This weekend just gone old mate Clogs came for a visit, I've only seen her a couple of times since leaving the digs in Worthing last year so a weekend of gossip, movie watching, gorging on Party Rings and Maltesers and general shenanigans and chicanery was the order of the mainly miserable and damp squib of a December Weekend.
A varying amount of cheesy and festive with a pinch of utter mystical genius was on the televisual menu...going with The Proposal, 17 Again, Home Alone and the Beeb's Merlin for our amusement. I still find Home Alone highly amusing...in my slightly disturbed 'other peoples pain is funny' brain. It worked for Tom & Jerry for decades.
On the Saturday we ventured into town where the masses were attempting to Christmas shop with screaming children, doddering Grandparents, and spouses who had lost their patience by the time they had parked the car and just want to get back home in time for the Footie....Good times. The Salvation Army were attempting to infuse a touch of Christmas cheer with their brass band version of festive classic tunes only to be drowned out by Nobby Holder belting out 'I----t---'s Ch----ri----st---mas' in every store you enter.
Reading the above it would appear as though I have a rather cynical approach to Christmas and granted I may be happier if it were all hand crafted markets in lantern lit streets which are dusted with snow, while nostrils are accosted with the smell of chestnuts, toffee apples and other such sweet goodies served from road side carts, as harmonised choirs belt out traditional festive tunes...but apparently it is no longer the era of Charles Dickens...so I mildly tolerate the 21st century approach to Christmas shopping...and then high-tail it back to my humble abode where I log onto t'internet as every item on my list was out of stock/not available/highly over priced in the high street.
Anyhoo, I digress, Chloe and I managed to squeeze in a visit to an old School friend, two as it happened when Kieran happened to be at Daniel's when we arrived. Close to 15 years since we left secondary school...Christ that makes me feel old...and although our paths have crossed intermittently over the subsequent years none of us manage to see each other as often as we'd like. The fellas are both now married and even have mini-me's, which I still find oood, since I still feel about 16 and am certainly not in any rush to reproduce. This didn't mean I didn't have an absolute blast hanging out with 2 year old Oliver (I didn't have my camera so images will have to be asserted by your own imagination). Young Oliver had a variety of cars, books, bricks, teddies and other such devices to reach out to his uber short attention span, though generally Oliver seemed satisfied to drop one item on top of another from a height in a 'scientific' approach to discern the toys' durability...and repeat.
Climbing, also a favourite game...especially when, to prevent head trauma, I would grab him off his precarious position on the edge of the couch.....and then hang him upside down while tickling his tummy...all fun until the littl'un turned an interesting shade of green, at which point it was time to hand him back to Dad. Another great distraction we found was the trusty TV, on which Transformers 2 entertained young Oliver with explosions and fighting robots and entertained Kieran and Daniel with the lady lumps of Megan Fox and Isobel Lucas....Tiring of the 21st century bilge I spotted an all time classic and spit the dummy, more impressively than any 2 year old, until Daniel put on....The Goonies. Oliver seemed to be very impressed, transfixed even, with the 80's, goofy, actiony classic and also my ability to quote every line for it's 114 minute duration.
Also there was the 'teach the sprog a new word or phrase' game...largely for the amusement of the ...ahem...adults in the room...by the time Clogs and I left, little Oliver had 'tit's up' and 'Hey, you guys' down pat...he's going to be the most popular kid at nursery ;-)
So that was my weekend, next weekend I'm London bound to catch up with Ally and check out the festive stylings of the Capital.
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Hiatus
Since I have nothing much remarkable or memorable to comment on apart from the ability to convert Oxygen in Carbon Dioxide, something which I am managing with considerable aplomb if I do say so myself, I'm goin' with some carefully selected funnies which I acquired from t'internet....ta da:
Friday, November 27, 2009
Things Which Go Bump in the Night
The unusual mild temperatures for November mixed with the multiple low pressures currently bombarding our shores had a most unwelcoming affect late last night. I'm getting used to the constant rain and gale force gusts, but admittedly jumped out of my gourd a little after midnight when a daylight flash was followed immediately by the loudest boom I have heard in my life. The house shook, neighbourhood dogs started going crazy and every car alarm within a half mile begin to sing out in protest of the unannounced storm. This of course was followed by a deluge of H2O which continued for several minutes and another building rocking flash/boom lightening strike....then as quick as it had come the storm moved off to annoy another county.
