It has become freezing cold and the pavements were icy and slippy this morning, Friday 11th December 2009 , two weeks before Christmas. By this evening my car will be as good as new although the expenditure this week has been monumental by my standards. I hope to get back the excess paid on the insurance via the legal services and more significantly the premium for the next few years will not escalate. I also had the front bumper paint scrape attended yesterday and to-day the car is being serviced. One of the ways which firms appear to be increasing their service at a cost is to offer addons such as fuel cleaning, windscreen surfacing to prevent icing up and other extras at price. I use the local AA approved service agents which used to be run by the AA direct but were sold out to Nationwide. As with the front bumper scrape I try and use local firms given the difficulties which the local economy face. So with having also paid out for the annual road tax the car has proved an expensive item. To celebrate the sort out I stopped at the supermarket on the way. Given the way things get worse when one reaches 75 with an active discouragement on the old generation not to use the car it is important to keep the mobility freedom the car provides as well as reducing to contribute to environmental action as well as preparing for when driving is not possible or ill advised. On the way back from taking the car for the service I consoled myself with a value breakfast with a cup of coffee for £3.05 at the supermarket cafe and which was an enjoyable treat. As the weight is holding at 16 and quarter I have am also enjoying a few walnuts every day although I had one purge in the week with a packet of chocolate covered peanuts. What wickedness.
I listened to Prime Minister’s Question Time on Wednesday when Mr Brown appears to have developed a new confident and politically aggressive manner toward the Leader of the Opposition and the Opposition Parties. At the same time the Opposition Leader is showing signs of having been affected by recent lowering of the margin between the two main parties in polls on voting intentions at the next General Election. However these polls are misleading unless they are restricted to the 100 most marginal seats where the election will be won or lost.
For the first time there is talk of the election being held in March rather than May and May6th in particular, which would be an excellent development for the local elections, and the position here in South Tyneside if the General is held separately and beforehand. The government were holding on in the hope that there would better economic indicators for recovery but this has to be balanced with new taxes coming into force in April and the narrowing of the gap.
The Prime Minister when Chancellor of the Exchequer introduced the pre Christmas budget statement of intention and review. This enables the same information to be given twice with best added on or taken off as circumstances change and underlining the control with treasuries exert at national and local level. This matches what has been happening in local government over the past three decades when the finances of the local authority are reviewed based on the closure of the accounts for the previous financial year, the review of spending over the first six months of the current financial year and the preparing of the budget for the forthcoming financial year. Most authorities adopted the zero budget approach which meant that because there had been expenditure on services it did not mean that any of the expenditure would be automatically carried forward without the ongoing review of performance, value for money, review of possible efficiencies and savings as well as taking account of changing national and local government priorities. This applied to both current revenue expenditure as well as to the capital programme. Against this there was also an attempt to provide three and five year financial and service planning frameworks and which became more important as services were placed out to tender and then to contract including with in house service providers who had to compete with non local authority bidders. In reality the margin for changes was not as great as zero budgeting might suggest. Even the threat of breaking up departmental managements, and creating new ones has timescales given the process involved in relation to staff and officer accommodations, including decentralization from London. Businesses remain more vulnerable in terms of closures, mothballing and transfers between countries as well as within them according to economic, political and social conditions.
On top of the annual review in the autumn and run up to Christmas, is a wish list had to be prepared for new projects and service extensions based on national and local political priorities offset by a schedule of reductions. As decisions were not usually taken until the New Year, Christmas was always a difficult time, with anxiety mounting about the implications for services and for staff once the matters was in the hands of the party political system. Although it is a couple of decades since I was directly involved I would be surprised of the situation has significantly changed and would expect the margins to have become tighter. The additional problem over the next couple of years is the likelihood of an effective cut in the wages of public sector workers as any freeze or holding down on salary increases the already low morale and increase discontent among front line workers faced with additional work, higher taxes and inflation. Meanwhile those engaged in investment speculations including the bankers will continue to draw gigantic incomes made up of contracted salaries, cash bonuses and other benefits so that even after taxation and any special control measures, accountants and tax lawyers will earn their keep by limiting the damage. It is the capitalist system folks!
Question Time was particular poignant last night as it came from the Wiltshire Town which marks, with a moving ceremony, the arrival of the body of each soldier killed in Afghanistan shortly after it arrives at RAF Lyneham I have travelled through to the Town and passed the RAF station on my travels to and from Wiltshire when visiting the town where my mother’s family originated for three years before her grandfather joined the British Army and was posted to Gibraltar where he married Spanish girl and then returned there and to Spain after premature discharge on health grounds, a decade later as an out payment Royal Hospital Chelsea pensioner.
The Question Time panel was made up with a former head of the armed services who has become an adviser to the Conservative Party, the Conservative Shadow Foreign Secretary and former Tory Leader William Hague, an Armed Forces Minister, Piers Morgan the former newspaper Editor and current TV personality including the British and USA Got Talent competitions and the female Muslim leader of the George Galloway Respect party together with the impressive former leader of the Liberal democrats and former profession soldier with a tour in Northern Ireland during the early period of the sectarian civil war -Paddy Ashdown, and who became an internationally recognised peace making negotiator during the horrific developments in the Balkans. In the audience was a woman in her forties who showed a picture of her young son killed in action and who was allowed to speak twice pushing her case for the service men and women to be given greater recognition especially when compared to the wages paid to others from policemen in the homeland to politicians and bankers. The outstanding speaker of the evening was Salma Yaqoob whose views represent not just the majority of the Muslim community in the UK, as well as a growing section of the community in general, although she and they are fundamentally wrong about the need for a European and USA continuing involvement in Afghanistan. It is understandable that as the body count of British soldiers killed and seriously injured mounts public feelings against the involvement continuing will increase, especially as there is publicity over the enquiry into the political conduct of the war in Iraq and the General Election approaches
Salma is something of an enigma because her involvement in political life would not be tolerated by the Taliban, the drug producing tribal war lords or the extreme right wing of the Muslim community who argue against any involved in British political life until the UK becomes a Muslim run state, She has become one of the ablest public speakers in the land and it is difficult to find fault with most of what she says. However in my judgement and experience there was always a far stronger case for the allies to be and remain in Afghanistan, drawing the line so speak, and forcing Pakistan to address its extremists. I used to believe that the biggest threat to world peace came from the historical conflicts between China and Russia, and which may still prove to eb the situation, however in relation stability in the UK, it is the India and Pakistan divide going back to partition and the two exodus created when independence was granted by the British and civil war followed. With such a large population of Indian Pakistan former citizens in the UK the implications of any conflict between these two nations for the UK is horrible to contemplate in addition to the ongoing threat that both sets of extremists will bring terror to the streets the UK once more. I have always considered that there potential conflagrations were on the same level as the situation in the middle east between Israel and Palestine and the Muslim Arab states and which because of the large populations of former and continuing Indian and Pakistani citizens in the UK the implications for Britain in general, of conflict between the two communities would be that much greater. Amazingly this very issue was the main subject of the latest episode of Spooks on Friday evening.
The other issue which aroused strong feelings among Question Time panel members was the decision of the Conservative Party to announce that the former head of the armed service was to be their adviser in the run up to the General Election before he had formally left the service although his retirement had been announced and he had been taking his remaining annual leave entitlement. The strongest criticism was made by Paddy Ashdown who felt it was an issue of timing and mishandled by the Tory Party undermining the neutrality position of serving officers. The Conservative argument is that less they be accused of being amateurs in their policy making and if they win the next election when in government for the first time in more than a decade, they needed to have the best and most up to date advice. The issue of politicians being amateurs and the conduct of war should be left to generals was raised by the audience and is a familiar cry of the military leading to coups and dictatorships across the earth world from the beginning of humans living in tribal groups. The politicians expenses scandal adds fuel to this fire.
I felt that the audience was a better representative public audience than those usually arranged by the BBC to reflect the Political Party interests. It is my belief that whatever the Opinion Polls state and whatever the two main political parties do over the next few months, there will be a significant abstention and voting for other candidates in order to deliver a rebuke to the politicians for their behaviour in relation to expenses and in general. I suspect there will major political surprises with Ms Jaqoob being one of many individualist candidates replacing those from the Labour and Conservative Political parties. Meanwhile there are no politicians or members of the public speaking up for the Bankers. They have been warned and should take the warning about future conduct seriously, No political party is going to be blackmailed. Everyone remembers the attempt by Arthur Scargill in the 1980‘s and looked what happened to the coal mining industry and the Mineworker‘s Union.
In the evening I had the good fortune to find that there was a showing of the Final Yes Minister double episode in which the Minister’s Departmental chief civil servant is appointed Chief Secretary to the Cabinet and head of the Civil Services. He gains the position by promising to arrange for the present incumbent to be appointed to a host of paid chairmanships and advisory positions, including Anglo Caribbean Friendship society, the Royal Opera House, Chancellorship of Oxford University and such like.
They then meet to discuss the situation where the Prime Minister decides to retire while in power because his number two had to resign because of a drink driving accident when in the post of Home Secretary and launching a don‘t and drive over the Xmas season. The Prime Minister had only continued because he did not want his number two to replace him. Sounds familiar?
There were then two candidates, one the Chancellor and the other the Foreign Secretary and both posed a threat to the Civil Service because they are men who would want things to be done their way an who would have divided their own party by advancing their supporters and getting rid of those behind their rival. The former and new Civil Service head consider indirectly supporting someone who will go with the Civil Service in general and the existing system, and the former chief tells Sir Humphrey Appleby his successor. that the ideal person would be his Minister- Jim Hacker. To facilitate this it will be necessary to eliminate the candidature of the two front runners and to achieve this it is decided to brief Jim with what in in their MI5 files, one is full of financial irregularities and the other sexual. After sounding out Jim they insist he has the task of persuading the two others to stand down in a briefing attended by the Chief Whip. Jim can be advised as the Party Chairman. Previously both candidates have offered Jim the post of their rival for his support and Jim has attempted to give support to both while explaining that his position means he will have to be neutral in public. Jim is also briefed not to give any indication of his interest in becoming Prime Minister himself although it is suggested that he respond to persistent questioning by emphasising his primary wish to serve his Party and his country and that he would need to take account of what his colleagues wished. In fact he enjoys the situation of advising the two rivals to withdraw. The two are forced to accept the advice and separately realise that Hacker is after the position himself.
The two senior civil servants then feel that Jim needs a major public and media support coup and bring attention to his opposition to the decision of the EEC to force the English sausage to be called something else because of its failure to meet Euro standards of meat content. While a meeting with the relevant Euro Commissioner reaches a solution by calling the UK Sausage the British Sausage this is withheld until it can be announced by the future Prime Minister, as his solution to a situation which has in fact already been resolved. The situation is therefore reached when within the Party process there are no other candidate for the position of Party Leader and as a consequence the next Prime Minister, other than one Jim Hacker.
This special Christmas edition occurred shortly after Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was forced out of office from within her own party and where the instigator was Michael Heseltine who had argued in words similar to those used in episode that he was not seeking the office himself but putting the interests of the Party and Country first. In fact he did not succeed and an unknown neutral man was elected as Party Leader and as Prime Minister, one John Major, who survived to win the next General Election, but not the following one. One wonders if the Civil Service had an involvement in Gordon Brown becoming Prime Minister when Tony Blair resigned in a situation where the was no other Cabinet Member on the ballot paper!
Saturday, 12 December 2009
Thursday, 10 December 2009
1840 4400 moves forward Babylon 5 and X Files
It has been an unusually good Monday with the highlight the arrival of Sophie Calle’s Take Care of Yourself, which chronicles the response of 107 people, predominantly women, to a dear Jill, E mail which the artist received. It is a sumptuous book full of photographs both matt and glossy plates, I am yet to count, possibly 107 in addition to the written responses, some by hand, there are 4 video CD’s with English subtitles. The Email or perhaps a response is printed in Braille and shorthand. The book therefore has textures as well as visuals and audios and I am leaving until Christmas, it is my Christmas present from me to me, to enjoy.
It was lucky that I was at home having gone out to the Car Body Repair centre as soon as the bin was put out along with environmental box. The purpose was to pay the insurance excess £120 under pressure from the Insurance Broker and the Legal service to proceed with the claim for no fault reimbursement. I took the new annual tax licence with me and was advised that the vehicle would be ready within couple of days. A new petrol cap was required. I missed the turning to the centre not once, but twice. The first time I went on to the infamous Gateshead Roundabout under the fly over and turned right and then right again into the parallel road I had been travelling and then turned right and right but again missed the turning forgetting that it is set back from the roadside and has a boarded former car show room towards the main road, the original show room moving further down the road to impressive new sales premises.
Beautiful Day and I still have not found what I am looking for U.2.
My next trip after briefly examining Take Care of Yourself was to Sunderland to a building Society, not to be confused with a Bank as one couple did during my visit to deposit money transferred from Premium Bonds and add the interest for the previous year.
I had to park on the 8th level of ten although I was pleased to have been able to park at all such is the Monday rush at this time of year. That I could park is perhaps an indication of unseasonal calm before the storm. Just when the army has completed a temporary Bridge to rejoin the town of Workington across its river banks there are more severe weather warnings in the area. It is now called a crossing after the name of the policeman who died in the area
I then went to Fulwell, after a little petrol at Morrisons, to Sainsbury to see if the 25% reduction on a half case of wine was still in operation. I was after some Asti Spumante, a repeat of last year and a case of Peroni as I have only one bottle left from the supply bough last Christmas. They had the Peroni but not the Spumanti. I passed my former home of thirty years on the way back to Shields. I bought copies of the Journal and Shield’s Gazette to see the reaction to Joe gaining a place in the finals of the X Factor. The Gazette has an editorial and well as two page centre spread and a note on the front page.
Pride, With and without you, New Years Day- U2.
I watched two episodes of the 4400 before going to the supermarket for a Christmas buyin which included a bottle of Spumante for Christmas and new Year‘s Days and pieces of Turkey Breast and stuffing which will make a hot meal on the day and cold the day after. A frozen box of Pigs in blankets! I had intended to buy salami but there was no assistant immediately available and I forgot the crackers. Otherwise everything went well with a small pieces of iced Christmas cake, some specialist cheese, two individual Christmas puddings. I hope to get in some puff pastry mince pies just beforehand rather than the traditional pastry version. Two bags of walnuts -going back to the neighbour’s tree across from where I lived for the first ten years of my life and a further supply of boxed dates. I need some Queen olives and prawns. I stocked up with tinned veg but forgot the frozen roast potatoes. A good supply of fruit should last till the weekend and I did not forget the milk having enjoyed, surprisingly, a cup of black coffee on return from Gateshead.
