A blog dedicated to the most amazing weather forecaster there is-- Tomasz Schafernaker! *Established in September 2009*
Please see my profile info for more stuff on the great man himself!
A quiter day on The Schaf front: Partly because of today's Prime Minister's Questions, and the attendant student protests taking up much airtime on the News Channel. Least we still got his News At One slot: He informed us that there's a brief break from the freezing weather, as temperatures will climb up to around 7C by day (albeit frosty at night); however the colder weather will be back to chill us next week-- more snow too!
Thankfully we have Tomasz to reassure us. I'm mindful that Tomasz's Met Office contract expires (next month according to reports), I'm just hoping that the BBC realise what a talented and popular asset he is to the corporation; rescue him from a non-screen role, in which he would be wasted (in my view).
Tomasz is so multi-talented, creative and intelligent-- his potential is massive! Also as a punter, I can see he has such great rapport with other presenters. I just hope that BBC bigwigs may be able to create a bright and fulfilling 2011 for him.
I'm sure Tomasz will give it his all, what ever happens. Besides, BBC training has the potential to be so much fun, if Sir Terry's anecdote has anything to go by, confer 1:07:47
A few adorable moments from The Schaf today: He was doing his bit for 'charidee' today, wearing a small Pudsey bear badge on his suit, for Children In Need.
Naturally this attracted comment from Simone, who asked Tomasz to show it off (the badge that is)-- before heckling him! Mr McCoy just can't resist, can he? Still, we got a close-up of Tomasz, so I won't complain...
Don't worry Tomasz, you bring sunshine to everyone's life. For News At One, Tomasz changed his groovy floral-pattern purple tie, for a white spotted-pattern one-- matching Pudsey's eye-bandage. Louise Minchin called him "fashionable"! I think it's great that Tomasz went to that effort; if anybody get can viewers to donate generously {i}, then it's The Schaf.
In other news, Emma Crosby had trouble pronouncing His Loveliness's name. He kindly commented that "she wasn't the first", and wistfully remarked that his name had given him "trouble" throughout his life {ii}.
Aaah poor Tomasz well I think it's a superb name, distinctive and cool-- one we don't forget for all the right reasons. My heart melts at its very mention. Besides, a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.
So who is cuter-- Pudsey Bear or Tomasz? Only one way to find out.... fiiiiiight!{iii}
On serious note, if you wish to donate to Children In Need, please confer www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey and the number is: 03457 33 22 33
Since Tomasz has made an effort to advertise CIN, who are we to refuse? I'm sure you can raise something substantial for him.
PS: Many thanks to Terratec for his amazing work.
{i} I'm talking money here, nothing 'medical' {ii} I can see the Daily Wail now: "Polish-born Weatherman flusters newspresent with Austrian surname, before disrepecting viewers with a garish tie and badge in sickening charity stunt" {iii} I merely evoke the playful of spirit of Harry Hill, I don't condone violence between charity mascots and weather forecasters.
A slightly distrubing moment on Radio 2 in the wee hours of this morning, with Janice Long talking about sperm, just before the weather slot. I feared that Janice would ask Tomasz to give a mouthful on that bad taste topic.
However it was Laura Tobin chatting with Janice, and the topic changed to Jon Bon Jovi. Laura is a huge fan (even more so after meeting him), and she was worried about fainting when she interviewed him. I think if I were to meet or interview Tomasz, I'd suffer the same apprehension!
Clearly Alex Deakin appearing on Mastermind has sparked a trend, Laura had also been asked to do Strictly (she had twisted her ankle though), as was Tomasz. For many men, Laura is female equivalent of Tomasz... I would've loved to have seen Tomasz gyrating like a dervish in some those costumes they use on Strictly. Tomasz reports on Twitter that he and Laura Tobin were jiving to theme tunes from children's programmes-- Denver The Last Dinosaur (he's gone quiet)
Laura did the Shipping Forecast this morning-- so I take it Tomasz was on BBC World duties? Hope so. He found time to chat with Liam Dutton on Twitter: Apparently Boy George is following Liam... in a Twitter sense, rather than literally I'd hope-- he could end up being chained to a radiator.
Stranger things have happened to telly personalities, as the QI quizmaster and Dr House once found out...
Finally Tomasz will be on his customary daytime shift tomorrow. News At One, News Channel between 11:00-15:00 plus Radio 4 after You & Yours.
