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Out-of-the-ordinary Motor City cuisine and the characters who create these divine dishes are about to go prime time.

On tonight’s episode of the Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods America,” host Andrew Zimmern will visit a variety of Detroit restaurants hoping to give the nation a taste of the city’s unique and authentic flavor.

Some of the places and dishes scheduled to be featured include ribs from Bert’s Marketplace in Eastern Market, chitlins from Motor City Soul Food and roast duck at Café d’Mongo’s Speakeasy.

Zimmern also ventures a little deeper into the D and visits with the Detroit Mower Gang, who cook up raccoon, among other things.

The show airs at 9 p.m.

Franklin sings for Houston

Aretha Franklin missed Whitney Houston‘s funeral Saturday afternoon, but a few hours later, the Queen of Soul paid tribute to the superstar at Radio City Music Hall.

In a statement released Saturday, Franklin, 69, said she “had every intention of being there. But unfortunately, I had terrible leg spasms and locked leg muscles until 4 a.m. this morning following my concert last night, which I’ve been having for the last few days.”

While on stage in New York on Saturday, Franklin did her own rendition of “I Will Always Love You.” She called Houston “a very fine young lady” and “one of the best, greatest singers,” according to NYC’s KLTV.

Houston’s ex-husband, Bobby Brown, did make the funeral in New Jersey on Saturday, but left abruptly after some issues with security, according to CNN.

“My children and I were invited to the funeral of my ex-wife, Whitney Houston,” Brown said in a statement. “We were seated by security and then subsequently asked to move on three separate occasions. I fail to understand why security treated my family this way and continued to ask us and no one else to move.

“Security then prevented me from attempting to see my daughter Bobbi Kristina,” he continued. “In light of the events, I gave a kiss to the casket of my ex-wife and departed as I refused to create a scene.”

‘The Help’ leads Image Awards

“The Help” was a big winner at the 43rd annual NAACP Image Awards on Friday night.

The film won best motion picture, Viola Davis took home the best actress award and Octavia Spencer won best supporting actress. Mike Epps and Laz Alonso won acting awards for their roles in “Jumping the Broom.”

In the TV categories, “Law Order: SVU” and Tyler Perry‘s “House of Payne” took the dramatic and comedic prizes, and Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Tracee Ellis Ross, LL Cool J and Regina King were winners in the acting categories.

Jennifer Hudson won two music awards.

Don Cornelius was given a special moment for his contributions with “Soul Train” and Whitney Houston also received a tribute during the telecast. Briefly

• Producers of Bonnaroo said they suspended ticket sales after its online purchase site ran into technical problems Saturday. Fans of the four-day festival that kicks off June 7 in Manchester, Tenn., should expect an updated announcement on www.bonnaroo.com sometime today .

Michigan-connected acts including rapper Danny Brown, indie duo Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr., Alice Cooper and the Red Hot Chili Peppers will play the 11th annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival along with the reunited Beach Boys, Radiohead, Phish and Bon Iver.

• After spending the last two summers on the road, the cast of the Fox hit musical series “Glee” won’t be playing to fans this year — the Glee Live! In Concert! Tour has been canceled, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Box office top 10

1. ” Safe House,” $24 million.

2. ” The Vow,” $23.6 million.

3. ” Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance,” $22 million.

4. ” Journey 2: The Mysterious Island,” $20 million.

5. ” This Means War,” $17.6 million.

6. ” Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace,” $7.9 million.

7. ” Chronicle,” $7.5 million.

8. ” The Woman in Black,” $6.6 million.

9. ” The Secret World of Arrietty,” $6.4 million.

10. ” The Grey,” $3 million.

COMPILED BY B.J. HAMMERSTEIN, FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER. CONTACT HIM: 313-223-4528 OR BJHAMMERSTEIN@FREEPRESS.COM

More Details: Fast takes

1. Dench fighting blindness

Dame Judi Dench, 77, told the UK’s Daily Mirror that she’s suffering from macular degeneration, a medical condition that can cause blindness because of damage to the retina. Dench says she has a hard time seeing faces in front of her and has to have friends help her read scripts so she can learn her lines.

2. Colbert back at work

Stephen Colbert‘s late-night show “The Colbert Report” will return to Comedy Central tonight, according to the New York Times. Last Wednesday and Thursday, the show suddenly halted production without an explanation. Sources say Colbert has been caring for his 91-year-old mother, Lorna.

3. White, Lohan to do ‘SNL’

Jack White, whose debut solo album “Blunderbuss” is scheduled to be released April 24, will appear as the “Saturday Night Live” musical guest March 3. The native Detroiter will be introduced by the show’s guest host, Lindsay Lohan. It’ll be Lohan’s fourth time hosting “SNL.”

