Snowboard And Ski Insurance: Remember To Check The Small Print

Snow sports offer a thrill that few other activities match. Accessible to all ages it is a unique experience but also carries a unique risk. Getting the right travel insurance for a trip was once a quick 10 minute search online. But over the years insurance companies have changed their policies making it more difficult for people to find the correct level of cover. Here are some areas of your policy to consider carefully.

When the insurance policy starts
Firstly if you’ve already left your country of residence a policy might cover you. This may be because insurance companies are worried that you are only taking it out when you need to claim. But it’s awkward for long term travellers who may decide to go snowboarding at the last minute as they travel from country to country. Or for those whose plans are last minute. There are companies who will cover you if you’ve already left the country but it requires a bit of searching.

The date you return
Unless you are able to prove you had a return ticket a lot of insurance policies wont cover the costs of repatriation. This means that if you need to get flown home for medical reasons or in the unfortunate event of death, there will be a hefty bill for you or your family. This can be difficult if you’re not sure of your travel plans and when you’re coming back. However an open return ticket can often cover you, just check with the insurance provider.

Value per item
Check the value of what your insurance will pay out for because basic cover might not pay the full value of ski equipment. Even if your skis aren’t high end you may still find yourself unreasonably short, especially after excess.

Off Piste
This is the biggest area of difference with ski insurance policies. It used to be a case where most brokers covered you off piste if you followed local guidelines and the avalanche risk level was 3 or less. These policies have become rarer with many policies insisting that you go with a qualified local guide.
This isn’t always practical or necessary as an insurance provider should know. So make sure you go with a company that covers the type of skiing or boarding you want to do on a trip. There have been cases where people were in an avalanche and the insurance hasn’t paid out because they blamed the skiers despite the fact they followed local guidelines and took precautions. So don’t be in a rush to take the first policy you see. There’s rarely any different in cost, so you can still get good value with a policy, whether they insist you ski with a guide or not.

Take your time and research the policy and insurance provider. There are a lot of companies saying they specialise in ski and snowboard insurance yet they clearly don’t understand the sport.  They can place the blame on a skier without even investigating the incident properly. If you are in any doubt about the policy details phone your insurance provider. It’s always best to go with a company which knows what it is doing and can ensure your needs are provided for.

Doctor Who: The Doctor's Wife: First Draft Parody Script

Opens with a shot of the House planet and some eerie looking people. It then cuts to the Doctor cruising in his Tardis.

Doctor

Look I got a message all the way out here from a Time lord. Must have taken a while to get to me.

Rory

Time Lords don’t have intergalactic instant messaging?

Doctor

No things are definitely best said with a letter.

They land on the House planet where the Tardis Matrix is stolen. To keep the Doctor guessing he doesn’t land next to any recognisable parts of other Tardis ships even though that’s what his ship should be attracted to.

Tardis Lady

You’re going to steal me, are stealing me? Tenses are so confusing.

Rory

Especially in French. Have you ever tried learning French?

Uncle and Auntie

Hello we are everyone’s worse weird and creepy uncle and aunt.

Doctor

You remind me of a cook I once knew who wanted to cook humans. But enough pleasantries this Ood is speaking out Time Lord signals. I really like Time Lords.

Audience

Really?

Doctor

Yeah there were some nice ones.

Amy

You want to be forgiven?

Doctor

What kind of a question is that? Of course I do. Wouldn’t you?

Amy

Sorry can I help?

Doctor

You can both go and get my sonic screwdriver from the Tardis. Even though you know I always carry it with me.

House

Poke around as much as you want but I don’t have bigger on the inside technology so don’t expect to find a lot of Time Lords in that cupboard.

Doctor

There are no Time Lords in here.

House

Haha cya.

Rory

But you said you were a friendly planet?

House

Everybody lies.

Tardis Lady

I am Tardis. Such a nice name don’t you think. A bit more imaginative than sexy.

Doctor

Hey! But wait you can’t be the Tardis it would burn you up. Unless a handsome Doctor sucked the energy out of you… actually it stayed in Rose for a while with no harm done to her… Nice to meet you my beautiful Tardis.

Tardis Lady

Yes and you. Even though I’ve always been with you and can apparently observe you. Have you realised it was me who stole you originally.

Doctor

Really? You must have been bored with all that time spent in 1963 junk yard? Speaking of junk yards there are a load of half eaten Tardis Ships which we can use to catch up with Amy and Rory.

Tardis Lady

House only ate half of a Tardis? For something he considers a delicacy he sure is wasteful.