Streets with no name, Stuck in a moment, Sweetest thing, Where the Streets have no name-U2
The second highlight of the day was not the episodes of the 4400 but Babylon 5 episode 20, Babylon Squared in which Delenn is called back to homeworld for a meeting of the Grey Council, so called as holding the balance between the dark and the light and where she is surprised to find that the Council has been holding informal discussions in her absence to decide on the next leader, her. This would mean holding court in the Great Hall for the rest of her life, not returning to Babylon 5 to oversee the implementation of the Great Prophecy. She takes the unusual and controversial decision to decline the honour which could mean banishment from her position on the Council.
Sunday Bloody Sunday, Too late- U2
Meanwhile back on the station a distress signal has been heard from.... Babylon 4 which disappeared with its skeleton crew and builders in total some 1250, given that the present small city size population of 250000 on Babylon 5. The Commander and Garibaldi go off to investigate and find the station has been flipping between times so that the occupants have no idea that four years have elapsed and they were thought to have disappeared without trace. Everyone is evacuated in five shuttles trips. Meanwhile Sinclair finds an alien who is trying to contact- The One. The purpose of the alient to take the biggest of the Bablyon Station through time to help The One in Great War to come. At first he thinks Commander Sinclair is The one a human in a space suit who arrives and the alien gives up something to him. a Time stabiliiser which will also help in the Great War. Commander Sinclair attempts to greet the new arrival but is thrown back by a force. Having completed the mission the alien says he is to die whether he is to stay on the ghost station -Marie Celeste likle or leave with Commander back to Babylon 5. The programme ends as the human in the space suit removes his helmet having taken charge of station the stabilizing device. It is another Commander Sinclair, older!
One, Walk on, Desire, Sometimes you can’t make It, The Saints are coming -U2
In contrast the X files episode had no grand design and concerned a woman whose mother was murdered bring her birth forward. The young woman is blind but the principal suspect in two murders which required sight to carry out although Mulder is convinced she not guilty but shielding the murderer.
Rockferry and Warwick Avenue- Duffy
It transpires she has been able to see the murders through the eyes of the killer and that she was only present at the scenes astrally in an attempt to prevent further killing. Eventually Mulder proves she is innocent and gains her support to capture the actual killer, the man who murdered her mother, and who has been recently paroled from prison. It is her father.
Serious and Stepping Stone- Duffy
And so to episodes 5 to 8 of the final season of the 4400 which continues to disappoint and lack the Wow factor of Babylon Five and some episodes of the X Files. Each season of Lost also brings its revelations as the whole unfolds. We appear to have completing switched from the activities of the 4400 to those who have taken the Promicin originally manufactured by Isabelle. During the four episodes we learn that anyone who has taken the shot is able to manufacture further quantities thus the supply can become unlimited and in effect half the world can develop special abilities and half die. At present those taking the shot are mainly adults who have reached a crisis point in their lives and no reason to continue. However it does include a school boy who has lost his parents in road accident.
Syrup and Honey, Hanging On Too Long - Duffy,
In Try the Pie Tom goes off in search of Kyle who has been led to where Jordan Collier has been hiding and finds him in deserted mine with a bevy of bodyguards. Tom stops off at a local diner and is greeted warmly by local citizens including the Sheriff and is recommended to take food including the special apple pie which he is told has special ingredients. Apple Pie in the USA is like Fish and Chips in the UK where the differences between requires careful study, along with pasta sauces in Italy and Italian America. How Tom manages to get in the same area is a puzzle.
Delayed devotion and I’m sacred- Duffy
Tom stops for petrol and recognises Kyle’s Car when he goes to find an assistant and there is no petrol in the pumps. Tom realises something is not right and it is not. The village is full of special ability Promcin takers and his persistence leaves him to being captured.
Distant Dreamer- Duffy
Meanwhile Kyle has convinced Jordan about the book and the mission. Isabelle who has accompanied Kyle is also freed while Jordan take in the idea that he is to bring heaven on earth, to show the face of God by the new Promicin takers. Given his Jesus appearance this is not a surprise. Kyle explains that his father is the last name on the list of 200 people whose taking of the shot will change the world. Jordan says he will not force the drug on anyone even if Kyle is certain his father will survive and is part of the grand plan. However while he nearly goes ahead, he relents and Tom comes to in the deserted village. There is no sign of the Promicin takers. In between om has taken the a portion of the apple pie and enjoys the pleasant memories of the villages and one of his own which bonds everyone together. It is the special ability of the the woman who runs the diner and with whom Tom stays during is adjustment to the village prior to seeing his son, Isabelle and Jordan. Tom understands that his son has become Jordan’s adviser and adds his name to those which the authorities are required to look out for an apprehend with caution. Meanwhile Jordan and the others have decided to move back into Seattle. It is time for the grand mission to begin.
Tomorrow and Save it for your Prayers- Duffy
In the Marked we learn that Isabelle was not alone in coming back from the future to scupper the work of the 4400 and the new Promicin takers. Matthew Ross who Isabelle killed and Jordan’s previous advisor and controller of the 4400 centre turns out to be one of the Marked, as the beings from the future are called. A 4400 returnee, ah they still have purpose, a third rate amateur film maker using his friends to make the films is now making films which appear to explain some of the great mysteries such as the assassination of President Kennedy.
Your song and I need you to turn to - Elton John
When Tom and Diana investigate the man goes into hiding so they contact a lawyer who appears to have funded the films. He is in a state fo fear claiming that he man is being pursued by the Marked, his latest project which is to reveal the ten individuals, important beings whose bodies have been taken over by beings from the future. One of these is the present head of the biggest software company in the world and another is a Cardinal adviser to the Pope. However the names of the others have not emerged from the process of writing the scripts for his films
The Bridge and Yellow Brick Road - Elton John
Then Tom is taken away by members of the Government to a special clinic where he is inject behind his ear leaving a mole. They have found that the Software leader ahs a mark behind his ear but different to that of Tom. This occurs after Tom and Diana arranged a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the company to ask if he has had contact with the returning 4400 film maker, as his financial backer has been found dead believed murdered. The two are then confronted by the CEO who effectively admits he is one fo the Marked, on their side and and on the people and therefore they should be supported. We learn that Tom has been chosen to replace the Isabelle killed member, but only as a sleeper until needed.
Don’t go Breaking my Heart -Elton John with Kiki Dee
In Till we have Built Jerusalem Jordan and co have moved into a mile square derelict area of riverside Seattle using an abandoned nuclear shelter as their base until they have transformed the area as a second heaven on earth paradise. They have placed lights around their territory which act as defence wall which no one can penetrate. However the government decide to use their Promicin trained soldier to penetrate the defence and kill Jordan who has announced his mission to the world.
Philadelphia Freedom and Rocket Man - Elton John
Tom and Diana hitch a ride to try and save Kyle and Maia. Maia has been having visions which she draws and paints. The first announces that Jordan is in the City and the second the area where they are located, however before the Unit can work out the area, Jordan announces this and that any attempt to interfere will be met by force. Maia then sees the government assault and goes to assess if Jordan is a good man and should be saved.
Daniel and Crocodile Rock- Elton John
Jordan demonstrates his good intentions by getting one of the Promicin takers to clean up the polluted river into drinking water and where fruit and flowers spring up on the banks. The special forces who have the capacity to become invisible but only if they stand still and to neutralise the defence system enter the new 4400 territory but are immobilized and Jordan uses his special ability to remove the Promicin from the soldiers.
Sacrifice and Can’t you feel the love tonight- Elton John
Jordan has already warned what will happen if the USA government takes offensive action with demonstration “natural” events such as earthquakes, rain storms and the like in areas where there are no populations. Now he is wants to take punitive action but is persuaded by Maia not to do so. Instead he increases the area of the new society, doubling to two miles square of the city.
Sad Song and Your Song- Elton John
with Ronan Keating and Bryan Adams live
Meanwhile Diana and Maia are back on their own, the husband having left on his work assignments. Tom is invited to dinner but only as a friend and then Maia suggests she would like the former boyfriend the Unit geek to visit them again. The unstable and unreliable Diana seems to agree. I would have pensioned her off along with Tom. However the new Unit director is even more unsuitable and seems to have a crush on Tom which eh is unaware off until told by Diana.
Candle in the Wind and The Bitch is Back- Elton John
Meanwhile Shawn is continuing to heal a dozen people a day and try and further his political career. He is attacked by an existing councillor who Miaia has vision will become President and force all the people with special abilities to wear a yellow P on their arms rather like the Jewish star in centre is occupied by Nazi Germany before their extermination. However Shawn is the victim of a honey trap when the daughter of someone he has cured invites him to dinner and into her bed. This is a set up by men from the East who are paying for her education, career and new lifestyle. This and the emergence of Jordan as the new Saviour appears to scuttle Shawn’s political ambitions especially as the Senator backer tells him to withdraw as the media assemble, the story of the one night stand being leaked.
Saturday Night-Elton John
with Anastasia
Further having told Jordan about the threat which the Councillor will have in the future, especially after the man announces he is going to stand for Mayor, the man is struck down and is in hospital in a coma. Shawn blames Jordan who denies any involvement. Shawn admits his human weakness and error but confirms his intention to continue to stand, despite rejection in the opinion polls. He also goes to the hospital and cures the Councillor thus appearing to return the situation to that forecast by Maia. Shaun sees his mission as being of the Grey between the Dark and the Light!
I’m still standing and Don’t let the sun go down on me- Elton John
This brings me nicely to No exit in which all the key players suddenly find themselves brought to the Unit HQ in the middle of the night and under attack- Jordan, Kyle and Isabelle, Shaun, Tom, Diana with Maia and the Unit leader together with the geeks. Only Richard is missing. In the melee which follows first the unit leader is killed and then Shawn. It emerges that one of the geeks who keeps saying, that was not meant to happen, has taken Promicin and his special ability is to create dreams games in which he is able to bring about reconciliation although only when he finds the way out of the dream. He dies just as he is find the way. The group work out the enemy is the building which they must disabled. This involves Tom and Jordan joining hands to act as a conduit for a volt supercharge to override the building, This breaks the dream and everyone returns to where they were before
It has been an unusually good Monday with the highlight the arrival of Sophie Calle’s Take Care of Yourself, which chronicles the response of 107 people, predominantly women, to a dear Jill, E mail which the artist received. It is a sumptuous book full of photographs both matt and glossy plates, I am yet to count, possibly 107 in addition to the written responses, some by hand, there are 4 video CD’s with English subtitles. The Email or perhaps a response is printed in Braille and shorthand. The book therefore has textures as well as visuals and audios and I am leaving until Christmas, it is my Christmas present from me to me, to enjoy.
It was lucky that I was at home having gone out to the Car Body Repair centre as soon as the bin was put out along with environmental box. The purpose was to pay the insurance excess £120 under pressure from the Insurance Broker and the Legal service to proceed with the claim for no fault reimbursement. I took the new annual tax licence with me and was advised that the vehicle would be ready within couple of days. A new petrol cap was required. I missed the turning to the centre not once, but twice. The first time I went on to the infamous Gateshead Roundabout under the fly over and turned right and then right again into the parallel road I had been travelling and then turned right and right but again missed the turning forgetting that it is set back from the roadside and has a boarded former car show room towards the main road, the original show room moving further down the road to impressive new sales premises.
Beautiful Day and I still have not found what I am looking for U.2.
My next trip after briefly examining Take Care of Yourself was to Sunderland to a building Society, not to be confused with a Bank as one couple did during my visit to deposit money transferred from Premium Bonds and add the interest for the previous year.
I had to park on the 8th level of ten although I was pleased to have been able to park at all such is the Monday rush at this time of year. That I could park is perhaps an indication of unseasonal calm before the storm. Just when the army has completed a temporary Bridge to rejoin the town of Workington across its river banks there are more severe weather warnings in the area. It is now called a crossing after the name of the policeman who died in the area
I then went to Fulwell, after a little petrol at Morrisons, to Sainsbury to see if the 25% reduction on a half case of wine was still in operation. I was after some Asti Spumante, a repeat of last year and a case of Peroni as I have only one bottle left from the supply bough last Christmas. They had the Peroni but not the Spumanti. I passed my former home of thirty years on the way back to Shields. I bought copies of the Journal and Shield’s Gazette to see the reaction to Joe gaining a place in the finals of the X Factor. The Gazette has an editorial and well as two page centre spread and a note on the front page.
Pride, With and without you, New Years Day- U2.
I watched two episodes of the 4400 before going to the supermarket for a Christmas buyin which included a bottle of Spumante for Christmas and new Year‘s Days and pieces of Turkey Breast and stuffing which will make a hot meal on the day and cold the day after. A frozen box of Pigs in blankets! I had intended to buy salami but there was no assistant immediately available and I forgot the crackers. Otherwise everything went well with a small pieces of iced Christmas cake, some specialist cheese, two individual Christmas puddings. I hope to get in some puff pastry mince pies just beforehand rather than the traditional pastry version. Two bags of walnuts -going back to the neighbour’s tree across from where I lived for the first ten years of my life and a further supply of boxed dates. I need some Queen olives and prawns. I stocked up with tinned veg but forgot the frozen roast potatoes. A good supply of fruit should last till the weekend and I did not forget the milk having enjoyed, surprisingly, a cup of black coffee on return from Gateshead.
Streets with no name, Stuck in a moment, Sweetest thing, Where the Streets have no name-U2
The second highlight of the day was not the episodes of the 4400 but Babylon 5 episode 20, Babylon Squared in which Delenn is called back to homeworld for a meeting of the Grey Council, so called as holding the balance between the dark and the light and where she is surprised to find that the Council has been holding informal discussions in her absence to decide on the next leader, her. This would mean holding court in the Great Hall for the rest of her life, not returning to Babylon 5 to oversee the implementation of the Great Prophecy. She takes the unusual and controversial decision to decline the honour which could mean banishment from her position on the Council.
Sunday Bloody Sunday, Too late- U2
Meanwhile back on the station a distress signal has been heard from.... Babylon 4 which disappeared with its skeleton crew and builders in total some 1250, given that the present small city size population of 250000 on Babylon 5. The Commander and Garibaldi go off to investigate and find the station has been flipping between times so that the occupants have no idea that four years have elapsed and they were thought to have disappeared without trace. Everyone is evacuated in five shuttles trips. Meanwhile Sinclair finds an alien who is trying to contact- The One. The purpose of the alient to take the biggest of the Bablyon Station through time to help The One in Great War to come. At first he thinks Commander Sinclair is The one a human in a space suit who arrives and the alien gives up something to him. a Time stabiliiser which will also help in the Great War. Commander Sinclair attempts to greet the new arrival but is thrown back by a force. Having completed the mission the alien says he is to die whether he is to stay on the ghost station -Marie Celeste likle or leave with Commander back to Babylon 5. The programme ends as the human in the space suit removes his helmet having taken charge of station the stabilizing device. It is another Commander Sinclair, older!
One, Walk on, Desire, Sometimes you can’t make It, The Saints are coming -U2
In contrast the X files episode had no grand design and concerned a woman whose mother was murdered bring her birth forward. The young woman is blind but the principal suspect in two murders which required sight to carry out although Mulder is convinced she not guilty but shielding the murderer.
