For (Older) Doctor Who Fans Only!

Would you like a Jelly Baby?

Noticing that Tom Baker was one of the Doctors who took part in The Big Night In thank-you to the NHS, and thinking he looked a bit frail, I gave it a bit of a google. Read that he was born in 1934, so actually he looked rather good. Then I read on his wiki page the following story, which made me giggle, so I'm saving it here for when I need another giggle one day:

During a guest appearance on the quiz show Have I Got News For You, he told a story about how, while entering a recording studio in Wales, he was accosted by a member of the public who said to him, "I will never forgive you, nor will my wife, for what you did to our grammar schools!" He replied, "What are you talking about, you daft bugger?" to which the stranger replied, " I'm so sorry. I thought you were Shirley Williams."

Parshat Vayechi

Here's my latest Thought for the Week for the Liberal Judaism website. Shabbat shalom!

What does darkness mean to you? Is it the cloak for unknown danger? Does its cover give an advantage to your enemies? We feel vulnerable in the dark, and for those of us in the Northern hemisphere, there is little natural light at this time of year. Tradition teaches that we invite the sun to return to the physical world by lighting the lights of Chanukah. We begin gently, shyly, with a single light for the first night. Each night we add a light, building on what was there in order to push the darkness further and further away, ending with a glorious fiery statement of rededication.  And then that great star, without which our earth would perish, turns her face towards us once again.  As my late father used to say to me, “it works!”

Yet Chanukah is past, the miracle of the oil has been exposed as a myth, and the darkness is still with us. Ritual and science may bring us physical light, but we cannot forget that our souls also need a beacon to show the path. We need energy to turn ourselves to the world, and the world to healing. We need hope to move ourselves forward. For those of us for whom the miraculous cruse no longer shines, where may we find the first candle to light our way?

In this week’s Torah portion of Vayechi, Jacob is on his deathbed. He wishes to put his affairs in order, and calls for his favourite child, Joseph. Jacob asks Joseph to treat him with chesed ve’emet. He wants Joseph to swear that he will not be buried in Egypt, but that his bones will be returned to rest with his ancestors in the Cave of Machpelah. Joseph makes this promise, and fulfills it as soon as the days of mourning for Jacob are completed. The medieval commentator Rashi highlights the phrase chesed ve’emet. He translates it as true kindness[1], teaching us that since it can have no reward, a kindness done for the dead is the ultimate kindness. Such a deed is considered to be the highest form of a mitzvah, and Joseph does not hesitate to perform it, thus becoming an exemplar from generation to generation.

In our search for inspiration, could chesed be the first step on our spiritual journey? At its basic level, kindness is simply the desire to help others - how might this heal the world? What about Faith, or Love, or Justice? Look, we are just at the beginning. Let us start with something doable.

Our world is utterly hectic as we rush from commitment to responsibility with eyes firmly focused on our next appointment. However, there is always time for a small act of kindness. And if you compliment a person in the lift on their cool snow-boots, if you wave at a child in a pushchair as they pass you on the street, if you ask a checkout person how their day is going while they are ringing up your groceries – to what do such acts lead? You have seen this person. They have been seen. Kindness shines a light upon the other. To know that you are seen is a sign that you are no longer in the dark. And the energy that this experience gives you will, in turn, have a positive effect on the next living being you encounter. Such reciprocity sets up a chain of chesed[2], building on what was received, and pushing the darkness further and further away.

2017 has shown us once again that when terror and disaster strike, our first impulse is always altruistic. From the bravery of those who run towards danger, to the generosity of those who offer shelter and supplies, our instinct is to help each other. We just need to learn how to do it better on a daily basis, and without the drama! As the Twelfth Time Lord said, “Laugh hard. Run fast. Be kind.”

May we be inspired by Joseph’s chesed ve’emet, and add our kindness to the light. May this rededication of our souls invite Shechinah to turn her face towards us once again.  Chazak, chazak, v’nitchazek!

---

[1] A hendiadys, i.e., the expression of a single idea by two words connected with ‘and’, when one could be used to modify the other.

[2]  A thought developed after listening to Rav Leo Dee’s podcast on this portion at webyeshiva.org

Cool David Bowie Tributes

When Elvis died there was no Internet. We read the newspapers and cut out the reports and obituaries. And we watched the news on TV. For a couple of days.

David Bowie has died. The first single I ever bought was Space Oddity (the second time round). I listen to at least one of his songs on the radio most days of the week. Everyone has such a lot to say about this death. What a lucky man, to be so loved and respected. How lucky we are, those of us who have enjoyed and will enjoy his work.

