home lending solutions

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:14:15 -0400





Citizens Financial Group Inc. (CFG) has announced the appointment of Cheryl Nolda as president of its Home Lending Solutions business. She will oversee the residential mortgage and home equity businesses. Nolda has 27 years experience in the financial services industry. Most recently, she spent 12 years at SunTrust Mortgage Inc. where she led marketing and business development for its mortgage and consumer lending businesses. During her tenure at SunTrust Mortgage, the company grew from 26th to the sixth-largest residential lender in the country.

“We are excited to have Cheryl join our growing mortgage team,” said Brad Conner, CFG’s vice chairman in charge of consumer finance. “She is an industry leader who brings a wealth of experience to our organization and the customers we serve. Her leadership and depth of knowledge will serve our customers and organization well as we continue to expand this important business.”

Prior to SunTrust Mortgage, Nolda was a senior vice president in marketing and strategic services at Banc One Mortgage Corporation. She has also held senior management positions at GE Capital Mortgage Insurance Company, the Prudential Home Mortgage Company and Citcorp Mortgage Inc.

Nolda, who is based in Richmond, Va., is a member of CFG’s executive leadership group. She reports to Conner. CFG continues to expand its mortgage business in order to meet demand. The bank plans to hire 400 loan officers by 2013, and has already hired 100 in the past year. In 2009, CFG increased its mortgage lending volume by 167 percent over the year prior. CFG continues to see robust lending volume based on strong refinancing activity and is the 18th-largest retail mortgage lender in the nation.

For more information, visit www.citizensbank.com.

What is a FHA home Loan you ask? Is an FHA home loan the right option for me?

There are certain FHA loan guidelines you must adhere to in order to be FHA approved for an FHA home Loan. You must collect all the necessary information and put it together in a file, and send it to the FHA mortgage underwriter. The FHA home loan  underwriter is the rep for the FHA Lender who reviews your FHA loan request and determines if you are approved, denied, or suspended in  FHA Home loan. You will also want to verify the FHA mortgage limits in your area. FHA Loan limits are updated by the HUD on various occasions.

With ever changing lending guidelines that continue to increase restrictions on a borrowers ability to attain financing for a home, Florida home buyers and homeowners need a seasoned mortgage professional that can offer choices in loan products that help them attain the financing they require.

As a well established and seasoned Florida mortgage business, our employees are far from being the new kids on the Florida home loan block. Our established and professional mortgage experts have delivered low mortgage rates, great terms, and on time real estate closing to Florida mortgage clients for a decade.

As seasoned mortgage professionals, Our team has the experience and expertise Florida home buyers and homeowners like you require in order to get the right Florida mortgage. The depth of lending solutions available through FHAMortgageloan can cover a wide range of Florida property types and includes:

Financing for the traditional single family home.
Manufactured home loans for mobile homes tied to land.
Low rate FL mortgage programs for condominiums, town homes and PUD’s.
Lending solutions for hard to finance properties such as a duplex, triplex or fourplex.
Loans for luxury homes and for homes to-be-built.
Mortgage programs designed for home buyers who want to purchase a modular home.

Even in todays challenging Florida real estate market, there still remains a wide range of niche programs designed around meeting the financing requirements for many borrowers just like you. These niche Florida mortgage programs include:

For first-time home buyers, many Florida communities throughout the state continue to offer downpayment assistance programs. Though these funds can have limited availability, We can work with you to identify appropriate programs, verify availability of funds, and help you determine qualification requirements and whether your income would qualify you for this type of downpayment assistance program, and in some cases, closing cost assistance.

Understanding and having the ability to quickly identifying what lending programs are available for Florida residents continues to drive our success in the mortgage industry. You can expect the highest quality in service and a responsive, caring home loan professional who can work from a diverse pool of Florida mortgage programs.

These home loan programs include, but are not limited to, the following loan products:

* The Florida FHA Loans
o FHA loans for florida home buyers
o rate and term FHA refi loans
o streamline refinancing for existing FL FHA mortgages
o Cash-out FL FHA loans
o The FHA 203K Rehab loan
o government insured florida reverse mortgage
* Traditional florida conventional home loan programs
o Conventional Refinance Options
o 3/1, 5/1, 7/1, & 10/1 ARM Products.
o Interest Only Repayment Periods
o FL First-time Buyer Programs
o Balloon Mortgage Options
o Construction Perm Loans for FL Properties
* Conventional Florida 2nd Mortgage Programs
* Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit
* Florida Jumbo Mortgage and Super Jumbo Home Loans (For Luxury Homes)
* USDA rural housing program
* So much more!

* Loan programs designed for First-Time home buyers.
* Special FL mortgage programs for:
o Teachers
o Firefighters
o Nurses
o Police Officers
* Re-habilitation loan programs designed specifically for a home in need of repair.
* Low and no downpayment mortgage products like the Florida FHA mortgage, the VA home loan and the USDA loan program for rural properties.

nbc extreme home

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:14:18 -0400





From what's been released so far. Crude cut-and-paste job below...