Rockferry and Warwick Avenue- Duffy
It transpires she has been able to see the murders through the eyes of the killer and that she was only present at the scenes astrally in an attempt to prevent further killing. Eventually Mulder proves she is innocent and gains her support to capture the actual killer, the man who murdered her mother, and who has been recently paroled from prison. It is her father.
Serious and Stepping Stone- Duffy
And so to episodes 5 to 8 of the final season of the 4400 which continues to disappoint and lack the Wow factor of Babylon Five and some episodes of the X Files. Each season of Lost also brings its revelations as the whole unfolds. We appear to have completing switched from the activities of the 4400 to those who have taken the Promicin originally manufactured by Isabelle. During the four episodes we learn that anyone who has taken the shot is able to manufacture further quantities thus the supply can become unlimited and in effect half the world can develop special abilities and half die. At present those taking the shot are mainly adults who have reached a crisis point in their lives and no reason to continue. However it does include a school boy who has lost his parents in road accident.
Syrup and Honey, Hanging On Too Long - Duffy,
In Try the Pie Tom goes off in search of Kyle who has been led to where Jordan Collier has been hiding and finds him in deserted mine with a bevy of bodyguards. Tom stops off at a local diner and is greeted warmly by local citizens including the Sheriff and is recommended to take food including the special apple pie which he is told has special ingredients. Apple Pie in the USA is like Fish and Chips in the UK where the differences between requires careful study, along with pasta sauces in Italy and Italian America. How Tom manages to get in the same area is a puzzle.
Delayed devotion and I’m sacred- Duffy
Tom stops for petrol and recognises Kyle’s Car when he goes to find an assistant and there is no petrol in the pumps. Tom realises something is not right and it is not. The village is full of special ability Promcin takers and his persistence leaves him to being captured.
Distant Dreamer- Duffy
Meanwhile Kyle has convinced Jordan about the book and the mission. Isabelle who has accompanied Kyle is also freed while Jordan take in the idea that he is to bring heaven on earth, to show the face of God by the new Promicin takers. Given his Jesus appearance this is not a surprise. Kyle explains that his father is the last name on the list of 200 people whose taking of the shot will change the world. Jordan says he will not force the drug on anyone even if Kyle is certain his father will survive and is part of the grand plan. However while he nearly goes ahead, he relents and Tom comes to in the deserted village. There is no sign of the Promicin takers. In between om has taken the a portion of the apple pie and enjoys the pleasant memories of the villages and one of his own which bonds everyone together. It is the special ability of the the woman who runs the diner and with whom Tom stays during is adjustment to the village prior to seeing his son, Isabelle and Jordan. Tom understands that his son has become Jordan’s adviser and adds his name to those which the authorities are required to look out for an apprehend with caution. Meanwhile Jordan and the others have decided to move back into Seattle. It is time for the grand mission to begin.
Tomorrow and Save it for your Prayers- Duffy
In the Marked we learn that Isabelle was not alone in coming back from the future to scupper the work of the 4400 and the new Promicin takers. Matthew Ross who Isabelle killed and Jordan’s previous advisor and controller of the 4400 centre turns out to be one of the Marked, as the beings from the future are called. A 4400 returnee, ah they still have purpose, a third rate amateur film maker using his friends to make the films is now making films which appear to explain some of the great mysteries such as the assassination of President Kennedy.
Your song and I need you to turn to - Elton John
When Tom and Diana investigate the man goes into hiding so they contact a lawyer who appears to have funded the films. He is in a state fo fear claiming that he man is being pursued by the Marked, his latest project which is to reveal the ten individuals, important beings whose bodies have been taken over by beings from the future. One of these is the present head of the biggest software company in the world and another is a Cardinal adviser to the Pope. However the names of the others have not emerged from the process of writing the scripts for his films
The Bridge and Yellow Brick Road - Elton John
Then Tom is taken away by members of the Government to a special clinic where he is inject behind his ear leaving a mole. They have found that the Software leader ahs a mark behind his ear but different to that of Tom. This occurs after Tom and Diana arranged a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the company to ask if he has had contact with the returning 4400 film maker, as his financial backer has been found dead believed murdered. The two are then confronted by the CEO who effectively admits he is one fo the Marked, on their side and and on the people and therefore they should be supported. We learn that Tom has been chosen to replace the Isabelle killed member, but only as a sleeper until needed.
Don’t go Breaking my Heart -Elton John with Kiki Dee
In Till we have Built Jerusalem Jordan and co have moved into a mile square derelict area of riverside Seattle using an abandoned nuclear shelter as their base until they have transformed the area as a second heaven on earth paradise. They have placed lights around their territory which act as defence wall which no one can penetrate. However the government decide to use their Promicin trained soldier to penetrate the defence and kill Jordan who has announced his mission to the world.
Philadelphia Freedom and Rocket Man - Elton John
Tom and Diana hitch a ride to try and save Kyle and Maia. Maia has been having visions which she draws and paints. The first announces that Jordan is in the City and the second the area where they are located, however before the Unit can work out the area, Jordan announces this and that any attempt to interfere will be met by force. Maia then sees the government assault and goes to assess if Jordan is a good man and should be saved.
Daniel and Crocodile Rock- Elton John
Jordan demonstrates his good intentions by getting one of the Promicin takers to clean up the polluted river into drinking water and where fruit and flowers spring up on the banks. The special forces who have the capacity to become invisible but only if they stand still and to neutralise the defence system enter the new 4400 territory but are immobilized and Jordan uses his special ability to remove the Promicin from the soldiers.
Sacrifice and Can’t you feel the love tonight- Elton John
Jordan has already warned what will happen if the USA government takes offensive action with demonstration “natural” events such as earthquakes, rain storms and the like in areas where there are no populations. Now he is wants to take punitive action but is persuaded by Maia not to do so. Instead he increases the area of the new society, doubling to two miles square of the city.
Sad Song and Your Song- Elton John
with Ronan Keating and Bryan Adams live
Meanwhile Diana and Maia are back on their own, the husband having left on his work assignments. Tom is invited to dinner but only as a friend and then Maia suggests she would like the former boyfriend the Unit geek to visit them again. The unstable and unreliable Diana seems to agree. I would have pensioned her off along with Tom. However the new Unit director is even more unsuitable and seems to have a crush on Tom which eh is unaware off until told by Diana.
Candle in the Wind and The Bitch is Back- Elton John
Meanwhile Shawn is continuing to heal a dozen people a day and try and further his political career. He is attacked by an existing councillor who Miaia has vision will become President and force all the people with special abilities to wear a yellow P on their arms rather like the Jewish star in centre is occupied by Nazi Germany before their extermination. However Shawn is the victim of a honey trap when the daughter of someone he has cured invites him to dinner and into her bed. This is a set up by men from the East who are paying for her education, career and new lifestyle. This and the emergence of Jordan as the new Saviour appears to scuttle Shawn’s political ambitions especially as the Senator backer tells him to withdraw as the media assemble, the story of the one night stand being leaked.
Saturday Night-Elton John
with Anastasia
Further having told Jordan about the threat which the Councillor will have in the future, especially after the man announces he is going to stand for Mayor, the man is struck down and is in hospital in a coma. Shawn blames Jordan who denies any involvement. Shawn admits his human weakness and error but confirms his intention to continue to stand, despite rejection in the opinion polls. He also goes to the hospital and cures the Councillor thus appearing to return the situation to that forecast by Maia. Shaun sees his mission as being of the Grey between the Dark and the Light!
I’m still standing and Don’t let the sun go down on me- Elton John
This brings me nicely to No exit in which all the key players suddenly find themselves brought to the Unit HQ in the middle of the night and under attack- Jordan, Kyle and Isabelle, Shaun, Tom, Diana with Maia and the Unit leader together with the geeks. Only Richard is missing. In the melee which follows first the unit leader is killed and then Shawn. It emerges that one of the geeks who keeps saying, that was not meant to happen, has taken Promicin and his special ability is to create dreams games in which he is able to bring about reconciliation although only when he finds the way out of the dream. He dies just as he is find the way. The group work out the enemy is the building which they must disabled. This involves Tom and Jordan joining hands to act as a conduit for a volt supercharge to override the building, This breaks the dream and everyone returns to where they were before
It has been an unusually good Monday with the highlight the arrival of Sophie Calle’s Take Care of Yourself, which chronicles the response of 107 people, predominantly women, to a dear Jill, E mail which the artist received. It is a sumptuous book full of photographs both matt and glossy plates, I am yet to count, possibly 107 in addition to the written responses, some by hand, there are 4 video CD’s with English subtitles. The Email or perhaps a response is printed in Braille and shorthand. The book therefore has textures as well as visuals and audios and I am leaving until Christmas, it is my Christmas present from me to me, to enjoy.
It was lucky that I was at home having gone out to the Car Body Repair centre as soon as the bin was put out along with environmental box. The purpose was to pay the insurance excess £120 under pressure from the Insurance Broker and the Legal service to proceed with the claim for no fault reimbursement. I took the new annual tax licence with me and was advised that the vehicle would be ready within couple of days. A new petrol cap was required. I missed the turning to the centre not once, but twice. The first time I went on to the infamous Gateshead Roundabout under the fly over and turned right and then right again into the parallel road I had been travelling and then turned right and right but again missed the turning forgetting that it is set back from the roadside and has a boarded former car show room towards the main road, the original show room moving further down the road to impressive new sales premises.
Beautiful Day and I still have not found what I am looking for U.2.
My next trip after briefly examining Take Care of Yourself was to Sunderland to a building Society, not to be confused with a Bank as one couple did during my visit to deposit money transferred from Premium Bonds and add the interest for the previous year.
I had to park on the 8th level of ten although I was pleased to have been able to park at all such is the Monday rush at this time of year. That I could park is perhaps an indication of unseasonal calm before the storm. Just when the army has completed a temporary Bridge to rejoin the town of Workington across its river banks there are more severe weather warnings in the area. It is now called a crossing after the name of the policeman who died in the area
I then went to Fulwell, after a little petrol at Morrisons, to Sainsbury to see if the 25% reduction on a half case of wine was still in operation. I was after some Asti Spumante, a repeat of last year and a case of Peroni as I have only one bottle left from the supply bough last Christmas. They had the Peroni but not the Spumanti. I passed my former home of thirty years on the way back to Shields. I bought copies of the Journal and Shield’s Gazette to see the reaction to Joe gaining a place in the finals of the X Factor. The Gazette has an editorial and well as two page centre spread and a note on the front page.
Pride, With and without you, New Years Day- U2.
I watched two episodes of the 4400 before going to the supermarket for a Christmas buyin which included a bottle of Spumante for Christmas and new Year‘s Days and pieces of Turkey Breast and stuffing which will make a hot meal on the day and cold the day after. A frozen box of Pigs in blankets! I had intended to buy salami but there was no assistant immediately available and I forgot the crackers. Otherwise everything went well with a small pieces of iced Christmas cake, some specialist cheese, two individual Christmas puddings. I hope to get in some puff pastry mince pies just beforehand rather than the traditional pastry version. Two bags of walnuts -going back to the neighbour’s tree across from where I lived for the first ten years of my life and a further supply of boxed dates. I need some Queen olives and prawns. I stocked up with tinned veg but forgot the frozen roast potatoes. A good supply of fruit should last till the weekend and I did not forget the milk having enjoyed, surprisingly, a cup of black coffee on return from Gateshead.
Streets with no name, Stuck in a moment, Sweetest thing, Where the Streets have no name-U2
The second highlight of the day was not the episodes of the 4400 but Babylon 5 episode 20, Babylon Squared in which Delenn is called back to homeworld for a meeting of the Grey Council, so called as holding the balance between the dark and the light and where she is surprised to find that the Council has been holding informal discussions in her absence to decide on the next leader, her. This would mean holding court in the Great Hall for the rest of her life, not returning to Babylon 5 to oversee the implementation of the Great Prophecy. She takes the unusual and controversial decision to decline the honour which could mean banishment from her position on the Council.
Sunday Bloody Sunday, Too late- U2
Meanwhile back on the station a distress signal has been heard from.... Babylon 4 which disappeared with its skeleton crew and builders in total some 1250, given that the present small city size population of 250000 on Babylon 5. The Commander and Garibaldi go off to investigate and find the station has been flipping between times so that the occupants have no idea that four years have elapsed and they were thought to have disappeared without trace. Everyone is evacuated in five shuttles trips. Meanwhile Sinclair finds an alien who is trying to contact- The One. The purpose of the alient to take the biggest of the Bablyon Station through time to help The One in Great War to come. At first he thinks Commander Sinclair is The one a human in a space suit who arrives and the alien gives up something to him. a Time stabiliiser which will also help in the Great War. Commander Sinclair attempts to greet the new arrival but is thrown back by a force. Having completed the mission the alien says he is to die whether he is to stay on the ghost station -Marie Celeste likle or leave with Commander back to Babylon 5. The programme ends as the human in the space suit removes his helmet having taken charge of station the stabilizing device. It is another Commander Sinclair, older!
One, Walk on, Desire, Sometimes you can’t make It, The Saints are coming -U2
In contrast the X files episode had no grand design and concerned a woman whose mother was murdered bring her birth forward. The young woman is blind but the principal suspect in two murders which required sight to carry out although Mulder is convinced she not guilty but shielding the murderer.
Rockferry and Warwick Avenue- Duffy
It transpires she has been able to see the murders through the eyes of the killer and that she was only present at the scenes astrally in an attempt to prevent further killing. Eventually Mulder proves she is innocent and gains her support to capture the actual killer, the man who murdered her mother, and who has been recently paroled from prison. It is her father.
Serious and Stepping Stone- Duffy
And so to episodes 5 to 8 of the final season of the 4400 which continues to disappoint and lack the Wow factor of Babylon Five and some episodes of the X Files. Each season of Lost also brings its revelations as the whole unfolds. We appear to have completing switched from the activities of the 4400 to those who have taken the Promicin originally manufactured by Isabelle. During the four episodes we learn that anyone who has taken the shot is able to manufacture further quantities thus the supply can become unlimited and in effect half the world can develop special abilities and half die. At present those taking the shot are mainly adults who have reached a crisis point in their lives and no reason to continue. However it does include a school boy who has lost his parents in road accident.
Syrup and Honey, Hanging On Too Long - Duffy,
In Try the Pie Tom goes off in search of Kyle who has been led to where Jordan Collier has been hiding and finds him in deserted mine with a bevy of bodyguards. Tom stops off at a local diner and is greeted warmly by local citizens including the Sheriff and is recommended to take food including the special apple pie which he is told has special ingredients. Apple Pie in the USA is like Fish and Chips in the UK where the differences between requires careful study, along with pasta sauces in Italy and Italian America. How Tom manages to get in the same area is a puzzle.
