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Sunday, October 29, 2023

'Friends' Star Matthew Perry Dead At 54...After Apparent Drowning

More details are surfacing about the circumstances surrounding Matthew Perry's death...as sources tell us he actually died at his own house after some physical activity this morning.

We're told Matthew came home sometime in the AM after a 2-hour round of pickleball, and that he sent his assistant out on errand shortly thereafter. We're told when the assistant returned about 2 hours later, he discovered Matthew unresponsive...and called 911.

Unclear if what Matthew was doing before his passing played any role in his death at this point -- the investigation into his death is underway.

Law enforcement sources tell us the actor was found Saturday at an L.A.-area home ... where we're told he appears to have drowned. Our sources say first-responders rushed over on a call for cardiac arrest. It's unclear where exactly on the grounds this happened.

Our sources say he was found in a jacuzzi at the home ... and we're told there were no drugs found at the scene. We're also told there is no foul play involved.

Perry is most famous for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit '90s sitcom, which ran for 10 seasons ... and with him in all 234 episodes. His character was a fan fave, as was performance -- mannerisms and lines of which have gone on to be recreated and spoofed by fans all over the world. One comes to mind, in particular ... "Could (blank) BE more .."

While 'Friends' was his biggest claim to fame ... MP had starred/guest starred in countless other TV shows over the years -- such as 'Boys Will Be Boys,' 'Growing Pains,' 'Silver Spoons,' 'Charles in Charge,' 'Sydney,' 'Beverly Hills, 90210,' 'Home Free,' 'Ally McBeal,' 'The West Wing,' 'Scrubs,' 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,' 'Go On,' 'The Odd Couple' and more.

He had also acted in a handful of memorable films (mostly comedy) ... like 'Fools Rush In,' 'The Whole Nine Yards,' 'Three to Tango,' 'The Kid,' '17 Again,' 'Getting In,' and many others. He's been off the scene more recently ... not having acted since a TV mini series in 2017.

While his onscreen persona was affable and upbeat, Matthew suffered mightily behind the scenes -- notably, from his addiction to drugs and alcohol ... pain killers, specifically. He was hooked on Vicodin for years -- even while on 'Friends' -- and had been in and out of rehab.

Matthew opened up about this painful chapter of his life in a memoir he put out last year -- where he detailed the struggles he had ... including his clear weight-loss/gain on the show.

During his press run for his book ... Matthew did a number of interviews where he got incredibly emotional -- including one with Diane Sawyer, where he detailed his story.

While Perry appeared to be clean and sober a year ago, the year prior -- when he and the other cast members were plugging the 'Friends' reunion show -- drew concern from fans ... as they felt he appeared unwell, at times slurring his words and looking a bit out of it.

On top of his substance use ... Matthew also dealt with health issues, some of which were serious and required hospitalizations. One such incident stemmed from a gastrointestinal perforation -- which forced him to undergo emergency surgery ... but he luckily recovered.

Matthew never married, but he was briefly engaged to Molly Hurwitz a couple years ago...which came to an end after only 6 months. Before that, he'd been linked to Lizzy Caplan.

The Woman In Me By Britney Spears (PDF)

In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.
 
Written with remarkable candor and humor, Spears’s groundbreaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love—and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last. 

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Recap To The Year: Showmax Is Now Producing Original Animated Series (And Movies), Might Launch It Elsewhere

During the year, Showmax launched its first ever original animated series, Jay Jay The Chosen One. Inspired by the football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, it follows Austin, an 11-year-old football-loving school boy, blessed by animals with their abilities, becomes
the superhero Jay Jay, who tackles poachers and guides his school football team to victory.

At the time, it was stated that the streamer was looking to do short term series and depending on how the content performs they would look into rolling out more animation projects. So there entered the South African comedy Twende as the streamer's second attempt at animation.

The show follows a pangolin — an endangered species which is the slowest on the savannah and the most-trafficked type of animal in the world — who makes up for his natural lack of speed by driving a motorcycle taxi. A pilot was screened at Annecy back in 2021 and MultiChoice Studios handles international sales.

“Our long-term goal is to build the animation industry on our continent and to give our children characters and stories that reflect, educate and inspire them, and content they can enjoy with their parents,” says Phahle. “Ultimately we believe that if we do this well enough, the stories will also find audiences outside of Africa.”

Last month, Indigenous Film Distribution unveiled Headspace, the exciting new animation sci-fi feature from Johannesburg’s Luma Animation. The film starts with a freak accident, where Max, Sophie and Gus of the Space Protection Force, and their microscopic spaceship The SPF50, take up residence inside 14-year-old Norman’s brain. 

