Family

All those weeks of sweat, tears and pushing one's body to extreme physical endurance in a short period of time paid of big time for Kristi Yamaguchi, Jason Taylor and Cristian de la Fuente, as they will proceed to the finale. Each competitor has proved time and again, as they continuously pushed themselves to new heights with their routines that each is worthy to claim the coveted disco ball trophy.

Even though the finale is at hand and they can surely see the finish line at the end of their long arduous journey they have to remember that the fans can be very fickle when it comes to casting their votes. While they might enjoy yourr routine one week they might absolutely abhor it the next. So it's definitely no time for them to sit back and rest on their laurels so to speak. The final 3 need to ramp up their routines and push themselve farther than ever before, with the hopes of their performance securing a perfect score from the judges and a massive amount of votes from the home viewer.

While I have enjoyed the numerous performances by Kristi, Jason and Cristian, I will continue to cast my vote for Kristi as she has continuously brought class and elegance to each and every on of her performances. 

 

 

The Discovery Channel is the reigning king of the hill when it comes to non-fiction tv shows. Their non-fiction shows such as Mythbusters, Deadliest Catch, Dirtiest Jobs and Cash Cab to name just a few, are not only entertaining but educational as well. 

If you haven't experienced Discovery Channel in a while my questions to you are, Why Not? and What Are You Wating For? With the wide diversity in their programming line-up there is sure to be a "gotcha" show (you know, those shows that when you watch them for the first time, so pique your interest that you can't wait for the next episode. That's why I call them "gotcha's") for even the most discriminating home viewer. There is definitely something for every age group.

The shows that I previously listed are my personal "gotcha" favorites. The characters or rather hosts (although some of these hosts truly are characters) of these shows are what gives them that extra something in addition to the shows footage. You know, that extra special zing that makes you want to tune in each week.

So if you find yourself with some time on your hands then why not give the Discovery Channel a chance to open you eyes, expand your knowledge and help you rediscover the world around you. I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed. 

Meerkat Manor's favoritefirst family, the Whiskers, was dealt a harsh blow last season with thedeath of their fearless matriarch, Flower. With the family in shambles,Rocket Dog fought her way to the spot as top "kat" and new leader for theWhiskers clan. But, mutineer Maybelline didn't accept her sister Rocket Dogas queen and ditched the clan to form her own mob, the Aztecs. With thefamily divided, the sisters' claws come out -- and the Manor is changedforever.

Now, beginning Friday, June 6, at 9 PM (ET/PT), Rocket Dog andMaybelline must live within the rather large shadow of their late mother,Flower, and there's very little room in the Kalahari for both sisters'clans. Not only do the meerkats face predators, harsh desert weather andarchenemies the Commandos-there's dissent in their ranks. Without a solidleader to unify them, they face their toughest survival threat yet-eachother. The sisters' enmity isn't the first time a family spat hasthreatened a homeland. History's Tudor queens had a rivalry that put awedge through England. This season, viewers are knee deep in the Kalaharias betrayals, romances, seductions and new titillating storylines unfurl.The Tudor family had nothing on these mobs- this brand-new generation ofmeerkats gives new meaning to bad "Manors."

No matter which meerkat deserves the title, this season, another queenreigns over the Kalahari. Emmy-award winning Stockard Channing joins theManor as the series' headstrong narrator. With her previous role as FirstLady on The West Wing, Channing is no stranger to politics.

Each Friday night during the scandalous 13-episode season of MEERKATMANOR: THE NEXT GENERATION, witness the meerkats in a battle royale ofcompetition and survival. MEERKAT MANOR: NEXT GENERATION takes charge at anew time, Fridays at 9 PM (ET/PT) beginning June 6 and continues thereafterevery Friday at 9 PM (ET/PT).