Delayed devotion and I’m sacred- Duffy
Tom stops for petrol and recognises Kyle’s Car when he goes to find an assistant and there is no petrol in the pumps. Tom realises something is not right and it is not. The village is full of special ability Promcin takers and his persistence leaves him to being captured.
Distant Dreamer- Duffy
Meanwhile Kyle has convinced Jordan about the book and the mission. Isabelle who has accompanied Kyle is also freed while Jordan take in the idea that he is to bring heaven on earth, to show the face of God by the new Promicin takers. Given his Jesus appearance this is not a surprise. Kyle explains that his father is the last name on the list of 200 people whose taking of the shot will change the world. Jordan says he will not force the drug on anyone even if Kyle is certain his father will survive and is part of the grand plan. However while he nearly goes ahead, he relents and Tom comes to in the deserted village. There is no sign of the Promicin takers. In between om has taken the a portion of the apple pie and enjoys the pleasant memories of the villages and one of his own which bonds everyone together. It is the special ability of the the woman who runs the diner and with whom Tom stays during is adjustment to the village prior to seeing his son, Isabelle and Jordan. Tom understands that his son has become Jordan’s adviser and adds his name to those which the authorities are required to look out for an apprehend with caution. Meanwhile Jordan and the others have decided to move back into Seattle. It is time for the grand mission to begin.
Tomorrow and Save it for your Prayers- Duffy
In the Marked we learn that Isabelle was not alone in coming back from the future to scupper the work of the 4400 and the new Promicin takers. Matthew Ross who Isabelle killed and Jordan’s previous advisor and controller of the 4400 centre turns out to be one of the Marked, as the beings from the future are called. A 4400 returnee, ah they still have purpose, a third rate amateur film maker using his friends to make the films is now making films which appear to explain some of the great mysteries such as the assassination of President Kennedy.
Your song and I need you to turn to - Elton John
When Tom and Diana investigate the man goes into hiding so they contact a lawyer who appears to have funded the films. He is in a state fo fear claiming that he man is being pursued by the Marked, his latest project which is to reveal the ten individuals, important beings whose bodies have been taken over by beings from the future. One of these is the present head of the biggest software company in the world and another is a Cardinal adviser to the Pope. However the names of the others have not emerged from the process of writing the scripts for his films
The Bridge and Yellow Brick Road - Elton John
Then Tom is taken away by members of the Government to a special clinic where he is inject behind his ear leaving a mole. They have found that the Software leader ahs a mark behind his ear but different to that of Tom. This occurs after Tom and Diana arranged a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the company to ask if he has had contact with the returning 4400 film maker, as his financial backer has been found dead believed murdered. The two are then confronted by the CEO who effectively admits he is one fo the Marked, on their side and and on the people and therefore they should be supported. We learn that Tom has been chosen to replace the Isabelle killed member, but only as a sleeper until needed.
Don’t go Breaking my Heart -Elton John with Kiki Dee
In Till we have Built Jerusalem Jordan and co have moved into a mile square derelict area of riverside Seattle using an abandoned nuclear shelter as their base until they have transformed the area as a second heaven on earth paradise. They have placed lights around their territory which act as defence wall which no one can penetrate. However the government decide to use their Promicin trained soldier to penetrate the defence and kill Jordan who has announced his mission to the world.
Philadelphia Freedom and Rocket Man - Elton John
Tom and Diana hitch a ride to try and save Kyle and Maia. Maia has been having visions which she draws and paints. The first announces that Jordan is in the City and the second the area where they are located, however before the Unit can work out the area, Jordan announces this and that any attempt to interfere will be met by force. Maia then sees the government assault and goes to assess if Jordan is a good man and should be saved.
Daniel and Crocodile Rock- Elton John
Jordan demonstrates his good intentions by getting one of the Promicin takers to clean up the polluted river into drinking water and where fruit and flowers spring up on the banks. The special forces who have the capacity to become invisible but only if they stand still and to neutralise the defence system enter the new 4400 territory but are immobilized and Jordan uses his special ability to remove the Promicin from the soldiers.
Sacrifice and Can’t you feel the love tonight- Elton John
Jordan has already warned what will happen if the USA government takes offensive action with demonstration “natural” events such as earthquakes, rain storms and the like in areas where there are no populations. Now he is wants to take punitive action but is persuaded by Maia not to do so. Instead he increases the area of the new society, doubling to two miles square of the city.
Sad Song and Your Song- Elton John
with Ronan Keating and Bryan Adams live
Meanwhile Diana and Maia are back on their own, the husband having left on his work assignments. Tom is invited to dinner but only as a friend and then Maia suggests she would like the former boyfriend the Unit geek to visit them again. The unstable and unreliable Diana seems to agree. I would have pensioned her off along with Tom. However the new Unit director is even more unsuitable and seems to have a crush on Tom which eh is unaware off until told by Diana.
Candle in the Wind and The Bitch is Back- Elton John
Meanwhile Shawn is continuing to heal a dozen people a day and try and further his political career. He is attacked by an existing councillor who Miaia has vision will become President and force all the people with special abilities to wear a yellow P on their arms rather like the Jewish star in centre is occupied by Nazi Germany before their extermination. However Shawn is the victim of a honey trap when the daughter of someone he has cured invites him to dinner and into her bed. This is a set up by men from the East who are paying for her education, career and new lifestyle. This and the emergence of Jordan as the new Saviour appears to scuttle Shawn’s political ambitions especially as the Senator backer tells him to withdraw as the media assemble, the story of the one night stand being leaked.
Saturday Night-Elton John
with Anastasia
Further having told Jordan about the threat which the Councillor will have in the future, especially after the man announces he is going to stand for Mayor, the man is struck down and is in hospital in a coma. Shawn blames Jordan who denies any involvement. Shawn admits his human weakness and error but confirms his intention to continue to stand, despite rejection in the opinion polls. He also goes to the hospital and cures the Councillor thus appearing to return the situation to that forecast by Maia. Shaun sees his mission as being of the Grey between the Dark and the Light!
I’m still standing and Don’t let the sun go down on me- Elton John
This brings me nicely to No exit in which all the key players suddenly find themselves brought to the Unit HQ in the middle of the night and under attack- Jordan, Kyle and Isabelle, Shaun, Tom, Diana with Maia and the Unit leader together with the geeks. Only Richard is missing. In the melee which follows first the unit leader is killed and then Shawn. It emerges that one of the geeks who keeps saying, that was not meant to happen, has taken Promicin and his special ability is to create dreams games in which he is able to bring about reconciliation although only when he finds the way out of the dream. He dies just as he is find the way. The group work out the enemy is the building which they must disabled. This involves Tom and Jordan joining hands to act as a conduit for a volt supercharge to override the building, This breaks the dream and everyone returns to where they were before
It was lucky that I was at home having gone out to the Car Body Repair centre as soon as the bin was put out along with environmental box. The purpose was to pay the insurance excess £120 under pressure from the Insurance Broker and the Legal service to proceed with the claim for no fault reimbursement. I took the new annual tax licence with me and was advised that the vehicle would be ready within couple of days. A new petrol cap was required. I missed the turning to the centre not once, but twice. The first time I went on to the infamous Gateshead Roundabout under the fly over and turned right and then right again into the parallel road I had been travelling and then turned right and right but again missed the turning forgetting that it is set back from the roadside and has a boarded former car show room towards the main road, the original show room moving further down the road to impressive new sales premises.
Beautiful Day and I still have not found what I am looking for U.2.
My next trip after briefly examining Take Care of Yourself was to Sunderland to a building Society, not to be confused with a Bank as one couple did during my visit to deposit money transferred from Premium Bonds and add the interest for the previous year.
I had to park on the 8th level of ten although I was pleased to have been able to park at all such is the Monday rush at this time of year. That I could park is perhaps an indication of unseasonal calm before the storm. Just when the army has completed a temporary Bridge to rejoin the town of Workington across its river banks there are more severe weather warnings in the area. It is now called a crossing after the name of the policeman who died in the area
I then went to Fulwell, after a little petrol at Morrisons, to Sainsbury to see if the 25% reduction on a half case of wine was still in operation. I was after some Asti Spumante, a repeat of last year and a case of Peroni as I have only one bottle left from the supply bough last Christmas. They had the Peroni but not the Spumanti. I passed my former home of thirty years on the way back to Shields. I bought copies of the Journal and Shield’s Gazette to see the reaction to Joe gaining a place in the finals of the X Factor. The Gazette has an editorial and well as two page centre spread and a note on the front page.
Pride, With and without you, New Years Day- U2.
I watched two episodes of the 4400 before going to the supermarket for a Christmas buyin which included a bottle of Spumante for Christmas and new Year‘s Days and pieces of Turkey Breast and stuffing which will make a hot meal on the day and cold the day after. A frozen box of Pigs in blankets! I had intended to buy salami but there was no assistant immediately available and I forgot the crackers. Otherwise everything went well with a small pieces of iced Christmas cake, some specialist cheese, two individual Christmas puddings. I hope to get in some puff pastry mince pies just beforehand rather than the traditional pastry version. Two bags of walnuts -going back to the neighbour’s tree across from where I lived for the first ten years of my life and a further supply of boxed dates. I need some Queen olives and prawns. I stocked up with tinned veg but forgot the frozen roast potatoes. A good supply of fruit should last till the weekend and I did not forget the milk having enjoyed, surprisingly, a cup of black coffee on return from Gateshead.
Streets with no name, Stuck in a moment, Sweetest thing, Where the Streets have no name-U2
The second highlight of the day was not the episodes of the 4400 but Babylon 5 episode 20, Babylon Squared in which Delenn is called back to homeworld for a meeting of the Grey Council, so called as holding the balance between the dark and the light and where she is surprised to find that the Council has been holding informal discussions in her absence to decide on the next leader, her. This would mean holding court in the Great Hall for the rest of her life, not returning to Babylon 5 to oversee the implementation of the Great Prophecy. She takes the unusual and controversial decision to decline the honour which could mean banishment from her position on the Council.
Sunday Bloody Sunday, Too late- U2
Meanwhile back on the station a distress signal has been heard from.... Babylon 4 which disappeared with its skeleton crew and builders in total some 1250, given that the present small city size population of 250000 on Babylon 5. The Commander and Garibaldi go off to investigate and find the station has been flipping between times so that the occupants have no idea that four years have elapsed and they were thought to have disappeared without trace. Everyone is evacuated in five shuttles trips. Meanwhile Sinclair finds an alien who is trying to contact- The One. The purpose of the alient to take the biggest of the Bablyon Station through time to help The One in Great War to come. At first he thinks Commander Sinclair is The one a human in a space suit who arrives and the alien gives up something to him. a Time stabiliiser which will also help in the Great War. Commander Sinclair attempts to greet the new arrival but is thrown back by a force. Having completed the mission the alien says he is to die whether he is to stay on the ghost station -Marie Celeste likle or leave with Commander back to Babylon 5. The programme ends as the human in the space suit removes his helmet having taken charge of station the stabilizing device. It is another Commander Sinclair, older!
One, Walk on, Desire, Sometimes you can’t make It, The Saints are coming -U2
In contrast the X files episode had no grand design and concerned a woman whose mother was murdered bring her birth forward. The young woman is blind but the principal suspect in two murders which required sight to carry out although Mulder is convinced she not guilty but shielding the murderer.
Rockferry and Warwick Avenue- Duffy
It transpires she has been able to see the murders through the eyes of the killer and that she was only present at the scenes astrally in an attempt to prevent further killing. Eventually Mulder proves she is innocent and gains her support to capture the actual killer, the man who murdered her mother, and who has been recently paroled from prison. It is her father.
Serious and Stepping Stone- Duffy
And so to episodes 5 to 8 of the final season of the 4400 which continues to disappoint and lack the Wow factor of Babylon Five and some episodes of the X Files. Each season of Lost also brings its revelations as the whole unfolds. We appear to have completing switched from the activities of the 4400 to those who have taken the Promicin originally manufactured by Isabelle. During the four episodes we learn that anyone who has taken the shot is able to manufacture further quantities thus the supply can become unlimited and in effect half the world can develop special abilities and half die. At present those taking the shot are mainly adults who have reached a crisis point in their lives and no reason to continue. However it does include a school boy who has lost his parents in road accident.
Syrup and Honey, Hanging On Too Long - Duffy,
In Try the Pie Tom goes off in search of Kyle who has been led to where Jordan Collier has been hiding and finds him in deserted mine with a bevy of bodyguards. Tom stops off at a local diner and is greeted warmly by local citizens including the Sheriff and is recommended to take food including the special apple pie which he is told has special ingredients. Apple Pie in the USA is like Fish and Chips in the UK where the differences between requires careful study, along with pasta sauces in Italy and Italian America. How Tom manages to get in the same area is a puzzle.
Delayed devotion and I’m sacred- Duffy
Tom stops for petrol and recognises Kyle’s Car when he goes to find an assistant and there is no petrol in the pumps. Tom realises something is not right and it is not. The village is full of special ability Promcin takers and his persistence leaves him to being captured.
Distant Dreamer- Duffy
Meanwhile Kyle has convinced Jordan about the book and the mission. Isabelle who has accompanied Kyle is also freed while Jordan take in the idea that he is to bring heaven on earth, to show the face of God by the new Promicin takers. Given his Jesus appearance this is not a surprise. Kyle explains that his father is the last name on the list of 200 people whose taking of the shot will change the world. Jordan says he will not force the drug on anyone even if Kyle is certain his father will survive and is part of the grand plan. However while he nearly goes ahead, he relents and Tom comes to in the deserted village. There is no sign of the Promicin takers. In between om has taken the a portion of the apple pie and enjoys the pleasant memories of the villages and one of his own which bonds everyone together. It is the special ability of the the woman who runs the diner and with whom Tom stays during is adjustment to the village prior to seeing his son, Isabelle and Jordan. Tom understands that his son has become Jordan’s adviser and adds his name to those which the authorities are required to look out for an apprehend with caution. Meanwhile Jordan and the others have decided to move back into Seattle. It is time for the grand mission to begin.
Tomorrow and Save it for your Prayers- Duffy
In the Marked we learn that Isabelle was not alone in coming back from the future to scupper the work of the 4400 and the new Promicin takers. Matthew Ross who Isabelle killed and Jordan’s previous advisor and controller of the 4400 centre turns out to be one of the Marked, as the beings from the future are called. A 4400 returnee, ah they still have purpose, a third rate amateur film maker using his friends to make the films is now making films which appear to explain some of the great mysteries such as the assassination of President Kennedy.
