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BlogtorWho has delivered the delicious news that the new series of Doctor Who will begin in the US on April 17th, a mere two weeks after the UK airing (seems the Beeb has learned a bit about the futility of making the Yanks wait forever for new episodes…..)

Here is the trailer for the upcoming series, which is a sure-cure for any geek suffering from erectile dysfunction

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• The New Doctor Who Has A Start Date (cinemablend.com)

If you haven’t done so already, you must check out the new FX series Archer, the hilarious secret-agent toon by the creators of Frisky Dingo. Its all-star cast features Jessica “Play Misty for Me” Walters, Chris Parnell, Aisha Tyler, and the funniest voice over actor EVER, H. Jon Benjamin (in the title role).

In tribute, here a a few Benjamin classics.

[read the rest....]

More news from Simon Singh and libelreform.org’s continuing battle against nonsense in the UK, but this time it’s kinda fun. Singh and pals have organized a benefit featuring some of the UK’s top comedy talents, as well as some of the noble science geeks who are out to reform Britain’s ridiculous libel laws.

Readers of this site are well-aware of Singh’s “bogus journey” — he has been sued for libel simply for calling “shennanigans” on the practice of chiropractic. Follow the libelreform.org links for more outrageous examples of weird, anti-science lawsuits.

From the press release:

The Big Libel Gig on Sunday 14 March 2010 at the London’s Palace Theatre will raise funds to support the Coalition for Libel Reform. An eclectic line-up, including Dara Ó Briain, Tim Minchin, Marcus Brigstocke, Robin Ince, Ed Byrne, Shappi Khorsandi, Professor Brian Cox, Simon Singh, Professor Richard Wiseman, Dr Peter Wilmshurst and Dr Ben Goldacre, is supporting the campaign for a public interest defence to protect writers, bloggers, academics, human rights activists and performers.

The Big Libel Gig is the brainchild of comedian Robin Ince – whose previous successes include the annual Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless People shows and who will be hosting the evening – and Simon Singh, the science author and broadcaster, who will be talking frankly about the impact of libel fears on scientific debate.

Simon Singh, who is currently being sued by the British Chiropractic Association, said: “Peter Wilmshurst, Ben Goldacre and I will talk about being sued for libel. Peter is being sued for raising concerns about a heart device. He faces bankruptcy by coming up against our draconian libel laws. We are all put at risk if doctors and scientists are scared to speak out because of English libel laws.”

Tickets go on sale today, so if you’re going to be in London, buy some by clicking here.

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• Video: Simon Singh on libel tourism and the ‘chilling effect’ on science journalism (blogs.journalism.co.uk)
• Danish scientist sued by drug firm under British libel laws to counterclaim (guardian.co.uk)

The sun rose brightly today in the Doctor Whoniverse, as Lalla Ward appeared on this morning’s BBC Radio 4 program Midweek with Libby Purves.

The honorable Lady Ward appears to discuss her current exhibit of wildlife thread paintings in London, but she also gives us nerds some deliciously dorky anecdotes. To wit: Patrick Stewart’s admonition not to waste her time doing television (least of all science fiction!), how Douglas Adams introduced her to current hubby Richard Dawkins, and how she still enjoys “seeing old friends” when she does Doctor Who audio dramas.

You can listen to the show by following this link to the Midweek show and podcast. Get there quickly, as the Beeb has a tendency to restrict access to their shows after a short shelf life.

Squidbilly Early Cuyler invades the “Carl’s Stone Cold Lock of the Century of the Week” show at adultswim.com. The “Carl’s Lock” shows may seem like a wacky parody to those of you NOT from New Jersey, but to those of us born there, this is reality television.