ITV To Get Rid of Their New Idents?

According to rumours, due to a poor public response to their new idents, ITV1 are planning to get rid of their new idents before Christmas.

Source - http://www.tvforum.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=22317.

Links for links section

This is mainly a little reminder for me so I can remember which links to include in my 'links' section at the right.

Mailbox - http://www.newmailbox.co.uk/
2DTV - http://2dtv.co.uk/
Paramount Comedy - http://www.paramountcomedy.co.uk
Digital Spy - http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/
TV Forum - http://www.tvforum.co.uk
Londonist - http://londonist.com/
BBC London - http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/
Can't Get Enough Futurama - http://www.gotfuturama.com/
No Homers Dot Net - http://www.nohomers.net
The Simpsons Channel - http://www.simpsonschannel.com
Proton Charging (Ghostbusters) - http://www.protoncharging.com/ghostbusters/
Ghostbusters 3 - The Unofficial Webpage - http://members.tripod.com/~ghostbusters3/
Ghostblunders (Ghostbusters bloopers) - http://www.ghostblunders.tk/
The New York Ghostbusters Tour Guide - http://hometown.aol.com/nygbtour/home.html
Google's Blogger Help Group - http://groups.google.com/group/blogger-help?lnk=lr&hl=en
Dummies Guide to Google Blogger - http://bloggerfordummies.blogspot.com/
Blogger Tips and Tricks - http://blogger-tricks.blogspot.com/
Harry Hill's official website - http://www.harry-hill.tv/
What's That Tune? - http://www.whatsthattune.co.uk/
BBC.co.uk's Dead Ringers website - http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/deadringers/
The Official LazyTown website - http://www.lazytown.com/
Ghostbusters Dot Net - http://www.ghostbusters.net/
Sky Digi Online - http://www.skydigionline.co.uk
ITV Sales - http://www.itvsales.com
Sky Media - http://www.skymedia.co.uk
ITV Media - http://www.itvmedia.co.uk/
Nick Jr. Classics - http://nickjr.co.uk/classics/index.aspx

Jamie Oliver hated by schoolchildren

Jamie Oliver has admitted that youngsters shout abuse at him as a result of his healthy school dinners campaign, reports Digital Spy.

The TV chef visits schools all over the country to encourage children to eat healthily, but the responses are not always positive.

"I have been trying to change things for four years," he told Jonathan Ross. "It's an emotional thing for me. But at the schools I have never been called so many rude things so regularly. The kids definitely let you know when they don't like you!"

You can read the full article at http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds37625.html.

Best UK City For Quality Of Life Is...

Sky News is reporting that Edinburgh has been named the best British city for quality of life by business leaders.

The Scottish capital is the most desirable place to live, according to a survey of company executives on 33 of Europe's leading business cities. It is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe yet still has a population of just 400,000.

And the result is that it is considered top for lack of pollution

You can read the whole article at http://uk.news.yahoo.com/30092006/140/best-uk-city-quality-life.html.

BBC Radio 2's New Elvis Promo

Theres a great new promo running on BBC TV advertising Radio 2 which features Elvis. The Radio 2 commercial is of Elvis introducing his band, which is made up of modern day music artists, like Oasis.

You can watch the Radio 2 trailer online on the official BBC Radio 2 website - http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio2/elvis/.

You can also view the Radio 2 promo at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA-aEqbU6jE.

Source - http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=468229.

Tabitha Intro on You Tube

Someone has uploaded a video clip to You Tube of the opening titles/credits for 'Tabitha', the spinoff to Bewitched.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1O7zs6mYZRs

'Tabitha' was about the daughter in 'Bewitched' when she was a teenager.

Source - http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=468681.

BBC 1 To Show New Royle Family Christmas Special on...

According to reports, BBC1 will show the new Christmas special of The Royle Family called 'The Royle Family: The Queen of Sheba' on Sunday 22nd October 2006 at 9pm.

It is also rumored that even though the name of the new Royle Family Christmas special is 'Queen of Sheba - THE FINALE', it isn't the last episode or Christmas special going to be made.

Source - http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=468684.

New Presenter for Channel 4's Deal or No Deal

According to reports, Deal or No Deal is set to celebrate it's first birthday by getting a new presenter.

Impressionist Jon Culshaw (Dead Ringers) will host a special show on October 29th, lampooning Noel Edmonds as he takes a show off.

Teletext report Endemol wouldn't confirm the move - but that they are planning something "special and a bit different" for the shows first birthday.

It's previously been mentioned there would be another "Double Deal" week to celebrate the first birthday of the show.

Source - http://www.tvforum.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17682&start=756.

There are also rumours that Les Dennis (Family Fortunes) will become the new presenter of Channel 4's Deal Or No Deal.

I've found a flash game of the Australian version of Deal or No Deal - http://www.geocities.com/dodgypa/deal.html.

Challenge TV Loses the Rights to Repeat Interceptor and Treasure Hunt

According to posts on Challenge TV's message boards, Challenge have lost the rights to show two of the best game shows ever made, Treasure Hunt and Interceptor.

Also, according to another post on Challenge TV's message boards, TV5 Europe is currently showing a new version of Treasure Hunt called 'La Carte Aux Tresors'.

try La Carte Aux Tresors on TV5 Europe (Wednesday 5:30 repeated about 10:30 on Saturdays). This is the latest French descendent of Treasure Hunt. In this one you have two competitors, each in a helicopter, racing to find the next clue.

