Check out the secret connection between BILLY GRAHAM and the BIONIC WOMAN ...

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Every week (give or take) at Learning Curve, we celebrate the opening themes of classic TV mystery and detective shows. We recently posted #25. The list so far:

Mystery TV Themes
ALIAS
AVENGERS (w/ NEW AVENGERS)
BARNEY MILLER
BATMAN 1966 (w/ THE ODD COUPLE)
BONES
DRAGNET
EQUALIZER (w/ CALLAN)
GET SMART
HARDY BOYS / NANCY DREW MYSTERIES
HART TO HART
IT TAKES A THIEF
JUDD, FOR THE DEFENSE
KOLCHAK: THE NIGHT STALKER
LONE RANGER
MAGICIAN
MANNIX
MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE
MONK
NBC MYSTERY MOVIE
PERRY MASON
PETER GUNN
ROCKFORD FILES
SIMON & SIMON
STARSKY & HUTCH
T.J. HOOKER

Coming Soon:
The Mod Squad, The Six Million Dollar Man, Magnum P.I., Scooby-Doo Where Are You?, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., The Streets of San Francisco, Hawaii Five-O

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Eugene, Ore. -- With millions of LOST fans anticipating Season Four's unveiling on ABC Jan. 31, authors John Ankerberg and Dillon Burroughs believe many Christians can benefit from a closer investigation of the show, as outlined in their new book What Can Be Found in LOST? (Harvest House).

"Lost is filled with spiritual themes, quotes, and symbolism," says Burroughs. "Devoted fans are intrigued by each episode’s meanings behind concepts like Eko's Jesus stick, Sayid's Muslim practices, or Desmond's background as a failed monk. Through an exploration of these and other life issues, we can discover some of the larger questions people are asking about God and human nature. Our book wrestles with these questions and attempts to provide helpful answers from the sacred truths communicated through God’s Word."

Ankerberg and Burroughs (both LOST enthusiasts) take a fascinating look at the issues of faith that regularly confront the castaways, including: The existence of God; miracles; the nature of good and evil; the afterlife; redemption; and destiny.

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ATLANTA, Ga. – December 18, 2007 – The Gospel Music Channel (GMC) will become “America’s Christmas Channel” when it flips the switch to around-the-clock Christmas programming featuring some of the biggest names in music starting this Friday, Dec 21 at 8:00 p.m. ET.
 
Gospel Music Channel’s Merry Christmas Marathon will be ushered in by Christian music’s Female Artist of the Year giving her fans a feast of holiday music in the new original special Christmas at Union Station: Natalie Grant.  The four-day, 100+ hour marathon of holiday music, performances and inspirational messages and wishes will climax with GMC’s Commercial-Free Christmas on Dec. 25.
 
Throughout the weekend, GMC will present Christmas music videos, concerts and specials by top artists in gospel/Christian and mainstream music.  Among the hundreds of performers to be featured: Jeremy Camp, Ray Charles, Steven Curtis Chapman, Kirk Franklin, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Natalie Grant, George Huff, Jars of Clay, Mandisa, MercyMe, Kenny Rogers, Take 6, John Tesh, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Matthew West, Jimmy Wayne, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Lee Ann Womack, Wynona and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

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Gospel Truth Magazine reports that BET's 8th annual Celebration of Gospel, hosted by comedian Steve Harvey, promises a lineup that includes Patti LaBelle, John Legend, Kirk Franklin, J. Moss, Israel and New Breed featuring T-Bone, and Shirley Caesar, among others. The event will be taped at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles on Saturday (Dec. 15). It premieres on BET Jan. 27.

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In case you missed this item on CMCentral.com:

The Myriad has garnered a position as one of the top three contenders for this years title for the “MTV2 Dew Circuit Breakout.” With hundreds of thousands of votes in, The Myriad was just named as a final contender taking one of the Top 3 sought after spots and is headed to the next round to play live on-air in New York City.

