'Aussie Inventions That Changed The World' HISTORY on Foxtel

The Foxtel History channel's newest original commission is screening next month, and it's a a beauty, and looks to be highly engaging... and should make us all feel like proud Aussies!

Watch the trailer here

From life-saving devices to modern conveniences, 'Aussie Inventions That Changed The World' is an original EIGHT part series that reveals a raft of great Australian inventors who turned game-changing ideas into a reality and forever changed how we live. 

Historically, Australia has punched well above its weight on the world stage of timely innovations, scientific breakthroughs, and cleverly designed new technologies.  And yet amongst our national heroes the sporting, military and political greats have typically enjoyed the limelight, while our remarkable inventors have been largely ignored. This series sets the record straight.

Comedian, actor and brainiac Matt Parkinson heads up a team of expert co-hosts; science journalist Anja Taylor, inventor Sally Dominguez and historian and writer David Hunt, who explore the little known stories across eight themed episodes; Home Life, Communication, Wartime, Farm Smart, Medicine, Food Preservation, Airborne and Super Vision.

Matt and the team explore inventions that are loved by the world and born in Australia including familiar ones like the Bionic Ear, Wine Cask, Pacemaker and WiFi, along with other inventions known to few, such as the Telephane and Transporter.

Drawing on an eclectic mix of contributors, from inventors, engineers, historians and model makers, to a colourful range of invention re-builds, road-tests and experiments, the series is an active and contemporary journey into the past.  

'Aussie Inventions That Changed The World' delivers a unique view of these inventions by bringing them back to life. From the birth of the Black Box thanks to the unwavering perseverance of David Warren, which is now an essential component of air safety.  And the rebuild of Worsfold’s life-saving Transporter from World War One, then road-tested to understand its bespoke functionality. 

“What’s really exciting about this series is that it will remind Australians that, at our best, we are a progressive, innovative country. We thrive on challenges and these invention stories are all about people who backed themselves against the odds. Sometimes the best ideas are the ones that stand out from the pack.” Matt Parkinson said.

Group General Manager, Factual, Jim Buchan said, “It’s amazing how many Australians have contributed to inventing ingenious solutions to unique challenges.  Our latest commission is a fun, warm, feel good series celebrating our nation’s pioneering spirit: a spirit of inventive problem-solving and resourcefulness demonstrated by inspiring individuals throughout our history. 

“The producers SkinnyDip Pictures and Northern Pictures have done an incredible job with such an ambitious series, and our expert presenters have told these stories with real wit and candour.  My personal favourites may well be the rare interviews with Australian inventors.  Captured for posterity they reflect the very personal experience of some who improved daily life, while others achieved the extraordinary!”

Another trailer here:

Aussie Inventions That Changed The World (Promo) from Northern Pictures on Vimeo.

'Aussie Inventions That Changed The World' will be available to stream every week or watch on HISTORY on Foxtel, from Monday, June 24 at 7.30pm AEST.

'The Real Housewives of Sydney': Reunion show VIDEO

Lisa Oldfield, Athena X Levendi, Matty Samaei, Krissy Marsh, Nicole O’Neil, Victoria Rees and Melissa Tkautz return to our screens tonight for part one of the reunion of 'The Real Housewives of Sydney.'

Here is a taster:



How did you react?

Like these people, perhaps? The barometer of TV watchers, the 'Gogglebox' Australia folks?



Here's another snippet from tonight's reunion:



And here's the original trailer:



We also love this article about 'The Real Housewives of Sydney': Top 10 Juiciest Moments.

It starts with:

1. Cape-gate

We got our first hint at just how explosive the Sydney franchise would be when Victoria tossed Athena X’s controversial rope cape into the harbour in episode one. As shocking as it was, it seems most of the women were secretly supportive of the brazen move. “I didn’t expect the cape to go in the water,” admits Matty, “but you know what? I wasn’t a big fan of the cape anyway.” 

6. That napkin moment. 

Never before has a napkin been so powerful! The tension between Athena X and Victoria hit boiling point on the ladies’ trip to Singapore, resulting in the now-iconic napkin assault. When words failed to silence Athena, Victoria flung her napkin, and it hit the artist’s face with an audible thwack. “To be honest, it was unexpected,” Matty says. “Victoria always keeps it really cool, but Athena just kept on going, going, going. I was sitting next to Athena and I could hear that tissue going ‘bang!’”

Read the rest HERE.

