Thursday, August 31, 2006

Howie Mandel To Narrate Reality Movie THE GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS For USA Network

Howie Mandel is set to narrate the USA Network holiday movie THE GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS, it was announced today by Jeff Wachtel, USA′s executive vice president, original programming. THE GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS is a groundbreaking unscripted movie from executive producers Gary Auerbach and Julie Auerbach, the creative minds behind MTV′s breakout series LAGUNA BEACH. The special will premiere on Tuesday, November 28.

A break-through collaboration from USA′s Alternative and Longform teams, THE GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS will examine our nation′s biggest holiday through the eyes of six extraordinary families, each hand-picked for their distinctive and interesting take on celebrating Christmas. Executive produced by Gary and Julie Auerbach, THE GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS will showcase the same incredibly rich look, style, music, casting and storytelling that the Auerbachs have famously achieved on their inventive MTV hit series LAGUNA BEACH.

"Howie Mandel was our first choice," explained Wachtel. "We knew that whoever would narrate this film would need to be both comedic and warm - someone who people of all ages and backgrounds would feel good about." Scripted holiday movies are a longstanding television tradition but no script can capture the magic, the anxiety and the expectations of the real thing. THE GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS will follow the lives of six very different families. Together, these families paint a truly unforgettable, often funny and moving holiday portrait to which all viewers can relate in one way or another. The storyline for each family is unique and connected to each other only by their overall expectations of the holiday. While the participating families hail from various parts of the country and are of diverse backgrounds, the project will illustrate that everyone shares the same hopes, dreams and fears that come at holiday time. The featured families, including the Schullers of Orange County′s Crystal Cathedral, were filmed on location in 2005 celebrating the holidays in various cities, such as Los Angeles, Chicago and Park City, UT.

A&E August Ratings Highest In History - Lead By DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER

A&E Climbs To Higest Rated Month In Network History For August 2006 In All Key Demos

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER And Other Original Series Spark Record Breaking Audiences And Lowest Ever Median Age

Continuing its ratings surge, A&E Network closed August 2006 as its highest rated month in network history across all key demos. The network enjoyed a 35 percent growth in adults 18-34 (303,000), 31 percent growth in adults 18-49 (680,000), and 24 percent growth in adults 25-54 (686,000) over August of last year in prime. August also delivered the youngest audience in network history with a median age of just 43 years.

Driving the August ratings surge for A&E were new and continuing original Real-Life series led by the DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER: DOG DAYS OF SUMMER 2-Hour Wedding Event, which averaged 4 million viewers and delivered 4.5 million viewers in the second hour, making it A&E′s highest rated series ever. Following closely was the second season finale of the acclaimed documentary series INTERVENTION, which broke ratings records for the series in all key demos. It was the highest rated Intervention ever in adults 25-54 (1.4 million), 18-49 (1.4 million), and total viewers (2.1 million). The premiere of GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS brought in 1.9 million viewers, making it the highest rated series premiere since the launch of DOG THE BOUNTY HUNTER in August 2004. Also adding to the network′s record numbers were strong showings from CRISS ANGEL MINDFREAK, which in its second season posted 42 percent growth in total viewers, 41 percent in adults 18-49 and 36 percent in adults 25-54 over the first season, and DRIVING FORCE, delivered strong in its premiere season.

A&E closed out the month being ranked #6 among all ad-supported cable networks with viewers in adults 18-49 and adults 25-54.

Ryder Teams Up To Provides Trucks For Reality Series TRICK MY TRUCK

CMT and Ryder Partner for Second Season of TRICK MY TRUCK

Ryder to Provide Reliable Replacement Trucks During the Customization Period

Ryder System, Inc., a global leader in transportation and supply chain management solutions, today announced it has partnered with CMT, America′s No. 1 country music network, as the preferred alternative truck solution for the entire 24-episode season of the hit truck makeover series, TRICK MY TRUCK. Ryder will provide reliable replacement trucks to minimize downtime for the selected drivers while the "Chrome Shop Mafia," the show′s team of mechanics, customizes their ailing trucks.

"The reliability and availability of Ryder′s extensive truck fleet made them an ideal fit for this show," said Melanie Moreau, Executive Producer for CMT. "These truck makeovers can take anywhere from three to six weeks to complete. Thanks to Ryder, these owner/operators will have a dependable truck that will keep them on the road, taking care of business."

Following a successful first season, TRICK MY TRUCK will begin its extended, 24-episode second season on September 1, 2006 on CMT. During the show, the Chrome Shop Mafia takes the rigs of 24 chosen truck drivers and customizes them, turning the drivers′ dreams into reality. Ryder will provide each driver with a replacement truck until the makeover is complete. The replacement trucks give these drivers an opportunity to keep their businesses afloat, earn a living and support their families.

"TRICK MY TRUCK is helping deserving truck drivers and giving the trucking industry a positive image," said Todd Renehan, EVP of Sales and Marketing of Fleet Management Solutions for Ryder. "Ryder is proud to partner with CMT in making a difference in the lives of professional truck drivers, whose success depends on reliable vehicles to keep their businesses running."

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

TOP CHEF 2 Cast Announced - Premieres On Bravo October 18

Bravo′s TOP CHEF Serves Up Fifteen Of The Nation′s Hottest Rising Chefs With Its Season Two Premiere On Wednesday, October 18 At 11 P.M. ET/PT, Following The Third Season Finale Of PROJECT RUNWAY
Series Moves To Its Regular 10 P.M. Timeslot On Wednesday, October 25

Actress And Award-Winning Writer Padma Lakshmi Joins Series As Host; Tom Colicchio Returns As Head Chef/Judge; Gail Simmons Of Food And Wine Is Back As A Regular Series Judge

Bravo serves up the second season of its hit culinary competition series TOP CHEF on Wednesday, October 18 at 11:00 p.m., following PROJECT RUNWAY′s third season finale. TOP CHEF moves into its regular 10:00 p.m. timeslot on Wednesday, October 25. The announcement was made by Lauren Zalaznick, President, Bravo.

TOP CHEF debuted last March as a new reality competition program to critical and ratings success, earning the title of the highest rated food show on cable so far this year among Adults 18-49 and 25-54.

Bravo introduces a new crop of fifteen of the country′s most impressive rising chefs in the second season, all wanting to follow in the footsteps of season one winner, Harold Dieterle, who plans to open his Manhattan restaurant, Perilla, later this year.

"We′re excited to present a new season of our newest hit TOP CHEF, which will have all of the rivalries and dramatic entertainment Bravo viewers have come to expect with our competitive reality shows," said Zalaznick.

"This season the stakes are even higher as the title of TOP CHEF holds true meaning for these talented chefs, who are eager for this opportunity to make a name for themselves in the competitive culinary world," said Frances Berwick, Executive Vice President, Programming & Production, Bravo.

Known as the first Indian supermodel, actress and award-winning writer Padma Lakshmi joins the second season as host of TOP CHEF, introducing the challenges to the contestants and sitting at the judges′ table each week. Lakshmi is currently working on her second cookbook for Miramax Books due in Spring 2007, a culinary endeavor of over 150 recipes from around the world and intriguing personal memoirs. This is a follow up to her successful first cookbook, "Easy Exotic," for which she won the International Versailles Event for best cookbook by a first time writer. Lakshmi hosted "Padma′s Passport" on The Food Network, cooking diverse and low-fat cuisine based on her best selling book, "Easy Exotic." Lakshmi also hosted the documentary series "Planet Food" for The Food Network and worldwide Discovery Channel, in which she journeyed the world for exotic cuisine.

Tom Colicchio, one of the culinary world′s most celebrated figures and co-founder of New York City′s Gramercy Tavern and Craft Restaurants, returns as Head Chef/Judge for the new season, guiding the chefs through the challenges and demanding that they perform only at their best. Food expert and tough critic Gail Simmons of Food & Wine magazine also returns as a regular judge for the series. In addition, each week will feature a special guest judge, some of the most respected figures in the culinary industry.

The second season also features a glitzy new backdrop - the city of Los Angeles. The contestants will reside in the city′s culturally burgeoning downtown area, where most of the season′s production activity will be centered.

The TOP CHEF season two chefs are:

* Elia L. Aboumrad - 23 - Las Vegas, NV
* Otto Borsich - 46 - Las Vegas, NV
* Marisa Churchill - 28 - San Francisco, CA
* Clifford Crooks - 28 - West Caldwell, NJ
* Carlos Fernandez - 36 - Fort Lauderdale, FL
* Betty Fraser - 44 - Los Angeles, CA
* Mia Gaines - 32 - Oakdale, CA
* Ilan Hall - 24 - New York, NY
* Michael Midgley - 28 - Stockton, CA
* Josie Smith-Malave - 31 - Brooklyn, NY
* Emily Sprissler - 30 - Las Vegas, NV
* Suyai Steinhauer - 29 - New York, NY
* Sam Talbot - 28 - New York, NY
* Frank Terzoli - 39 - San Diego, CA
* Marcel Vigneron - 26 - Las Vegas, NV

The fifteen chefs will be chopped down to the finalists who will face-off in the grand finale. The winning chef will receive $100,000 in seed money to help encourage their culinary career, be featured in Food & Wine magazine, appear at the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen in June 2007, and earn the coveted title of TOP CHEF.

Off the heels of its Emmy-nominated hit PROJECT RUNWAY, Bravo′s newest hit reality competition series TOP CHEF offers a fascinating window into the competitive, pressure-filled environment of world-class cookery and the restaurant business at the highest level. The series features fifteen aspiring chefs who compete for their shot at culinary stardom and the chance to earn the prestigious title of TOP CHEF. Each episode holds two challenges for the chefs. The first is a quickfire test of their basic abilities and the second is a more involved elimination challenge designed to test the versatility and invention of the chefs as they take on unique culinary trials such as working with unusual and exotic foods or catering for a range of demanding clients. The challenges not only test their skills in the kitchen, but also uncover if they have the customer service, management and teamwork abilities required of a Top Chef. The competing chefs live and breathe the high-pressure lifestyle that comes with being a master chef, and each week someone is asked to "pack up their knives" and go home.

Season one of TOP CHEF averaged over 1.2 million total viewers, ranking as the top food series on cable among P18-49. The TOP CHEF finale on 5/24/06 averaged 1.6 million total viewers, 1.1 million P18-49 and 1.1 million P25-54.

DALLAS SWAT Returns With All New Episodes Beginning September 14th

DALLAS SWAT Returns September 14th - Series Heads To Kansas City And Detroit

A&E′s Successful Swat Franchise Expands To Include New Strands In New Cities

DETROIT SWAT And KANSAS CITY SWAT To Launch This Fall
This fall, A&E Network will expand its successful SWAT franchise to include two new strands in the following two cities, Detroit and Kansas City, MO. All SWAT episodes will rotate within the existing DALLAS SWAT timeslot of Thursdays at 10pm EST/PST. The first episode of DETROIT SWAT will premiere on October 5th. The first episode of KANSAS CITY SWAT is scheduled to air mid November.

DALLAS SWAT returns to A&E with all new episodes beginning Thursday, September 14th at 10pm EST/PST. New officers appearing on DALLAS SWAT this fall include: Sr. Corporals Larry Gordon and Joe Guzman, Sergeant Eddie Fuller and Officer Todd Stratman.

Like DALLAS SWAT, DETROIT SWAT and KANSAS CITY SWAT will follow the personal and professional lives of each host city′s Police Department Tactical Unit.

