The Gallifrey Film Society Presents....

So, as many of you may be aware, yuletide opens for nominations tomorrow (24th September). I am going to have a third go around this year. I haven't quite decided on what I want to ask for (other that Sunshine and RocknRolla - because one year, I will strike lucky!) but I can tell you I have a list of fandoms to offer that's in double figures. Which is both wonderful and slightly scary.

Not only that but I am also working on A Project that I will speak more of when it becomes a viable entity and I also want to take part in secret_mutant again.

All of this basically means I shall be Writing All The Things over the next couple of months. Or at least when I'm not at work, at the cinema or working on my Universe-forsaken-Professional-Exams!

That's me - how are you guys?

Trundling forward - or at very least, trying to trundle forward. In a literal sense on Friday as I go to Edinburgh for the Edinburgh Film Festival. They're showing Brave, which, is not released in the UK until mid-August. We may have gotten Avengers and Prometheus a week before the US but this is taking the urine somewhat.

Even so - it's going to be a weekend in one of the loveliest cities I can think of, so there is that.

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In other news - work is undergoing one of it's periodic 're-structures'. Usually the ones who get 're-structured' are the pay grade above me. Not this time, not so much, but the main thing is that I will still have a job and I will get on and re-apply for my professional exams as this time I need to have the paperwork as of my qualifications for my job.

My main reasons for not getting them done before has been that I have had no incentive to get them done (what can I say? I'm goal orientated;)) but now? I have. So, consider this fair warning that there will be whining ahead.

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Mr Spock (my much beloved car) went in for his first MOT test last week. And true to form, for me anyway, he failed. But in comparison to other failures, it was relatively minor (brake pads were worn down - which is a *good* thing!) and not as 'expensive', I've had to buy new cars before!

Could have done with a little more notice regarding the failure - the garage didn't phone and if I hadn't called and just gone to collect the car.... I would have been stranded 20 miles from home, having missed the last bus. Thankfully, the crisis was averted but the meltdown would have been spectacular, mind.

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In more 'fannish' news - currently working on a story for xmenreversebang - I've not finished it but I am over the lower limit, so it's a goer. The art is a thing of *joy* - it's just a shame that the muse decided to go on a monumental walkabout at the same time. Still - it's words on a page and I'm hoping that more will follow.

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So, that's me. How are you guys?

I ain't ded (but home internet is doing a good impression of a Norwegian Blue), work is driving me more crazy than usual (yes, it *is* that bad) but there is also this:



Dr Brian May (CBE, Astrophysist and guitarist of 'some' repute) talking about his dear friend Freddie

I read an article that wondered what Freddie would have been doing if he hadn't passed away, twenty years ago in November it only seems like a few years ago..... One thing I am *sure* he would have been doing... showing the pretenders and whippersnappers - how it is really done.

And I would be in the audience singing my heart out (along with quite a few others, I am sure). Many happy returns Freddie. You were truly one of a kind.

As far as I'm concerned - November can pull it's act together, else I am cutting it.
'Orrible weather, SOPHE drama, family bereavement, reclariant muses, headphones crapping out on me *again*...

Do Not Want Kaithanxbai

In other news...

Went to see the film Monsters at the BFI last night and I only have one thing to say on the matter:

GO SEE THIS MOVIE

( here - have a trailer )

Especially if you like movies that concentrate on the human rather than the FX. Movies that draw you into their world, like a dream. Movies that look and feel 'scientifically right' but have budgets that couldn't afford half an hour of most US or UK tv shows on. Simply lovely.

I won't spoil it for you but take my word for it. I'll go see it again when it opens. Certainly going in the Top Ten films of the year.

Still on the subject of the BFI - They're showing the Doctor Who Christmas Episode on 13/12.

Guess who has two tickets?... torn_eledhwen - first refusal, as ever, is yours;)

File this under 'you have to be at least Irish or partly Irish to get this' but this is possibly the most most surreal thing I've seen in a VERY long time!. Just wonder if they have other flavours than Cheese and Onion;)

Um... HAI! As ever, in the immortal words of Granny Weatherwax - 'I anet ded'.
Just trying to get my proverbial into gear and neglecting large swathes of things that are Fun And Interesting in the process....

First off, can I just say a very heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who wished me a happy birthday. Ya'll are wonderful - SQUIRREL! and I am a very lucky monster indeed.

Secondly - Spring! It is springing at long bloody last!. This makes me irrevocably happy. Not least because of the return of you know Who but because of lighter, warmer days and sunshine. Given the winter just gone it's a real pleasure to see the Daffs and the Snowdrops making their debuts.

Thirdly - I am writing! Or at least I was over the weekend - nearly 1700 words! Which is *mindboggling*. I doubt I'll ever post it but - Words! As Pixels!

Fourthly - work is trundling along. We've just moved office and it's made life a lot more 'comfortable'. It has a roof for a start! Never underestimate the need for a 'safe space' away from clients. Also, I am making baby steps to re-sitting the Spawn Of Hell Professional Exams. I'll try to keep the whinging to a dull roar.

Fifthly - Sibling Unit #2 has (hopefully) set a date for her wedding. October Half Term Week. May the 'verse have mercy on all our souls!

Anyway - enough about me... how are yous guys?

'Cept Real Life is not playing ball with me at present. Where to begin...

Work
Have started on the long slog to resubmitting my charter. Most importantly, I've started looking at the feedback and gotten in contact with People Who Are There To Help.
Consider this fair warning that there will be plenty of bitching about the subject in months to come.