'The Real Housewives of Sydney' Reunion screens on Sunday May 14 at 8.30pm EST on ARENA [Channel 105] in Foxtel.

'The Real Housewives of Sydney': Screen Date + Trailer VIDEO

Sydney, here are your 'Real Housewives'!

'The Real Housewives Of Sydney' premieres on Sunday February 26 at 8.30pm on Foxtel's Arena channel.

Here is the extended trailer - the very first look:

'The Real Housewives of Sydney' are:

AthenaX Levendi, Krissy Marsh, Lisa Oldfield, Matty Samaei, Melissa Tkautz, Nicole O’Neil and Victoria Rees.

PHOTO: Fabrizio Lipari / Foxtel

Says the PR blurb:

Between them, these seven sophisticated and vivacious Housewives run successful companies, travel the world in luxury, attend the most exclusive parties and are the matriarchs of their million dollar mansions. All women are fascinating in their own right and when put together create a diverse mix of magic and mayhem.

After three months of non-stop filming, hours of high-end shopping, litres of champagne sipping and opulent overseas jet setting, the Sydney Housewives have delivered even more explosive drama than anticipated while showcasing their luxurious lifestyles in this beautiful and effervescent city. The series delves deeper than ever before revealing an insight into their lives; the highs, the lows and everything in-between. 

The season begins with the first meeting of our vivacious cast and in true Housewives form two of the women are just back from stints living overseas. Former Miss Australia, Nicole O'Neil is literally in the process of moving back from London with her two little girls while ex-model and outgoing glamazon Krissy Marsh is still settling back into Sydney life with her family after time spent in Shanghai.  We are also introduced to funny, opinionated mother of two Lisa Oldfield; cosmetic nurse and Beauty Expert of Sydney Matty Samaei; artistic, free spirit AthenaX Levendi; ‘triple threat’ actress model singer Melissa Tkautz; and entrepreneurial mum and social scene queen Victoria Rees. Once we have had a sneak peek into their million dollar mansions and lavish lifestyles the Housewives all come together for the first time for a 'welcome home Nicole' soirée at Cruise Bar - a swanky venue directly opposite the Sydney Opera House.  It's all very gorgeous and even civil...to start with!

The 11-part, one-hour series is produced by Matchbox Pictures in conjunction with Foxtel. The Real Housewives of Sydney is the second Australian instalment of the world’s number one lifestyle reality franchise, following the success of The Real Housewives of Melbourne. 

'The Real Housewives of Sydney ' premieres Sunday February 26 at 8:30pm on Foxtel’s Arena.

Follow the RHOS social media activity here:

@RHOSydney

#RHOS

Arenatv.com.au

Facebook.com.au/RHOSydney

'Divorce' on Foxtel: VIDEOS

Have you seen the new HBO show 'Divorce'?

It stars the inimitable Sarah Jessica Parker and the wildly talented Thomas Haden Church.



Here is a trailer:



Here is a recap of ep 1:



And more clips:



It screens on Foxtel's 'Showcase' channel each Wednesday, at 8.30pm.

It's brutally honest and raw and incredibly well acted.

Here are some more clips for you:







And some interviews:

Nobody gives the finger like SJP.

'The Great Australian Bake Off': Series Two Contestants

'The Great Australian Bake Off' series two contestants have just been announced, and they will prove to be an entertaining lot.

Judged by culinary icon Maggie Beer (a Josie's Juice fave - we interviewed her after a 'Women in TV' breakfast event last week), and acclaimed chef Matt Moran, and hosted by comedians Claire Hooper and Mel Buttle, season two will see 12 new bakers put through a series of mouth-watering challenges to find 'Australia’s Best Amateur Baker'. The second series will premiere on Tuesday October 11 at 8.30pm on LifeStyle FOOD.

