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Archives for July 2009

Spot stars with our guide to astronomy

The One Show Team | 14:41 UK time, Friday, 31 July 2009

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Astronomer Mark Thompson has been stargazing in Norfolk with One Show viewers. Watch the film below:

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In the film, Mark pointed out The Plough, the Summer Triangle and the North Star (also known as the Pole Star or Polaris). Click the links below to find out more about the stars in the night sky.

DOWNLOAD STAR MAP: Identify the stars and constellations.

MORE INFO: The Summer Triangle.

MORE INFO: The North Star - Wikipedia.

And Mark recommends...

ASTRONOMY INFO: NASA website.

ASTRONOMY CLUBS: Federation of Astronomical Societies.

The story of the longbow

The One Show Team | 15:34 UK time, Thursday, 30 July 2009

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Dan Snow tells us the story of the longbow, attempts to fire the 'medieval machine gun' and then puts it to the test against a crossbow.

Watch Dan's film below.


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The longbow has had an influence wider than the battlefield. Many of the phrases we use today derive from archers.

 

Keep it under your hat
Refers to the practice of an archer keeping his bow strings dry by keeping them under his hat. Thought to originate at the Battle of Crecy, 1346 AD. Edward III of England and his archers defeated the French by keeping their flax bowstrings dry under their hats. Their forces kept their crossbows out in the rain resulting in their strings loosing tension.

Underhand
This refers to shooting a bow in the incorrect manner; with a view of the target under the hand holding the bow.

Highly strung
If the string on the bow it too short, the bow will break when you pull the string. ('highly' refers to the string height - the distance between the middle of the bow and the string).

Playing fast and loose
If someone wants you to stop firing arrows they shout "fast" when it's safe for you to continue they shout "loose".

Braced for action
When the bow is strung it's known as braced

More than one string to your bow
The string is the weak link in a bow, archers would replace the bow before they broke so they were not unarmed. Obviously they kept more than one string with them. When the Marie Rose was raised they found 250 longbows and 864 bow strings.

Parting Shot
Comes from "Parthian Shot", the Parthions were ancient warriors whose method of fighting was to gallop on their horse at great speed towards their enemy, then at the last minute to turn around and whilst doing this aim at their enemy.

Exclusive: Bonnie and Clyde meet their new owners

The One Show Team | 15:35 UK time, Wednesday, 29 July 2009

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They're two dogs with a special bond.

The One Show's Des Coleman Des was there to capture the moment when the successful applicants are told that they'll be Bonnie and Clyde's new owners. Watch the video below.

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Bonnie and Clyde, two border collies, were found recently roaming on a country road in Norfolk.


Cherie Cootes from Meadowgreen Dog Rescue Centre, Hales, took them in. Bonnie and ClydeCherie noticed that the dogs were inseparable. She discovered that Bonnie led Clyde, as Clyde has lost his sight because of a degenerative disease. Cherie: "If Clyde's unsure where he is, he will suddenly go behind Bonnie and put his face on the back of her so she can guide him, he totally relies on her".

  • Find out more about Bonnie and Clyde - BBC News.

  • Since the dogs' relationship hit the headlines, the Rescue Centre has received many offers to care for the pair.

    The One Show's Des Coleman went to meet Cherie and to offer his assistance as she worked through the 500 applications for the dogs.

    Later, Des was there to capture the moment when the successful applicants are told that they'll be Bonnie and Clyde's new owners. Watch the video above!


    Still in need of homes...

    Bonnie and Clyde's temporary home, Meadowgreen Dog rescue centre, has a further 50 dogs who need good homes. Click here to visit their website.

    Read the rest of this entry

    Video: Rare butterfly, Glanville Fritillary

    The One Show Team | 12:15 UK time, Monday, 27 July 2009

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    George McGavin went to the Isle of Wight to see a rare butterfly, the Glanville Fritillary, and to find out more about Eleanor Glanville, the first English female lepidopterist. Watch the film below:


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    Charity Butterfly Conservation are promoting their 'Save Our Butterflies Week' between 25 July and 2 August 2009.


    Click here to search for butterfly events near you.

    Summer Exhibition winners revealed!

