrr, is one. (Guesses allowed no prizes given)

I do find that a full orchestra is something of a joy to hear. It gives the music a life of it's own and each time there is just a little difference that makes it special. I think that is why the BBC Proms are important. They have such diversity that it does cater for almost everyone.  There are 58 days of Proms, on some days three or four concerts played over 12 hours. That is a lot of music. It is all here http://www.bbc.co.uk/proms . It's not only the music, it's the musicians as well. They play over thousands of hours of music, it is a mental and physical battle to reach the end.

The BBC Proms are well received and supported by a loyal following, yet it is growing and changing. Musical, film and now jazz Proms have recently drawn in a different audience. Also shows such as Doctor Who, very popular, have shown that music comes in many forms.

Each year, many people tune in to watch the Last Night of the Proms, with well known classical works. Sometimes, you have to dip into the unknown and find a gem such as I heard with Mahler.  I did once challenge a radio station to play something from Star Wars. At the time, I suggested that many film pieces were as good as classical. Last night, I found some of Mahler's work very much like a soundtrack. Full circle.

So dear reader, this little classical work is complete, the last bars played.

Tagline: "Da Da Da Dar"

Monty Python - The End?

Hello Readers

This is  a rather short review due to the watershed. Whatever that is on the internet, it best be short. 

Last night I saw Monty Python almost live at the cinema. To be honest I did not read many of the critics reviews as I knew they would be split. I often don't care for someone else to tell me if I might enjoy something untilI have seen, read or listened. 

I grew up watching and listening to so much in my youth and Month Python was always considered funny but a little rude. To be honest if you look back and some other radio shows (yes radio) they pushed the boundaries just as much with the odd double entendre. 

For me, the final show was a great trip into my past and a fitting farewell to a comedy group who did push boundaries. I sang along to all the songs and remembered most of the words. The Galaxy song a favourite of mine updated due to the 5 minute argument of a scientist and a comedic. 

Some have claimed that it was tired and old. Hell the ages of the remaining Python's were past 70! They dont move like they did, they did not need to for me. The show was a combination of past success and the clear brilliant idea of Eric Idle who masterminded Spamalot. Please note that show moves around with a young cast.

So to those who complained about the content, the editing on telly and more well you just did not get it, did you. 

Long live Monty Python and forever be naughty boys!

Future Learning

Dear Reader

For the past 8 weeks I have undertaken an online course, Start Writing Fiction hosted on FutureLearn web site. I had already taken one course from FutureLearn which was very good. It was a criminology course, another short 8 weeks introduction very much a taster. These online courses give thousands the chance to see how education has changed or just explore a little further something that grabs their interest.

CSI, NCIS and shows of this nature have peeked many peoples interest into just what is the science behind these stories. These short courses give a glimse behind the real scenes. It was an opener indeed.

So when I saw the creative writing, I knew that was for me.  Signing up was simple, no requirements other than a wish to learn.  The course was run over 8 weeks like many other and had a good structure.  Each week was aimed towards the final short story by looking at characters, plot, editing and reading. Many might think if you read the types of books you wish to write, that it is wrong. It is the reverse. We also had to submit short 300 word pieces for others to comment on and help  understand what like minded people thought.

That could have been difficult, however Futurelearn did this rather well by keeping it to three questions. This helped teach how to read others work and comment without being negative. There is nothing worse than feeling dejected when you have crafted a piece of work, thought it was well written only to find the metaphorical rug pulled from underneath your feet. It can be difficult to take well constructed criticism sometimes and this course has helped in explaining it.

It is hard to put your work out into the open for others to read, but thats what you have to do if you wish to be published. The course finished with a final short 1000 word story. Not easy to do. However, I did complete the task and got very good comments which pleased me.  My story was a twist on an old sci-fi theme and I will rewrite it later for myself.

I enjoyed the course a lot, the structure made sense and it gave me a new insight into where I need to build. Over the weeks, I created a couple of characters which it turns out have given me ideas for stories. I also am close to finishing my first novel, which will then need a few edits.

Would I recommend this to others? Yes indeed I would for a number of reasons. if your interested in discovering more this free taster helps, it makes you think about progressing to maybe a degree or a weekend retreat. Don't forget that it does cost to get a degree these days and many people can't afford to waste hard earned money.

So what next for me? Well more blogs, short stories and developing the two characters into longer stories. Self-publishing is my next goal, which in itself is not easy.

FutureLearn has taken off in a big way. It is easy to do, you work at your pace at home, no messing around and understandable. There are people available to offer advice as well as many other students all wishing to learn. Is this the way to draw people into further education? Could well be in my view, but at the end of the day it is the cost of doing a degree which I would say puts off many mature students.

Tagline; "998 words for my final short story, which two words to add? The End"

Hay Day - Hay Festival

Dear Reader

It has been a while since I last wrote a blog, a review of Captain America. I do intend to review X-Men:Days of future Past very soon. This blog is or will try to be, different. Why? This past weekend I had the good fortune to visit the Hay-on-Wye book festival. It was very much a spur of the moment thing really. I have always wanted to visit this famous event and without knowing it I managed to plan a weeks leave at the right time.

Why was it so important to go? Because of my love of books and writing really. I have been to Hay a number of times and managed to find a book I long thought would never be found. In today's world, I suspect I would have used the internet more and located a copy. As it was the fun of searching through second-hand bookshops made it more of a discovery to me.

The actual festival takes place just outside Hay, in a tented village very much like a few other places that appear these days. The festival has grown somewhat and given the attention recently from BBC Radio 2's Chris Evans, it is in my view trying to fire the imagination of all writers and readers.

There is something to be said for acting on impulse. Sometimes it can bring surprising rewards and this weekend I had three. The setup of the festival was very straight forward, no need to pay to get in just wander round and enjoy the atmosphere. You could however pick one of a number of talks that were taking place throughout the day. Having looked at the various talks there were two that caught my eye both it seemed were fully booked.

Well, time to wander again. This is when good fortune smiled. I talked to one of the many volunteers who suggested we check the returns. A quick return back to the ticket sales and guess what, yes they had two tickets for a talk by Tom Hollander the star of BBC TVs show Rev.

I did mention impulse before. Well, it also pays to ask a second time. Good fortune smiled again and I got two tickets to listen to Benedict Cumberbatch and friends reading from a collection of letters.

To listen to any actor live is for me a joy. You can hear the true reflection of the character they are portraying in their voice. The letters were from a new book each one read by a variety of well known people. Every single person who came on stage delivered their letter with passion and energy, to the degree that you did feel the real emotions behind the words. There were so many people who appeared each one standing out. However two letters and their readers stood out; John Lloyd and Rob Brydon. John Lloyd delivered a memo which was both risky and so humorous, whereas Rob Brydon gave us Richard Burton in all his wonderful tones. If he had said, 'Broadsword calling Danny Boy' that would have been it.

The exchange of letters between two World War Two sweethearts as read by Benedict Cumberbatch and Louise Brealey (Molly from Sherlock) was almost as if they had written them themselves. Again the passion, tender care, the off-hand comments all shone through these two people. It was brilliant and I would recommend buying the books;

The second talk had an equally wonderful set up. Tom Hollander who starts as the central character from Rev, along with James Wood and Jon Canter have written the Rev Diaries. They talked about the creation of the book, why it happened and how it enabled the author to expand that world beyond the small screen. It was a very interesting insight into the whole process and once again showed the passion behind these characters. Tom Hollander read two parts from the dairy, which if you think about it, you could see the character thinking about but in a television show can't always articulate. There was also the change to get the book signed which I did. However, I did not just wish to have my book signed without making at least one comment. That was to Tom himself on his wonderful portrayal of Dylan Thomas. I also shook his hand, to which I think he was a little surprised. That to me added to the signing and the day.

What did I take away from my first trip to this festival of literature arts? Firstly that books are alive and still doing well. Secondly, that the festival is also very much alive considering the number of people who attended. Thirdly, that impulse really does pay, as does asking just one more time.

Tagline: ‘Broadsword calling Danny Boy’. 