Executing high-risk drug busts, apprehending murder suspects, searching for high profile missing persons, and rescuing hostages - there is simply no such thing as a low-stress day on a SWAT team. But when the smoke and the tear gas clears, the SWAT officers rely on one another to keep "the job" from driving them to the brink. Viewers ride shotgun with this unique group of men and women as they tackle the toughest job in law enforcement and then head home to their loved ones.

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

CELEBRITY DUETS Premieres Tonight On Fox - Celebrity Singing Contest

Chris Jericho, Lucy Lawless, Cheech Marin, Carly Patterson, Alfonso Ribeiro, Jai Rodriguez, Hal Sparks And Lea Thompson Named As Celebrities Competing For Charity On CELEBRITY DUETS Premiering Tuesday, August 29, On Fox

Wayne Brady Hosts

Chris Jericho (WWE World Champion), actress Lucy Lawless ("Xena: Warrior Princess," "Battlestar Galactica"), actor Cheech Marin ("Cars," "Nash Bridges"), 2004 Olympic Gold Medal-winning gymnast Carly Patterson, actor/director Alfonso Ribeiro ("The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," "All of Us"), pop culture guru Jai Rodriguez ("Queer Eye"), actor/comedian Hal Sparks ("Queer as Folk") and actress Lea Thompson ("Back to the Future," "Caroline in the City") are the eight celebrities who will compete weekly on CELEBRITY DUETS premiering tonight (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. Wayne Brady will host the show.

Each week, the celebrity competitors - as long as they remain in the competition - will be paired with a different recording superstar among Grammy Award-winning and No. 1 artists Clint Black, Michael Bolton, Belinda Carlisle, Taylor Dayne, Peter Frampton, Macy Gray, James Ingram, Wynonna Judd, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Kenny Loggins, Richard Marx, Brian McKnight, Aaron Neville, Smokey Robinson, Randy Travis, Dionne Warwick, Lee Ann Womack and others. In addition, legendary producer David Foster will serve as a judge for the weekly singing competition. Additional recording superstars and other show participants will be announced.

The show will premiere on a one-time-only special night with a two-hour episode tonight (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The CELEBRITY DUETS performance show will have its time period premiere Thursday, Sept. 7 (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed).

After each performance episode, viewers will vote for their favorite celebrity performers, with the outcome announced live on the weekly results show beginning Friday, Sept. 8 (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The celebrity with the fewest votes each week will be eliminated from the competition. The winning celebrity will emerge from the competition in perfect harmony, and a $100,000 cash prize will be donated to the charity of his or her choice.

GE And mtvU Launch Search For Best Student Ideas To Green College Campuses

Winner Of mtvU GE Ecomagination Challenge To Receive Earth Day Concert And $25,000 Grant To Implement Idea

mtvU, MTV′s 24-hour college network, and GE, today announced a partnership to inspire college students to make a meaningful environmental impact on their campuses and beyond. As part of the mtvU GE ecomagination Challenge, the team proposing the most impactful and innovative project to "green" their campus will receive a $25,000 grant towards the execution of their idea. The winner′s school will also receive an mtvU Earth Day Concert and Festival in Spring 2007, complete with performances from top emerging artists on the college music scene.

Beginning today, college students are invited to visit the co-branded ecomagination Challenge Web site at www.ecocollegechallenge.com to register for the competition, learn more about ways to "green" a college campus and begin developing their proposals. mtvU and GE are especially looking for ambitious and innovative projects that considerably better the overall environmental health of campus, are cost conscious and practical, and push the creative boundaries of "green" thinking.

"Tomorrow′s answers come from questions asked on America′s college campuses today," said Lorraine Bolsinger, GE Vice President for ecomagination. "It′s this kind of fresh thinking, by tomorrow′s leaders, that will help us tackle our toughest environmental challenges - developing solutions that are broad, meaningful and long-lasting. mtvU has a unique understanding of the power of this audience and we are pleased to partner with the network on this innovative program."

"GE has taken a leadership role in pioneering innovative environmental solutions, and we′re proud to help them partner with the audience that will pioneer the eco-breakthroughs of tomorrow," said Stephen Friedman, GM, mtvU. "This competition will enable college students to sew local seeds of change that influence environmental betterment around the world."

mtvU and GE will accept submissions until December 1st, 2006 and then collaboratively pick the top 10 entries. The finalists′ multimedia proposals will be profiled in January on the mtvU GE ecomagination Challenge website and select projects will also be featured on mtvU, broadband channel mtvU Uber at mtvU.com and mtvU Mobile. Student voting will play a major role in determining which project wins - and which school gets a blowout concert and interactive festival, to be held in the spring. mtvU and GE will select the winning project based on its environmental impact, economic viability and overall creativity, and announce the winner in March 2007.

Ecomagination is GE′s commitment to imagine and build innovative technologies that help customers address their environmental and financial needs. It is both a business strategy to drive growth at GE and a promise to contribute positively to the environment in the process.

The ecomagination Challenge is a joint initiative of mtvU and GE, and mtvU′s own extension of Break the Addiction, THINK MTV′s campaign to mobilize a new generation of environmental activists, by engaging young people to take daily steps that have a measurable impact in the fight against global warming. Launched on Earth Day 2006, Break the Addiction is a year long campaign and 12-step program to engage young people to make smart, every day choices that both improve their life and help to curb the impact of global warming and preserve our environment.

ABC′s PRIMETIME: THE OUTSIDERS Examines Unusual People With Unimaginable Lives

From animal and religious extremists, to polygamists and the Amish, an ABC News special series examines people who live by their own rules and in their own worlds -- worlds that the average person may find unimaginable. PRIMETIME: THE OUTSIDERS takes viewers behind closed doors to try and understand these bizarre living arrangements, odd obsessions and unusual lives. PRIMETIME: THE OUTSIDERS airs tonight (Tuesday, August 29th, 10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) and will continue to air Tuesday nights through Tuesday, September 12 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

This week, PRIMETIME: THE OUTSIDERS - THE AMISH looks at people who are radical believers. Elizabeth Vargas reports on a disturbing side of the Amish community and interviews Mary Byler, a woman who broke the Amish code by reporting sexual abuse to authorities. Byler became the center of the scandal that rocked her tight-knit Amish home in Wisconsin when she told the Sheriff′s office that she was raped hundreds of times - by eight or nine men, including her own brothers, who did confess to the crime. According to sociologist Donald Kraybill, confessing in the Amish Church for wrongdoings is the key step to forgiveness, and the standard punishment for any infraction is banishment from church activities for six weeks. Byler, on the other hand, felt the punishment was not enough. "You′re being grounded for six weeks," she says. "It′s just really ridiculous punishment. The funny thing is that they view drinking alcohol until you puke as bad a sin as raping somebody." She also speaks out about what brought her to her final decision to go to the authorities and what life after leaving the Amish community is like. This report originally aired in December 2004.

Then: As a boy, Ricky Rodriguez was the poster child for the popular Children of God religious sect, exalted by the group′s leader as its prophet-in-waiting. The sect eventually shrank from the spotlight due to growing scrutiny about its alleged sexual practices, including the encouragement of sexual contact between children and adults and the use of sex to recruit new members. When the now 29-year-old Rodriquez brutally murdered another former member and then committed suicide last year, those decades-old allegations of widespread abuse and exploitation of children came to the fore once again. Children of God has re-emerged with a new name - Family International - and says it has renounced sexual activity between adults and children. But former members tell Jay Schadler they do not believe the sect has ever really paid its debt to the children who were abused.

Monday, August 28, 2006

Neil Patrick Harris Visiting BIG BROTHERS ALL-STARS This Tuesday

Neil Patrick Harris, star of the CBS comedy series HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER and an avid reality TV fan, will make a surprise visit to BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS when he drops into the house for "Christmas in August," a prize the Houseguests won in Sunday′s food competition.

Harris′ guest appearance will be broadcast Tuesday, Aug. 29 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET) on the CBS Television Network.

THE REAL WEDDING CRASHERS Will Be Crashing On NBC In New Reality Series

Six-episode, Hidden-camera Series Brings New Element of Surprise to Unsuspecting Wedding Guests

NBC will introduce the new reality series THE REAL WEDDING CRASHERS, inspired by last year′s hit New Line feature film "Wedding Crashers" - to be produced by New Line Television and Katalyst Films ("Punk′d") -- that will feature hidden cameras that will record improvisational actors who go undercover at real weddings to bring an added element of surprise to the traditional proceedings.

Katalyst′s Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg and Karey Burke will be executive producers of the six-episode series along with New Line′s Jon Kroll ("Amazing Race," "Amish in the City") and Jim Rosenthal ("Blade").

The announcement was made today by Craig Plestis, Senior Vice President, Alternative Programming, Development and Specials, NBC Entertainment.

"Everyone loved ′Wedding Crashers′ and we wanted to see if we could capture that same kind of inspired frivolity in a real-life series," said Plestis. "Working with Ashton and knowing his memorable experiences with the jokes he pulled off on ′Punk′d′ made it that much more enticing. This series has a big upside potential for hidden-camera humor."

The pranksters are expected to do more than liven up the stress and drama common to many weddings. They also intend to occasionally bring families together in emotional moments.

Discovery Channel Announces KOPPEL ON DISCOVERY: THE PRICE OF SECURITY

Ted Koppel begins his groundbreaking Discovery Channel series, KOPPEL ON DISCOVERY, with a three-hour primetime special on the eve of the fifth anniversary of September 11. Koppel′s world premiere, THE PRICE OF SECURITY, uses interviews with current and former administration members, military and security experts to explore the dilemma the government faces in the war on terrorism.

On the one hand, it has national security as its first obligation and has been criticized for not "connecting the dots." At the same time, the government is being assailed by civillibertarians for undermining the freedoms on which the United States was founded.

Following the 8 p.m. ET/PT broadcast of KOPPEL ON DISCOVERY: THE PRICE OF SECURITY, Koppel will host a live town meeting in Washington, DC with 9/11 family members, civil libertarians, Administration officials and Members of Congress from 9:30 - 11 p.m. ET/PT. The town meeting will involve not only people in the audience, but also people at home. Viewers will be given the opportunity to have their own questions answered by the experts via discoverychannel.com.

Koppel explores the growth in the technology that makes it possible to collect and sort through detailed personal data. Commercial interests now track buying and travel habits, personal tastes, and reading habits through credit card data and Internet usage. The broadcast examines the debate over whether there should be limits on how that information can be used by law enforcement to preempt terrorist attacks.

For his second Discovery Channel special later this fall, 27 years after American hostages were seized in Tehran, Koppel plans to take viewers back to the subject of Iran. He looks at the historical reasons for Iranians′ suspicions and for their support of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad′s refusal to halt Iran′s nuclear program. He also intends to explore Iranians′ perspectives on Iraq, Afghanistan and Israel.

MTV Announces New Special - JESSICA SIMPSON: A PUBLIC AFFAIR

Jessica Simpson Reveals Her New Life & New Music In The MTV Special JESSICA SIMPSON: A PUBLIC AFFAIR Monday, September 4th At 10:30pm ET/PT

Single, sexy, and with an all new sound, MTV cameras catch up with Jessica Simpson for the revealing half-hour special, JESSICA SIMPSON: A PUBLIC AFFAIR. Taking charge of her life, and with renewed confidence, Jessica returns to the public spotlight to perform her new music, and along with that, sits down to answer the questions her fans are dying to ask. MTV′s JESSICA SIMPSON: A PUBLIC AFFAIR premieres Monday, September 4th at 10:30pm ET/PT.

