TLC gives America a vote for Miss America
The 2009 Miss America Pageant will air live Jan. 24 on TLC. Representing Oklahoma will be Kelsey Cartwright from Collinsville.
Judges have been kind to Sooner State contestants in the past, with two recent winners of the Oklahoma pageant going on to be crowned Miss America — Jennifer Berry of Tulsa in 2005 and Lauren Nelson of Lawton in 2006.
This year, TLC is not leaving it all up to the judges, however. Oklahomans can cast votes. So can everyone else in the country.
“TLC’s Countdown to the Crown” kicks off at 9 p.m. Friday (Jan. 2) and will feature the 52 state titleholders taking part in a series of team and individual challenges. The four-part reality series will give viewers at home a chance to meet the girls and better decide which four contestants to vote into the pageant’s finals.
Voting, which begins after the 15 gold-sash finalists have been selected, will be conducted online at www.TLC.com/MissAmerica and via test messaging.
Susan Powell (Miss Oklahoma/Miss America 1981) will be a guest consultant on the final episode of “TLC’s Countdown to the Crown” that will air Jan. 23 — one day before the live event. In that episode, the team challenge will be “Miss America’s Got Talent” and the individual challenge will be “Rock the Runway.”
Best of luck to Cartwright, a sophomore dance major at Oklahoma City University who competed against more than 40 women to claim the title of Miss Oklahoma.
–Penny TV
Fox Network families reveal New Year’s resolutions
They’re all animated, so it’s up to the cartoonists on whether Homer Simpson, Peggy Hill, Stewie Griffin, Stan Smith and others in their families keep their New Year’s resolutions.
Could this be a preview of upcoming episodes on the Fox Sunday night lineup? Probably not, but it’s interesting to see what the characters from “The Simpsons,” “King of the Hill,” “Family Guy” and “American Dad” have vowed to do to next year.
–Penny TV
2009 New Year’s Resolutions (released by Fox Network)
THE SIMPSONS (7 p.m. Sundays)
Homer Simpson: In 2009, I will finally get around to voting for President.
Marge Simpson: I’ll try to be more assertive if it’s okay with everyone else.
Bart Simpson: I plan to raise a family of skunks in Principal Skinner’s car.
Lisa Simpson: I will make the world a colder, greener, jazzier place.
Grampa Simpson: Let’s just make this the best 1933 we can.
KING OF THE HILL (7:30 p.m. Sundays)
Hank Hill: On a bi-weekly basis, I am going to send President Obama my suggestions for public works projects involving propane. I truly hope and believe he will be the “Propane President.”
Peggy Hill: It won’t be easy or pretty, but I am determined to go down two shoe sizes. And I am going to get a pair of mirrored prescription sunglasses and win the World Series of Poker.
Bobby Hill: I resolve that this year, once and for all, I’m going to lose my baby fat.
Luanne Platter: I resolve to know where my baby is at all times. And to make sure that place is never on top of the car.
FAMILY GUY (8 p.m. Sundays)
Peter Griffin: To use my intestinal gas in more creative and constructive ways.
Lois Griffin: To stop thinking about that yoga instructor at my gym.
Brian Griffin: Cut down on consumption of my own crotch.
Stewie Griffin: Spend more time admiring Abercrombie & Fitch window displays.
Meg Griffin: Teach myself how to shave my legs.
Chris Griffin: I know I’m young, but it’s never too early to start eating more fiber.
AMERICAN DAD (8:30 p.m. Sundays)
Stan Smith: To try and understand one Maya Angelou poem.
Francine Smith: To find out why jerk chicken is called jerk chicken. I hope it’s not why I think.
Hayley Smith: To date a guy who has at least part ownership in a car.
Steve Smith: I am hoping to reinstate Pluto as a planet with the ultimate goal of it getting me some action.
Roger Smith: To buy a Labrador Retriever, raise it, love it and stand naked in front of it to gauge its reaction.