I've not heard if there was any damaged caused, but....damn...that lightening was very, very close....even a rabid storm lover like myself was left a little rattled.
Just as an edit, I've since heard on the local radio that four houses were struck and damaged in last nights storm.
I've not heard if there was any damaged caused, but....damn...that lightening was very, very close....even a rabid storm lover like myself was left a little rattled.
Pulled these images from the MET website shortly thereafter...first one showing the rain across the country, may I draw your attention to the South East....
Oooo, what pretty colours I hear you say....of course my house is under that section of white in the centre of the most intense part of the storm
Just as an edit, I've since heard on the local radio that four houses were struck and damaged in last nights storm.
In the below map the areas hit are tagged yellow and my house in green...all are within a mile.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Oh, I do Love to Be Beside the Seaside
Gah, it's getting ridiculously close to Christmas now isn't it...Carol singers, hot toddies, roasted chestnuts and lashings of snow are some of the traditions which will be passing me by as per. A white Christmas would be a welcome change, especially since all that the weather seems capable of recently is rain and gale force winds. We've been luckier round these parts than the North of the country...poor Cumbria (of the Lake District fame) had something like 12 inches of rain in a day last week which led to all kinds of flooding shenanigans, the town centre was under 8ft of water at one point, road bridges have collapsed and damage no doubt into the millions cost wise...Apparently the floods was a once in a 1000 years kinda deal, which I'm sure is a great comfort to those now homeless and jobless and what's the forecast for the rest of this week....I'll give you a clue...starts with 'r' ends with 'n' and has a bucket full of H2O in the middle...joy
At least some people have been having fun in the 60+mph winds...fun...madness..you decide
And I ventured out yesterday in the gap between squalls to check out whether it was worth having a dip.
At least some people have been having fun in the 60+mph winds...fun...madness..you decide
And I ventured out yesterday in the gap between squalls to check out whether it was worth having a dip.
Least there was this to perk up my weekend
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Who Would've Noticed Another Mad Man Round Here
For those who have, those who are and those who will continue to.
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Generation X......'X' as in Fail
These are genuine G.C.S.E. answers from 16 year olds
Q. Name the four seasons
A. Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar
Q. Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink
A. Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists
Q. How is dew formed
A. The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire
Q. What causes the tides in the oceans
A. The tides are a fight between the earth and the moon. All water tends to flow towards the moon, because there is no water on the moon, and nature abhors a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins the fight
Q. What guarantees may a mortgage company insist on
A. If you are buying a house they will insist that you are well endowed
Q. In a democratic society, how important are elections
A. Very important. Sex can only happen when a male gets an election
Q. What are steroids
A. Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs (Oh. Very. Dear)
Q. What happens to your body as you age
A. When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental
Q. What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty
A. He says goodbye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery (sadly this may harbour some truth)
Q Name a major disease associated with cigarettes
A. Premature death
Q. What is artificial insemination
A. When the farmer does it to the bull instead of the cow
Q. How can you delay milk turning sour
A. Keep it in the cow (no denying this one)
Q. How are the main 20 parts of the body categorised (e.g. The abdomen)
A. The body is consisted into 3 parts - the brainium, the borax and the abdominal cavity. The brainium contains the brain, the borax contains the heart and lungs and the abdominal cavity contains the five bowels: A, E, I, O and U (I see a future not involving medicine)
Q. What is the fibula?
A. A small lie
Q. What does 'varicose' mean?
A. Nearby
Q. What is the most common form of birth control
A. Most people prevent contraception by wearing a condominium (admittedly this could work)
Q. Give the meaning of the term 'Cesarean section'
A. The Cesarean section is a district in Rome
Q. What is a seizure?
A. A Roman Emperor.
Q. What is a terminal illness
A. When you are sick at the airport. (no faulting the logic)
Q. Give an example of a fungus. What is a characteristic feature?
A. Mushrooms. They always grow in damp places and they look like umbrellas
Q. Use the word 'judicious' in a sentence to show you understand its meaning
A. Hands that judicious can be soft as your face. (And people say watching too much TV is a bad thing)
Q. What does the word 'benign' mean?
A. Benign is what you will be after you be eight
Q. What is a turbine?
A. Something an Arab or Sheik wears on his head
I'll wager many of these folks went on to gain A* grades in their exams...sheesh.