More Details: All music

Article source: http://www.freep.com/article/20120220/ENT07/202200333

LAS VEGAS, NV–(Marketwire -02/18/12)- Perspective Magazine, the leading independent trade publication for the timeshare and fractional ownership industry, recently interviewed Craig Morganson, CEO of Holiday Systems International, on his ongoing fight to have the Mexico Travel Warning downgraded and reworded. Perspective Magazine is available in four print editions — North America, Europe Middle East, Asia Pacific and South Africa.

Craig Morganson, who is an active proponent of clearing up the misinformation about the situation in Mexico, stated that he has presented a brief to U.S. Government leaders regarding the inappropriateness of the Travel Warning against Mexico and the status is being reviewed.

When asked about why he is involved in this and what his goals were, Craig Morganson said, “The U.S. is currently struggling to recover from the worst economy in my lifetime. Travel and tourism is a big part of our global economy. The long-term economic damage caused by the U.S. Travel Warning against Mexico is greater than the benefits derived from the Warning.” Mexico is the number one vacation destination for U.S. citizens and the warnings have caused U.S. businesses to experience significant reductions in revenue. It also continues to deprive Mexico of income and tax revenue.

Craig Morganson, in addition to authoring the abovementioned brief, has organized an alliance with the Mexico Image Committee comprised of U.S. and Mexican business owners and government officials to help bring awareness to this issue globally. Craig Morganson, along with the Mexico Image Committee, has secured the interest and funding for a credible independent study commissioned to evaluate the appropriateness of this Travel Warning.

For more information on getting involved in this issue, visit www.MexicoTruth.com.

For more information on Perspective Magazine, please visit perspectivemagazine.com.

For more information on Holiday Systems International, please visit sales.holidaysystems.com.

About Holiday Systems International (HSI)
HSI was founded in 1993 by President and CEO, Craig Morganson. Craig Morganson is a recognized leader in the travel tourism industry and manages HSI with a firm commitment to consumer value and customer service. HSI has a long history of providing innovative technology, superior customer service, exclusive products/services and generous value to its private clientele.

For more information, please contact:
Holiday Systems International (HSI)
Media Relations Department
702-254-3100
media@holidaysystems.com

Article source: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/holiday-systems-international-ceo-craig-181200436.html

TRAVEL CHANNEL GREENLIGHTS TWO NEW ORIGINAL SERIES: “ADAM RICHMAN’S BEST SANDWICH IN AMERICA” (wt) AND “TOY HUNTERS”

Network Partners with Coquette Productions, Inc. with David Arquette,
Courteney Cox and Omar Epps as Executive Producers,
To Develop New Travel Series, “Mile High” (wt)

Greenlights Pilot for Hawaii Travel Tour Company Series “Aloha Gold” (wt) and
Re-Ups a Second Season of “The Layover” with Anthony Bourdain

CHEVY CHASE, MD (February 15, 2012) – Travel Channel has greenlit two new original unscripted series and announces the development of two original travel series to complement the Network’s robust programming slate for 2012. New series include “Adam Richman’s Best Sandwich in America” (wt), featuring popular host and “comfort food czar” Richman as he travels from coast to coast on his personal quest to find the BEST sandwiches made in the U.S.A., and “Toy Hunters,” showcasing toy collector Jordan Hembrough, as he searches throughout the country for the rarest toys and turns them into big profit.

Travel Channel’s new series in development provide two very unique perspectives of travel. “Mile High” (wt) provides the unique perspective from the traveler’s POV, and follows best friends Mike McGuiness and David Arquette as they embark on a string of spontaneous, improvised adventures around the world. The Network will partner with executive producers David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Omar Epps and Mike McGuiness for Coquette Productions, Inc. to develop this new original travel series. “Aloha Gold” (wt) provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the wild world of one of the biggest independent tour companies in Hawaii, and the unique perspective of those who work hard to make vacations memorable.

In addition, the critically acclaimed original series “The Layover” hosted by Anthony Bourdain has been re-upped for a second season. In season two, Bourdain explores new jet-setting hubs proving that layovers are opportunities for travelers to mingle with locals, crash parties, dine on local cuisine and explore cultures.

“We have a dynamic programming slate rolling out this year, where we will be providing a diverse array of perspectives from a new team of travel experts and pros who will inspire and engage our viewers through their personal lens,” said Andy Singer, SVP, Programming Production, Travel Channel. “Making the unfamiliar familiar is our aim this year, and we remain committed to providing compelling programming that moves our travelcentric audience beyond their every day destinations.”

