Monday, December 04, 2006

Exclusive Interview With Amanda Babin - Tenth Model Voted Off On AMERICAS NEXT TOP MODEL

Last Wednesday night, Amanda Babin, a bookstore sales associate from Anaheim, CA, was the tenth girl eliminated during the during hit reality TV series, AMERICA′S NEXT TOP MODEL.

During the judging, Nigel and Twiggy both commented that Amanda has a unique, high fashion look, though there is something about her that is just a little awkward. "She needs to know her body, but she is too young," guest judge and photographer David Ruiz said. While Tyra considered Amanda to have strong potential as a model, she felt there was something a little too soft and meek about her personality. "It′s always hard when something good ends," Amanda said after being eliminated from the race to become AMERICA′S NEXT TOP MODEL.

Our own RealityTVWebsite.com Elaine James caught up with Amanda in this exclusive one-on-one interview.

Elaine James: Did you have a nice Thanksgiving last week?

Amanda Babin: Um, no. I was in the hospital. I had an allergic reaction to a hornet and my throat was swelling, so no turkey for me. The hornet actually stung me about 2 weeks before and I′ve had hives for the last couple of days and it was really bad, but now I′m fine. So Thanksgiving wasn′t great.

Elaine James: You poor thing! Well, on to topic. Congratulations on making it to the final four. How did it feel to not be standing there with your sister?

Amanda Babin: It wasn′t that out of place, we′ve been apart before. It was just weird to be without her, because I was used to her being there. It was just kind of strange.

Elaine James: Tell me about learning the dance steps. It looked like you were having a lot of trouble in the beginning, but then practiced all night and pulled it off.

Amanda Babin: The beginning was awful, because I′m not a quick learner. Most of the girls learned it pretty quick, but I had to keep asking questions. Once I had practiced, I could learn it, but dancing is not an easy thing for me.

Elaine James: When you tried out TOP MODEL, did you ever see yourself floating in an evening gown in Barcelona?

Amanda Babin: I didn′t actually have that scenario in my head. I was hoping that we would go to a foreign country. It was a lot of fun that not many people get to experience.

Elaine James: When it got down to you and CariDee in the bottom two, did you know that you were going home?

Amanda Babin: I didn′t think it would be CariDee with me. I thought Eugenia would be standing next to me. When I was in the bottom two with her, I was scared, because the judges really like her. So since I was there with her, I thought that I might be going home, and I did.

Elaine James: What was your favorite photoshoot?

Amanda Babin: My favorite photo was the one in the pool, but my favorite photoshoot was the celebrity couples. That was so much fun. Everyone was just joking around and it was such an easy week and was a fun atmosphere.

Elaine James: So what was your least favorite?

Amanda Babin: My least favorite was probably the bull. There was just something about that day and I wasn′t doing well. I just didn′t like it.

Elaine James: What was the best thing you learned from your whole experience on the show?

Amanda Babin: I learned that I can be more independent and make my own decisions. About the modeling world, you really gotta show them. Especially on the Go Sees, you have such little time to impress them; you have to be on your game. It′s a job interview. You only get called back if you do well. You only get one chance.

Elaine James: What are your plans for the future, now that you are home?

Amanda Babin: I plan to get an agent and keep modeling to see where that can take me. In the mean time, I′ve just been going to school and having a normal life, since we can′t do any modeling.

Elaine James: What are you studying in school?

Amanda Babin: General Ed. I don′t know what to study, since we are going to do modeling.

Elaine James: What kind of modeling would you like to see yourself doing?

Amanda Babin: I really like print editorial and real high fashion. Runway is a lot of fun, but I don′t know that I have the strongest walk. I try, but it′s really difficult.

Elaine James: If you weren′t modeling, what would you be doing?

Amanda Babin: If I weren′t modeling, I would maybe be doing some theater.

Elaine James: Last question, who are you rooting for to win?

Amanda Babin: You know, I′m not sure who I′m rooting for. They′re all doing so well, I have respect for each of them. I think Eugenia′s photos aren′t strong enough, so I′d say that I′m rooting for a blond.

