Thanks CatO and all the commentees.
I loved your review - it does carry how we felt at the time about the judges etc. I know there was a lot of ire during the Final and I think rightly so, but yes, its hard to pin down the reasons.
As you say, the judges were the main source (maybe prompted by TPTB). They no doubt had their reasons, but I think TPTB still wanted Jay to win - just wanted to do something about how he won (and I think they made a bit of a mess of that).
Kellie cheered and applauded and Kevin applauded very enthusiastically when Jaliona won, and like you, I have sympathy for them.

Jay and Aliona were very gracious winners and I loved that about the Final - I felt really good about how they came across in the Red Button sequence. There was a great camaraderie among the celebs and that made Series 13 better, and Jay was part of why everyone got on so well - he has that effect.
They loved every bit of it - they said - and we gave them the bit they didn't assume - our approval and the win.

Great review ahouch and again, coming at it from a totally different angle!
It is risky going into creative review writing, but you aced it.

I'm afraid I just haven't enough time to read all the poetry, but from dipping into it, its amazingly good! It is an area of creativity I never expected, but it does really connect with those who have immersed themselves in Jay and Aliona's story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqfvLD5jMlk


Yes, he can certainly give L'il Nath a run for his money on the warbly bits! I've had a look on the web and can't find any other collaborations between them, and I'm wondering, because of the difference in sound quality, whether they were initially recorded on separate tracks, in separate sessions? There aren't any pictures of them together, and I have no idea if she's well known or not.

When he's singing, his accent is still quite pronounced, so I'm guessing it's pretty early days for him too. So now I'm wondering if there's a technical wizard on here who could even up the sound quality?

There's a clip of another duet on the 'Jay before TW' video, but the sound's been cut, probably for copyright reasons. I don't know if it's the same girl or even the same song.

Seeing as the bits that didn't make the final poem are just words and phrases scribbled on scraps of paper and ideas in my head, there isn't anything else in postable form Hannah.
But the evidence below shows that you're more than capable of composing a flippin' fudging rhyming rant your blimmin' self


Go on, you know you really, really want to write another one.


Loving your epic work Rafferty (snipped for brevity). It will appear in the next edition of the poetry collection.


Superb work, Whiffle, with illustrations, categories and a statistical analysis


Since each edition is an update of the previous one, including any corrections, you need only link to the most recent one. To the best of my knowledge, files don't expire on DropBox.
If anyone can't access it on DropBox, just let me know and I can upload it to Google Docs as well.

Many folks to reply to so chronologically...

BB - I find that the final is bearable only if I bear in mind all the time that J won.

Hannah - Your limerick is fine and, I hope, the first ode of many.

Lola - Yes, I think many of us recognise a familiar (!) rebellious streak in J which strikes a cord...

Fridgesoup - Yes, I have visited Hardy's birthplace. There's a new visitor centre there too which I haven't been to. I also went to see a reconstruction in Dorchester of his Max Gate study which has his own books, furniture, pens and other possessions and it seemed to me as if he'd just left the room: the essence of him was so profound.

Hannah - 11,000 posts means I gas far more than I think I do.

BB - Lovely recording of J duetting. I think I've heard them do another song with more harmonising.

RaffertyCat - A Jaydocumentory!

Whiffle - Great Jayquestions project!

Isih - Is it too late to apply for the Jayjob of Lip Mopper? One of his traits is licking his lips and I feel I should be permanently on hand to dab them gently to prevent chapping. Evidence: https://media.giphy.com/media/qMsIGTb0LTdm0/giphy.gif

As he stood there just licking his lips
I racked my brain thinking of quips
But Korky jumped in
With a wave and a grin
'N' yanked him off with her strongest of grips

The visitor's centre was closed when I went, so don't know what's in there .

Max Gate was brilliant. I sat by the fire in his study whilst a couple of chaps entertained with storytelling, poetry and songs (some Hardy, some chosen for local colour). Totally unexpected and quite wonderful. The pet cemetry was ridiculously moving. ("The Famous Dog Wessex - Faithful, Unflinching")..




Stuck at home today with car issues so watching the tennis....

I find the gif so mesmerising
And this is not very surprising
When he is so appetising,
But although he is so energising
I'm so given to over-analysing
That I don't want any moralising
Or, indeed, words patronising.
This picture is so tantalising
I feel I may need tranquilising
If my imagination I'm exercising
Shows me situations compromising
And I visualise an uprising...

Yes, when Wessex died Hardy wrote in his diary that the dog was sleeping outside the house for the first time in 13 years.

Random off topic of the day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33tu...xVSXG902SVjwKg

At around 2:00 when Jay sings his solo then picks up the girl and twirls her around.......anyone else think, he always looks like he has do much affection and love to give? I hope he has someone special to share that with......if not....here I am, could do with a JayHug (and whatever else - I wish!)

Ps Becks is very, very sore. We discovered a fluidy spot on his heel (hoping abscess, which would explain the sudden increase in pain levels) on Monday night, poulticed it and there was some bloody fluid from it yesterday when my vet came.
This morning, a very small amount of pus. So, we are hoping more pus tonight & if it comes out, he should be in less pain. Discussing with vet on Friday or if there's an emergency, I'm to ring him.

The use of the present participle
Is standard procedure in principle
But frequent abuse
Can sometimes induce
A facial expression so quizzical

Fab poem Korky!


Thanks Deise. Really appreciate that😀


Lovely quotes Korky - you are a sensitive soul!


Good job Hannah. You can join me in the 'one hit wonder' hall of poetry fame if you like!