The diverse group of homemakers (okay, we already have a fave: Antonio Marcora, the son of my old school friend!) will be kneeding and mixing their way through the highly anticipated second season of 'The Great Australian Bake Off'. The bakers are:

Jeremy Allan (30, Welding and Vessel Inspector from Adelaide, SA); Janette Betts (62, Palliative Care Nurse from Melbourne, VIC); Noel Button (59, Retired Teacher from Launceston, Tasmania); Monica Cavallaro (43, Retail Manager from Sydney, NSW); Diana Gyllen (29, Model from Sydney, NSW); Antonio Marcora (16, School Student from Sydney, NSW); Olivia McMahon (37, Fine Dining Waitress from Brisbane, QLD); Liesel Morgan (20, University Student from Perth, WA); Fiona Nguyen (32, Patent and Trademark Lawyer from Brisbane, QLD); Bojan Petrovic (37, Tow Truck Business Owner from Canberra, ACT); Cheryl Roberts (59, Horse Trainer from Berry, NSW); and James Rudd (26, IT Technical Support from Perth, WA). Here they are:

Over the ten episodes, these bakers will create a series of decadent treats that will leave viewers in food heaven, including retro deserts like Bombe Alaska, extravagant world landmarks made from biscuit, and burgers where the bun is everything.

Each week begins with the Signature Bake, where each competitor has a personal take on a familiar recipe. Next comes the Technical Bake, a surprise recipe from either Matt or Maggie.  And the last challenge is the Showstopper, where the bakers attempt to wow the judges with their skills and artistry. 

The baker that wins the judges tastebuds after all 30 challenges will be crowned Australia’s Best Amateur Baker.

The Bake Off franchise began in 2010 with The Great British Bake Off, where it remains, after six seasons, a ratings phenomenon. The format has been produced locally in the US, Denmark, Sweden, Belgium, Poland, Ireland, Norway, Finland, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Turkey, Ukraine and France, as well as previously in Australia for the Nine Network in 2013.

The series premiered on LifeStyle FOOD in October 2015 and achieved record numbers. The launch was the highest rating program for FOOD ever, with subsequent episodes continuing to break viewing records.  Season two returns to LifeStyle FOOD from Tuesday October 11 at 8.30pm.

THE GREAT AUSTRALIAN BAKE OFF is a FremantleMedia Australia production for Foxtel based on a format created by Love Productions, distributed by BBC Worldwide and broadcast by the BBC in the United Kingdom. 

Here is Antonio, and several other contestants:

Full baker bios can be found at www.lifestyle.com.au/bakeoff

'The Real Housewives of Sydney' Cast Revealed: PHOTOS

And so, here we are... 'The Real Housewives Of Sydney'. Announced, a photo:

Says the Facebook caption:

What a day to meet our #RHOSydney - Nicole O'Neil, Lisa Oldfield, AthenaX Levendi, Melissa Tkautz, Krissy Marsh, Matty Samaei and Victoria Rees!

Yes. Foxtel today unveiled the seven sophisticated and vivacious Sydney Housewives that will form the cast of the highly anticipated, glamorous reality series 'The Real Housewives of Sydney'. 

The series will begin filming in September and premiere on Foxtel’s Arena in 2017.

Says the press release:

The Real Housewives of Sydney will feature seven charismatic and engaging new Housewives who enjoy the extravagant, stylish and cosmopolitan lifestyle of Sydney. Between them they run successful companies, travel the world in luxury, attend the most exclusive parties and are the matriarch of their million dollar mansions. All women are fascinating in their own right and when put together create a diverse mix of magic and mayhem.

The Real Housewives of Sydney are; artistic, free spirit AthenaX Levendi; energetic ex-model turned real estate agent Krissy Marsh; funny, opinionated mother of two Lisa Oldfield; cosmetic nurse and Beauty Expert of Sydney Matty Samaei; triple threat, actress, model, singer Melissa Tkautz; photogenic party planner and former Miss Australia Nicole O’Neil; and last but not least, entrepreneurial mum and social scene queen Victoria Rees.   

Meet the Housewives:

AthenaX Levendi – Spiritual, eccentric and attractive, Athena is a painter, sculptor and jewellery designer. Australian born, she grew up in Athens only to return to Australia at the age of 20. She is married to an Australian Greek jewellery designer, who owns and runs Levendi Jewellers. Together they have three children and live in their beautiful Bellevue Hill home.   

Krissy Marsh – The quintessential Australian girl, Krissy is opinionated, warm, loyal, generous and not afraid to tell it like it is. Originally from Brisbane, she moved to Sydney for her modelling career at age 18 and never looked back. She has a love for Shanghai after living there with her family for  two years. Her husband is still based there for business and she now lives in Double Bay with her three children. Krissy is a real estate agent and previously ran her own successful company which she sold.

Lisa Oldfield – Married to well known former politician David Oldfield, Lisa is no stranger to controversy and being in the spotlight. Opinionated, provocative and passionate, she is a media commentator, seasoned world traveller, astute business woman and savvy tech guru. She is also a mother of two young boys and lives on the Northern Beaches with her family.