Q. Name the four seasons
A. Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar
Q. Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe to drink
A. Flirtation makes water safe to drink because it removes large pollutants like grit, sand, dead sheep and canoeists
Q. How is dew formed
A. The sun shines down on the leaves and makes them perspire
Q. What causes the tides in the oceans
A. The tides are a fight between the earth and the moon. All water tends to flow towards the moon, because there is no water on the moon, and nature abhors a vacuum. I forget where the sun joins the fight
Q. What guarantees may a mortgage company insist on
A. If you are buying a house they will insist that you are well endowed
Q. In a democratic society, how important are elections
A. Very important. Sex can only happen when a male gets an election
Q. What are steroids
A. Things for keeping carpets still on the stairs (Oh. Very. Dear)
Q. What happens to your body as you age
A. When you get old, so do your bowels and you get intercontinental
Q. What happens to a boy when he reaches puberty
A. He says goodbye to his boyhood and looks forward to his adultery (sadly this may harbour some truth)
Q Name a major disease associated with cigarettes
A. Premature death
Q. What is artificial insemination
A. When the farmer does it to the bull instead of the cow
Q. How can you delay milk turning sour
A. Keep it in the cow (no denying this one)
Q. How are the main 20 parts of the body categorised (e.g. The abdomen)
A. The body is consisted into 3 parts - the brainium, the borax and the abdominal cavity. The brainium contains the brain, the borax contains the heart and lungs and the abdominal cavity contains the five bowels: A, E, I, O and U (I see a future not involving medicine)
Q. What is the fibula?
A. A small lie
Q. What does 'varicose' mean?
A. Nearby
Q. What is the most common form of birth control
A. Most people prevent contraception by wearing a condominium (admittedly this could work)
Q. Give the meaning of the term 'Cesarean section'
A. The Cesarean section is a district in Rome
Q. What is a seizure?
A. A Roman Emperor.
Q. What is a terminal illness
A. When you are sick at the airport. (no faulting the logic)
Q. Give an example of a fungus. What is a characteristic feature?
A. Mushrooms. They always grow in damp places and they look like umbrellas
Q. Use the word 'judicious' in a sentence to show you understand its meaning
A. Hands that judicious can be soft as your face. (And people say watching too much TV is a bad thing)
Q. What does the word 'benign' mean?
A. Benign is what you will be after you be eight
Q. What is a turbine?
A. Something an Arab or Sheik wears on his head
I'll wager many of these folks went on to gain A* grades in their exams...sheesh.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
If You Have a Problem and No One Else Can Help.....
And if you can find them, maybe you can hire.....
So, this is the re-imagined team huh? hmmm, why does Liam Neeson look like he's tryin' real hard with his 'best' George Peppard impression and is it going to be a version like that dire Starsky and Hutch Ben Stiller rip or something actually watchable...I'm not asking for a complete 80's revisitation as the 80's are pretty much best left to the rose tinted haze of my memories...but a fair, decent and humorous facsimile thereof isn't too much to ask of Hollywood right?....right!
The A-Team (Class of 2010)...L-R Bradley Cooper - Face, Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson - B.A., Sharlto Copely - Murdock and Liam Neeson - Hannibal
So, this is the re-imagined team huh? hmmm, why does Liam Neeson look like he's tryin' real hard with his 'best' George Peppard impression and is it going to be a version like that dire Starsky and Hutch Ben Stiller rip or something actually watchable...I'm not asking for a complete 80's revisitation as the 80's are pretty much best left to the rose tinted haze of my memories...but a fair, decent and humorous facsimile thereof isn't too much to ask of Hollywood right?....right!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Are You Sitting Comfortably....