NEW GREENLIT SERIES:

“Adam Richman’s Best Sandwich in America” (wt) has been greenlit as an eleven-episode (ten half-hour with a one-hour finale) weekly series featuring one man’s quest – Adam Richman – to find the best thing since sliced bread ON sliced bread. Richman will sample the three most mouthwatering masterpieces a region has to offer, and then name one “supreme.” Production of the “Man v. Food” franchise, hosted by Richman, which had a four-year successful run on the Network, will be rested. Travel Channel will continue to air past seasons of the popular series. “Adam
Richman’s Best Sandwich in America” (wt) is based on an idea by Adam Richman and will be produced by Sharp Entertainment for Travel Channel. For Sharp, the executive producers are Matt Sharp, Dan Adler, Bob Larson and Adam Richman, and the series producer is Bonnie Biggs. The executive producer for Travel Channel is Daniel A. Schwartz.

“Toy Hunters” will be a weekly half-hour series which follows toy and collectibles dealer Jordan Hembrough as he scours the country for hidden treasures to sell to his buyers around the world. Originally a special that aired on the Network last month, this original series centers on Hembrough and his quest to claim the status as the ultimate toy collector. In each of the twelve episodes, Hembrough travels from city to city strategically maneuvering around reluctant sellers, abating budgets and avoiding unforeseen roadblocks. For this toy hunter, poking through cramped attics and rummaging around dirty garages to score rare vintage items is all in a day’s work. “Toy Hunters” will be produced by Sharp Entertainment with Travel Channel’s Stone Roberts as executive producer.

SERIES IN DEVELOPMENT:

“Mile High” (wt) is being developed as a weekly half-hour series featuring actor David Arquette and pal Mike McGuiness, owner of PR firm McGuiness and Feinstein. The series will follow Arquette and McGuiness as they squeeze in spontaneous adventures into their weekend travel abroad between work commitments. Part of the fun is watching the duo use their social media connections to get the “hook up” for an ultimate getaway. “Mile High” (wt) is produced by Coquette Productions, Inc. for Travel Channel. For Coquette, the executive producers are David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Omar Epps and Mike McGuiness. The executive producer for Travel Channel is Sean McKnight.

The half-hour pilot for “Aloha Gold” (wt) will be set in the iconic tourist destination of Hawaii, and centers around Discover Hawaii Tours, one of the island’s biggest independent tour companies. Operating all over the islands, the team runs dozens of tours for hundreds of tourists daily. Whether it’s for a family of four or celebrities looking for the ultimate in luxury, the team at Discover Hawaii Tours will do whatever it takes to make their clients happy. “Aloha Gold” (wt) will be produced by Fishbowl Worldwide Media with Travel Channel’s Bill Howard as executive producer.

These new original series join the previously announced 2012 programming lineup which includes: “Vegas Stripped;” “America Caught on Camera;” “Unpacked;” “Hotel Impossible” with Anthony Melchiorri; “Baggage Battles;” “Park Secrets;” “Trip Flip” with Bert Kreischer; and “Miami International Airport” (wt). Travel Channel also renewed new seasons of six popular series including: “Ghost Adventures” (season six); “Sand Masters” (season two); “Truck Stop USA” (season two, formerly “Truck Stop Missouri”); “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations” (season eight); “Mysteries at the Museum” (season three); “Off Limits” (season two); and “The Dead Files” (season two).

Also announced today is the new season of “The Layover” with Anthony Bourdain. “The Layover” shows viewers how to cut right to the good stuff. Bourdain serves as guide and concierge, visiting major cities around the world in just 24-48 hours – from dive bars to five stars, and serves as the ultimate guide as he shares what he would do in one action-packed layover. “The Layover” is produced by Zero Point Zero for Travel Channel. They also produce the Network’s critically acclaimed and Emmy award winning travel series, “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations.” Chris Collins, Lydia Tenaglia and Anthony Bourdain will serve as executive producers for Zero Point Zero and Stone Roberts will serve as the executive producer for Travel Channel.

TRAVEL CHANNEL (http://www.travelchannel.com) is a multiplatform travel lifestyle brand with the core mission of providing inspiring and compelling programming that takes viewers beyond their everyday destinations, making the unfamiliar familiar, whether it’s around the world or around the block.

A dual feed network that is also available in HD, Travel Channel is the world’s leading travel media brand, and is available in over 94 million U.S. cable homes. Owned and operated by Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI), Travel Channel has offices in Chevy Chase, MD, and New York, NY. Scripps Networks Interactive (NYSE: SNI) also owns and operates HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel and Great American Country.

Article source: http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2012/02/15/travel-channel-greenlights-two-new-original-series-adam-richmans-best-sandwich-in-america-wt-and-toy-hunters-108212/20120215travel01/