Here are a couple of photo tributes that caught my eye:

(What used to be called the) Hammersmith Odeon

The many incarnations of David Bowie from a Whovian perspective

kol hakavod to those who thought up this stunningly brilliant liturgical play on Lecha Dodi

Finally, he's just so charming when Jonathan Ross tries his best to get something juicy out of the interview:

With condolences to family and friends who knew and loved him, may his memory be a blessing.

PS  follow the link for Space Oddity for an unexpected treat
PPS Just seen link and wanted to share it with you all:

In Memoriam: David Bowie, 1947-2016 from Billboard

Knitting for Girls

Who needs Scouting For Girls when you've got the Doctor? Sadly we must wait until Xmas for the next installment.

Science Fiction for Kids

A Facebook friend posted this example of college humour, and I was rather drawn to it. With apologies to Dr. Seuss.

Growing Up

This is a picture of the actress Karen Gillan, who plays the character Amy Pond in the current incarnation of the popular TV programme "Doctor Who". She is holding the new action figure of her character. I want one. Would prefer the actual character but a. she is young enough to be my daughter and b. she is fictional. Would settle for a dalek I guess.

Jo Grant Returns

While Sarah Jane Smith has always been my favourite companion, Jo Grant was my first Doctor Who companion (and with hindsight probably the one I fancied the most). Now the Telegraph reports that Jo will return for a couple of episodes of 'The Sarah Jane Adventures'.

On the one hand, hurrah! On the other hand, how can she possibly live up to the expectation of a 25-year-old memory?

The New Doctor Who

We have to admit that we were a bit worried about finally seeing the first ep of the new Doctor Who this evening. The BBC had hyped it up so much, and we were still pining for the Tennant; so the possibility of great disappointment seemed imminent. All I can say is that at the end of the show, the world's greatest DT fan sitting next to me said that Matt Smith wasn't that bad ... and the companion had great potential! Other early reviews:

"To millions of fanatical fans, changing the Time Lord is far more important than changing the Prime Minister. Parliaments are temporary… the universe goes on forever. So the good news is… you can all relax. After a fine performance in an encouragingly expensive and slick special- effects packed opening salvo, it’s crystal clear that Mr Smith is certain to be a sensation. The Beeb’s best franchise is in safe hands. Phew!"
The Mirror

"Essentially, the Doctor is meant to be a mad alien, and Smith looks like one before he even opens his mouth. By the end of episode one he was bedizened in a suitably daft public-school geography-teacher ensemble of bow tie and tweed jacket. It was ridiculous but it felt right: mad, alien, brand new but very old. A+ to the casting director. A+ to Smith."
The Telegraph

See? Not a spoiler in sight!

In Synch With the Times

Was delighted to see the front page of the Times today had as its main picture a cyberman. Turning to page eleven there was also a medium-sized story:

"... More than 100 props from Doctor Who will be sold at auction today allowing fans to buy an original, if somewhat ramshackle, part of sciencefiction folklore. As well as two full-size Daleks from 1988, which are expected to go for up to £7,000 each, the sale includes modern costumes such as David Tennant’s suit and Billie Piper’s pyjamas from Marks & Spencer.

It is the Heath Robinson monsters that catch the eye, however, made in a hurry from foam latex, fibreglass and electrical components that would not look out of place in a school science experiment. A fearsome red snake encountered by Peter Davison and a young Martin Clunes in a 1983 episode was created mainly from airconditioning tubes.

“The monsters were made from things you could buy in a hardware shop,” said Stephanie Connell, entertainment memorabilia specialist at Bonhams in Central London, who said the use of DIY components allowed the BBC to meet tight schedules ..."

The rest of it is here. Have to say I prefer my own pics :-)

Are You My Piglet?

Guess who went to the viewing at the auction house of Doctor Who props and costumes? Here, Piglet tries on the costume worn by Billie Piper in 'The Empty Child' and 'The Doctor Dances'. Much fun was had by all.

First View of New Doctor Who

Here is Matt Smith in his Doctor Who costume. His bottom half is rolled-up trousers and bovver boots. Glad to see he is continuing David Tennant's tradition of impossible hairdo.

A Laugh for Doctor Who Fans

I seem to be on a bit of a Dawn French kick at the moment. Here is a moment from the Vicar of Dibley when Alice reveals the bridesmaid outfits. Made me laugh out loud, which is good medicine in the current dour climate.

Surprise, surprise - and the new Doctor who is:

MATT SMITH.