Saturday, December 02, 2006

BEAUTY AND THE GEEK Returns For Third Season - Cast Announced

The Beauties...And The Geeks Bring New Year′s Cheer To The CW Third Season Of BEAUTY AND THE GEEK

Begins Its Eight-Episode Run With A Special Two-Hour Season Premiere On Wednesday, January 3 (8:00-10:00 P.M. ET)

Hit Reality Series From Ashton Kutcher And Jason Goldberg Returns With A New Group Of Beauties And Brainiacs

The breakout hit reality show BEAUTY AND THE GEEK will return to The CW for its third installment with a special two-hour season premiere on Wednesday, January 3, (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET) with eight consecutive episodes, it was announced by Dawn Ostroff, The CW′s President of Entertainment. Beginning January 10, the series will air in its regular timeslot on Wednesdays (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET), with encore telecasts on Sundays (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET).

"In BEAUTY AND THE GEEK, Ashton and Jason have created a compelling and entertaining examination of how society views appearance and intelligence, and the third edition is easily the best one yet," said Ostroff. "This series is the perfect companion to seamlessly bridge our two cycles of ′Top Model′ this season and continue The CW′s momentum on Wednesday nights."

The producing team of Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg ("Punk′d") recruited an all-new group of eight gorgeous but academically impaired women and eight brilliant but socially challenged men for the third installment to test intellect and social skills. This cycle will remain true to the series′ format -- pairing eight gorgeous but academically impaired women with eight brilliant but socially challenged men to test intellect and social skills -- for a chance to win a $250,000 grand prize. Among the challenges, the guys will be required to deliver a stand-up routine in a comedy club and test their artistic abilities when they sketch a drawing of a nude model. The women will brush up on current events for a television newscast and research history books when they act as museum tour guides. The past two seasons saw an unlikely connection between a beauty and a geek, and the third time could be the charm for another lucky couple.

During each competition, the geek tries to pass brains on to the beauty, while the beauty helps the geek overcome social awkwardness. At the end of the eight-episode series, each contestant comes out a changed person, and one couple will walk away with a quarter of a million dollars.

The second season of BEAUTY AND THE GEEK was the number one series on The WB in adults 18-34 last season, delivering gains over its successful first season by +32% in adults 18-34, +22% in women 18-34, +47% in men 18-34 and +35% in adults 18-49.

BEAUTY AND THE GEEK is from fox21 and is produced by Katalyst Films and 3 Ball Productions with executive producers Ashton Kutcher & Jason Goldberg ("Guess Who," "Punk′d"), Nick Santora ("Prison Break," "The Sopranos"), J.D. Roth ("The Biggest Loser," "For Love or Money") and Todd A. Nelson ("The Biggest Loser," "For Love or Money").

Contestant Hometowns:

Beauties:

Erin -- Chicago, Illinois

Cecille -- Los Angeles, California

Nadia -- Burr Ridge, Illinois

Megan -- Boca Raton, Florida

Andrea -- Kansas City, Missouri

Tori -- Elk Grove, Illinois

Jennylee -- Sherman Oaks, California

Sheree -- Live Oak, Florida

Geeks:

Sanjay -- Westminster, California

Piao -- Lorton, Virginia

Alan -- Cambridge, Massachusetts

Neils -- Berkeley, California

Matt -- Goldens Bridge, New York

Drew -- Chicago, Illinois

Mario -- Bridgeport, West Virginia

Nate -- Evergreen, Colorado

Friday, December 01, 2006

DIRTY JOBS With Mike Rowe Returns For Third Season On Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel Series Proves There′s No Shortage Of DIRTY JOBS; Launches New Season With Hands-On Apprentice Mike Rowe

Sporting hip waders, rubber gloves and anti-bacterial soap, quintessential apprentice and host Mike Rowe geared up for a third season of DIRTY JOBS that debuted Tuesday, November 28 on Discovery Channel.

The votes are in, and the people have spoken. They want to see more dirt, and they want Mike Rowe to give it to them. Mike, of course, is happy to oblige, using suggestions that come directly from many viewers themselves. Returning with all-new episodes, Mike builds upon his already extensive resume immersed in dirt, grime and filth as he explores the stories of ordinary heroes who perform vital occupational tasks so the rest of us don′t have to.