Meanwhile Amy and Rory try to convince House not to kill them.

Rory

You could have more fun by tormenting us.

Amy

Oh way to go stupid face couldn’t you have offered him some kind of long riddle?

House

Have you got any medical riddles?

Amy

No.

House

Then run!

Audience

Yes at last this series is going to show us more of the massive Tardis.

Back on the planet.

Doctor

We’ve just built a Tardis in less time than it takes most people to replace a flat tyre. Are you sure this thing is safe?

Tardis Lady

Of course, I would never let you come to harm.

Doctor

Really? Do you remember the incident with the fast return switch in the brink of destruction?

Tardis Lady

You mean the Edge of Destruction.

Doctor

Don’t side step the question.

Meanwhile Amy and Rory are running through lots of corridors that all look the same.

Audience

Oh we were hoping to see more.

Rory

Amy wait. No!

Amy

Rory it’s ok I like older men.

Rory

You left me we really should hold hands if we’re going to get separated so easily. It will also help us tell illusion from reality. This is way too scary to face alone.

Tardis Lady

Go to oneof my old control rooms.

Audience

Cool. Are we going to see the Tom Baker style Tardis. Or even better a recreation of the very first Tardis set?

They enter the Tardis set used for the 9^th and 10^th Doctor.

Audience

Oh come on!

Doctor

You don’t have the power to breakthrough to our universe but I’ll help. Trust me I’m the Doctor.

House

I’m a Doctor too. I’ll trust you even enough to use your own hinted way of death.

Tardis Lady

Ha-ha I can’t believe you fell for that. Be gone!

House

Please I’m just grumpy and misunderstood. Noooo!

Doctor

I’ll miss you my Tardis.

Tardis Lady

But I’m always with you. Then again a talking Tardis might not be the best idea it could get silly. Can you promise me that you’ll use the Tardis more in the story rather than leaving me parked in some remote spot.

Doctor

I’ll try but I need the challenge of facing things with just my charm, wit, intelligence,  resourcefulness… oh and my sonic screw driver.

Fin

Copyright © Nathan Groves http://wondersandparodies.blogspot.com/

This Work Is Not To Be Reproduced With Out Permission.

Doctor Who: The Impossible Astronaut: First Draft Parody Script

A great start to the new series. Here's a parody review.

Opens with a the Doctor having lots of fun as he goofs around through history

Rory

The Doctor sure seems to be enjoying himself without us. Why did he leave us here again?

Amy

So that we can have fun alone as a married couple… in this village that I find really dull.

Rory

Great isn’t it?

Amy

Hooray we got a Doctor like invitation. Lets get out of here.

*****

Doctor

Howdy Ponds I wear a Stetson now. Stetsons are cool.

Audience

Yes they are.

River Song

Well I disagree. *Bang*

Rory

That was ridiculously dangerous. Bad River!

River Song

Sorry Rory.

*****

Doctor

Let’s check our diaries.

Rory

How quaint we find smart phones work better.

River Song

We keep meeting each other in the wrong time order. Synchronisation would be a nightmare.

They go to lake Powell for a picnic.

Rory

Look! An Apollo astronaut is walking out of the lake. Impossible!

Amy

Compared to being erased from time, being turned into a robot and then seeing the universe rebooted?

Rory

Ok good point. Well it killed the Doctor that’s impossible.

River Song

Clearly but it will make for a good mystery for the run of this series.

*****

Doctor

Hello sorry to keep you waiting I was just in the restroom shower. What’s wrong with your faces you look like you’ve shared a bad dream.

Amy

I don’t understand.

River Song

Come on Amy this show is about time travel, work it out.

Amy

The new audience River. Think about the new audience.

Doctor

Right we’re landing in the Whitehouse in 1969 rather than parking somewhere discreet like I usually do. I’ll turn the Tardis invisible. Although it is a big drain on power.

River Song

Compared to travelling across millions of light years?

Doctor

Give me a break Star Trek has the same problem.

The Doctor exits into the Oval office and looks confused at being exactly where he planned to be.

President Nixon

How did you get in here? Canton get your gun out.

Canton

No. I’m too curious.

Doctor

Don’t arrest us. I can sort out those nuisance calls you’re getting.

President Nixon

You can put on call blocking?

Doctor

Well yes… but I think rescuing a girl and saving the world would be far more interesting. Now from these maps I can tell where she is.

Rory

How quaint we use google maps which is far mor…

Doctor

Quite you.