CBS

THE BIG BANG THEORY

"The Robotic Manipulation" — Penny finds herself along for the ride on Sheldon's first date ever; while Wolowitz finds a new use for a robotic arm, on the season premiere of THE BIG BANG THEORY, Thursday, Sept. 23 (8:00-8:31 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER

"Big Days" - When Ted and Barney argue about who has "dibs" on a hot girl, Ted realizes that she is there with Cindy, a girl he previously dated who is also the roommate of his future wife. Meanwhile, Robin is heartbroken over Don, and Marshall can't keep quiet about his desire to start a family, on the sixth season premiere of HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, Monday, Sept. 20 (8:00-8:30 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Rachel Bilson ("The OC") returns as Cindy, Ted's former flame and the roommate of his future wife.

THE AMAZING RACE

THE AMAZING RACE is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning adventure reality series hosted by Emmy-nominated host, Phil Keoghan, which pits teams, of two, against each other on a trek around the world. At every destination, each team will have to compete in a series of challenges, some mental and some physical, and only when the tasks are completed will they learn of their next location. Teams who are the farthest behind will gradually be eliminated as the contest progresses, with the first team to arrive at the final destination winning $1 million.

Begins its 17th season on the CBS Television Network on Sept. 26, 2010.

CSI: NY

"The 34th Floor" - The newest member of the CSI team, Jo Danville, a former FBI agent, is welcomed to her new job by stumbling upon the body of a young woman murdered somewhere in the building that houses the NYPD Crime Lab, on the seventh season premiere of CSI: NY, Friday, Sept. 24 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Sela Ward ("House," "Sisters," "Once and Again") stars as Jo Danville, the newest CSI team member.

