Doepfer Dark Energy modular synth

This looks cool - a monophonic stand-alone synthesizer with USB and Midi interface, using analogue sound generation and modulation. Dark Energy is built into a rugged black metal case with wooden side plates - the distance between the controls is a bit wider compared to A-100 modules, and more 'classic' knobs are fitted. But there's also a caseless non-MIDI version for use with the modular system I have. Available in June at 400 Euros. I'll have to start saving.

Who watches the Watchmen?

I went to see Watchmen at BAFTA last night, courtesy of Xbox Live Movies. It's stunning - epic in scale, uncompromising in vision, unbelieveably faithful to the original comic. I'm amazed it got made, and not at all sure whether it will be a hit or not - it's certainly the best superhero film ever, and one of the best sci-fi films ever, but will it cross over from comic fandom to the mass market? Obviously I'm looking forward to seeing it on DVD, and in the inevitable Special Edition, Very Special Edition, and Extraordinarily Special Edition...