So my significant other and I are thinking about getting rid of Sky and just sticking with standard digital telly.
Here's the thing: I'm a bit of a telly addict. I try to pick and choose my shows, but I do watch quite a lot. With all the choice Sky has to offer, how much of it is of a quality that I should really choose to watch?
For example, I'm a big Stargate fan. Stuck with Atlantis till the end. But is Stargate Universe worth the £20-odd we pay for Sky? On it's own, probably not. Add in 24 and House. Then turn to Living for Medium & Ghost Whisperer (the latter of which we have the entire last two seasons taped and haven't yet gotten around to watching them!)
We're lucky - we are on an old package with Sky that would probably cost us double for the amount of channels we have if we signed up for it today. But is that lucky, or just an extension of poor quality programming?
The one thing I will miss is Playhouse Disney - our daughter loves some of their shows. (I know some people have negative views about Disney from an educational/developmental stand point, but I would defy anyone to find fault with the fabulous Little Einsteins, especially compared to shows like Teletubbies or In the Night Garden)
So if the Sky falls, what am I left with? I've reduced my CSI viewing on Five down to just CSI:Miami (Horatio Caine should be in every show, but I just can't enjoy Laurence Fishburne after Grissom), and I'm looking forward to the remainder of Flash Forward. Closer to home good old Auntie is keeping me entertained with the enjoyable Being Human on BBC3 and of course I'm feeling a mixture of excitement and dread as the new series of Doctor Who looms on the Saturday night horizon.
The surprise in the bag for me was Channel 4's wonderful Shameless, which started back tonight. Only got into it last year, but definitely worthy of my couch time!
Beyond those, though, not a lot to write home about.
I'll miss Sky, but to misquote a famous UK kids show (from my era), maybe it's time for me to "turn off my tv and go and do something less boring instead".
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Tuesday, 26 January 2010
Monday, 11 January 2010
Avatar 3D
The missus and I went to see Avatar 3D at the weekend (the young 'un was visiting relatives!), and I have to say it blew me away. Absolutely awesome film.
This is the first 3D film I've seen in the recent batch, and I have to say I'm glad I chose that to be the first one. It just seemed to do everything right! What a fantastic movie. A definite for my DVD collection (although I doubt it will ever measure up to seeing it in 3D on the big screen!)
DunK rating: 5 stars!
This is the first 3D film I've seen in the recent batch, and I have to say I'm glad I chose that to be the first one. It just seemed to do everything right! What a fantastic movie. A definite for my DVD collection (although I doubt it will ever measure up to seeing it in 3D on the big screen!)
DunK rating: 5 stars!
Friday, 15 May 2009
A tough choice
I'm torn. A dilemma has arisen that I am simply not sure how to resolve. This could have a heavy impact on me and my family for years to come.
Simply put, do I watch Eurovision this weekend?
For those of you who don't know, I've been a huge fan of Eurovision since I was a kid. I've even taken to running Eurovision parties so that I can enjoy it with groups of friends (although these have died away somewhat since the departure from Aberdeen of a certain gay doctor who is such a huge fan that he could single-handedly bring a party to a Eurovision party!) The spectacle, the kitsch-ness, the music (!), its all been such fun and makes for a really enjoyable evening (especially with a few glasses of wine down you!). One thing has made it particularly enjoyable however, the fantastic and comedically brilliant commentary by Sir Terry Wogan. Listening to him praise and lambast the acts (and the presenters) in equal measure has brought great delight to me and my chums for years.
As you should know by now, Sir Terry gave up his commentary seat after last year's show, the biggest loss to the commentating profession since Murray Walker hung up his F1 microphone. Graham Norton is taking over, and I'm sure he'll be just fine - he certainly has the personality to fit in with Eurovision - but I'm just not a huge fan of his, and I pray his commentary is funnier than his "jokes" at the recent TV Awards show he presented (did anyone else notice the tumbleweed rolling past after every joke he tried to make?).