Klaus Smith: I will touch Ricky Martin somewhere on his head or face.
Happy Birthday, Chandra West
Dec. 31, 2008 — Chandra K. West, who played Tina Blake on “John From Cincinnati” (2007 on HBO), turns 38 today.
She played Laura Chandler on “Mister Sterling” (2003 on ABC).
Her first role was as Carol in the 1991 Canadian TV movie “True Confections.” She was 21.
Best wishes to Chandra and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Hallmark Channel photo featuring Chandra West in “For the Love of Grace.”
NBC Sports special spotlights Oklahomans
For those who missed the 2008 American Quarter Horse Association World Championships held in Oklahoma City, you’re in luck. NBC Sports had a crew here, and highlights from the November event will air as an hourlong special at 12:30 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 4) on KFOR-4.
Three Oklahoma cowboys to look for in the special are Todd Crawford of Blanchard, Andrew Sherrerd of Wayne and Jody Galyean of Marietta. Crawford tops the all-time money leaders list among reined cow horse riders. Sherrerd and Galyean were finalists in the junior cutting competition.
The NBC special will spotlight the working cow horse, cutting and reining classes at the 2008 AQHA World Show.
For those who were at the event, set your DVR or VCR for the special. You could be on TV.
–Penny TV
Pictured above: Competitors show 2-year-old stallions in the arena during the American Quarter Horse Association World Championship Show at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, OK, Friday, Nov. 21, 2008. Photo by Paul Hellstern, The Oklahoman.
Be on “The Tyra Banks Show”
Supermodel Tyra Banks tackles people’s problems on her daytime talk show. Can she help anyone out there through a crises?
The show’s producers sure hope so. That’s why they have issued a call for compelling stories and/or personal issues that Tyra can help resolve on air.
Go to http://tyrashow.warnerbros.com for a chance to be a part of “The Tyra Banks Show.”
Here are a few of the topics that producers are looking to cover on upcoming episodes:
♦♦Are You a Teen or do You Know a Teen Who is in an Abusive Relationship?
♦♦I’m Divorced and Want to Get Back With My Ex.
♦♦Is Your Child an Online or YouTube Superstar?
♦♦I Want to Meet My Favorite Celebrity.
♦♦Have You Been the Victim of a Modeling Scam?
♦♦My Life is a Reality Show.
♦♦Are You in a High School Clique?
♦♦My Life is a Mess.
♦♦Has Divorce Ripped Your Family Apart?
♦♦Do You Have a Secret That You Want to Reveal?
Tyra is interested in additional show ideas, as well. So share away. You could end up being a guest on her show.
–Penny TV
Happy Birthday, Tracey Ullman
Dec. 30, 2008 – Tracey Ullman, who plays various characters on “Tracey Ullman’s State of the Union” (will return for a second season in 2009), turns 49 today.
She played Dr. Tracey Clark on five episodes on “Ally McBeal” (1998-99 on Fox).
Her first role was as Lisa Mackenzie in the short-lived British series “Mackenzie.” She was 21.
Best wishes to Tracey and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: British actress Tracey Ullman poses for photographers during the MIPTV (International Television Programme Market), Monday, April 7, 2008 in Cannes, southern France. Tracey Ullman promotes the tv series “State of Union”. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau).
DIY Network seeks inventors with “Cool Tools”
Have a cool and clever tool you’ve invented? Want to get it manufactured and unveiled on television?
DIY Network is searching for America’s Coolest Tool that will help people get projects done faster, better and cooler. The winner will receive $10,000 and see their invention featured on the special “Cool Tools Inventor’s Challenge” airing on DIY in late 2009.
Go to www.DIYNetwork.com/cooltools to upload vidoes of your invention, whether it be a brand-new tool to put paint on a wall or a new and improved hammer. Submission deadline is June 8.
