Samurai Takes a Look at the Life of Miyamoto Mushashi

More than 350 years after his death, Miyamoto Musashi is revered in Japan as a national hero. The ultimate warrior of the Samurai era, his innovative fighting style is still taught and used by martial artists today. Even modern businessmen the “warriors” of the 21st century model their cut-throat culture on his philosophies of strategic warfare. Yet by the end of his violent life of combat and killing, Musashi had become a celebrated artist, poet and philosopher. In SAMURAI, a new two-hour special on HISTORY, martial artist and actor Mark Dacascos journeys to Japan to walk in Musashi’s footsteps to satisfy a lifelong fascination with this enigmatic icon of war and beauty. SAMURAI premieres Tuesday, March 16 at 8pm EST on HISTORY.

In his search for the samurai spirit, Mark a martial arts champion who put his impressive fighting skills to use in the films Brotherhood of the Wolf and Crying Freeman and the 1990’s TV version of The Crow visited iconic Japanese landmarks associated with Musashi’s legendary battles. He learned the secret ancient craft of forging a samurai sword, and rode in a simulated battle wearing genuine centuries-old samurai gear. Mark also met and trained with modern-day masters of the great warrior’s renowned two-sword fighting style.

The journey also brought Mark to the place where Musashi spent his final, redemptive years of peaceful reflection as an artist and author. “Here was a man who wore death on his shoulder,” he observed. “Yet this guy, who often would just hack bodies to pieces, winds up urging everyone to appreciate life.”

Viewers may recognize Mark, who is part Japanese, as the Chairman of Iron Chef America or for his slick ballroom dance moves in the latest edition of Dancing With the Stars. The son of two martial arts teachers, he has been drawn to samurai culture since childhood. “They were always calm and relaxed right before they drew their swords and fought. When two Samurai faced each other, their composure, their focus, was part of their power. This, for me as a kid, was the essence of a true Samurai.” (courtesy History Channel)

Real Housewives of OC Air it Out on the Reunion Special

But First, Tamra Barney Drops A Bombshell In The Season Five Finale Airing Thursday, March 4 at 10 p.m. ET/PT

The glamour girls of Orange County gather after an emotional and gut-wrenching season on a special two-part reunion for Bravo’s hit docu-series “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” Wednesday, March 10 and Thursday, March 11 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. The reunion will feature new interviews with Housewives Tamra Barney, Alexis Bellino, Lynne Curtin, Vicki Gunvalson and Gretchen Rossi, significant others Jim Bellino, Frank Curtin, Donn Gunvalson and Slade Smiley and a special visit by former Housewife Jeana Keough.

Hosted by Bravo’s Senior Vice President of Programming Production, Andy Cohen, who also hosts Bravo’s weekly live series “Watch What Happens,” the two-part special will feature new scenes updating viewers on Tamra and Simon Barney’s pending divorce, and Tamra boldly addresses the situation with raw honesty and emotion. In addition, Lynne answers questions regarding the challenges she has faced with her teenage daughters throughout the season. The men also make an appearance and Slade uses the opportunity to give Vicki a piece of his mind. The two go at it in a verbal battle that has been brewing for years.

TV Land Reunites Old Flames in First Love, Second Chance

TV Land brings together former couples from around the globe to reunite for one week to entertain the possibility of rekindling the relationships in the TV Land PRIME Original Series, “First Love, Second Chance.” The six-episode series gives viewers a candid look at former sweethearts  who have a chance to reignite the passion and love they once shared, or to see if their break-up was truly meant to be. The series premieres on Wednesday, March 10th at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Each week, TV Land documents one couple’s week-long journey as they move-in together, meet close friends and family and try to push beyond the past transgressions to spark a new romance. At the end of the week, they send each other a dramatic video diary that spells out their true feelings, sometimes putting their new relationship in jeopardy.

Here is a look at the couples who will be featured in “First Love, Second Chance:”

Wednesday, March 10th at 10:00pm ET/PT

Garry & Star Lynn

Garry was an Australian exchange student in a forbidden romance with the host family’s daughter, Star Lynn. Now, nearly 30 years after their relationship came to a sudden, dramatic end, they’re giving their love a second chance.

Wednesday, March 17th at 10:00pm ET/PT

Chris & Pam

Pam was a hot, young bartender. Chris was her favorite customer. When he moved to Florida, he broke her heart. After years as a party animal, Chris hopes that Pam will see that he’s changed and that she will give him a second chance.

Wednesday, March 24th at 10:00pm ET/PT

Shane & Angela

Years ago, Shane gave Angela a promise ring. But when he moved away, she began dating other men, so Shane ended their relationship. Twelve years later, they will decide if they can learn to trust each other again and make good on their promise of love.

Wednesday, March 31st at 10:00pm ET/PT

Chris & Hollis

Chris was a champion skateboarder who fell in love with Hollis when they were teenagers. But when Chris gave in to the temptations of fame, they broke up. Now, 25 years later, they have to decide if they are ready to give their love another try.