NBC 

“CHUCK”
“CHUCK VERSUS THE ANNIVERSARY”
09/20/2010 (08:00PM – 09:00PM) (Monday) : CHUCK BEGINS A SEARCH FOR HIS MOTHER, WHICH HE MUST KEEP A SECRET FROM THE CIA AND HIS SISTER — LINDA HAMILTON GUEST STARS AS MARY BARTOWSKI — DOLPH LUNDGREN, HARRY DEAN STANTON AND OLIVIA MUNN ALSO GUEST STAR — Chuck (Zachary Levi) and Morgan (Joshua Gomez) go on a rogue globe-spanning mission to find Chuck’s mom. Meanwhile, Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski) and Casey (Adam Baldwin) follow a trail to Russia as they investigate the mysterious Volkoff Industries and its operative, Marco (guest star Dolph Lundgren). Back at home, Ellie (Sarah Lancaster) delivers big news to her family. Bonita Friedericy also stars.
Jamie French
“THE EVENT”
“PILOT”
09/20/2010 (09:00PM – 10:00PM) (Monday) : THE SERIES PREMIERES WITH A CONSPIRACY OF BOTH NATIONAL AND GLOBAL PROPORTIONS – Sean Walker (Jason Ritter), stumbles into a national conspiracy after his girlfriend Leila (Sarah Roemer) mysteriously disappears from a Caribbean cruise. Elsewhere, President Elias Martinez (Blair Underwood) is scheduled to announce the release of a group of detainees led by Sophia Maguire (Laura Innes) — despite the disapproval of his Director of National Intelligence, Blake Sterling (Željko Ivanek). Their futures are on a collision course in a global conspiracy that could ultimately change the fate of mankind. Scott Patterson, Ian Anthony Dale, Clifton Collins, Jr., Taylor Cole, Lisa Vidal and Bill Smitrovich also star in the ensemble drama. Tony Todd, Lauren Stamile, Julia Campbell, Gonzalo Menendez, Joseph C. Phillips, Casey Siemaszko, Omid Abtahi, Angel Desai, Wynn Everett, Michael Cummings, Lorena Segura York, and Wes Ramsey guest star. Directed by: Jeffrey Reiner
“CHASE”
“PILOT”
09/20/2010 (10:00PM – 11:00PM) (Monday) : ‘CHASE’ SERIES PREMIERE — FROM JERRY BRUCKHEIMER (‘CSI’) AND JENNIFER JOHNSON (‘COLD CASE’) — Cowboy boot-wearing U.S. Marshal Annie Frost (Kelli Giddish) is on the hunt for dangerous fugitive Mason Boyle (guest star Travis Fimmel). The members of Frost’s elite team who help her anticipate Boyle’s moves and track him down include true American cowboy Jimmy Godfrey (Cole Hauser), intelligence specialist Marco Martinez (Amaury Nolasco), weapons/tactical specialist Daisy Ogbaa (Rose Rollins), and the newest member of the team, Luke Watson (Jesse Metcalfe).
“THE BIGGEST LOSER 10″
“1001″
09/21/2010 (08:00PM – 10:00PM) (Tuesday) : SEASON 10 PREMIERES WITH A NEW THEME OF “PAYING IT FORWARD” AND 21 CONTESTANT HOPEFULS COMPETING TO MAKE IT TO THE RANCH – Season 10 kicks off with a new theme of “paying it forward” and 21 contestants vying for a spot at the ranch to get healthy and change their lives forever. With obesity now one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States, “The Biggest Loser” wanted to broaden their reach this season, pay it forward and motivate communities – not just contestants – to get healthy. So trainers Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels and host Alison Sweeney travel to seven cities in the premiere episode, with each trainer leading community fitness challenges like a one-mile race or a 500 step-up competition. In each of the seven cities – Detroit, Los Angeles, Portland, Atlanta, Phoenix, Oklahoma City and Boston – there will also be three contestant hopefuls competing in the challenges. The two candidates who complete their fitness challenge first win a spot at the ranch, while those who don’t make it will get a chance to vie for a spot on the show in a later episode. Guest starring in the premiere will be three popular past season contestants — season eight winner Danny Cahill, season seven finalist Mike Morelli and season five finalist Mark Kruger.
“PARENTHOOD”
“NO GOOD DEED”
09/21/2010 (10:00PM – 11:00PM) (Tuesday) : ADAM AND SARAH TRY AND BALANCE THEIR PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIP, JULIA MAKES A PLAY DATE FOR SYDNEY THAT COULD CAUSE DRAMA. – Adam (Peter Krause) offers an internship position to Sarah (Lauren Graham) at T&S Footwear. Meanwhile, Kristina (Monica Potter) helps Suze Lessing (guest star Amanda Foreman) through her divorce by babysitting Noel (guest star Nicholas Lobue). Julia (Erika Christensen) commits to a play date for Sydney (Savannah Paige Rae) that threatens her other friendships. Elsewhere, Jasmine (Joy Bryant) and Crosby (Dax Shepard) debate where Jabbar (Tyree Brown) should live when Jasmine takes a new job.
Jamie French
“UNDERCOVERS”
“PILOT”