If you can work out how to get them on your setup then TV5 have French subtitles for this on teletext 891. Not as good as English, but definitely better than nothing.

Source - http://www.challenge.co.uk/forums/.

Challenge TV Gets a Makeover

While watching Challenge TV last night, I noticed that Challenge has now got a brand new on-air design, which includes a brand new logo, brand new bumpers (not sure about new channel idents though), and a brand new channel BUG/DOG.

I also noticed that Challenge TV has moved to channel 124 (125 for +1) on the Sky Channel EPG.

Challenge TV have also revamped their website with their new on-air look - http://www.challenge.co.uk.

I really like Challenge's new look, the bumpers feature the word 'Challenge' in flashing lights being held up by wires/string. And Challenge's new BUG/DOG is of their new logo. Much more game-showy than their old bumpers in my opinion!

Billy West Radio Interview

Futurama Voice actor Billy West recently talked to the Paul Harris radio show about the new episodes of Futurama on Comedy Central:

As the voice of many of the "Futurama" characters, he revealed that the show will be back on Comedy Central and in a new movie next year.

You can listen to Billy West's interview at http://www.harrisonline.com/2006/09/billy-west-returns.htm. The interview is in MP3 format.

Des Lynam Quits As Presenter of Channel 4's Countdown

According to the front cover of tomorrow's Daily Mirror, TV presenter Des Lynam has quit as the presenter of popular UK daytime game show, Countdown. You can view the front cover of tomorrows edition of the Daily Mirror at http://www.skynews.co.uk.

Source - http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=468578.

BBC Cancels My Hero

According to http://www.downthetubes.net, the hit BBC sitcom My Hero, which starred Ardal O'Hanlon (seasons one to five) and James Dreyfus (season six) has been axed/cancelled. You can read the information in full at http://www.downthetubes.net/tv/my_hero/.

Source - http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=468429.

Although I really liked My Hero, it kind of went downhill when James Dreyfus replaced Ardal O'Hanlon as the Super Hero, Theroman.

Trouble To Show The Cosby Show

According to reports, UK teen TV channel Trouble will start to show the classic sitcom The Cosby Show soon.

Ghost Train intro on You Tube

Someone has uploaded a video clip to You Tube of the opening titles/credits for Children's ITV's Saturday morning kids tv show, Ghost Train:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oBx5MVmMxo

Source - http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=459021&page=2.

Ahh, memory's! I used to love watching Ghost Train with when I was growing up! And Motormouth, which showed The Real Ghostbusters!

'Countdown' fans fight to stop move south

From Digital Spy:

Fans of Channel 4's Countdown have set up an online petition in an attempt to stop the production of the show moving from YTV studios in Leeds to London.

The rumoured relocation is reported to be due to presenter Des Lynam being tired of travelling to the studios from his home in Chiswick, West London. The programme has been filmed in the Yorkshire studio since it began in 1982.

Over 390 people have already signed the petition, claiming that the move would "deeply compromise many central tenets of the programme" and be against the wishes of the show's original host, Richard Whiteley, who died last year.

The messages include some from those who have worked on the show. One says: "I've worked on Countdown for more than 20 years and we love the show here. It's part of us. It's broken our hearts to think it's going to London for one reason only – Des Lynam has had a strop about travelling. Not fair and not right."

Channel 4 is reported to be "looking at various options" for next year, with some reports suggesting recording may be split between Leeds and London.

But a spokesman for the show denied that Countdown would be filmed anywhere other than Leeds: "The fact of the matter is that Countdown will begin filming in Leeds this autumn as normal. There are no immediate plans to move production to the south."

Source - http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds37596.html.

I really hope that Countdown doesn't move after all!

Richard Branson to launch 'Astronaut Idol'

According to Digital Spy:

Virgin Galactic is reported to be in talks with the BBC and ITV in staging a Pop-Idol-style show for the commercial space trips it will begin in three years.

The show will feature six contestants from around the world competing for a spot on SpaceShipTwo, the design of which was unveiled this week at Wired Magazine’s NextFest forum in New York.

Virgin Galactic spaceliners will begin test flights by early 2008 in Mojave, California, and filming of the show is proposed to commence around the same time. For those not able to win a seat, a ticket for the 2.5-hour flight will cost $200,000.

Will Whitehorn, president of Virgin Galactic, told The Guardian the show would be a cross between "Dr Who, Star Trek and The Krypton Factor."

Source - http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds37567.html.

Although I can't stand reality TV shows, 'Astronaut Idol' actually sounds interesting, in my opinion.

Peter Jackson to focus on computer games

According to Digital Spy, "Peter Jackson has said he is "getting a little bored with films" as he turns his hand to producing computer games".

The Oscar-winning director was speaking as he announced he had signed a deal with Microsoft to make several titles for its new Xbox 360.

"I do not have to keep delivering stories as movies - there are other things I can do," he revealed, casting doubt on his future as a conventional filmmaker. "More and more I'm looking forward to the release of games and not movies."

I am more and more excited about games. Technology is at a point where we can blend a lot of film storytelling with interactive entertainment."