Captain America - The Winter Soldier Review

Hello dear reader

For the past few years, Marvel has been producing a number of very high quality comic book films. Wheather it started with the first X-Men or Iron Man movie is subject to a small debate. For me, I believe they had a plan from both. In fact, I believe they have at least three strands going very much like the comics themselves.

This year, Marvel is hitting the big screen with four strands, each one pushing the universe just that touch further. The first of these is Captain America  : The Winter Soldier, the second in this series. This movie picks up a short time after the first Avengers with Captain America working for Shield and learning of the new World he has been thrust into. The opening scene shows our hero 'jogging' around a Washington land mark, passing others at ease. It is of course all part of the set up to the movie as well we know.

The movie quickly moves apace, yet it does not appear to miss anything in the telling of it's story. The balance is possibly the best of all the recent Marvel movies. You have a number of well known characters, a few new ones and a really well designed plot. That is due in large parts to the huge story lines available from the comic books. Yet Marvel, for the most part, seems to be able to transfer those comic stories into first class film scripts. Given some of these stories span maybe 10 to 20 comics, it shows the great care and planning that is going into each one. With only one minor issue recently, IronMan 3 and the treatment of a certain villain, Marvel is showing how comic movies can be made.

The 2-diamentional paper characters have come to life in a very substantial way, so much so that a whole new audience may never have seen the Marvel comic universe before these movies started. It broke box office records, hit the number one spot with ease and will ensure at least one more Captain America movie.

As for the movie itself, spoiler alerts for anyone who has not seen the adverts or watched the films, yet.

Captain America, it is wonderfully crafted. The action is well designed, the script has just the right amount of twists and the supporting cast does do just that, support the movie. I did have a good idea of what this movie was about given that I have read the comics but seeing it is different to reading it. The plot unfolds and Steve Rogers (Captain America himself) feels even more out of time, even more betrayed than before. He has to take sides again and has no idea who he can turn to. He finds one man who has no special powers, just an ordinary man who he has to bring into this now complex plot.

There is an unexpected death but in comic books does that really ever happen? Well you would have to watch the movie to see. There are villains and this time they are well written and given proper time. You do have to watch until the very end of this film and I mean the very end. Marvel now has the habit of putting two extras in. Nick Fury makes another appearance, along with a couple of other recurring characters giving both scope and a feel of continuation to these films. They are linked just like the comics and again can be seen without really watching all the rest. Their appeal is certainly not slowing down, neither is the speed at which the films are being released.

I will happily watch this film again and add it to my growing list of Marvel movies. They are beating DC hands down and so far DC don't seem to know what to do next. Apart from the Batman movies, the rest of DC's attempts have been missing something each time. With another Spiderman, the movie of the year for me X-Men Days of Future Past and the new Guardians movie, Marvel is just capturing more and more of this market.

It looks like for me, I have a few nights planned at the cinema.

Tagline: 'Winter it might have been but the plot was hot.'

A challenge - 140 character poem

Dear Readers and maybe poets,

This morning I managed to write a short poem in 140 characters (actually less). Now I know that many haiku's can be written in 140 characters but this was a quick 4 line poem. So I decided to post it here as a challenge. It's just a bit of fun to try. Why did I write this? Well the washing machine we have makes a darn tune when it finishes and it does remind me of what the late great Douglas Adams might be thinking. Remember Marvin? This washing machine is just to cheerful to make sure you know it's done. Hence the poem. So here it is enjoy and see;

Poem

Is this the shape of things to come

A washing machine that sings and hums

Douglas would be laughing now

As we are tortured by this row

Changing Places

Hello Dear Reader

It has been some time since I last wrote a blog, the reason being? Moving house. I have, in the past, moved many times. Like many others, I have moved desk or office and on the odd occasion moved building. I have moved house four times before this last one. Each time before it was a mixed set of feelings. Mostly excited when moving to University, to sad when leaving again. To Oh My God does it cost this much to run a house!

To me, there is a great analogy here when undertaking this last move. The old house appeared bigger on the inside given the amount of 'stuff' to move. Now continuing that theme, at one point the Doctor dumped a third of the Tardis for whatever reason. It was still big. So, as part of this last move, I had to part with a few unwanted items. 

That took some work I have to say.You build up possessions over years and sometimes it is very difficult to let go. It is like acleansing of the soul to some, to others a clearing the rubbish. To me it was a few hard choices. However, I made a few. 

They say that moving house is one of the most stressful events in life and yes I can believe that. Given that one company made such a mess of what was a simple instruction some 6 months prior, I did have reservations in telling them what was happening.  It was with good reason as well, it seemed that simple maths was beyond their grasp.

There is a thought that when you move to a new house, it feels like your on hoilday for a time. It is an odd set of feeling indeed. If you rent a property, you know to a degree what you change and yes you are almost in that holiday feeling. However, why should you feel like that after you have purchased someone elses home? That's the clue. You are changing someone elses life basically. You need to make your own mark to feel that this property is yours. 

So begins the many rounds of wallpapering; changing the garden; moving things and like the bridge which is always (or was) being painted, you start again.

Already there are several marks made on the new property, odd as its older than I am, and many more to come. I look forward to finishing these little projects, just in time for my next move.

Tagline: The times they are a changing - with apologies to the song and singer(s).

World Archery 2014

Dear Reader

This weekend has been a very busy one indeed. I took part in my very first indoor world archery event at Telford International centre. It is the biggest event I have taken part in to date. Over 860 archers of all ages and many nationalities came together to enjoy the 3rd leg of this international event. The top archers competing side by side with many UK club ones. 

For me, this was a chance to compete on a world stage, not many times you get to do that. The event was held over three days starting Friday at 2pm.  There were 4 qualification groups, over 200 archers each time. I was shooting in the first group along side well known archers Brady Ellison and Jake Kaminski from the US and top archers in the UK, Larry Godfrey, Alan Wills, Naomi Folkard, Dannielle Brown, Becky Martin and Pip Taylor to name just a very small amount. It really had a true international field, yet for me it was not scary as I thought it could have been. Maybe that is my age or the fact I had nothing to prove to anyone. Either way it attracted good competitors. Something else to mention was the number of juniors pushing themselves in such a competition. It really is not easy to put yourself under such pressure without good support which from what I saw all juniors had. It will take time to understand the mental skills required to just shoot and ignore everything else. Many GB juniors took part and did well. For me they all did well.

I knew it was a tough competition but that was not the point for me. It was the expereince, just being at the event was different then normal shoots. Yet in many ways it was just like any other. That for me is the core of archery. Archers don't seem to compete against anyone except themselves and the target. They will help each other, offer support and even find the odd spare part if needed. 

I met up with a few familar people as you do. Everyone was in the same boat, a 3-spot target 18 meters distance. Sounds easy? For the top archer who practice every day over 1000 arrows a week its still tough. Top score 592 out of 600. I finished in the top 30 in my group but knew with 3 more I hoped to finish mid table which I did. 

At one point I did hit three 10's something many strive for. That was very uplifting.  

After the shoot I spent some time looking around the stands and stalls. Now that was dangerous, so many new bits. I kept my nerve just about. I also did one more thing which will make one person very happy and me very rich - maybe.  

I did get the chance to shoot again on Sunday morning. A early start 5.30am, drive to Telford ready to shoot at 7.30am on one of the smallest targets I have seen. Again another good shoot, a personal best as well. 

Archer folk are a friendly lot and once more I enjoyed another good time. If I ever get the chance to do this again I would. Take the opportuties when you can. 

One last thing, the event well organised, the staff friendly and many were archers themselves. It was well attended, well run and a credit to UK archery. 

Tagline: 'Brilliant'

2014 and all that

Hello Dear Reader

It's been a while since I last posted anything, well just before Christmas 2013 to be correct. Since then what has happened. We have lost a Doctor and gained another pleased don't ask Who, we have seen Christmas gales and rain just surviving for some. We also saw, some of us did, Sherlock up and running about, again.