Your song and I need you to turn to - Elton John
When Tom and Diana investigate the man goes into hiding so they contact a lawyer who appears to have funded the films. He is in a state fo fear claiming that he man is being pursued by the Marked, his latest project which is to reveal the ten individuals, important beings whose bodies have been taken over by beings from the future. One of these is the present head of the biggest software company in the world and another is a Cardinal adviser to the Pope. However the names of the others have not emerged from the process of writing the scripts for his films
The Bridge and Yellow Brick Road - Elton John
Then Tom is taken away by members of the Government to a special clinic where he is inject behind his ear leaving a mole. They have found that the Software leader ahs a mark behind his ear but different to that of Tom. This occurs after Tom and Diana arranged a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the company to ask if he has had contact with the returning 4400 film maker, as his financial backer has been found dead believed murdered. The two are then confronted by the CEO who effectively admits he is one fo the Marked, on their side and and on the people and therefore they should be supported. We learn that Tom has been chosen to replace the Isabelle killed member, but only as a sleeper until needed.
Don’t go Breaking my Heart -Elton John with Kiki Dee
In Till we have Built Jerusalem Jordan and co have moved into a mile square derelict area of riverside Seattle using an abandoned nuclear shelter as their base until they have transformed the area as a second heaven on earth paradise. They have placed lights around their territory which act as defence wall which no one can penetrate. However the government decide to use their Promicin trained soldier to penetrate the defence and kill Jordan who has announced his mission to the world.
Philadelphia Freedom and Rocket Man - Elton John
Tom and Diana hitch a ride to try and save Kyle and Maia. Maia has been having visions which she draws and paints. The first announces that Jordan is in the City and the second the area where they are located, however before the Unit can work out the area, Jordan announces this and that any attempt to interfere will be met by force. Maia then sees the government assault and goes to assess if Jordan is a good man and should be saved.
Daniel and Crocodile Rock- Elton John
Jordan demonstrates his good intentions by getting one of the Promicin takers to clean up the polluted river into drinking water and where fruit and flowers spring up on the banks. The special forces who have the capacity to become invisible but only if they stand still and to neutralise the defence system enter the new 4400 territory but are immobilized and Jordan uses his special ability to remove the Promicin from the soldiers.
Sacrifice and Can’t you feel the love tonight- Elton John
Jordan has already warned what will happen if the USA government takes offensive action with demonstration “natural” events such as earthquakes, rain storms and the like in areas where there are no populations. Now he is wants to take punitive action but is persuaded by Maia not to do so. Instead he increases the area of the new society, doubling to two miles square of the city.
Sad Song and Your Song- Elton John
with Ronan Keating and Bryan Adams live
Meanwhile Diana and Maia are back on their own, the husband having left on his work assignments. Tom is invited to dinner but only as a friend and then Maia suggests she would like the former boyfriend the Unit geek to visit them again. The unstable and unreliable Diana seems to agree. I would have pensioned her off along with Tom. However the new Unit director is even more unsuitable and seems to have a crush on Tom which eh is unaware off until told by Diana.
Candle in the Wind and The Bitch is Back- Elton John
Meanwhile Shawn is continuing to heal a dozen people a day and try and further his political career. He is attacked by an existing councillor who Miaia has vision will become President and force all the people with special abilities to wear a yellow P on their arms rather like the Jewish star in centre is occupied by Nazi Germany before their extermination. However Shawn is the victim of a honey trap when the daughter of someone he has cured invites him to dinner and into her bed. This is a set up by men from the East who are paying for her education, career and new lifestyle. This and the emergence of Jordan as the new Saviour appears to scuttle Shawn’s political ambitions especially as the Senator backer tells him to withdraw as the media assemble, the story of the one night stand being leaked.
Saturday Night-Elton John
with Anastasia
Further having told Jordan about the threat which the Councillor will have in the future, especially after the man announces he is going to stand for Mayor, the man is struck down and is in hospital in a coma. Shawn blames Jordan who denies any involvement. Shawn admits his human weakness and error but confirms his intention to continue to stand, despite rejection in the opinion polls. He also goes to the hospital and cures the Councillor thus appearing to return the situation to that forecast by Maia. Shaun sees his mission as being of the Grey between the Dark and the Light!
I’m still standing and Don’t let the sun go down on me- Elton John
This brings me nicely to No exit in which all the key players suddenly find themselves brought to the Unit HQ in the middle of the night and under attack- Jordan, Kyle and Isabelle, Shaun, Tom, Diana with Maia and the Unit leader together with the geeks. Only Richard is missing. In the melee which follows first the unit leader is killed and then Shawn. It emerges that one of the geeks who keeps saying, that was not meant to happen, has taken Promicin and his special ability is to create dreams games in which he is able to bring about reconciliation although only when he finds the way out of the dream. He dies just as he is find the way. The group work out the enemy is the building which they must disabled. This involves Tom and Jordan joining hands to act as a conduit for a volt supercharge to override the building, This breaks the dream and everyone returns to where they were before
It has been an unusually good Monday with the highlight the arrival of Sophie Calle’s Take Care of Yourself, which chronicles the response of 107 people, predominantly women, to a dear Jill, E mail which the artist received. It is a sumptuous book full of photographs both matt and glossy plates, I am yet to count, possibly 107 in addition to the written responses, some by hand, there are 4 video CD’s with English subtitles. The Email or perhaps a response is printed in Braille and shorthand. The book therefore has textures as well as visuals and audios and I am leaving until Christmas, it is my Christmas present from me to me, to enjoy.
It was lucky that I was at home having gone out to the Car Body Repair centre as soon as the bin was put out along with environmental box. The purpose was to pay the insurance excess £120 under pressure from the Insurance Broker and the Legal service to proceed with the claim for no fault reimbursement. I took the new annual tax licence with me and was advised that the vehicle would be ready within couple of days. A new petrol cap was required. I missed the turning to the centre not once, but twice. The first time I went on to the infamous Gateshead Roundabout under the fly over and turned right and then right again into the parallel road I had been travelling and then turned right and right but again missed the turning forgetting that it is set back from the roadside and has a boarded former car show room towards the main road, the original show room moving further down the road to impressive new sales premises.
Beautiful Day and I still have not found what I am looking for U.2.
My next trip after briefly examining Take Care of Yourself was to Sunderland to a building Society, not to be confused with a Bank as one couple did during my visit to deposit money transferred from Premium Bonds and add the interest for the previous year.
I had to park on the 8th level of ten although I was pleased to have been able to park at all such is the Monday rush at this time of year. That I could park is perhaps an indication of unseasonal calm before the storm. Just when the army has completed a temporary Bridge to rejoin the town of Workington across its river banks there are more severe weather warnings in the area. It is now called a crossing after the name of the policeman who died in the area
I then went to Fulwell, after a little petrol at Morrisons, to Sainsbury to see if the 25% reduction on a half case of wine was still in operation. I was after some Asti Spumante, a repeat of last year and a case of Peroni as I have only one bottle left from the supply bough last Christmas. They had the Peroni but not the Spumanti. I passed my former home of thirty years on the way back to Shields. I bought copies of the Journal and Shield’s Gazette to see the reaction to Joe gaining a place in the finals of the X Factor. The Gazette has an editorial and well as two page centre spread and a note on the front page.
Pride, With and without you, New Years Day- U2.
I watched two episodes of the 4400 before going to the supermarket for a Christmas buyin which included a bottle of Spumante for Christmas and new Year‘s Days and pieces of Turkey Breast and stuffing which will make a hot meal on the day and cold the day after. A frozen box of Pigs in blankets! I had intended to buy salami but there was no assistant immediately available and I forgot the crackers. Otherwise everything went well with a small pieces of iced Christmas cake, some specialist cheese, two individual Christmas puddings. I hope to get in some puff pastry mince pies just beforehand rather than the traditional pastry version. Two bags of walnuts -going back to the neighbour’s tree across from where I lived for the first ten years of my life and a further supply of boxed dates. I need some Queen olives and prawns. I stocked up with tinned veg but forgot the frozen roast potatoes. A good supply of fruit should last till the weekend and I did not forget the milk having enjoyed, surprisingly, a cup of black coffee on return from Gateshead.
Streets with no name, Stuck in a moment, Sweetest thing, Where the Streets have no name-U2
The second highlight of the day was not the episodes of the 4400 but Babylon 5 episode 20, Babylon Squared in which Delenn is called back to homeworld for a meeting of the Grey Council, so called as holding the balance between the dark and the light and where she is surprised to find that the Council has been holding informal discussions in her absence to decide on the next leader, her. This would mean holding court in the Great Hall for the rest of her life, not returning to Babylon 5 to oversee the implementation of the Great Prophecy. She takes the unusual and controversial decision to decline the honour which could mean banishment from her position on the Council.
Sunday Bloody Sunday, Too late- U2
Meanwhile back on the station a distress signal has been heard from.... Babylon 4 which disappeared with its skeleton crew and builders in total some 1250, given that the present small city size population of 250000 on Babylon 5. The Commander and Garibaldi go off to investigate and find the station has been flipping between times so that the occupants have no idea that four years have elapsed and they were thought to have disappeared without trace. Everyone is evacuated in five shuttles trips. Meanwhile Sinclair finds an alien who is trying to contact- The One. The purpose of the alient to take the biggest of the Bablyon Station through time to help The One in Great War to come. At first he thinks Commander Sinclair is The one a human in a space suit who arrives and the alien gives up something to him. a Time stabiliiser which will also help in the Great War. Commander Sinclair attempts to greet the new arrival but is thrown back by a force. Having completed the mission the alien says he is to die whether he is to stay on the ghost station -Marie Celeste likle or leave with Commander back to Babylon 5. The programme ends as the human in the space suit removes his helmet having taken charge of station the stabilizing device. It is another Commander Sinclair, older!
One, Walk on, Desire, Sometimes you can’t make It, The Saints are coming -U2
In contrast the X files episode had no grand design and concerned a woman whose mother was murdered bring her birth forward. The young woman is blind but the principal suspect in two murders which required sight to carry out although Mulder is convinced she not guilty but shielding the murderer.
Rockferry and Warwick Avenue- Duffy
It transpires she has been able to see the murders through the eyes of the killer and that she was only present at the scenes astrally in an attempt to prevent further killing. Eventually Mulder proves she is innocent and gains her support to capture the actual killer, the man who murdered her mother, and who has been recently paroled from prison. It is her father.
Serious and Stepping Stone- Duffy
And so to episodes 5 to 8 of the final season of the 4400 which continues to disappoint and lack the Wow factor of Babylon Five and some episodes of the X Files. Each season of Lost also brings its revelations as the whole unfolds. We appear to have completing switched from the activities of the 4400 to those who have taken the Promicin originally manufactured by Isabelle. During the four episodes we learn that anyone who has taken the shot is able to manufacture further quantities thus the supply can become unlimited and in effect half the world can develop special abilities and half die. At present those taking the shot are mainly adults who have reached a crisis point in their lives and no reason to continue. However it does include a school boy who has lost his parents in road accident.
Syrup and Honey, Hanging On Too Long - Duffy,
In Try the Pie Tom goes off in search of Kyle who has been led to where Jordan Collier has been hiding and finds him in deserted mine with a bevy of bodyguards. Tom stops off at a local diner and is greeted warmly by local citizens including the Sheriff and is recommended to take food including the special apple pie which he is told has special ingredients. Apple Pie in the USA is like Fish and Chips in the UK where the differences between requires careful study, along with pasta sauces in Italy and Italian America. How Tom manages to get in the same area is a puzzle.
Delayed devotion and I’m sacred- Duffy
Tom stops for petrol and recognises Kyle’s Car when he goes to find an assistant and there is no petrol in the pumps. Tom realises something is not right and it is not. The village is full of special ability Promcin takers and his persistence leaves him to being captured.
Distant Dreamer- Duffy
Meanwhile Kyle has convinced Jordan about the book and the mission. Isabelle who has accompanied Kyle is also freed while Jordan take in the idea that he is to bring heaven on earth, to show the face of God by the new Promicin takers. Given his Jesus appearance this is not a surprise. Kyle explains that his father is the last name on the list of 200 people whose taking of the shot will change the world. Jordan says he will not force the drug on anyone even if Kyle is certain his father will survive and is part of the grand plan. However while he nearly goes ahead, he relents and Tom comes to in the deserted village. There is no sign of the Promicin takers. In between om has taken the a portion of the apple pie and enjoys the pleasant memories of the villages and one of his own which bonds everyone together. It is the special ability of the the woman who runs the diner and with whom Tom stays during is adjustment to the village prior to seeing his son, Isabelle and Jordan. Tom understands that his son has become Jordan’s adviser and adds his name to those which the authorities are required to look out for an apprehend with caution. Meanwhile Jordan and the others have decided to move back into Seattle. It is time for the grand mission to begin.
Tomorrow and Save it for your Prayers- Duffy
In the Marked we learn that Isabelle was not alone in coming back from the future to scupper the work of the 4400 and the new Promicin takers. Matthew Ross who Isabelle killed and Jordan’s previous advisor and controller of the 4400 centre turns out to be one of the Marked, as the beings from the future are called. A 4400 returnee, ah they still have purpose, a third rate amateur film maker using his friends to make the films is now making films which appear to explain some of the great mysteries such as the assassination of President Kennedy.
Your song and I need you to turn to - Elton John
When Tom and Diana investigate the man goes into hiding so they contact a lawyer who appears to have funded the films. He is in a state fo fear claiming that he man is being pursued by the Marked, his latest project which is to reveal the ten individuals, important beings whose bodies have been taken over by beings from the future. One of these is the present head of the biggest software company in the world and another is a Cardinal adviser to the Pope. However the names of the others have not emerged from the process of writing the scripts for his films
The Bridge and Yellow Brick Road - Elton John
Then Tom is taken away by members of the Government to a special clinic where he is inject behind his ear leaving a mole. They have found that the Software leader ahs a mark behind his ear but different to that of Tom. This occurs after Tom and Diana arranged a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the company to ask if he has had contact with the returning 4400 film maker, as his financial backer has been found dead believed murdered. The two are then confronted by the CEO who effectively admits he is one fo the Marked, on their side and and on the people and therefore they should be supported. We learn that Tom has been chosen to replace the Isabelle killed member, but only as a sleeper until needed.
Don’t go Breaking my Heart -Elton John with Kiki Dee
In Till we have Built Jerusalem Jordan and co have moved into a mile square derelict area of riverside Seattle using an abandoned nuclear shelter as their base until they have transformed the area as a second heaven on earth paradise. They have placed lights around their territory which act as defence wall which no one can penetrate. However the government decide to use their Promicin trained soldier to penetrate the defence and kill Jordan who has announced his mission to the world.
Philadelphia Freedom and Rocket Man - Elton John
Tom and Diana hitch a ride to try and save Kyle and Maia. Maia has been having visions which she draws and paints. The first announces that Jordan is in the City and the second the area where they are located, however before the Unit can work out the area, Jordan announces this and that any attempt to interfere will be met by force. Maia then sees the government assault and goes to assess if Jordan is a good man and should be saved.