Jackson and his wife Fran Walsh have launched Wingnut, a banner for their interactive ventures, and are first to work on a spin-off to hit game Halo.

What their later projects will involve is unclear but they are thought to be looking at more sophisticated plots and developed interaction.

You can read the whole article at http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds37553.html.

I personally much prefer playing video games based on movies than watching the actual movies!

Ken Livingstone under fire over anti-pigeon fight

According to the news agency Reuters, London mayor Ken Livingstone came under fire on Friday over the cost of his efforts to rid Trafalgar Square of pigeons by using hawks.

Livingstone, who famously branded pigeons "rats with wings", banned feeding the birds on the famous central London square in November 2003 and dispatched two Harris hawks as a deterrent, prompting protests from animal rights campaigners around the world.

Some 2,500 pigeons have disappeared from the square since but, according to Mike Tuffrey, Liberal Democrat spokesman on the London Assembly, an estimated 1,000 diehards have stayed put.

Tuffrey said the scheme had cost taxpayers 226,000 pounds since the mayor first unleashed the hawks.

You can read the whole article at http://uk.news.yahoo.com/29092006/80-132/livingstone-under-fire-anti-pigeon-fight.html.

They should leave the pigeon's alone in my opinion, they're part of Trafalgar Square's heritage.

"Doctor Who" zooms into record books

According to the news agency Reuters:

The cult science fiction series "Doctor Who" has won a place in the record books as the longest-running television show of its type, a fitting accolade for the time-travelling adventurer.

The book "Guinness World Records" said on Friday more than 700 episodes of the programme, which first aired on the BBC in 1963, had been broadcast, covering 173 story lines and showcasing 10 different actors in the role of the Time Lord.

A spokeswoman for the book said the category of longest-running sci-fi series had been newly introduced for the 2007 edition.

You can read the whole article at http://uk.news.yahoo.com/29092006/325/doctor-zooms-record-books.html.

Plans for a Little Britain Movie and Spin Off

Little Britain stars David Walliams and Matt Lucas have revealed plans for a film version Little Britain, according to Paramount Comedy's 'Comedy News'.

The news has come straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak, as Walliams told 'king of the chat' Michael Parkinson that "we've had some sort of interest from America."

"We've got a sort of film development deal out there and also we might do something for TV out there," he added.

This news follows closely on the heels of the announcement that the LB boys have also signed a deal with Pop Idol producer Simon Fuller to develop a version of Little Britain for the American cable network HBO.

Back in Blighty, Lucas and Walliams are also developing a spin-off series for the Beeb based around their popular characters Lou and Andy, according to the BBC website.

Source - http://www.paramountcomedy.com/comedy/news/article.aspx?id=673.

Chocolate Week 2006

According to http://www.chocolate-week.co.uk, Chocolate Week 2006 takes place in London (and across the UK) from 16 to 22 October 2006.

Source - http://londonist.com

Christmas TV Specials and Movies Announced for Christmas 2006

According to reports, TV channels have announced that they will be showing the following Christmas specials and movies over this years Christmas TV season:

Wind In The Willows
Two Little Britain Episodes (Little Britain goes Abroad)
Doctor Who
Green Green Grass
The F Word
The Thick of It
Doc Martin
My Family
The Vicar of Dibley (although, apparently it has not been filmed yet, so not sure if it is going to be shown or not..)
Harry Hills TV Burp Christmas Special
Bad Girls Christmas Special
Disney Channel's High School Musical (on BBC1)
Green Wing (the final episode)
The Hogfather
The Charlotte Church Show
Top of the Pop's Christmas Special
Pirates of the Caribbean
Robin Hood Finale

Source - http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=466160

Jamie Oliver helps AOL enter UK content market

According to Digital Spy, US internet provider AOL is to host a live broadcast from Jamie Oliver's house in Essex next month.

The 45-minute outside broadcast will be made by Oliver's own Fresh One Productions. AOL, which is currently selling off its European ISP business, has previously featured live music performances, Hollywood film downloads and webcasts of events like Live8, but this is the first exclusive content deal it has made in the UK.

The show will be broadcast at 7pm on October 12, as a free, "appointment-to-view" event.

Viewers will also be able to take part in web chats, download recipes and see footage of young chefs discovered through Oliver's 15 restaurant. A competition will be run on the site giving a family the chance to join Oliver on the show.

You can read the whole article here - http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds37536.html.

More shows for Five Life and Five US announced

According to Digital Spy, UK TV channel Five has revealed more shows which their new channels, Five Life and Five US, will show.

Five US will feature a mix of American drama, films, documentaries, sport and comedy including Shark, which stars James Woods as a top LA celebrity defence attorney who switches sides to become a prosecutor, and Nightmares and Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King.

Shows on 'Life' include Warner Brothers' The Ellen DeGeneres Show, award-winning Australian drama Love My Way and Supermodel Extra, which promises a behind-the-scenes look at Five's second series of Make me a Supermodel.

Source - http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds37489.html.

Sci-Fi series V back in production

According to the IMDB, the sci-fi series, V, is back in production, with some of the same cast from the original series.

Sources: http://www.imdb.com &
http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=467828

'Supermarket Sweep' lined up for return

Former ITV daytime quiz Supermarket Sweep is in line for a comeback, according to a report in The Sun today, reports Digital Spy.