They travel with Canton to a creepy abandoned building.

Doctor

Look at all this cool retro space gear.

River Song

Come on Doctor we’re on a mission. Oh I can’t wait I’ll check out this dangerous underground space ship alone… Woah scary looking aliens I’ll have to turn around and tell the others… something.?

Rory

So you saw nothing?

River Song

Yep come on down. It’s time I got to know you better.

*****

Canton

Bigger on the inside I accept that. But Dr Who exactly?

Amy

That’s the first time the series title has been spoken in a way that feels natural. Shame we have to have all the other references though.

Girl

Help!

Amy

Doctor wait I need to tell you something really important.

Doctor

So important you didn’t tell me 5 minutes ago?

Amy

I’m pregnant.

Doctor

That could have waited.

Amy

Not for this dramatic ending.

Bang!

 

Copyright © Nathan Groves http://wondersandparodies.blogspot.com/

This Work Is Not To Be Reproduced With Out Permission.

Image property of the bbc

Doctor Who: The Daleks: First Draft Parody Script

The first appearence of The Daleks is an epic and a must for any Sci Fi fan. If you're not big on sci fi you can still enjoy a piece of television history.

Part 1 The Dead Planet

Opens with the Doctors classic lack of safety precautions as they fail to read a rising radiation counter

Doctor

How fascinating a petrified jungle.

Ian

Are you foreshadowing how the audience will react to this episode?

Doctor

Oh no I’m sure this ominous jungle is perfectly safe. Come along.

Susan

Look a city.

Barbara

Nice model.

Doctor

Don’t be condescending I'm sure they had considerable budget constraints.

Barbara

I’m not being condescending I find the history of special effects fascinating.

Ian

Well we can’t let the story move along too quickly we’ll gothere in the morning.

Back at the Tardis.

Susan

I swear there’s someone out there.

Doctor

Susan no one believes children in the pre Spielberg era.

Susan

What’s that banging sound then?

Doctor

Piping.

Ian

Doctor why don’t you take us home then come back without us.

Doctor

I haven’t figured out how the Tardis works yet. Except to know that we need this piece which has broken all by its self… honest!

Ian

Hmm suspicious.

Barbara

Remember he’s the hero.

Ian

So you keep saying.

In the morning they go to the Dalek City. Ignoring the significance of some vials left outside the ship which should make them check radiation levels again at least.

Doctor

We’ll split up it will be quicker.

Ian

Even though you’re the one who wanted lots of time in the city?

Doctor

Well when one of you is captured we'll spend lots of time here.

Barbara

Wandering around a creepy city sure is fun... No don’t wave that plunger at me it must be covered in ghastly germs. No. Ahhh!

Part 2 The Survivors

                                      

Barbara

Ahhh!

Dalek

Now that is an introduction.

*****

Ian

Barbara? Barbara?

Doctor

Forget her lets get out of here. I’ve got a bad feeling about…

Daleks

Halt.

Ian

You look rather slow and cumbersome. I’m making a run for it.

Daleks

INCAPACITATE! INCAPACITATE! INCAPACITATE!

Ian

Ouch!

Daleks

Your legs will be fine with time so don’t cry about it.

Ian

I’m not going to cry and by the way I think your catch phrase is awful.

Daleks

We’re working on it.

The Doctor sits and chats with the Daleks whilst the others go into prison.

 

Daleks

500 years ago there was a war between us and the Thals. They must have ways to treat radiation sickness by now.

Doctor

Thank you for some useful exposition but why do you insist I stay under the light?

Daleks

Our camera eyes are collecting memorabilia photos.

Susan leaves the city to get the drugs.

Susan

This is scary couldn’t the Daleks give me a torch… or a jeep? Ok I’ve managed to get the drugs I sure wish I could transport the Tardis back to the city, it would make things so much easier.

Part 3 The Escape

Thal

Hello.

Susan

Oh no a mutant… wait you look just like me.

Thal

Yes radiation is a mystery. You must take the drugs that we gave you.

Susan

Why didn’t you give them to us directly so that we knew what they were?

Thal

We tried; we were knocking for hours you really need to get a door bell.

Back at the Dalek city.

Susan

So after all these centuries the Thals will suddenly become extinct without food.

Dalek

No problem. Even though we do not any need food we always grow plenty.

Susan

Well that doesn’t make sense but I’ll take a message to the Thals.

*****

Doctor

Welcome back Susan. It’s time for me to show how clever I am.

Ian

About time too.

Doctor

Silence! We have to escape.

