The British pop act Pet Shop Boys has declined to change its name to Rescue Shelter Boys at the behest of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. PETA Europe has written to Pet Shop Boys with a request they are unable to agree to, said a message on the band's official Web site.

Kings of Leon, Duffy and Girls Aloud have agreed to perform at The Brit Awards ceremony at London's Earls Court next month, organizers said. They will join the lineup for the Feb. 18 event, along with the previously announced acts U2 and Pet Shop Boys.

No one I know, nor ever met, shares my deep love of Pet Shop Boys. I hardly ever come across people who know who they are anymore, actually.

By TOM BRYANT WHEN he first announced he was going to swim the Channel, most people thought he was having a laugh. After all, he is one of Britain's favourite comedians.