"The student favourite, which propelled host Dale Winton to stardom, was axed five years ago after ratings tumbled. A spokesman for TalkbackThames admitted last night: "We are in talks with ITV about a number of projects, one of which is Supermarket Sweep."

ITV is keen to revamp its daytime schedule after a series of ratings mishaps such as The Sharon Osbourne Show.

A friend of Winton told The Sun: "Dale would love to do it.""

Source - http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds37540.html

Great news, in my opinion! I was just thinking last night while watching a repeat of Supermarket Sweep on Challenge TV that they should bring the game show back! Now all TV has to do is bring back Blankety Blank, Family Fortunes, Wheel of Fortune, The Generation Game, Play You Cards Right, The Price is Right (with a decent host), Treasure Hunt, Interceptor, Finders Keepers, Blockbusters, Through The Keyhole, Catchphrase, The Crystal Maze, and Fun House!

'Doctor Who' movie on the way?

According to TV news website Digital Spy, producers of the latest Doctor Who are planning to make a Doctor Who movie:

Producers are planning to bring back Billie Piper for a Doctor Who movie, according to a report.

The decision was prompted by the realisation that the show's budget was constraining it in terms of sets and effects, according to the Daily Star.

A source told the paper that the proposed movie would also see assistant Rose Tyler, played by Piper, reunited with David Tennant.

You can read the full article here - http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds37519.html.

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the BBC show told Digital Spy in another article that there is "no truth whatsoever" in a reports of a Doctor Who movie that will reunite Billie Piper with David Tennant following their parting of the ways last season.

In other Doctor Who news, former Coronation Street regular Thelma Barlow and The League of Gentleman's Mark Gatiss have been confirmed for appearances in the next series of Doctor Who. Barlow, who played Mavis Wilton in the popular soap for 26 years, will play a character called Lady Thaw. Meanwhile, Gatiss will play a scientist. You can read the whole article here - http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds37544.html

Hammond should return "to his old self"

According to Digital Spy, Richard Hammond's family has thanked the public for their support following his life-threatening car crash. Fans from around the world had sent out their concern for the Top Gear presenter while he underwent emergency treatment, they said in a statement.“ The Hammonds have always been a close and loving family but we have been deeply moved by the almost overwhelming expressions of love and concern from so many friends and from Richard’s fans, both in the UK and elsewhere."

You can read the full article at http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds37514.html

Digital Spy also reports that:

Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond has left Leeds General Infirmary for a hospital closer to his home.

Stuart Ross, the presenter's consultant neurosurgeon, said that Hammond suffered a "significant brain injury" but added that he should make a full recovery in "six months time."

"He has to rest and allow his brain to recover and that takes time," explained Ross. "I'm sure that once that period is over he will be back to his old self."

Great news!

Source - http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds37532.html

Prescott to quit as Deputy PM

According to ITN, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has announced that he will quit as Labour's deputy leader before the next party conference. It is thought that he will quit at the same time as Tony Blair stands down as Prime Minister.

You can read the full article at http://uk.news.yahoo.com/28092006/356/prescott-quit-deputy-pm.html

"Top Gear" air ambulance service hoaxed

According to the news agency Reuters, a charity appeal set up for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance in the wake of the high-speed car crash involving Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond has fallen victim to an apparent hoax. The charity, which relies solely on donations to keep its helicopter in the air, is hoping to raise 500,000 pounds to pay for a second aircraft.
But the total reached on donations Web site justgiving.com has now fallen after one single gift of 50,000 pounds was declined by the donor's bank. Mick Lindley, operations manager at the air support unit at Yorkshire Air Ambulance described the setback as "disappointing".

You can read the whole article here - http://uk.news.yahoo.com/28092006/325/top-gear-air-ambulance-service-hoaxed.html

That's really sick that someone would do that in my opinion!

GTA: Vice City Stories Website Updated

Rockstar Games have updated their official website for the next Grand Theft Auto video game, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories. The update includes more information, screens and a new trailer. Also it sounds like Timothy Spall is a part of the cast. You can visit the official Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories website at http://www.rockstargames.com/vicecitystories/.

ASA bans two WKD/Smirnoff adverts

According to reports, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned two WKD/Smirnoff adverts because they thought the adverts were "too childish" and may target youth drinkers. You can read the Advertising Standards Authority's report into the adverts at http://www.asa.org.uk.

Although I hate alcohol, I think banning the adverts altogether was a bit too harsh, as long as the adverts are shown after the watershed and during programmes children don't normally watch, I don't see the harm of the adverts. Plus, it should be up to the shop keepers not to sell alcohol to children as well.

The Royle Family: The Queen Of Sheba

While Ricky Tomlinson was a guest on The New Paul O'Grady Show tonight, he revealed that he had just finished filming the new Christmas special of The Royle Family called 'The Royle Family: The Queen of Sheba' last week, and that the BBC will be airing it towards the end of October. The Royle Family: The Queen of Sheba will also be released on DVD on 23rd October 2006 (Source - Amazon.co.uk and Sendit.com), although according to Play.com, it wont be released on DVD until 13th November 2006. Play.com also has a photo of the cover art for the DVD, which shows what the family look like now (Baby David is a bit older). Extras and special features on the DVD include:

Commentaries from Caroline Aherne, Craig Cash and Ralf Little
Outtakes
Deleted scenes
making of: featurette
Family tree: featurette

You can view the cover art at http://www.play.com.