As a Top 3 Finalist, The Myriad will be flown to New York City during the month of December to perform during the Dew Circuit Breakout Finale, LIVE from Times Square, where the grand prize winner will be announced. The winning band will be thrown back on stage to star in its very first MTV music video for rotation on MTV and MTV2 and will be a contender for MTV's Artist Of The Week. In addition, the winner will garner air time on Discover & Download and Unleashed, where the latest, most anticipated, most cutting-edge work from the biggest players in rock and hip hop premiere on MTV2. Past winners of the MTV2 Dew Circuit Breakout include Taking Back Sunday, Yellowcard, Hellogoodbye, Halifax and Thursday.

MTV2 has opened the online voting polls once again, where the public will determine the grand finale winner.  Myriad fans can vote up to 100 times a day from now until December 15 at http://dewcircuitbreakout.mtv2.com/artist/default.aspx?artist=200.

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For the reality TV fans out there (you know who you are), ABC named the cast for its "celebrity" edition of "The Apprentice." Of the 14 contestants, two have starred in straight-to-video end times thrillers: Carol Alt (1999's Apocalypse 2: Revelation) and Stephen Baldwin (2004's Six: The Mark Unleashed). Whether we should take this as a sign remains to be seen.

According to ABC News, the contestants on "Celebrity Apprentice" -- which also includes Gene Simmons (KISS), Vincent Pastore ("The Sopranos"), and Marilu Henner ("Taxi") -- are competing in business-oriented tasks around New York City to raise money for their favorite charities. The winner gets a bonus $250,000 donation for his or her designated charity. Taping began in October; the show hits the airwaves January.

And, of course, as the writer's strike continues, there is bound to be even more reality TV to come ...

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Koch Records artist The Myriad has made the top 12 for MTV2’s “Dew Circuit Breakout ‘07.” At the beginning of the competition in September, thousands of artists and bands sent in their submissions, and an expert panel whittled the list down to the 12 semi-finalists. Now, online fan voting will determine the top finalists. In December, the top three bands will be flown to New York City for the live Dew Circuit Breakout Finale in Times Square. Click here to vote for the band.

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Following up our earlier report ("Krystal Meyers, Manic Drive, more place songs on network TV"), two more CCM favorites have turned up on TV this week:

1) A brand-new track from Fireflight's upcoming album debuted Wednesday promoting NBC's new hit show "Bionic Woman." The promotional spots will run throughout the week. The heretofore-unreleased “Unbreakable” is from Fireflight’s forthcoming sophomore album releasing spring 2008.

Although the album is months from release at retail, the title track was an instant hit with NBC executives: Janine Kerr, NBC/Universal Director of Promo Services, says, “Once I heard ‘Unbreakable’ by Fireflight, it just made sense that NBC should use this song in ‘Bionic Woman’ promos. In fact, the whole CD is great. Buy it!”
 
The single is scheduled for digital download at iTunes and other select digital channels in November.

FIREFLIGHT on myCCM

2) And another one at ABC hit "Grey's Anatomy" --  in addition to the previously announced track from Kendall Payne, last night's episode also included tuneage from Katie Herzig. Her "Fools Gold" played as Norman tells Alex he isn't feeling well. Alex finds an unexpected visitor behind the curtain.

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Four recent bits of news regarding CCM magazine artists finding their songs on network TV:

1) Starting tonight, fans of Krystal Meyers will get to sample the brand-new track “Make Some Noise” -- from her forthcoming album -- when ABC begins airing promotional spots for its Sunday night lineup, which includes hit shows “Desperate Housewives,” “Brothers and Sisters” and “Extreme Home Makeover.”

Since the release of her self-titled debut on Essential Records (2005), 19-year-old Meyers has garnered three Dove Award nominations, landed the No. 1 spot on general market radio in Japan, and performed before more than 400,000 people. Dying For A Heart, her second record, hit stores September 2006.

KRYSTAL MEYERS on myCCM


2) Kendall Payne's single "I Will Show You Love" will get some play during the Oct. 25 episode of Grey's Anatomy. The track comes from Payne's new album, Paper Skin. (Review here at CMCentral)

 
3) Atlantic recording artists NEEDTOBREATHE will find their music gracing MTV shows The Hills and Newport Harbor. Meanwhile, Fox is using “Nothing Left to Lose” for their Monday night promos for shows Prison Break and K-ville.