But its not even the change of commentator that would draw me away, its the reason behind the change. Sir Terry left because the whole Eurovision voting process has become more of a joke than the acts. Lets face it, when the winner is given top votes by 7 countries, of which 6 were formerly a part of that winning country, something has to be done. So I understand Sir Terry's reluctance to be involved again, to such a degree that after last year's show I resolved to leave with him and find other channels to watch during that little window on Saturday night.
So what's the dilemma, I hear you ask? Well, they have made substantial changes to the voting system, to try and stop the Bloc voting that has been happening the last few years. Potentially this, along with Mr Norton could give us a substantially different Eurovision this year. Add into the mix a pretty strong UK entry (and publicity campaign, something we've sorely lacked in the past) and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber to boot, and this could be the year where things are turned around and Eurovision can finally raise its head as something that the contestants can again be proud of.
So, at long last, here is my problem. If I stick to my resolution to stop watching, I could potentially miss the first very good Eurovision in years. If, on the other hand, I watch it, one of two things could occur.
1) Its rubbish and I feel let down and disgusted with myself for not sticking to my principles.
2) Its good and I then continue to watch it for years to come, subjecting my family (and particularly my baby daughter) to the highs and lows of Eurovision (and to Graham Norton) when they'd rather be doing something else instead!
What to do? What to do?....
Simply put, do I watch Eurovision this weekend?
For those of you who don't know, I've been a huge fan of Eurovision since I was a kid. I've even taken to running Eurovision parties so that I can enjoy it with groups of friends (although these have died away somewhat since the departure from Aberdeen of a certain gay doctor who is such a huge fan that he could single-handedly bring a party to a Eurovision party!) The spectacle, the kitsch-ness, the music (!), its all been such fun and makes for a really enjoyable evening (especially with a few glasses of wine down you!). One thing has made it particularly enjoyable however, the fantastic and comedically brilliant commentary by Sir Terry Wogan. Listening to him praise and lambast the acts (and the presenters) in equal measure has brought great delight to me and my chums for years.
As you should know by now, Sir Terry gave up his commentary seat after last year's show, the biggest loss to the commentating profession since Murray Walker hung up his F1 microphone. Graham Norton is taking over, and I'm sure he'll be just fine - he certainly has the personality to fit in with Eurovision - but I'm just not a huge fan of his, and I pray his commentary is funnier than his "jokes" at the recent TV Awards show he presented (did anyone else notice the tumbleweed rolling past after every joke he tried to make?).
But its not even the change of commentator that would draw me away, its the reason behind the change. Sir Terry left because the whole Eurovision voting process has become more of a joke than the acts. Lets face it, when the winner is given top votes by 7 countries, of which 6 were formerly a part of that winning country, something has to be done. So I understand Sir Terry's reluctance to be involved again, to such a degree that after last year's show I resolved to leave with him and find other channels to watch during that little window on Saturday night.
So what's the dilemma, I hear you ask? Well, they have made substantial changes to the voting system, to try and stop the Bloc voting that has been happening the last few years. Potentially this, along with Mr Norton could give us a substantially different Eurovision this year. Add into the mix a pretty strong UK entry (and publicity campaign, something we've sorely lacked in the past) and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber to boot, and this could be the year where things are turned around and Eurovision can finally raise its head as something that the contestants can again be proud of.
So, at long last, here is my problem. If I stick to my resolution to stop watching, I could potentially miss the first very good Eurovision in years. If, on the other hand, I watch it, one of two things could occur.
1) Its rubbish and I feel let down and disgusted with myself for not sticking to my principles.
2) Its good and I then continue to watch it for years to come, subjecting my family (and particularly my baby daughter) to the highs and lows of Eurovision (and to Graham Norton) when they'd rather be doing something else instead!
What to do? What to do?....
Thursday, 14 May 2009
Been a while..
Wow, its been quite a while since I posted here, eh?