Once upon a time in a land far, far away the heavens unexpectedly opened and, in a mass of light and thunder, delivered unto this world an enigma of talent, charisma and' the funny' wrapped in human form and speaking in the tone of Canadian. This is the only possible explanation for the whirlwind which passed through Heathrow earlier this month...two other similar sightings have occurred thus far in recent years...which left witnesses in a slightly befuddled stated, with an inability to frown and the urge to burst into fits of giggles for at least a week after exposure...candid shots have since shown up on various internet sites and I strongly urge you should you see the following do not....I repeat....do not feed him any sugar based substances or those high in e-numbers....
On the second day of the convention Chuck took it upon himself to introduce the audience to a game in which he once partook at a party...this involved volunteers (L-R Jane, Fuchia and Steph) answering the following simple questions (feel free to join in) 1. name you three favourite living things, 2. what would you do if you were confronted with a never ending wall? and 3. if you could drink only one drink for the rest of your life what would it be and why?
These were Jane's answers: Three favourite living things - Daniel Craig, because he's gorgeous (I hear that), The Ocean - because Daniel Craig's coming out of in 'those' trunks scene, and Chris Judge - because he's big...Jane would swear at the wall and walk away and an everlasting southern comfort with lemonade and lime.
Steph went with Chris Heyerdahl - because he's cuddly (he really is for a Wraith), Chuck Campbell - because he's funny, Robin Dunne - because he drops his pants, she would run alongside the wall and finally Sambooka because it burns on the way down.
Now Fuchia would have come up with something deep and profound, had young Phillipa not done some Jeff Dunham type activity and 'helped' with her answers ending up with a vibrating turkey baster - because it's tingly, AA batteries (can't remember why) and handcuffs because they help with her job. 'What am I doing in China' was her answer to the never ending wall and finally a cold pint of Guinness 'just hands baby, just the hands' (yep no idea either but it's Fuchia)
So with all the questions answered Chuck took it upon himself to enlighten the class as to the 'secret' meaning behind the quiz (and feel free to go back and read the answers of the fast becoming embarrassed volunteers and also Robin's answer from my previous post)....the first living thing is how you see yourself, the second is how others say they see you and the third is how people actually see you....Oh, Fuchia, poor Fuchia....The whole how you react when faced by a bloomin' great wall is how you look at death and finally the whole favourite drink thing is how you regard sex (obviously)...During this whole session which I have named 'Drinking Games with Chuck Campbell' the guffawing was infectious and my ribs were still aching several days later...especially as Chuck added that during the party he had attended one woman had answered the drink question with 'Single malt as it reminds me of my father' and another person said 'urine, because I've never tried it before' (can I just say 'ewwww')
So what other nuggets of pure gold did Chuck wish to impart...He once had a friend who gave up playing Ice Hockey as he found it 'too slippery'....he lost a staring competition with a fish in a tank at the hotel....Um......moving swiftly on.....he likes Turtles...the candy version not the animal version...and became quite the fan of McVities chocolate Hob-Nob biscuit over the weekend, though I'm thinking it was a little more with the being called a 'Hob-Nob' and a little less with the malty/oaty/chocolately goodness....due to Chuck's in touchness with his inner moppet ;-)
If imparted with the task of stealing an Elephant (I think I speak for everyone when I say...huh?) he would choose to carry out the mission under cover of darkness, luring the mammal away with peanuts and then concealing the beast within the confines of an airport....because 'who would think to look for an Elephant at an airport'....who indeed, there is a scary amount of logic in the mostly non-sensical scenario.
Now, at some point a chili was presented to Chuck, apparently concerning some backstage shenanigans which then became the 'Chuck Chili Challenge'
This was the result
In the following few minutes of discussion Chuck first said it wasn't too bad, then accepted a banana that someone offered when the heat kicked in, almost drank some water before the entire audience yelled at him not too (water+ red hot chili= baaaad) then finally he was presented with a glass of milk which apparently hit the spot and quelled the 'mouth of fire' poor Chuck was experiencing...