With Los Angeles as the backdrop, MTV cameras follow Jessica as she prepares for the anticipated debut of her new album, A Public Affair on August 29th. Whether facing the paparazzi while dining at Hollywood hot spot Koi with friends, or taking the stage for a surprise performance at The Factory nightclub, fans will get an exclusive inside look at Jessica′s life and music. In addition, MTV is there when Jessica invites fans to her rehearsal space for a very intimate performance of songs from her new album, and an emotional Q&A, where Jessica finally gets to answer the questions poised directly by her fans. Throughout viewers will get a powerful insight into Jessica′s life through her music as she performs tracks "I Belong To Me," "Let Him Fly," and her current hit single, "A Public Affair," along with much more.

For more information about Jessica Simpson, visit music.mtv.com. There fans will find bonus footage from MTV′s "Jessica Simpson: A Public Affair" special, as well as the Jessica Simpson episode of the standout MTV Overdrive series, "First Ladies" showcasing the life, history and music of some of the industry′s most celebrated female artists.

Last Week′s PROJECT RUNWAY Was Most Watched Show In Bravo′s History

Wednesday′s Telecast Of PROJECT RUNWAY Was Watched By More U.S. Households Than Any Other In Bravo′s History

PROJECT RUNWAY Beat Broadcast In Major Markets Of Seattle, Austin, San Francisco And Boston

PROJECT RUNWAY is definitely "in." The hit series continues to build ratings. More U.S. households tuned in to the telecast than any other in Bravo′s history to watch designers create sportswear for the everyday woman - their own mothers and sisters - with more than 2.6 million homes glued to the tube. Last night′s episode was the #1 cable program on Wednesdays for the fifth week in a row among P18-49 (1.3 million) and all key women demos W18-34 (896,000), W18-49 (1.6 million) and W25-54 (1.5 million).

Last night′s airing was the highest number ever for PROJECT RUNWAY in P25-54 with 2.1 million viewers, topping the previous record held by the season two finale.

The installment brought in a 3.2 HH rating with 3.3 million total viewers, 1.3 million P18-34 and 2.2 million P18-49. Compared to last week′s airing, PROJECT RUNWAY increased 11% among total viewers, 9% among P18-34, 9% among P18-49 and 11% among P25-54.

PROJECT RUNWAY beat out both broadcast and cable competition in the major markets of Seattle (7.8), Austin (6.8), San Francisco (6.6), and Boston (6.2), making it the #1 show in cable households in its time slot.

"Our fans are enormously dedicated to this show and have an insatiable appetite for PROJECT RUNWAY," said Lauren Zalaznick, President, Bravo. "That enthusiasm is contagious. It′s gratifying to see more and more viewers drawn in every week."

PROJECT RUNWAY airs every Wednesday at 10:00 p.m. EST on Bravo.

Bravo′s WORK OUT Finale Scores Seasons Biggest Ratings

BRAVO′S WORK OUT Flexes Its Muscle With Nearly One Million Viewers Tuning Into Tuesday Night′s Finale, A Series High For The Docu-Drama Hit

It worked out for Bravo with 985,000 total viewers tuning in to Tuesday night′s finale episode of the hit docu-drama series WORK OUT, making it the most viewed episode for the series in its six-week run. The episode peaked in its final quarter hour with over 1.1 million total viewers tuning in to watch what happened as businesswoman and elite trainer Jackie Warner resolved issues involving her business, clients and trainers, and made an especially emotional decision about the future of her relationship with her fiery girlfriend, Mimi.

Compared to its Tuesday 9:00 pm time slot premiere on July 25, WORK OUT′S finale was up 178% among total viewers, 151% among P18-49, and 129% among P25-54. The series also grew each week in its regular time slot among total viewers and key demos. The August 22 episode of WORK OUT at 9:00 p.m. garnered 647,000 viewers 18-49, 608,000 viewers 25-54, and a 1.03 HH coverage rating.

"We are doing jumping jacks in the halls today at Bravo," said Lauren Zalaznick, President, Bravo. "With WORK OUT we′ve introduced a dynamic new personality, Jackie Warner, who has connected and inspired viewers with her passionate and focused approach to life."

Friday, August 25, 2006

Exclusive Interview With Patrice Pike - Ninth Rocker Voted Off On ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA

By ReX, Rock Star Go Home Founder (RSGH)

Patrice Pike has a voice. Patrice Pike really has a voice. And, unfortunately, for Patrice Pike that voice could not keep her out of the Bottom Three on Rockstar Supernova, Mark Burnett′s reality rocumentary.

After four adventures to the Bottom Three, the drama-less rocker from Austin, Texas got the hatchet from tattoo′d drummer, singer, pornstar Tommy Lee.

Earlier yesterday, Rock Star Go Home caught up with Patrice Pike to learn a little more about her past and her future.

ReX: Wassup Patrice?

Patrice Pike: Hey there!

ReX: You ready for this?

Patrice Pike: Ahh-huh.

ReX: Cool. How ya doing right now?

Patrice Pike: Well. My brain is a blur right now. I′m out of the show and it′s really hitting me right now. I′m decompressing and trying to make sense of this whole thing. Adjusting back to life. Talking with my family. I′m just really starting to get how cool this thing really was. It′s great.

ReX: So, how ′cool′ was it?

Patrice Pike: Hmmmmm. [Silence] My whole life has been about music. I′m overwhelmed by this feeling that this is the start of something really... [Silence] Really big. I′m psyched.

Yesterday, my best friend jumped on a plane and met me here last night after he read the news on the Internet that I was voted off. We drank a great bottle of wine and just chilled out.

ReX: Sounds great.

Patrice Pike: It really was. I just feel like there is some propulsion going on here.

ReX: And what about the mansion... Do you miss it yet?

Patrice Pike: It.... Feels.... Good. Not to say that tentatively. I didn′t mean to say it like that. It′s just very transitional right now. I did my best to maintain myself in the house. The last few weeks I had my own room. I went on walks. Sat underneath the trees. I stayed in touch and just chilled.

ReX: Gotcha. Looking back, do you think you fit Supernova?

Patrice Pike: You know, there was never a moment that I didn′t think I could not be in that band. I figured we could push the envelope with a female on lead, with strong vocals, strong range, it would be difficult but I think the sound would have been amazing.

ReX: So, were you surprised to go home?

Patrice Pike: Ya know, I really was.

ReX: Really, cause it kind of seemed like Beautiful Thing may have been a personal plug that you know the writing was on the wall... Patrice Pike: Hmmmm. Well, I choose Beautiful Thing because that is a song of mine that shows who I am. I could have played a track that I wrote for Supernova but I chose not to. Yes Beautiful Thing will be on my new cd but it just has a great energy, I wanted to show that intensity.

To read more of RockStarGoHome.com′s Exclusive Interview with Patrice Pike, you can visit their website by going to:

http://www.rockstargohome.com/patrice-pike-beautiful-thing-interview.php

In a partnership with Rock Star Go Home, RealityTVWebsite.com is offering Exclusive Content including interviews and more from RockStarGoHome.com for the new Hit Reality TV Show ROCKSTAR: SUPERNOVA.

RockStarGoHome.com is the home for The FREE Fantasy Game For ROCKSTAR: SUPERNOVA!

Don Vito From VIVA LA BAM Arrested On Sexual Assault Of Children

Yesterday, ABC 7 News out of Denver, Colorado reported that actor Vincent Roy Margera, 50, was formally charged Wednesday with two felony counts of sexual assault on a child.

Margera, the uncle of VIVA LA BAM star Bam Margera, was arrested on August 18 by Lakewood, Colorado police. He was accused of inappropriately fondling or groping 12- and 14-year-old girls during separate incidents at a signing event at Woodward Skatepark at the Colorado Mills Mall in Lakewood, Colorado.

Margera was in Colorado to film promotional material for ManiaTV.com and plays Don Vito in VIVA LA BAM.

To read the full article go to http://www.thedenverchannel.com/entertainment/9730137/detail.html.

James Is Blind-Sided And Voted Out On BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS

James Is Blind-Sided When He Is Deceived By His Own Alliance

James Becomes the Eighth Houseguest Evicted From the BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS House and the Third Juror to Be Sequestered

Erika Landin Wins Head Of Household

Julie Chen Announces the First Ever Live Double Eviction in Big Brother History Will Take Place on Thursday, Aug. 31 on the CBS Television Network

Untrustworthy James Rhine (BB6) was knocked-off of his pedestal last night when he was deceived by his own alliance, the Legion of Doom. With his Legion allies in power, James was shocked when he became the eighth All-Star to be evicted from the house during last night′s broadcast by a vote of 3-1 by his fellow Houseguests (the two nominees do not vote and the Head of Household only votes in the event of a tie).

On Tuesday, Janelle Pierzina won the Power of Veto and took herself off of the chopping block. James was left up for eviction and Mike "Boogie" Malin nominated "Chicken" George to join him. Despite his nomination, James felt confident he was sitting pretty with his alliance ruling the house.

During last night′s broadcast, a surprised James Rhine, 30, originally from Miami and currently residing in Chicago, learned his fate, said his goodbyes and left the house. After leaving BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS, James was interviewed by host Julie Chen about his experience in the house. He became the third jury member.

After last night′s eviction, the houseguests competed in a competition called "But First" to see who would become the next Head of Household. Erika Landin (BB4) won Head of Household. Also last night, Julie Chen announced that what normally plays out in one week, will play out in one hour, with the first ever live HOH, veto competition, nominations, veto meeting and double eviction taking place all in one hour of television on Thursday. Aug. 31 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

For more information about the aftermath of Jame′s eviction from BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS, log on to www.CBS.com.

BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS is broadcast each week on Tuesdays (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT), Thursdays (8:00-9:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) and Sundays (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT).

Casting Call For New Reality Series THE ISLAND PROJECT

Do you Love Adventure and a Challenge?

A Major Television Network is now casting a new primetime reality show currently called THE ISLAND PROJECT. They are on a nationwide search for dynamic men and women to star in this new adventure series.

They are looking for individuals who are smart, charismatic, and have strong personalities. And they want go-getters who love a challenge, are good organizers, can take charge and have deep confidence in themselves to get the job done.

If this describes you, you should apply immediately.

You can apply to:

castingnewadventure@yahoo.com

Please respond with your best contact information, attach a recent photo or two, and tell them a few lines about your adventures and goals

Other applicant preferences:
Aged 21-39
No children
American citizen or resident
Single

ABC Announces Casting Call For SHOW ME WHAT YOU′VE GOT

Do you think you should be one of America′s newest multi-millionaires? If you are over 21 and you think America would love to see you win millions of dollars, they are looking for you!

YOU could win potentially one of the biggest prizes in game show history!

Endemol USA, the producer of the hit reality series Deal or No Deal, has a new game show where you can win potentially millions of dollars with very little skill involved!

SHOW ME WHAT YOU GOT is holding open casting calls in the following cities:

VENTURA, CA
Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California St.
Ventura, CA 93001
Saturday, August 26th 2006
12-4pm

If you can′t make it to one of the OPEN CALLS please email them:

Include your city and state in the subject line.