Doctor Who drew a number of differing responses from it's Christmas episode, maybe coming to quickly on the heels of one the best I have seen to-date. Many people will always want to see something their way and to be honest I am no different. I would like to see a return to the original way of story telling, 6 to 8 episodes 45 minutes each giving the characters, writers and viewers a chance to indulge in the story. I very much doubt my one view will make much difference but at least I can say it.

That is in complete contrast to Sherlock, which has been very well written, acted and staged to a degree that you almost forget its 90 minutes long. The last three episodes held over 8 million viewers each time enthralled by the stories. The thought of reducing this to 45 minutes and waiting might seem cruel, in fact it possibly would be cruel. Even finding the odd plot error (in my humble view) still did not distract from the overall entertainment, which for me is what this was about. The plot errors? Well Magnussen having a real letter, maybe that was a con, mentioning that he had items brought in and Mary having a memory stick. All this when it is reviled that Magnussen kept nothing. Having read the books, you can clearly see everything that Doyle placed in the stories transferred to the small screen. Will there be more? One can hope so.

So 2014 has started. My writing is continuing, I am close to finishing my first novel (draft maybe) and I plan to sort out my poems. Archery is another of my passions which just before Christmas produced my very first Robin Hood. For those who don't know thats when you hit one of your own arrows and end up costing you a trip to the shop. I do plan to improve my overall fitness and possibly go back to the gym. That's what you call a throw-away statement.

Tagline 'Did you miss me?'

Day of the Doctor - A review

Dear Reader

Day of the Doctor - A review

On November 23rd 1963 a television program began. 50 years later that same programme celebrated its anniversary. Doctor Who a British institution that started with an old man in a police box. Running away from authority, looking for peace and quiet when he is discovered and adventures begin.

The episode on November 23rd 2013, The Day of the Doctor, brought together a number of threads of past story lines. As with other anniversary shows, other incarnations of the Doctor appeared. The story itself was very cleverly woven with another. The Earth is in trouble, again, aliens are threatening and the Doctor gets called in by UNIT. It is baffling at first and very straight forward. The story moves from one incarnation of the Doctor to another through a painting, introducing us to a lot more of his hidden past. Moving back and forth in time and places creating its own paradox and presenting the Doctor with a chance to change his own time.

The aliens are just right, not under played and not over the top. The focus is on the Doctor and his actions. There is so much here that gives more than a nod to the past 50 years. Rumours went slightly wild around the various Whovian sites, groups, clubs you name it they wanted it.  It was mentioned that this person was back and this person wasn’t and so on. As the story opened, it was clear who was back. Surprises were in store but you had to wait.

The actors clearly worked well together here, you can tell as they interact. There are some delightful moments both comic and dramatic as the story progresses. The three main actors Matt Smith, David Tenant and John Hurt clearly enjoyed their roles. It has to be a difficult role to undertake, becoming a British icon keeping a little of the actor before and then creating the role as your own.

Along the way, there were good supporting roles ensuring the episode had a very good cast. They did not take anything away from the main four characters, you have to include Billie Piper as well as the Doctors in the four, the story just flowed timelessly around everyone. There is no point explaining the story here as I don’t wish to give spoilers. Enough trailers and of course the episode has been shown a few times. There will be many fans who will argue various points about Doctor Who but in truth there are only two points to consider. So here is my taken on how to settle all arguments.

In my view, to deal with many important points and arguments raised by this show, you have to realise two important things. Firstly, the person who created the whole show made the ground rules, Sydney Newman. He said who the Doctor was, a man travelling in time and space in an old box. Secondly a word that takes care of it all the rest. That word is, fiction. Fiction makes Doctor Who travel in time and space. Fiction makes the Tardis. Fiction will allow the BBC to have as many incarnations of the Doctor as it wishes. Fiction. That word cuts across all, since Doctor Who is science fiction. Each further producer, writer, director and actor takes their steer from what Newman started and the word fiction. So, for me, no matter what anyone else says there are answers and solutions.  If in doubt refer to rule one.

As for the Curator? Again simple. My view here is that each incarnation of the Doctor has a timeline, when they regenerate they start another incarnation and another timeline. The old incarnation continues in a sense, allowed to grow old properly and age maybe pass away, unlike the ‘living’ incarnation until they regenerate. Hence a well-known incarnation becoming a Curator. There were even a few roundels in the background. Was that the Tardis living out its life? Who knows.That in itself gives nothing much away of the story.

So, what did the Day of the Doctor mean to me. A brilliant story, a link to all I enjoyed. To see it with friends was very good it made it more of an experience. It was a 5 out of 5 or 10 out of 10 or whatever. Was there the possibility of adding more? Maybe they could have but would that have worked? Maybe not. I am sure some will not like it because of X. As it was the episode beat everything else except one other BBC show. 10 million viewers in the UK alone watched it. Over 70 countries showed it at the same time. According to figures, over 100 million world wide. Not many television shows can warrant that audience, not many need to reach some many in one go. That is the appeal of a 50 year old show. One Saturday, November 23rd 2013 at 7.50pm the world watched.

Tagline; ‘Doctor Who?’

Summer Heat

Dear Reader,

It has been hot. At times very hot. Now that might be an underestimate of this current heat wave in the UK, but for the first time in ages, it is hot. That said, how have we faired. In places not that well. Only a few months ago it was bad weather, too much rain still too cold. We seem to be suffering the fringes of extremes here. Prods the global debate a little.

So what else has happened since my last blog? A few things as always. The world (as yet) does not stop. Some may say thank goodness. 2013 has been rolling along nicely and of course events such as films, holidays, writing, archery and sports have all popped up.

I do want to point out a couple of possible memories that 2013 will keep, a certain Lions team and Andy Murray. The Lions rugby win, down-under against the Aussies was brilliant if not nerve racking. The Lions in the last match really did out play the opposition. The first two tests were not the greatest. At one all , the test series hung in the balance. The Lions made a change, which many thought would be the downfall. Sometimes a bold move makes much more of a difference than first imagined. The Lions pulled off a truly amazing win. The Aussies did make a fight of it for a time, but the Lions roared and came away with the first series win in years.

Another summer of sport? After last years Olympics you might think how could that be topped. Well, the Lions tour started it. At the same time a certain Andy Murray was starting Wimbledon. Often we put a great deal of pressure on certain people due to the time it’s taken for one person to win a trophy. Again it was hoped Andy Murray would or might win. This year was different. Having won a gold and silver medal in the Olympics he went on to his first grand slam in New York.  He had a confidence which was more than normal. I will skip to the good part now. After a tough semi-final, Murray faced the current number 1. A record viewing audience saw Murray compete as a winner. He outplayed Djokovic, he found the strength to break him and win Wimbledon. The first UK male winner in 77 years. A few forgot Virginia Wade’s win in 1977, never the less it was epic. So the summer of sport rolled on.

Now comes another mighty battle, the Ashes. To those who don’t know, the Ashes is one of crickets unique trophies and of course England has to be deep in it. This is England against the Aussies (yes again see Lions) playing 5 tests each of which lasts 5 days. To explain cricket to non-cricketers is one of the greatest arts to undertake. Eleven men stand in a field trying to get another eleven men out only for the reverse to happen after all the eleven men are out. Add LBW (Leg Before Wicket) and well the off-side rule in football is easy. Given that, the Ashes can be like a long drawn out game of chess suddenly finishing in a blur of arms and legs (and now technology) when for the last 4 days, 4 hours and 10 minutes nothing seemed to happen. With 1 down and 4 to go, it will be a very long chess game. This might be the third major sports memory for 2013 or maybe something some of us will forget.

This past weekend saw myself taking part in my very first Wenlock Olympian games, archery of course. I made sure I took enough water with me, yet it was still almost too warm to shoot. Something I learned from this weekend about setting up as well. Being prepared still can catch you out.

What I did find interesting from the competition was following advice of a friend. To some this may sound odd but this did work. Walking meditation. Well, for me it was standing meditation really. I was told to concentrate on five basic points, feet, knees, hips, stomach and head. It helped me keep my mind occupied, which stopped me thinking about the occasion. A new personal best (PB) by some 32 points. It made me think about how to approach competitions. Given I am taking part in a few during the summer (please keep the weather almost the same) I have an improved approach now.