Chuck was all smiles when I got my photo shoot...I know I shouldn't have favourites but it's Chuck and he gives the best hugs :D
That's all for now...I still have a little more to impart...fairly-well until then
This infamous being answers to the name of Chuck Campbell
A byproduct of Ryan Robbins being ill and unable to attend Haven1 meant a lucky opening for everyones favourite technician from Stargate: Atlantis and the equally endearing Two-Faced Guy off of Sanctuary and because Chuck is the pleasant surprise which keeps on giving he also took on the role of MC for the entire weekend...This meant alotta Chuck, of which I (and everyone in attendance) was not complaining.
On the second day of the convention Chuck took it upon himself to introduce the audience to a game in which he once partook at a party...this involved volunteers (L-R Jane, Fuchia and Steph) answering the following simple questions (feel free to join in) 1. name you three favourite living things, 2. what would you do if you were confronted with a never ending wall? and 3. if you could drink only one drink for the rest of your life what would it be and why?
These were Jane's answers: Three favourite living things - Daniel Craig, because he's gorgeous (I hear that), The Ocean - because Daniel Craig's coming out of in 'those' trunks scene, and Chris Judge - because he's big...Jane would swear at the wall and walk away and an everlasting southern comfort with lemonade and lime.
Steph went with Chris Heyerdahl - because he's cuddly (he really is for a Wraith), Chuck Campbell - because he's funny, Robin Dunne - because he drops his pants, she would run alongside the wall and finally Sambooka because it burns on the way down.
Now Fuchia would have come up with something deep and profound, had young Phillipa not done some Jeff Dunham type activity and 'helped' with her answers ending up with a vibrating turkey baster - because it's tingly, AA batteries (can't remember why) and handcuffs because they help with her job. 'What am I doing in China' was her answer to the never ending wall and finally a cold pint of Guinness 'just hands baby, just the hands' (yep no idea either but it's Fuchia)
So with all the questions answered Chuck took it upon himself to enlighten the class as to the 'secret' meaning behind the quiz (and feel free to go back and read the answers of the fast becoming embarrassed volunteers and also Robin's answer from my previous post)....the first living thing is how you see yourself, the second is how others say they see you and the third is how people actually see you....Oh, Fuchia, poor Fuchia....The whole how you react when faced by a bloomin' great wall is how you look at death and finally the whole favourite drink thing is how you regard sex (obviously)...During this whole session which I have named 'Drinking Games with Chuck Campbell' the guffawing was infectious and my ribs were still aching several days later...especially as Chuck added that during the party he had attended one woman had answered the drink question with 'Single malt as it reminds me of my father' and another person said 'urine, because I've never tried it before' (can I just say 'ewwww')
So what other nuggets of pure gold did Chuck wish to impart...He once had a friend who gave up playing Ice Hockey as he found it 'too slippery'....he lost a staring competition with a fish in a tank at the hotel....Um......moving swiftly on.....he likes Turtles...the candy version not the animal version...and became quite the fan of McVities chocolate Hob-Nob biscuit over the weekend, though I'm thinking it was a little more with the being called a 'Hob-Nob' and a little less with the malty/oaty/chocolately goodness....due to Chuck's in touchness with his inner moppet ;-)
If imparted with the task of stealing an Elephant (I think I speak for everyone when I say...huh?) he would choose to carry out the mission under cover of darkness, luring the mammal away with peanuts and then concealing the beast within the confines of an airport....because 'who would think to look for an Elephant at an airport'....who indeed, there is a scary amount of logic in the mostly non-sensical scenario.
Now, at some point a chili was presented to Chuck, apparently concerning some backstage shenanigans which then became the 'Chuck Chili Challenge'
This was the result
In the following few minutes of discussion Chuck first said it wasn't too bad, then accepted a banana that someone offered when the heat kicked in, almost drank some water before the entire audience yelled at him not too (water+ red hot chili= baaaad) then finally he was presented with a glass of milk which apparently hit the spot and quelled the 'mouth of fire' poor Chuck was experiencing...
