Talk show queen Oprah gets royal help on OWN channel

 

AFP/Getty Images/File – Talk show diva and cultural kingmaker Oprah Winfrey, pictured here on October 2010, expands her media …

CHICAGO (AFP) – Talk show diva Oprah Winfrey launched her OWN cable network Saturday, unveiling a packed program line-up featuring celebrity hosts such as British duchess Sarah Ferguson and country singer Shania Twain.
"Happy New Year everybody and welcome to OWN," Oprah said as she officially launched her high-stakes, 24-hour seven-day-a-week television venture at midday (1700 GMT).
"This is a very exciting day for me kicking off the next chapter of my life with all of you. Yes, the Oprah Winfrey Network is finally on the air."
Among the new programs to be aired on the channel are "Finding Sarah" hosted by Britain's Duchess of York and "Why Not?" with Grammy-award winning Canadian diva Shania Twain, who says she has lost her confidence and ability to sing.
"It hurts. Extremely damaged. During 25 years of public life, I sort of think I got lost as to where the actual, real Sarah is," said Ferguson, the former wife of Prince Andrew, in a preview of her show.
"I think I've hurt myself badly. It's the self-bullying, the self-hatred and it's just the feelings that you're completely worthless," she added, as she was seen sobbing during a heart-to-heart with TV psychologist Dr Phil.
Ferguson appeared on Oprah's daytime show earlier this year after she was caught in a sting by the British tabloid the News of the World saying she could "open any door you want" to Prince Andrew in exchange for cash.
The former member of the British royal family revealed to Oprah she had a "substantial" amount of debt, fueling speculation she was looking to appear on a reality television show.
But while Winfrey's comfy couches have launched scores of careers, it's unclear if her magic touch can carry an entire network.
"I wanted to build a network which empowers you, the viewer, to turn your dreams into reality," Oprah said, as she also announced a reality show giving 10 finalists out of 15,000 applicants the chance to host their own TV show.
The cozy, confessional tone cultivated over 25 seasons of her iconic talk show looked set to stay, with Oprah saying that for the first time she had given cameras full access to the "very private world of Oprah Winfrey" during the filming of the last season.
Discovery Networks is reportedly sinking 189 million dollars into the joint venture, which replaces Discovery Health and will reach nearly 80 million homes.
The network will offer 600 hours of original fare in its first year along with movies, re-runs of the Dr Phil show and several shows previously aired on Discovery Health.
"Every minute of this network has been hand selected by me for you the viewers," Oprah said.
"I wanted to take ideals of great television, that we've established on the Oprah show and bring them to you, through a variety of new shows 24/7."
But analysts remained uncertain whether despite Oprah's phenomenal fan base the channel could establish itself in the competitive world of network television.
"Oprah has a very powerful brand name, but it's really difficult to get people to change their viewing habits and find a new channel," said Derek Baine, an analyst for industry consultant SNL Kagan.
"Plus, the fact that she'll still be on her syndicated show will probably be confusing to some people."
Oprah has acknowledged in a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal that it may take time to translate the success of a show she'd done 140 times a year into a network which airs 24 hours a day.
Twain said her show will feature her interviews with people who have gone through "big emotional crises, deep life struggles" as she seeks to learn lessons on how to rebuild her life and career.
Another tear-jerking reality show will star American actor Ryan O'Neal and his daughter, Tatum, as they struggle to repair their damaged and tempestuous relationship.
The network has also developed a reality show where children kidnap their workaholic parents; two cooking shows; a show where families get rid of their clutter, as well as a frank talk show about sex.
Oprah also unveiled a new series called Master Class in which she says she wants to get "inside the minds of the world's greatest thinkers" with profiles of guests such as journalist Diane Sawyer, rapper Jay-Z, writer Maya Angelou, and former US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice.

Chavez and Clinton shake hands amid diplomatic tension

 

Mrs Clinton and Mr Chavez had an apparently amicable encounter in Brasilia

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton have shaken hands in an apparently amicable encounter at a time of tension between the two countries.

They chatted and smiled at the inauguration of Brazil's new president.
Last week, Venezuela refused to accept the nomination of the new US ambassador to Caracas because of comments he made against the country.
Washington then revoked the visa of the Venezuelan ambassador to the US.
Mr Chavez later described his encounter with Mrs Clinton as a pleasant one.