With more film reviews to come, The Wolverine for one, I think this blog has been hot enough. I am sure the Ashes will appear again and again during the summer. What else will it hold?

Tagline: Some Like It Hot - says it all really.

Into Darkness

In 2009 Star Trek was rebooted. It is the in-word for taking a much loved series and starting again. That movie took risks changing what was a well-loved brand, universe and let’s face it huge fan base. However, it worked, despite a few niggles and maybe one set that was never quite right. It worked because it did two things; made money and made new fans. So we move on and wait. Unlike other studios, with Trek there is no spin-off here, no solo performances to fill the void. We have had to wait nearly as long as the original 5-year mission for the second installment.

Having said that, much has been said about this second rebooted Star trek movie and then again, nothing much at all. A trailer teaser gave away something. It featured a character, named John Harrison, a Starfleet officer with the ability to help another’s apparently serious ill daughter. It hinted at something, something that could be very dark in the Trek universe. The whole point of a movie is to tell a story. It is supposed to take the viewer from place A to B with goodness knows what in-between. The story should be make you want to watch and become engaged. This hint teased, you did not know where it was within this story. Again we then had to wait. Finally we get to see what all the rumours were about.

Into Darkness opens with a classic feel. The Enterprise, with a very young and ‘green’ Kirk in charge, Spock in danger of course and the age old prime directive about to be compromised. Now there are many fans who felt at the end of the first movie that Kirk had not earned right to sit in the big chair. But, then to tell that story in the first movie would have taken hours and effectively required a whole host of academy films. Fans might have gone for that, the rest of the public never. Films these days have to make big bucks to pay everyone off and create the environment for the next. Yes, in theory Kirk should not have been Captain at the end of movie one. If that had been that, it would have been fine, however it gets addressed a little in this movie.

The dynamics between the young crew have yet to be properly seen. Here is one of the biggest dilemmas for JJ Abrams. In the television series we are led to believe the crew are on it’s five-year mission. They know each other, they have spent time together and have history. By reworking the series, this has all gone. So we are left with building the characters from the start. That was very clear from the first film and it underpins this one, the dynamics of how the crew work and trust each other. In this movie Kirk and Spock are still coming to terms with each other as Captain, first officer and the beginning of one of those rare on-screen friendships. McCoy is the slightly awkward third person here, a sounding board to both. The rest of the ‘original’ crew continue to explore their roles. One which does not really fit yet is Uhura. That character should be more composed with the hint of action. I can only guess that Abrams needs to give this character something to do.

Add to the mix a ‘new’ villain, John Harrison, one who disguises his true motives making the audience wait. The action is fast paced, explosive to say the least and in places typical Star Trek. Humour was always thrown in when others feared to smile. Now for what might sound an odd reference – They do it with mirrors – is a line that comes from an Agatha Christie novel. Now that may appear strange but trust me it does say much about Into Darkness and it’s my only clue.

I wont give away the plot as I don’t review movies that way. What I will say is that it worked for me and very well. Clever one might say. I did get all the hints and smiled when I was right. The cast did grow in this movie, yes there are a few annoying bits but then the movie was not filmed just for me. They never will and the old fans have two options. Get over it or watch something else.

For me JJ Abrams paced this movie just right. It had action, humour, compassion, classic Star Trek. Remember, he has to fit at least 4 major and 5 not so major characters together. Let alone a supporting cast, some of whom steal scenes. Each needs to give the audience their all in order to make the movie work. The acting of Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and Benedict Cumberbatch is spot on. They work against and with each other. Add fine supporting acting from the likes of Simon Pegg, Alice Eve and Karl Urban and you see a long lasting series. The special effects are brilliant, it’s difficult not to be these days. 

This movie ends with a hope of more films to come. Does it end good or bad? Well, you have to go and see for yourself.

Rating 4.5/5

Tagline ‘Hint – Mirror, mirror, remember?’

Bright News

Dear Reader

The these few weeks have seen something of an avalanche of bad news, from well-known people becoming very dark shadows, to difficult times at a number of institutions. Where is the bright spark of good news? Well, this week I think I have found at least two good news bits. One took me a while to find, the other is just inspiring.

The inspiring one is Children in Need. Forgetting the reasons and arguments some might have, this yearly event is aimed solely at the heart strings. It makes no bones about what it wants, money. Children in Need has been running for many years both on the radio and television. For one night (sort of) you get strange, wonderful, amazing people entertaining the public. Its not just the BBC either, many other shows from the other channels help out. They just want to raise money for disadvantaged children and projects. Why mention this? Well, in these times when money is really tight, people seem still to give. On the One Show, they are doing a rickshaw challenge with a difference. This time it is the young adults who are taking this on. They are putting heart and soul into this, each one with their own story. At a time when things look dark, this is a true ray. Another supporter who again pushes not himself, but the cause forward, is Chris Evans. He took over from Terry Wogan, not only on the breakfast show, but the auction of things money can’t buy. I don’t know how much he gets involved, but his name alone seems to get people to help. These items that are auctioned are wonderful. One I heard mentioned was the final one. A weekend at the Monaco grand prix. Sounds very simple. It was not. It has so much thrown in, top people to give their time to the cause. I don’t really care who did what. It is the effort, the time, the goodwill given that counted. They will raise money, a lot. It may not be as much as other years, somehow it always makes it. I have already donated, before I wrote this. The world is not all as bad as it seems.

My second bright point is pure indulgence. I have recently discovered a comedy, The Big Bang Theory. It is basically four geeks and a girl. The geeks are well known to me, in the sense that they are sci-fi lovers, role-players, movie watchers and intelligent. I can hear the comments now and I will wait to see who is first. Some have found it to close the mark on how they are perceived. However, although I can see myself in some, (stop writing now I know what you’re going say) I find it funny. It has been going for some time, but I only came across it after much prompting. As with most good comedies, it has to draw you in, the humour needs to make you smile. The theme tune has gotten into my head, the words are hanging around, even now. The main characters, Sheldon, Leonard, Penny, Howard and Raj have grown on me. Yes, they poke fun at a few of my likes, but as one person said – if you don’t laugh at yourself, how will the audience know when start laughing. (Ok I made that up). I am currently playing catch-up watching the past 5 series knowing that the new series starts soon. There has been some very humorous moments, Sheldon’s Star Trek extension to rock, paper, scissors for one. It is gentle comedy, you don’t need a PHd to understand. It does make fun of us geeks but then again other comedies have made fun of many other types. Again, it a time when things are not so happy, we need something to brighten the day. This helps.I am sure many will have a different view which is fine.

So the tagline – ‘In a whole dark universe, there are still gems of light to be found’

War of the Worlds - Again

Dear Reader,

When I say dear reader, I am always reminded of Terry Wogan  and his comments on his radio show. He would often allude to the fact that he had one or two listeners. The rest were trapped souls who only had one radio station. Well, thats my view anyway.

So dear reader, this week’s blog. By now, yet again, two events have taken place. The title of this week’s blog might give a clue as to what. In the early hours of Wednesday morning here in the UK, we woke to the news that the US elections were over. Unlike the last UK general election, which ended in a typical British farce, the US sorted it in one day. President Obama was returned for 4 more years. It was one of the closest races in recent times. There was certainly a war of words that went on between the two parties. The fact that more than just the US was in the balance, as we were led to believe. True, there were certain statements by Romney that gave many concerns. Some clearly must have been ill advised. Yet there came a point when he became a serious threat to Obama and others. It pushed the race towards a nervous point. But, there was one more twist. A storm. What did it do, maybe nothing, maybe swing the undecided? Will we ever really know? Right now I am sure there are a huge number of analysts, pouring over data, one liners, video clips and more just to find where the votes went. And now it starts again, both the next 4 years and the race to be the next President. Unlike British politics, President Obama wont stand again, he can only be re-elected once. Romney can if he is wanted. I suspect given the election, there will be two new people and maybe a first. A woman presidential candidate. We will wait and see.