The Royle Family: The Queen of Sheba DVD at Sendit.com - http://sendit.com/dvd/item/7001000126627

The Royle Family: The Queen of Sheba DVD at Amazon.co.uk - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Royle-Family-Special-Liz-Smith/dp/B000H80KKK/sr=1-5/qid=1159383161/ref=sr_1_5/026-7991507-9871644?ie=UTF8&s=dvd

Play.com, Sendit.com and Amazon.co.uk are also taking pre-orders for the The Royle Family: The Queen of Sheba DVD.

Richard Hammond wants 'Top Gear' back on the air

Richard Hammond has reportedly pleaded with BBC chiefs to keep Top Gear on the air, reports Digital Spy. According to the Daily Star, the corporation has said it will not show another series of the motoring show unless the recovering presenter is well enough to appear. However, he has insisted that it should go to air and is even prepared to record from his hospital bed in a bid to save it, says the report. " Richard could not stand to feel he was to blame for the demise of the show he loves," a friend of the host told the paper. "He's fuming they've postponed the next series because he fears that's the first step towards the BBC pulling the plug permanently.

You can read the full article here - http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds37477.html

'X Factor' band axed for cheating

A band that made it to the last 12 X Factor hopefuls have been axed from the show for breaking the rules, reports Digital Spy. Producers launched an investigation into Avenue earlier this month after it was revealed they had a deal with pop professional Ashley Tabor. It was believed they had agreed with Tabor not to mention the contract so they could launch a career with the show's added publicity.

You can read the full article here - http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds37480.html

Kids Using 'Dial-A-Drink' Booze Service

From Sky News, via Yahoo!:

Kids Using 'Dial-A-Drink' Booze Service

Young children are using fast-food takeaway services to 'dial-a-drink', it has emerged. Drivers who deliver the food often do not check those buying the booze are above the legal age limit. The discovery has prompted the Government to launch a high-profile campaign to warn parents of the dangers.

You can view the whole article here - http://uk.news.yahoo.com/27092006/140/kids-using-dial-drink-booze-service.html

Misprinted lottery ticket sparks short-lived ecstasy in SKorea

From the AFP news agency:

Misprinted lottery ticket sparks short-lived ecstasy in SKorea

SEOUL (AFP) - Ecstasy turned to agony for a South Korean lottery winner when he presented a winning ticket only to be told he could not claim the prize of one million dollars because of a printing mistake, officials said.

You can view the whole article here - http://uk.news.yahoo.com/26092006/323/misprinted-lottery-ticket-sparks-short-lived-ecstasy-skorea.html

Da Vinci's Mona Lisa was a new mother

From the Reuters news agency:

Da Vinci's Mona Lisa was a new mother

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Mona Lisa, the mysterious woman immortalized in Leonardo da Vinci's 16th century masterpiece, had just given birth to her second son when she sat for the painting, a French art expert said on Tuesday.

The discovery was made by a team of Canadian scientists who used special infrared and three-dimensional technology to peer through hitherto impenetrable paint layers on the work, which now sits in the Louvre museum in Paris.

You can read the full article here - http://uk.news.yahoo.com/26092006/325/da-vinci-s-mona-lisa-new-mother.html

Transport for London's Traffic Alerts Service

Transport for London have launched a website for London's traffic news called 'TFL Traffic Alerts Service'. As well as maps, it features CCTV footage from any traffic camera in London.

According to Londonist:

Traffic News is a unique traffic management tool that will provide real time details of road works, streetworks, public events, accidents and incidents that may affect road journeys, allowing road users to make informed decisions about their routes before they travel.

You can visit Transport for London's Traffic Alerts Service website here - http://www.tfl.gov.uk/trafficnews

Source - http://londonist.com

Greatest Ever Blockbuster Movies

Channel Five recently compiled a countdown of The 40 All-time Greatest Blockbuster Movies. You can view the full list on Channel Five's website - http://www.five.tv/programmes/greatestevermovies/countdown/.

They left out the greatest movies of all time though, Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters 2.

Neighbours to move to Five?

According to a report from mediaguardian.co.uk , Channel Five are planning to strike with a bid for Australian soap opera Neighbours when the rights come up for renewal next year.

Source - Digital Spy message boards - http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=456904

The New Paul O'Grady Show gets good ratings

Great news! From http://MediaGuardian.co.uk, via Digital Spy's message boards:

"O'Grady's comeback flattens Sharon Osbourne

Jason Deans, broadcasting editor
Tuesday September 26, 2006
MediaGuardian.co.uk nel 4

An interview with David Beckham could not save Sharon Osbourne's ITV1 chatshow from a ratings drubbing from the returning Paul O'Grady on Channel 4 yesterday.O'Grady returned with his Channel 4 chatshow, slightly later than scheduled following his second heart attack in June, and yesterday pulled in 2.5 million viewers and a 21% audience share between 5pm and 6pm, according to unofficial overnights.

On ITV1 at the same time, The Sharon Osbourne Show was watched by 1.2 million viewers and attracted a 10% share.

In its final week on air during in June, The New Paul O'Grady Show averaged around 2 million viewers and a 17% share, up against live coverage of World Cup group stage matches on BBC1 and ITV1.