Name:
Occupation:
Phone Number:
Hometown:
Picture:
Why you would be a good contestant:
Why you need to win millions of dollars and what you might spend it on:

Please email: nick.vogt@lockandkey.tv

MIDNIGHT MONEY MADNESS - A Late-Night Call-In Game Show Premieres Monday

TBS′s New Late-Night Call-In Game Show MIDNIGHT MONEY MADNESS To Premiere Monday, August 28

MIDNIGHT MONEY MADNESS, TBS′s new interactive game show that brings the spontaneity of radio call-in shows to television by featuring games that viewers can play by calling in, text-messaging or logging on to the internet live to compete for cash prizes.

Each Monday-Thursday at midnight (ET/PT), MIDNIGHT MONEY MADNESS will be presented in two separate live presentations, one for the East Coast and one for the West Coast. Each episode will feature six to eight games, with viewers invited to participate interactively by registering their phone numbers via premium SMS text-messaging, premium call-in, or the internet. Once registered, players may be called back for a chance to play live on the air. In addition, all text-message and premium call players will receive show-branded entertainment on their handsets throughout the course of the show. In addition to the money-making opportunities for viewers, MIDNIGHT MONEY MADNESS will be interspersed with celebrity drop-ins.

MIDNIGHT MONEY MADNESS is hosted by Danny Seckel and Jeri Lee Bonner.

Sample Games:
In addition to traditional picture games and word puzzles, games will include the following: Picture Cover-Up, in which a celebrity′s photo is uncovered piece-by-piece until a viewer can identify the celebrity; Say What You See, a rebus-type puzzle featuring a set of photos that represent a particular celebrity; If I Only Had a Baby With..., in which a morphed photo shows the child a celebrity might have with one of the two hosts; Five Famous..., in which the viewer is asked to name five items that fit a particular criteria; and Gargle-o-Kee, featuring one of the hosts gargling the tune to a popular song that the viewer has to guess.

Comedy Central Announces INDECISION 2006 PRESENTS - BATTLEFIELD OHIO: THE DAILY SHOW′S MIDWEST MIDTERM MIDTACULAR

COMEDY CENTRAL′s INDECISION 2006 PRESENTS - BATTLEFIELD OHIO: THE DAILY SHOW′S MIDWEST MIDTERM MIDTACULAR Covering The Mid-Term Elections From The Ohio State University′s Roy Bowen Theatre Premiering Monday, October 30-Thursday, November 2 At 11:00 P.M. ET/PT

In Addition, Live Election Night Specials From New York City, THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART On Tuesday, November 7 At 11:00 P.M. ET And THE COLBERT REPORT On Tuesday, November 7 At 11:30 P.M. ET (Tape Delayed On West Coast)

THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART travels to the heart of America′s most hotly contested swing state to cover the Midterm elections. BATTLEFIELD OHIO: THE DAILY SHOW′' MIDWEST MIDTERM MIDTACULAR will be taped at the Roy Bowen Theatre at the Ohio State University and will air nightly at 11:00 p.m. from Monday, October 30 through Thursday, November 2. Host Jon Stewart will be joined by his team of award-seeking commentators and correspondents as they seek to answer the age-old question: Just what the hell is a buckeye?

This marks the fifth time the series has made a road trip - Philadelphia and Los Angeles (2000) Washington, D.C. (2002) and Boston (2004) - and continues its critically-acclaimed and award-winning "Indecision" coverage. The series first earned its political stripes during the now-infamous 2000 election, receiving an Emmy Award and a prestigious George Foster Peabody Award for its year-long "Indecision 2000" coverage of the race for the White House, feats repeated during the series′ INDECISION 2004 election reporting.

In addition, the series will air a half-hour election night special live from COMEDY CENTRAL′s World News Headquarters in New York City featuring up-to-the-minute results of the day′s races from across the country. THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART INDECISION 2006 ELECTION NIGHT special premieres Tuesday, November 7 at 11:00 p.m. ET (tape delayed on West Coast). Also, for the first time ever, THE COLBERT REPORT will go live and deliver its own half-hour election night special to The Nation on Tuesday, November 7 at 11:30 p.m. ET (tape delayed on West Coast).

MIDWEST MIDTERM MIDTACULAR election coverage episodes will feature in-studio interviews and surprise guest appearances by top-level politicians and newsmakers. Also, THE DAILY SHOW correspondents Dan Bakkedahl, Samantha Bee, Jason Jones and John Oliver will provide political commentary from various locations in and around Ohio to give viewers a unique perspective that only a true outsider can provide. For tickets to any of the four broadcasts at Ohio State University, viewers can send requests to osutickets@thedailyshow.com.

Politicians who have appeared on THE DAILY SHOW include Former President Bill Clinton, Former President Jimmy Carter, Former Vice President Al Gore, Senator John McCain, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Senator Joseph Lieberman, Senator John Kerry, Senator Joe Biden, Senator Bob Kerrey, Senator Charles Schumer, Senator Norm Coleman, Senator Arlen Specter, Senator Barack Obama, Senator Ted Kennedy, Senator Trent Lott, Senator Rick Santorum, Senator Russ Feingold, Senator Barbara Boxer, Representative Dick Gephardt, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Senator John Edwards, who announced his intention to run for the 2004 Democratic nomination during an appearance on THE DAILY SHOW on September 15, 2003.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

Robert The Barbie Doll Designer Is Sent Home On PROJECT RUNWAY

By Elaine James
RealityTVWebsite.com

After last week′s recycling center challenge, the remaining contestants were ready to using fabric instead of trash for their fashions. Little did they know that they would be using a lot more fabric than usual this week.

Heidi announced to the designers that for their next challenge, they would be designing for the "everyday women." As the models came onto the runway, the contestants didn′t see their size 2 catwalkers, instead they saw their mothers and sisters walk out. They would be designing for their family. Their bubbles were popped when they found out that they wouldn′t be designing for their own family, but would have to choose their models.

The choosing of models went as follows:

Laura - Jeffrey′s mom
Uli - Kayne′s mom
Vincent - Uli′s mom
Kayne - Michael′s mom
Angela - Vincent′s mom
Robert - Patricia′s sister
Michael - Robert′s sister
Jeffery - Angela′s mom

After getting to know their models, and concepting ideas, the contestants along with their family were invited to a garden party with their surprise guest judge for the week. When they arrived, they found regular judge Michael Kors, standing next to his mother, Joan Kors, who was this week′s guest judge.

During the party we found out that contestant Laura has discovered this week that she was pregnant. The 42-year-old mother of 5 regretted telling her mother on national television that she was working on number 6, stating that she still hadn′t told her husband yet.

Back in the design studio, the designers were struggling with the problems of not knowing how to design for the larger woman. While the designers tried to come up with fashionable looks for the moms, they had a hard time trying to depart from the traditional Muumuu dress and colorful jacket.

While Jeffrey had a certain look in mind for Angela′s mom, she had other ideas. She expressed her disappointment to Time Gunn while Jeffrey wasn′t around. Jeffrey got defensive as he felt that she was going out of her way to make him look bad. With feelings hurt, Angela′s mom left crying, upset with the whole experience.

Most of the designers were unable to hit the mark with making their everyday woman look fashionable with flattering outfits. In the end, Robert once again disappointed the judges with a boring outfit that wasn′t fashion forward. Robert Best, the Barbie doll designer from Hollywood was sent home for his lack of effort towards his designs.

Open Casting Call for New Spike TV Reality Competition Series - BULLRUN

An open casting call has been announce for new Spike TV Reality Competition Series - BULLRUN. The casting call will take place:

Saturday, August 26
10:00am-6:00 pm
PALMS CASINO RESORT
Las Vegas, NV
(West Parking Lot - Flamingo/Arville)

You Must Bring The Car You Want To Compete In To The Casting Call

Based on the popular invitation-only car rally, BULLRUN the competition reality television series on Spike TV is a rally across North America with a big money prize for the winner. For more information: www.bullruncasting.com

BULLRUN is for men and women, young and old, everyone from sexy trophy wives with a love for adrenaline to seasoned men who have been tinkering with the same Mustang since it rolled off the line. BULLRUN is for anyone who loves their car and wants the chance to show off their love of the road and their ingenuity behind the wheel - while competing for a big money prize!

Teams must be 21 and over and legal residents of the United States. Drivers must have a good driving record to participate. Cars can be as new or old as you

Robert The Minister from Georgia Voted Off On Fifth Episode Of THE MESSENGERS

By Elaine James
RealityTVWebsite.com

The Messengers were faced with death during Wednesday′s fifth installment of THE MESSENGERS. The six remaining contestants visit the LA County Coroner′s Office and were led on a tour revealing what happens to the unknown deceased who have no one to claim or identify them.

The group saw the crypt where forensic scientists attempt to identify the men and women lying within the morgue. While faced with hundreds of unclaimed bodies, the contestants wondered about the stories behind each person. After witnessing the work of the coroner who tries to record what is known about the deceased, the contestants traveled to the LA County Cemetery to track these unclaimed dead to their final resting place.

The contestants met Reverend Phil Manly, who conducts an annual ceremony for the burial of the 1,916 John and Jane Does. The bodies are cremated and buried together in mass graves with a simple grave marker indicating the year they were interred.

The messengers then realize that though the bodies are unclaimed and forgotten, each of them had a story and a life and are somebody special. The contestants are informed that their assignment will be a eulogy for one of these unknown and unclaimed men and women.

This was the turning point for the contestants. Weeded down with only the best of the best remaining, all six gave powerfully touching speeches. But one of them had to go. While both Iman and Robert were in the bottom two, both gave very moving speeches and it came down to who had the least number of votes. Robert Rutherford, the minister from Georgia was sent home to his 11 children. The panelists stated that he was as polished as ever, the other speeches were just better.

The foundation of each episode, airing Wednesdays at 10:00 p.m. EST, is a field trip designed to give the speakers a profound learning experience - the opportunity to live life by walking in someone else′s shoes. At the end of each trip, the group is given the speaking topics and will appear before a studio audience. At the conclusion of the series, one speaker will be crowned THE MESSENGER and will be awarded a publishing deal and the opportunity to host their own TLC special.

TV Guide Channel To Offer Private Tour Of New Season Of SURVIVOR COOK ISLANDS

Host and Former SURVIVOR Finalist Cirie Fields Gives Fans a Private Tour of the Cook Island Set and Previews the New Cast in the Special Airing on September 3 at 8:00PM ET/PT

The cast of SURVIVOR COOK ISLANDS along with host Cirie Fields (finalist of SURVIVOR: PANAMA EXILE ISLAND) will take viewers behind-the-scenes of television′s most anticipated reality season opener during TV Guide Channel′s(R) special, SURVIVOR COOK ISLANDS PREVIEW.

Airing on Sunday, September 3, at 8:00 pm ET/PT, viewers will be given exclusive access to the island paradise, one-on-one interviews with the new cast and crew, exclusive footage of the first challenge and a set tour of the Tribal Council area.

Featured interviews include: Survivor castaways, Executive Producer Mark Burnett and Host Jeff Probst.

Jimmy Kimmel Named Host For ABC′s Newest Game Show, SET FOR LIFE

Jimmy Kimmel, host of the late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live," is tapped to host the new primetime game show SET FOR LIFE, premiering later this season on the ABC Television Network.

"I tried to tell ABC that it is too difficult to do a talk show every night and an hour-long primetime show too," Jimmy Kimmel said. "Unfortunately, there′s a 75-year-old man named Regis who seems to have no problem with it."