Now to the real War of the Worlds – Again. The title is referring to the re-mastering, re-inventing, re-designing, re-anything of a true classic album. In 1978, a new album hit the music stores. It was a double vinyl masterpiece. Jeff Wayne’s War of the Worlds had a massive impact. The opening lines as spoken by Richard Burton, that rich deep Welsh voice made you listen. “No one would have believed in the last years of the 19th century, that human affairs were being watched from the timeless worlds of space.’  That opening line made, the hairs stand up. It sends a shiver still. Thirty-six seconds of Burton’s voice at the start, that’s all. Then there is that pause, barely a second. It hits. The first chord. The sound is amazing, the pace perfect. H.G Wells novel as told in song. The first track Eve of the War, pulls you into Victorian England. Unlike the films, it is set correctly. When I first listened to this, I was amazed. I must have played it hundreds of times, learning all the little changes of pace, the orchestra’s varied sounds and the differing voices. Although there were only a few people on the original album, Justin Haywood, David Essex, Phil Lynott, Julie Covington, Chris Thompson and Jeff Wayne himself, it created a film like feel. The album itself stayed in the charts for 290 weeks, over 5 years. I had always wanted to see it performed live and as time went on I did go back to it often. I could listen to this without feeling the spark fade unlike some albums. Then 6 years ago on April 29th, my birthday, I sat in the Sheffield  Arena along with thousands of others and waited. It was the first live tour, would it be as good as the album. Not only did the hairs stand up they damn nearly shook me to bits. It was incredible. There were changes but it mattered not.

Now in 2012 a new version of War of the Worlds is about to be released. There is a new cast of course. I have been able to listen to two parts of the new album. What do I think? There will be a whole new generation that won’t understand or have heard the album. They may well listen, considering Gary Barlow is one of the new cast. A stroke of genius to engage such a well known artist of this day. The same can be said of Liam Neeson, who takes the Burton role of the Journalist. It will take me a time to get used to listening to one of my all time favourite albums, with others involved. The best way for me, is to accept this as a second album and start fresh. The New Generation will be out in November and with such social media I fully imagine it to invade just like the Martians did before. Will it be a success? Yes it will. Again because of the history and what is behind it. Will I like it? My honest answer is I don’t know yet. Ask me after November when, more than likely, I will have bought it.

On another note, just for the record, a quick update on two programs. Arrow is continuing to hit the gold in my view. Three episodes down and the pace is excellent. Elementary on the other hand, is not. I find it slow, dull, predictable, easy to solve. It is just another American crime show.

So the tagline. “One war has ended. Now the Martians are ready to invade.”

war-of-the-worlds-again

SuperStorm and Star Wars

Dear Reader

This week two major events happened. One has caused destruction and devastation, whereas the second, may cause some people, devastation. What am I talking about? Well, SuperStorm Sandy and Disney’s purchase of Star Wars. Both have caused a huge following in the social media world.

Storm Sandy is not the first to be followed in such a manner. Watching reporters standing in rain and wind, telling all just how bad it is, seeing the live pictures and video, has grown over the years. The damage caused will be in the billions, not just in the US, but Canada, Cuba and across the Caribbean.

However, compare the different locations and the social media attraction. New York was in the media storm frenzy ,Twitter, Facebook and all. Over 60 people died in the Caribbean, the destruction was bad, considering parts were still trying to recover from the last event. It was a hurricane at that point. So where was all the social media? It was there, but in the shadows. The social media did moved as quickly as the storm. As it hit the US coast, people watched. There was real destruction, people lost everything. Some have brought up the subject of climate changes, yet again. This storm however had something else to it. Maybe the thoughts regarding the Presidential election made Sandy more important. With the candidates neck and neck, so we’re told, this storm could have blown one of them away (thanks to my editor for that). I will let you decide which. Next week will tell.

The second major ‘storm’ was the selling of the Star Wars brand to Disney. Now to some this made a bigger headline than Sandy. When Star Wars first opened in 1977, it made a real impact in the film world. There was a revolution in many aspects of the technical side, compared with previous films. It also marked, to a degree, the re-designing of sci-fi movies. Looking back, television had certainly made attempts to improve both the story-telling and the presentation, with such shows as UFO, Space 1999, and Battlestar Galactica  to name but a few.  2001:A Space Odyssey employed some of the most amazing special effects and delightful ships, in a very realistic story. Star Wars blasted the screens apart. The story line was very familiar; consider the epic Severn Samurai, the end of the film, 633 Squadron, let alone good versus bad like the bible. It appealed to many people not just sci-fi fans. It also introduced a new film going audience to the concept of a trilogy. The second and third movies, improved further the special effects, but they had flaws, which was fine.

At the turn of the century, three new films appeared in the Star Wars saga. With the advancements in the technical side of film making, these offered the real chance to push the boundaries. Excitedly, some of us waited. What we got was wonderful visuals, breathtaking ships, and as Meatloaf said “2 out 3 ain’t bad”.  Other movie franchises came along, and gave us the past, present and future. After much debate, the second string of Star Wars movies were rated less fairly than the first set. Actually, the first three were the middle three, and the second three were the first three, but that could get confusing.

So what can Disney offer? Three simple thoughts come to mind;

1. Disney can offer its brand - The Star Wars brand is already very large
2. Disney can offer its money - Star Wars is not short of a bob or two (English for lots of cash)
3. Disney could offer a place in its world famous parks - Well Star Wars is already in the famous one.

Ok, so that is maybe not the top three that many will think about. Truly what can Disney offer? Adding the Disney brand helped Pixar, but they kept Disney away from the majority of production and ideas. The Pirates franchise worked well, it made money and created good films. It is not all roses. John Carter, a potential long running film series, failed. The effects and visuals were stunning. Something did not click. Disney lost out. Marvel shook hands with Disney. Again, they have kept Disney at arms length. It has worked well, look at The Avengers.

The Disney name adds weight, character and magic. That alone could make the difference. With the right producers, proper writers, and correct director, Star Wars could well sweep the globe again. Lucas himself once said there would be no more films. Now, he has handed over his product for $4 billion and three more movies. At least. Disney could have the next major film franchise on its hands. It could also create a visual monster. 2015 will fast approach, there will be a storm brewing. Sandy will be forgotten in time.

Tagline “Some storms will never fade away, others can rip everything away in a moment.”

Its moved

Just so all know the web site has moved - its here now http://drawnonwords.co.uk/

Thanks all

Blogging Update

How to say update in different ways.

Dear Reader.

It's been a while since I wrote a proper blog and a few things have happened. No doubt you may have seen some of my Facebook updates, the latest part of Doctor Who - Virus in Time and my archery news.

Well archery is certainly taking up a good part of my weekends now, which is no bad thing. I have said so many times now just how good it is, the fun, the excitement, the shooting and the club.
Recently the number of competitions has increased both home and away for this indoor season. I have been able to post new personnal best in the Portsmouth round of 538 out of 600.

Considering I have been shooting for just over a year now I do feel really pleased with my progress. Of course dear reader I want more, which is not bad. You can just go and shoot for pleasure if you want. Not many sports let you enjoy the pure pleasure of the sport. Take football for example. You cant just kick a ball into a goal all the time, it becomes pointless. Likewise for chess (ok not a physical sport) you have to play against someone or something.

Archery you can just stand and shoot for your own enjoyment. But then if you do will you end up competing. And is that just what you end up doing in life? Boy theres a deep thought.

Well back to the plot as they say.

As you may or may not have noticed I won my first medal. And I mean won. Along with Veronique from the archery club we won the Open Pairs competition at Warwick Archers. Now that for me was a real milestone. Also I was 4th in a Warwick round and 6th in a Portsmouth postal shoot.

The past few days I have made a few changes. One of the advantages of TVA club are the coaches. They do help when you ask. George has been helping me now move forward again. Over the past few days he has changed my stance, anchor position and helped with my new finger tab.

Results. Well you always go a step back before going two forward. I took part in the latest postal shoot and did not expect to be above 500 to be honest. Well I surprised myself. 518 out of 600.  Now thats not bad for all the changes. So thanks to George I can settle into my 'new' style and see what happens.