The News At One finished with a story about a stunt pilot, whose plane's wing fell off mid-flight. Thankfully the pilot escaped via parachute, and unharmed. "A lucky man" commented Sophie Raworth, before handing over to Tomasz! {iv}
Lucky indeed... I'm pleased he was back today and phlegmatic as ever. I'm also so heartened to see so many people posting so many supportive and forgiving posts on his Facebook profile, Twitter and elsewhere (including mardy papers' websites). Thankfully any Angry Of Mayfair comments have been extremely rare... if anything it's boosted his popularity! {iii}
I extend a big thanks to readers of this blog, who have rallied round Tomasz to give him supportive words on said outlets. Thumbs up to all of you.
Also it appears that his the story has gone worldwide-- you can tell it's silly-season! To be fair Tomasz, he does get global exposure: Metaphorically on the BBC World News and literally with numerous repostings of his Attitude shoot on the world-wide web! I know from the stats I get for this blog, I have traffic from all over the world; not just the UK, Poland and Canada. I think the incident will seal his status as international legend-- rightly so.
Sadly some people aren't impressed, are rather keen to shit-stir. Worst offender in my view, was today's Metro: "The outlook for this weatherman is bleak", with picture caption stating: "Mr Schafernaker can expect a frosty recpetion at work today". Laugh, I almost did.
This article is so crap it's good...
Below that was outrage about clothes GMTV presenters wear. Ye gods. Tomasz accidentally swearing on-air, an outrageous affront; Third World daily death-toll a mere statistic, it would appear.
Amusingly the BBC has put the video on its own Youtube channel, so perhaps they've finally seen the lighter side of it too {ii}. As I mentioned earlier, he was on the telly today, impeccably behaved... as was friend Simon McCoy. I wonder what he was referring to at the beginning of this [LOL], Murphy's law et al.
I'm sure many a reader wouldn't mind being given a finger by Tomasz. Oof, did I really just type that? 1609 visitors for yesterday, probably the record for my 11 months doing this!
By popular request...
Now that Tomasz is a true global star {i}, I hope my blog can do him justice still! Thanks to Terratec for the video upload, by the way
{i} Well he was mentioned on the Wright Stuff, after all {ii} It does air Eastenders several times a week! {iii} Denise Welsh mouthed a four-letter insult, Coleen called someone a "slag" and Lynda Bellingham once said "bollocks"-- all on Loose Women. Those ladies are still on it, as is the show... even with Joan Rivers's best attempt to derail it with her Russell Crowe comment. {iv} I blame Emma Jesson, with her numerous appearances on TV's Naughiest Blunders. Bye-bye!
That Kate Silverton has a lot to answer to... passing on the infection of lapsus linguae to Tomasz today, as he amusingly tripped over his words on News At One-- Kate did apologise for passing the affliction on!
No doubt the green-eyed monsters on those internet forums will start to snipe about Tomasz making "yet another mistake"; what with Tomasz being human, having no Autocue and routinely doing live broadcasts. Those without selective memories would recall other weather (or other live) presenters occasionally slip up too. I think Tomasz's gaffes are remembered because of the humorously self-effacing way he deals with them; shame some people can't see the frivolity and fun in life, and have to automatically reach for the vinegar.
Especially as Tomasz's increasing use of semophoric hand-gestures and dramatic intonation makes the weather charts animate even more. "Splodges" a new edition to the vernacular, also a Corbett-esque turn of phrase about "umbrellas"; plus a hint of Dom Littlewood (of One Show fame) with "ere's yer warm front, ere's yer cold front". Nice layer of stubble once more {i}
Some mega-praise for Tomasz: When he talked of Trent Bridge, he didn't say it is "in Nottingham", unlike his some of his erroneous BBC colleagues have done. Said cricket ground is in the town West Bridgford-- which is not part of the City of Nottingham. Indeed the cricket ground and West Bridgford is the Borough of Rushcliffe (indeed the council's HQ is across the road from thw ground!); although separate from Nottingham, it is in Nottinghamshire.
Then again we can't expect these London media-types to know about geography beyond the listening-posts of Milton Keynes [wink]: They still think Cleveland exists, Yorkshire is one county, don't realise Wales has 22 counties for geographic reference and they probably get a nose-bleed when they travel outside confines of the M25 [wink#2]
And they probably think that the East Midlands is practically Birmingham {ii}. So I'm pleased to see The Schaf is above such things... and he even manages to be nicer to look at/listen to than Stuart Broad, now there's something.