Matty Samaei – Known as the Beauty Expert of Sydney, Matty is the owner of The Medispa by Matty located in Double Bay. She is fun, eclectic and fair and has experienced both the highs and lows of life since moving to Australia at age 12 with her Persian family. She currently lives in Bellevue Hill with her partner and her two young daughters. Her favourite activities include shopping, travel and socialising.

Melissa Tkautz – Actress, model, singer; Melissa is a triple threat. With a career spanning over three decades she has appeared on many TV shows, over 80 magazine covers and is an ARIA award winner. She is also a mother of two young children that she raises in her Frenchs Forest home with her husband. She is an activist for many charities and when she isn’t busy juggling life as a mother, wife and career woman, she loves a catch up with her friends over champagne.

Nicole O’Neil – The ultimate beauty queen, Nicole is beautiful, smart, well travelled and a Miss Australia winner. Born in Dubai to a Swedish mother and Lebanese father, she was raised and educated in Sydney which is where she met her husband who was a childhood friend. She now owns a flourishing event planning and production company Prêt-a-Party, with a presence in both Sydney and London. Nicole’s two daughters have had an international upbringing, being raised in both Dubai and London and she loves that they can now experience the privileged lifestyle Sydney has to offer.

Victoria Rees – Funny, outspoken and carefree, Victoria is single for the first time in her life and loving the time it gives her to socialise with her friends, who are like family. She is mum to her twelve year old son and is always cooking and entertaining in her Bondi home. Victoria was previously an interior decorator and now has a beauty product called Wrinkles Schminkles.

The ten-part, one-hour series will once again be produced by Matchbox Pictures in conjunction with Foxtel. The Real Housewives of Sydney is the second Australian instalment of the world’s number one lifestyle reality franchise, following the success of The Real Housewives of Melbourne. 

The Real Housewives of Sydney will screen in 2017 on Foxtel’s Arena.

We really hope there are moments like this:

And: "Well don't look darling."

And, the Melbourne ladies on US TV:

'The Hype': Ksenija Lukich and Dominic Bowden - NEW E! Show

E! Entertainment Television is set to screen 'The Hype', in a TV show designed for E!’s Australia and New Zealand audiences, airing from Saturdays from October 17 at 5.30pm with repeats at 10.30pm.

It will be hosted by E!’s Ksenija Lukich, and TV host Dominic Bowden, in the local production as co-host of E!’s new local production, The Hype. Dominic will join  as co-host of the weekly entertainment show specifically produced for audiences in Australia and New Zealand. 'The Hype' premieres Saturday, October 17 at 5.30pm and repeating at 10.30pm, only on E! on Foxtel.

You'll know Ksenija as the woman named as E!’s first Australian reporter, and Dominic is currently the backstage host of 'Dancing With The Stars' in the US, and hosts the same show and 'XFactor New Zealand' in his home country.

Dominic will host The Hype from his base in LA, while Ksenija will travel throughout Australia and New Zealand to deliver the inside scoop from the hottest premieres and parties. They’ll be joined by media commentators, fashion experts and special guests each week, to discuss hot topics and take a look at the latest fashion trends from red carpets to runways.

Here is a teaser clip:

The Hype premieres Saturday, October 17 at 5:30pm & 10:30pm only on E!

Gogglebox Australia - series two: VIDEO from series oneGogglebox Australia - season two

The surprise TV hit 'Gogglebox' is back on our screens!

Again, it will screen first on Foxtel, then on Channel Ten the next night.

Words can't describe how happy I am about this... I am inexplicably hooked on this series.

It's basically people watching TV... and we watch them. Boring? NO!

Here are the details for the new series (number two) and the hashtag - #GoggleboxAU - on  Wednesdays at 9.30pm AEDT on the LifeStyle Channel and Thursdays at 8.30pm on Channel Ten.

Some clips from series one:

New E! Series 'WAGS': VIDEO

Just in, and about to start screening on Australian TV on Foxtel from this Thursday, on the E! channel is 'WAGS'.

Yes, the wives, fiancees and girlfriends, and "who's on top of the top jersey-chasing game?"

I already have a 'fave' - Olivia Pierson. Her makeup is impeccable… and she's actually very funny, with a good side of sass.