"We greeted each other," he told reporters at Brasilia's airport. "She had a very spontaneous smile and I greeted her with the same effusiveness."
Mr Chavez has not responded to the US government's decision to revoke the visa of Ambassador Bernardo Alvarez.
The two countries have long had reduced contacts due to the antagonism fed by Mr Chavez's condemnations of the US and by the US state department's criticisms of democracy in Venezuela, observers say.

Hotmail e-mails 'missing' from accounts

 

Some Hotmail users are reporting that their e-mails are missing from their accounts

A number of people with Hotmail accounts have posted complaints on Microsoft forums complaining that their e-mails have been deleted.

Users around the world say e-mails are missing from their inbox and from other folders within their Hotmail accounts.
A spokeswoman for Microsoft said that the issue of missing e-mails was not a widespread problem.
The company said it is working to rectify the problem and apologised to customers for any inconvenience.

Oprah Winfrey launches OWN TV network

 

Oprah Winfrey has built up a huge following in 25 years as a talk-show host

US talk-show host Oprah Winfrey has launched her own TV network, which will offer round-the-clock lifestyle programmes.

The channel is called OWN, or the Oprah Winfrey Network. It is a joint venture with the Discovery channels.
OWN's start date has been delayed twice and its cost has reportedly swollen to $189m (£121m).
Among the programmes scheduled is a reality show starring the Duchess of York, Sarah Ferguson.
Winfrey has built up a huge fan base during 25 years as the host of the syndicated Oprah Winfrey Show.
The programmes on the new station have a focus on empowerment, improvement, positivity aimed mainly at women, who are Ms Winfrey's core audience.

"I wanted to build a network which empowers you, the viewer, to turn your dreams into reality," Ms Winfrey said on a preview programme that launched the network on Saturday.
One of the programmes offered will be a reality show in which 10 finalists from thousands of applicants will compete for the chance to host their own TV show.
There will also be a programme called Why Not?, hosted by Canadian country singer Shania Twain.

Thousands gather in Edinburgh for new year Hogmanay

 

An estimated 80,000 people attended the party in Princes Street 

Tens of thousands of people gathered to see in the new year at Hogmanay celebrations across Scotland.

In Edinburgh an estimated 80,000 attended the annual party on Princes Street.
Glasgow hosted a ceilidh in George Square, open only to ticket holders, followed by a fireworks display.
Inverness had a huge free party at the Northern Meeting Park Arena, with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Peatbog Fairies and Blazin Fiddles.
Edinburgh's Concert in the Gardens, featuring Biffy Clyro, The Charlatans and Billy Bragg, was sold out.

Christina Vargas donned some 2011 glasses for Edinburgh's Hogmanay event

Biffy Clyro guitarist James Johnston said: "It's a massive honour. We have never been through to Edinburgh for the Hogmanay celebrations and we have never done a gig on Hogmanay at all, so this is definitely a good place to start.
"It's the biggest party our country has all year."

People travelled to the Hogmanay event from all around the world.
Irina Rusina, originally from Siberia but who now lives in Germany with her English boyfriend, said: "It is my first time in Scotland and I love it. I'm completely enjoying myself.
"It is a lot warmer, but much more crowded than it is in Siberia," she said.

Fireworks lit up the sky above Edinburgh

Student Pancho Welshy, from Paris, said he and his friends were travelling the globe to experience the best new year party.
He said: "This is much better than Paris. The atmosphere is great - really exciting. What can I say about Edinburgh? C'est magnifique!"
A candlelit concert took place at St Giles' Cathedral on the Royal Mile and the evening culminated with a fireworks display from Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill.
Police said one person had been arrested at the event for a "minor disorder".
About 330 police officers patrolled Princes Street and the surrounding area.
Assistant Chief Constable Mike McCormick, of Lothian and Borders police, said: "Once again the revellers in Edinburgh impressed us with their behaviour and attitude.
"Only one arrest was made by our officers at the event, and we would like to thank everyone there for helping create a fun, safe atmosphere to welcome in 2011."
About 5,000 people packed into Glasgow's George Square to see in the new year.