Here’s a sampling of what has been submitted so far:
♦Handi-straps — In a very Superman-like way, this easy-to-use strap system helps the user lift weights they never could have on their own.
♦Third Hand Safety Lift — This cool tool accessory saves more than time — it could save a couple of fingers. The safety lift and guard is so handy, practical and smart that it may someday become standard on power saws.
♦Tiger Taco – Box flaps in the way? This contraption makes packing and unpacking simple and easy to do.
Hopefully everyone is feeling inspired now to come up with something cool and clever.
–Penny TV
Happy Birthday, Katherine Moennig
Dec. 29, 2008 — Katherine Sian Moennig, who plays Shane McCutcheon on “The L Word” (the sixth and final season premieres Jan. 18 on Showtime), turns 31 today.
She played Jacqueline “Jake” Pratt on “Young Americans” (2000 on The WB).
Her first role was as Wanja Kasczinksy in the 2000 short film “The Ice People.” She was 23.
Best wishes to Katherine and everybody who shares this special day with her.
–Penny TV
Pictured at right: Showtime Photo featuring Katherine Moennig in “The L Word.”
Program Planner: Dec. 28-Jan. 3
Sunday’s Oklahoman, which includes TV Week, hits the newsstands in the Oklahoma City area on Saturday afternoon. And it arrives at the doorstep (or hopefully nearby) early Sunday morning.
But for those who can’t wait to begin planning the upcoming week around the best TV has to offer, here is a sneak peek at programs worth watching the week of Dec. 28:
SUNDAY, DEC. 28
◊“Cold Case” (8 p.m. on CBS): The team searches for a serial bomber whose latest pipe bomb maimed the wrong target and whose three previous bombings, in 1999, 2001 and 2003, collectively blinded a man and killed two others. Timothy Omundson (“Jericho”) guest stars as the missed targtet of the latest bombing.
◊“Nick News With Linda Ellerbee” (8 p.m. on Nickelodeon): The new installment “Boys and Girls: In a Class of Ther Own?” visits several schools to get the students’ view on whether a single gender education is better.
◊“Summer Heights” (9:30 p.m. on HBO): In the first-season finale, Mr. G revels in the premiere of his musical and Jonah gives a gift to the students and teachers of Summer Heights High as the semester ends.
MONDAY, DEC. 29
◊“100 Greatest Hard Rock Songs” (9 p.m. today through Friday on VH1): In addition to counting down the 100 best guitar-driven, head-banging jams in rock history, this five-night compilation will feature updates on where various rock idols are today.
◊“The City” (9 p.m. on MTV): Whitney Port (“The Hills”) chases big dreams in the Big Apple in this new reality series. She strikes out on her own for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work at global design house Diane Von Furstenberg in New York City.
◊“Greatest Holiday Moments: Hilarious Home Video Countdown” (7 p.m. on NBC): This special will rank the best amateur footage America has to offer, from memorable moments to classic Christmas chaos.
◊“Le Cirque: A Table in Heaven” (7 p.m. on HBO): This new documentary tells the story of one of New York’s premier restaurants, which has occupied three different Manhattan locations since opening in 1974.
◊“Momma’s Boys” (9 p.m. on NBC): Food Network chef Tyler Florence presents the women with their next suitability challenge – a cooking competition in which they must make either the boys’ favorite meal or impress them with their own personal recipes.
◊“Ron Howard: 50 Years in Film” (7 p.m. on TCM): Oklahoma-born Ron Howard, who went from child star (“The Andy Griffith Show”) to Oscar-winning director (“”A Beautiful Mind”) sits down with film critic and documentarian Richard Schickel (“Spielberg on Spielberg”) for an in-depth interview. The special will be followed by an airing 1977′s “Grand Theft Auto,” which was Howard’s directorial debut.