So much has happened, but the main thing is that I now really should rename the blog Daddy Dunk @ the Dee! Naomi and I had a baby girl, Callie, at the start of the year, and she has pretty much revolutionised our lives!
Computer Gaming now? Pretty much nowt - the occasional game of Mario Kart on the Wii has to suffice for now.
Roleplaying? On hiatus - hoping to get back to it in the next few months, when Callie starts sleeping from early evening right through.
Social life? Well, it was roughly zero before Callie, so nothing much has changed there! :)
That said, I have managed the odd cinema trip, firstly to see Watchmen (throroughly good film) and then this week I managed to catch Star Trek (if you have to reboot a franchise, that film is an abject lesson in how to go about it successfully. Really enjoyed it). Hoping to go this weekend with Naomi to see Angels & Demons (Callie is being watched by Naomi's mam, who is visiting us this week). We both loved the book, so hopefully the movie will do it more justice than The Da Vinci Code managed.
Work is keeping me busy, as always, and I'm enjoying looking at new technologies and experiencing new challenges in my job.
I hope to post more regularly here now, so watch this space!
So much has happened, but the main thing is that I now really should rename the blog Daddy Dunk @ the Dee! Naomi and I had a baby girl, Callie, at the start of the year, and she has pretty much revolutionised our lives!
Computer Gaming now? Pretty much nowt - the occasional game of Mario Kart on the Wii has to suffice for now.
Roleplaying? On hiatus - hoping to get back to it in the next few months, when Callie starts sleeping from early evening right through.
Social life? Well, it was roughly zero before Callie, so nothing much has changed there! :)
That said, I have managed the odd cinema trip, firstly to see Watchmen (throroughly good film) and then this week I managed to catch Star Trek (if you have to reboot a franchise, that film is an abject lesson in how to go about it successfully. Really enjoyed it). Hoping to go this weekend with Naomi to see Angels & Demons (Callie is being watched by Naomi's mam, who is visiting us this week). We both loved the book, so hopefully the movie will do it more justice than The Da Vinci Code managed.
Work is keeping me busy, as always, and I'm enjoying looking at new technologies and experiencing new challenges in my job.
I hope to post more regularly here now, so watch this space!
Tuesday, 7 August 2007
Time of the year
Its that time of the year again - the annual visit from my brother! :)
He's just up for a couple of days, but its nice to get to see him, even if I am having to work during the day. I think we're going Greek tonight, if I can ever get Christos Taverna on the phone to book a table! (This does mean, considering how long we normally take for dinner there, that Naomi will have to choose between us taping Big Brother (boo!) or CSI:Miami (yay!). Considering Horatio Caine is TV's leading man's man, I don't think there's any contest, but The Boss might see it different!)
Went to see The Simpons Movie last week. It was okay-ish, but nowhere near as good as it could have been. First half hour or so was really funny, and I was giggling at other bits, but just not enough. DunK rating : 2 stars.
I'm hoping to go and see Transformers this week, but it'll depend on what else is happening. Might try to go on Thursday, if I've got time.
I've gotten heavily back into Star Wars thanks to the launch of the new Saga Edition of the Star Wars Roleplaying Game. Been watching the films, playing Knights of the Old Republic and running adventures for my group. (I might even have a go at Jedi Knight 2, even though I'm not fond of first-person shooter style games!). I believe my good buddy Mr Norris is going to run a Star Wars adventure for the group in a week or two, so I'm going to have to come up with a character idea to play. Any suggestions as to what? (We have a soldier, a techie, a pilot, a Jedi and an Astrotech Droid. Campaign is set in the period between episodes III & IV).
Been hearing a lot about the new Star Wars computer game that's going to be launched next year (Lucasarts Official Site) - looks really good. Might have to fork out some dough for that one when it comes out. Of course, I'll first need to get a new graphics card, and my PC only takes AGP ones. Really will need a fairly top-of-the-line card. Luckily its my birthday later this month, so I should have around £200 to spend on it. Any suggestions?