What else has been going on.

A wonderful visit to Earle the restaurant and a good meal well recommended. Also we got a evening (Sunday that was) at a Hilton hotel in Chester. A suite no less, including a revolving television. A very relaxing weekend.

So what next for my Doctor Who story. Well part 5 is due out very soon (editor take note). And then I will have to work out parts 6 and 7. (Editor beware).

Ok so is this enough of an update. Well I hope so dear reader. Too much and I may overwhelm you. Too little and its like eating a slice of cheesecake on a diet. You just want more.

So this cheesecake slice is done.

'May your arrows find gold' Or if no arrows 'May the wind be at our backs.' 

The iPad

A Review without touching

Introduced Wednesday 27th January 2010 the product all have been waiting to see. Its name iPad.

Why? Because the iPad is basically a pad. An electronic pad. It is based on Apple's tried and trusted technology that made the iMac, iPod, iTouch and iPhone world famous. Now that same style and fashion has become the next 'iWant'. 

From it's launch, Steve Jobs showed just how simple and clean, a new Apple product really could journey from dream to reality. It is not just the hardware that Apple design, they create a new culture. The iPad will become as familiar to all as the iPhone changed the way people saw the computer in the palm of their hand.

Newspapers, documents, stories, books, music, games all can and will be there for the reader. There will be those who say 'Its a pad from Star Trek' or 'Was that not in whatever the film was'.

Well maybe so, but this is real. Just think of the paper it will save. 

Whatever people think now it will be here in less than 60 days. 

A review without touching it. Easy really. Just look at its style, it's Apple, it's cool, it's an icon.

Doctor Who - The Virus in Time Part 4

Doctor Who - The Virus in Time Part 4

The two Doctors stood in silence, gazing around the heart of Gallifrey's power. This was the Matrix chamber, a place even the Doctors held in deep respect. The Matrix, which was itself powered from the Eye of Harmony, was made up of various computer units, interfaces and devices capable of recording events from anywhere in time. It was in reality a huge communal electronic brain made up of trillions of electro-chemical cells arranged in a continuous matrix pattern. In the centre of the room, to which the two Doctor's looked, stood a spherical lens shaped object approximately 10 feet in diameter, through which stream of almost pure white light passed. As the white light passed through the lens, it showed passages of time. Around the  lens itself to was a two tier platform which had the words " Rassilon's Power is Supreme", written in Gallifreyan symbols. Both Doctor's thoughts turned to the problem in hand and almost simultaneously moved towards the control panels.

"Well I think we know what we have to do, but where do we start and what are we looking for? " the Sixth Doctor looked around the room " maybe only Rassilon knows."

"The first place to start should be the Matrix to ensure it hasn't been tampered with.  Then the connections with the Panopticon." the Fifth Doctor stopped in mid-sentence suddenly realising what they all may have missed. "So simple, the Panopticon." With that the Fifth Doctor headed towards one of the control panels his mind lost in his thoughts.

"Well I suppose I've got to do all the work, wandering off like that, the Matrix control panel I think." the Sixth Doctor knew no-one was there for his performance, but he had to keep up the image. He too set off towards a control panel to see if he could find any clues.

      

The gloved hand set a few more controls making certain his job was done. The Tardis began to shake more violently than before, it was starting to break up. Then out of nowhere, a strange man wandered out of the Tardis, looking around quite bewildered at where he was.

"Young man! I say young man!" he shouted.

But the man turned and fled through a doorway, just as Nyssa returned with the two Doctors. 

"I'm sure I heard a voice. He must be here somewhere, unless he's...Did you feel that, that movement?" Sarah Jane forgot about the voice.

  "We're moving.” replied Peri “Lets get out of here or at least find the control room." 

"I only hope I can remember my way back" said Sarah Jane. 

The two began to follow what they thought was a route back, but fate was playing against them.

The two Doctors looked towards the new arrival, and then at the Tardis he was about to enter.

"I say, its beginning to close, could someone help me? I think there's someone inside." said the old man.

"Sarah Jane and..." said the Fourth Doctor.

"Peri!" Nyssa said nervously. 

"Take a look at these controls” said the Third Doctor. “Someone's tampered with them, and they won't budge!" He forced the lever to move down without any success. 

"With the Tardis dissolving there is no way of finding the main door, how can we get them out?" The Fourth Doctor stared at the control panel, hoping to find a solution.

"Time corridor" said the old man. 

"What?" The Third Doctor looked puzzled at the comment.

"Oh, well I read it somewhere, or did I used to teach it? Anyway it allows access to part of time or is it space?" The old man began to read from a pocket book he had retrieved from his jacket. 

"The Tardis quick! I know what he means." The Fourth Doctor ran towards the old blue box.

"Someone will have to control the flow between the two Tardis, use the frame power to err.. Oh what was it now?" the old man had walked towards the console at which the Third Doctor stood.

"I'll try and control the power flow regulators from here. You will have to find the two, then link." The Third Doctor began to adjust controls, trying to slow the decay of the machine in front of him. 

Sarah Jane and Peri turned another corner, only to find it to was a dead end. As they began to backtrack, the room before them suddenly closed.

"The doorways are changing, we're trapped” cried Peri. “We're not going to make it out!" Peri was becoming more frightened and more confused.

The Fourth Doctor rushed into the Tardis, knowing he had very little time to spare. Quickly he set controls hoping his other self was having some success.

Outside the Third Doctor had stopped some of the damage, allowing him to link the two time machines, hoping that the two companions could still be found.

"There, hold that lever where it is, I should be able to make the link now. We don't have long, err..." he said turning to the third companion.

"It's Nyssa, Doctor." She was slightly unsure of herself, not really knowing if the Doctor was angry with them all.

"I think we have a link, it's up to him now" said the Third Doctor, pointing towards his Tardis.

"That does it, the link is made now, if we all have worked correctly." the Fourth Doctor pressed another button and left to open the Tardis doors.

"Every time I touch a wall or door it changes or vanishes, it's almost like this Tardis is falling apart. Oh why didn't you stay put Sarah Jane, that's what he, they, them, which ever one will be saying." Sarah Jane watched yet another wall fade, another way out gone.

"So much for a simple job, they always disappear when trouble starts, I only hope they arrive in the nick of time." said Peri more to herself then to Sarah Jane.

The wall behind Peri began to change causing her to move away and watch for just that hope of escape. But this change was somewhat different than others, for its structure looked more solid than before, more like a doorway. Then before the two companions could examine this new change, the Fourth Doctor appeared in its frame, a familiar Cheshire cat grin giving his friends new hope.

"This way quickly, no explanations." Without another word he was gone again.

The two companions looked at each other, then the door and ran to safety, neither looking back.

"Well, that's about it, and a job well done!" said the Fifth Doctor emerging from under one of the main transducers that fed power from the Panopticon to the Matrix. 

"Step a side, let a superior technician check your work, after all you were never that good!" replied the Sixth Doctor, eager to spot a mistake.

The Fifth Doctor was quite put out by the remark and spied his chance for revenge.

"I'm amazed that we've fitted all this equipment in here, and still had room for you and your ego. It's quite a squeeze!"

"Now look!" said the Sixth Doctor as he stood up to face yet another argument.

Before either could continue a sound began to emanate from the Matrix Lens, which grew louder in pitch. As both looked towards the Matrix, a blinding light filled the room causing both the Doctor's to a step backwards. For a moment neither moved allowing their eyes time to adjust, only to find a shape forming in the centre. Both looked at each other, then back to the figure, before moving with some caution. 

"Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart! How nice to see you again." said the Fifth Doctor as he walked towards the figure.

The Sixth Doctor picked up a scanner and began to check the figure, wondering if the Matrix was about to retrieve him. After a few moments the scanner produced quite remarkable information that made the Sixth Doctor worry.    

"He appears a stable, human life form, late 20th Century I'd say." said the Sixth Doctor moving around a bemused Brigadier.

"Well, could one of you inform me of where I happen to be this time?" said the Brigadier.

The two Doctor's looked at the scanner, whispered for a few minutes then the Fifth Doctor walked the Brigadier away from the Matrix.