TUESDAY, DEC. 30
◊“The 31st Annual Kennedy Center Honors” (8 p.m. on CBS): Caroline Kennedy returns as host of the event that recognizes recipients for their lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts. This year’s recipients are actor Morgan Freeman, country singer George Jones, choreographer Twyla Tharp, Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of the Who, and singer-actress-producer-director Barbra Streisand.
◊“Happy New Year, Charlie Brown” (7 p.m. on ABC): Chad Allen (“Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman”) provides the voice of Charlie Brown in this 1986 “Peanuts” special. Over Christman break, Charlie Brown has to read “War and Peace” and write a report out it, But holiday distractions keep getting in the way.
◊“Leverage” (9 p.m. on TNT): To retrieve the money promised to the family of an innocent man who took the fall for a Mafia boss, the Leverage team poses as the wedding planners for the don’s only daughter on her big day. Dan Lauria (“The Wonder Years”) and Nicole Sullivan (“The King of Queens”) guest star.
◊“One Life to Live” (1 p.m. on ABC): The rock band Puddle of Mud will help the citizens of Llanview ring in the New Year with a performance of their hit single, “We Don’t Have to Look Back Now.” Lead singer Wes Scantlin will also act in scenes with Rex and Gigi.
◊“Rudolph’s Shiny New Year” (7:30 p.m. on ABC): The world’s most famous reindeer must help find Baby New Year before midnight. Red Skelton (“Three Little Words”), Frank Gorshin (“Batman”) and Morey Amsterdam (“The Dick Van Dyke Show”) provide voices for characters.
◊The University of Oklahoma takes on Arkansas in men’s college basketball airing live at 7 p.m. on KAUT-43.
Games from the boys high school basketball Tournament of Champions will air live at 6:30 p.m. on Cox.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31
◊“NBC’s New Year’s Eve With Carson Daly” (9 p.m. on NBC): The fifth-annual event, which will be broadcast for the first time with one hour airing in primetime and one hour in late night, will feature performances by Elton John, Ludacris, Katy Perry, The Ting Tings and T.I. NBC News correspondent Luke Russert and Saturday “Today” co-anchor Amy Robach will report from various locations.
◊“Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest” (9 p.m. on ABC): Co-hosts (and executive producers) Dick Clark and Ryan Seacrest will lead America into the New Year with three-and-a-half hours of specials and the famous countdown to midnight from New York City’s Time Square. Kellie Pickler (“American Idol”) will be the Times Square correspondent, Fergie will host the West Coast party. Scheduled performers include Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, Natasha Bedingfield, Fall Out Boys, Jesse McCartney, Ne-Yo, Pussycat Dolls, Solange, Lionel Richie, will.i.am and Robin Thicke.
◊“Live From Lincoln Center” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): The New York Philmarhomic ushers in 2009 with mezzo-soprano Susan Graham. Renee Fleming hosts the show, which marks Maestro Lori Maazel’s last as music director of the Philharmonic.
◊“Lucy’s New Year’s Eve Countdown” (7 a.m. on TV Land): This 13-hour marathon will feature the top “I Love Lucy” episodes that were voted on by viewers — from from Lucy’s “Vitameatavegamin” commercial to Lucy and Ethel’s candy factory debacle.
◊“New Year’s Eve Live” (11 p.m. on Fox): Spike Feresten (“Talkshow With Spike Feresten”) and Mark Thompson (“Hole in the Wall”) co-host the celebration live from the Mirage in Las Vegas. “American Idol” Season 7 winner David Cook and Grammy-winning musician Scott Sweiland are scheduled to perform, while daredevil Robbie Knievel will attempt a 200-foot motorcycle jump over Mirage’s renovated volcano.
◊New Year’s Eve Live With Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin” (10 p.m. on CNN): The CNN host and the comedienne will report on celebrations worldwide. Musical guests will include Li’l Wayne, My Morning Jacket, Coolio, 3 Doors Down and the Oklahoma band Hinder.