"We′re thrilled to have Jimmy join SET FOR LIFE as the host," said Andrea Wong, executive vice president, Alternative Programming, Specials & Late-Night for ABC-TV. "He brings a unique voice to the show along with intelligence, great comedic talent and an irreverence that′s bound to make the experience memorable for the contestants and the audience."

"Jimmy Kimmel is the perfect choice to host SET FOR LIFE," said David Goldberg, president of Endemol USA. "He′s got a great everyman quality that is as funny as it is relatable, and beyond that he′s just a huge talent who naturally connects with his audience. He brings all of the intangibles that we look for when hiring a host, and then some. We are delighted to announce this news."

In the unpredictable, innovative new game show, SET FOR LIFE contestants have the opportunity to win a monthly payout for the rest of their lives. The contestants will never know if they have won or lost a fortune until their isolated partner joins them on stage at the end of the game.

In addition to his work on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," Kimmel co-created and executive-produces "Crank Yankers," which was recently picked up for a fifth season by MTV2, and "The Andy Milonakis Show," recently picked up for a third season by MTV2. Kimmel co-hosted Comedy Central′s "The Man Show" for four seasons, served as on-air prognosticator for "Fox NFL Sunday" for four years, and for four seasons co-hosted Comedy Central′s long-running and popular game show, "Win Ben Stein′s Money." Kimmel received two Emmy nominations for his work with Ben Stein and won Best Game Show Host in 1999.

Kimmel′s company, "Jackhole Industries," formed with partners Daniel Kellison and Adam Carolla, is responsible for "Jimmy Kimmel Live," "The Man Show," "Crank Yankers," "The Andy Milonakis Show" and the feature film "Windy City Heat," set for release on DVD September 26th, 2006. Kimmel also serves as creative consultant to Adam Carolla′s nationally syndicated morning radio show.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Las Vegas, NV, Kimmel began his career in morning radio and rose to prominence as "Jimmy the Sports Guy" on KROQ′S "Kevin and Bean Show."

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Cast Announced For SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS - Tribes Divided By Race

CBS Announces 20 New Castaways For SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS

Twenty New Castaways Set To Compete When The 13th Installment Of The Hit Television Series Premieres on Thursday, September 14

Ethnically Diverse Cast To Initially Be Organized Into Four Tribes Divided Along Ethnic Lines

CBS today announced the 20 new castaways who will compete in SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS when the 13th installment of the Emmy Award-winning series premieres Thursday, September 14 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS will feature the series′ most ethnically diverse cast to date. The castaways will initially be organized into four tribes divided along ethnic lines (African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic and White) before merging in a later episode.

In addition, throughout the series, at least one castaway each episode will be banished to a separate island (Exile Island) miles away from camp. While being separated from the tribe is not desirable, the castaways will learn that there is a hidden Immunity Idol somewhere on Exile Island. If found, this Immunity Idol could save an individual from being voted out at a future Tribal Council.

Castaways that will be competing in SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS (in alphabetical order) are:

REBECCA BORMAN
Age 34
Laurelton, NY
Make-Up Artist

ANH-TUAN "CAO BOI" BUI (Pronounced Cowboy)
Age 42
Christianburg, VA
Nail Salon Manager

SEKOU BUNCH
Age 45
Los Angeles (originally from New York)
Jazz Musician/Recording Artist

J.P. CALDERON
Age 30
Marina Del Rey, CA
Professional Volleyball Player

CRISTINA CORIA
Age 35
Los Angeles
Police Officer

STEPHANNIE FAVOR
Age 35
Columbia, SC
Nursing Student

BILLY GARCIA
Age 36
New York (originally from Miami)
Heavy Metal Guitarist

ADAM GENTRY
Age 28
San Diego, CA (originally from Fredericksburg, Va.)
Copier Sales

NATHAN GONZALEZ
Age 26
Los Angeles, CA
Retail Sales

JENNY GUZON-BAE
Age 36
Lake Forest, IL (originally from Melrose Park, IL)
Real Estate Agent

YUL KWON
Age 31
San Mateo, CA (originally from Flushing, NY)
Management Consultant

BECKY LEE
Age 28
Washington, DC (originally from Pittsburgh, PA)
Attorney

OSCAR "OZZY" LUSTH Age 25
Venice, CA
Waiter

CECILIA MANSILLA
Age 29
Oakland, CA (originally from Arequipa, Peru)
Technology Risk Consultant

SUNDRA OAKLEY
Age 31
Los Angeles, CA (originally from New York)
Actress

JONATHAN PENNER
Age 44
Los Angeles, CA (originally from New York)
Writer/Producer

PARVATI SHALLOW
Age 23
Los Angeles, CA (originally from Atlanta)
Boxer/Waitress

JESSICA SMITH
Age 27
Chico, CA
Performance Artist/Rollergirl

BRAD VIRATA
Age 29
Los Angeles, CA (originally from Seattle)
Fashion Director

CANDICE WOODCOCK
Age 23
Fayetteville, NC
Pre-Med Student

Concert Dates Announced For ROCKSTAR: SUPERNOVA - Tickets On Sale Now

Supernova: the Rockstar Tour Takes Off Across North America

27-City Arena/Theatre Tour Features Top Rated TV Cast: Rock Stars Tommy Lee, Jason Newsted, Gilby Clarke and ???

Special Pre-sale for ROCKSTAR: SUPERNOVA Viewers Active Now

Tickets on Sale to General Public Wednesday, August 30th

It is by no means clear who will be fronting America′s most talked about new band, Supernova, but today the band′s three founding members, Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted and former Guns N′ Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke announced they will be inaugurating their band with a 27-city concert tour across North America. Kicking off at the Hard Rock in Miami, Florida on January 16th and culminating at the Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, California on February 27th, Supernova′s very first gig will be on New Year′s Eve at The Joint in Las Vegas. Tickets go on sale nationally for Supernova′s first concert tour on Wednesday, August 30th. The tour is being produced by Live Nation.

A special presale for ROCKSTAR: SUPERNOVA viewers which was announced last night on the hit CBS television show is active now and runs through Tuesday, August 29th at 10:00 pm. More information can be found on www.cbs.com/primetime/rock_star2 or by going to www.livenation.com.

Over the course of the summer, the highly successful CBS television show ROCKSTAR: SUPERNOVA searched among 15 contestants to find the most dynamic leader for a band whose players are among the most respected musicians in the world. As music fans across the country voted, Gilby, Tommy and Jason helped guide the process to eliminate performers every week to arrive at the final selection. The lead singer for Supernova will be chosen in a finale episode scheduled to air on September 13th.

Supernova will be touring in support of their highly anticipated Epic Records debut. The yet-to-be-titled album will be produced by Butch Walker (Avril Lavigne, Bowling For Soup, Pink) and released on November 21st. Fans can pre-order the record through the band′s official site, http://www.intothesupernova.com/.

SUPERNOVA: THE ROCKSTAR TOUR

12/31/06 Las Vegas, NV The Joint
01/16/07 Hollywood, FL Seminole Hard Rock Live
01/17/07 Orlando, FL Hard Rock Live
01/19/07 Norfolk, VA Constant Convocation Center
01/20/07 Buffalo, NY Shea′s Performing Arts Center
01/23/07 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
01/24/07 Toronto, ON Massey Hall
01/26/07 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa
01/27/07 Wallingford, CT Chevrolet Theatre
01/28/07 Worchester, MA DCU Center
01/30/07 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Spectrum
01/31/07 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall
02/02/07 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center
02/03/07 Chicago, IL Rosemont Theatre
02/05/07 Detroit, MI Fox Theatre
02/07/07 Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena
02/08/07 Minneapolis, MN Roy Wilkins Auditorium
02/09/07 Fargo, ND Fargodome
02/11/07 Dallas, TX Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie
02/13/07 Loveland, CO Budweiser Events Center
02/16/07 Portland, OR Memorial Coliseum
02/18/07 Everett, WA Everett Events Center
02/19/07 Vancouver, BC Queen Elizabeth Theatre
02/21/07 Sacramento, CA ARCO Arena
02/22/07 Oakland, CA Oakland Arena
02/24/07 Phoenix, CA Cricket Pavilion
02/25/07 San Diego, CA Pala Casino
02/27/07 Long Beach, CA Long Beach Arena

THE FANTASIA BARRINO STORY: LIFE IS NOT A FAIRY TALE Garners Second Largest Ratings Ever For Lifetime

More Than 19 Million Viewers Tuned In Over Weekend To The Lifetime Original Movie THE FANTASIA BARRINO STORY: LIFE IS NOT A FAIRY TALE

Saturday, August 19 Premiere Becomes Lifetime′s Second Most-Watched Movie In Network′s 22-Year History With 6.6 Million Viewers

More than 19 million viewers tuned in during the August 19-20 weekend to watch the poignant Lifetime Original Movie THE FANTASIA BARRINO STORY: LIFE IS NOT A FAIRY TALE, which starred the AMERICAN IDOL winner in her own rags-to-riches Cinderella story. The Saturday, August 19 premiere at 9PM (ET/PT) became Lifetime′s second most-watched movie in its 22-year history with 6.6 million viewers (5.0 household rating).

Among all original 2006 basic cable movie premieres, FANTASIA ranks #1 among W18-34 and W18-49 rating.

The Sunday, August 20 encore at 8:00 PM (ET/PT) drew more than 5 million viewers and a 4.0 household rating.

1995′s ALMOST GOLDEN, which starred Sela Ward as journalist Jessica Savitch, averaged more than seven million viewers when it aired on Lifetime.

Traffic to LifetimeTV.com surged more than 70% in page views and 68% in unique visitors over the weekend compared to the August 12-13 weekend. But Fantasiamania isn′t over yet! At Lifetimetv.com, the national FANTASIA essay contest runs through September 16, with the winner receiving two tickets to the 2007 AMERICAN IDOL season finale.

In THE FANTASIA BARRINO STORY: LIFE IS NOT A FAIRY TALE, Loretta Devine ("Dreamgirls," "Crash," "Boston Public," "Waiting to Exhale") co-starred as Fantasia′s grandmother, and Addie Collins and Tony® Award winner Viola Davis ("Traffic," "Get Rich or Die Tryin′," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit") starred as Fantasia′s mother, Diane Barrino. Rounding out the ensemble cast were Kadeem Hardison ("A Different World," "Biker Boyz") in the role of Fantasia′s father, JoJo Barrino. Newcomer Jamia Simone Nash ("My Wife and Kids") played the young Fantasia. Acclaimed Emmy¨ and Golden Globe®-winning choreographer, actress and director Debbie Allen ("Fame," "Girlfriends") directed the film.

Casting Begins In New York City For THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT PUSSYCAT DOLL

The CW Begins THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT PUSSYCAT DOLL With A Casting Call In New York City On Friday, August 25

Additional Casting Calls Scheduled Around the Country in September

The CW Network kicks off a nationwide casting call for its upcoming reality series THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT PUSSYCAT DOLL (working title) in New York City on Friday, August 25, 12:00-6:00 p.m. at the Park Central New York Hotel (870 Seventh Avenue at 56th Street).

Producers are looking for diverse young women (ages 18 and over) from all walks of life to showcase female empowerment, self-discovery, personal transformation and their inner Pussycat Doll. For additional information, including audition requirements, applications and how to submit audition videos, please visit http://www.cwtv.com/.

Slated to air during the 2006-07 broadcast season, the nationwide talent hunt continues in Los Angeles (September 8), Houston (September 15), Atlanta (September 20), Chicago (September 23) and Miami (September 30). Locations and times for each city will be announced soon.