And, as a special Memorial Day weekend tribute, MEERKAT MANOR: THESTORY BEGINS premieres for the first time on television Sunday, May 25,from 8-9:30 PM (ET/PT) only on Animal Planet. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg,MEERKAT MANOR: THE STORY BEGINS is a 90-minute biopic about Flower's lifeand her rise to fame as the leader of the Whiskers. Immediately followingthe film, THE MAKING OF MEERKAT MANOR: THE STORY BEGINS premieres Sunday,May 25, from 9:30 -10 PM (ET/PT). Then, on Friday, May 30, the film MEERKATMANOR: THE STORY BEGINS encores from 8-9:30 PM (ET/PT), and it immediatelyis followed by the half- hour special, THE SCIENCE OF MEERKAT MANOR,beginning at 9:30 PM (ET/PT).

Watch Animal Planet in HD on Satellite TV channel 282.

PBS' Sesame Street will begin broadcasting in High-Definition this August 11 when it begins its 37th season.

The popular children's show is shot in New York's Kaufman Astoria Studios and PBS announced that it will use Sony's broadcast cameras and switchers for the high-def production.

"What has been so special about Sesame Street all these years is that it reflects a real inner city community," said Carol-Lynn Parente, executive producer of Sesame Street. "The decision to shoot it in HD has been so exciting because it has brought 'the Street' to life, making our neighborhood of adults, children, monsters, grouches and 8-foot birds come alive."

Parente said the Sony cameras will be used for Sesame Street’s studio and 'field' segments. “Our HD products are the perfect complement to a studio environment like Kaufman and a program like Sesame Street, which both require flexibility, high performance and, above all, exceptional image quality,” said Alec Shapiro, senior vice president of Sony Electronics.

Celebrity dancers gave their all last night in a last ditch effort to convince home viewers to vote for them so tha they might remain in the competition. While all the dancers gave a fine performance one competitor proved they have what it takes to be a winner.

Last night Kristi Yamaguchi proved once again that she has what it takes to not only be the current leader but also to take home the gold. The poise and elegance for which she was so well known for during her competitive years of skating has been successfully brought to the dance floor. Her posture, foot work and hand positions is not only a testament to her hard work but her competitive streak. Mark Ballas, her partner, through his teaching and choreography has helped Kristi to complete the total package necessary to win the competition. Together they make a formidable pair.

Last night on Dancing With the Stars the men were the only ones to compete. Some brought their A-game to the competition last night while others, sadly left theirs back home.

The youngest competitor to strut his stuff was R&B Artist Mario. Might I say that his moves last night is what puts the "siz" in the sizzling. He was smoking hot and it was only the first dance. Were I a tad younger I might have needed a fan to cool myself off after all the gyrating he did. If last night is any indication of the performances we can expect to see from Mario and his partner Karina, then I think they will be the team to beat. Perhaps this Mario can bring home the gold er' silver ball for Karina.

Football Star Jason Taylor proved that he is capable of dare I say it elegance. His performance last night was excellent. His line and form were definitely something to watch. I can only see him getting better as the competition progresses. If anyone were to be able to give Mario a run for the gold it will definitely be Jason and his partner Edyta.

The remainder of the men were no slouches either. Penn Jillette while not as graceful as some of the others still managed to pull off a respectable performance. His slide across the floor was definitely a sight to behold. Definitely a showman of the highest caliber.

Cristian De La Fuente, he of the classic good looks did not fare so well last night. His dance techniques were somewhat wooden. If he wants to have any chance at winning he'll definitely have to reach deep within and pull out all the stops with regard to his training. After all a handsome face does not a winner make. Especially on Dancing With the Stars. It's a near perfect performance and viewer votes that count.

Steve Guttenberg, even though his performance was nothing to rave about was still a joy to watch.He truly looked to be enjoying himself and this is what made him stand out. When he came before the judges he  graciously accepted their criticism. This action gave him high marks in my book. While I don't think he will win the coveted disco ball trophy I do hope he will make it to at leat the final 4.

Funny man Adam Carolla, sad to say gave a somewhat lackluster performance last night. Should he somehow manage to survive the first round of elimination he's definitely going to have to step up the pace. His partner Julianne can only do so much. 