Also at teatime yesterday, BBC1's Neighbours won 2.6 million viewers and a 20% share; while on BBC2 The Weakest Link drew 2.3 million and 18%."

Source - http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=466888&page=2&pp=25

Although I think The New Paul O'Grady Show is miles better than The Sharon Osbourne Show, it doesn't beat The 5 O Clock Show in my opinion.

Speaking of ITV1's 5 O Clock timeslot, Coronation Street actor Bradley Walsh, who plays factory owner Danny Baldwin, is rumoured to be getting his own talk show. He was a good fill in host on Today With Des and Mel in my opinion. Another famous person rumoured to be getting their own talk show is Dame Edna Everage.

Quiz Channel Admits Rip Off

Posted on the Digital Spy message boards:

Quiz Channel Admits Rip Off

According to a report from the DTG website, Quizcall has been blocking contestants for 40 minutes. I would have thought that Ftn’s Quiz Night Live would have been the prime candidate for unfortunate behaviour but there we go.

An extract is provided below courtesy of DTG and the full story can be found at www.dtg.org.uk.

“Channel 4's premium rate TV channel, Quiz Call, has reportedly admitted blocking callers from taking part for up to 40 minutes. The admission comes as Ofcom considers plans to reclassify the growing number of digital quiz channels as teleshopping services, subject to Advertising Standards Authority regulation, and the Gambling Commission mulls treating them as lotteries rather than competitions—a move that would see quiz channels forced to hand over 20% of profits to charities.

The Sunday Times said 13 quiz channels were now generating annual revenues estimated at around £160m. A source close to Quiz Call, operated by Channel 4 commercial subsidiary Ostrich Media, said phone revenues—calls cost 75p—are boosted by not putting calls through to the on-screen quizmaster during busy periods.”

Source - http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=467073

Also, from Times Online:

The show uses a variety of ploys to entice viewers to call in. One source who recently worked on Quiz Call said: “They will change the music, focus on close-ups of money, close-ups of the phone; they will go for 30-40 seconds without anything being said, with sound effects like a heartbeat or submarine sonar to build up tension.

Source - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,176-2372445,00.html

Five US launching soon

According to reports, UK TV channel 'five' seems to be calling itself 'Five' now.

Also according to reports, Five will be launching a brand new channel in the near future called Five US (or five US). Five US is set to launch on 15/16 October 2006, and Five US's schedules will feature programmes and shows such as Happy Days, Primetime Sport, movies, US documentaries and brand new dramas like Windfall, conviction, Vanished, Shark.

Wonder if this means Paramount Comedy will stop showing Happy Days..

Also, apparently, Channel Five's new Five US marketing campaign has already received complaints, according to MediaGuardian.co.uk. You can read the whole article here - http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,,1881493,00.html

Channel Five are also going to launch another brand new channel called Five Life.

Rainbow's Zippy gets makeover for Nivea advert campaign

Rainbow star Zippy has undergone a facial makeover for a new ad campaign, with the cult hero's famous zipped lips being transformed. The poster campaign by Nivea - aiming to drive awareness of the 'Essential balm' product - runs from Thursday (September 28) in university cities nationwide, targeting female students aged 16 to 24. "Zippy is a national insitution and after years in the wilderness, he's back as the face of Nivea Lip Care," said creative director Danny Brooke-Taylor. "Who better to illustrate the product benefits than this iconic figure?"

You can read the whole article and view a photo of Zippy's new makeover on Digital Spy - http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds37456.html

Also, you can watch repeats of Rainbow on the Nick Junior channel's Nick Jr. Classics block, every night at 8pm. Nick Jr. Classics is currently repeating the 1981 series of Rainbow which features the classic line up of Geoffrey, Bungle, Zippy and George, with musical appearances by Rod, Jane and Freddy!

http://www.nickjr.co.uk/classics/shows/rainbow.aspx

BBC looks to its heritage for new idents

The BBC has revealed BBC One's new programme idents, which will launch on October 7th 2006. Reportedly costing £1.2m, the idents feature a revolving circle formed by, among other things, the moon, an apartment building, people playing football, flying kites and riding motorcycles. The 'red' branding of its previous 'Dancers' theme, introduced in 2002, has been retained. Red Bee Media, formerly BBC Broadcast, created the eight new idents, with another eight executions planned over the next five years. Each ident will be used to reflect editorial content of each programme.

Source - Digital Spy - http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds37453.html

You can view the new idents in full here - http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/article/ds37469.html

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles teaser trailer

Apple.com's movie trailer website also has the teaser trailer for the upcoming new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie - http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/teenagemutantninjaturtles/ (the teaser trailer for the new TMNT movie is also available in High Definition and as an iPod download.)

The Simpsons Movie teaser trailer

Apple.com have put up a teaser trailer for The Simpsons Movie, which opens worldwide in July 2007. You can view the teaser trailer here - http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox/thesimpsonsmovie/teaser/. The trailer is in Quicktime format,

(Source - http://www.nohomers.net)

Also, according to a recent article about The Associated Press, The Simpsons creator Matt Groening sees no end in sight for the wayward lad or "The Simpsons." You can read the full article here - http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060911/ENTERTAINMENT10/609110315/1094

(Source - http://www.simpsonschannel.com)

Futurama 2007 Wall Calendar

Amazon.co.uk are now stocking and selling the Futurama 2007 Wall Calendar! You can buy it online at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Futurama-2007-Calendar-Matt-Groening/dp/0060892625/sr=8-7/qid=1159220071/ref=pd_ka_7/026-7991507-9871644?ie=UTF8&s=books.