Under the guidance of The Pussycat Dolls creator and founder Robin Antin, selected young hopefuls will live together and have their singing ability, dance moves and sheer self-confidence put to the test in an eight-episode reality series, as they vie for the opportunity to join the chart-topping singing sensation The Pussycat Dolls, as the group expands from six members to seven.

THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT PUSSYCAT DOLL (working title) is executive produced by Ken Mok ("America′s Next Top Model"), Robin Antin (The Pussycat Dolls), Steven Antin ("Young Americans"), Jimmy Iovine (Interscope A&M Records) and McG ("Supernatural," "The OC"). The new series is from Warner Horizon Television, 10 by 10 Entertainment, Pussycat Dolls, LLC, Interscope A&M Records and Wonderland Sound and Vision.

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

PROJECT RUNWAY Timm Gunn To Serve As Fashion Correspondent On 2006 EMMY RED CARPET SPECIAL

Tim Gunn, from Bravo′s Emmy nominated hit series PROJECT RUNWAY, will serve as a fashion correspondent on NBC′s 2006 EMMY(R) RED CARPET SPECIAL, a one-hour event hosted by Billy Bush and Nancy O′Dell ("Access Hollywood"), airing live on Sunday, August 27 (7-8 p.m. ET) preceding the 58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS. Gunn will join Maria Menounos ("Access Hollywood") and together the pair will critique all of this year′s Emmy red carpet styles and see which stars are able to "make it work."

Gunn mentors the hot designers on the popular Bravo series PROJECT RUNWAY and is also Chair of the Department of Fashion Design at Parsons The New School for Design. For the very first time, Gunn will bring his strong fashion background and savvy eye to the Emmy red carpet as he and Menounos scrutinize all the nominees, presenters and special guests on their styles as they arrive and look for "instant trends."

In addition to the fashion coverage with Gunn and Menounos, special segments will be sprinkled throughout the hour-long, live pre-show, including "Fashion Rewind," a look at past Emmy fashions from the "Access Hollywood" archives.

The 58TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS, hosted by Conan O′Brien ("Late Night with Conan O'Brien"), will broadcast live from Los Angeles′ historic Shrine Auditorium, Sunday, August 27 (8:00 - 11:00 pm ET) on NBC.

BREAKING UP WITH SHANNEN DOHERTY Premieres Tonight On Oxygen Network

Can′t deal with the confrontation or the guilt of a break-up? Just call Shannen Doherty. In the newest twist on reality relationship shows, Doherty comes to the rescue of men and women who are unable to muster up the courage to break off their toxic relationships with bad boyfriends/girlfriends, "frenemies," or tyrannical bosses in Oxygen′s BREAKING UP WITH SHANNEN DOHERTY. Doherty stars and executive produces Oxygen′s 13-episode half-hour reality series, premiering tonight (Tuesday, August 22nd) at 10:00 pm EST. The series also is executive produced by Hallock Healey Entertainment, producers of SCARE TACTICS.

Shannen Doherty joins forces with people in relationship peril who want to get out but just can′t seem to do it on their own. She will listen to the plight of her new "client" and put their mates to the test by creating a fictitious situation - caught by a hidden camera - to determine the true character of the relationship. If the test is failed, Doherty then helps put the relationship out of its misery. In each episode, Doherty will then help mastermind the break-up, and be on the scene to deliver the news and resolve the break-up. The goal at the end is for both parties to agree that it′s all for the best and it′s time to move on.

Breaking Up with Shannen Doherty is executive produced by Shannen Doherty and Scott Hallock and Kevin Healey for Hallock Healey Entertainment, who′s credits include Scare Tactics, Spy TV and 25 Million Dollar Hoax.

Big Ratings For Season Finale Of AMERICA′S GOT TALENT

The Penultimate And Final Editions Of This Summer′s #1 New Series Deliver Primetime′s Two Biggest Audiences Since Baseball′s All-Star Game

The final two episodes of this summer′s AMERICA'S GOT TALENT were the two "most-watched" shows of the week of August 14-20 in total viewers, as the summer′s #1 new series delivered top-10 rankings in all key demographics, including #1 and #2 finishes among kids and a #2 ranking among teens. In total viewers, last week′s climatic Wednesday and Thursday telecasts of AMERICA′S GOT TALENT delivered the two biggest overall primetime audiences since Fox′s Major League Baseball All-Star Game on July 11, according to in-home viewing figures from Nielsen Media Research.

NBC averaged a 2.0 rating, 6 share in adults 18-49 and 6.5 million viewers overall for the week of August 14-20.

AMERICA′S GOT TALENT concluded its summer run as the #1 new original summer series of 2006. Thursday′s finale and Wednesday′s penultimate telecast of AMERICA′S GOT TALENT ranked #1 and #2 respectively this week (out of a total 110 programs) in total viewers. Among adults 18-49 the two telecasts ranked #4 and #7 (tie), among adults 25-54 they ranked #3 and #5 (tie) and among teens 12-17 they ranked #2 (tie) and #5, with Thursday′s TALENT finale trailing only Fox′s telecast of the "Teen Choice Awards." The broad appeal of AMERICA′S GOT TALENT is further reflected in its #1 and #2 rankings among kids 2-11 (for the Wednesday and Thursday telecasts respectively).

Two Guys Named George Team Up In GUY WALKS INTO A BAR

George Wendt And George Gray Host The A&E Original Comedy Special GUY WALKS INTO A BAR

Premieres Tuesday, September 5 at 10:00 pm EST/PST

Two guys named George team up for a new sketch comedy show that will deliver the best jokes ever heard - in the best venue of them all! George Wendt (Cheers) and George Gray (Junkyard Wars, The Weakest Link) star in and co-host the one hour A&E special GUY WALKS INTO A BAR, premiering Tuesday, September 5 at 10:00 pm EST/PST.

GUY WALKS INTO A BAR features George Wendt at his most familiar location - the bar, only instead of drinking, he will be tending bar along with George Gray. Other patrons in the bar, including surprise guests, complete the comedy ensemble. The scene begins with one of the George′s telling a joke. As viewers listen, the joke comes to life on the screen in a sketch.

The show moves from sketch to sketch as the ensemble of comedians recount their favorite jokes, quickly alternating between the bar and the sketches. Interspersed throughout the program are the two Georges, sitting at the bar attempting to one-up each other with their favorite jokes. Additionally, viewers will be treated to appearances by some very special guest bar patrons.

Actor / producer / comedian George Gray′s quick wit, engaging presence and analytical mind have served him well in the world of live stand-up and sketch comedy, as well as in his TV and film work. Among the television series he has hosted are "Junkyard Wars," "Weakest Link", "I'd Do Anything," "$25 Million-Dollar Hoax," and "National Lampoon′s Greek Games." He can currently be seen hosting "What′s with that House?" which is heading into its second season on HGTV.

One of television's most beloved comic actors, George Wendt has appeared in scores of television programs and feature films, including "Saturday Night Live," "Modern Men," "Fletch," and of course, "Cheers," in which he masterfully portrayed everyone′s favorite bar patron, Norm Peterson. A veteran of the legendary Second City comedy troupe, Wendt stars in three upcoming movies: "Saturday Morning," "Bryan Loves You," and "Mary Christmas."

Ratings Continue To Climb For WHO WANTS TO BE A SUPERHERO

Latest Episode Achieves Series Highs in Households, Key Demos and Total Viewers

SCI FI Channel′s hit reality series WHO WANTS TO BE A SUPERHERO? from Nash Entertainment and POW! Entertainment Inc., continued its upward trend of week-to-week growth soaring to new series heights with its fourth installment on Thursday, August 17th at 9:00PM ET/PT. Episode 4 delivered a 1.32 HH rating (+10 vs. last week and +48% vs. its July 27th series premiere), 1.031 million viewers 18-49 (+27% vs. last week), 899,000 viewers 25-54 (+28% vs. last week) and 1.815 million total viewers.

Since its premiere on SCI FI, WHO WANTS TO BE A SUPERHERO? has grown at least 10% week-to-week in the 18-49 and 25-54 key demos. The 4th episode grew an amazing 62% from the premiere among viewers 18-49 and 61% among viewers 25-54. Additionally, the series has outperformed last year′s time period average by 67% among viewers 18-49 and 36% among viewers 25-54. The show also scores among the younger crowd with a median age of 32, which is thirteen years younger than the same time period last year.

Season-to-date WHO WANTS TO BE A SUPERHERO? is up +29% in HH ratings, +48% in P18-49s and +44% in P25-54s.

This week, the three remaining superheroes (Fat Momma, Feedback and Major Victory) are judged by Stan's toughest critics... kids!!! Then Stan tests their intellect and ingenuity in a time-based challenge following clues to locate their archenemy, the Dark Enforcer, at Universal Studio′s City Walk. After a tear-filled elimination, the competition is down to the final two.

The SCI FI Channel, Bruce Nash (Nash Entertainment) and legendary comic book creator Stan Lee′s ("Spider-Man", "Hulk," "The Fantastic Four," "X-Men") POW! Entertainment Inc. have joined forces to discover the next great American superhero. WHO WANTS TO BE A SUPERHERO? is an all-new reality series that challenges a lucky few to create their very own superhero alter ego, live together under in a secret lair under the watchful eye of Stan Lee and compete for the best reality competition prize yet: immortality! The winning superhero is immortalized in a new comic book from Dark Horse Comics created by Stan Lee himself and will be featured in an original SCI FI Channel movie.

Monday, August 21, 2006

Howie Gordon Sent Packing In BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS

The Legion Of Doom′s Reign Continues As They Send Howie Gordon To The Dark Side

The Legion of Doom′s reign in the BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS house continues as they oust Howie Gordon (BB6) in the double eviction week. Howie became the seventh All-Star, second this week, to be evicted from the house during last night′s broadcast by a vote of 3-2 by his fellow Houseguests (the two nominees do not vote and the Head of Household only votes in the event of a tie).

On Thursday, Marcellas Reynolds (BB3) was sent packing and "Chicken" George Boswell (BB1) won Head Of Household. "Chicken" George immediately nominated James Rhine (BB6) and Erika Landin (BB4) for eviction. Last night, James won the Power of Veto and took himself off of the chopping block. Erika was left up for eviction and "Chicken" George nominated Howie to join her.

During last night′s broadcast, Howie Gordon, 35, the light saber salesman originally from Chicago, Ill. and currently residing in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., learned his fate, said his goodbyes and left the house. After leaving BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS, an emotional Howie was interviewed by host Julie Chen about his experience in the house. He became the second jury member.

After last night′s eviction, the houseguests competed in a competition called "Pie in the Eye" to see who would become the next Head of Household. Mike "Boogie" Malin (BB2) won Head of Household.

BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS is broadcast each week on Tuesdays (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT), Thursdays (8:00-9:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) and Sundays (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT). The Thursday broadcast, hosted by Julie Chen, will feature the live eviction of one of the houseguests.