{i} I'm sure he grows it, just to frustrate/excite the likes of me during daily worship [LOL] {ii} A gold star for anybody who can get a native Londoner to do a East Midlands accent, without sounding like a Brummy
I had a quick tea-break at midday to see His Loveliness in action; he grabbed my attention straight away, by talking about his damp and wet ball. It could even get you "running for cover", if it empties on you-- fancy.
Tomasz also mentioned Goodwood horse-racing. I reckon there should be a horse called The Schaf: A sleek, musucular and well-groomed stud, who rides well and has a vital measurement of over two hands.
I'm pleased to say Tomasz's red nose wasn't prominent, hope that isn't itching too badly for him; perhaps explains his problems with saying "brightness", his rubicund neb making him too self-aware.
We had an adorable chortle from him on the News At One. I hope Tomasz realises I schedule my lunchbreak around his appearance on said bulletin, so I don't miss him. There's loyalty for you... or I am just sad [haha]
Obviously the long bike-ride has done Tomasz the world of good, he's been looking particularly fetching this week.
Yesterday he was sporting a fine layer of stubble: No doubt some of our friends on 'certain' websites will be castigating The Schaf; telling him he needs to get a pair of strimmers, or he looks rough. Nonsense I say, the stubble is the trademark of Tomasz's look and makes him look becoming, sod what overbearing forum miseries say. Liking the pink tie here...
On to today, "Presenter Name" was wearing a neat violet tie with flowers on... hopefully not ones that excrete pollen. If anybody can glue us to the telly, it's His Loveliness! I like to play with Tomasz's... err... I mean I'd like to play ball with Tomasz. I'm sure his tackle is better than any England player's, and he makes me want to dribble. Yes {i}
"Hot and sticky" making Tomasz laugh there... sometimes he makes it too easy for me! He had a cute giggle on News At One too-- the endorphins must be still whizzing around long after his pedals have stopped.
Thanks to Terratec for the cute clips as ever. I need a lie down after thinking about a hot and sticky Tomasz.
If you think that's bad, whatever you don, don't fast-foward to 00:36:00 on here, in the next few days
["Coat already fetched, fingers reaching for the door handle" emoticon]
{i} I did think about becoming a footballer once, but I couldn't spit far enough.
Sophie Raworth graciously diverted controversy away from Tomasz today. She gave mention to the Met Office's decision to discontinue seasonal forecasts, in favour of monthly ones: La Raworth referred to the "barbecue summer" and "mild winter" that were forecasted by the Met Office in the past nine months.
Tomasz cutely chuckled at this, refusing to be drawn on the issue. This from News At One today, complete with jazz hands Thanks to Terratec365 for the following
Meanwhile, I'm pleased to see Tomasz has a new publicity photo. I lost ten minutes staring at this...
He certainly does make me want to tap my barometer.
Tomasz was back on News At One today with Simon McCoy, who again made a dubious non-sequitur: To make one would be regarded as a misfortune, to make another looks like carelessness-- or a catty dig (to paraphrase Oscar Wilde). I suspect somebody may have been reading this blog yesterday!
Well Simon's comment tickled The Schaf: "Damp and miserable-- here with the weather is Tomasz Schafernaker". Tomasz certainly isn't miserable, far from it! Although Tomasz does make me damp... err yes... time for the clip in question I think...
I'm smug enough to say I had a beautifully sunny day today, dizzy heights of 5C. Then again it seldom snows round my way... usually get dull sleet-- hohum. I want to be treated to Tomasz's hotchpotch instead-- least Tomasz looks pretty if the weather.
Terratec has been kind enough to provide a doublebill of our hero, from yesterday (a big thanks as ever). First we have the midday forecast from the News Channel, where poor Tomasz had a little coughing fit-- he obviously needs something soothing to swallow. Still the stubble looks nice, and I'd say Tomasz is a brightness poking through the gloomy weather {i}.
For News At One, his forecast followed a piece about the space-shuttle launch. Our very own "pocket rocket" {ii} made a couple of amusing quips alluding to this story-- talking off "blasting off" {iii} and "rocket science"-- Tomasz's humour never fails to make me smile and my heart melt
{i} Or "verreh claadeh" as they say round my way {ii} Copyright Simon McCoy {iii} He wasn't talking about wind... well not *that* sort wind anyway
The Schaf did a magic trick on News At One today-- a disappearing act no less. Poor Tomasz was taken out of vision, so we didn't get to see his uroczy smile-- we were treated to his adorable giggle though!
Ta muchly to Terratec 365 for that; I liked it, but quite a lot.
Nothing to report from Tomasz's website. However The Schaf has quite a presence on Facebook...