Upcoming World Premiere DIRTY JOBS episodes include: Tuesday, December 5 at 9 PM (ET/PT)
Its housekeeping and lunch room duties for Mike Rowe as he joins a rowdy construction crew in California and learns the dusty art of concrete stamping. Then at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, Mike joins the penguin keeper as he crawls into the habitat nests to clean out the poo, feathers, food and dirt that the little tuxedo wearers have left strewn about. In Maine , Mike wades into the muck and mire of a tidal flat to go digging for bloodworms. The bloodworm industry may be a multimillion-dollar-a-year business, but for Mike it′s a very dirty job that leaves him floundering in mud.

Tuesday, December 12 at 9 PM (ET/PT)
In Stamford, Connecticut, Mike joins the US Army Corps of Engineers to clean up the barrier that holds back the sea, including washing all of the muck, sediment and marine life out of every compartment and down each level. Then Mike pays a visit to McShane Ð the place where the best bells in the world are made. Mike joins in the long-standing tradition of making bell molds from horse manure and mud. Later he proudly pours, polishes and finishes a new bell while also restoring an old one.

Tuesday, December 19 at 9 PM (ET/PT)
Mike′s work in home deconstruction helps pave the way for rebuilding the hurricane damaged city of New Orleans . The recycled building materials go to The Green Project - a used building supply store that rehabs and restores materials so they can be recycled to maintain the heritage of the city. Then, Mike joins the good fight with the crew of the New Orleans Mosquito Abatement Board to battle the flying pests that are making life miserable for everybody post-Katrina. Mike helps ′fish′ for ways to control the annoying little creatures by using tiny fish as their biggest allies in protecting the Gulf Coast from a nasty mosquito infestation.

Thursday, November 30, 2006

Amanda Eliminated From AMERICAS NEXT TOP MODEL - Down To Final Three

Amanda, a bookstore sales associate from Anaheim, CA, was the tenth girl eliminated during the seventh cycle of The CW′s hit dramality series AMERICA′S NEXT TOP MODEL, reducing the pool from 4 girls to the final 3.

The girls headed to a local dance studio to learn how to work with a partner. They were each paired with a male dancer, and then taught complicated steps to a choreographed Flamenco dance routine. Amanda had difficulty picking up the moves, and the instructor noted that she looked awkward. "The idea of dancing just makes me nervous because I′m not a very strong dancer," Amanda said.

Miss J met the girls for dinner, and they were pleased to have the opportunity to talk with him outside of the judging room. Miss J recalled thinking in the beginning of the competition that Amanda and her sister were gangly. "Now that Michelle has gone, I think the competition has changed. I really want to be an individual," Amanda said.

The next day, the girls dressed in full Flamenco costumes and make-up before performing their new dance with a partner in front of an audience. While each of the girls felt the strain of the competition, Amanda′s insecurity also added to her nervousness. "Sometimes when you want it, you don′t get it because you psych yourself out," Amanda said. Though the instructor noted that Amanda looked more relaxed than the previous day, Eugena was chosen as the challenge winner.

The following day, Tyra and Jay met with the girls for their photo shoot. Tyra wanted the girls to continue to learn how to work with a partner and paired the girls up to float on their backs in water. Shortly after Amanda and CariDee began their photo shoot, CariDee′s body went into hypothermia due to the cold pool of water they were in, leaving Amanda to continue the shoot alone. As Tyra provided guidance to all of the girls, she had a difficult time having Amanda contort her body to look soft and graceful. "You don′t understand how awkward your hands are," Tyra told Amanda.

During the judging, Nigel and Twiggy both commented that Amanda has a unique, high fashion look, though there is something about her that is just a little awkward. "She needs to know her body, but she is too young," guest judge and photographer David Ruiz said. While Tyra considered Amanda to have strong potential as a model, she felt there was something a little too soft and meek about her personality. "It′s always hard when something good ends," Amanda said after being eliminated from the race to become AMERICA′S NEXT TOP MODEL.

