“Days of the Doctor – The “Big 50” Blog 23-11-13

22 November 2013 in SIDRAT, 145 comments

As we approach the big day, I’ll be attempting to highlight details of the celebrations and, more importantly, what you are doing to celebrate. Be it attending the big convention in London, or sitting forlorn and alone in your home, comforted only by a bottle of Cheap Sherry and a Pot Noodle, while wearing a homemade Fez.

This is a work in progress, so I’ll post more information and requests as time goes on. Just remember:
pertweepoint

Want to tell us about your Celebrations, Parties and Events?
Contact Phaseshift and Wolfweed at

big50@thedoctorwhoforum.com

SATURDAY23rd November 2013

18:52	As I enter the final hour before the special, I feel absolutely great. The Barcelona was a bit sweet, I think, for Doctor 10, and may need an adjusted recipe. We can’t get perfection every time though, and these things depend on individual taste. The finale of my eleven cocktails – “The Madman in a Box” is a doozy.1 oz absinthe, 2 oz Benedictine liqueur, 2 oz dry vermouth over 5 oz crushed ice. May I toast your, and everyone on the forums very good health, as well as the next 50 years of Doctor Who. CHEERS!
17:52	This mat be a challenge over the internet, but @Hudsey has sent us this picture of “THE REAL” @fatmaninabox. Many thanks – Simon looks in marvellous shape there, (i.e round and chucklesome).
17:36	I’ll recommend that episode of Splendid Chaps, but even more strongly recommend the “Black Leather”. Fierce, uncompromising and more than a little dangerous, that is one drink to savour.Next up, I feel like breaking into a bit of a Freddie Mercury impression, with the “Barcelona” – inspired by @Pufferfish. That’s about 2 oz sweet sherry, 1 oz Spanish brandy, 1/2 oz Licor 43® liqueur, 1/3 oz lemon juice, 2 1/2 oz lemonade. I’m a little bit confused at the moment, and may have forgot to salute the beginning of Doctor Who a while ago. Oh well. Cheers! Happy Birthday Doctor Who!
16:11	Oh, name and the taste. I’m getting initial disappointment, followed by a rush of alcohol, and the an aftertaste that has the slight knowing campness of the earlier Doctor 8 audio adventures (that’ll be the creme de bananes). Fun, quirky and a bit longer lasting that you would initially expect, that was brilliant.Doctor Nine, and the “Black Leather”. 1 oz brandy 1 oz peppermint schnapps and 1 oz 151 proof rum. I have unadvisedly tried to set it alight, and possibly have a 999 situation on my hands. EMERGENCY – OUT OF CONTROL.
14:55	Ooooh, the Rrrrragnarrrrrock is very enjoyable drink. That underlying bitter aftertaste really sums up the feeling of hearing about the cancellation when IT WAS GETTING BETTER!Someone of my aquintance suggested the mix for Doctor Eight – the “One night in San Fransisco” over ice cubes pour 2 cl vodka, 2 cl creme de bananes grenadine syrup, orange juice. I’m on it.
14:00	I’m now fortified by a really greasy fry-up, and feeling much better. I’ll be continuing my drinking but I was torn about what to watch listen to. CBBC has an afternoon of Who related materials, including some Sarah Jane Adventures. I’ve got those though and so I’m currently downloading the latest free podcast from those Splendid Chaps in Australia. Available from today, they’re looking at Doctor Eleven, and the general topic of “The Future” as portrayed in the show.
12:58	You know – it takes an AWFUL lot of vodka to dilute Carrot Juice. I’m feeling more than a little giddy. I need food, so I’m logging out for a while to fry something tasty.When I stagger back, I’ll be drinking a toast to Doctor Seven. A thing of humble simplicity, the Rrrrragnarrrrrock consists off equeal measures (double shots) of Drambuie and Benedictine over ice. Add in an umberella.
12:20	Looking at the UK Press today, it’s a wealth of tributes and features that will even test @wolfweed s capacity for posting great links. I’ll link to this one at the Guardian, which is Rowsons Cartoon. I particularly like the sign hanging on the TARDIS.
12:12	Like the Sixth Doctor himself, I’m finding the Carrot Juice, Carrot Juice rather hard work. It’s the Carrot Juice itself, which I’ve never been happy with. I’m diluting it with more Vodka, and this may be the cocktail that never ends. A bit like the feeling I got when I last watched Trial of a TimeLord – When IS THIS GOING TO STOP! Well done @Bluesqueakpip.
11:52	@ScaryB also reported to me that Sylvester McCoy, Colin Baker and Peter Davison looked very pleased with themselves about their “Day of the Fish Doctor” project, which is going on the BBC red button tonight from 10pm. Knowing Peter Davisons other video works related to Doctor Who, expect some genuine laughs.
11:14	Doctor Six, and I face the unwelcome prospect of vitamins. Still – a healthy brunch will fortify me, so I’m preparing Carrot Juice, Carrot Juice as provided by @Bluesqueakpip.The recipe goes – “One part vodka to 3 parts carrot juice and one part apple juice. Add 2 slices fresh ginger. Stare at it for a bit, then chug in more vodka.”
10:05	As I’m recording “Who Made Who”, I’m dipping into (ooh-er missus) Graham Norton on Radio 2 who is broadcasting his show from the Celebration at Excel.
09:30	Breakfast must be the Pimms Turbo, kindly nominated for Five by @Pufferfish. That’s Pimms, a shot of Gin and garnished with, what else, Celery. It’s a nourishing alternative to food, I’m finding. It’s a bit cold, so not having the desired effect of summoning those thoughts of warm Summer cricketing season.I’ve added some images to the posts from @ScaryB and @Juniperfish who have provided us with valuable insights to last night shananigans.