Disney Channel And Disney Junior's DISASTROUS 24 Hour Schedule Across Africa In November 2023

Disney Channel

Weekdays
00:00 Disney Saturdays
00:25 Disney Saturdays
00:50 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
01:15 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
01:40 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
02:05 Walk The Prank
02:30 Walk The Prank
02:55 Walk The Prank
03:20 Hamster & Gretel
03:45 Hamster & Gretel
04:10 Hamster & Gretel
04:35 Vikingskool
05:00 Vikingskool
05:25 Vikingskool
05:50 Descendants Wicked World
06:00 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
06:25 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
06:51 The Ghost and Molly McGee
07:15 The Ghost and Molly McGee
07:40 The Ghost and Molly McGee
08:05 The Ghost and Molly McGee
08:30 Big City Greens
08:55 Big City Greens
09:20 Phineas And Ferb
09:45 Phineas And Ferb
10:10 Disney Saturdays
10:35 Disney Saturdays
11:00 Zombies: The Re-animated Series
11:05 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
11:30 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
11:55 The Ghost and Molly McGee
12:20 The Ghost and Molly McGee
12:45 Kiff
13:10 Disney Saturdays
13:35 Disney Saturdays
14:00 Disney Saturdays
14:25 Disney Saturdays
14:50 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
15:15 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
15:40 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
16:05 Big City Greens
16:31 Big City Greens
16:55 Zombies: The Re-animated Series
17:00 The Villians of Valley View
17:25 The Villians of Valley View
17:50 Disney Saturdays
18:15 Disney Saturdays
18:41 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
19:06 Big City Greens
19:30 Big City Greens
19:55 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
20:20 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
20:45 The Villians of Valley View
21:10 The Villians of Valley View
21:35 Phineas And Ferb
22:00 Phineas And Ferb
22:25 Big City Greens
22:50 Big City Greens
23:10 The Villians of Valley View
23:35 The Villians of Valley View

Weekends
Italics for Sundays
00:00 Big City Greens
00:25 Big City Greens
00:50 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
01:15 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
01:40 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
02:05 Walk The Prank
02:30 Walk The Prank
02:55 Walk The Prank
03:20 Hamster & Gretel
03:45 Hamster & Gretel
04:10 Hamster & Gretel
04:35 Vikingskool
05:00 Vikingskool
05:25 Vikingskool
05:50 Descendants Wicked World
06:00 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
06:25 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
06:50 Zombies: Addison's Monster Mystery
06:55 Kiff
07:20 The Ghost and Molly McGee
07:45 The Ghost and Molly McGee
08:10 Phineas And Ferb
08:35 Phineas And Ferb
09:00 Phineas And Ferb
09:25 Big City Greens
09:50 Big City Greens
10:15 Big City Greens
10:40 StarStruck/Kiff
12:20 Hamster & Gretel
12:45 Hamster & Gretel
13:10 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
13:35 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
14:00 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
14:25 Disney Saturdays
14:50 Disney Saturdays
15:15 Raven's Home/The Villains Of Valley View
15:41 Raven's Home/The Villains Of Valley View
16:05 Descendants Wicked World
16:10 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
16:35 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir
17:00 Kiff
17:25 Big City Greens
17:50 Big City Greens
18:15 Phineas And Ferb
18:40 Phineas And Ferb
19:05 The Villians of Valley View/Raven's Home
19:30 The Villians of Valley View/Raven's Home
19:55 Phineas And Ferb
20:20 Phineas And Ferb
20:45 Disney Saturdays
21:10 Disney Saturdays
21:35 Big City Greens
22:00 Big City Greens
22:25 Walk The Prank
22:50 Walk The Prank
23:10 Walk The Prank
23:35 Walk The Prank

Notes
> Disney Saturdays consists of 8 episodes meaning Disney Channel is airing the first half of season 1 within 2 days during weekdays.
> Hamster & Gretel continues to airs weekday mornings.
> Wandi & Kabz might be awaiting a timeslot as well in the month.
> Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Catnoir gets the most airtime.