Everything else - is plodding along. The students haven't revolted and neither have the staff.


Fandom
Ahahahahaha. Aha. My interaction on a fannish level has been minimal of late. I've only been reading NCIS fic from favourite authors and gen-to-r-rated Star Trek '09 fics. An utterly incomplete and indiscriminate selection of stories and icons I've liked for NuTrek
I'll add to that as I go along.

The squee seems to be on vacation at present. I wouldn't mind but the git hasn't even sent a postcard!


Car Woe!
The car is not currently experiencing woe at present. Which is nice. Touchwood.

The problem is... I'm seriously considering buying a new car. Prime (aka the current car) qualifies under the Government's 'Cash for Bangers' scheme. Trust me, I wouldn't get £200 for him (even with a full tank!) let alone £2000. So this is A Good Thing.
One small problem... (two, if you include sorting out the finances) what to buy.

All I know is that I want something a) small, b) cheap to run and c) has a decent sound system. The problem is that the range of choice is mindboggling.
I have narrowed it down to about three or four marques that I want to test drive but until the Father Unit returns - nothing doing.
Does anyone want to bet that when I *do* go for the test drives, all the sales reps will be talking to the Father Unit and not me, the one who'll be bloody buying the thing?!

So there you go. Any questions? Anyone?

You know how I've been bitching about my Spawn Of Hell Professional Exams (SOPHE for short)?

Well, I found out today that I failed in my submission.

Those I have told have been very understanding and supportive. I have feedback (which I am sure will be very constructive on how I can improve) I've been told I can resubmit in December '09 which I *will* but...

( Small spoiler for 'Star Trek' (2009) )

So, at least I know what I'll be doing with my leave over the summer.

On a 'trying-to-be-more-upbeat-than-I-feel!' note - the list of tasks I have achieved on the second attempt is long and honourable (everything from maths qualifications to driving tests to wanted jobs). I'm hoping to add this to it next year.

Or: Boring Monster is Boring

Car Woe! Update - Well, the damn thing is going but for how much longer is a matter of debate. On the plus side, I'm not pulling muscles changing gears right now. Even so, there will be a new car in my life before the winter.



Work (and other disasters) - Bad case of 'hand in fever' at work. Symptoms include all computers being used, nearly all study spaces in use, book returns rocketing and students *expecting* you to do their referencing for them. Yup, business as usual!

The Professional Exams Body met last week - my gut tells me that mine went before them. I have no proof but...
Naturally, I will post here once the family and my bosses know. Mind you, if I pass, you shall know me by the high pitched squeaking!



Fannish News - Torchwood - I HAVE TICKETS FOR THE BFI SCREENING! Yes, I will report back. Yes, I am a jammy bugger! After spending waaay too much money on Bond tickets - they owe me;)

Bond - Am still enjoying the films. Moore will never be my favourite Bond (although, I really like 'Man with the Golden Gun' and 'Octopussy') but I only have two more of his before I get to the 'better' Bonds (Dalton onwards). I spotted Joanna Lumley in OHMSS this time around. Also, Lois Maxwell as Miss Moneypenny pwns everyone else. Bar possibly Samantha Bond and Judi Dench.

NCIS - Newly Posted Story!.
Am avoiding the current wank like the plague. Have come to the conclusion that people have short memories. Yes, the Tony/Ziva storyline is sneer-worthy but 'La Grenouille' anyone?
YMMV

Star Trek and other Movies - My current happy place. I'm going to see Star Trek at the BFI (those guys *again*) IMAX at the end of the month. Needless to say, I'll go see it again before then. Ditto Coraline. I'm considering Angels and Demons but I fear that I may end up booking myself a one-way trip to The Special Hell. Ewan 'hubba hubba' McGregor is playing a priest in said film. Yeah.


How are yous guys?

I had a lovely birthday and want to thank everyone who took time out to wish me a happy birthday. I did and thank you all again.

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I'm sure most of you already knew this (and hadn't mentioned it) bu Both 'Primeval' and 'Robin Hood' return to UK screens this SATURDAY.

Either I've had my head stuck in the sand or somebody has really dropped the ball on the promotion work!

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The Mentalist starts on UK telly this week.

Opinions after the beep as to whether it's going to be worth a watch or not, please. You guys should know what I like by now;)

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There has been writing but it's been very sporadic. Perhaps if I y'know actually got a story beta'ed and (gosh, shock, horror!) posted! said sporadicalness (sp!) might evaporate...

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I've been to see waaaaay too many movies. I need to go see Watchmen again to form a more coherent opinion.

( Alan Moore fanboy baiting ahoy! )

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Got a letter from the Professional Organisation about the Spawn of Hell Professional Exams (SoPHE). They're processing with my application. Quite at what point my application is at... they can't tell me.

I should hear about May or July - until then? Out of sight, out of mind!

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Hope all are well! and I promise not to fall of the planet again!

To those lovely people who foolishly, foolishly! volunteered to help a monster out...

I haven't forgotten your wonderful offers... it's just that I've re-written it and I want to wait 24 hours before sending it out which will take me to Sunday and....

At last check the home internet was playing silly b*ggers. Append mutters about Murphy's law here.

So it might very well be Monday before I can do anything but I am not panicking... yet. Sunday night might be a different matter;)

For those who are curious - I only have a retro development plan and evaluative introductions to some of my paperwork to complete. Oh and the contents page but I'm not writing that until everything (bar the contents page!) is ready to go.

So... getting there. Slowly... very slowly mind!