Wednesday, April 7th at 10:00pm ET/PT

John & Deanna

Their passionate romance began in college and ended with Deanna’s jealous outbursts. Two decades later, Deanna has learned to control her feelings but is that enough for John to forgive and forget?

Wednesday, April 14th at 10:00pm ET/PT

Chris & Breanne

When his college sweetheart Breanne couldn’t say those magical three words, a broken-hearted Chris broke up with her. Now, ten years later, Breanne lives in LA and Chris lives in Vancouver and works as an Arctic explorer. Chris is on an expedition to see if Breanne can finally say the words he has longed to hear.

Solitary 4.0 Returns One Last Time to Fox Reality

Fox Reality is visiting “Solitary” one more time before the network signs off on March 31.

The fourth season of the franchise will launch on Saturday, January 30 at 10:00/9:00c following newcomer “Seducing Cindy.”

In addition, the cable channel will encore the first three seasons of the series with eight-hour marathons on Wednesday, January 27 (season one), Thursday, January 28 (season two) and Friday, January 29 (season three), all starting at 3:00/2:00c.

A stealth premiere of the new season is also set for Friday, January 29 at 11:00/10:00c.

(from FOX)

Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Lopez Perform on the Season Finale of So You Think You Can Dance

Music icons Jennifer Lopez and Mary J. Blige will join some of this year’s hottest performers as they take the stage during the So You Think You Can Dance two-hour season finale Wednesday, Dec. 16 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. In their first-ever appearances on the series, Lopez will perform her latest single, “Louboutins,” and Blige will sing her hit “I Am.”

On the final performance show, airing Tuesday, Dec. 15 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT), the Top 6 finalists (Ashleigh Di Lello, Ryan Di Lello, Russell Ferguson, Jakob Karr, Kathryn McCormick and Ellenore Scott) will compete in the ultimate showdown to impress the judges and capture America’s vote. Immediately following the performance show, the phone lines will open and viewers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite remaining finalists. Then, tune in the following night for one of the most-anticipated television events of the fall.

Wednesday’s two-hour LIVE grand finale will also feature special performances by this season’s Top 20, Adam Lambert, Leona Lewis and the Groovaloos. At the end of the celebration, host Cat Deeley will reveal America’s vote and America’s Favorite Dancer will be crowned live before millions of television viewers. The winner will dance off with a cash prize of $250,000 and will be featured on the cover of the March 2010 issue of Dance Spirit magazine.

- Courtesy of FOX

Make a Meal With LeAnn Rimes and Cedric the Entertainer on Gordon Ramsay: Cookalong Live

Comedian Cedric the Entertainer, actress Alyson Hannigan and Grammy Award-winning artist LeAnn Rimes will strap on their aprons and step up to the stovetop as they join Chef Gordon Ramsay in-studio for Gordon Ramsay: Cookalong Live Tuesday, Dec. 15 (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. During the live one-hour special, Chef Ramsay will guide America and his special celebrity guests through step-by-step instructions on how to cook three fresh and easy dishes, including Angel Hair Pasta with Shrimp, Chili Peppers and Tomatoes appetizer; Steak Diane with Sauted Potatoes and Peas as the main course; and Quick Tiramisu for dessert.

As a reminder, participants will need to be armed with all the ingredients before the COOKALONG, so Chef Ramsay has provided this shopping list to assist in preparation for the cooking event:

SHOPPING LIST (Serves 4)

PRODUCE

· 1 red chili pepper

· 5 large garlic cloves, peeled

· 1 large tomato (heirloom, beefsteak or a few smaller roma tomatoes)

· 1 lemon

· Small handful of fresh basil leaves

· 3 scallions

· 4 ounces crimini mushrooms, cleaned (can also use button mushrooms instead)

· 3 shallots, peeled

· Small handful of flat-leaf parsley

· 3 small sprigs of rosemary

· 1 pound small waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold or any small potato, cut in half)

· 2 cups peas, defrosted if using frozen

MEAT/FISH

· 1/2 pound medium-size raw, peeled shrimps

· 4 small sirloin steaks (approx. 7 ounces each)

DAIRY

· 1 3/4 cups heavy cream

· 1 cup mascarpone

· 2 1/2 tablespoons salted butter

PASTA/BREAD

· 7 ounces angel hair pasta

· 4 Italian Ladyfingers, or Savoiardi

BAKING

· 1/4 cup powdered sugar

· 1 vanilla bean, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

· Piece of chocolate (to grate as garnish)

LIQUOR/COFFEE

· 4 tablespoons Marsala, or sweet dessert wine such as Vin Santo

· 1/4 cup brandy or cognac

· 1/4 cup white wine

· 1 cup cold strong coffee

CONDIMENTS

· Salt and freshly ground black pepper

· Olive oil

· Extra virgin olive oil

· 1-2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, to taste

· 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

NOTE: You will need to have a pot of boiling water ready for your pasta at the start of the show.