09/22/2010 (08:00PM – 09:00PM) (Wednesday) : STEVEN AND SAMANTHA BLOOM TEAM UP OUTSIDE THE KITCHEN – SERIES PREMIERE – From acclaimed writer/producer/director J.J. Abrams (“Star Trek,” “Fringe,” “Lost,” “Alias”) and executive producer/writer Josh Reims (“Brothers and Sisters,” “What About Brian”) comes a sexy, fun, action-packed spy drama that proves once and for all that marriage is still the world’s most dangerous partnership. Outwardly, Steven Bloom (Boris Kodjoe, “Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Vacation,” “Soul Food,” “Resident Evil: Afterlife”) and his wife, Samantha (Gugu Mbatha-Raw, “Dr. Who,” “Bonekickers”), are a typical married couple who own and operate a small catering company in Los Angeles — with help from Samantha’s easily frazzled, handful of a sister, Lizzy (Mekia Cox, “90210,” “This Is It”). Secretly, the duo were two of the best spies the CIA had ever known, until they fell in love on the job five years ago and retired. When fellow spy and good friend Leo Nash (Carter MacIntyre, “American Heiress,” “Nip/Tuck”) goes missing while on the trail of a Russian arms dealer, the Blooms are reinstated by boss and agency liaison, Carlton Shaw (Gerald McRaney, “Deadwood,” “Jericho”), to locate and rescue Nash. With assistance from resourceful CIA field agent Bill Hoyt (Ben Schwartz, “Parks and Recreation,” “Bronx World Travelers”), whose professional admiration for Steven isn’t hard to miss, the pair is thrust back into the world of espionage, disguises and hand-to-hand combat. Following leads that take them to cities spanning the globe, Steven and Samantha quickly realize that perhaps this supercharged, undercover lifestyle provides exactly the kind of excitement and romance that their marriage has been missing.
“LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT”
“LOCUM/BULLSEYE”
09/22/2010 (09:00PM – 11:00PM) (Wednesday) : DETECTIVES OLIVIA BENSON (MARISKA HARGITAY) AND ELIOT STABLER (CHRISTOPHER MELONI) HELP A FOSTER COUPLE (GUEST STARS JOAN CUSACK AND PETER STRAUSS) FIND THEIR MISSING CHILD
A foster couple (Cusack and Strauss) call Detectives Benson (Hargitay) and Stabler (Meloni) to the scene of the crime when their ten-year-old adopted daughter disappears. It soon comes to light that she ran away to meet with a man named Erik Weber (guest star Henry Ian Cusick), whom she met on the internet and whom Benson and Stabler suspect of ulterior motives regarding the girl. Weber denies any wrongdoing, and also expresses romantic interest in Benson. However, as the investigation continues, the detectives realize that the girl’s foster parents may be hiding something that could change the entire course of the case. Also starring: Ice-T (Detective Odafin Tutuola), Richard Belzer (Detective John Munch), Tamara Tunie (Dr. Melinda Warner), and B.D. Wong (Dr. George Huang).
DETECTIVES OLIVIA BENSON (MARISKA HARGITAY) AND ELIOT STABLER (CHRISTOPHER MELONI) ENLIST THE HELP OF A SUSPECT (GUEST STAR HENRY IAN CUSICK) FROM A PREVIOUS CASE TO CRACK A NEW ONE
Detectives Benson (Hargitay) and Stabler (Meloni) are called to the hospital after a 10-year-old girl is raped. They arrive to find her so traumatized that she cannot even tell them her name. With the help of Detectives Odafin Tutuola (Ice-T) and John Munch (Richard Belzer), they are able to identify the young victim. But they soon realize that her home life is far from normal as Dr. George Huang (B.D. Wong) discovers that her mother suffers from a rare condition that renders her unable to recognize that the young girl is, in fact, her daughter. When the detectives find themselves without a lead, Erik Weber (guest star Henry Ian Cusick), a man they met on their previous case, decides to get involved. But he may be overstepping his bounds. Also starring: Tamara Tunie (Dr. Melinda Warner).
“COMMUNITY”
“ANTHROPOLOGY 101″
09/23/2010 (08:00PM – 08:30PM) (Thursday) : THE CAST OF “COMMUNITY” GETS SCHOOLED BY LEGENDARY AWARD-WINNING GUEST STAR BETTY WHITE — As classes resume at Greendale Community College for the fall, the “Community” study group gathers to tackle this year’s big class, “Anthropology 101. ” Television icon and multiple Emmy Award-winner Betty White (“The Golden Girls”) guest stars as the esteemed, but slightly unhinged anthropology professor, June Bauer. Jeff Winger (Joel McHale), struggles to establish decorum with Britta (Gillian Jacobs) and Annie (Alison Brie) amidst the confusion that ensued at the season finale’s “Transfer Dance,” when Britta professed her love for Jeff and Jeff later shared a secret kiss with Annie. Meanwhile, Señor Chang (Ken Jeong) decides to enroll as a student at Greendale Community College so that he too, can join the study group. Chevy Chase, Donald Glover, Danny Pudi and Yvette Nicole Brown also star.
“30 ROCK”
“THE FABIAN STRATEGY”
09/23/2010 (08:30PM – 09:00PM) (Thursday) : JACK DONAGHY (ALEC BALDWIN) MEDDLES IN LIZ LEMON’S (TINA FEY) BURGEONING RELATIONSHIP WITH CAROL (GUEST STAR MATT DAMON)
Determined to help Liz (Fey) keep a man for once, Jack (Baldwin) meddles in her burgeoning relationship with Carol (guest star Damon). At home, he also struggles to compromise with Avery as she redecorates his apartment. Meanwhile, Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) has trouble coming to grips with Kenneth’s (Jack McBrayer) termination as a page and Jenna (Jane Krakowski) becomes TGS’ newest producer. Also starring: Judah Friedlander, Scott Adsit, Keith Powell and Katrina Bowden
Amber James
“THE OFFICE”
“NEPOTISM”
09/23/2010 (09:00PM – 09:30PM) (Thursday) : MICHAEL HIRES A NEW OFFICE ASSISTANT AND CAUSES OUTRAGE IN THE OFFICE- KATHY BATES (“Valentines Day,” “The Blind Side”) AND EVAN PETERS (“One Tree Hill,” “Kick Ass”) GUEST STAR—Michael (Golden Globe winner Steve Carell) refuses to fire the new office assistant (guest star Evan Peters) after everyone complains about his bad attitude. Andy (Ed Helms) plays it cool after Erin (Ellie Kemper) shows interest in another man. Meanwhile, Pam (Jenna Fischer) tries to impress Jim (John Krasinski) by pulling an office prank of her own. Leslie David Baker, Brian Baumgartner, Kate Flannery, Mindy Kaling, Angela Kinsey, Phyllis Smith, Oscar Nunez, Creed Bratton, Paul Lieberstein, B.J. Novak, Craig Robinson, Rainn Wilson, and Zach Woods also star.