In addition to a $100,000 contract with cosmetics giant CoverGirl, this year′s prize package for the winner of The CW′s AMERICA′S NEXT TOP MODEL will include a contract with Elite Model Management and a cover and six-page fashion spread in Seventeen magazine.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

U.S. Navy Lieutenant Andy Baldwin Will Be New THE BACHELOR For ABC

ABC′S New BACHELOR Is Truly An Officer And Gentleman, Not To Mention A Doctor And A World Class Triathlete

Tenth Edition of ABC′s Popular Romance Reality Series Will Air in Spring 2007

U.S. Navy Lieutenant Andy Baldwin, M.D., 30, an undersea medical officer for a special operations dive unit stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, has been selected to star in the tenth edition of ABC′s popular romance reality series, when "The Bachelor" returns to the network in the Spring of 2007. In addition to his professional accomplishments, this Bachelor is also a world-class triathlete. Now this real-life ′officer and a gentleman′ faces the most exciting mission of his life -- finding true love.

Andy grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where he was valedictorian in high school and a competitive swimmer who made All-American; he was even named ESPN′s National Scholar Athlete of the Year in 1995. His small-town upbringing in a family of modest means taught him a strong work ethic, so as a teenager he worked three jobs (paper boy, lifeguard and his own lawn mowing business), all with an eye towards paying for his college education. As Andy explains, there had never been a doctor or military officer in the Baldwin family before, so he set those professional goals for himself. He saved $25,000 for college before graduating high school, when the Navy offered him a full ROTC scholarship. He took it and went to Duke University, where he was a varsity letter winner on the men′s swim team and began training for marathons, all while taking a pre-med course load and earning a degree in biology, with a concentration in genetics. After graduating Duke with honors, he enrolled in the University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine, and was a surgical intern at Naval Hospital San Diego.

His move to the west coast inspired a new passion -- cycling -- and he combined this with his excellence in swimming and running to compete in his first triathlon in 2000, falling in love with the sport. He has since gone on to compete internationally in numerous Ironman, Half-Ironman and other triathlons and marathons, often ranking among the top 5 finishers in his age group. One of his biggest supporters at his races was his beloved Uncle Tom, who died of pancreatic cancer just one month after diagnosis. To honor his uncle, Andy established a fund to raise money for pancreatic cancer research, and has raised over $20,000 to date. In 2006 he was asked to serve as group surgeon for a team of 50 military personnel headed to Laos. His role during the mission was to take care of the medical needs of his team and to treat Laotian villagers in need of medical attention. The experience was unforgettable.

Andy′s achievements are matched by his good-natured personality, stunning good looks and self-deprecating sense of humor. He′s an unabashed romantic, has watched the series and believes that the show can help find him the woman who could become his wife. "Who doesn′t love the movie ′An Officer and a Gentleman′? We′re bringing the best parts of that romantic film to real life," said Mike Fleiss, executive producer of THE BACHELOR.

THE BIGGEST LOSER Will Be Returning For Fourth Season

NBC′S Popular Alternative Series THE BIGGEST LOSER Weighs In On A Fourth Season

Announcement Comes as Series Prepares for Live, Two-hour Season Finale on Wednesday, December 13

NBC has re-upped its popular weight-loss alternative series THE BIGGEST LOSER for a fourth season, it was announced by Kevin Reilly, President, NBC Entertainment.

THE BIGGEST LOSER is a valuable franchise and proven competitor in a very challenging time period," said Reilly. "The producing team has come up with unique ways to keep the series fresh and we anticipate the next cycle will continue to produce life-changing results for the contestants and jaw-dropping reveals for the viewers."

"We are thrilled to be continuing this franchise with NBC," said executive producer and Reveille CEO Ben Silverman. "Season four has not only been a strong ratings performer for the network but has also become even more important in teaching Americans how to adopt healthier lifestyle practices. The show is an inspiration to millions of people across the country as well as educational and entertaining."

"We feel very fortunate to have yet another year of helping overweight Americans reclaim their lives," said executive producer JD Roth. "Producing a show where people take responsibility for their life the old fashioned way, transforming themselves right in front our eyes each week on television, still sends a powerful message that it′s never too late to be the person you want to be."