Animal Planet enters the world of doggie style with the premiere of its new competition series, GROOMER HAS IT. Hosted by Emmy award-winning actor and singer Jai Rodriguez ("Queer Eye for the Straight Guy"), GROOMER HAS IT sniffs out 12 of America's most devout dog groomers to compete against each other in a test of desire, creativity and affinity for animals as they shave, shear and shampoo their way through a series of challenges that will crown only one as "Groomer of the Year." The contestants will be put through their paces to see who can turn the shaggiest pooch into a beautiful, prancing pup beginning Saturday, April 12, at 9 PM (ET/PT).

These self-proclaimed best groomers will live together in a swanky Los Angeles loft the "Dog House;" work elbow-to-elbow in one salon; and face grooming challenges that range from styling pups for their runway debut to grooming some of the most exotic dog breeds to making adoptable pups look their fetchingly best for new homes. After each challenge, Jai and our outspoken panel of judges, including esteemed veterinarian Dr. Karen Halligan, champion dog handler Xavier Santiago and leading U.S. grooming expert Joey Villani will decide which contestant does not make the cut. The grand prize winner will receive a cash prize of $50,000, a mobile grooming salon from Wag'n Tails Mobile Grooming and the title of "Groomer of the Year" -- three prizes totaling $125,000 that could jump-start the groomers' careers and change their lives. Each of these groomers thinks he/she has what it takes to be top dog in this competition, but in reality, only one ... GROOMER HAS IT.

Don't miss this fun new reality series from Animal Planet on Satellite TV channel 282.

Friday Night Lights is expected to return for a third season as part of a deal between the show's broadcast network and Satellite TV.. The drama has garnered low ratings - the second season managed an average of just 6.2 million viewers - but has high critical acclaim, a solid fanbase and regularly places first in the 18-34 demographic. The new deal, between NBC and Satellite TV, would see both parties shoulder financial costs. Satellite TV would offer new episodes of the series through its on-demand service first each week, with NBC airing repeats a day later.

Exploration Films has teamed up with The NRB Network to provide prime-time programming on Wednesday nights at 8pm Eastern for the 2008 Summer and Fall seasons. Exploration Films features faith based documentary films and movies on history, wildlife animals, music and more, presented through stories that bring out the best in people. Their content surpasses secular television in that it provides a doorway to adventure, a key to unlock truths and values that are worth building your life on, values that are worth living for and in some cases dying for. NRB Network broadcasts on Satellite TV channel 378. Satellite TV has over 16 million subscribers, making it the nation's leading and fastest-growing digital multi-channel satellite television service provider in both residential and commercial markets. The NRB Network is included in Satellite TV's base package, TOTAL CHOICE, making it available to all Satellite TV subscribers.NRB Network is a unique Christian television experience, and a "revolution" in a way, being the first of its kind to provide "genre" blocks of programming slotted in specific times of day to meet the needs of the viewing audience.

Having garnered a prestigious Governor's Award Emmy for raising an incredible $76 million last year, the charitable special IDOL GIVES BACK returns with another star-studded event Wednesday, April 9 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. IDOL GIVES BACK is a music celebration raising awareness and benefiting various U.S. and international charities. This year's event will be bigger and more ambitious than ever, and will feature incredible international talent including Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend and Snoop Dogg. Additional artists scheduled to appear to be announced. The star-studded evening will echo the success of last year's IDOL GIVES BACK, which raised over $76 million for various U.S. charities that deliver support to underprivileged children in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country, providing them with medical care, food and grocery products, health and life skills and literacy programs, among other important initiatives. In Africa, funds were dedicated to organizations that support efforts to battle poverty through various health and education programs, including delivering medical supplies and providing clean water. The brainchild of Simon Fuller, IDOL GIVES BACK has been recognized as a life-changing program, earning praise from many of the world's best known figures including President George W. Bush, HRH Prince Charles and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Last season's IDOL GIVES BACK special featured performances from the AMERICAN IDOL stage, where Ryan Seacrest hosted alongside judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. FOX television's juggernaut, American Idol, airs weekly through the Spring until a winner is chosen in May. FOX and FOX HD can be seen on Satellite TV.