"Ah well, you seem to have been, how could I put it? You are a part of our past, let free by our main memory computer, and you're on Gallifrey, my err, our home planet." The Fifth Doctor stood directly in front of the Brigadier.

"Of course Doctor, it will take time to fully understand your explanation, but then I should expect the unusual whenever I find you." The Brigadier turned towards the Sixth Doctor. "And are you another Timelord or just caught up like myself?"

"I happen to be one of him, his senior if you please." The Sixth Doctor walked away to examine part of the Matrix control system.

"What did he mean your senior?" The Brigadier stopped in mid sentence. "Not another one of you. as in another Doctor?"

"Yes well I'm afraid its true and you'll find that a few more of me have been summoned here, it may be a little confusing." The Fifth Doctor stood by the Brigadier wondering what would happen next.

"I think you'd better come here, I've found what could be a link between the Matrix and our Tardis." The Sixth Doctor looked towards the others. His face showing a concern not often seen.

All three moved towards one of the computer consoles, just as a second flash of light filled the room. 

"Now I wonder who's arrived this time" said the Sixth Doctor as he turned round. 

In haze of the light two figures almost waddled towards them. The Sixth Doctor suddenly recognised the shapes and calmly tapped the Fifth Doctor on the shoulder.

"I don't wish to worry you be if he is real, then I hope these aren't." 

The Fifth Doctor and the Brigadier both looked round, just in time to see two Yetis walking towards them.

"My God Yetis! Who else have you lot invited?" asked the Brigadier.

"We didn't invite you or them, you've both just appeared. I suggest we call for reinforcements, don't you agree?" asked the Fifth Doctor.

The three large 2 meter tall biped’s covered in brown fur from head to toe, seemed to be carrying some sort of hand weapon. Before anyone could move the first Yeti fired at the console to the left, causing it to explode and alarms to ring. This prompted action from all three, as they dived for cover behind other consoles. The years of training kept the Brigadier calm, he had seen these before and of course whenever the Doctor was involved, things were never what they seemed.

The second Yeti started firing now, not aiming at anything in particular it seemed, giving the Brigadier his chance. He took out his pistol from its holster and preyed it still worked. 

"If Benton were here I'd be saying five rounds rapid. I hope I'm still a good shot." the Brigadier said to himself.

Without a second thought the Brigadier moved from behind the console and fired two shots, hitting the Yeti dead centre. Unfortunately this caused the Yeti to turn towards the location of the shots. The Brigadier realised that things were not going to improve and that it was time to find other cover. He moved from his position only to find that the second Yeti was directly in his path.  It was too late to move this time as the Yeti raised it's hand in attack, then promptly its back exploded, throwing it forward and knocking the Brigadier off his feet.

    

  The Seventh Doctor had watched more than an hour of material from the Matrix, each piece showing almost the same story. The Doctor viewed another disappearance of a Timelord, his 8th in total, each followed the same pattern. The first sign of trouble occurred somewhere in the Timelord's past, one minute everything was fine, then disaster.

"Well I have one starting point, the past. Why alter a Timelord's past?" The Seventh Doctor looked around him realising he was alone again. "I must stop talking to myself, if the others were here they would." The Seventh Doctor stopped as a thought slowly formed around the pictures he'd seen. Without a moments hesitation he accessed information from the Matrix hoping the answer was wrong. The screen displayed a variety of Gallifreyan symbols as it complied the final answer, the one, which the Doctor hoped, would not be there.

"It knows where, when and who to attack. It's designed to start at the beginning, always finding the first so that it can." The Doctor's concentration was broken by a scream from outside his room. He entered the corridor without thinking of the danger he may face, only to find a fellow Gallifreyan cowering by a doorway. As the Doctor approach the figure he spotted part of a boot close by and picked it up.

"He was there!, He was right there! I was THERE!" The other Timelord pointed to where the boot had been, his face in a fit of terror.

"What happened?"  Asked the Seventh Doctor.

The other Timelord starred into the vacant space almost willing his other self to return, but finding only the void coming back.

"We were talking about " He began to focus on the scene." We were talking about our first self." His voice became calm as he continued  “He had not yet appeared and we were going to the Matrix chamber, to see if we could find him." Again he stopped, this time looking away from the fatal spot. 

"And then what happen, what happened to your other self? Tell me!" The Seventh Doctor desperately needed this final part of his puzzle.

"The light closed around him, he just drained away, like sand through a crack in the ground. Just slipped, no sound, just slipped." He buried his face in his hands, memories turning into dust. 

The Seventh Doctor went back into his room, looking around for an object of Gallifreyan technology to which he seldom used. Without too much delay he found what he sought on a shelf behind him, a scanning device. Returning to the scene, he found the stricken Timelord still huddled in the corner, fear surrounding him. The Seventh Doctor begin checking where the boot fell as two Gallifrey guards approached him, guns drawn looking for trouble.

"Ah, late as always, put those away you can't shoot this type of attack. Just make sure no-one comes down here for the moment." The Doctor began to scan the area as the two guards took to their new task, cautiously putting their guns away. The Doctor scanned the area hoping to find the vital clue, which would unlock the problem once and for all. Just as he was about to question the Timelord, a faint sound emitted from the scanner stopping the Doctor. The sound from the scanner grew louder as the Doctor tried to find its cause.

"Its here somewhere, look around for....". The party turned around at the cries from the other Timelord only to see him fade slowly from their view, powerless to help. A guard moved forward his hand outstretched in a desperate effort to save the stricken Timelord, the Doctor stopping him before they could touch.

"Unless you want to disappear too, I suggest you don't touch him." The Doctor's grip was firm on the young guard’s arm, as was his gaze. 

The Doctor recovered his composure in time to scan the area while watching his colleague disappear leaving no trace at all. He turned away, not wishing to look back at the sight of the loss of another of his race. "Can you really find out what's happening or our we all to die like this?" asked the young guard. The Doctor looked at him wondering when both their times would come.

"I only hope there's someone around if we do find the answer." he said and walked off to find his other selves.

The Maceran was becoming more worried by the losses he heard over his communicator; it should not still be happening. They told him only one Timelord was to be altered, so that time could be corrected. Things were not going to plan at all. He must find the others to stop this madness once and for all.

"Now will you please stay put. It's bad enough having all my other selves to look after, let alone chasing others." The Third Doctor seemed to tower over the chastised companions, all of whom were silent.

"I think you two should see this, it may explain quite a lot." The Seventh Doctor entered the workshop with the scanner and a variety of computer discs.

As all three Doctors gathered, the Seventh Doctor activated the console they were around, and began to access the data he had complied.

"But this means it's programmed to attack, and not just us." The Fourth Doctor was the first to speak breaking the uneasy silence.

"So you could be on your way to stopping all this then and taking us home, not that I've not enjoyed myself. You are listening, aren't you Doctor? " Sarah Jane waited for one of them to answer back, not quite knowing if she should have even spoke.

"Someone or thing wants to get rid of us, as always, and now we have part of the problem, the solution must be in here. I wonder which of our enemies it is this time?" The Third Doctor began to make notes, while the other two rechecked the screen. "Sorry Sarah, did you say something, only I was a bit occupied" he continued.

"No. Nothing at all." said Sarah Jane trying to hide her disappointment. Then realising she had his attention continued " Doctor, can't we help in some small way perhaps?"

"Yes, so long as you do as you're told. I need you to help me with some tests I'm going to do on the Tardis." said the Third Doctor.

"Well he seems to back to his old self." thought Sarah Jane Jane. 

"What about us, don't we get a look in?" Peri wasn't about to be ignored for anyone.

"I'm sure we all could do with some refreshments if you would be so kind." The Third Doctor's mind was already fighting some memory loss and could only concentrate on one companion at a time now.

"Oh fine, just like the other one, send us girls out for tea." Peri was not impressed.

"And when you come back there are tests you can help us with." interjected the Seventh Doctor.

As Peri and Nyssa went to the next room, a dark figure silently closed the one-way panel and moved along the hidden passages, to find his companions.                       