Chuck was all smiles when I got my photo shoot...I know I shouldn't have favourites but it's Chuck and he gives the best hugs :D
That's all for now...I still have a little more to impart...fairly-well until then
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Introducing Robin 'Over' Dunne
Apparently a young German fellow who got kicked off a train for failing to buy a ticket and continued to have a sucky day when, as he stuck his naked butt against the window in frustration, his jeans got caught in the closing door and dragged him along the platform before passengers pulled the emergency stop. The young man was then left in a half undressed, slightly battered and no doubt humbled state for his arrest which followed shortly thereafter.....In short my recent days haven't been quite as sucky as this poor chap.....
And on that note let's look at guest number four at the most excellent Wolf Haven 1 convention....
First up and things are looking good for a 3rd season of Sanctuary, although nothing has been confirmed, but 'when' it is the series will probably be upgraded to a 20 episode run....great news for us fans, though robin commented that for all our excitement the extra work schedule meant he would spend much of his free time sleeping.
Robin is a self proclaimed movie nut (a man after my own heart) and spent much of his time as a kid engrossed in celluloid goodiness. He had a tough time choosing when ask what his favourite movie was and mentioned he's a fan of the Star Wars films (the original trilogy...coz the others just aren't worthy) especially Empire Strikes Back and the Shining. He's also a fan of British films Sexy Beast and Withnail & I...which led to a couple of impromptu Ray Winstone and Richard E Grant impressions.
He talked about the culture of sci-fi/fantasy in Britain and the the history involved with the productions, one of the differences between British and American produced shows as not so much with the history across the pond...Apparently while in a pub in Ireland the landlord, when discovering Robin's country of origin exclaimed 'I've got a roof older than your country' (done with thick Irish accent).
At one of the parties I had a similar discussion, especially about links with Robin Hood and the recent Merlin series. Robin asked me about the recent series of Robin Hood and why the character is so popular for reinterpretations. At which point I probably waffled on out the 'everyman hero' and links with periods of 'hero' representation in British history and culture (I know...not just a pretty face...hehe)
He seemed genuinely interested in British produced Sci-Fi and Fantasy shows and we chatted for some time about Robin of Sherwood (my favourite re-imagining) at which point Robin broke into 'Ray Winstone' once again. He mentioned that he wasn't sure how the recent adaptation he was involved with will turn out (it is a sy-fy production after all) though one of his co-stars is Julian Sands (whom some will be familiar as Origin baddie Doci, off of SG-1) and Robin will be taking on a Dragon. Personally I'm quite interested in Robin's interpretation of the character as part of my study was character based...but I digress...
If he could write a storyline for Sanctuary it would involve Will meeting his father and exploring that back story...at which point Robin broke into 'I am your father!' a'la Star Wars, to much chuckles.
Also from mate Nicky, since I was too slow, Robin reacts to one persons paparazzi style camera, the shutter of which resembled a gun firing....actor's huh, can never resist a death scene....
Apparently he and Damian Kindler (writer/producer for Sanctuary) have been known to prank each other. Robin took it one stage further when he invented an overzealous fan character who would send fan mail and presents to Damian. This continued for quite some time gradually building to 'bunny boiler' type proportion. Eventually, while both attending a signing event Robin mentioned that the 'fan' was fast approaching...gaining the appropriate final pay-off reaction from Damian, before letting on that it had been a long-con prank....I'm thinking that these days Robin 'looks innocent but is actually the axis of evil' Dunne is watching his back.
Someone asked what kind of power he would chose if Will ever became abnormal, he replied that invisibility and the ability to stop time, like Hiro off of Heroes, would be pretty cool.
If he could travel in time Robin would go back to the 60's, 20's or Medieval period. Essentially times of 'change'.