Through the opening eight weeks of the 2006-07 television season, THE BIGGEST LOSER has averaged a 3.1 rating, 8 share in adults 18-49 and 7.4 million viewers overall. THE BIGGEST LOSER has improved its regular time period, the Wednesday 9-10 p.m. ET hour, by 40 percent versus year-ago NBC results in the slot. The show′s most recent telecast on November 15 delivered NBC′s highest 18-49 rating in the Wednesday 8 p.m. ET hour so far this season despite airing opposite ABC′s "Dancing With the Stars" finale. All "Biggest Loser" telecasts this season have increased their 18-49 ratings with each succeeding half-hour.

The series will broadcast its third season finale in a special live, two-hour episode on Wednesday, December 13 (8-10 p.m. ET). This season, contestants from all 50-states competed for the chance at the "Biggest Loser" title. While 14 contestants were picked to stay at the ranch, the others were sent home but continued their weight-loss journey for a chance to return to the competition.

The finale will kick off by revealing each of the 34 state contestants′ newly slimmed down bodies. The contestant with the highest percentage of weight-loss will win a prize of $50,000. Later, the kicked-off contestants from the ranch will compete to see who has lost the largest percentage of weight since being sent home. The winning "loser" will take home a cool $100,000. Finally, the viewers will see how the four finalists continued their weight-loss journeys at home after leaving THE BIGGEST LOSER ranch, all culminating with the final weigh-in where one the four finalists will be crowned THE BIGGEST LOSER and win $250,000.

The first reality series in which everybody "loses," THE BIGGEST LOSER, hosted by Caroline Rhea ("Sabrina, the Teenage Witch"), challenges and encourages overweight participants to undergo physical makeovers, without any kind of surgery, in a safe and recommended manner through comprehensive diet and exercise as they compete for a grand prize of $250,000. The series has become a worldwide hit airing in over 65 territories and 20 countries. It has also produced a New York Times best-selling book and cookbook, Number One selling fitness DVD and a burgeoning online lifestyle club www.thebiggestloserclub.com.

Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Bravo Announces Third Season Of KATHY GRIFFIN: MY LIFE ON THE D-LIST

BRAVO Sticks With D-Lister Kathy Griffin, Renewing Her Emmy-Nominated Series KATHY GRIFFIN: MY LIFE ON THE D-LIST For A Third Season

There is no place like the D-List for Kathy Griffin, and Bravo concurs with a third season renewal for the acclaimed Emmy-nominated unscripted series KATHY GRIFFIN: MY LIFE ON THE D-LIST. Six episodes of her no-holds barred, one-hour series are set to return in 2007 on Bravo, it was announced today by Frances Berwick, Executive Vice President, Programming and Production, Bravo.

"Kathy′s unique style of comedy is brilliantly showcased with this series, and the new season will continue to show her D-List life in hilarious Technicolor, and her daily struggle to move up the celebrity food chain," said Berwick.

Even with a third season renewal of her series, the talented comic Kathy Griffin still revels life on the D-List. But with an Emmy nod for her Bravo series, is she finally getting A-List props? Naaaah! Life still holds its indignities for the talented comic, and in the new season, viewers will relish in fantastic new D-List adventures. Her career is on a roll and the comic is in better form then ever, which only serves up more challenges for the dog-tired Kathy, who must show more fortitude than ever to stay at the top of her game.

Returning this season are some of Griffin′s "peeps" including her assistant, Jessica, and her loveably wacky parents, John and Maggie Griffin. Look for a new motley crew of personalities to pop in on Kathy′s hectic life in the new season.

Picture This Productions will produce six, one-hour third season episodes of KATHY GRIFFIN: MY LIFE ON THE D-LIST for Bravo. The series is executive produced by Marcia Mule, Brian Scott, Lisa M. Tucker and Kathy Griffin.

Michelle Eliminated From AMERICAS NEXT TOP MODEL Last Wednesday

Michelle, a student from Anaheim, CA, was the ninth girl eliminated during the seventh cycle of The CW′s hit dramality series AMERICA′S NEXT TOP MODEL last Wednesday, reducing the pool from 5 girls to 4.

Tyra surprised the girls with an intimate talk about the harsh realities of the modeling industry, noting it to be one of the most difficult industries because it is very difficult to improve on your product. Tyra expressed why the judges were tough on them, explaining that after the competition was over, she wanted the girls to be strong enough to handle anything and everything that came their way.

