THE CAPTAIN'S ANNUAL YULETIDE MESSAGE AND AWARDS

very year, at the same time as the monarch delivers their message to the Commonwealth, I post my message to the world. This year is no different... except it is. I always write about the highs and lows of the year, but this time, I’ve decided to frame my annual review as an awards ceremony.

2312.25 THE CAPTAIN'S YULETIDE MESSAGE

Another year in the bag and the big news is that I didn't die (well this would be the definition of irony if I fail to survive the next week). The shitstorm continues with high prices and low wages ravaging those of us on below average wages but we struggle through. The world is full of war and climate distasters, I feel so bad for those affected. Maybe one day the power hungry megalomaniacs will get their heads out of their (or each others') arses and work to solve these solvable problems although I'm not holding my breath.

1912.25 THE CAPTAIN'S YULETIDE MESSAGE

As I usual I like to take an opportunity to look back at my year as it disappears in the 'rear view mirror'. The post is published at the same time as the Queen gives her speech, and as she does I've prepared it beforehand, I'm guessing at the moment it goes up I'll be tucking into our seasonal feast.

1911.22 DONE DEAL

I know that this cartoon isn't funny. It's far from that as you can get but it's not meant to be. The purpose of this drawing is therapeutic.

1902.04 THE REVIEW CON

I rarely discuss work online. There's a reason for that, mainly that it's frowned upon by the bigwigs in the ivory tower. Austerity and government cuts have had a huge impact on my work life. Recent events however have a distinct flavour of history repeating itself. 

1812.25 THE CAPTAIN'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

I like to take this opportunity to look back on my year at this time. As usual I'm publishing this post at the same time the Queen gives her address to the commonwealth. In reality I'm probably eating my dinner at this point, if you're catching up later I'll probably drinking beer.

1712.25 THE CAPTAIN'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

At the time I publish this (and if you're in the UK) you're probably sat down to your Christmas Dinner (I'm northern, dinner is at lunchtime - subject for another time) or sat in front of the TV watching the Queen give her address to the commonwealth. There's a chance you've decided to read this in which case I'm honoured, if you're catching up later on then that's fine too. Ok it's time for me to take the time to reflect on the year behind me.

1612.31 THE END

As year draws to a close many reflect on the events of the year. Some say that 2016 has been a really bad year and in many respects. Political upheaval, celebrity deaths as well as the usual war and terror. It's difficult not to say it's been a bad year. 

1612.25 THE CAPTAIN'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Well that's another year almost over, another year closer to the grave. So Christmas comes around once again and as always I find myself reflecting on the year behind me.

1606.02 NEW TOP GEAR

Top Gear is a British television series about motor vehicles, primarily cars, and the most widely watched factual television programme in the world. It began in 1977 as a conventional motoring magazine programme, but over time, and especially since a relaunch in 2002, it has developed a quirky, humorous and sometimes controversial style. [source: Wikipedia]

Ok, I admit it. Top Gear used to be a bit of a guilty pleasure. When the controversy ensued and the original trio were no longer going to be presenting I thought it was all done with. But no, the BBC pushed forward with an all new presenting team. Chris Evans was named the new front man with Matt LeBlanc and a number of other journalists assisting. The critics were against the new team before it even started. But they went ahead and made a new series, it aired on Sunday.

So today I decided to watch on iPlayer. I went into this with an open mind not listening to the critics. I wanted to like this, I was worried however.

Source: BBC

So the presenters? I like Chris Evans, I did feel the style was a little forced but this was the first show so I accept he needs to find his level. Matt LeBlanc seemed like fun, he handled the transition from acting to presenting. All in all the ingredients were there but what was wrong? The chemistry just wasn't there. I can't put my finger on it, maybe it'll find it's feet.

Overall the programme felt overlong even though it was the same length as previous episodes, I found myself distracted by anything and everything. I think the word I'm looking for is "boring".

Will I watch again? I may try episode 2 to see if it gets any better.