 
4) Manic Drive's sophomore project RESET & REWIND (Whiplash) hits stores nationwide next week, but has already garnered the attention of various television networks and shows. Alliance Atlantis, an entertainment company that co-produces and distributes the CSI franchise, will use songs from RESET & REWIND for a number of TV shows seen on Slice (Canada), BBC (Canada), Showcase, and many other networks. Additionally, Spike TV will use tunes such as "NYC Gangsters" and "Obvious" from the new CD as themes for their upcoming shows.

Additional promotional efforts for RESET & REWIND involve Godin Guitars and several video shows and TV networks, including Gospel Music Channel, JCTV, One Cubed, Steel Roots, TVU, and others. Entries are being gathered on the various shows that are currently playing Manic Drive's music video "Eleven Regrets." As winners are announced, Godin Guitars will give away 8-10 guitars between now and the end of the year.

WHIPLASH RECORDS on myCCM

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TV producer Tim Minear -- who has worked such shows as "Angel" and "Firefly," as well as created the recent "Drive" -- is developing a new series about a fallen televangelist seeking redemption. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Minear and director Todd Holland have teamed for "Miracle Man," which has a pilot commitment from ABC.

As described in the article, the drama "centers on a disgraced former televangelist, a man of no faith, who finds that God is using him to perform real miracles and change lives, starting with his own."

Also in the article: Televangelism is a familiar territory for Minear, who had an evangelical upbringing in Whittier, Calif., and went to evangelical schools. His father is a radio engineer for religious programming. While he was growing up, Minear often listened to preachers as they taped their programs in his dad's home studio.

Minear told the publication that "Miracle Man" is not intended as an indictment. "It's a love letter to the religious. ... and I love stories about redemption and stories about characters that are slightly cynical and nudged by higher force."

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Those who tuned into MTV’s latest hit teen reality show "Newport Harbor, The Real Orange County" Wednesday, Sept. 5, heard the music of Sparrow Records artist Britt Nicole. Her song “Sunshine Girl,” from her debut release Say It, was prominently featured during a key moment in the show. "Newport Harbor, The Real Orange County" is serving as the successor to MTV’s wildly successful docu-reality show "Laguna Beach," delivering Britt’s “Sunshine Girl” to the many loyal watchers the show has collected over its four years on the air.

The news of Britt’s song feature on MTV follows her recent trip overseas, to promote Say It, which hits mainstream stores in Japan late this fall, marking the project’s first international release. Britt has also recently completed shooting her first music video from Say It, for the song “Believe,” which will be the first radio single in Japan. The video will be released worldwide in late September.

For more information about Britt Nicole, please visit www.brittnicole.com

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JON MCLAUGHLIN

performs music from his debut album Indiana (Island Records/EMICMG) 

The Tonight Show With Jay Leno

TONIGHT, Tuesday August 7th!

11PM EDT-- NBC TV

 

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Official press release:

BET Networks is producing a new show that will search the country to find the best and most inspiring gospel singers for the launch of, "Sunday Best: The Search for America's Next Great Gospel Star!"

Many stars, from Patti Labelle to Mariah Carey, began their careers singing gospel hymns in church. Across America this Sunday, wherever gospel is sung п future superstars are belting out the blessed word. "Sunday Best" aims to find them -- and help them share their gift with the world.

Gospel music transcends all colors, backgrounds, socio-economic classes and musical styles. Its influences are present in Blues, Rock and Roll, Country, R & B, and many more genres. Some of the most successful artists today credit gospel music or singing in the church choir as being a huge inspiration in their lives and music careers.

Building off of American Idol's immense popularity Sunday Best will aim to reach the masses. We will not only showcase traditional gospel, but expand to include contemporary, Christian rock, Christian rap, and praise and worship music as well.

The final contestants will have a complete makeover done to their church, get a record deal and cash prizes.

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14 Top Artists Host Episodes of Popular Countdown Series, Including Four Premieres

ATLANTA, GA – May 23, 2007 – According to the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, close to 60 million pounds of hamburgers and steak will be eaten this Memorial Day Weekend.  On television, Gospel Music Channel (GMC) will serve up 83 hours of one of its most popular shows with GMC’s Hot List Memorial Day Weekend Marathon. Hot List is GMC’s nightly countdown list that showcases great gospel/Christian videos within a specific unique theme—great choirs, sweet voices, southern gentlemen and more.