Joanne Park
“OUTSOURCED”
“PILOT”
09/23/2010 (09:30PM – 10:00PM) (Thursday) : A NEW HOME IS FOUND IN THE NEW COMEDY SERIES—When manager Todd Dempsy (Ben Rappaport) returns to work after management training, he learns that the Mid America Novelties call center has been outsourced to Mumbai, India. In order to keep his job, Todd is left no choice but to relocate to India. There he meets his eclectic group of employees, and soon realizes that teaching them to understand America will be the first of many hurdles that he needs to overcome. Todd also discovers other foreign transplants working in his office building, including American expatriate Charlie Davies (Diedrich Bader, “The Drew Carey Show”) who runs the All American Hunter call center, and Tonya (Pippa Black, “Neighbours”) a beautiful Australian who runs the call center for Koala Air. Rizwan Manji (“Privileged”), Sacha Dhawan (BBC’s “Five Days II”), Rebecca Hazlewood (BBC’s “Doctors”), Parvesh Cheena (“Help Me Help You”), and Anisha Nagarajan (Broadway’s “Bombay Dreams”) also star.
“THE APPRENTICE”
“1002″
09/23/2010 (10:00PM – 11:00PM) (Thursday) : THE TEAMS SELL ICE CREAM ON THE STREETS OF NEW YORK AND TENSIONS RISE IN THE BOARD ROOM
Each team must sell ice cream on the streets of New York for profit. One side takes a gamble on their location, and during the selling period, one team sabotages the other. In the boardroom, one Project Manager attacks a member of their team before Trump can even announce the result. The team with the most profit wins the task, leaving the losers to face Trump, and another candidate is fired.
Victoria Brody
Amanda Ruisi
“DATELINE NBC”
“FR2001″
09/24/2010 (08:00PM – 10:00PM) (Friday) :
“OUTLAW”
“IN RE: OFFICER DANIEL HALE”
09/24/2010 (10:00PM – 11:00PM) (Friday) : GARZA AND HIS TEAM TAKE ON AN ARIZONA IMMIGRATION CASE BUT COME TO THE DEFENSE OF AN UNLIKELY PARTY–ED BEGLEY JR. GUEST STARS–Garza (Jimmy Smits) and his team head to Arizona when an immigration stop turns into a police shooting. Eddie (Jesse Bradford) agrees with the decision to take the controversial case, while Al (David Ramsey) wonders why he ever joined Garza’s team. Meanwhile, Lucinda (Carly Pope) encourages Mereta (Ellen Woglom) to make her big move for Garza
“THE EVENT”
“PILOT”
09/25/2010 (08:00PM – 09:00PM) (Saturday) : THE SERIES PREMIERES WITH A CONSPIRACY OF BOTH NATIONAL AND GLOBAL PROPORTIONS – Sean Walker (Jason Ritter), stumbles into a national conspiracy after his girlfriend Leila (Sarah Roemer) mysteriously disappears from a Caribbean cruise. Elsewhere, President Elias Martinez (Blair Underwood) is scheduled to announce the release of a group of detainees led by Sophia Maguire (Laura Innes) — despite the disapproval of his Director of National Intelligence, Blake Sterling (Željko Ivanek). Their futures are on a collision course in a global conspiracy that could ultimately change the fate of mankind. Scott Patterson, Ian Anthony Dale, Clifton Collins, Jr., Taylor Cole, Lisa Vidal and Bill Smitrovich also star in the ensemble drama. Tony Todd, Lauren Stamile, Julia Campbell, Gonzalo Menendez, Joseph C. Phillips, Casey Siemaszko, Omid Abtahi, Angel Desai, Wynn Everett, Michael Cummings, Lorena Segura York, and Wes Ramsey guest star. Directed by: Jeffrey Reiner
“CHASE”
“PILOT”
09/25/2010 (09:00PM – 10:00PM) (Saturday) : ‘CHASE’ SERIES PREMIERE — FROM JERRY BRUCKHEIMER (‘CSI’) AND JENNIFER JOHNSON (‘COLD CASE’) — Cowboy boot-wearing U.S. Marshal Annie Frost (Kelli Giddish) is on the hunt for dangerous fugitive Mason Boyle (guest star Travis Fimmel). The members of Frost’s elite team who help her anticipate Boyle’s moves and track him down include true American cowboy Jimmy Godfrey (Cole Hauser), intelligence specialist Marco Martinez (Amaury Nolasco), weapons/tactical specialist Daisy Ogbaa (Rose Rollins), and the newest member of the team, Luke Watson (Jesse Metcalfe).
“LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT”
“LOCUM”
09/25/2010 (10:00PM – 11:00PM) (Saturday) : DETECTIVES OLIVIA BENSON (MARISKA HARGITAY) AND ELIOT STABLER (CHRISTOPHER MELONI) HELP A FOSTER COUPLE (GUEST STARS JOAN CUSACK AND PETER STRAUSS) FIND THEIR MISSING CHILD
A foster couple (Cusack and Strauss) call Detectives Benson (Hargitay) and Stabler (Meloni) to the scene of the crime when their ten-year-old adopted daughter disappears. It soon comes to light that she ran away to meet with a man named Erik Weber (guest star Henry Ian Cusick), whom she met on the internet and whom Benson and Stabler suspect of ulterior motives regarding the girl. Weber denies any wrongdoing, and also expresses romantic interest in Benson. However, as the investigation continues, the detectives realize that the girl’s foster parents may be hiding something that could change the entire course of the case. Also starring: Ice-T (Detective Odafin Tutuola), Richard Belzer (Detective John Munch), Tamara Tunie (Dr. Melinda Warner), and B.D. Wong (Dr. George Huang).