Right, enough general waffle for one day. Time for the off!
He's just up for a couple of days, but its nice to get to see him, even if I am having to work during the day. I think we're going Greek tonight, if I can ever get Christos Taverna on the phone to book a table! (This does mean, considering how long we normally take for dinner there, that Naomi will have to choose between us taping Big Brother (boo!) or CSI:Miami (yay!). Considering Horatio Caine is TV's leading man's man, I don't think there's any contest, but The Boss might see it different!)
Went to see The Simpons Movie last week. It was okay-ish, but nowhere near as good as it could have been. First half hour or so was really funny, and I was giggling at other bits, but just not enough. DunK rating : 2 stars.
I'm hoping to go and see Transformers this week, but it'll depend on what else is happening. Might try to go on Thursday, if I've got time.
I've gotten heavily back into Star Wars thanks to the launch of the new Saga Edition of the Star Wars Roleplaying Game. Been watching the films, playing Knights of the Old Republic and running adventures for my group. (I might even have a go at Jedi Knight 2, even though I'm not fond of first-person shooter style games!). I believe my good buddy Mr Norris is going to run a Star Wars adventure for the group in a week or two, so I'm going to have to come up with a character idea to play. Any suggestions as to what? (We have a soldier, a techie, a pilot, a Jedi and an Astrotech Droid. Campaign is set in the period between episodes III & IV).
Been hearing a lot about the new Star Wars computer game that's going to be launched next year (Lucasarts Official Site) - looks really good. Might have to fork out some dough for that one when it comes out. Of course, I'll first need to get a new graphics card, and my PC only takes AGP ones. Really will need a fairly top-of-the-line card. Luckily its my birthday later this month, so I should have around £200 to spend on it. Any suggestions?
Right, enough general waffle for one day. Time for the off!
Monday, 25 June 2007
Fantastic Four : Rise of the Silver Surfer
Be warned, there will be spoilers in this posting. If you haven't seen FF2 yet, don't read on! (Unless you don't plan on seeing it, or don't care if you read spoilers, in which case enjoy!).
So Naomi and I went to see the new Fantastic Four movie at the weekend, and I have to say that I really rather enjoyed it. Considering that the first FF film was fairly poor, how have they managed to make a second film which is not only better than the first, but also better than the latest Spiderman movie?
Here's what I think.
Firstly, and possibly most surprisingly, its down to the actors. I think all four have really got to grips with their characters more than in the previous film. They understand the characters better, and that is shown in their performances. (One gripe - as Naomi pointed out to me, for a lot of this film Jessica Alba's character should probably be renamed The Permatan Woman rather than The Invisible Woman - not a pretty sight, and certainly not a good look for the otherwise beautiful Jessica).
Secondly, the characters are written well, compared to the first film. Mr Fantastic isn't quite so nerdy, Human Torch has his flamboyant nature toned down, Sue Storm is a lot less whiney, and Ben Grimm is less moody and more fun.
Finally, the story (overall) is reasonably good. The plot moves forward at a reasonable pace, and the character interaction with the villains of the piece are suitable, if a little forced.
All that said, there are several fairly sizeable plot holes, and some general gripes I have.
Most importantly is how Galactus is defeated. Why didn't Silver Surfer do that to him as soon as he became Galactus' herald? It would have saved his own world and he wouldn't have had to help Galactus destroy countless other worlds. My only thinking behind it was that Galactus wasn't destroyed (which would make more sense), but perhaps Surfer managed to just transport him to another part of the universe. In which case, he'll be back, and he'll be pissed!
The whole power transfer thing was done fairly well, although its a bit of a tired and dated concept. That said, it made NO sense that Johnny could take on the powers of all other three at the same time to fight Dr Doom. Surely the powers would just transfer around the group? And even if it did make sense, Johnny doesn't have the intellect to realise it would work - Reed would be the only one likely to come up with that idea.