The BBC's own Goldwasser in human form was certainly golden today. Firstly Kate Silverton mistakenly called him George on the News At One! A less phlegmatic individual would've baulked at such mistaken identity, but our słodky Tomasz laughed it off with his heart-melting giggle. Kate gamely expressed her gratitude at the end of her broadcast.
Tomasz is continuing with his unshaven look, sporting a nice growth of dark blond stubble-- I couldn't help but think what a nice rash it would give one-- then he finished with one of his coquettish smiles [sigh]. Another great blue tie too, suits him (sir), brigthens up the grey.
On News At One today, Kate Silverton linked a heart-warming story to Tomasz: "Here's some more sunshine". Well The Schaf is a ray of sunshine to us; especially with that lovely smile he flashed at us, he digs his left heel into the ground {i}.
I approve of this new studio lightening they have for Tomasz's missives, it illuminated his stubble nicely today-- it shows him in a good light!
Meanwhile an interesting revelation on Janice Long's show, from Chris Fawkes. Our Jan was teasing Chris about his choice of casual wear for forecasts (on Saturday BBC Breakfast)-- Janice asked if they actually do get much choice of what to wear. "I just do what I'm told", Chris wryly replied. He then went on to say that each forecaster has their own wardrobe at the Weather Centre.
Hmm... I wonder what Tomasz's contains. A few pairs of taut jeans, pink ties and crisp rugby shirts no doubt. Imagine being a producer, telling Tomasz to wear something revealing for his adoring fans at home... or even being a fly in Tomasz's dressing room... {ii}
Footage may follow soon
{i} He always does that at the end of News At One bulletins. I think there's something quite endearing about the way he does it. Yes. {ii} ... time for my lie-down again.
The noon forecast must bring out the rebel in Tomasz-- today he removed his earpiece again (albeit minus the glare)!
To be fair to Tomasz, he was in a middle of a dramatic monologue {i}-- and we can't have the gallery disrupting Tomasz mid-flow. Seriously though, I suspect Tomasz needs his full concentration on weather forecasting at present-- with the inclement weather that continues to plague Cumbria.
^Thanks to Terratec365 for the video
Yesterday the Derby suburb of Littleover was affected by a tornado yesterday; that must've given residents a shock, as they were watching Jeremy Kyle. Here's the forecast from News At One today (signed version)...
^Courtesy of UK Weather World
On a lighter note, I love Tomasz's new snazzy hair cut-- definitely suits him-- it shows perfection can be improved on!
{i} ["Kenneth Brannagh" voice]: Out, out damn low pressure spot.
As Tomasz unfortunately predicted, the torrential rain arrived in Cumbria and environs; causing floods of "biblical proportions", with 374mm (over a foot) of rain being dumped in some parts of the county. It is said it was the wettest 24 hours on record in Britain, "a once-in-1000-year occurence".
I'm just grateful that my part of the world received no rain yesterday or today, and my thoughts are with the people affected by hideous weather in Cumbria (and elsewhere).
It's in times like these, that our Tomasz comes into his own, he gave a great interview with Sohpie Raworth during News At One {i}: A comprehensive but straightfoward explanation of the weather systems responsible for these freak conditions-- and what's ahead...
Tomasz did a sterling job today, he gracefully told us the worst with his broadcasts.... sadly more rain to come over the weekend. From 10:57am and 11:33am
Tomasz did provide some much needed levity, bless him. He got Pudsey Bear {ii} to wave at us, at the end of the News At One bulletin. He was also wearing a bright pink tie... Tomasz that is, not Pudsey.
Tomasz also said "catch you later" at the end of one of his bulletins-- that's Jon Mitchell's {iii} catchphrase! What next, Tomasz saying a high-pitched "bye-bye" as a sign-off, as of Emma Jesson? Tomasz has the style to pull such things off though.
Forecasts from News At One and 1:56pm...
A big, big thanks to Terratec365 for all his smart work above with the vids
{i} He did a shorter interview with Simon McCoy earlier on the News Channel too. {ii} Children In Need tonight-- please donate generously! I'm hoping Tomasz will do something 'special routine' tonight for CIN... we can but hope! I'd spend my wad for Tomasz anyday. {iii} Speaking of charidee, I heartily recommend buying Jon Mitchell's book "Bright And Breezy" off Amazon-- all proceeds go to Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Notts & Lincs Air Amublance.
The Schaf was back after a couple of days absence-- sadly there was no scope for merriment for him. As is often his lot, he was charged with giving us some grim weather news.