ABC

BETTER WITH YOU: Pilot — PREMIERE (9/22)
PREMIERE
NEW ABC COMEDY “BETTER WITH YOU” INTRODUCES THREE DIFFERENT COUPLES
IN A SINGLE FAMILY AT VARIOUS STAGES IN THEIR ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS,
PREMIERES SEPTEMBER 22 ON ABC
From “Friends” producer Shana Goldberg-Meehan comes “Better with You,” a comedy about a family with three different couples at various stages in their romantic relationships, premiering WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 (8:30-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. There’s Maddie, a lawyer, and Ben, a hotel manager, two career-oriented people who are head-over-heels in love. Both in their 30s, they’ve been together for nine years but never felt the need to get married. Then there’s Mia, Maddie’s younger sister, a free spirit and creator of a paperless web invitation company who is in a very passionate seven-and-a-half-week-old relationship with Casey, a musician in an avant-garde metal band. Last but not least, there are the girls’ parents, Vicky and Joel, who’ve been married for 35 years. Like Mia, they’ve adopted a carpe diem sort of philosophy, and at this stage in their lives don’t feel the need to take things too seriously. Note: This program will repeat Fri., Sept. 24 at 8:30 p.m., ET.
In the premiere episode, “Pilot,” Mia invites Maddie and Ben to meet Casey, and they think they’re meeting just another in a long line of boyfriends. But Maddie realizes how serious things actually are when Mia and Casey excitedly announce that they’re engaged. Surprised by the news, Maddie feels like her little sister has leapfrogged over her — jumping ahead of her in some major, life-changing way — and sees the light it shines on her own life choices. But reluctant to be a negative voice, she resolves to be supportive and let her parents, the critical Vicky and Joel, be the ones to object when the time comes. But when Mia tells them that she and Casey are getting married, Vicky and Joel greet the news with celebration, much to Mia’s delight and Maddie’s surprise. Things get even more complicated for Maddie when it turns out that Casey has shared something with Ben but not with her, that Mia is pregnant! Maddie and Ben have been together a long time, and the relationship they have works, but they’ll come to learn that there may be value in Mia and Casey’s impulsiveness and spontaneity. And both sisters could surely learn something about relationships from their long-married parents.
“Better with You” stars JoAnna Garcia as Mia, Jennifer Finnigan as Maddie, Josh Cooke as Ben, Jake Lacy as Casey, with Kurt Fuller as Joel and Debra Jo Rupp as Vicky.
Guest starring in “Pilot” are Tiya Sircar as Reena and Jerrika Hinton as saleswoman. The episode was written by Shana Goldberg-Meehan and directed by James Burrows.
“Better with You” is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Silver and Gold Productions and Warner Bros. Television. The series is created by Shana Goldberg-Meehan and executive-produced by Goldberg-Meehan and Greg Malins (“How I Met Your Mother,” “Friends,” “Will & Grace”). The series is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HD format, with 5.1 channel surround sound. This program carries a PG parental guideline. For more information on “Better with You” please visit ABC.com.
BROTHERS & SISTERS: The Homecoming — SEASON PREMIERE (9/26)
SEASON PREMIERE
ONE YEAR AFTER A TRAGIC ACCIDENT, THE WALKER FAMILY REUNITES,
ON THE FIFTH-SEASON PREMIERE OF ABC’S “BROTHERS & SISTERS”
“The Homecoming” – It’s been a year since the Walker family was torn apart by a tragic car accident, and in a very un-Walker like fashion, everyone has been avoiding everyone else. Truths and reality only start to set in when the family is forced to come together for Justin’s homecoming party: Nora tries to prepare for the party, but is not acting like the mother she used to be; Sarah is consumed with the Narrow Lake deal; Kevin has a new career as public defense attorney; Saul and Scotty are running their restaurant; and Kitty’s life has become a taboo subject for everyone. Time has changed the Walkers, on the fifth-season premiere of “Brothers & Sisters,” SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.
“Brothers & Sisters” stars Dave Annable as Justin Walker, Sally Field as Nora Holden, Calista Flockhart as Kitty Walker, Rachel Griffiths as Sarah Walker, Luke Macfarlane as Scotty Wandell, Gilles Marini as Luc Laurent, Matthew Rhys as Kevin Walker, Ron Rifkin as Saul Holden, and Patricia Wettig as Holly Harper.
Guest stars are Ken Olin as David Caplan, Bobby Soto as Mateo, Grant Albrecht as Joe Corvus and Terry Walters as Lacy.
“The Homecoming” was written by David Marshall Grant and David Babcock and directed by Michael Morris.
“Brothers & Sisters” is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-PG,D parental guideline.
For more information on “Brothers & Sisters,” visit ABC.com.
CASTLE: A Deadly Affair — SEASON PREMIERE (9/20)
SEASON PREMIERE
NATHAN FILLION AND STANA KATIC RETURN FOR SEASON THREE
OF “CASTLE,” PREMIERING SEPTEMBER 20 ON ABC