The next day, the girls met with Pancho Saula, the agency director of Elite Barcelona, who arranged 10 designers to meet them at "Go Sees." The girls were given a strict deadline to complete their "Go Sees" in which they were evaluated on a point system based on their personal appearance, runway walk, overall personality and portfolio. "I′ve never had this dream of always wanting to be a model," Michelle said. "I want it, but I don′t know if I have it." Later, Michelle was disqualified from the challenge for not arriving back in time.

The following day, Jay Manuel met with the girls at Monumental, one of the last remaining active bull fighting arenas in Spain for a photo shoot with Nigel Barker, in which they were to pose with a live bull. Michelle impressed both Nigel and Jay by being very natural and using her fear to look like a model. Once again, Michelle′s pessimism was a problem. "I never ever in my life envisioned myself being this close to becoming AMERICA′S NEXT TOP MODEL," she said. "I want it, but don′t know if I have it."

During the judging, each girl was asked to tell the judges, one at a time, who has the most potential and who has the least potential to become AMERICA′S NEXT TOP MODEL. While most of the girls chose themselves as the one with the most potential, Michelle noted that she was sometimes the weakest because she doesn't know exactly what she wants and she doesn't have the same energy and passion as the other girls. The judges agreed that while Michelle has the natural talent, she didn′t have the passion. "In this competition, passion is way more important than beautiful pictures," Tyra said before eliminating her from the race to become AMERICA′S NEXT TOP MODEL.

In addition to a $100,000 contract with cosmetics giant CoverGirl, this year′s prize package for the winner of The CW′s AMERICA′S NEXT TOP MODEL will include a contract with Elite Model Management and a cover and six-page fashion spread in Seventeen magazine.

MSNBC Announces 16 Reality Documentaries For December Including NO PLACE FOR A CHILD

In an unparalleled programming move, MSNBC brings viewers 16 brand-new documentaries to air in the December "Doc Block." The "Doc Block," which airs from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. ET/PT on weeknights, includes individual stand-alone documentaries, as well as several MSNBC series. Premiering in December are three feature documentaries, "Beyond Conviction," "For God and Country: A Marine Sniper′s Story," and "No Place for a Child," as well as new episodes of "Headliners & Legends" featuring Ted Kennedy and Nelson Mandela. Also new to MSNBC in December is the "Crime and Punishment" series, produced by "Law & Order" creator Dick Wolf, and more episodes of "Dateline NBC′s" "To Catch a Predator" series. In addition, Morgan Spurlock′s "Super Size Me" debuts on MSNBC on New Year′s Eve.

"Beyond Conviction" premieres December 3 at 8 p.m.-9 p.m. ET:

If you were the victim of a vicious crime, would you ever again want to come face-to-face with the perpetrator? That′s exactly what Lyndy and Angela, the principals in the documentary "Beyond Conviction," chose to do. When Lyndy was 20 years old, her brother Tim, assaulted and raped her in their home. Tim got 20 years for the crime, but the sentence alone wasn′t enough to satisfy Lyndy. For more than a decade she struggled to move on. That was also the case with Angela who was only four years old when her mother was murdered by a boyfriend. Her killer′s life sentence may have gotten him off the streets, but the sentence alone didn′t provide her with the answer to the most vexing question: "Why?"

"Beyond Conviction," which was recently featured on "Oprah," shows what happens when these women are given an entire day to question the offenders. Their extraordinary meetings, which are meant to help the victims find healing and resolution, are filled with confrontations, raw emotion, and even a bit of tenderness."Beyond Conviction" has been an official selection at many film festivals including The Vienna Film Festival, The LA Film Festival, The Leeds International Film Festival, and The Woodstock Film Festival where it won the Audience Award for Best Documentary.

"For God and Country: A Marine Sniper′s Story" premieres December 10, 2006, 8 p.m.-9 p.m. ET:

Nineteen and just out of high school, Matthew Orth is eager to fight for his country in Iraq. He joins the U.S. Marine Corps′ Scout Sniper Platoon and soon becomes an expert marksman, setting the record for a kill at the greatest distance - nearly of a mile. Day in and day out, Matt′s job is to identify key enemy targets, sometimes watching them for days - including seeing them interact with family and friends - and then, when the moment is right, to eliminate them. Although Matt receives plenty of physical training before being deployed, he says he never gets any formal psychological training.

