Q and A: Week of Jan. 23

Q: I really liked “That ’70s Show,” especially Danny Masterson. I haven’t really seen him in anything lately and was wondering what shows/movies he has lined up. — Leonard G., via e-mail

A: TBS just announced that it is producing a new series called “Men at Work,” which will star Danny along with James Lesure, Michael Cassidy and Adam Busch. The story follows the misadventures of four friends who work together at a magazine, with Danny’s character, Milo, being recently dumped and his friends helping him get back in the game. Slated to premiere this summer, the show was created by Breckin Meyer (of “Franklin and Bash” and “Clueless” fame), who is co-executive-producing the show and also wrote the pilot. There’s no word yet on whether Breckin plans to make a cameo in the series.

Q: My husband is a huge fan of the History Channel, especially its series “Battlefield Detectives.” Any chance it will come out on DVD? I’d love to surprise him with it! — Kaitlin M., in Minnesota

A: Surprise your husband this Valentine’s Day with a three-volume boxed set of the entire first season of the series. “Battlefield Detectives,” which ran from 2003 to 2006, explored history’s famous battles, focusing on the battlefield itself and conducting re-enactments and forensic research to better understand what really happened. The DVDs also come with a 16-page viewer’s guide and biographies of major military leaders, plus other extras. Go to acornonline.com for more info on the series.

Q: You mentioned that Madonna will be performing the halftime show at the Super Bowl this year, and it got me to wondering if Animal Planet will be continuing its tradition of showcasing its “Puppy Bowl” competition. Please say yes! — Cara O., Halifax, Nova Scotia

A: YES! Animal Planet’s annual canine competition, “Puppy Bowl VIII,” will air on Sunday, Feb. 5, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET/PT. Animal Planet has searched shelters and rescue groups across the nation for the toughest pups ever to carry a chew toy across the goal line and into an end zone. And if you want to skip (or DVR) Madonna’s halftime show, the cute and cuddly kittens are returning to “Puppy Bowl” with an all-new edition of the Bissell Kitty Halftime Show.

All of the animals featured in “Puppy Bowl” come from rescues and shelters across the United States. This year’s starting lineup includes puppies from spcaLA, All Star Pet Rescue, Go Boxer Rescue, Pet Matchmaker Rescue, Furever Dachshund Rescue and Huts for Mutts Dog Rescue. Those interested in adopting a pet in your area can visit petfinder.com.

Q: Aside from her Twitter ramblings, what else has Ellen Barkin been up to? — Ingrid F., via e-mail

A: Ellen just finished filming a guest-starring role on “Modern Family,” which will air this spring. Her movie “Another Happy Day,” which also stars Ellen Burstyn, Demi Moore, Kate Bosworth and Thomas Hayden Church, will be out on DVD in late January.

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Puppy Bowl Is Back!

(PRESS RELEASE)

(New York, NY) – Ready for more tail wagging wildness, canine cuteness and animal athleticism than ever witnessed before? On Super Bowl™ Sunday, February 5, from 3-5 PM (ET/PT), Animal Planet’s annual canine competition returns to the grand gridiron with PUPPY BOWL VIII. For the eighth year in a row, with the help of Petfinder.com, Animal Planet has searched shelters and rescue groups across the nation for the toughest pups ever to carry a chew toy into an end zone and across the goal line. Now, the teams have been selected, paws polished and fur combed for the biggest event in animal sports history.

This year’s PEDIGREE® Starting Lineup is growling with rowdy rat terriers, defensive dachshunds and charging Chihuahuas, all competing for the title of the BISSELL® MVP (Most Valuable Puppy). But the pups will have to warm up to a new face as PUPPY BOWL VIII marks the debut of Dan Schachner, who takes over as “The Ref” – calling all the plays and penalties on the field.

 

“When Animal Planet first called and told me that I would be working with 58 puppies, 20 cats, five pigs and one bird, I thought this would be the easiest gig of my career,” says Dan. “But after calling my first “terrier touchdown,” I can see why this is the toughest competition in sports today.”

 

In a game-day first, a piggy pep squad will “ham” it up on the sidelines and squeal with delight for its favorite players while “Meep the Bird” tweets all the fast-paced action. Follow @MeepTheBird on game day for the latest updates, puppy drama and behind-the-scenes moments from inside Animal Planet Stadium. Award-winning animal advocate and television correspondent Jill Rappaport will provide up-to-the-minute sideline analysis and commentary on the game, and fans will be treated to PUPPY BOWL favorites such as the puppy cam, water bowl cam, kiss cam and an aerial view of the field provided by the Ice Breakers® Mints blimp and its hamster pilots.

If you’re not the biggest Madonna fan, the cute and cuddly kittens have returned with an all-new edition of the BISSELL® KITTY HALF-TIME SHOW. These adorable felines will treat fans to kitty gymnastics, precious poses and overall kitten craziness leading up to the confetti shower, sending viewers into cuteness overload.

 

All of the animals featured in PUPPY BOWL VIII come from rescues and shelters across the United States. This year’s starting lineup includes puppies from spcaLA (California), All Star Pet Rescue (New Jersey), Go Boxer Rescue (Ohio), Pet Matchmaker Rescue (Pennsylvania), Furever Dachshund Rescue (Rhode Island) and Huts for Mutts Dog Rescue (Texas). Viewers who are interested in adopting a pet in their area can visit Petfinder.

 

To learn more about PUPPY BOWL VIII, fans can visit AnimalPlanet.com for highlights and behind-the-scenes moments from seasons’ pasts and, later this month, a chance to vote for this year’s MVP (Most Valuable Puppy) and an eight-part web series highlighting the history of PUPPY BOWL’s greatest moments.

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