Some of Robins favourite programmes include Battlestar Galactica, Entourage and In Treatment...he mentioned that Gabriel Byrne excelled in the latter, noting that it was great watching the actor in a role which is perfect for him. (note to self: seek out and find In Treatment)
I can't for the life of me remember why Robin is apparently giving the 'V'...I think it's actually more innocent than it appears and he was actually counting out something. He also spoke about his role of Robin Hood in Beyond Sherwood and that learning to fire arrows was harder than it appears, especially since the character is an adept archer, and when he had to fire multiple arrows, pulling them from a pouch on his back, he had a bit of trouble getting the hang. (no doubt cast and crew were ducking for cover...hehe)
Robin's favourite toy was anything Star Wars related, also asking us audience if it was weird that he still gets excited about Star Wars Lego (not at all...how can one not get excited by Star Wars Lego)
We got onto the topic of Doctor Who (this seems to recur at most conventions, thus is the inevitable draw of the kooky Timelord). Robin remembers watching the series growing up, though he admitted to being scared pretty much as soon as the music would start up (right there with ya). 'His' Doctor was Tom Baker, Doctor no. 4 (now there's an age defining question) and was impressed when it was mentioned that we're currently up to number 10 and nearing number 11 (David Tennant we will miss thee). He also mentioned that thinking about the inner and outer proportions of the T.A.R.D.I.S. gives him an ice cream headache.
He was asked what he spent his first pay cheque on...at which point MC Chuck shouted 'Don't say Asian hookers' from the back of the room...to much hilarity. The answer was actually blue Tiger design seat covers for his Ford Escort...classy!
His favourite drink is Guinness because 'it's so good'....keep this in mind when I write up Chuck Campbell's talk ;-)
Robin looks very serious in my photo shoot, but 'very serious' he most certainly isn't
So there you go.....nothing else remotely interesting occurred at either of Robin Dunne's talks...
*ponders and racks brain for anything further information of any possible interest*....
nope nothing to see here...
move along.....
Oh, though there was this....
Yes, Robin Dunne dropped his kecks....if memory serves it was to do with the gang being nervous about attending a meeting with a group of execs and Robin lightening the mood by mentioning 'the worst that could happen would be this' and dropped his trousers....Robin Dunne I salute you...and the photo by the way is from mate Amy forever answering the question boxers of briefs.....amongst other things ;-)....(I 'accidentally' pressed the video button on my fabulous digital camera, though am reserving the right to not put it on YouTube)
And on that note let's look at guest number four at the most excellent Wolf Haven 1 convention....
Robin Dunne, another actor having his con cherry popped amongst this ravenous crowd of fans. I was quite excited to see this chap for a few reasons: he's a fella who's very easy on the eyes, Will is my favourite character on Sanctuary (Okay, so it's a four-way tie with Henry, Bigfoot and Two-Faced Guy...but who can choose right?) and Robin happens to be playing Robin Hood in a soon to be release Sy-Fy produced version of the tale which just happened to be the subject matter of my final year dissertation at university...so like I said, quite excited.
Anyway..here's the man himself...my mate Nicky has a better zoom than I, thus en-capturing Robin's coy handsome-ness better than I
First up and things are looking good for a 3rd season of Sanctuary, although nothing has been confirmed, but 'when' it is the series will probably be upgraded to a 20 episode run....great news for us fans, though robin commented that for all our excitement the extra work schedule meant he would spend much of his free time sleeping.
Robin is a self proclaimed movie nut (a man after my own heart) and spent much of his time as a kid engrossed in celluloid goodiness. He had a tough time choosing when ask what his favourite movie was and mentioned he's a fan of the Star Wars films (the original trilogy...coz the others just aren't worthy) especially Empire Strikes Back and the Shining. He's also a fan of British films Sexy Beast and Withnail & I...which led to a couple of impromptu Ray Winstone and Richard E Grant impressions.
He talked about the culture of sci-fi/fantasy in Britain and the the history involved with the productions, one of the differences between British and American produced shows as not so much with the history across the pond...Apparently while in a pub in Ireland the landlord, when discovering Robin's country of origin exclaimed 'I've got a roof older than your country' (done with thick Irish accent).
At one of the parties I had a similar discussion, especially about links with Robin Hood and the recent Merlin series. Robin asked me about the recent series of Robin Hood and why the character is so popular for reinterpretations. At which point I probably waffled on out the 'everyman hero' and links with periods of 'hero' representation in British history and culture (I know...not just a pretty face...hehe)
He seemed genuinely interested in British produced Sci-Fi and Fantasy shows and we chatted for some time about Robin of Sherwood (my favourite re-imagining) at which point Robin broke into 'Ray Winstone' once again. He mentioned that he wasn't sure how the recent adaptation he was involved with will turn out (it is a sy-fy production after all) though one of his co-stars is Julian Sands (whom some will be familiar as Origin baddie Doci, off of SG-1) and Robin will be taking on a Dragon. Personally I'm quite interested in Robin's interpretation of the character as part of my study was character based...but I digress...