    The One Show Team | 12:15 UK time, Monday, 27 July 2009

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    From all across the UK you sent in your paintings, sculptures, mosaics, ceramics and creations in fabric. The One Show Summer Exhibition attracted nearly 3,500 photos of your artworks.

    Our panel looked at your art and their shortlisted favourites were printed out and transported to the Royal Academy of Arts for judging by Adrian, Christine and Royal Academician Chris Orr.

    CLICK HERE TO SEE THE SHORTLIST GALLERY.

    Adrian, Christine and Chris then selected their winners, their favourite five artworks from the shortlist.

    Watch the video, below, to see Adrian, Christine and Chris judging your artworks at the Royal Academy. Click here to see more Summer Exhibition films:

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    THE WINNERS:

    Click here to watch the 'winners revealed' video, scroll down to take a close look at the winning artworks.

    Mushroom by Amanda Henriques

    Mushroom by Amanda Henriques

    This is a stoneware sculpture piece about 9 inches high. "My ceramic work is usually in response to some organic form that I have found. It is an interpretation of a form, not a copy of it" says Amanda, from Canterbury.

    Watchdog by Jenny Olsen

    Watchdog by Jenny Olsen 


    Jenny, from Sunderland, is ten years old. She says: "My picture shows how dogs are always looking out for you, that is why I called it Watchdog!"

    Mark One Spitfire by Ken Simpson

    Mark One Spitfire by Ken Simpson
    Ken from Shildon has been repairing shoes for 35 years. He says: "The artwork is known as pinpoint, and comprises of brass nails and dyes. It was very popular in the 1950's. The work shown is on a pair of leather soled shoes, showing a Spitfire."

    The Wallflower by Nelda Utilini
    The Wallflower by Nelda Utilini 

    Nelda, from Hertfordshire, is a self taught painter, and uses oils and acrylics.
    On The Wallflower, Nelda says: "It's 1950, the village hall in Glengariff is ready for the Saturday night dance. The latest hairstyles have not reached rural Ireland yet. Bridie has waved her hair like the girl in a pre-war film star magazine. She is wearing a dress which she made herself. The roses were crocheted by her grandmother who learnt the craft from the nuns at the convent. She is longing for a dance but has to wait until she is asked. Sometimes she waits all night."

    Me Three by Sharon Wright

    Me Three by Sharon Wright
    Sharon, from Kings Lynne, painted Me Three in a couple of days."My passion... painting, especially portraits, and no more easily available subject... moi!" she says.

    Click here to see the artwork shortlist that our final five were chosen from - they were commended by our panel.

    Many thanks to everyone who sent in their artworks.


    You may also like to know that The Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition is on until 16th August 2009, at the Main Galleries, Piccadilly, London.

    Update: The One Show Summer Exhibition

    The One Show Team | 14:06 UK time, Tuesday, 21 July 2009

    Comments (5)

    One Show Summer Exhibition posterThank you to everyone who has been in touch wanting to know more about The One Show Summer Exhibition.

    Here's the latest news; the judges are currently in the middle of shortlisting their favourite artwork entries from the 3388 photos that were submitted.

    All shortlisted artwork will be shown online and the judges' favourite five will be featured on The One Show on Monday 27th July so make sure to watch on that date.

    Thanks, and keep watching!

     

    Update: Shop name puns

    The One Show Team | 12:28 UK time, Monday, 20 July 2009

    Comments (12)

    Wok This Way, viewers.

    Codfather: Shop punsSend in your photos of puns in shop signs here.

    On Monday's show Arthur Smith looked at the history of the pun and we asked you to send in photos of the best punning shop signs near you.

    You didn't let us down and we've received 150 pictures, ranging from the hilarious to the downright awful!

    Tomorrow (24th July) Arthur will be back with another film looking at puns in shop signs and we'll be showing some of the best on the show.

    Thanks to everyone who sent them in

    Look at the shop sign pun gallery here.

    Sofa So Good!

    Send in your best sandcastle pics!

    The One Show Team | 12:27 UK time, Monday, 20 July 2009

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    Holiday season is upon us! It's time to grab your bucket and spade, head to the coast and build a sandcastle.

    All week Mike and Miranda will be in Cornwall looking for beach wildlife. But it doesn't end there. The One Show salutes everything that is good and great about the UK seaside. We applaud fish and chips, we smile at seagulls and we're supporting the great British sandcastle!