FRIDAY22nd November 2013

Emperor of the known Universe, @Craig, receives his award, and a nice copy of the Doctor Who Technical Manual at the Pub meet up. Speech, Speech!!

Special effects Whizz Rocky impressed @ScaryB and @Bluesqueakpip at the Excel Celebration with his model work (pictured with his Cold War submarine). On working for the show he said “It beats working”.

23:06	@Juniperfish promised me decadent with her champagne and absinthe cocktail, and she wasn’t far wrong. I got the separation she mentioned briefly, but the bubbles soon break down the phase. I feel quite drunk, many thanks to her.I’m polishing off the champers now, and I have a feeling I’ll need an early start tomorrow. Pimms for breakfast?!
21:04	The Venusian Lullaby was really very nice. Not sure if it captures the Third Doctor or not, but the notes of Peach and the directness of the almond make it a stately drink, which may do the trick.I’m preparing the “Great Green Vampire” suggested by @Juniperfish next. A glass of champagne and then a finger of absinthe poured carefully on top. As I have a full bottle of the champagne, and I’m going to have to consume the lot, this will possibly be my last recipe tonight. I shall report back later.
20:02	If the party in The Dean Swift can hear a bit of a kerfuffle going on outside, then don’t worry. Apparently a Bonnie Landford “look-a-like” has just been set upon by some angry Who fans. Her screams are apparently REALLY piercing, which apparently made them angrier. Alas, the poor gel has had to be escorted whisked away from the scene by Policemen for her own protection. Shame that’s put a dampener on things. On a lighter note, my Venusian Lullaby is going down a treat!
19:20	The “Giddy Aunt” is reminds me of being slapped in the face with a hefty fish, more than a bit bizarre. Crème de violette and cointreau is a really odd combination, giving an aroma reminiscent of a six year old throwing up a packet of Opal Fruits. Quite tasty though. Thanks @ScaryBDoctor Three – “Venusian Lullaby” up next. 1 oz amaretto almond liqueur,2 oz peach schnapps and 3 oz club soda over five ice cubes, with a twist of lime at the end.
18:30	Oh – the fickle finger of fate has struck. The look-a-like agency has just called to say that “Amy” has come down with a food poisoning issue. Happily they have a red-haired Doctor Who alternative who is “a bit frisky” in their words. You do like Bonnie Langford as “Mel” don’t you Craig? She can do the voice and everything.
18:00	It’s a real shame not to be at the event tonight. Hope everyone has a smashing time. Of course, with @shazzbot giving me the location, I had ample opportunity to make a quick arrangement. An Amy Pond look-a-like Strip-o-gram has been ordered for over a week and has been told to ask for Craig. That’s our little secret though, isn’t it Internet?
17:50	Good call by @WhoHar for Doctor 1. The Old Fashioned in a cheeky little number that certainly hits the spot. A triffle harsh, but with an underlying warmth. I can feel my hair whitening and the sudden rush of alcohol would make anyone fluff a line or two.I think I’ll move onto the next, which we named “The Giddy Aunt”. A @ScaryB nomination, 2 ½ Oz Gin, ½ oz vermouth and ½ oz cointreau. Add in 2oz crème de violette and 2 oz fresh lime juice.
17:05	11 Doctors, 11 Cocktails. I’m kicking off the weekend with “The Old Fashioned” for Doctor 1, as suggested by @WhoHar. Place a sugar cube in your glass, and 2-3 dashes of angostura bitters, add an orange slice and introduce 3 oz bourbon whiskey. A cherry to garnish.I’ll provide tasting notes later.
16:58	From my faulty memory, I think at least three of our number have been at the Excel Arena for the first day of the convention. Hopefully, lots of reviews and stories will be relayed when they are in a fit state to communicate. That’ll be about Tuesday then.
16:55	Huzzah! It’s that magical time, the beginning of the weekend at chez Phaseshift. Time for a Whoathon. I understand that many people are making their way towards a bar in London for the first meet up of the disturbed denizens of this Forum. Good luck to them. May the alcohol and conversation flow in equal measure.

FRIDAY8th November 2013