My other big criticism was the use of Doctor Doom. The basic premise was fairly sound, with the military calling him in to work with Reed to stop the Surfer. However the biggest problem was the reason for his fighting the Fantastic Four after taking control of the surf board. His intellect is supposed to be equal to Reed's, and having been told that the board was drawing a power that would destroy the world, I don't think he'd have been quite as eager to keep the board (his main motivation, after all, is ruling the world/country/whatever, and he can't do that if Earth is destroyed).
That all said, it was a fairly enjoyable 92 minutes, and while I wouldn't necessarily go and see it again, if I was forced to sit through any one of the films I have seen this year so far, I think this one would probably be my choice.
(That probably won't last long, considering other films coming out this year, but its certainly given Spidey a kick in the pants!)
So Naomi and I went to see the new Fantastic Four movie at the weekend, and I have to say that I really rather enjoyed it. Considering that the first FF film was fairly poor, how have they managed to make a second film which is not only better than the first, but also better than the latest Spiderman movie?
Here's what I think.
Firstly, and possibly most surprisingly, its down to the actors. I think all four have really got to grips with their characters more than in the previous film. They understand the characters better, and that is shown in their performances. (One gripe - as Naomi pointed out to me, for a lot of this film Jessica Alba's character should probably be renamed The Permatan Woman rather than The Invisible Woman - not a pretty sight, and certainly not a good look for the otherwise beautiful Jessica).
Secondly, the characters are written well, compared to the first film. Mr Fantastic isn't quite so nerdy, Human Torch has his flamboyant nature toned down, Sue Storm is a lot less whiney, and Ben Grimm is less moody and more fun.
Finally, the story (overall) is reasonably good. The plot moves forward at a reasonable pace, and the character interaction with the villains of the piece are suitable, if a little forced.
All that said, there are several fairly sizeable plot holes, and some general gripes I have.
Most importantly is how Galactus is defeated. Why didn't Silver Surfer do that to him as soon as he became Galactus' herald? It would have saved his own world and he wouldn't have had to help Galactus destroy countless other worlds. My only thinking behind it was that Galactus wasn't destroyed (which would make more sense), but perhaps Surfer managed to just transport him to another part of the universe. In which case, he'll be back, and he'll be pissed!
The whole power transfer thing was done fairly well, although its a bit of a tired and dated concept. That said, it made NO sense that Johnny could take on the powers of all other three at the same time to fight Dr Doom. Surely the powers would just transfer around the group? And even if it did make sense, Johnny doesn't have the intellect to realise it would work - Reed would be the only one likely to come up with that idea.
My other big criticism was the use of Doctor Doom. The basic premise was fairly sound, with the military calling him in to work with Reed to stop the Surfer. However the biggest problem was the reason for his fighting the Fantastic Four after taking control of the surf board. His intellect is supposed to be equal to Reed's, and having been told that the board was drawing a power that would destroy the world, I don't think he'd have been quite as eager to keep the board (his main motivation, after all, is ruling the world/country/whatever, and he can't do that if Earth is destroyed).
That all said, it was a fairly enjoyable 92 minutes, and while I wouldn't necessarily go and see it again, if I was forced to sit through any one of the films I have seen this year so far, I think this one would probably be my choice.
(That probably won't last long, considering other films coming out this year, but its certainly given Spidey a kick in the pants!)
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
Fantastic News!
We've been home for quite a while now, so I thought it was about time I posted about our amazing news.
Naomi & I are going to be parents!
We actually found out the day before we left for honeymoon, but as we didn't have time to see the midwife before we left, we decided to keep things quiet until we got back. So we've spent the last few months going around telling everyone! :)
I've got to admit to being a little nervous about it all, but only a little. I'm hugely looking forward to being a father, and can't wait for October to arrive! We're due right at the end of October (which means no Halloween celebrations this year!), and are both really excited. The summer is just going to whizz past! (Summer? In Aberdeen?! Its pouring down outside at the moment!)