Here is Olivia and her cousin Natalie Halcro. Who is a huge Instragram beauty blogger. Of course. Have you SEEN their makeup?

Caitlyn Jenner New 'I am Cait' VIDEO

The new 'I am Cait' trailer is here, and we are getting to know more and more about the person formerly known as Bruce Jenner.

Here is the new trailer:

'I am Cait' will start screening in Australia on the E! Channel on Foxtel, from July 26.

Gina Liano:"Blah, blah… go and combust in a corner" VIDEO

Still one of my fave clips and quotes from Gina Liano ('The Real Housewives of Melbourne')… ever.

This is me when I've had enough of the crap:

'Open Slather' Liz Hayes Sketch: VIDEO

The new 'Open Slather' (the comedy sketch show on Foxtel's The Comedy Channel) Liz Hayes sketch is… well, I will let you have a watch.

And BTW: Gina Riley (Kim from 'Kath & Kim') as Liz Hayes really, truly IS… everything.

New 'Fashion Police' Host Announced: Melissa Rivers

Drumroll… probably the most obvious choice… Melissa Rivers.

Yes, the daughter of the late Joan Rivers (and executive producer) of the show 'Fashion Police' has been announced as the new host, replacing Joan, replacing Kathy Griffin. Kathy came on board as the new host after Joan's death. She later left, as did Kelly Osbourne.

"As an executive producer since the beginning, Melissa helped shape Fashion Police into an iconic TV series that couples fashion with comedy," said Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President, Programming and Development for E!.

Melissa will join Giuliana Rancic and Brad Goreski when the show returns on August 31 for the MTV VMA's.

Here's the announcement tweet:

It's official! Melissa Rivers will be the new co-host of E!'s Fashion Police--get the scoop: http://t.co/ejo7OW1Yk2 pic.twitter.com/vyxDyog4oN

— E! Online (@eonline) June 17, 2015

Here are past casts of the show:

Are you a fan? Will you tune in?

Kim Kardashian West Book: 'Selfish' - Cover and Review

The book 'Selfish' has just been released by Kim Kardashian West, and it's set to get the world talking. And that's the whole point.

Published by book giant Rizzoli, New York, it is a mini tome which is fat with 300 colour photographs of Kim K and Ko.

For super fans, it's a dream come true.

It starts with the cute as photo of Kim K in 1984 - her first inadvertent selfie with a crying baby sister Khloe.

And the next pics - the ones waaay back when she was on the global radar, as Paris Hilton's BFF, accompanying the blonde one on her trip to Australia promoting a new beer with the name 'blonde' in it. Kim was second fiddle, but those with a keen eye could see that this shorter than Paris, more buxom than Paris, more striking than Paris exotic looking young woman was about to steal Ms Hilton's thunder. It didn't take long for that to materialise. And materialise - in EVERY sense of the word, it did.

This book is an ode to the very best (and there are MANY) selfies (photos taken by you, usually on a phone camera, of yourself, in case you didn't know) of Kim Kardashian (she also adds the 'West' to her moniker now), from 2006 to date.

Says the book press release:

Personal photography has come a long way from Brownie cameras, Polaroids, LeClics, and digital SLRs; we are now in the age of the selfie, propelled by smart phones with top quality cameras and the occasional selfie stick. Selfies, the self-portraiture of the digital age, allow us to capture ourselves in the moment, in ways that past technology has not, and Kim Kardashian West, having mastered the art of taking flattering and highly personal photos of herself, is regarded as a trailblazer of the exploding selfie movement.

KIM KARDASHIAN WEST: SELFISH presents, for the first time in print format, Kim’s best selfies—from her favorite throwback images to current ultra-sexy glam shots, from informal family photos with husband Kanye West and baby North, to her world travels—providing readers with a behind-the-scenes look into “life with Kim”.

From her beginnings as a wardrobe stylist, Kim Kardashian West has catapulted herself into being one of the most recognized celebrities in Hollywood, if not the world. With her curvaceous bomb-shell style, successful reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians, DASH clothing store, cosmetic and perfume lines, Kim has acquired a massive following in the multi-millions and, like a true contemporary celebrity, connects daily with them through Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Devoted fans are sure to covet this self-curated collection of Kim’s best selfies!

Credits: © Kim Kardashian West: Selfish by Kim Kardashian West, Rizzoli New York, 2015. All images are © Kim Kardashian West. $29.95 AUS - on sale now via Hardie Grant Books Australia, online and in bookstores.