Disney Junior

Weekdays

00:00 PJ Masks
00:25 PJ Masks
00:50 PJ Masks
01:15 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
01:40 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
02:05 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
02:30 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
02:55 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
03:20 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
03:45 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
04:10 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
04:35 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
05:00 Eureka!
05:30 Eureka!
06:00 Eureka!
06:30 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
07:00 Eureka!
07:30 Kiya & The Kimoja Heroes
08:00 Bluey
08:30 Superkitties
09:00 Bluey
09:30 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
10:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Space Adventure
11:00 Firebuds
11:30 PJ Masks
12:00 Eureka!
12:30 Kiya & The Kimoja Heroes
13:00 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
13:30 Bluey
14:00 Bluey
14:30 Firebuds
15:00 Firebuds
15:30 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
16:00 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
16:30 Superkitties
17:00 Kiya & The Kimoja Heroes
17:30 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
18:00 Bluey
18:30 Bluey
19:00 Superkitties
19:30 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
20:00 Firebuds
20:30 Bluey
21:00 Bluey
21:30 Superkitties
22:00 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
22:30 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
23:00 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
23:30 Mickey Mouse Funhouse

Weekends
Italics for Sundays
00:00 PJ Masks
00:00 PJ Masks
00:50 PJ Masks
01:15 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
01:40 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
02:05 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
02:30 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
02:55 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
03:20 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
03:45 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
04:10 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
04:35 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
05:00 Eureka!
05:30 Eureka!
06:00 Eureka!
06:30 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
07:00 Eureka!
07:30 Kiya & The Kimoja Heroes
08:00 Bluey
08:30 Bluey
09:00 Bluey
09:30 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
10:00 Firebuds
10:30 Superkitties
11:00 Bluey
11:30 Bluey
12:00 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
12:30 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
13:00 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Road Rally/A Goofy Fairy Tale
14:00 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
14:30 Superkitties
15:00 Superkitties
15:30 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
16:00 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
16:30 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
17:00 Alice's Wonderland Bakery/Superkitties
17:30 Alice's Wonderland Bakery/Superkitties
18:00 Alice's Wonderland Bakery/Superkitties
18:30 Alice's Wonderland Bakery/Superkitties
19:00 A Goofy Fairy Tale/Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Road Rally
20:00 Mickey Mouse Funhouse
20:30 Bluey
21:00 Bluey
21:30 Superkitties
22:00 Spidey and His Amazing Friends
22:30 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
23:00 Alice's Wonderland Bakery
23:30 Mickey Mouse Funhouse

Notes
> Repeats are minimised unlike Disney Channel

Friday, October 27, 2023

Foley Is Good: And the Real World Is Faker Than Wrestling (PDF)

The book covers the last years of Mick Foley's in-ring wrestling career up until the birth of his second son, Michael Francis Foley, Jr., which he mentions in the book's epilogue.

It has a more celebratory tone than his first book, as he is writing about the time of his career where he has already achieved success. The book alternated between in-ring wrestling activities and Foley's life away from the ring. In the book, he also describes his obsessions, such as theme parks and Christmas.

He also writes about his experience writing his first book without the aid of a ghostwriter. He defends himself against being misquoted by news program 20/20, and explains the events surrounding his "I Quit" match with The Rock at the Royal Rumble in January 1999, which can also be seen in the documentary Beyond the Mat. 

The book also heavily defends the World Wrestling Federation against accusations of being violent. Foley made an effort to pointedly refute claims made by detractors, citing statistical data and other evidence he compiled himself. He criticizes the actions of the Parents Television Council.

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Important Notice: Curiosity Channel Might Scoop Up Content From Da Vinci Kids Once The Channel Goes Dark On DStv In November

During the week, it was reported that MultiChoice would be axing Da Vinci Kids from various DStv and GOtv platforms across Africa in November. With the future of Operation Ouch, Science Max and Horrible Histories residing within StarSat in South Africa and StarTimes across Africa.

Play Room is a children's channel operated by Ngwato Nkosi Group which offers fun and learning with popular animated shows dubbed in Zulu alongside live-action shows. The channel would replace Da Vinci Kids on channel 300 from November 6.

But from what we've analysed in regards to the content, Play Room's offering match that of Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network as opposed to Da Vinci Kids whose offering is similar to that of History and National Geographic so basically we're getting a random addition. 

Although Operation Ouch and Animal Rescue won't form part of the offering in the coming month. There's chances that some of this content may resurface on another TV channel or in this case, Curiosity Channel.

Curiosity Channel is a factual entertainment brand that was set up by Discovery founder John Hendricks. The brand offers a streaming service which bundles content from numerous brands like Tastemade, SOMM TV, One Day University and also Da Vinci Kids.

The only problem would be accessibility as MultiChoice regards this as premium channel and as such consumers would need to pay more in order to watch content from Da Vinci Kids or get StarSat which is very much affordable.

Recap To The Month: Consumers Seek The Help Of A Rival Platform For The Soon To Be Axed HONEY On DStv

During the week, it was reported that HONEY would be shutting down on DStv by the end of October and this comes after its disappearance from some parts of Africa on GOtv in August. With consumers curious on the fate of shows like 7 Colours, Making The Menu and The Buzz.