Who? The BBC reports:

"Matt Smith has been named as the actor who will take over from David Tennant in Doctor Who - making him the youngest actor to take on the role. At 26, Smith is three years younger than Peter Davison when he signed up to play the fifth Doctor in 1981. Smith will first appear on TV screens as the 11th Doctor in 2010. He was cast over Christmas and will begin filming for the fifth series of Doctor Who in the summer. Tennant is filming four specials in 2009. Smith was named as Tennant's replacement in Saturday's edition of Doctor Who Confidential on BBC One. He said: "I've got this wonderful journey in front of me where I've got this six months to build this Time Lord - and that's such an exciting prospect."

Piers Wenger, head of drama at BBC Wales, said that as soon as he had seen Smith's audition he "knew he was the one". "It was abundantly clear that he had that 'Doctor-ness' about him," he said. "You are either the Doctor or you are not." Wenger said a broad range of people had been auditioned, but they had not set out to cast the youngest Doctor.

Smith's TV debut was in the 2006 adaptation of Philip Pullman's The Ruby in the Smoke, which starred former Doctor Who companion Billie Piper as Sally Lockhart. He has also acted opposite Piper in the follow-up, The Shadow in the North, and in ITV2's Secret Diary of a Call Girl. In 2007, he had a leading role in BBC Two's political drama Party Animals, in which he played a parliamentary researcher. Smith's stage work has included stints with theatre companies such as the Royal Court and National Theatre. His West End debut was in Swimming With Sharks opposite Christian Slater. He was born in Northampton in 1982 and studied drama and creative writing at the University of East Anglia."

Hmmmm. I did like him in the Philip Pullman programmes. I also remember how we all said nobody could replace Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant did quite well. At least the wait is over. Still wish it would have been Colin Salmon!

wait for it, waaaaaait for it ...

at 12:35 EST on the BBC or thereabouts, the name of the actor playing the next regeneration of Doctor Who will be announced. Anita Singh writes in the Telegraph:

"The 11th Doctor will be unveiled in a special BBC One programme, Doctor Who Confidential, at 5.35pm. The hype surrounding the announcement is so great that the show will be broadcast on giant outdoor screens around the country. Negotiations with the actor who will take over have taken place over the last three months and the deal signed in recent days. Tennant will remain on screen throughout 2009 in a series of special episodes but the new Doctor is expected to make an introductory appearance in one of them. A campaign for a black Doctor Who has gathered pace and earned the backing of the show's outgoing writer, Russell T Davies. Favourites for the role include Paterson Joseph, who appeared in two Doctor Who episodes in 2005, Hustle star Adrian Lester and Dirty Pretty Things actor Chiwetel Ejiofor. Despite Davies' tongue-in-cheek lobbying for Catherine Zeta Jones to become the next Time Lord, it is thought unlikely that a woman will be given the role. Cold Feet's James Nesbitt, Shakespearean actor Ben Whishaw and the little-known Russell Tovey have also been linked to the job. David Morrissey, who appeared in the Christmas Day special as a man who mistakenly believed himself to be the Doctor, is another contender. Tennant recently described Morrissey as "perfect casting" for the role.

Piers Wenger, the show's executive producer and head of drama for BBC Wales, where the series is filmed, said: "We are so pleased to have been able to cast this person as the new Doctor. We believe the actor is going to bring something very special to the role and will make it absolutely their own. "I just can't wait to tell everyone who it is. It has been a nail-biting Christmas trying to keep this under wraps."

Personally, if they go for a black doctor, which would be like Obama rather than Hillary, I'd vote for the lovely Colin Salmon, who was Dr. Moon in the library eps. Meanwhile, I am on at least a couple of tenterhooks!

o miss hartigan

*****spoiler alert*****
have just finished watching the xmas doctor who special and am so sad that the evil miss mercy hartigan, as played by dervla kirwin, was destroyed at the end of the programme. kirwin is stunningly merciless, and i am in love with her :-)

i've not seen her in anything before, but she has been the voice of marks and spencer for a while. with regard to the xmas special, she was interviewed here by the telegraph.

here's an interview by paul o'grady ... in doctor who she is terribly londonish, but here you hear her full irish accent:

bee news

busy bee at wimbledon
what with this bee that was bugging venus, the bee theme in the most recent series of doctor who that was finally revealed to be (sorry) that some of the bees were aliens and their disappearance left a trail that helped the doctor figure out some important plot point, and this reuters report:

"A truck containing 330 crates of bees, about 12 million of them altogether, overturned on a major highway near the town of St Leonard, New Brunswick, in Eastern Canada on Monday, setting free thousands of irritated stinging insects. Police sealed off the vehicle and called for expert help with the millions that were left inside. "Trying to unload 12 million agitated bees out of the back of a truck would not be a good situation," said Derek Strong, a local spokesman for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. A team of beekeepers arrived and poured smoke into the truck to calm down the bees, which will be moved later in the day. Police said there was no general danger to the public. "If there's anyone in St Leonard who is allergic to bees, we're recommending they leave town for a couple of hours," Strong told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp."