In "For God and Country: A Marine Sniper′s Story," Matt tells and shows what it′s like to kill and how it feels to come home and be called an "assassin." Now, at 22 and a war veteran, Matt returns to the U.S. with deep emotional scars.

"No Place for a Child" premieres December 17, 2006, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. ET:

The child welfare system in America has been criticized as ′no place for a child,′ but in many cases, it′s the only place. Documented over seven years, MSNBC′s"No Place for a Child" tracks five children through the child welfare system to better understand its long-term effects on kids and their families. From the poignant courtroom dramas to the heart-wrenching placements in foster care and detention centers, our cameras follow these kids, searching for the answer to the vital question: has the child welfare system done what′s best?

"Crime and Punishment" series begins on December 4, at 10 p.m. ET:

From "Law & Order" creator Dick Wolf comes the "Crime and Punishment" series beginning December 4th at 10 p.m. ET on MSNBC. "Crime and Punishment," which has been coined the ′real-life "Law & Order,"′ is an unscripted look inside the criminal justice system. Every episode features one or two real cases that the San Diego District Attorney′s Office prosecuted over the course of a year. The ten episodes airing in December include trials such as the rape of a young woman walking home from a bar, the abuse of a four-year-old girl, and a father′s murder of his infant son. "Crime and Punishment" premiered on NBC in June 2002.

"Lockup" series airs Mondays in December at 11 p.m. ET:

MSNBC presents four new episodes from the "Lockup" series beginning Monday, November 27th at 11 p.m. ET and continuing for the next three weeks in December. The "Lockup" series takes viewers inside America′s prisons where some of the most violent inmates are housed. The new series features Brushy Mountain Correctional Complex in Tennessee, Holman Correctional Facility in Alabama, Indiana State Prison, and Spring Creek Correctional Center in Alaska.

"To Catch a Predator" series airing Fridays in December at 11 p.m. ET:

MSNBC airs the latest four episodes of the successful "Dateline NBC" series every Friday at 11 p.m. in December. "To Catch a Predator" is a hidden camera investigation into the national epidemic of grown men using the Internet to solicit underage teens for sex. Each episode brings the investigation to a different American city.

Monday, November 27, 2006

BACHELOR ROME Finale Tonight - Lorenzo Choses Either Jennifer Or Sadie

It′s One Of The Most Dramatic And Romantic Nights Ever On ABC With A Special Two-Hour Finale Of THE BACHELOR: ROME Tonight

Lorenzo Faces an Excruciating Choice Between Jennifer and Sadie

Prince Lorenzo must make one of the most difficult decisions of his life, struggling with his final choice about who will be his future Princess, on the gripping two-hour special conclusion of THE BACHELOR: ROME tonight (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Network.

Lorenzo′s parents, Prince Francesco and Princess Amanda Borghese, fly to Rome to help their son with his difficult decision. Will his parents influence his choice? And shaking up things further, Jennifer and Sadie are blown away when their parents knock on their doors in Rome! For the first time in BACHELOR history, the final two women see each other again before Lorenzo makes his decision. The ladies and their parents all end up at the castle-together with Lorenzo and his parents. Both women are nervous about putting their hearts into something that might not happen, and Lorenzo is forced into a tricky balancing act.

Princess Amanda reveals that she has helped design the engagement ring that her son will offer to one lucky bachelorette, and even reads both women′s palms in order to try and see into their futures. Meanwhile, our bachelor chivalrously asks permission from both fathers to marry their daughters. But as the time ticks down and the women each have a final intimate date with Lorenzo, laying their hearts on the line, he dissolves into tears as he struggles with the prospect of hurting one woman.

In the final rose ceremony, emotions run high as the women await Lorenzo′s final answer. After the tearful and heartbreaking departure of one of the women, Lorenzo and the woman who has captured his heart reveal their love for one another. Which fortunate woman is about to have her life changed forever and have her fairytale come true?

The two remaining women are:

Jennifer, 24, teacher, who currently resides in Pembroke Pines, FL

Sadie, 23, publicist, who currently resides in Carlsbad, CA