Daniel and Crocodile Rock- Elton John
Jordan demonstrates his good intentions by getting one of the Promicin takers to clean up the polluted river into drinking water and where fruit and flowers spring up on the banks. The special forces who have the capacity to become invisible but only if they stand still and to neutralise the defence system enter the new 4400 territory but are immobilized and Jordan uses his special ability to remove the Promicin from the soldiers.
Sacrifice and Can’t you feel the love tonight- Elton John
Jordan has already warned what will happen if the USA government takes offensive action with demonstration “natural” events such as earthquakes, rain storms and the like in areas where there are no populations. Now he is wants to take punitive action but is persuaded by Maia not to do so. Instead he increases the area of the new society, doubling to two miles square of the city.
Sad Song and Your Song- Elton John
with Ronan Keating and Bryan Adams live
Meanwhile Diana and Maia are back on their own, the husband having left on his work assignments. Tom is invited to dinner but only as a friend and then Maia suggests she would like the former boyfriend the Unit geek to visit them again. The unstable and unreliable Diana seems to agree. I would have pensioned her off along with Tom. However the new Unit director is even more unsuitable and seems to have a crush on Tom which eh is unaware off until told by Diana.
Candle in the Wind and The Bitch is Back- Elton John
Meanwhile Shawn is continuing to heal a dozen people a day and try and further his political career. He is attacked by an existing councillor who Miaia has vision will become President and force all the people with special abilities to wear a yellow P on their arms rather like the Jewish star in centre is occupied by Nazi Germany before their extermination. However Shawn is the victim of a honey trap when the daughter of someone he has cured invites him to dinner and into her bed. This is a set up by men from the East who are paying for her education, career and new lifestyle. This and the emergence of Jordan as the new Saviour appears to scuttle Shawn’s political ambitions especially as the Senator backer tells him to withdraw as the media assemble, the story of the one night stand being leaked.
Saturday Night-Elton John
with Anastasia
Further having told Jordan about the threat which the Councillor will have in the future, especially after the man announces he is going to stand for Mayor, the man is struck down and is in hospital in a coma. Shawn blames Jordan who denies any involvement. Shawn admits his human weakness and error but confirms his intention to continue to stand, despite rejection in the opinion polls. He also goes to the hospital and cures the Councillor thus appearing to return the situation to that forecast by Maia. Shaun sees his mission as being of the Grey between the Dark and the Light!
I’m still standing and Don’t let the sun go down on me- Elton John
This brings me nicely to No exit in which all the key players suddenly find themselves brought to the Unit HQ in the middle of the night and under attack- Jordan, Kyle and Isabelle, Shaun, Tom, Diana with Maia and the Unit leader together with the geeks. Only Richard is missing. In the melee which follows first the unit leader is killed and then Shawn. It emerges that one of the geeks who keeps saying, that was not meant to happen, has taken Promicin and his special ability is to create dreams games in which he is able to bring about reconciliation although only when he finds the way out of the dream. He dies just as he is find the way. The group work out the enemy is the building which they must disabled. This involves Tom and Jordan joining hands to act as a conduit for a volt supercharge to override the building, This breaks the dream and everyone returns to where they were before
It has been an unusually good Monday with the highlight the arrival of Sophie Calle’s Take Care of Yourself, which chronicles the response of 107 people, predominantly women, to a dear Jill, E mail which the artist received. It is a sumptuous book full of photographs both matt and glossy plates, I am yet to count, possibly 107 in addition to the written responses, some by hand, there are 4 video CD’s with English subtitles. The Email or perhaps a response is printed in Braille and shorthand. The book therefore has textures as well as visuals and audios and I am leaving until Christmas, it is my Christmas present from me to me, to enjoy.
It was lucky that I was at home having gone out to the Car Body Repair centre as soon as the bin was put out along with environmental box. The purpose was to pay the insurance excess £120 under pressure from the Insurance Broker and the Legal service to proceed with the claim for no fault reimbursement. I took the new annual tax licence with me and was advised that the vehicle would be ready within couple of days. A new petrol cap was required. I missed the turning to the centre not once, but twice. The first time I went on to the infamous Gateshead Roundabout under the fly over and turned right and then right again into the parallel road I had been travelling and then turned right and right but again missed the turning forgetting that it is set back from the roadside and has a boarded former car show room towards the main road, the original show room moving further down the road to impressive new sales premises.
Beautiful Day and I still have not found what I am looking for U.2.
My next trip after briefly examining Take Care of Yourself was to Sunderland to a building Society, not to be confused with a Bank as one couple did during my visit to deposit money transferred from Premium Bonds and add the interest for the previous year.
I had to park on the 8th level of ten although I was pleased to have been able to park at all such is the Monday rush at this time of year. That I could park is perhaps an indication of unseasonal calm before the storm. Just when the army has completed a temporary Bridge to rejoin the town of Workington across its river banks there are more severe weather warnings in the area. It is now called a crossing after the name of the policeman who died in the area
I then went to Fulwell, after a little petrol at Morrisons, to Sainsbury to see if the 25% reduction on a half case of wine was still in operation. I was after some Asti Spumante, a repeat of last year and a case of Peroni as I have only one bottle left from the supply bough last Christmas. They had the Peroni but not the Spumanti. I passed my former home of thirty years on the way back to Shields. I bought copies of the Journal and Shield’s Gazette to see the reaction to Joe gaining a place in the finals of the X Factor. The Gazette has an editorial and well as two page centre spread and a note on the front page.
Pride, With and without you, New Years Day- U2.
I watched two episodes of the 4400 before going to the supermarket for a Christmas buyin which included a bottle of Spumante for Christmas and new Year‘s Days and pieces of Turkey Breast and stuffing which will make a hot meal on the day and cold the day after. A frozen box of Pigs in blankets! I had intended to buy salami but there was no assistant immediately available and I forgot the crackers. Otherwise everything went well with a small pieces of iced Christmas cake, some specialist cheese, two individual Christmas puddings. I hope to get in some puff pastry mince pies just beforehand rather than the traditional pastry version. Two bags of walnuts -going back to the neighbour’s tree across from where I lived for the first ten years of my life and a further supply of boxed dates. I need some Queen olives and prawns. I stocked up with tinned veg but forgot the frozen roast potatoes. A good supply of fruit should last till the weekend and I did not forget the milk having enjoyed, surprisingly, a cup of black coffee on return from Gateshead.
Streets with no name, Stuck in a moment, Sweetest thing, Where the Streets have no name-U2
The second highlight of the day was not the episodes of the 4400 but Babylon 5 episode 20, Babylon Squared in which Delenn is called back to homeworld for a meeting of the Grey Council, so called as holding the balance between the dark and the light and where she is surprised to find that the Council has been holding informal discussions in her absence to decide on the next leader, her. This would mean holding court in the Great Hall for the rest of her life, not returning to Babylon 5 to oversee the implementation of the Great Prophecy. She takes the unusual and controversial decision to decline the honour which could mean banishment from her position on the Council.
Sunday Bloody Sunday, Too late- U2
Meanwhile back on the station a distress signal has been heard from.... Babylon 4 which disappeared with its skeleton crew and builders in total some 1250, given that the present small city size population of 250000 on Babylon 5. The Commander and Garibaldi go off to investigate and find the station has been flipping between times so that the occupants have no idea that four years have elapsed and they were thought to have disappeared without trace. Everyone is evacuated in five shuttles trips. Meanwhile Sinclair finds an alien who is trying to contact- The One. The purpose of the alient to take the biggest of the Bablyon Station through time to help The One in Great War to come. At first he thinks Commander Sinclair is The one a human in a space suit who arrives and the alien gives up something to him. a Time stabiliiser which will also help in the Great War. Commander Sinclair attempts to greet the new arrival but is thrown back by a force. Having completed the mission the alien says he is to die whether he is to stay on the ghost station -Marie Celeste likle or leave with Commander back to Babylon 5. The programme ends as the human in the space suit removes his helmet having taken charge of station the stabilizing device. It is another Commander Sinclair, older!
One, Walk on, Desire, Sometimes you can’t make It, The Saints are coming -U2
In contrast the X files episode had no grand design and concerned a woman whose mother was murdered bring her birth forward. The young woman is blind but the principal suspect in two murders which required sight to carry out although Mulder is convinced she not guilty but shielding the murderer.
Rockferry and Warwick Avenue- Duffy
It transpires she has been able to see the murders through the eyes of the killer and that she was only present at the scenes astrally in an attempt to prevent further killing. Eventually Mulder proves she is innocent and gains her support to capture the actual killer, the man who murdered her mother, and who has been recently paroled from prison. It is her father.
Serious and Stepping Stone- Duffy
And so to episodes 5 to 8 of the final season of the 4400 which continues to disappoint and lack the Wow factor of Babylon Five and some episodes of the X Files. Each season of Lost also brings its revelations as the whole unfolds. We appear to have completing switched from the activities of the 4400 to those who have taken the Promicin originally manufactured by Isabelle. During the four episodes we learn that anyone who has taken the shot is able to manufacture further quantities thus the supply can become unlimited and in effect half the world can develop special abilities and half die. At present those taking the shot are mainly adults who have reached a crisis point in their lives and no reason to continue. However it does include a school boy who has lost his parents in road accident.
Syrup and Honey, Hanging On Too Long - Duffy,
In Try the Pie Tom goes off in search of Kyle who has been led to where Jordan Collier has been hiding and finds him in deserted mine with a bevy of bodyguards. Tom stops off at a local diner and is greeted warmly by local citizens including the Sheriff and is recommended to take food including the special apple pie which he is told has special ingredients. Apple Pie in the USA is like Fish and Chips in the UK where the differences between requires careful study, along with pasta sauces in Italy and Italian America. How Tom manages to get in the same area is a puzzle.
Delayed devotion and I’m sacred- Duffy
Tom stops for petrol and recognises Kyle’s Car when he goes to find an assistant and there is no petrol in the pumps. Tom realises something is not right and it is not. The village is full of special ability Promcin takers and his persistence leaves him to being captured.
Distant Dreamer- Duffy
Meanwhile Kyle has convinced Jordan about the book and the mission. Isabelle who has accompanied Kyle is also freed while Jordan take in the idea that he is to bring heaven on earth, to show the face of God by the new Promicin takers. Given his Jesus appearance this is not a surprise. Kyle explains that his father is the last name on the list of 200 people whose taking of the shot will change the world. Jordan says he will not force the drug on anyone even if Kyle is certain his father will survive and is part of the grand plan. However while he nearly goes ahead, he relents and Tom comes to in the deserted village. There is no sign of the Promicin takers. In between om has taken the a portion of the apple pie and enjoys the pleasant memories of the villages and one of his own which bonds everyone together. It is the special ability of the the woman who runs the diner and with whom Tom stays during is adjustment to the village prior to seeing his son, Isabelle and Jordan. Tom understands that his son has become Jordan’s adviser and adds his name to those which the authorities are required to look out for an apprehend with caution. Meanwhile Jordan and the others have decided to move back into Seattle. It is time for the grand mission to begin.
Tomorrow and Save it for your Prayers- Duffy
In the Marked we learn that Isabelle was not alone in coming back from the future to scupper the work of the 4400 and the new Promicin takers. Matthew Ross who Isabelle killed and Jordan’s previous advisor and controller of the 4400 centre turns out to be one of the Marked, as the beings from the future are called. A 4400 returnee, ah they still have purpose, a third rate amateur film maker using his friends to make the films is now making films which appear to explain some of the great mysteries such as the assassination of President Kennedy.
Your song and I need you to turn to - Elton John
When Tom and Diana investigate the man goes into hiding so they contact a lawyer who appears to have funded the films. He is in a state fo fear claiming that he man is being pursued by the Marked, his latest project which is to reveal the ten individuals, important beings whose bodies have been taken over by beings from the future. One of these is the present head of the biggest software company in the world and another is a Cardinal adviser to the Pope. However the names of the others have not emerged from the process of writing the scripts for his films
The Bridge and Yellow Brick Road - Elton John
Then Tom is taken away by members of the Government to a special clinic where he is inject behind his ear leaving a mole. They have found that the Software leader ahs a mark behind his ear but different to that of Tom. This occurs after Tom and Diana arranged a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of the company to ask if he has had contact with the returning 4400 film maker, as his financial backer has been found dead believed murdered. The two are then confronted by the CEO who effectively admits he is one fo the Marked, on their side and and on the people and therefore they should be supported. We learn that Tom has been chosen to replace the Isabelle killed member, but only as a sleeper until needed.
Don’t go Breaking my Heart -Elton John with Kiki Dee
In Till we have Built Jerusalem Jordan and co have moved into a mile square derelict area of riverside Seattle using an abandoned nuclear shelter as their base until they have transformed the area as a second heaven on earth paradise. They have placed lights around their territory which act as defence wall which no one can penetrate. However the government decide to use their Promicin trained soldier to penetrate the defence and kill Jordan who has announced his mission to the world.
Philadelphia Freedom and Rocket Man - Elton John
Tom and Diana hitch a ride to try and save Kyle and Maia. Maia has been having visions which she draws and paints. The first announces that Jordan is in the City and the second the area where they are located, however before the Unit can work out the area, Jordan announces this and that any attempt to interfere will be met by force. Maia then sees the government assault and goes to assess if Jordan is a good man and should be saved.
Daniel and Crocodile Rock- Elton John
Jordan demonstrates his good intentions by getting one of the Promicin takers to clean up the polluted river into drinking water and where fruit and flowers spring up on the banks. The special forces who have the capacity to become invisible but only if they stand still and to neutralise the defence system enter the new 4400 territory but are immobilized and Jordan uses his special ability to remove the Promicin from the soldiers.
Sacrifice and Can’t you feel the love tonight- Elton John
Jordan has already warned what will happen if the USA government takes offensive action with demonstration “natural” events such as earthquakes, rain storms and the like in areas where there are no populations. Now he is wants to take punitive action but is persuaded by Maia not to do so. Instead he increases the area of the new society, doubling to two miles square of the city.
Sad Song and Your Song- Elton John
with Ronan Keating and Bryan Adams live
Meanwhile Diana and Maia are back on their own, the husband having left on his work assignments. Tom is invited to dinner but only as a friend and then Maia suggests she would like the former boyfriend the Unit geek to visit them again. The unstable and unreliable Diana seems to agree. I would have pensioned her off along with Tom. However the new Unit director is even more unsuitable and seems to have a crush on Tom which eh is unaware off until told by Diana.
Candle in the Wind and The Bitch is Back- Elton John
Meanwhile Shawn is continuing to heal a dozen people a day and try and further his political career. He is attacked by an existing councillor who Miaia has vision will become President and force all the people with special abilities to wear a yellow P on their arms rather like the Jewish star in centre is occupied by Nazi Germany before their extermination. However Shawn is the victim of a honey trap when the daughter of someone he has cured invites him to dinner and into her bed. This is a set up by men from the East who are paying for her education, career and new lifestyle. This and the emergence of Jordan as the new Saviour appears to scuttle Shawn’s political ambitions especially as the Senator backer tells him to withdraw as the media assemble, the story of the one night stand being leaked.
