The Block is a crock

What a bore the first episode of The Block (TV3, 7.30pm, Tuesdays- Fridays) was as we howdy-doed the four couples chosen to renovate houses in Point Chevalier, Auckland. Host Mark is back, looking suitably elder statesman with his George Clooney, crossed with a wire-haired terrier, grey-white hair and crinkly blue eyes.

Joan Rivers rushed to hospital after heart attack

Acerbic comedian and fashion critic Joan Rivers has been rushed to a New York hospital in critical condition after she stopped breathing during surgery on her vocal chords, local media report. New York City Fire Department spokesman Jim Long said a patient reported to be in cardiac arrest had been taken from Yorkville Endoscopy to Mount Sinai Hospital by emergency workers responding to the call at 9.40am (1.40am today, NZT)

Vocal chord surgery complications for Rivers

Acerbic comedian and fashion critic Joan Rivers was rushed to a New York hospital on Thursday (local time) after she stopped breathing during surgery on her vocal chords, local media reported. New York City Fire Department spokesman Jim Long said a patient reported to be in cardiac arrest had been taken from Yorkville Endoscopy to Mount Sinai Hospital by emergency workers responding to the call at 9.40am local time (1.40am Friday NZ time)