National Geographic Announces TRIPLE CROSS: BIN LADEN′S SPY IN AMERICA

He Worked For The CIA, FBI And US Army, And Answered To Osama Bin Laden

National Geographic Channel Presents the True Story of TRIPLE CROSS: BIN LADEN′S SPY IN AMERICA

Master Spy Ali Mohamed Manipulated American Intelligence from Our Own Soil - Leading up to the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

This real-life epic plays out like a Tom Clancy thriller. On the road to 9/11, how did Ali A. Mohamed, a radical ex-Egyptian Army officer, survive inside the United States for more than 14 years as a mole for Egyptian Islamic Jihad and al Qaeda? This master spy convinced the CIA to hire him, worked for the FBI as an informant and even served in the U.S. Army, where he had access to sensitive information. But all the while, he was "triple crossing" U.S. officials, feeding critical details to al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations, training terrorists in the United States and abroad, establishing terror cells in the United States and conspiring to kill Americans throughout the world.

On Monday, August 28, 2006, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT, the National Geographic Channel (NGC) presents the two-hour world premiere of TRIPLE CROSS: BIN LADEN′S SPY IN AMERICA, the remarkable story of Ali Mohamed, a master spy and senior operative for al Qaeda working within the United States, but with terrorist tentacles that reached around the globe.

TRIPLE CROSS: BIN LADEN′S SPY IN AMERICA is part of three nights of specials on related themes, beginning with the updated version of the Emmy-nominated special Inside 9/11 on Sunday, August 27, and followed on Tuesday, August 29, by THE FINAL REPORT: OSAMA′S ESCAPE.

Based in part on the upcoming book Triple Cross, by Peter Lance, Ali Mohamed′s path of betrayals mirrors the growth of al Qaeda into a worldwide terrorist organization. The special connects the dots using expert insight from FBI, military and Justice Department officials, defense attorneys and journalists on the front lines, who together help reveal how one man exploited the pre-9/11 bureaucratic gaps in the U.S. intelligence community. And in one rare videotape, viewers will hear from Mohamed firsthand as he fields questions from American officers and defends his worldview of radical Islam.

Mohamed′s terrorist activities spanned nearly 15 years, each event alarming in its own right, but together creating a terrifying and treacherous picture. During part of this time, Mohamed was an informant for the FBI, providing just enough information to keep them interested in him as a source, but not so much that they would suspect him of being a terrorist. Ali Mohamed′s trail of terror includes:

* Scouting terrorist targets in East Africa for Bin Laden, including the U.S. embassy in Nairobi, Kenya which was struck by an al Qaeda truck bomb in 1998.

* Training members of the jihadist terror cell that executed the first attack on the World Trade Center in 1993.

* Helping to establish some of the first al Qaeda terror cells in the United States, including one on the West Coast.

* Training al Qaeda operatives on how to hijack passenger planes, including how to smuggle weapons through airport security.

* Using training manuals taken from Fort Bragg to train terrorists in the United States, Afghanistan and later in Sudan.

* Compiling a 180-page al Qaeda terrorist training manual, based in part on the stolen Fort Bragg documents.

* Making arrangements for a face-to-face meeting between Hezbollah leaders and Osama bin Laden.

* Coordinating bin Laden′s relocation from Afghanistan to Sudan.

* Training al Qaeda terrorists who operated in Somalia prior to the "Blackhawk Down" incident.

"The bureaucratic crevices inside the FBI, and certainly between the FBI, CIA and the Defense Department, were enormous. You could drive truck bombs through them and you could play off one against the other, but you had to be skilled," comments terrorism expert Steven Emerson in the special. "I′ve never seen a terrorist with such a storied background with his connections to U.S. law enforcement and intelligence."

Ali Mohamed first comes to the United States in 1981 as a 29-year-old Egyptian Army officer on a military exchange program at Fort Bragg, N.C., home to the Green Berets, Delta Force and the JFK Special Warfare Center. After returning to Egypt, he offers his services as an informant to the CIA, which sends him on a mission to infiltrate a mosque in Germany with suspected ties to Hezbollah. Within a week, Mohamed reveals his cover and the CIA responds by adding his name to an official watch list as a suspected terrorist.

Despite being listed as suspected terrorist, in 1985 Mohamed is able to enter the United States at Kennedy Airport. While on the plane, the good-looking 33-year-old bachelor catches the eye of a California woman whom he marries six weeks later, putting him in the express lane to becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen. One year later, despite having been named on a watch list, he is accepted into the U.S. Army.

"There is nothing more important for a terrorist group than to have a live agent... inside a military organization such as the U.S. military," comments Rohan Gunaratna, author of Inside Al Qaeda.

Promoted to sergeant, Mohamed ends up back at Fort Bragg, working to support a Special Forces unit. Mohamed immediately begins accumulating sensitive documents that he passes to his comrades in Egyptian Islamic Jihad, which later allied itself with al Qaeda. When a superior officer suspects Mohamed of being a radical Islamic extremist, he is not discharged, but instead is asked to educate other officers on Middle East culture and politics. During his Army service, he defies policy and takes leave to fight the Soviets in Afghanistan. On returning to U.S. Army duty, he displays a Soviet war trophy, and his actions are reported, but no disciplinary action is taken. After three years of service, Mohamed returns to California to continue his deception. He also becomes a U.S. citizen.

In 1990, Mohamed meets with the FBI to offer his services as a translator, but during the interview he demonstrates that his connections and insight offer intelligence value and is instead accepted as an informant.

During the next few years, Mohamed uses his U.S. citizenship to maneuver between two worlds, traveling back and forth between the United States and al Qaeda′s outposts, where he trains operatives in terrorist skills, including the hijacking of passenger planes. In the United States, Mohamed helps establish a terror cell that conducts fund raising on the West Coast.

Finally arrested in 1998 after his connections to the embassy bombings in East Africa become known, Mohamed pleads guilty in 2000 to five counts of conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism, including the murder of Americans at home and abroad. Interrogations immediately after the attacks of 9/11 indicate his intimate knowledge of the terrorists′ methods. Currently in U.S. custody, his whereabouts and legal status are closely guarded secrets.

In addition to Emerson and Gunaratna, experts in the special who provide insight on Mohamed′s deception include John (Jack) Cloonan, 25-year FBI veteran who specifically handled the Mohamed case from 1996 to 2001; Lt. Col. Robert Anderson, Mohamed′s former supervisor at Fort Bragg; Tom Corrigan, former NYPD detective and member of the Joint Terrorist Task Force from 1985 to 2001; and Mary Jo White, former U.S. attorney who presided over the Mohamed case, the 1993 World Trade Center bombing cases and other major terror trials in the 1990s.

TRIPLE CROSS: BIN LADEN′S SPY IN AMERICA is produced for the National Geographic Channel by Towers Productions, Inc.

HURRICANE KATRINA BABIES To Premiere On Discovery Health Channel August 24th

Discovery Health Channel has announced that this one-hour anniversary special follows the stories of babies born during Hurricane Katrina and their heroic rescue by Woman′s Hospital and other area hospitals.

HURRICANE KATRINA BABIES recounts their earliest days as babies born in the midst of disaster, and trace their first year of life as their families struggle against all odds to create homes of hope. HURRICANE KATRINA BABIES Premieres Thursday, August 24, at 8:00 pm EST on Discovery Health Channel. Photo Credit: Discovery Health Channel

Travel Channel Announces JOAN CUSACK′S LOCAL FLAVOR

Join actress and comedian Joan Cusack as she travels to the culturally rich regions of Spain, Italy, Austria, Greece, France and Portugal to explore how food, family and culture influence each other.

From local markets to restaurants to wineries and food businesses, Joan experiences the local flavor of each country through the eyes of families with generational ties to the culinary arts.

JOAN CUSACK′S LOCAL FLAVOR premieres Thursday, October 5, at 9:00 pm (ET/PT) On The Travel Channel.

Saturday, August 19, 2006

Casting Call For PROS VS. JOES - SEASON TWO On Spike TV

Are you a rabid sports fan who thinks he′s got what it takes to take on Hall of Fame professional athletes in a no-mercy, no-holds-barred competition?

Or, are you someone who excelled in high school or collegiate sports and are ready for your chance to show your friends and family you could have gone all the way? Either way, THEY NEED YOU!

Second season PROS VS. JOES is an action-packed sports series from Spike TV pitting everyday JOES against super teams of the world′s greatest PROS. Professional athletes compete against amateurs in a never before seen fantasy camp-style games competition.

A "sampling" of the PROS from last season were; Jerry Rice, Bill Romanowski, Herschal Walker, Dennis Rodman, Clyde Drexler, Dominique Wilkins, Bo Jackson, John Rocker, Darren Daulton, Alexi Lalas, Jenny Finch, Dan O′Brien and many others.

If you are a male, super outgoing and competitive diehard sports fan aged 25-35, in decent physical condition who is ready for anything, please send a photo with your name, age, stats, occupation, contact info and a brief paragraph about why you should be selected to: TVcasting@msn.com

Friday, August 18, 2006

COVER SHOT Premieres Tonight On TLC - Our First Look And Review

By Elaine James
RealityTVWebsite.com

In a new series slated to debut tonight at 10:00 pm ET with back-to-back half-hour episodes, TLC′s COVER SHOT takes one everyday woman in her 30s or 40s and fulfills her dream of going from "super mom to super model." During each half-hour episode of COVER SHOT, host and model Frederique van der Wal leads a creative team through the transformation.

Frederique van der Wal has graced the covers of Vogue and Cosmopolitan and has been the face of many brands such as Revlon, Guess?, MCI and Victoria Secret. She uses her experience each week and transforms moms and gives them the confidence they need to see themselves and true beauties.

Together with photographer Richard Dean, Frederique will lead makeup, hair, and fashion stylists to take everyday women and show her (and the audience) that she belongs on the cover of a magazine if given the best resources in the business.

That′s the true kicker of this show, Frederique emphasizes to these women that the models only look like that because they have a highly trained staff molding them into their look. To our disappointment, unlike TLC′s WHAT NOT TO WEAR, viewers will not learn beauty dos and don′ts. They will only be able to experience the inner works of a fashion shoot while the chosen mom is given star treatment - from Frederique picking them up at their home to being outfitted in elegant clothing, to undergoing the skin and makeup treatments and professional hair design.

After a day of photography and design, the mom and her family are surprised with a NYC billboard featuring the super model mom. Though the show ends there, Frederique′s goal is to have the moms feels more confident with themselves. She wants to show these women that they aren′t just fixtures in their household, that they will now discover their own strengths and hold themselves in higher esteem.

Marcellas Evicted On BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS - Chicken George is Head of Household

The Legion Of Doom′s Week Of Manipulation Succeeds In Sending Marcellas Reynolds Out The Door

Marcellas Becomes the Sixth Houseguest Evicted From the BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS House and the First Juror to Go into Sequester

Julie Chen Reveals a Double Eviction Week with the Second Eviction Taking Place on Sunday, August 20 on the CBS Television Network

"Chicken" George Boswell Wins Head Of Household

It was a chaotic week inside the BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS house and manipulation by the Legion of Doom was at the forefront. In the end, the Legion′s dirty tactics yielded the result they were working towards all week, when Marcellas Reynolds (BB3) became the sixth All-Star to be evicted from the house during last night′s live broadcast by a unanimous vote by his fellow Houseguests (the two nominees do not vote and the Head of Household only votes in the event of a tie).

On Sunday, Erika Landin (BB4) lost Head of Household when a technical glitch forced a new HOH competition. Janelle then captured the HOH role for the third time this season and nominated Danielle Reyes (BB3) and Erika Landin. On Tuesday, Danielle won the Power of Veto and took herself off of the chopping block. Erika was left up for eviction and Janelle nominated Marcellas to join her.