I'm actually more nervous about having to drive - I'm still taking lessons (well, I'm trying to get my lessons going again. My instructor has been rather busy the last couple of months!), and I'll need to be able to drive to get around with the baby (and Naomi has no plans to take her test again until I've already passed!). I don't know why I'm nervous about this - whenever I'm in the car for a lesson I'm fine, but I always feel nervous thinking about driving. I'm sure I'll be fine with it though.
(One of my colleagues is going on a week-long intensive driving course next week, so I'll be interested to hear how she got on when she comes back to work the week after).
In other news, we met up with my whole family last week for my Grandad's 100th birthday. 100 years old, and still going strong! I'm not sure what the secret of his longevity is (although we suspect that his taking one little dram of whisky every night may have helped - he loves his whisky, although everything in moderation). He's quite an amazing man. He's still very quick of mind, with only his body slowing him down as it ages, something noone can really avoid!
It was fantastic to have the whole family together for a meal to celebrate - I think its the first (and possibly only) time that we have all been together, considering how spread across the UK we are becoming.
He had many other celebrations over the course of the week, with various groups holding events for him, from the bowling club to the church, and even the Liberal Democrats (for whom he has actively campaigned in the past) are throwing him a party later in the month.
It just shows how well thought of he is, both in his local community and throughout the Highlands. It makes me quite proud to be his grandson.
We were also able to let him meet his first great-grandchild (my cousin Sasha pipped us to the post on that one, having given birth to Jamie back in January this year). I've got a lovely photo of Grandad with Jamie on his knee! :)
So its been a busy few months for us. I'm going to try not to leave it so long between posts in the future, but who knows how successful that resolution will be!
Until next time :)
Naomi & I are going to be parents!
We actually found out the day before we left for honeymoon, but as we didn't have time to see the midwife before we left, we decided to keep things quiet until we got back. So we've spent the last few months going around telling everyone! :)
I've got to admit to being a little nervous about it all, but only a little. I'm hugely looking forward to being a father, and can't wait for October to arrive! We're due right at the end of October (which means no Halloween celebrations this year!), and are both really excited. The summer is just going to whizz past! (Summer? In Aberdeen?! Its pouring down outside at the moment!)
I'm actually more nervous about having to drive - I'm still taking lessons (well, I'm trying to get my lessons going again. My instructor has been rather busy the last couple of months!), and I'll need to be able to drive to get around with the baby (and Naomi has no plans to take her test again until I've already passed!). I don't know why I'm nervous about this - whenever I'm in the car for a lesson I'm fine, but I always feel nervous thinking about driving. I'm sure I'll be fine with it though.
(One of my colleagues is going on a week-long intensive driving course next week, so I'll be interested to hear how she got on when she comes back to work the week after).
In other news, we met up with my whole family last week for my Grandad's 100th birthday. 100 years old, and still going strong! I'm not sure what the secret of his longevity is (although we suspect that his taking one little dram of whisky every night may have helped - he loves his whisky, although everything in moderation). He's quite an amazing man. He's still very quick of mind, with only his body slowing him down as it ages, something noone can really avoid!
It was fantastic to have the whole family together for a meal to celebrate - I think its the first (and possibly only) time that we have all been together, considering how spread across the UK we are becoming.
He had many other celebrations over the course of the week, with various groups holding events for him, from the bowling club to the church, and even the Liberal Democrats (for whom he has actively campaigned in the past) are throwing him a party later in the month.
It just shows how well thought of he is, both in his local community and throughout the Highlands. It makes me quite proud to be his grandson.
We were also able to let him meet his first great-grandchild (my cousin Sasha pipped us to the post on that one, having given birth to Jamie back in January this year). I've got a lovely photo of Grandad with Jamie on his knee! :)
So its been a busy few months for us. I'm going to try not to leave it so long between posts in the future, but who knows how successful that resolution will be!
Until next time :)
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