When the new season of “Castle” begins, Beckett hasn’t heard from Castle since he left for the Hamptons months ago to finish writing his second Nikki Heat novel, “Naked Heat” (on sale September 28). The most Beckett, Ryan and Esposito have seen of Castle is a bookstore standee of him advertising an upcoming book signing. So when Beckett and her team burst into a shadowy apartment on the trail of a murderer, the last thing they expect to see is the real-life Castle standing over a dead woman’s body holding a gun! As Castle protests his innocence, Beckett has no choice but to arrest him on suspicion of murder, on the Season Three premiere of “Castle,” MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.
A review screener and clips from this episode will be posted at www.abcmedianet.com.
“Castle” stars Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle, Stana Katic as NYPD Detective Kate Beckett, Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers, Molly Quinn as Alexis Castle, Ruben Santiago-Hudson as NYPD Captain Roy Montgomery, Tamala Jones as Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas as NYPD Detective Javier Esposito and Seamus Dever as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan.
Guest Cast: Michael Rady as Evan Murphy, Charlene Amoia as Ana Marie, Gino Cafarelli as Dean Carbino, Justice Gamble as bartender, Lisa O’Hare as Kitty Canary, Craig Gellis as Earl Moreland.
“A Deadly Affair” was written by Andrew Marlowe and directed by Rob Bowman.
“Castle” is produced by ABC Studios. Andrew Marlowe is creator/executive producer/writer, along with executive producers Rob Bowman, Laurie Zaks and David Amann.
“Castle” is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.
“Naked Heat” (out September 28) is the thrilling sequel to Richard Castle’s “Heat Wave,” which spent 16 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list when it was published last fall. This is Castle’s second mystery novel to feature Nikki Heat, a tough, sexy and professional detective based on NYPD Homicide Detective Kate Beckett, with whom Castle solves crimes and trades barbs from one case to the next. The two are no strangers to innuendos and unfulfilled sexual tension while trailing murderers.
For more information on “Castle,” visit ABC.com. Viewers can also follow the show via http://facebook.com/Castle and Twitter: Castle_ABC
COUGAR TOWN: All Mixed Up — SEASON PREMIERE (9/22)
SEASON PREMIERE
JENNIFER ANISTON REUNITES WITH COURTENEY COX AS A GUEST STAR
ON THE SEASON PREMIERE OF ABC’S “COUGAR TOWN”
“All Mixed Up” – Jennifer Aniston guest stars alongside Courteney Cox on the Season Two premiere of “Cougar Town,” WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 (9:31-10:00 p.m., ET) on ABC. Jules finds an instant connection with her new shrink, Glenn (Aniston), until she discovers the unfortunate but hilarious truth about her method of treatment; Ellie is jealous over Jules’ fondness for Glenn; a bet between Laurie and Travis leads to a sweet sibling-like moment; and Bobby acts out his frustrations that Jules and Grayson are dating.
“Cougar Town” stars Courteney Cox as Jules, Christa Miller as Ellie, Busy Philipps as Laurie, Dan Byrd as Travis, Josh Hopkins as Grayson, Ian Gomez as Andy and Brian Van Holt as Bobby.
Other guest stars include Carolyn Hennesy as Barb and Spencer Locke as Kylie.
“All Mixed Up” was written by Bill Lawrence and Kevin Biegel and was directed by Bill Lawrence.
“Cougar Town” is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to airdate.
For more information on “Cougar Town,” visit ABC.com.
DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES: Remember Paul? — SEASON PREMIERE (9/26)
SEASON PREMIERE
PAUL YOUNG RETURNS TO WISTERIA LANE WITH QUESTIONABLE MOTIVES, SUSAN RECEIVES AN UNORTHODOX JOB OFFER THAT COULD HELP WITH HER MONEY WOES, LYNETTE’S FRIEND, RENEE, PAYS AN UNEXPECTED VISIT TO THE SCAVOS, AND BREE FALLS FOR A HUNKY, YOUNGER HANDYMAN, ON THE SEASON PREMIERE OF ABC’S “DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES”
Vanessa Williams Joins the Cast as Renee Perry;
Mark Moses Returns as Paul Young;
Brian Austin Green Guest Stars as Hunky Handyman Keith;
Lainie Kazan Guest Stars as Susan’s Apartment Manager, Maxine
“Remember Paul?” – The residents of Wisteria Lane are stunned to discover that Paul Young is out of prison and back in the neighborhood with an enigmatic new wife and seemingly dark motives. Meanwhile, while Paul is renting Susan’s home, she, Mike and MJ are living in an apartment on limited funds. But Susan sees a glimmer of hope in getting her life back on the Lane when she’s offered an unorthodox job by her apartment manager, Maxine (Lainie Kazan); Lynette’s rich and successful college friend, Renee (Vanessa Williams), pays an unexpected visit to the Scavo household; Gabrielle and Carlos find themselves keeping secrets from one another; and Bree, newly single and needing a fresh start after selling her business, finds herself tempted by Keith (Brian Austin Green) — the handsome, young handyman she’s hired to update her house — on the season premiere of “Desperate Housewives,” SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 (9:00-10:01 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.