During last night′s live broadcast, Marcellas Reynolds, the celebrity stylist originally from Chicago and currently residing in Los Angeles, learned his fate, said his goodbyes and left the house. After leaving BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS, Marcellas was interviewed by host Julie Chen about his experience in the house, as well as on "The Early Show" on Friday morning. He became the first jury member.

The Houseguests were surprised to learn that this is a Double Eviction week. Immediately after winning HOH "Chicken" George Boswell (BB1) was told by Julie Chen to name the nominees and he nominated James and Erika for eviction. On Sunday, another Houseguest will be evicted from the Big Brother House. In addition, last night Mike "Boogie" Malin (BB2) was informed by Julie Chen that he had won the Coup d′Etat with the phrase "You Reap What You Sow." He can use the coup d′etat in any of the next three evictions to overthrow the current HOH and name new nominees on the spot.

BIG BROTHER: ALL-STARS is broadcast each week on Tuesdays (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT), Thursdays (8:00-9:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) and Sundays (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT). The Thursday broadcast, hosted by Julie Chen, will feature the live eviction of one of the houseguests.

Exclusive Interview With Zayra Alvarez - Eighth Person Voted Off On ROCK STAR SUPERNOVA

By ReX, Rock Star Go Home Founder (RSGH)

You have to admire the guts, confidence, courage... (and body) of Zayra Alvarez, the latest ROCKSTAR SUPERNOVA contestant to be eliminated from the Reality TV rockumentary.

Now, ya gotta remember that I... I am a man. Therefore, I may have a certain bias towards Zayra "Z" Alvarez.

Yes, she was in the Bottom Three several times. Yes, she was, at times, showing a more 'solo'-career oriented agenda. But, at the end of the day, any man will tell you that he can get past all that crap for a chance to nail a hot piece-of-ass that likes to jump around on stage in a skin-tight outfit.

I think it was Dave Navarro who said, "Back in the day... We called chick singers like you.... Screamers!"

Earlier yesterday, I had the chance to meet up with Zayra and get to know her a little better. Know what I mean?

ReX: Hey delicious Latina Love, how you doing?

Zayra Alvarez: Oh.... Hey baby. I′m doing great. How are you?

ReX: You know. P-I-M-P-I-N-G! How are you really doing after yesterday′s elimination?

Zayra Alvarez: Really, I′m doing great. Right now, I′m enjoying this new sense of freedom, if you know what I mean. Freedom. Freedom. Freedom. I feel like a baby that is learing to walk again. And, I′m gonna suck it up and enjoy it as much as I can cause it might just last for a few hours.

ReX: Ya know. We met at the ROCKSTAR SUPERNOVA mansion a few weeks ago.

Zayra Alvarez: Oh yah!

ReX: Well. I′m a little confused about you.

Zayra Alvarez: What do you mean?

ReX: Yah, well.... When we met... I have to admit that it wasn′t what I thought it would be.

Zayra Alvarez: Like how?

ReX: Well, on stage, you are this larger-than-life entertainer. You scream. You dance. You shake ′dat ass. You rock in your own way.

Zayra Alvarez: And....

ReX: And, off-stage you were pretty shy almost.

Zayra Alvarez: [Laughing] Yah, man. I am two people actually. There is the Zayra on stage which I would characterize as a lion, a tiger, ready to take risks and do whatever she wants to do.

And, then there is me off-stage. That Zayra is much more inquisitive about this life. That Zayra likes to listen and learn from others. Experience others. Totally different. Again, I really am two different people.

ReX: Which Zayra do you like better?

Zayra Alvarez: Oh man, that′s tough. But, I loooooooove the on-stage Zayra. She′s wild and crazy and I love that about her.

ReX: So, now that you′re out of the house, who are you going to miss?

Zayra Alvarez: Oh.... Ohhhhhhh.... I′m really going to miss my girlzzzzz. Storm, Dilana, Patrice. And, of course, I′m gonna miss my boyzzzzz. I′m going to miss Toby big-time. Ya know, this last week, all of our hearts we′re very much connected. Yah. This week there was just something special about all the people in the house.

ReX: So, let me ask you a simple question.

Zayra Alvarez: Go ahead baby!

ReX: On a scale of 1 to 10, how sexy would you say you are?

Zayra Alvarez: It would be really bad of me to say a ′50′ so I won′t. [Laughing] What I would say is that I have learned to love myself from the inside. I am very comfortable with who I am.

To read more of RockStarGoHome.com′s Exclusive Interview with Zayra Alvarez, you can visit their website by going to http://www.rockstargohome.com/zayra-alvarez-supernova-interview-week-7.php

In a partnership with Rock Star Go Home, RealityTVWebsite.com is offering Exclusive Content including interviews and more from RockStarGoHome.com for the new Hit Reality TV Show ROCKSTAR: SUPERNOVA.

RockStarGoHome.com is the home for The FREE Fantasy Game For ROCKSTAR: SUPERNOVA!

Online Casting Call Announced For New Reality Series SABOTAGE

Pilot Reality Game Show SABOTAGE Announces First In Reality Entertainment With Launch of Complete Online Auditions

SABOTAGE Casting Calls are being held across the country and Live Online Auditions by Zoobody.com. Live Audition Dates Also Planned for Las Vegas, St. Louis, and New York this fall.

The New Reality Show of Espionage and Mystery SABOTAGE, produced by L. M. Beasley for BERGS, LLC, is getting some local help from its host casting services for a nationwide search for America′s next big Reality Stars and claim the potential Multi-Million Dollar Prize.

SABOTAGE is in pursuit of energetic, charismatic and outgoing individuals who can think quickly on their feet to become a secret agent on the show. Candidates should be at least 18 years of age, and a legal resident of the United States, in excellent mental and physical health, able to cope with extreme environments, adapt to unusual living conditions, display complex problem solving skills, lead interesting personal or professional lives.

What sets SABOTAGE apart from other reality game shows? The storyline is smart and unscripted which gives fans the feel of a high impact adventure series featuring real people. Surprises abound for both the players and audience.

Casting calls will be held in the following locations, for more information and News about the show, please contact the Official Website at http://realsabotage.com/thegame/news.php

Online Auditions are being viewed by the Producers daily through October 6, 2006 hosted by www.zoobody.com. Zoobody is transforming the industry audition process by providing applicants the ability to apply completely online. Interested applicants can complete a digital Sabotage application, and upload a video audition of up to 3 minutes from any format. This process gives more Americans the opportunity to apply for SABOTAGE and allows the Producers to view auditions and select semi-finalists instantly.

Live Casting Calls: September 5, 2006 Las Vegas, NV at the MGM Grand Hotel Room 301, 12:30 pm - 6 pm, SABOTAGE is Being Hosted by Talent Rock at the Las Vegas Casting Call. St. Louis and New York dates for Open Casting Calls to be announced.

SABOTAGE is produced by L. M. Beasley for Bergs, LLC with a projected filming and broadcast in 2007. BERGS, LLC expects to take the Reality Game Entertainment Industry to new heights with the development of Sabotage. Its mission is to produce innovative, popular and profitable reality entertainment, by bringing "real people" to reality games and giving more fans the opportunity to participate in the reality gaming world.

Players will face the challenges of living together on teams with strangers in undisclosed locations, required to complete difficult mission assignments and need to muster all of their deceptive forces to overcome the unknown saboteurs in their midst known as "Operation Dark." In the season′s final episode, the last remaining team of agents will compete against Operation Dark for the grand prize of up to $10 Million.

ABC Announced SOAPNET REVEALS...ABC SOAP SECRETS - Airs August 31st

Lisa Rinna And Ty Treadway Tapped To Host SOAPNET REVEALS...ABC SOAP SECRETS Airing Thursday, August 31 On ABC And Soapnet

SOAP TALK hosts Lisa Rinna and Ty Treadway are set to host SOAPNET REVEALS...ABC SOAP SECRETS a star-studded preview special that will give fans the inside scoop on all of their favorite ABC shows including "All My Children," "One Life to Live" and "General Hospital." The special will air on the ABC Television Network on Thursday, August 31 in "The View′s" timeslot (11:00 a.m., ET/10:00 a.m., PT) and on SOAPnet (4:00 p.m., ET and midnight, ET).

Popular ABC stars will pack the hour long special along with never-before-seen interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and shocking plot twists that fans have to look forward to on their favorite ABC soaps. "All My Children′s" Bobbie Eakes and Cady McClain will join the hosts on-stage with behind the scene footage that includes Jeff Branson, Colin Eggelsfield, Alexa Havins, Cameron Mathison and Alicia Minshew. From "One Life to Live," Bree Williamson and Kamar de los Reyes will be on-stage while Melissa Archer, Renee Goldsberry, John-Paul Lavoisier, David Fumero, Melissa Gallo, Kassie DePaiva and Trevor St. John will share secrets from the set. Laura Wright and Natalia Livingston from "General Hospital" will be on stage while their co-stars Tyler Christopher, Greg Vaughan, Julie Berman, Rebecca Herbst, Kimberly McCullough and Jason Thompson will be on set with some sneak peaks. Triage Entertainment will produce the special.

Viewers will become privy to some of their favorite stories on ABC Daytime and will get the answer to the following questions:

* (General Hospital) What decision will Lulu make about her pregnancy?

* (All My Children) Will Kendall leave Zach for Ryan?

* (One Life to Live) Will Spencer get caught as the murderer of Thomas McBain?

"This special shares some of the most closely held secrets at each of the shows and is an opportunity for us to share them with the fans," said Brian Frons, President, Daytime, Disney/ABC Television Group. "This show delivers some big surprises on the characters and stories the viewers most want to know about."

"This special is a perfect example of how we can work with ABC Daytime to provide original programming soap fans crave," said Deborah Blackwell, General Manager, SOAPnet. "As the only 24/7 destination for inside access to stars and storylines we are thrilled to bring this show to the ABC and SOAPnet audiences."

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Benji Schwimmer Dances To Victory In SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE

Benji Schwimmer Is Crowned Winner Of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE

Donyelle Jones, Heidi Groskreutz and Travis Wall Eliminated As America′s Vote is Revealed on the Season Finale Last Night on FOX

In the dramatic live season finale of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, America′s vote was revealed and Benji Schwimmer was crowned America′s favorite dancer. Schwimmer, 22, a West Coast Swing specialist from Redlands, CA, dances away with a $100,000 cash prize, a hybrid SUV and a one-year contract with Celine Dion′s Las Vegas show, "A New Day." Prior to appearing on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, Schwimmer started a charitable non-profit organization, Dancers Everywhere Making a Needed Difference, for orphans in southern Mexico. Schwimmer′s fellow finalists - Donyelle Jones, Heidi Groskreutz and Travis Wall - were eliminated during last night′s final results show on FOX.

Another record was set after last Wednesday′s SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE final performance show, when viewers cast nearly 16 million votes for their favorite dancers. The Top 4 finalists - Jones, Groskreutz, Schwimmer and Wall - performed multiple routines on part one of the season finale. Last night, on the two-hour season finale, part two, Ciara performed "Get Up" from the "Step Up" film soundtrack, and Fergie had the studio audience on its feet as she performed "London Bridge."

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE is the No. 1 show of the summer - and both the Wednesday and Thursday shows rank No. 1 in their respective time periods - among most major demographics, including Adults 18-49, Adults 18-34 and Teens.

Starting September 12, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE goes on the road for the first time ever. Fans in cities around the country will have a chance to see their favorite dancers in person. Tickets went on sale August 12 and sold out within hours. Check fox.com/dance for additional information and updates.