"Well I think the Matrix has shown us just what is affecting our universe. I also believe it will destroy the creators of this diabolical plot, if we're lucky." said the Sixth Doctor as he turned away from the Matrix console. The Fifth Doctor continued to study the remains of the Yetis.

“But did you not notice the one difference with these Yetis. They were carrying guns.” The Fifth Doctor looked down at the blacken guns surrounded by bits of Yeti.

“Yes, that is different.” The Sixth Doctor bent down to study along side his other self. “Almost as if the past is being changed. Maybe.”

"I don't wish to be rude, but when will I be returned to Earth? Asked the Brigadier. “I'm sure by now that I'll have been missed." He stood patiently waiting for the answer he knew he would never get. "However, when I meet up with any of you, trouble never seems to far behind. In some cases trouble is as ill prepared for you, as are the rest of us, Doctor. Doctor?" The Brigadier stopped, realising that no one was speaking and turned around to find the frightening reason why. 

In front of them two armed Cybermen were slowly beginning to form! The Matrix console broke the two Doctors concentration, its sounds echoing trouble through out the Gallifrey capital.

Leela wondered why the Castellan had chosen her to check the outlaying towers. Should she not be with the Doctor to rejoin him in the fight against this evil? After all, her Doctor had lost a companion somewhere in the Tardis. Maybe that would be her next task. A lot had changed since she had last seen the Doctor.

"Well" she thought "only two more towers to check and the time barrier is vital in ensuring the safety of Gallifrey." As she approached the main entrance to the fifth tower all did not seem right, where were the guards? 

"Hello is anybody about?" Leela tried to stay calm, but this was not getting any better.

"In here, help me, help..." the voice faded as Leela hurried to the doors.

"I'm here, where are you?" Leela found the light quite dim in the room and could not make out shapes so well.

"Here I am." The deep voice caused Leela to turn to her left, face to face with a vortex.

"It can't be happening!” cried Leela “you can't do this. I must warn the Doctor." Leela turned to escape, not seeing the black hand reach out. For a moment, as the hand touched her, she was briefly in the eye of the vortex, then gone. All that could be heard was the sound of fading deep laughter.

It had been a long time since Lethbridge-Stewart had last seen Cybermen and now was definitely not the best. The two citadel guards had entered the room the moment the alarm sounded but both were caught by vicious blasts from the Cybermen. The situation was beginning to get worse, as no one could enter or escape from the room. 

"Doctor where are you?" shouted the Brigadier. There was no reply and that was even more worrying. "To lose one Doctor is bad, but two, things are becoming very involved." said the Brigadier to himself.

The Brigadier decided now was the time to move, however his move put him right into the path of the Cybermen. 

"Well go on then, fire, damn you!" The brigadier stood square on knowing that this was the end.

The Cybermen raised their weapons, the enemy in their sights, and then cried out in pain and astonishment as they very quickly lost all form. Within seconds only molten metal was all that was left of the two. The Brigadier stood silent.

"Well now, fascinating, as some might say. Bad luck others." said the Sixth Doctor as he got up from behind one of the consoles.

"So, you're still alive then Doctor." The Brigadier looked him straight in the eye, “and I was worried, as always."

"You must know by now Brigadier, we always duck first." replied the Fifth Doctor.

"The Rassilon imprimature!” cried the Fifth Doctor. “I believe this fits part of my theory. I think it's time we found the others. Come on you two, no time to waste." The Sixth Doctor was heading for the door as guards came in.

"Check the place out and make sure no-one touches anything." He said hardly stopping for breath.

The Fifth Doctor and the Brigadier hurried along after the Sixth, leaving the guards to figure out for themselves what may have happened.

The workshop had become a hive of activity while two of the Doctors studied the results from various equipment. Each of them had their own way of working and none of the companions dared to interfere. The Seventh Doctor entering the room, declaring that he had found the vital clue, only broke the calm. Then all three of them fought over the very nature of its validity, until reluctantly the truth of the evidence broke down their pride.

"So, we're agreed for once, this must be a virus." The Seventh Doctor turned away from the viewer.

"I believe from my studies of the Tardis, that we have only found a small part of this virus” said the Third Doctor. “So complex is its construction that it can disguise itself in so many ways." The Third Doctor was becoming tired and finding it difficult to focus on his task.

"Impossible, a virus should only be able to attack people in one place." Sarah Jane realised she had stepped into the wrong conversation, and getting out was not going to be easy.

"Yes, a virus may well attack you humans in one place, but we are Timelords and this seems to find us anywhere." said the Third Doctor nodding to his companions.

"So we must all try to find a common link, maybe someone we have all seen recently." The Seventh Doctor began to think to himself.

"Maybe it's something genetic within our own selves” suggested the Fourth Doctor. “Something that's been dormant for centuries and only now it's been activated. We could be looking at the end of our race." The Fourth Doctor suddenly realised where his thoughts were leading him " My God, we could be the catalyst that destroys everything!"

"Oh, don't be so dramatic, we aren't that important you know.” said the Third Doctor. “If it was that bad then surely the Matrix would intervene or do something." The Third Doctor stood hands on hips, giving the Fourth Doctor an annoyed look.

"Dramatic? Oh well, sometimes I maybe. Where has Leela got to? I was sure she'd be finished by now” said the Fourth Doctor.  “And where for that matter is the other one? I can't remember who, I've forgotten." The Fourth Doctor started to wander around seemingly to have also forgotten his prior argument.

"He has a point though." All turned towards Peri, who looked toward Sarah Jane and Nyssa for help.

"Maybe you should test us, after all we seem unaffected, and the virus could be in us rather than in yourselves." said Nyssa as she walked towards Peri.

"It's worth testing them for traces of this virus, just to be on the safe side. If they haven't got the virus, then maybe we can formulate an antidote." said the Third Doctor after a moments pause. 

"Thanks, I didn't know if they would listen to me." Peri whispered to Nyssa as they waited to be tested.

Macaran moved as quietly as he could down the passage, nervously looking for the others, he was not supposed to come down here, so He had told him. But things were getting out of hand, going wrong or maybe they hadn't told him everything. Suddenly he heard voices and strained to hear their conversation.

"But they are getting closer. We didn't even get rid of those annoying companions." said a female voice.

Macaran moved forward closer to the opening of the chamber, afraid they might see him and of what they could do to him. He could see two figures in the dimly lit chamber, one he recognised as the Rani. The Castellan had told him about the renegade Timelord when he first took up his post. Macaran tried desperately to get a good view of the other, but all he could see was a figure dressed in a robe with a cord tried around the waist.

"Maybe we should accelerate the...." the voice stopped as the female held up her hand as a rock fell to the ground.

Macaran pressed his body closer to the cave wall hoping he hadn't been seen. He looked down at the rock he had carelessly knocked when moving his foot.

"Why had he not been more careful?" Macaran thought. Barely breathing, sweat began to trickle down his face, he dare not move and yet he seemed compelled to move. A voice called out to him, one he would always obey.

"Macaran, you can come out now, I can feel your presence." As the dark voice summoned him, Macaran was powerless to stop from moving into the chamber. 

"What will you do now? He as seen all of us together. " said the Monk "He must be silenced or the Doctors will learn of us." 

"No, I believe that Macaran will help us show the Doctors, just how great our power is." the voice came from the shadows behind Macaran. 

Macaran fought with every fibre in his body to break free of the control he was under, not knowing who was behind that power.

A hooded figure moved from the darkness with a small box held in his right hand and faced Macaran. 

"Here, take this box and find one of the Doctor's companions. The box will tell you what to do next. You will obey me Macaran, you have no will of your own, have you?"

Macaran mind was been bombarded by a power he had never experienced. It drowned his will in a sea of blackness. All he could do now was to obey, like many before him, who had faced such power.

"I will obey you Master." Macaran’s voice had no tone to it, no soul. "I think this will cause panic long enough, so that you may complete the task of releasing him." said the figure to his companion as he moved away from Macaran " Go then, my warrior, deliver my message to the world."

Macaran turned and walked out of the chamber, his mind lost forever as he began his final task.