Also, Amazon.co.uk have put up a listing for the 'The Simpsons Movie' DVD (PAL, Region 2), even though it's not even been released in the cinema yet - http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Simpsons-Movie/dp/B000IMV3WO/sr=1-12/qid=1159220458/ref=sr_1_12/026-7991507-9871644?ie=UTF8&s=dvd

PS3 to launch in Europe in March 2007

According to the EuroGamer website, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has announced that the release date for PlayStation 3 in PAL (Europe) territories has been pushed back until March 2007. You can read the full article here - http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=67341.

Bad news in my opinion, I was looking forward to it being released over here in the UK over Christmas.

Rockstar Games Announces GTA IV (PS3)

According to the official Rockstar Games website, Rockstar Games will be releasing a brand new Grand Theft Auto game on October 16th 2007 in the US and 19th October 2007 in the UK called Grand Theft Auto IV (AKA Grand Theft Auto 4) for the new PlayStation 3 (PS3) platform.

Although, according to Amazon.co.uk, Grand Theft Auto IV is due to be released on 20th October, 2006, but since the PlayStation 3 isn't due to be released until 2007, I doubt the game will be released this year.

The official GTA IV website - http://www.rockstargames.com/grandtheftauto4/

Amazon.co.uk's Grand Theft Auto IV listing - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Grand-Theft-Auto-IV-PS3/dp/B000E6HH74/sr=8-2/qid=1159219405/ref=sr_1_2/026-7991507-9871644?ie=UTF8&s=videogames

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories website goes live

Rockstar Games have launched their official website for the next Grand Theft Auto video game, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, which is due to be released in the UK on 3rd November 2006 for the Sony Playstation Portable (PSP) - http://www.rockstargames.com/vicecitystories/

Also, according to http://www.vcspsp.com/, the forthcoming Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories video game will not be released on the Playstation 2 and will only be available for the PSP. (Source: Digital Spy message boards - http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=456811)

BBC TV 70th Anniversary

Found this on the Digital Spy message boards - http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=466407:

BBC TV 70th Anniversary

BBC TV is rumoured to celebrate is 70th Anniversary this year with a season of ''BBCTV70'' programming that was run on the network, including a run down of BBC TV's 100 top programmes, "Programmes that changed the face of ........." (comedy/news/documentaries/drama etc), a 70th birthday bash and a five-part documentary series which chronicled BBC's history.

ITV Play - Make Your Play

According to posts on Digital Spy's message boards, ITV Play will be premiering a new quiz soon called Make Your Play, which will be presented by Alex Kramer and Ben Baldwin. It is thought that Make Your Play will replace ITV Play's The Mint on Friday's, Saturday's and Sundays. No word if Make Your Play will be just shown on the ITV Play channel, or will be shown on ITV1 and ITV2 as well.

Source: http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=466583

10 most expensive US TV shows for a 30 sec advert

Found this on the Digital Spy message boards - http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=466928:

A 30-second ad on "American Idol" will cost $600,000 this season, making the show once again the most expensive series on television.Here are the 10 most expensive shows for a 30 second ad in the US:

1. "American Idol" Wednesday (FOX): $620,000
2. "American Idol" Tuesday (FOX): $594,000
3. "Desperate Housewives" (ABC): $394,000
4. "24" (FOX): $364,000
5. "CSI" (CBS): $347,000
6. "Grey's Anatomy" (ABC): $344,000
7. "Sunday Night Football" (NBC): $342,000
8. "Lost" (ABC): $328,000
9. "The Loop" (FOX): $310,000
10. "Survivor: Cook Islands" (CBS): $296,000

Interesting..

CITV has to stay, says Ofcom

Great news (especially since I posted a link to http://www.savechildrenstv.co.uk yesterday)! Ofcom has rejected ITV's proposal to drop children's programming from the ITV1 weekday afternoon schedule. From the Media Guardian:

Today's decision will come as a blow to the broadcaster, which had been hoping to shore up its flagship channel's ratings performance on weekday afternoons by dumping its CiTV kids' programming and replacing it with daytime output aimed at a wider adult audience. "The Ofcom board declined a proposal from ITV plc for a significant change in the volume of children's programmes on ITV1," said a spokesman for the regulator.

Wonder if that means My Parents Are Aliens isn't cancelled/axed afterall now?

You can read the whole article here - http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,,1880721,00.html

Richard Hammond in general ward and cracking jokes

Some great news about the Brainiac: Science Abuse and Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond. According to the Media Guardian, Richard Hammond "has continued to make a remarkable recovery from his 300mph dragster crash, and was yesterday well enough to be cared for in a general ward and share jokes with his family and friends." Also, "Hammond's co-presenter, Jeremy Clarkson, launched a scathing attack on investigators looking into the crash, and commentators who have suggested the macho, speed-loving BBC2 motoring show ought to be toned down. Clarkson claimed: "Swarms of bureaucratic bluebottles are nibbling away at the crash site, desperately trying to find some reason Top Gear should be banished from the screens." According to Clarkson, the crash, on Wednesday, was probably caused by a burst tyre. "Who was to blame? Nobody.""