If he could write a storyline for Sanctuary it would involve Will meeting his father and exploring that back story...at which point Robin broke into 'I am your father!' a'la Star Wars, to much chuckles.
In the following picture Robin realises he just left his shadow on the wall from all the camera flashes...sometimes it can appear as if a nuclear explosion just occurred in the room ;-)
Also from mate Nicky, since I was too slow, Robin reacts to one persons paparazzi style camera, the shutter of which resembled a gun firing....actor's huh, can never resist a death scene....
Apparently he and Damian Kindler (writer/producer for Sanctuary) have been known to prank each other. Robin took it one stage further when he invented an overzealous fan character who would send fan mail and presents to Damian. This continued for quite some time gradually building to 'bunny boiler' type proportion. Eventually, while both attending a signing event Robin mentioned that the 'fan' was fast approaching...gaining the appropriate final pay-off reaction from Damian, before letting on that it had been a long-con prank....I'm thinking that these days Robin 'looks innocent but is actually the axis of evil' Dunne is watching his back.
Someone asked what kind of power he would chose if Will ever became abnormal, he replied that invisibility and the ability to stop time, like Hiro off of Heroes, would be pretty cool.
If he could travel in time Robin would go back to the 60's, 20's or Medieval period. Essentially times of 'change'.
Some of Robins favourite programmes include Battlestar Galactica, Entourage and In Treatment...he mentioned that Gabriel Byrne excelled in the latter, noting that it was great watching the actor in a role which is perfect for him. (note to self: seek out and find In Treatment)
I can't for the life of me remember why Robin is apparently giving the 'V'...I think it's actually more innocent than it appears and he was actually counting out something. He also spoke about his role of Robin Hood in Beyond Sherwood and that learning to fire arrows was harder than it appears, especially since the character is an adept archer, and when he had to fire multiple arrows, pulling them from a pouch on his back, he had a bit of trouble getting the hang. (no doubt cast and crew were ducking for cover...hehe)
Robin's favourite toy was anything Star Wars related, also asking us audience if it was weird that he still gets excited about Star Wars Lego (not at all...how can one not get excited by Star Wars Lego)
We got onto the topic of Doctor Who (this seems to recur at most conventions, thus is the inevitable draw of the kooky Timelord). Robin remembers watching the series growing up, though he admitted to being scared pretty much as soon as the music would start up (right there with ya). 'His' Doctor was Tom Baker, Doctor no. 4 (now there's an age defining question) and was impressed when it was mentioned that we're currently up to number 10 and nearing number 11 (David Tennant we will miss thee). He also mentioned that thinking about the inner and outer proportions of the T.A.R.D.I.S. gives him an ice cream headache.
He was asked what he spent his first pay cheque on...at which point MC Chuck shouted 'Don't say Asian hookers' from the back of the room...to much hilarity. The answer was actually blue Tiger design seat covers for his Ford Escort...classy!
His favourite drink is Guinness because 'it's so good'....keep this in mind when I write up Chuck Campbell's talk ;-)
Robin looks very serious in my photo shoot, but 'very serious' he most certainly isn't
So there you go.....nothing else remotely interesting occurred at either of Robin Dunne's talks...
*ponders and racks brain for anything further information of any possible interest*....
nope nothing to see here...
move along.....
Oh, though there was this....
Yes, Robin Dunne dropped his kecks....if memory serves it was to do with the gang being nervous about attending a meeting with a group of execs and Robin lightening the mood by mentioning 'the worst that could happen would be this' and dropped his trousers....Robin Dunne I salute you...and the photo by the way is from mate Amy forever answering the question boxers of briefs.....amongst other things ;-)....(I 'accidentally' pressed the video button on my fabulous digital camera, though am reserving the right to not put it on YouTube)
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