Susan

But how? It’s a large city with endless corridors.

Modern day audience

Actually the corridoer background is just painted canvas.

Doctor

Nothing wrong with that. Our 60s audience was happy to use their imagination as well. Now this floor is metal so the Daleks must get their power from it.

Modern day audience

Wow that is an imaginative link. How could they be a threat with such a huge weakness?

Writer Terry Nation

You’re right future audience I’ll change that.

Doctor

Now grab the Dalek.

They wrestle with the Dalek which thankfully doesn’t decide to shoot blindly.

Doctor

Yes my plan worked brilliantly.

Ian and Barbara

It was our plan.

Doctor

Never mind that now. Ian you get inside the Dalek and lead us out. We’ll abandon the Dalek creature on the floor and hope it can’t signal for help.

Ian

Wow I get a new synthetic voice how exciting.

Part 4 The Ambush

Ian

I can’t get out.

Doctor

Oh well it was nice knowing you.

Susan

Grandfather!

Doctor

What he’s only human, besides I’d need some kind of screwdriver to get into this. Or a laser. Speaking of which look how slowly the Daleks are cutting through the door.

Ian

Oh plenty of time then.

*****

Dalek 2

They got away but we are you going to exterminate the Thals. Hey I like the sound of that. Exterminate! Exterminate! Exterminate! Exterminate!

Dalek1

Cut that out they’re coming.

Temmosus

We come in peace let me explain how this will mutually benefit each other.

Ian

Wait it’s a trap.

Temmosus

What? They haven't shot me yet maybe I'm getting somewhere. Ahhh!

Ian

Sorry I was late.

Dyoni

You say that in the same tone as someone who just spilt my beer. He was our beloved leader for crying out loud.Show some emotion.

Ian

That may be but we don’t have time for re shoots

Later back at the dead forest. Well we remember its dead. Since its in black and white we start to assume the background is lushes with green foliage.

Ian

If you don’t fight they’ll wipe you out. They have no sense of reason, they’re not human.

Thals

Neither are we.

The Doctor and Susan

Nor we.

Ian

Well your appearance is confusing,

Thals

We can’t fight again we caused this destruction.

Barbara

So the Daleks are victims not just your regular bug eyed monsters

Head of BBC drama Sydney Newman

Absolutely, remember that everyone.

Ian

Oh no the Daleks took the fluid link from me.

Doctor

Blast I knew I should have faked it and taken the air freshener.

Part 5 The Expedition

Dalek 2

I have duplicated the drug and processed the pictures.

Dalek 1

Excellent.

Dalek 2

And tidied the kitchen and hoovered the lounge.

Dalek 1

Good.

Dalek 2

And emptied the trash and watered all the crops we do not even eat.

Dalek 1

Ok…

Dalek 2

There are clearly 4 of us why am I doing all the work?

Dalek 1

Our bodies cost £250 and they need to be appreciated. We can not all risk damage through work.

*****

Doctors

Let’s get the Thals to fight to save our skins.

Ian

That’s immoral. We’ll just convince them the Daleks will leave their city and attack them.

Barbara

But they haven’t done that in centuries why would they now?

Susan

Boredom?

Dyoni

It would have been easier if you just reminded us of all the food they’re denying us. But we will attack.

*****

Dalek 1

I do not believe it. We need radiation to survive. We must look at all our nuclear resources.

Dalek 3

Bombs are more dramatic.

Dalek 1

Hmmm.

Random Thal

Careful in the swamp. Ahhh!

Audience

Look out another bug eyed monster.

Writer Terry Nation

Shhh!

Part 6 The ordeal

Doctor

I’ve made it to the city without losing a member of my team. I’ve finally managed to outshine Ian in something.

Susan

Grandfather you’re stood there looking for all the world like a man strolling through Hyde Park. They’ll see you!

Doctor

Oops.

*****

Dalek 1

The Thals are still approaching but appear to be having quite an ordeal.

Dalek 2

Perhaps we could use the Neutron bomb then?

Dalek 1

No! After all these centuries I don’t have enough patience to wait 23 more days.

*****

Doctor

Ha-ha I’ve cut their power to the antenna.

Susan

Grandfather stop it they’ll catch us.

Doctor

They didn’t last time.

Dalek

Halt.

Doctor

Oh.

Dalek

We must anihala… I mean exterminate the Thals and become masters of Skaro.

Doctor

I think we understand your single minded evilness.

Dalek

Well we should still do a Nazi style salute to reinforce it.