    We want you to send in a photo of the best sandcastle you have built, whether it's the classic tower with turrets or something more unusual.

    So roll up your trousers, place a handkerchief on your head and get digging! Remember you've only got until the tide comes in to take your snap!

    Please include your name and location as the best pictures may be featured on the show.

    Thank you holidaymakers!

    Play our fun Alien Encounters game

    The One Show Team | 11:17 UK time, Friday, 17 July 2009

    Comments (24)

  • Click here to play the Alien Encounters game
  • Alien Invaders

    To mark The One Show 'Moon Show' we thought we'd head to outer space and have a bit of fun with a classic shoot 'em up Alien Encounters game.

    Have a play and tell us your age and your score below.

    (If the game doesn't pop up for you to play, please click here to play the game on the BBC Science website.)


    See also: Moon info.


    See also: More games and tests.


    Are you better at defending the Earth than The One Show astronaut?

    Ben, our One Show 'astronaut' scored a measly 3160 points. Can you do better? Get your family and friends to have a go and compare your scores here.

    Is your name Neil (or Nelly) Armstrong? Send in a photo!

    The One Show Team | 11:16 UK time, Friday, 17 July 2009

    Comments (1)

    Calling all Neil (or Nelly) Armstrongs!

    It's been 40 years since astronaut Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon.

    To celebrate the anniversary of that illustrious day The One Show is looking for its own British Neil (or Nelly) Armstrong.

    If you're a Neil (or Nelly) Armstrong, then we want to hear from you! Send in a photo of yourself as soon as you can. Your photo may be featured on tonight's show.

    More lunar links

    BBC Archive - A collection of films telling the story of the Apollo moon missions.

    BBC Science - Moon Facts and Fantastic Voyages quiz.

    NASA - Moon missions.


    Plus: Watch The One Show's moon films here.

    Also:  Help save the Earth! Play our fun Alien Encounters game and tell us your scores.

    Download The One Show flag and fly it on holiday!

    The One Show Team | 16:15 UK time, Tuesday, 14 July 2009

    Comments

    Adrian Chiles photo montage

    Take us on holiday with you!

    The summer is upon us and we'd like to see what you're getting up to.

    Download the One Show flag below, print it off and when you reach your holiday destination, take a photo of you and your family flying the flag for The One Show.

    The best pics will be shown on the programme, and published in our holiday gallery of fame!

    Download your flag here

    Click here to download the flag (.pdf version*)

    Click here to download the flag (.jpg version)

    Send in your photo of you and your flag on holiday

    Click here to send us your 'flying the flag' holiday snap.


    Have a lovely time!

    *To view and print the .pdf flag may need to download and install the free Adobe Reader software.

    The opening lines of your crime stories

    The One Show Team | 15:23 UK time, Thursday, 9 July 2009

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    Update: Friday 10th July 2009. This contest is now closed to new entrants - watch tonight's One Show to see which of your opening lines get a mention on air. Scroll down to read the opening lines of your crime stories, and Andrew Taylor's crime writing tips!

    Sandi Toksvig explores why crime fiction is so popular among British readers. Watch the film below: 

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    So, we're asking you to write the opening 25 words of a crime / murder mystery story that's set in your hometown, and send it into us. The best opening lines will get a mention on tomorrow's show.

    Please send in:The Singing Detective

    a) The title of your crime story.
    b) The opening 25 words (or less) of your story, set in your hometown. Please don't write more than 25 words!
    c) Don't forget to add your genuine first name and location to your 25 words - so we know who to mention on air.

    Closing date for submissions is 1pm, 10th July 2009.

    Andrew Taylor's crime writing tips!
    Need some inspiration? In her film, Sandi Toksvig meets award winning author Andrew Taylor. Here are his top five crime writing tips:

    1. Begin with characters and a situation that really interest you - but you don't need to know the ending before you start.
    2. Surprise us, and come up with something new - avoid the temptation to clone Miss Marple or Inspector Morse.
    3. Remember that a good story, with a crime, are all you need. These days a crime story needn't be a whodunnit.
    4. Keep your readers guessing all the time - make them wait for your revelations, and don't let them relax.
    5. Keep writing, and don't stop until you reach the end - you can always fine-tune the plot later.

    Update: Watch Matthew Kelly read our pick of the opening lines to your crime stories below.

