Experts say 'Symbol' heavily sought after
LONDON, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- The book "The Lost Symbol" by author Dan Brown has become a heavily sought-after novel in Britain and abroad, experts say.
Publishers have taken extreme measures to protect the plot of "The Da Vinci Code" sequel from being leaked to the public ahead of its release, The Daily Telegraph reported Saturday.
"We have closed circuit TVs that are monitoring the books at all times in a secure area that is also guarded," said Random House spokeswoman Jacqueline Updike, whose company will publish "Symbol" in Britain.
"Symbol" is to be released in Britain and the United States on Tuesday.
The only detail of the new novel that publishers have parted with is that the action takes place in Washington during a single 12-hour period, the Telegraph said.
"This novel has been a strange and wonderful journey," Brown said on his Web site of his new novel featuring Harvard University symbologist Robert Langdon.
"Weaving five years of research into the story's 12-hour time frame was an exhilarating challenge. Robert Langdon's life clearly moves a lot faster than mine."
Britain eyeing factual TV show limits
LONDON, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- The British government is reportedly considering putting severe limits on allowing children under 14 to appear on reality and other factual TV programs.
The Times of London reported Saturday it obtained a Department for Children, Schools and Families memo that details a plan by the government to ban children younger than 14 from such programs unless dancing, singing or acting is involved.
"We will highlight the application of existing primary legislation that says that many more factual programs must be licensed, and that children under 14 cannot take part unless they are singing, dancing or acting," the memo reads.
John McVay, Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television chief executive, immediately criticized the reported TV changes.
"It would be a disaster for the young children of Britain if they weren't able to see themselves on television doing the everyday things that they enjoy," McVay told The Times.
Meanwhile, an unidentified DCSF spokeswoman said any changes would be focused on providing safe ways for children to take part in TV opportunities.
'Vampire' actresses accused of flashing
MACON, Ga., Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Five actresses from the TV series "Vampire Diaries" were arrested for allegedly flashing drivers in Smarr, Ga., a police report reveals.
TMZ.com reported Friday the actresses from the fledgling CW series were taken into custody Aug. 22 after allegedly exposing themselves to motorists from a Smarr overpass as part of a photo shoot for cameraman Tyler Shields. Dozens of drivers called authorities to report the women's escapades.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported the actresses released on bond after being charged with disorderly conduct were Nina Dobrev, 20, Sara Canning, 22, Kayla Ewell, 24, Krystal Vayda, 23, and Candice Accola, 22.
Monroe County Sheriff's spokeswoman Allison Selman-Willis said one of the actresses allegedly allegedly exposed their breasts and dangled one of the group over the bridge's railing.
"They were flashing drivers, hanging over the bridge," Selman-Willis said. "One girl was holding another girl's ankles and hanging her over the bridge like she was going to drop her."
Damon happy being sole male in family
TORONTO, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Matt Damon says he is happy with his position as the only man in his family of five.
During an appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival Friday, "The Informant" star praised his life with his wife Luciana and their daughters, Gia, 13 months, Isabella, 3, and Alexia, 11, People.com reported Saturday.
"I call it the 'testosterone deficit.' But I'm happy with that," Damon said. "I love my girls and it's lot of pink, a lot of princesses and a lot of fun."
Damon, 38, also admitted to the emotions he likely will feel when Isabella begins pre-school in the near future.
"I think I will get emotional when we take her. Her mom and I will probably be a big mess. She's ready but I don't know if I will be," Damon told People.
Damon also told People Luciana took the 30 pounds he packed on for his "Informant" role in stride.
"She was a good sport about it. There was just more of me to love. I loved parading around with my belly," Damon said.