****

Ian

These caves sure are treacherous. Quick jump across this deep chasm before the cliff hanger.

Antodus

Oh you just had to use those words didn’t you?

Part 7 The rescue

Alydon

There’s the city we must attack and rescue our friends. Have we forgotten how to fight?

Thals

Yes we have. We haven’t done any fighting in generations.

*****

Doctor

We can help each other. I have a ship that can travel through all of time and space.

Dalek

We will work out how to do that ourselves one day.

Doctor

I doubt that. Someone around here must listen to reason. Tell me where is your leader Davros?

Dalek 1

Davros Who?

Doctor

I am sorry I suddenly got all fourth dimensional.

Dalek 2

The Thals are in the city.

Dalek 1

We are superior… Keep them locked out!

Dalek 2

We can’t they have forced their way through the door.

Dalek 1

My fondness for these old sets is almost threatened. Almost.

*****

Ian

Now it’s time for a cunning plan.

Barbara

I’ve got a brick

Ian

Excellent throw it.

Barbara

Hooray I’m a hero.

Daleks

Exterminate! No the power hass gone. Mercy.

Doctor

I don’t know how to help you even if I could. I’m afraid it’s the last we’ll see of you.

Head of BBC Drama Sydney Newman

Definitely. This could be the series biggest embaressment, but people will surely forget it.

Writer Terry Nation

Ha Ha Ha!

Alydon

5 centuries of fighting is over.

Doctor

No doubt you’ll have other wars.

Alydon

Oh thank you so much for your optimism Doctor.

*****

Doctor

Let us move on the Tardis is ready.

Ian, Barbara, Susan

Wonderful.

TARDIS

*Crash*

Doctor

Oh boy.

Fin

 

Copyright © Nathan Groves http://wondersandparodies.blogspot.com/

This Work Is Not To Be Reproduced With Out Permission.

Image property of the BBC

Why Back To The Future Is A Timeless Classic

One of my favourite movies ever. It deserves to be considered a classic.

It would be a surprise to speak to meet someone who has never seen Back to the Future. It is a movie that has so many memorable moments even for those who haven’t watched it for years and has cemented itself in popular culture. It even transcends the usual criticism and stigma attached to science fiction and isn't seen as a movie that is just for geeks. Some of the many reasons the movie can stand as a classic include:

Memorable action

The action isn’t glitzy or in your face screaming "here’s an effect shot." The action serves the story and most importantly is true to the characters. However you feel about violence you can’t help but smile when George Mcfly stands up to the Bully Biff.

Capturing the feelings of growing up

I'm not American but the movie still brings up a nostalgic feeling. Ideas such as changing your life for the better and rediscovering the optimism of youth will never go away.

Memorable quotes "Great Scott!"

Every movie classic is filled with memorable quotes. You can go years without watching Back to the Future and still remember some of its great lines.
''88 miles per hour!'' How many people shouted this line out when they get their first car?
''1.21 gigawatts'' one of movie histories most memorable measurements. '' If you put your mind to it you can accomplish anything'' A very uplifting quote. Every line has a purpose and meaning to the story.



Memorable characters and acting

Great performances from the entire cast elevate the movie from being just another Sci-Fi comedy. The actors are so good you can often forget you're watching scifi all together and don’t spend the movie puzzling over how time travel works.
Lea Thompson manages to come across as sweet and innocent despite unknowingly having a crush on her son. She’s believable playing the young hopeful teenager and as the disappointed old mother.
Christopher Lyod is the very definition of the eccentric scientist yet his performance is also enfused with ,a lot of heart.
Michael J Fox despite his actual age at the time does a brilliant job playing the cool teenager we all wanted to be. Playing electric guitar, driving cool cars and skate boarding through school halls. He’s a timeless image of the young adventurer. Getting the chance to see his parents when they were the same age was a very clever idea and reminds us how everyone was young once.
Crispin Glover gives George Mcfly a vulnerability and goofiness that is fun to watch and makes us root for his character. It’s an interesting and unique dynamic seeing Marty giving advice to his young father. Most likely the same advice he would have liked from his father when he was growing up.    
                         
Well written script

The movie was delayed in its production and the writers used the time to hone their script. This paid off with a tight story. Funny, well paced and intelligent it mixes entertainment with many layers of meaning. It references and internal story threads along with its many subtle visual clues makes it a movie that can be enjoyed with multiple viewings.

Copyright © Nathan Groves http://wondersandparodies.blogspot.com/
This Work Is Not To Be Reproduced With Out Permission.