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    See also:
    Andrew Taylor's website.

    The Crime Writers' Association.

    Hilary Lister Update (08/07/09)

    The One Show Team | 16:51 UK time, Wednesday, 8 July 2009

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    Back in May 09, Olympic gold medallist Sir Matthew Pinsent met quadriplegic sailor Hilary Lister. Hilary told Mathew of her remarkable plans to become the first disabled woman to sail solo around Britain.

    See the video of Hilary, filmed just before she set off on her incredible journey on May 21st 09 from Plymouth.

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    08/07/09 Update: We've been keeping you updated on Hilary's progress over the last few months and are delighted to report she is now (08/07/09) currently in Troon in Scotland.

    Keep up the good work Hilary!

    For further updates on Hilary's progress, visit her website www.hilarylister.com

    Summer Exhibition Update: Last chance!

    The One Show Team | 16:17 UK time, Tuesday, 7 July 2009

    Comments

    This is a last chance warning!

    Tomorrow, at 5pm Wednesday 8th July 2009,  The One Show's Summer Exhibition closes.
    So it's nearly your last chance to submit a photo of your artwork.

    You've sent in over 2500 pieces of artwork to us - the variety and quality is exceptional. Thank you.

    So as the competition draws to an end we thought it would be good to feature some more of your submissions to The One Show.

    Watch the video below to see if your artwork appears.


    The artwork shown was from:


    Frank Hewitt from Sheffield sent in 'Verona, city of Romeo and Juliet'
    Linda Davies painted the 'Landscape around Trebetherick'
    Kathy Buckler submitted 'Red River Creek'
    Sheila Fowler from Glasgow 'Skye - The Black Cuillins'


     

    Strike a plinth pose! Send in your photo

    The One Show Team | 17:17 UK time, Monday, 6 July 2009

    Comments

    Send in your photos here.

    Dave the props man on the Fourth Plinth (photomontage)Sculptor Antony Gormley is asking people to occupy the empty Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, London. Gormley says his One & Other project will create "a living portrait of the UK now...".

    Housewife Rachel Wardell became Gormley's first 'living statue' when she stood on the Fourth Plinth for an hour this morning (6th July 09).

    So, Adrian and Christine would like to see how One Show viewers would make the most of the plinth. They'd like you to strike a pose, and send in a photo of you as a 'living statue' .

    The best photos will be shown on tonight's programme. Extra marks will be given for creativity and dressing up in costume.

    Please note: We need to see full length body shots.

    Pictured, right, is Dave the props man from The One Show. Dave struck a 'Brucie' pose. But we know you can do better - and with costumes!

    Send in your photos here.  

    The One Show Summer Exhibition: Art Update (01/07/09)

    The One Show Team | 16:36 UK time, Wednesday, 1 July 2009

    Comments


    The One Show's Summer Exhibition launched less than a week ago and we've already received over 1300 pieces of artwork.

    We've been incredibly impressed with the quality, variety and standard so thank-you to everyone who has sent in a photo of their work.

    If you haven't done so already, you can submit your artwork here.

    On Tuesday 30th June, The One Show exhibited a few of the pieces that have come in so far. Watch the film below to see if your artwork was selected.

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    In case you missed them in the video, the artworks that were displayed on our green room wall were: (clockwise from left to right):

    A Prickly Passion: Trish Palmer from Brighton
    Portrait of Patricia: Matt Ray from Northwood
    Anenomes: Susie Lidstone from Farnham, Surrey
    Magnolias and Kingfisher: Katie Harris from Horsham
    Traditionally-built ladies: Sylvia Evans from LLandyrnog
    Rhinoceros: Molly Deacon from Gosport, Hants
    Found Bits: Bob Jury from Exeter
    Warrior Horse; Glenda Dolman from Wednesbury, West Midlands
    Wild Poppy: Sharon Herod from Nottingham
    Richmond Peony: Janet Silkoff from Twickenham
    Self Portrait in oil pastel, 2007: Jennie Pardoe from Solihull, West Midlands

    More updates to come soon, don't forget the deadline for entries is Wednesday July 8th at 5pm.

    Also:
    Find out everything you need to know about The One Show Summer Exhibition here.

    Submit an entry to The One Show Summer Exhibition

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