As mentioned, several shows from HONEY could resurface on various local channels from M-Net alongside Moja Love. A majority could end up dying out alongside the channel while other shows like Yes, I Have HIV Zambia could be restricted to only Zambezi Magic.

Similar to Novela Magic, consumers will be missing out on programming that is if no plan is set to motion to supplement this offering. Following the cancellation of HONEY, consumers have requested the help of another platform in order to keep the spark alive.

Even if an option was available (e.g. StarSat), they may not have the financial means to sustain it and another dealing with the content. Since it was technically funded by DStv, they have as much right to the content as Media24 meaning StarSat would need to find other content.

Although HONEY would end its run on DStv by the end of October with no replacement on the cards. Consumers can find a variety of entertaining shows on BBC Lifestyle (channel 174), Food Network (channel 175), TLC (channel 135) and Real Time (channel 155).

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

New Channel Alert: 1Free State TV Coming This November To DStv

During the month, it was reported that after HONEY would be exiting DStv by the end of October with Da Vinci Kids later in November. Play Room would be substituting the channel in South Africa and while Trace Urban would be added to DStv Access within the region.

It was also revealed that MultiChoice would be adding Zambezi Reloaded a sister channel of Zambezi Magic. Now the pay-tv company is set to unveil yet another TV channel, 1Free State Television (1FSTV).

Based in Bloemfontein, 1FSTV broadcasts a variety of programming including news, current affairs, entertainment, and educational shows. The channel is committed to promoting the culture and heritage of the Free State province, and to providing a platform for local voices to be heard.

1FSTV launched four years ago as a programming block on St Rise before getting a dedicated TV channel on StarSat. Now the channel expands to more platforms in South Africa with DStv from 16 November.

Details of a channel number and package have yet to be announced same with capacity as most new channels would usually come around the time another closes. If I had to guess it might be on Access or Easyview sitting between channel 251-299.


PRESS RELEASE: ONE FREESTATE TELEVISUAL LAUNCHES ON DSTV

One Freestate TV, a leading provider in high-quality entertainment, is thrilled to announce the launch of a 24-hour channel, which premiere on DStv channel 264 from Thursday, 16 November 2023 at 10:00 on all DStv Premium, Compact+, Compact, Family, Access and Easyview.

Our channel promises an immersive and engaging experience, providing viewers with access to the best in entertainment, education and information. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a fan of local movies, a lover of music, adventures or a seeker of thought-provoking documentaries, One Freestate Televisual has something for everyone.

"We are excited to have One Freestate TV added to our platform expanding our local representation in the form of content from our regions within the country, and delivered in local languages," says Georginah Machiridza Executive Head Of General Entertainment Channels at MultiChoice Group. "The addition of another community TV station helps to ensure that we also play a part in actively disseminating information at a local scale that resonates with our audiences."

The exciting addition to the DStv line-up is set to captivate the audience with entertainment with its different range of programming delivered in Sesotho and English. We are dedicated to showcasing the richness and diversity of Free State, with a focus on local culture, innovation and community engagement.

"Our vision at One Freestate TV, has always been to become the essential source of content that brings distinctive and diverse talent, and create jobs to the community. We are proud to partner with DStv to bring this exciting channel to viewers across South Africa and beyond," says Mr. Paul Phitse: Founder and CEO of One Freestate Televisual.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

New Series Alert: Divya Drishti And The Broken Marriage Vow Coming Soon To Star Life And Novela E Plus

Based on the British drama series Doctor Foster, The Broken Marriage Vow follows the life of A seemingly perfect home gets shattered by broken trust and infidelity, bringing forth catastrophic effects into the lives of the couple, their son, and everyone else involved. 

It starred Jodi Sta. Maria as Dra. Jill Victorino, Zanjoe Marudo as David Ilustre, Sue Ramirez as Alexis "Lexy / Lex" Lucero and Zaijian Jaranilla as Gio V. Ilustre.

Divya-Drishti tells the story of the characters of the same name who are sisters with divine powers of seeing and manipulating the future but get separated by an evil witch, Pishachini. However, they vow to reunite and destroy the witch together.

It starred Nyra Banarjee as Divya Sharma Shergill, Sana Sayyad as Drishti Sharma Shergill, Sangita Ghosh as Pishaachini, Adhvik Mahajan as Rakshit Shergill and Mishkat Varma as Shikhar Shergill.

The Broken Marriage Vow S1 will air daily at 20:40 from 28 October on Novela E Plus while Divya-Drishti will air daily at 23:00 from 12 November on Star Life.