Saturday Night-Elton John
with Anastasia
Further having told Jordan about the threat which the Councillor will have in the future, especially after the man announces he is going to stand for Mayor, the man is struck down and is in hospital in a coma. Shawn blames Jordan who denies any involvement. Shawn admits his human weakness and error but confirms his intention to continue to stand, despite rejection in the opinion polls. He also goes to the hospital and cures the Councillor thus appearing to return the situation to that forecast by Maia. Shaun sees his mission as being of the Grey between the Dark and the Light!
I’m still standing and Don’t let the sun go down on me- Elton John
This brings me nicely to No exit in which all the key players suddenly find themselves brought to the Unit HQ in the middle of the night and under attack- Jordan, Kyle and Isabelle, Shaun, Tom, Diana with Maia and the Unit leader together with the geeks. Only Richard is missing. In the melee which follows first the unit leader is killed and then Shawn. It emerges that one of the geeks who keeps saying, that was not meant to happen, has taken Promicin and his special ability is to create dreams games in which he is able to bring about reconciliation although only when he finds the way out of the dream. He dies just as he is find the way. The group work out the enemy is the building which they must disabled. This involves Tom and Jordan joining hands to act as a conduit for a volt supercharge to override the building, This breaks the dream and everyone returns to where they were before
1841 4400 ends, Babylon 5 Season 1 ends and X files disappoints
The 4400 is over. I do not say completed but I would be surprised if there was any continuation now the actors and production team has dispersed and given the way the final episode ended. It ended more satisfying than I had been left to believe but I believe there was a possibility that had public demand been greater and ratings higher then another season may have emerged.
Tuesday December 8th 2009 began well and early although the dreams had not been pleasant and I woke for the third time feeling I needed to have slept for longer. I wrote, or more accurately rewrote on going downstairs and did not breakfast until after nine. Then the planned day changed with a phone to call announce that the car was ready for collection. I decided first finish the writing and then packed up and made my way, listening to the BBC Newcastle which was interviewing a couple from Jarrow who won £2.7 million in the National Lottery North East two years. The husband in his early sixties had been made redundant and then worked for a local supermarket on the fruit and vegetable counter. They had switched channels after watching the Bill at nine o’clock and when the numbers came up the husband realised he had them within in his two lines but it was only when checking on the Teletext he realised he had the winning six and a share of the jackpot estimated at £2.7 million.
The coupled had commented at the time that if there were ten winners that would be £270000, a fortune given their circumstances. They had phoned their daughter and then the National Lottery live after getting out a magnifying glass to make sure they had the telephone number. The husband had not been able to speak and needed a tot of brandy and they had then spent the night giggling. The following day they were taken to a National Lottery Office in Liverpool for the ticket to be verified and then a local bank manager came with the checked to arrange to pay it into the bank of their choice.
I was so intent on listening to the interview that I went past the turning off the Newcastle Road to the Car Body Care centre and then taking the left turn, did I really say right and right yesterday, and on merry go round first reaching the metro station and then going around a housing estate , but worse was to come because the road I then took, instead of reaching the Newcastle Road once more went under it and into the large industrial area North towards the riverside and on a route I had never had cause to previously travel. There was nothing more to do than to reverse. Collecting the car and checking in the hire car only took a couple of minutes, The replacement lockable petrol cap means an additional key. The back shelf cover was no long automatic. The drivers rear door still has locking and unlocking problems but appears to work. The most disappointing aspect was that the front paint scratch was unattended. I suspected this was the position given the problems created by what had happened. I decided to take the vehicle as it was It is a box on wheels compared to the rounded lines of the courtesy car with its radio controls on the steering wheel. If I ever win the lottery! I once was in position to have a monster saloon complete with air conditioning, which was a bonus on a trip to the South of France. The experience appeared destined not to last, there is no free lunch, there is always the downside for every upside and of an overall accumulation for everyone individually and collectively.
The 4400 has ended and a review of some of the extras confirms what I thought all along. There was only a flimsy storyline in the beginning and the 4400 was a number selected because it sounded good, with original title such as The Bright Light. The writers accept they switched from developing the main theme from stories about the returning 4400 to the idea of the Promicin being able to bring out special abilities any people. And from being produced only by Isabelle for the government at 17000 doses sufficient for 3 years for a small unit of specially trainee soldiers 20 reduce to 10 through the fifty fifty, to any individual having taken the shot and survived being able to produce unlimited supplies and someone developing the ability to distribute the power as a viral infection thus creating the situation where half the popular die and half develop special abilities. This changed the master plan to affecting the future in a positive way to creating a new super people state and the debateable proposition that the powers would collectively be put to good use.
The final episodes and the end pieces also confirms my feeling that the writers became bogged down in trying to find new abilities which might interest the public and make a storybook. In the closing moments the director of the unit develops the ability to turn a pen into a flower, what a power and social significance when compared to the lass that is able to transform a polluted river into drinking water. There is admission in the extras that this was a filler moment and that having moved away from individual stories centring on the special abilities they were interested in showing new abilities within the budget and decision to end the series by attempting to answer the various questions which the Fourth season had posed. I suspect the writers intentionally left the door open raising several questions in case another season was commissioned. So how did it all end.
It begins with a diversion. In Daddy’s Little Girl I was unsure why the story had been written except to bring back Richard and his wife to play happy families with a young and innocent Isabelle. Surely not? Richard kidnaps Isabelle disclosing that he has been staying with 4400 returnees and he is back to regain contact with his daughter. However he has a secret plan which involves kidnapping Isabelle and getting her to drink water prepared by another returnee that can reverse the aging process. She is taken back to her babyhood before the transformation and then his wife is added. This however lasts only a brief period of time and he realises he has taken away Isabelle’s personality and arranged for her to return to being a young woman but still Promicin free and allergic. However this all a fiendish plot of the future or at least some of them!
It will be remembered that Tom was taken to a special clinic by the government and given an injection which is to turn him into one of the Marked, beings from the future who take over the bodies of prominent people in the world in order to prevent others from the future helping to change the present in such a way to prevent the catastrophe of the future. In One of Us the change takes place and Tom learn who the others of the Marked are, and surprise surprise one is the boss of Homeland Security who comes to the Seattle area with bodyguards to overseas the response to the 4400, the re-emergence of Jordan Collier and the Promicin takers One of Tom‘s early assignment is to kill the man with the ability to solve past assassination riddles and who thought he could identify the Marked. Another is to stop Maia having visions so Tom injects her with the Promicin suppressant and Maia gets sick. He has already commenced an affair with the new boss of the Seattle based 4400 monitoring unit, and she like Diana has seen and enjoyed La Dolce Vita, thus indicating what, I believe nothing other than one of the writers liked the film or the company agreed to a product placement which is all the fashion these days in terms of maximising income and profit. However Diana and his boss become suspicious.
Meanwhile Doc Burkoff is close to working out how to identify those who will die if they take Promicin and Shawn goes on the box to alert folks that they should hang fire as the forecaster will be available within weeks. This does not suit Jordan and Kyle who want the world to become just Promicin Positives with the rest dying away, literally. They kidnap Burkoff. Richard having lost his wife again and arranged for the conversion of Isabelle back into a young woman is captured and confined in the Government and Isabelle is made Promicin Positive by the Marked and given all her old powers back with her first assignment the capture of Jordan Collier.
Ghost in the Machine is another divertissement. Maia is given a great birthday present from the power to take people back to times when they were happy. She is taken back to her parents or more accurately her parents are brought to her. The main story of Ghost in the Machine is a man who wants revenge on the Software corporation headed by another of the Marked. The man has suffered a stroke and is on a life support system but gains the special power to manipulate markets after taking the Promicin. When Tom, now of the Marked, finds out the information and passes it on to the CEO of the software company, they agree the culprit must be stopped. When the family fails to cooperate Tom crashes his vehicle to cause the systems failure of the life support system and the man dies thus bringing the system back to normal. In reactivating Isabelle a fail safe device has also been fitted which will kill her if she disobeys and fails to carry out instructions.
In the penultimate episode- Tiny Machines, Diana and the unit boss work out how to neutralise the Marked with Tom. This involves killing him with a radiation dosage and using Shawn to revive. First they need to capture Tom and for this they enlist the help of Maia who pretends to be helping Tom by saying that she had mislead him by not saying she had a vision in which Diana has gun and is about to kill Tom.
So we come to the Great Leap Forward in which what happens in the separate storylines is interwoven to create the grand climax.
The catalyst is Shawn’s brother who has taken the Promicin on finding out from Burkoff that he has a 90% plus chance of not being rejected. However his special power is to be able to give people Promicin in the form of an airborne virus, thus half the population in his immediate vicinity gain special powers whether they like it or not and the other half die. The young man only realises this when his mother gets sick and is taken to the local hospital where the 50:50 killing starts. The virus has no effect on those with Promicin already and Diana and Dr Burkoff because of his separate Promicin making experiment are also immune. The younger brother then seeks Shawn’s help and with Burkoff’s help and that of Diana works out that the reason she rejected the shot was because of a body constituted immunity and which fortunately for the world is already manufactured as a health supplement and in branded medications which means that the population can be protected either from unwittingly gaining special powers or its side effect of death!
Thus we have a situation it will be possible for everyone to be tested if they wish to determine if they are able to take Promicin without the likelihood of the side effect, or take an inexpensive over the counter drug to prevent the effects of the wonder drug if they are unwittingly exposed. People therefore have the choice to remain as they are or find out if they have special powers. Obviously this is one of the great flaws in the whole series- the random nature of special abilities which given the way the goodies and baddies of the future are able to control in other ways is obvious nonsense. It should have been one or the other and this reflects the lack of an overall series integrity and the admission by the writers that they switched between the final season outline, ideas development and the requirements of the network and their paymasters.
The reason for the capture of Jordan is to turn him into the Marked and therefore to betray and destroy the mission movement he has created. Isabelle having completed her part believes she is then free to join Richard who The Marked have promised to arrange his release from prison. However back at the ranch Kyle has taken over the leadership of the movement and is working with Shawn and Diana to bring order to the City while the authorities ensure everyone has the antidote and also work out how to cope with a city half full of people with special abilities- they become abilities if they are positive developments and powers if they are negative (My terminology). However faced with killing the man she has come to love, (I know I forgot to mention this development), she cannot go through with her assignment knowing that to fail will end her life. Therefore she atones for her earlier behaviour with self sacrifice.
Meanwhile Tom decides that he will pretend to remain of the Marked and seek to free Jordan and learn what his former colleagues are still up to. However he gives his game away on learning that Isabelle has been sent off to kill his son, and is captured by the National Intelligence leader, who in turn has told the head of the software company his use in the adopted role has ended and he kills himself to enable the being to be transferred to another. Jordan is kept alive for the full conversion after Isabelle has carried out her mission and Tom is kept alive so the Mark can find out how he managed to shake off the implanted being. Isabelle having decided not to kill Kyle comes to rescue and manages to dispose of the National Intelligence Director and her bodyguards before she also dies.
There is a moving last scene where Tom, Kyle and Shawn’s attend the funeral of the younger brother and Shawn’s mother. It is not clear what happens to the body of Isabelle or her incarcerated father, although there is a photo of him among the final stills. Before the solution to the Promicin virus is discovered it enters the Unit centre killing half of those present but the former boyfriend of Diana survives and he develops the ability to travel to places and situations he likes in photographs. There is the suggestion he will make it again with Diana and play happy families with Maia. Tom will play happy families with the head of the Unit having discarded his former wife and Alana.
Jordan with Kyle his right and left arm adviser and instructing interpreter of the new bible take over the running of the city which in the final shot is to have become Promisc City. Diana worries about what will happen and Maia does not reassure her by saying we will be in charge and it will be better.
There are lots of questions left such how will it all work out. Will beings from the future still try and intervene in Seattle and the world as it changes? Even if the current batch of the Marked are dead as Tom gives their names to Jordan as a thank you parting gift will another group come back from the future? Will Tom take the shot which his son gives to him in another of the final scenes? Given that we know of the random nature of the special powers and that they can be used negatively and harmfully as well as positively will the Government of the USA stand back? Will the powers be given to third world countries and to presently opposing political systems and religions for example?
Midweek also saw the final episode of the first season Babylon 5 and this was much more satisfying. On Tuesday the episode concentrated on the relationship of the good station medical director who started to run a free clinic among the poorer classes of station revealing the ship liner construction with the ambassadors and other influentials occupying the higher levels and the chancers and adventurers the underclass inability the bowels of the station.
On Wednesday, Garibaldi the station security Chief learns of a plot to kill someone important. Although Garibaldi learns that the plot is to kill the President who is travelling in Earth Force One and informs station Commander Sinclair it is too late as the communication system is jammed and the plane explodes. The Vice President has managed to escape and is sworn in. The explosion is described as an accident and although Sinclair attempts to provide the evidence to the contrary he is blocked and the information disregarded. However this is a minor part of the big picture.
The final episode of the first season began with Ambassador Mollari of the Narns and Ambassador G’Kar of the Centauri arguing over territory and violations before a meeting the Council. Mollari is accusing the Centauri with G’Kar denies when in fact Mollari has been persuaded to create an incident which will lead him to be regarded as a hero. G’Kar returns to his home world to find out what is what and tells his assistant that there is someone else out there.
Mollari does not know is that he is being used by a master race to ferment dissent between the civilizations who are members of the Babylon 5 Council. The mysterious race have no obvious solid physical form, thus we are introduced to the Shadows. Mollari is beside himself on learning that 10000 Narns have died. There were 9000 deaths in Seattle from the Promicin virus.
Commander Sinclair proposes marriage to his girlfriend. Delenn intervenes indirectly to say she needs to tell him what happened to him on the Minbari ship, (I thought he had been taken back to the home planet) and why as a consequence her race had surrendered to the Earth Alliance when they were at the point of victory. She has a meeting with Ambassador Kosh after her assistant makes preliminary contact on her behalf. Kosh reveals himself to Delenn and she tells him he will not see her again in her existing state. Kosh tells Commander Sinclair that “It begins,” and then reminds Sinclair that he has forgotten what happened to him on the Minbari ship. When Delenn tries to explain what happened Sinclair decides to take a rain check and go in search of Garibaldi who is found shot in the back, by his traitorous assistant, When Ivanova is seen watching the good doctor trying to save Garibaldi’s life she is joined by Ambassador Mollari who expresses concern and a wish to remain on watch with her. We know his motives are not what they seem.
Delenn can wait no longer and enters a cocoon Chrysalis. The episode is called Chrysalis but attaches a device with the information for Sinclair about what happened and his part of the Great prophecy. Sinclair’s last words in the episode and season are “Nothing is the same anymore” Thus the episode is packed with crucial development as part of the master plan and leaving the audience eagerly awaiting the second season. I have not checked if season two begins tomorrow or we have to await until the New Year. Such is life and there is so much to do before my next trip.
