The UK music industry has just won an important landmark case in its' war on illegal online music sharing through peer to peer programmes such as Kazaa and Emule.

Two British men have been ordered to pay fines of between £1500 and £5000 for makings thousands of songs available for download by other users. Both men were defensive stating they did not know that what they were doing was illegal. Between them, they made available approximately 9000 songs.

One of the men, a postman from Brighton claimed he did not know of any wrong doing but this was dismissed by the judge who stated that 'Ignorance is not a defence'

The music industry has called the cases a 'massive step forward' and intents to continue prosecuting people that break the law

Ms Dynamite assaults police

Ms Dynamite, real name Niomo McLean-Daley has pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer whilst in custody following her arrest outside a London nightclub.

Ms Dynamite admitted disorderly conduct at Bow Street Magistrates. She will be back in court on Tuesday for sentencing

Clint Eastwood receives honour

Actor and film maker Clint Eastwood will receive the Directors Guild of Americas highest honour in January 2006. Clint Eastwoods vast career began in 'spaghetti westerns such as 'The Good, The Bad and the Ugly' and then moved on to the 'Dirty Harry' films.

Eastwood,75 plans two more battle films due for a hopeful release in last 2006

In drama, a tv extra is a performer in a film or TV extra show who has no role or purpose other than to appear in the background (for example, in an audience or busy street scene as a tv extra). tv Extras often require little to no acting experience, are hired en masse with little formality. tv extras usually are paid at low rates. tv extras in War films and epic films often employ extras in large numbers: some tv extras movies have featured hundreds or even thousands of paid tv extras.

On a movie set, film tv extras are technically referred to as ' tv extras Background Action'.

Blue Peter Peril

The BBC has a fight on its hands to stop the bulk sale of Blue Peter badges that are currently being sold on Ebay. The badges allow young people free entry into museums and stately homes, even Brad Pitt, The Queen and Madonna has received a badge in the past

The situation has been monitored over the past few months to try to retain the reputation and credibility of the badges.

Blue Peter editor said "We know how hard children work to earn a badge, and we are doing our best to ensure that this long-standing Blue Peter institution is not undermined."

Ebay was not available for comment

James Bond bother

The producers of the latest James Bond movie staring Daniel Craig have come under fire due to part of the film involving a tube shooting scene which has been likened to the real life shooting of Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes who was gunned down by police outside Stockwell tube station last year.

A statement from the producers reads 'We categorically deny reports that the script of Casino Royale bears any resemblance to the tragic death of the innocent Brazilian citizen Mr Jean Charles de Menezes'

After the leaked document, a spokesman for the de Menezes said they were shocked and concerned that the plot glamorizes such incidents.

Grammys

The US is gearing up for the annual 'I Love Myself' awards otherwise known as the Grammys. The hot tipped artists are Kayne West and Mariah Carey. U2 are on the shortlist for 5 awards. Other British hopefuls are Coldplay and Sir Paul McCartney who each have 3 nominations.

Coldplay are up for best rock album with 'X&Y', Franz Ferdinand for best rock performance & best alternative music album. Keane for best new artist. Jamiroquai for best short form music video. Rod Stewart for best traditional pop vocal album and The Chemical brothers for best dance recording and best dance album.

The grammys will also be showing a live by Madonna and The Gorillaz

File sharing still rife

Although global action was taken by courts to reduced illegal file sharing and downloading, the latest report says that it is still rampant.

The level of file sharing has not changed in the last 2 years despite 20,000 legal cases across the globe. File sharing is estimated to be worth more than a billion pounds a year.

IFPI Chairman John Kennedy stressed that as file sharing has not increased, then that in effect would mean it is actually decreasing overall.

Celebrity couple

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Are they are couple? Well, something’s happening!

Brad is attempting to become the co-parent of Maddox and Zahara, Angelina’s adopted children. Serious or what? With Brad at 42 and Angelina pushing 30, perhaps this is happy families.

Brad’s divorce from Jennifer Aniston became final in October.

Still Friends?

Del Boy knighted

We all know him as Del-Boy but today, David Jason became sir David Jason after collecting his knighthood from the Queen at Buckingham Palace. The Queen also hinted that she was a fan of 'Only Fools and Horses'

Sir David Jason also revealed that he recently married his long term partner Gill Hinchcliffe in a secret ceremony.

The ex 'Open all Hours' actors said he was 'humbled' by the 'fantastic tribute'.

Pete Doherty Banged up

Pete Dohery has been remanded in custody by a London court for possession of heroin. Dohery, 26 was arrested on Thursday in East London after police were made suspicious by his [Doherty] dishevelled appearance.

The arresting offices found a wrap of 'white powder' in his rear pocket. Doherty stated that he did not realise it was there.

Babyshambles were due to appear in Glasgow on Friday evening. The judge told him 'I'm sorry if my orders will affect your fans and the people that go to your concerts. Doherty was also in the same court previously to admit possession of crack cocaine and morphine.

Digital DJ's breaking the law

Although a new permit scheme has been introduced to play digital tracks, many DJ's are unaware of this and continue to break the law by playing unlicensed versions.

The Royal Collection Agency introduced the annual licences at a cost of £200 per year but most DJ's were not informed including Radio 1 DJ Fergie.

Most DJ's want to play from laptops and MP3 players instead o=f records and CD's but this is illegal without the permission of the owner. It is believed the new licence scheme will be difficult to enforce due to the vast number of DJ's and clubs.

An Essex DJ, typical of the majority of weekend DJ's said ' It's a bit of a sting (£200). For someone who's not a megastar, a few hundred quid can really make a difference.

Copyright theft action

Websites offering song lyrics for free may find them under fire from companies taking legal action against copyright theft.

The first campaign against such sites will begin in early 2006 by 'The Music Publishers' Association (MPA)'

Lauren Keiser, president of the company says he wants to see offenders jailed

The action comes after many years of bitter legal battles against unauthorised services allowing users to download recordings free of charge.

Take That sell out

The April tour of Take That was sold out with six hours of the booking lines opening.

Band members Gary Barlow, Howard Johnson, Jason Orange and Mark Owen will be touring for 26 weeks. And they hope to persuade Robbie Williams to appear on stage at some time.