A group of Chinese tourists were among thousands joining the celebrations in Edinburgh

They were entertained by Scottish traditional rockers Skerryvore and Celtic music legends Capercaillie.
Aberdeen City Council organised a free fireworks display from the roof of His Majesty's Theatre at midnight.
Hundreds of people also gathered at Stonehaven's annual fireballs ceremony.
Stirling Castle's event, which featured singers including Wagner Carrilho from the X Factor, ended with the city's "biggest ever" Hogmanay fireworks display at midnight.
A piper played at the Midsteeple in Dumfries from 2345 to 0015 GMT and revellers gathered for the bells at midnight.
The events are a draw to tourists from around the world and a boost to the Scottish economy.
According to the Scottish government, Edinburgh's Hogmanay alone generated an estimated £29m in 2009.

People travelled from around the world to be at the Edinburgh celebrations

More than 25,000 people took part in a torchlight procession in Edinburgh on Thursday evening to kick off the city's new year festival in the capital.
The event, which started at Parliament Square, marked the beginning of a four-day celebration.
Organisers said the numbers of people attending Thursday night's event had been "record-breaking".
Edinburgh's emergency services and the city council have issued a number of guidelines warning revellers to stay safe, be sensible and keep warm and dry during the celebrations.

Ex-spy Anna Chapman gets lion cub on Russian TV

 

A wish come true - Anna Chapman is presented with a lion cub

Former Russian spy Anna Chapman has been presented with a lion cub on Russian state-run TV.

Ms Chapman, who was deported from the US earlier this year, was the main guest of the "Let Them Talk" show.
The 28-year-old would not be drawn on her intelligence career but she said her favourite Bond was Sean Connery.
She also said her dream was to have a lion cub for a while, before it became dangerous, at which point one was brought into the studio.
It is not known if Ms Chapman took the cub home that evening or where the former spy would keep the animal, but she said she would call him Nano.

The Channel One show resembles the American and British TV programmes "This Is Your Life", and it featured Ms Chapman's relatives, childhood friends and teachers sharing their memories of the redhead.
One of her school friends recalled how she once vowed to marry a British man and move to the United Kingdom - a wish that came true when she married Briton Alex Chapman in 2002.
Public curiosity Ms Chapman, born Anna Kushchenko, is the best-known of the 10 Russian agents who were swapped in July for four US citizens who had been imprisoned in Russia.
This was the first chance curious Russians have had to hear her story since her return, although she has made a few public appearances and done a racy magazine photo-shoot.
"I would never acknowledge that I was an intelligence agent," she told the programme, but she did say she considered the failure of her mission a chance for new opportunities.

 

Ms Chapman said she would call the cub Nano

Ms Chapman has been given a top role in a youth organisation from Russia's governing party and has become the new celebrity face of a Moscow bank that works with aerospace industries.
She told viewers she starts every day with some exercise and loves shooting.
"I'm a very good shot," she said. "I have a passion for it, and I love going to shooting ranges."
The redhead also said she admired Angelina Jolie, who played a suspected Russian sleeper agent in the movie Salt, and that she hopes to have her own TV show next year.
The show ended with the audience singing a patriotic song from a Soviet-era spy movie, which Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is reported to have sung when he met the 10 agents after their deportation.

Discovery cancels Michael Jackson autopsy TV show

 

Michael Jackson died in June 2009 aged 50

The Discovery Channel television network has said it will not air a re-enactment of Michael Jackson's autopsy, amid concerns the programme was distasteful.

Executors for the late star's estate had requested the programme - entitled Michael Jackson's Autopsy: What Really Killed Michael Jackson - be cancelled.
John Branca and John McClain had said the show was "in shockingly bad taste".
Discovery said an forthcoming court hearing was also a factor.

"Given the commencement of legal proceedings beginning next week, and at the request of Michael Jackson's estate, the scheduled broadcast of the medical documentary related to Michael Jackson's official autopsy has been postponed indefinitely," Discovery Networks International said in a statement.
Mr Branca and Mr McClain said they were pleased with the network's decision.
In a letter previously sent to Discovery, the pair had accused the company of being motivated by "blind desire" to exploit the singer's death.
"Your decision to even schedule this programme is in shockingly bad taste and insensitive to Michael's family," the co-executors wrote.
Sequined glove The programme was scheduled to be aired in Europe on 13 January.
An advertisement used to promote the show reportedly depicted a body covered by a sheet with one hand wearing the singer's trademark sequined glove visible.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled to begin on 4 January where it will be decided if there is sufficient evidence to try Jackson's physician, Dr Conrad Murray, on involuntary manslaughter charges.
Dr Murray has repeatedly denied causing Jackson's death.
The singer died suddenly in June of 2009 from a prescription drug overdose at age 50, weeks before beginning a set of concerts.