The X files last two episodes do not have a summary available on Wikipedia which says a lot for their value. In All Souls Sculley investigates the death of Catholic children and this brings her into Catholic mythology, monsters and devils as well as angels on a mission. In the Pine Bluff variant Sculley suspects Mulder is up to no good until being told he is participating in a deep cover special mission. The bottom line is that the USA government is experimenting with a killer biological agent which can kill anyone locally without remaining in the atmosphere through aerosol can. I failed to understand the double bluffs and complex involvement of the government.
Things were much simpler in Spooks which I will leave until Friday when the next episode is also being shown. It is a top notch spy series. Wednesday was also a good day in arranging to get the car sorted and listening to PMQ’s and then seeing the Autumn financial statement being delivered to an excited House of Commons.
Tuesday December 8th 2009 began well and early although the dreams had not been pleasant and I woke for the third time feeling I needed to have slept for longer. I wrote, or more accurately rewrote on going downstairs and did not breakfast until after nine. Then the planned day changed with a phone to call announce that the car was ready for collection. I decided first finish the writing and then packed up and made my way, listening to the BBC Newcastle which was interviewing a couple from Jarrow who won £2.7 million in the National Lottery North East two years. The husband in his early sixties had been made redundant and then worked for a local supermarket on the fruit and vegetable counter. They had switched channels after watching the Bill at nine o’clock and when the numbers came up the husband realised he had them within in his two lines but it was only when checking on the Teletext he realised he had the winning six and a share of the jackpot estimated at £2.7 million.
The coupled had commented at the time that if there were ten winners that would be £270000, a fortune given their circumstances. They had phoned their daughter and then the National Lottery live after getting out a magnifying glass to make sure they had the telephone number. The husband had not been able to speak and needed a tot of brandy and they had then spent the night giggling. The following day they were taken to a National Lottery Office in Liverpool for the ticket to be verified and then a local bank manager came with the checked to arrange to pay it into the bank of their choice.
I was so intent on listening to the interview that I went past the turning off the Newcastle Road to the Car Body Care centre and then taking the left turn, did I really say right and right yesterday, and on merry go round first reaching the metro station and then going around a housing estate , but worse was to come because the road I then took, instead of reaching the Newcastle Road once more went under it and into the large industrial area North towards the riverside and on a route I had never had cause to previously travel. There was nothing more to do than to reverse. Collecting the car and checking in the hire car only took a couple of minutes, The replacement lockable petrol cap means an additional key. The back shelf cover was no long automatic. The drivers rear door still has locking and unlocking problems but appears to work. The most disappointing aspect was that the front paint scratch was unattended. I suspected this was the position given the problems created by what had happened. I decided to take the vehicle as it was It is a box on wheels compared to the rounded lines of the courtesy car with its radio controls on the steering wheel. If I ever win the lottery! I once was in position to have a monster saloon complete with air conditioning, which was a bonus on a trip to the South of France. The experience appeared destined not to last, there is no free lunch, there is always the downside for every upside and of an overall accumulation for everyone individually and collectively.
The 4400 has ended and a review of some of the extras confirms what I thought all along. There was only a flimsy storyline in the beginning and the 4400 was a number selected because it sounded good, with original title such as The Bright Light. The writers accept they switched from developing the main theme from stories about the returning 4400 to the idea of the Promicin being able to bring out special abilities any people. And from being produced only by Isabelle for the government at 17000 doses sufficient for 3 years for a small unit of specially trainee soldiers 20 reduce to 10 through the fifty fifty, to any individual having taken the shot and survived being able to produce unlimited supplies and someone developing the ability to distribute the power as a viral infection thus creating the situation where half the popular die and half develop special abilities. This changed the master plan to affecting the future in a positive way to creating a new super people state and the debateable proposition that the powers would collectively be put to good use.
The final episodes and the end pieces also confirms my feeling that the writers became bogged down in trying to find new abilities which might interest the public and make a storybook. In the closing moments the director of the unit develops the ability to turn a pen into a flower, what a power and social significance when compared to the lass that is able to transform a polluted river into drinking water. There is admission in the extras that this was a filler moment and that having moved away from individual stories centring on the special abilities they were interested in showing new abilities within the budget and decision to end the series by attempting to answer the various questions which the Fourth season had posed. I suspect the writers intentionally left the door open raising several questions in case another season was commissioned. So how did it all end.
It begins with a diversion. In Daddy’s Little Girl I was unsure why the story had been written except to bring back Richard and his wife to play happy families with a young and innocent Isabelle. Surely not? Richard kidnaps Isabelle disclosing that he has been staying with 4400 returnees and he is back to regain contact with his daughter. However he has a secret plan which involves kidnapping Isabelle and getting her to drink water prepared by another returnee that can reverse the aging process. She is taken back to her babyhood before the transformation and then his wife is added. This however lasts only a brief period of time and he realises he has taken away Isabelle’s personality and arranged for her to return to being a young woman but still Promicin free and allergic. However this all a fiendish plot of the future or at least some of them!
It will be remembered that Tom was taken to a special clinic by the government and given an injection which is to turn him into one of the Marked, beings from the future who take over the bodies of prominent people in the world in order to prevent others from the future helping to change the present in such a way to prevent the catastrophe of the future. In One of Us the change takes place and Tom learn who the others of the Marked are, and surprise surprise one is the boss of Homeland Security who comes to the Seattle area with bodyguards to overseas the response to the 4400, the re-emergence of Jordan Collier and the Promicin takers One of Tom‘s early assignment is to kill the man with the ability to solve past assassination riddles and who thought he could identify the Marked. Another is to stop Maia having visions so Tom injects her with the Promicin suppressant and Maia gets sick. He has already commenced an affair with the new boss of the Seattle based 4400 monitoring unit, and she like Diana has seen and enjoyed La Dolce Vita, thus indicating what, I believe nothing other than one of the writers liked the film or the company agreed to a product placement which is all the fashion these days in terms of maximising income and profit. However Diana and his boss become suspicious.
Meanwhile Doc Burkoff is close to working out how to identify those who will die if they take Promicin and Shawn goes on the box to alert folks that they should hang fire as the forecaster will be available within weeks. This does not suit Jordan and Kyle who want the world to become just Promicin Positives with the rest dying away, literally. They kidnap Burkoff. Richard having lost his wife again and arranged for the conversion of Isabelle back into a young woman is captured and confined in the Government and Isabelle is made Promicin Positive by the Marked and given all her old powers back with her first assignment the capture of Jordan Collier.
Ghost in the Machine is another divertissement. Maia is given a great birthday present from the power to take people back to times when they were happy. She is taken back to her parents or more accurately her parents are brought to her. The main story of Ghost in the Machine is a man who wants revenge on the Software corporation headed by another of the Marked. The man has suffered a stroke and is on a life support system but gains the special power to manipulate markets after taking the Promicin. When Tom, now of the Marked, finds out the information and passes it on to the CEO of the software company, they agree the culprit must be stopped. When the family fails to cooperate Tom crashes his vehicle to cause the systems failure of the life support system and the man dies thus bringing the system back to normal. In reactivating Isabelle a fail safe device has also been fitted which will kill her if she disobeys and fails to carry out instructions.
In the penultimate episode- Tiny Machines, Diana and the unit boss work out how to neutralise the Marked with Tom. This involves killing him with a radiation dosage and using Shawn to revive. First they need to capture Tom and for this they enlist the help of Maia who pretends to be helping Tom by saying that she had mislead him by not saying she had a vision in which Diana has gun and is about to kill Tom.
So we come to the Great Leap Forward in which what happens in the separate storylines is interwoven to create the grand climax.
The catalyst is Shawn’s brother who has taken the Promicin on finding out from Burkoff that he has a 90% plus chance of not being rejected. However his special power is to be able to give people Promicin in the form of an airborne virus, thus half the population in his immediate vicinity gain special powers whether they like it or not and the other half die. The young man only realises this when his mother gets sick and is taken to the local hospital where the 50:50 killing starts. The virus has no effect on those with Promicin already and Diana and Dr Burkoff because of his separate Promicin making experiment are also immune. The younger brother then seeks Shawn’s help and with Burkoff’s help and that of Diana works out that the reason she rejected the shot was because of a body constituted immunity and which fortunately for the world is already manufactured as a health supplement and in branded medications which means that the population can be protected either from unwittingly gaining special powers or its side effect of death!
Thus we have a situation it will be possible for everyone to be tested if they wish to determine if they are able to take Promicin without the likelihood of the side effect, or take an inexpensive over the counter drug to prevent the effects of the wonder drug if they are unwittingly exposed. People therefore have the choice to remain as they are or find out if they have special powers. Obviously this is one of the great flaws in the whole series- the random nature of special abilities which given the way the goodies and baddies of the future are able to control in other ways is obvious nonsense. It should have been one or the other and this reflects the lack of an overall series integrity and the admission by the writers that they switched between the final season outline, ideas development and the requirements of the network and their paymasters.
The reason for the capture of Jordan is to turn him into the Marked and therefore to betray and destroy the mission movement he has created. Isabelle having completed her part believes she is then free to join Richard who The Marked have promised to arrange his release from prison. However back at the ranch Kyle has taken over the leadership of the movement and is working with Shawn and Diana to bring order to the City while the authorities ensure everyone has the antidote and also work out how to cope with a city half full of people with special abilities- they become abilities if they are positive developments and powers if they are negative (My terminology). However faced with killing the man she has come to love, (I know I forgot to mention this development), she cannot go through with her assignment knowing that to fail will end her life. Therefore she atones for her earlier behaviour with self sacrifice.
Meanwhile Tom decides that he will pretend to remain of the Marked and seek to free Jordan and learn what his former colleagues are still up to. However he gives his game away on learning that Isabelle has been sent off to kill his son, and is captured by the National Intelligence leader, who in turn has told the head of the software company his use in the adopted role has ended and he kills himself to enable the being to be transferred to another. Jordan is kept alive for the full conversion after Isabelle has carried out her mission and Tom is kept alive so the Mark can find out how he managed to shake off the implanted being. Isabelle having decided not to kill Kyle comes to rescue and manages to dispose of the National Intelligence Director and her bodyguards before she also dies.
There is a moving last scene where Tom, Kyle and Shawn’s attend the funeral of the younger brother and Shawn’s mother. It is not clear what happens to the body of Isabelle or her incarcerated father, although there is a photo of him among the final stills. Before the solution to the Promicin virus is discovered it enters the Unit centre killing half of those present but the former boyfriend of Diana survives and he develops the ability to travel to places and situations he likes in photographs. There is the suggestion he will make it again with Diana and play happy families with Maia. Tom will play happy families with the head of the Unit having discarded his former wife and Alana.
Jordan with Kyle his right and left arm adviser and instructing interpreter of the new bible take over the running of the city which in the final shot is to have become Promisc City. Diana worries about what will happen and Maia does not reassure her by saying we will be in charge and it will be better.
There are lots of questions left such how will it all work out. Will beings from the future still try and intervene in Seattle and the world as it changes? Even if the current batch of the Marked are dead as Tom gives their names to Jordan as a thank you parting gift will another group come back from the future? Will Tom take the shot which his son gives to him in another of the final scenes? Given that we know of the random nature of the special powers and that they can be used negatively and harmfully as well as positively will the Government of the USA stand back? Will the powers be given to third world countries and to presently opposing political systems and religions for example?
Midweek also saw the final episode of the first season Babylon 5 and this was much more satisfying. On Tuesday the episode concentrated on the relationship of the good station medical director who started to run a free clinic among the poorer classes of station revealing the ship liner construction with the ambassadors and other influentials occupying the higher levels and the chancers and adventurers the underclass inability the bowels of the station.
On Wednesday, Garibaldi the station security Chief learns of a plot to kill someone important. Although Garibaldi learns that the plot is to kill the President who is travelling in Earth Force One and informs station Commander Sinclair it is too late as the communication system is jammed and the plane explodes. The Vice President has managed to escape and is sworn in. The explosion is described as an accident and although Sinclair attempts to provide the evidence to the contrary he is blocked and the information disregarded. However this is a minor part of the big picture.
The final episode of the first season began with Ambassador Mollari of the Narns and Ambassador G’Kar of the Centauri arguing over territory and violations before a meeting the Council. Mollari is accusing the Centauri with G’Kar denies when in fact Mollari has been persuaded to create an incident which will lead him to be regarded as a hero. G’Kar returns to his home world to find out what is what and tells his assistant that there is someone else out there.
Mollari does not know is that he is being used by a master race to ferment dissent between the civilizations who are members of the Babylon 5 Council. The mysterious race have no obvious solid physical form, thus we are introduced to the Shadows. Mollari is beside himself on learning that 10000 Narns have died. There were 9000 deaths in Seattle from the Promicin virus.
Commander Sinclair proposes marriage to his girlfriend. Delenn intervenes indirectly to say she needs to tell him what happened to him on the Minbari ship, (I thought he had been taken back to the home planet) and why as a consequence her race had surrendered to the Earth Alliance when they were at the point of victory. She has a meeting with Ambassador Kosh after her assistant makes preliminary contact on her behalf. Kosh reveals himself to Delenn and she tells him he will not see her again in her existing state. Kosh tells Commander Sinclair that “It begins,” and then reminds Sinclair that he has forgotten what happened to him on the Minbari ship. When Delenn tries to explain what happened Sinclair decides to take a rain check and go in search of Garibaldi who is found shot in the back, by his traitorous assistant, When Ivanova is seen watching the good doctor trying to save Garibaldi’s life she is joined by Ambassador Mollari who expresses concern and a wish to remain on watch with her. We know his motives are not what they seem.
Delenn can wait no longer and enters a cocoon Chrysalis. The episode is called Chrysalis but attaches a device with the information for Sinclair about what happened and his part of the Great prophecy. Sinclair’s last words in the episode and season are “Nothing is the same anymore” Thus the episode is packed with crucial development as part of the master plan and leaving the audience eagerly awaiting the second season. I have not checked if season two begins tomorrow or we have to await until the New Year. Such is life and there is so much to do before my next trip.
The X files last two episodes do not have a summary available on Wikipedia which says a lot for their value. In All Souls Sculley investigates the death of Catholic children and this brings her into Catholic mythology, monsters and devils as well as angels on a mission. In the Pine Bluff variant Sculley suspects Mulder is up to no good until being told he is participating in a deep cover special mission. The bottom line is that the USA government is experimenting with a killer biological agent which can kill anyone locally without remaining in the atmosphere through aerosol can. I failed to understand the double bluffs and complex involvement of the government.
Things were much simpler in Spooks which I will leave until Friday when the next episode is also being shown. It is a top notch spy series. Wednesday was also a good day in arranging to get the car sorted and listening to PMQ’s and then seeing the Autumn financial statement being delivered to an excited House of Commons.
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