He had an "extreme weather warning" for Cumbria and Dumfries & Galloway-- five inches of raining heading their way. Northern Ireland, Argyll & Bute, Ayrshire and the Ilse of Man (lest we forget the Manx!) will also be affected. Also gusty winds will continue to be a problem.
Despite the bleak outlook, Tomasz did treat us to a nice light blue tie and a lovely growth of designer stubble. Double-bill follows 10:56 and News At One forecasts...
Tomasz swept in with a fun-packed News At One bulletin today. Firstly there was reportedly a mini-tornado {i} over SE England yesterday. It's been very turbulent this week, "as I said yesterday-- it's autumn full-throttle"; commented Tomasz with a smirk and side glance to the camera {ii}.
Still, Tomasz was "pleased" that Highland Scotland and the Western Isles were having nicer weather. I would really hope the miseri... er... good citizens of the latter would've forgiven him for Nowheresvillegate by now {iii}. After all the Ilse of Man is always snubbed by the BBC forecasters, you don't hear Tony Brown assembling a Tynwald lynch-mob/wicker man do you? The Manx have enough grace to leave The Schaf alone {v}
Tomasz made a commendable socio-historical remark about bonfire night: "I know some of you will have it at the weekend, but those of you who are more traditional, the weather tomorrow night...". Quite right, it ought to be just November 5th and maybe the nearest Saturday-- not half the bloody autumn {iv}! Some these fireworks they let off, are like SAM missiles [/rant]
At the end of the forecast, Tomasz was worried about reptitive nature of his forecasts this week. I wouldn't worry our Tomasz, we could listen to you go on for hours.
Double-bill here, 10:55 and 13:28... the former sees Tomasz "saving the day". Doesn't he always.
{i} No size-ist jokes please, or "staturist"-- or whatever the PC term is this week. {ii} Could that be an olbique sign, that he reads this blog/drivel? If so, I am touched-- I won't say where. {iii} Mountains, molehills ["Vic Reeves" voice]: They wouldn't let it lie! {iv} I really shouldn't swear-- there may be sailors about. {v} "Traa dy liooar", innit
A nice triple-bill of Tomasz today: His message was that autumn was at "full-throttle", and so was Tomasz's performance-- indeed I was at full-throttle watching him {i}.
At 11:58 he was doing an "autumn watch" piece about the flowering of ivy; even in the wilds of Moray and Aberdeenshire, ivy is flowering at present. No doubt this will be of interest to our Tomasz, since he maintains his own garden-- I wonder if he has ever had a creeper up his trellis?
For News At One, Kate Silverton clearly had amused him-- since he started his forecast with a brief chuckle. We got a nice view of his designer stubble; a couple of days' worth there I'd say, accentuates his lovely pink lips nicely {ii}. Tomasz was commendably enthusiastic about the weather, despite the heavy rain that was plaguing some parts of the country.
Then just before 1pm, the News Channel was left in the "weathery hands" of Tomasz; he did a bewitching groping motion with his hands, as if he was about to tickle somebody {iii}. Tomasz was at his hyper best today. A bonus forecast from 10:58 starts us off..
Thanks once again to Terratec365 ["Bruce Forsthye" voice]: Didn't he do well? Ahvivivivuh.
{i} Less said about that, the better. {ii} Move over Gok Wan ("girlfriend") {iii} Now there's a thought.
Sadly no Tomasz adorning the airwaves today, so nothing to report. The good news is that I have his performance from yesterday for you (News At One). Innit or what.
Thanks go to the ever wonderful Terratec365, please give him a warm hand.
Simon McCoy and Tomasz: I have talked of their banter in the past, and they have long had their "Cissy & Ada" brand of persiflage in the past; Simon usually making some obtuse comment, prompting Tomasz to make some droll and giggling comment in return.
However their badinage today was borderline flirting, I swear. During the last report of News At One, they had clearly been whispering sweet nothings to each other [Wink #1]
"I'll see you outside" eh? Whatever for? Get a room! [Wink #2]
Never mind Cissy & Ada: It was more the way Larry Grayson used to tease his pianist on his show-- rest his soul. I can hear Lal now: [Purses lip and arches eyebrow] "I said *pianist*, what a common audience. What a gay day, shut that door, look at muck in here" etc...
Anyway, no doubt when Simon and Tomasz appear together, we'll have Simon calling Tomasz "big boy" and The Schaf calling Simon "a tease" in return. It's only a matter of time [wink #3]. Video from Top Telly Fan, ta muchly