◊“Red Bull: New Year: New Year. No Limits” (10 p.m. on ESPN): The sports network will air two stunts live from Las Vegas. Rhys Millen will attempt to do a complete back-flip of an off-road truck, while Robbie Maddison will try to land his motorcycle on top of the Arc de Triomphye replica in front of the Paris Las Vegas Hotel.
◊“Totally New Year” (5 p.m. on Disney): “Wizards of Waverly Place” cast members Selena Gomez, David Henrie, Jake T. Austin and Jennifer Stone will co-host this 6 1/2-hour programming block that will feature viewers’ favorite Disney Channel episodes, moments and music videos.
THURSDAY, JAN. 1
◊“The 120th Tournament of Roses Parade” (10 a.m. on NBC and HGTV): This year’s theme is ‘‘Hats Off to Entertainment,” and the grand marshal is Oscar- and Emmy-winning actress Cloris Leachman. Al Rocker (“Today”) and Nancy O’Dell (“Access Hollywood”) co-host NBC’s coverage. Gardening expert Paul James from Tulsa will be part of HGTV’s broadcast team.
◊“Cinema’s Exiles: From Hitler to Hollywood” (8:30 p.m. on OETA-13): Sigourney Weaver (“Aliens”) narrates this documentary about the German film professionals who fled Hitler’s Germany and escaped to Hollywood.
◊“Dear Genevieve” (noon on HGTV): Get a sneak peek at the new series featuring popular designer Genevieve Gorder (“Trading Spaces”). She will delve into viewer-submitted emails and demonstrate the answers in-person for a lucky online user who submitted his or her design dilemma to www.HGTV.com/deargenevieve/. The series will air Mondays at 7:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 5.
◊“Great Performances” (7 p.m. on OETA-13): Julie Andrews (“The Sound of Music”) hosts the 25th annual holiday celebration with the Vienna Philharmonic.
◊“Desperate To Buy” (2 p.m. on HGTV): This new docu-drama follows desperate homebuyers and their real estate broker through the high-stress process of finding the perfect home fast. The series will air Wednesdays at 9:30 p.m. beginning at Jan. 7.
◊“HGTV Dream Home 2009″ (8 p.m. on HGTV): This special offers a private tour inside this year’s luxurious HGTV Dream Home, located in Sonoma, Calif.
◊“Income Property” (3 p.m. on HGTV): Renovation expert Scott McGillivray hosts this new series that will help homeowners with high mortgage payments and low cash flow create “rental suites” in their homes as a way to help cut monthly expenses. The series will air Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 7.
◊“The Property Shop” (9 p.m. on HGTV): This new series follows Realtor-turned-broker Tatiana Londono as she competes head-to-head with major real estate agencies to rise to the top of the real estate world. The series will air Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 8.
◊“The Unsellables” (1 p.m. on HGTV): In this new series, property guru and British TV personality Sofie Allsopp, along with contractor Anthony Sayers, will show viewers how to tackle cluttered kitchens, messy bedrooms and outdated design to create real estate gems out of homes considered “unsellable.” The series will air Fridays at 9:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 9.
FRIDAY, JAN. 2
◊“Blame It on Fidel” (9 p.m. on Sundance): Set in Paris in 1970, this insightful comedy unfolds from the perspective of Anna, 9, who has to make adjustments when her parents plunge full-time into leftist activism.
◊“Everybody Hates Chris” (7 p.m. on CW): Chris is determined to spend New Year’s Eve in Times Square, but Rochelle says Chris can only go if he finds a responsible adult to accompany him. The only problem is that the only people Chris can find to be his chaperone are two ex-convicts, Peaches (Tisha Campbell-Martin, “Rita Rocks”) and Malvo (Ricky Harris, “Moesha”).
◊“The Game” (8:30 p.m. on CW): Tasha and Malik are totally freaked out when it is accidentally revealed that Tasha’s boyfriend, Rick (Rick Fox, “Dirt”), and Malik’s wife, Robin (Robin Givens, “Courthouse”), have a past together.