Thanks Polly. It's lovely to get so much positive feedback.
I didn't join the thread until after the tour so I still have the Cha Cha, Waltz and Jive reviews to do. They are going to be so difficult to watch again...😉


Sorry for clipping your wonderful poem Rafferty. Just wanted to say you've captured exactly how the series played out. I particularly like this final verse. I'm sure we all wish the same things for J.


Thanks for putting these together Whiffle. We are a nosey lot. I see no reason why J would not answer each and every one of them freely. 😉


Thanks for the 'encouragement' Isih! 😂 Yes feel free to put a link on the jobs page.👍


Thanks SR. I remember reading a few comments criticising Jaliona's response to winning too. I was dumbfounded. To all of us it was obvious what was going on. Some people just don't do subtlety. For me it's the most genuine and moving reaction. They were happy and grateful for the win. They just weren't expecting it and didn't really know what to do when it happened.



Thanks Fatskia. For a minute I thought you were about to say I'd made a dogs dinner of it! Phew!
The idea had been brewing for a few weeks. I just needed to give it a go.

I really enjoyed your review too. Interesting to hear your take on the red button interview. Everyone has their different style of writing and perspectives on here and it's always exciting to open the thread and see a new review/poem/ pic or video to view.


DD - Stricter Strictly - good points put into a wonderful poem.

Second random OT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZDywtjtLns
Heart Vacancy again, at around 4:20 when the sing finishes, Jay says that it was "just a little bit too adorable for him to process" and he looks like he's crying.....speedy or anyone else, do we know why / if he was? His voice sounds a bit cracked /emotional when he starts to sing Say It On The Radio too - unless he was ill?

I do a good line in cold therapy (nursing department) Jay - #JustSayin

Know what you mean, jnb, I always think that too. I can't bear the idea of him being lonely at all.....I know that seems unlikely, being surrounded by fans as he is......but you're never so alone as you are in a crowd. Anyway, like you I hope he has someone special

So sorry to hear Becks is still sore....but it sounds as though you can hope for improvement. Fingers crossed! Hope all goes well, he certainly couldn't have a more loving owner xx

Thank you Lindy. I have this week off work and am occupying myself watching TW videos....but in my JCHQ capacity a little (Jay) Birdy (disclaimer : NOT actual JayBird) tell me the other lead roles for BIG are due to be announced early next week possibly Tuesday

Ooh, that'll be interesting! Just realised its June already (I'm quick like that ) so rehearsals and prep meetings are going to mean J is really busy soon! The beginning of the next chapter........ x

Sorry Korky - sneak prevue of jobs:

LIP AND TONGUE MANAGER formerly APPLIER OF THE LIP BALM and GUARDIAN OF THE TONGUE (sub-sections PERSONAL CARE and ETIQUETTE)
The three jobs have duly been amalgamated as Lip and Tongue Manager (as opposed to the tongue and groove function which has so vulgarly been referred to earlier in the thread)
ahouch << Firstly, ensuring said tongue is suitably pink for its numerous photo appearances. and that J's breath is minty fresh. This will require regular checks and require close proximity. Secondly, the successful candidate will be on hand to deal with any slips of said tongue, al la toddler in bag. These obviously in the absence of Mrs Kavanagh.
<< I can confirm that I am happy to take on the two roles for Guardian of the tongue. Seeing as they are in such close proximity I'd be happy to volunteer as the Applier of the lip balm too. It will need very gentle application, so I may apply it to myself in the first instance and transfer it to J's by pressing my lips to his. >>
APPOINTED : ahouch.


That video - it was certainly VERY personal in some way we're not privy too, wasn't it?

Everything possible crossed in every possible way for our thread pet.


That is a brilliant picture.


That was a very weepy session all round, I think - does anyone know why?

eta I know L comes after J, but have been doing JobsforJay
Last edited by Isih : 01-06-2016 at 16:37

Situation much improved now! I like the text sent in by someone to the BBC website:

"Watching Murray is like watching your fuel gauge when you're miles from a petrol station. You'll get there, maybe?"

C'mon Andy

Breathe deeply

Thanks Isih

So true! I was lucky to see Andy play Gasquet in the quarters at Wimbledon years ago. He was a game away from going out in three and fought a titanic battle to win in 5. A.maze.ing. - but boy, did we all go through the ringer with him

Loved the commentator's comment about Andy being in the corner at the back of the shed with the big hairy spiders. Not a clue what he was on about, but made me smile .



Just to s[w]erve briefly back on topic , jnb - can't wait to hear who'll be appearing with Jay in BIG. Anyone fancy a guess?

Ticket sales for the first night still looking slow 😬 (but midweek much healthier).

I've never seen Andy live....would love to. He does inspire comments like the spiders in shed one ( what was that about?), or this, again sent in by a viewer:

"Watching Murray is like hammering in a nail. Sometimes, straight through without any fuss. Other times, ugly mess with swearing."

Remind me, when is the BIG first night??

ETA Found it 5 Nov....maybe it's the fact it's Guy Fawkes that's slowed things up? Dates after that look good, considering there's not a huge lot of publicity surrounding it, as far as I know, anyway.....

👏👏👏👏👏

Who would have thought that one little post asking us for 3 questions would lead to this . Bravo 🚄🚅🚈🚋🚇🚆🚊🚂

You are no one hit wonder.
You are on YT
You have just produced another great review.
💃👍💃

Jay spotted in Waterstones an hour ago.

Love that he reads real books.

So do I - more than anyone will ever know - but I wish he would invest in a book about why he needs to stick his tongue out...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cj4IWv4WUAEZ9iW.jpg

A Discovery of Witches? Susan Hill's The Woman In Black? Tolkien? Adam Baker's Juggernaut? Sam Sykes? Hmmm...