Investigation Discovery Dissects Bernie Madoff Fallout

Investigation Discovery is taking an in-depth look at the Bernie Madoff Ponzi scheme in the premiere episode of a recurring series entitled, “ID Investigates.”

“Launching a high-quality, in-depth documentary strand exemplifies Investigation Discovery’s commitment to investigating a fascinating spectrum of stories focused on the pursuit of justice and dedicated to providing context and depth to the stories dominating the headlines,” said Henry Schleiff, president and general manager of Investigation Discovery. “ID INVESTIGATES: THE MADOFF MYSTERY examines more than the greed and deception of Madoff’s fraud by exploring the dire human consequences of Madoff’s crimes, beyond the financial ruin.”

From his headquarters in New York, arch-fraudster Bernard Madoff masterminded the largest financial scam in history. The scheme netted billions of dollars and ensnared thousands from Palm Beach billionaires and Hollywood movie stars to children’s charities and senior citizens across the world. Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison, where he will languish until the end of his days. But for his victims there’s no respite; many of them were left penniless, their lives decimated by Madoff’s house of cards. ID INVESTIGATES: THE MADOFF MYSTERY explores the riches to rags stories of everyday people like Ian Thiermann, a 90-year-old retiree forced to work at a local grocery store to make ends meet; and Laurel and Paul Allen, who just a week prior to the collapse were personally reassured by Madoff to not withdraw funds. And, in a heartbreaking case, Willard Foxton recounts how his family paid the ultimate price for Madoff’s greed Foxton’s father committed suicide after losing his life savings in Madoff’s con. This special exposes how easy it was for Madoff to lull intelligent, financially savvy investors into the scam by displaying plausible profits and never promising clients too much. These stories humanize the perception of white-collar crime, taking viewers beyond the balance sheets and investment fraud to the family tragedies caused by insatiable greed.

Broadcast journalist and former CBS anchor Thalia Assuras serves as host and narrator for this inaugural special. ID INVESTIGATES: THE MADOFF MYSTERY, produced in partnership with the BBC, premieres on Tuesday, December 8 from 9-10 PM ET on Investigation Discovery.

Take a Sneak Peek at Teen Mom on MTV

Meet Amber:

Amber is a self-declared teenage party girl who dropped out of high school and grew up fast when she got pregnant with her baby, Leah. While her fiancé, Gary, works 12-hour days to support the family, Amber stays at home alone with Leah all day, and the stress of being a full-time mom is starting to add up. Amber’s parents aren’t able to help, and they can’t afford childcare, so she does it alone. Amber doesn’t have time or energy to see her friends, and when she tries to go out, Leah cries all the time. Gary doesn’t understand, and they fight constantly about taking care of the baby. Amber wants to finish high school and realize her dreams of opening her own beauty salon — but juggling high school, adult responsibilities, and a baby proves to be a lot harder than she thought.

Teen Mom premieres Tuesday, December 8 at 10:00 PM on MTV>

“I Survived” Comes Back for Season Four This Sundy

In the old days, parents often tried to stop their kids from engaging in dangerous behavior by telling them that they could suffer specific consequences as a result. You could put an eye out, or break your neck, or you could become permanently aesthetically challenged when your face suddenly becomes frozen in that goofy expression.

But in the 21st Century parents don’t even have to tell them about the dangers of the world. They can now sit them in front of the television with and scare the hell out of them by making them watch “I Survived”.

Season four stories include:

A 14-year-old girl awakes in the middle of the night to find her house ablaze and attempts to escape along with her younger brother who faints and she suffers cardiac arrest as she attempts to shield him from the fire.

A father is shot 11 times by his daughter’s ex-boyfriend who then sets fire to his house, thinking his entire family has perished he soon finds out someone has also survived.

A woman is on a weekly mountain bike ride with a friend when she is suddenly mauled by a mountain lion who attempts to rip her face off and cuts off her air supply, leaving her with more than 40 puncture wounds as her friend tries to fend off the beast.

A woman is shot multiple times during the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks and then escapes a live grenade ready to explode just feet away from her.

An electrician is shocked by more than 7,200 volts and left paralyzed, hanging upside down by his safety belt with the threat of further electrocution if he makes one wrong move.

A prospector gets lost in the desert without food and water for five days and must elude wild animals who are stalking him as he gets weaker by the day.

I survived airs Sundays at 9 PM ET/8 PM CT/10 PM PT on BIO, starting December 6th.

Janet Jackson to Be Interviewed by Robin Roberts Tonight

Janet Jackson will sit down with Robin Roberts for an exclusive television interview to air as an ABC News special. The intensely private pop star, who was known to be extremely close with her brother, Michael, will allow cameras into her Malibu home for the first time ever. “In the Spotlight with Robin Roberts: Janet Jackson” airs WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

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