◊“Janis Ian Love From Grand Center” (9 p.m. on OETA-13): The Grammy winner performs 15 songs from her 40-year career. The special also features archival footage, including Ian singing “Society’s Child” at age 15.
◊“NUMB3RS” (9 p.m. on CBS): Don and the team come under pressure when a former FBI subcontractor (Enrico Colantoni, “Veronica Mars”) shoots an agent inside the FBI headquarters and takes one of their own as a hostage, leaving them with a severely restricted plan of action.
SATURDAY, JAN. 3
◊“Everyday Food” (10 a.m. on OETA-13): Back for a fifth season are the show’s five hosts who present step-by-step instruction of reciped featured in Everyday Food magazine.
◊“Game Show in My Head” (7 p.m. on CBS): Joe Rogan (“Fear Factor”) hosts this new hidden camera game show in which contestants compete for the chance to win $50,000 by completing outrageous challenges in public.
◊“Huntik” (9:30 a.m. on CW): This new animated series focuses on a group of seekers who travel the world in search of an ancient amulet with the power to control monsters.
◊“Nanny Express” (8 p.m. on Hallmark Channel): Vanessa Marcil (“Las Vegas”) is a nanny with a knack for healing a hurting family in this new movie that co-stars Dean Stockwell (“Quantum Leap”), Stacy Keach (“Prison Break”) and Brennan Elliott (“Strong Medicine”).
◊“RAH! Paula Abdul’s Cheerleading Bowl” (11 a.m. on MTV): This 90-minute special spotlights five collegiate squads hand-selected by Paula Abdul (former Los Angeles Laker Girl) as they travel to New York City to compete in the ultimate cheerleading competition.
◊“Underdog to Wonderdog” (7 p.m. on Animal Planet): This new series follows the Doggie Wonder Team made up of a trainer, groomer, carpenter and host, as they use their canine expertise to revamp down-on-their-luck shelter pups just in time to place them in a good home.
◊“Smother” (8 p.m. on Lifetime): After losing his job, a man (Dax Shepard) deals with pressure from his wife (Liv Tyler), who wants to have a child, and from his mother (Diane Keaton), who moves in.
–Penny TV
HGTV can help “Change the World” with everybody’s help
HGTV has a project for everyone out there. Go to HGTV.com/changetheworld and nominate a neighbor who has done something special.
Beginning in January, an “HGTV Change the World Community Crusader” will be selected and highlighted on the HGTV Web site.
That’s also where one goes to pick a historic veterans’ group home for renovation. The projects to vote on are located in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Nashville, St. Louis, Philadelphia and Tampa. Voting begins Jan. 1 and ends March 2, with the two selected cities to be revealed during the “HGTV Dream Home Giveaway 2009″ special on March 15.
The revitalization activities for the chosen two may include new insulation, appliances and windows to make the homes more energy efficient. The “befores and afters” will be featured in an HGTV special in October. HGTV will make a $5,000 contribution to the markets not selected by popular vote.
Everyone is a winner with the “HGTV Change the World. Start at Home” campaign.
–Penny TV
UPDATE
HGTV ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF ITS ‘CHANGE THE WORLD. START AT HOME’ ONLINE CONTEST
Knoxville, Tenn. [For Immediate Release--March 16, 2009] Voters have chosen veterans’ group homes, Windsor Transitional House in St. Louis, Mo., and the facility located on Romain Street in Philadelphia, Pa., as the winners of the 2009 HGTV Change the World. Start at Home community revitalization and environmental awareness initiative. From among eight historic veterans’ group homes in markets across the U.S., the two winning sites were selected via online vote held at the campaign’s Web site, HGTV.com/changetheworld. The selected facilities will be featured in an HGTV special in October 2009. For the projects not chosen by popular vote, HGTV will contribute $5,000 to facilities in need of renovations – to make them more energy efficient and enjoyable to residents.