at least now we know where some of the bees are.

could it bee?

am catching up on the latest season of doctor who. in two separate episodes now donna has mentioned the disappearance on earth of the bees. am wondering if this is a hint for a future episode.

o i do enjoy doctor who. and torchwood. maybe torchwood a little more because there are more welsh accents and of course eve myles. i do not watch much tv these days, but these are two programmes to which i always look forward.

nu - as my thesis professor doctor d. always says - bee good.

memorable aliens

diana, a visitor
the times tomorrow has a piece on the forty most memorable aliens which you may find here. these are the nine from their list that i like the best:

ming the merciless

the lizardy visitors in "v"

smash robots

zaphod beeblebrox

mr spock

the clangers

doctor who

e.t.

daleks

HOWEVER ... where are the female aliens? ok i just remembered diana in "v" and found her picture, but apart from that where are they and why aren't they in this list? what about seven of nine? princess leia? can you think of any strong female alien characters except in the star trek series? and how many can you think of there?

pyramids of mars (old doctor who ep)

while searching to see when the next sarah jane adventure may be available to watch, i came upon a mention of an enemy sj and the doctor fought in the ep pyramids of mars. it was called sutekh, described thus by wiki:

"Sutekh, a member of an alien race called the Osirans, was encountered by the Fourth Doctor in the 1975 story Pyramids of Mars by "Stephen Harris" (a pseudonym for Robert Holmes and Lewis Griefer). The Osirans were an ancient and highly powerful but now extinct race. The renegade Sutekh was a crazed super-being who feared all forms of life might one day challenge his hegemony and so became Sutekh the Destroyer, the destroyer of all living things. This included his home planet Phaester Osiris and ancient Mars. Sutekh's brother Horus and the remaining 740 Osirans tracked Sutekh down to Ancient Egypt and used their powers to restrain and imprison him in a pyramid on the planet Earth. He was placed in a remote location with the Eye of Horus beaming a signal from Mars to suppress Sutekh's powers and hold him an immovable prisoner. The tales of the Osirans were remembered in Egyptian mythology — Sutekh as the god Set, brother of Horus; and in the designations Sados and Satan."

while i am not such an old doctor who geek as to care too much about all these details, seeing the name brought back a wonderful memory from my childhood.

well, maybe more of a naughty memory. we had scripture lessons in the old days, especially at a church of england school. the old testament was ok, but jewish kids were allowed to skip nt if they wanted to. i wanted to, but my parents thought it would be interesting for me to learn about it.

anyway, at some point while this doctor who 4 week arc was playing, our class decided to start a new religion. we observed it only in scripture classes. we worshipped the god sutekh. we demonstrated our adherence to our god by sitting backwards on our chairs, doing the endless ommmmmmmmmm, and saying about anything we did not like, "can't do that - it's against my religion". the poor teacher was beside herself. the high mistress herself (the principal) spoke to our entire class. i think we may still hold the school record for the number of times the entire class had to be spoken too by the high mistress in one year. it was our very first year at the school.

i asked my father what he would have done if he had been the teacher. he said that he would have helped us to construct the religion. either we would then learn something, or we'd get bored and stop. rumour has it that shortly afterwards the teacher married a missionary and moved to bahrain.

and the new doctor who companion is ...

catherine tate
i am hoping this is the apex of my fan obsession with doctor who ... my compulsion demands that i blog the latest news which is that catherine tate (seen above in the last xmas ep) is joining the series full-time. this from the outpost gallifrey site:

"Catherine Tate is set to return to the TARDIS for the complete 13 week run of Series Four of Doctor Who. Award winning comedian Tate will reprise her role as Donna, the runaway bride from last year's Christmas special, despite turning down the Doctor's invitation to travel with him at the end of that adventure. When Catherine was asked if she would like to become The Doctor's new companion at the press screening of The Runaway Bride, she replied, "I would love to, but no one has asked!" Well, now they have. "Catherine was an absolute star in The Runaway Bride and we are delighted that one of Britain's greatest talents has agreed to join us for the fourth series," announced Doctor Who's executive producer and head writer, Russell T Davies. "Viewers can expect more ambitious storylines and a whole host of guest stars in 2008."

Catherine Tate : "I am delighted to be returning to Doctor Who. I had a blast last Christmas and look forward to travelling again through time and space with that nice man from Gallifrey.""