Starting this Friday, May 25 and ending Monday night, May 28, GMC’s Hot List Memorial Day Weekend Marathon will feature 14 artists hosting all different styles of gospel/Christian music counting down their favorite music videos in 83 consecutive episodes of the one-hour program.

Additionally, at 8 p.m. ET/PT each night of the weekend, GMC will present the world premiere of a new Hot List installment.  Friday, May 25 kicks it off with rockers Hawk Nelson’s Hot List.  Saturday, May 26’s Hot List features crunk-rockers Family Force 5.  Country Christian duo Austins Bridge counts down their Hot List on Sunday, May 27 and Bluegrass family The Isaacs hosts Hot List on Monday, May 28.

Other Hot List artist hosts who will be featured during GMC’s Hot List Memorial Day Weekend Marathon cover the musical spectrum from soul to pop to rock to hip-hop to Southern gospel and include Anointed, Avalon, Brian Smith, Building 429, Joy Williams, Michael W. Smith, Natalie Grant, Selah, T-Bone and Third Day.  Check complete listings at www.gospelmusicchannel.com.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- May 23, 2007 -- The Worship Network will be added to the digital channel line-up of Verizon’s groundbreaking FiOS TV, according to Bruce Koblish, president of the Worship Network.

ION Media, formerly known as PAX, negotiated a carriage agreement with Verizon under which Verizon FiOS TV will carry ION Television, ION’s flagship network, and ION’s 24-hour multi-cast diginets, which include The Worship Network as well as qubo, ION Life and iMetro. The anticipated launch date on Verizon FiOS network is July 1, 2007.

Making it possible for The Worship Network to be part of the Verizon deal is a long-term agreement between ION and The Worship Network which allows for The Worship Network’s programming to be carried in all ION markets as one of the 24-hour multi-cast digital channels and for The Worship Network to be included under additional carriage agreements ION is negotiating.

As one of the innovators in delivering triple-play service (phone, internet, television) to consumers, Verizon provides its FiOS TV over an advanced fiber-optic network, straight to customers' homes. Verizon FiOS TV offers all-digital programming, more than two dozen high-definition channels, 8,600 video-on-demand titles and more. Verizon FiOS TV is currently available to nearly seven million households, with growth projections that give FiOS TV a 35-40 percent market penetration by 2010.

“As the country prepares to make the transition to all digital television in 2009, Verizon’s FiOS TV is a formidable and innovative player, and The Worship Network applauds ION Media for reaching this agreement,” said Koblish. “Becoming part of FiOS programming line-up now has immediate benefits and will also yield unlimited dividends in the near future as Verizon continues to exponentially grow its triple-play service. As importantly, we believe this new relationship helps to position The Worship Network as a unique and viable programming choice, particularly as content becomes available across many new and emerging platforms.”

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Gospel Music Channel has launched a nationwide search for music videos from undiscovered and unsigned talent across all genres of Gospel and Christian music. If the videos are submitted properly and meet the network’s criteria, they will be showcased one of several ways:

On TV: Gospel Music Channel’s new original series "The Kitchen Sink" will feature Hometown Gospel segments each week. This new weekly entertainment series will be seen Saturdays at 8:00 pm ET/PT, premiering in August. After their premieres in "The Kitchen Sink," the videos will run as stand-alone Hometown Gospel segments throughout the network’s schedule.

Online: Accepted videos will be available for viewing and downloading at Gospel Music Channel’s web site (www.gospelmusicchannel.com).

On-Demand Nationally: Accepted videos will be made available as part of GMC’s National Video-On-Demand (VOD) package.

On-Demand Locally: While some videos will be seen nationally, still others will be made available in their hometowns via the local VOD content provided by their local cable provider.

“This is not a contest; we want to showcase the country’s untapped Gospel and Christian talent on TV, on the web and on-demand. And if the videos go through our screening process properly and meet our criteria -- we will,” commented GMC vice president of production, Rex Humbard. “Gospel and Christian music cuts across all musical genres: Soul, Country, Rock, Hip-Hop, Pop, Traditional and Praise & Worship. We want them all; if there’s Polka Gospel, we want to see it!”

Directions and guideline for entrants are posted on the Gospel Music Channel website www.gospelmusicchannel.com. 

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