You can read the full article here - http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,,1880175,00.html.

I'm really glad Richard Hammond is recovering well and quickly!

Vic Reeves signed up as new presenter of Brainiac: Science Abuse

Found this news on the official Paramount Comedy website - http://paramountcomedy.co.uk/comedy/news/article.aspx?id=674.

Vic's a Brainiac!

Comedian Vic Reeves has been signed up as the new presenter of the Sky One show Brainiac: Science Abuse

This means that Reeves will be taking over from Top Gear's Richard Hammond, who hosted the first four series of Brainiac, but who is now involved in new projects.

The series, which starts in the new year, will still feature that waste of space from Big Brother Jon 'charisma' Tickle and actress Charlotte Hudson.

According to the BBC website, Reeves said he was "absolutely thrilled" at the prospect of hosting the 12-episode series, which seems to be entirely based on blowing things up.

"Science is my God and my ultimate goal in Brainiac is to destroy the moon with dynamite," Reeves said.

Emma Read, Sky's commissioning editor for factual entertainment, added that "we thank Richard Hammond for all his fantastic work on the series and we're excited that Vic is now taking us into a new era. His anarchic brand of humour will be perfect for the show."

I know that Richard Hammond has just had an accident and is now thankfully recovering, but i'm really going to miss him on Brainiac: Science Abuse, he's one of the best presenters currently on television in my opinion. I was really hoping for a new series of ITV1's The 5 O Clock show, but I think it got bad reviews (even though it was infinity better than ITV1's The Sharon Osbourne Show.. thank goodness The New Paul O'Grady Show is back!)

Sky One's Brainiac: Science Abuse website - http://www.skyone.co.uk/programmes/brainiac/.

Comedy Central orders 13 new episodes of Futurama!

According to the news agency Reuters, Comedy Central has resurrected the former Fox animated series from "The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening and David X. Cohen, Futurama! At least 13 new episodes of Futurama will be produced. They go on to quote David Bernath, senior vice president for programming at the network.

"We are thrilled that Matt Groening and 20th Century Fox Television have decided to produce new episodes of 'Futurama' and that Comedy Central will be the first to air them.""There is a deep and passionate fan base for this intelligent and very funny show that matches perfectly with our audience, and it is great that we can offer them not just the existing library but something they've never seen as well."

There are also plans to make four new DVD movies of Futurama, which will also eventually be shown as four episodes each on Comedy Central. This makes the number of episodes 16, not 13.

Futurama Voice actor Billy West (who voices Fry, Professor Farnsworth, Zoidberg and Zapp Brannigan in Futurama) took time out to answer 10 questions for members on slashdot. Among those:

Q: We've heard a lot about the original voice actors who are returning to Futurama. [...] However, what about the other staff? Are the writers of the Fox episodes returning [...]? [...]

Billy: Outside of the voices, I don't know if ALL the writers and artists are on board, but I'm guessing most of them are.

You can read the full interview at slashdot - http://interviews.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=06/07/05/1555200.

Great news, in my opinion. Futurama is great, and I can't wait to see the new episodes! Wonder which UK TV channel will show the new episodes.. Comedy Central is a Viacom network, so it could be Paramount Comedy..

Top Of The Pops to return!

Well, that was quick! According to the Sunday Mirror (24th September 2006 issue), there is an article with the headline 'TOP OF THE POPS BACK ON TV'. Here's what it says:

TOP Of The Pops is returning to our screens - just two months after it was axed. The music show will return on Saturday on BBC2 under the guise of Top Of The Pops 2. Traditionally, TOTP2 has featured archive material from the programme's 42 year run. But from next week, it will mix old footage with new appearances in front of a studio audience. Performances on next weekend's show will include Nelly Furtado's Promiscuos, Jamelia's Something About You and America by Razorlight. TOTP2 will begin with a 50-minute special. Subsequent shows will run for 30 minutes from 8pm. A TV insider said "Top Of The Pops used to feature new performances and some archive material. Now TOTP2 will feature archive footage - and some new performances. It's as if they've just brought the show on to our screens again through the back door."

(Source - Post on the Digital Spy forums http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/showthread.php?t=466352)

The only decent music show was Nickelodeon's Top 20 in my opinion!

Save Kids' TV!

I found this website earlier on tonight and personally think its a great cause to support, since I grew up watching CITV and Nickelodeon UK - http://www.savechildrenstv.co.uk (found on the official My Parents Are Aliens website/message boards - http://myparentsarealiens.com). Save Kids' TV is campaigning to protect and support UK-produced programming for kids in Britain, and theres never been a better time or reason to support the website as CITV has recently announced that it intends to cease most, if not all, of it's children's TV production. Another good reason is that Children's TV has gone downhill in the last ten years, with most of it's schedules being filled up with American imports. I really miss the good old days of children's TV, with shows such as Spatz, Press Gang, Knightmare, WacADay, etc.

Welcome to SWCJ's Blog!

Hi! Welcome to SWCJ's blog, my personnel blog. I'll be posting news and my own views on all sorts of things, like TV and video games. I'll try and do a bit of editing to the template over the next few days.