“Desperate Housewives” stars Teri Hatcher as Susan Mayer, Felicity Huffman as Lynette Scavo, Marcia Cross as Bree Hodge, Eva Longoria Parker as Gabrielle Solis, Vanessa Williams as Renee Perry, Ricardo Antonio Chavira as Carlos Solis, Doug Savant as Tom Scavo, Kathryn Joosten as Karen McCluskey, Kevin Rahm as Lee McDermott, Tuc Watkins as Bob Hunter, Mark Moses as Paul Young, with Brenda Strong as Mary Alice Young and James Denton as Mike Delfino. Also starring Charlie Carver as Porter Scavo, Joshua Logan Moore as Parker Scavo, Darcy Rose Byrnes as Penny Scavo, Madison de la Garza as Juanita Solis and Mason Vale Cotton as MJ Delfino.
Guest starring are Kyle MacLachlan as Orson Hodge, Harriet Sansom Harris as Felicia Tillman, Brian Austin Green as Keith Watson, Lainie Kazan as Maxine Rosen, Kevin Symons as Jack Pinkham, Michael Kagan as board chairman, Martin Kildare as Mr. Roarke, Christine Estabrook as Mrs. Huber, Steven Culp as Rex Van De Kamp, Michelle Duffy as Judy, Bonnie Bailey-Reed as Gwen, Max Carver as Preston Scavo and Karly Rothenberg as woman in prison.
“Remember Paul?” was written by Marc Cherry and directed by David Grossman.
“Desperate Housewives” is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format with a 5.1 channel surround sound. A TV parental guideline will be assigned closer to the airdate.
For more information on “Desperate Housewives,” visit ABC.com
EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION: Boys Hope, Pt. 1 — SEASON PREMIERE (9/26)
SEASON PREMIERE
KIDS TAKE OVER THE MAKEOVER IN THE STAR-STUDDED
SEASON PREMIERE OF “EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION”
On the Show’s Biggest Build to Date, Celebrity Volunteers Abound When the Kids from
Emmy Award-Winning Comedy “Modern Family,” Plus Katy Perry, Raven-SymonŽ and Shaquille O’Neal, Pitch in and Make Dreams Come True for Deserving Students in Baltimore, Maryland
“Boys Hope,” Parts 1 & 2 – Ty Pennington and his design team, including new designers Xzibit and Jillian Harris, traveled to Baltimore, Maryland, to surprise the students of Boys Hope/Girls Hope in a unique way and reveal to them that their lives were about to change. For the first time in the history of the show, the recipients were surprised on live television when the “EM: HE” team greeted the students with the good news. Another first in the show’s 170-plus episode history came unannounced, courtesy of Mother Nature, when an epic rainstorm threatened to knock the 11,000 square foot build off its strict seven-day schedule. Adding to the excitement, drama and fun of the build was the participation of the kids from the Emmy Award-winning comedy “Modern Family” (Ariel Winter, Nolan Gould, Rico Rodriquez), actress Raven-SymonŽ, basketball superstar Shaquille O’Neal and music sensation Katy Perry. The two-part episode airs SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 (7:00-8:00 & 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.
Boys Hope/Girls Hope in Baltimore, Maryland, invites students from difficult, at-risk backgrounds to live in a home that provides a safe environment, academic tutoring, mentoring and opportunities to give back to the community. Since 1991, 100% of the participants who completed the program have attended college. For now, there is only a home for the boys, giving them a secure place to live and excel academically and athletically. But the girls’ program, which just accepted its first seven members, does not have a building. The Boys Hope male scholars reached out for help to the “EM: HE” team to provide a place for the girls in their community that would offer them the same educational and emotional support that they enjoy. Their hope is that this new home away from home will change the lives of these young girls, as well as for future generations of promising young women.
The seven-day build was challenged by some of the worst weather the show has faced. After installing the insulation, electrical wiring and drywall, it was all destroyed by a massive storm, putting the home in serious jeopardy. The kids from “Modern Family,” as well as actress Raven-SymonŽ, arrived as reinforcements, and they provided lots of laughs along the way. Also, celebrity volunteer Shaquille O’Neal added an awesome yet educational touch to the new Girls Hope building.
The seven young ladies from Girls Hope went on a star-studded vacation to Hollywood, where they met Katy Perry, their favorite pop superstar. They got a real taste of glitz and glam when they watched Katy at work in the recording studio at Hollywood landmark Capitol Records. Katy, along with new “EM: HE” team member Xzibit, designed a special room at Girls Hope inspired by Katy’s music video, “California Girls.”
The design team for this episode features team leader Ty Pennington, designers Michael Moloney, Paul DiMeo, Xzibit and Jillian Harris, local builder Excel Homes and the Maryland Community Builders’ Foundation and community volunteers.
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is produced by Endemol USA, of Endemol Holding, and executive-produced by Brady Connell & George Verschoor. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. This program carries a TV-PG parental guideline.
For more information on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” visit ABC.com
MIDDLE: Back to School — SEASON PREMIERE (9/22)
SEASON PREMIERE
FRANKIE DEVISES A PLAN TO STAY ON TOP OF HER KIDS’ SCHEDULES AND GETS
ACCUSED OF BEING AN OVER PROTECTIVE MOTHER WHEN SHE TRIES TO EXPLAIN
BRICK’S UNIQUE ECCENTRICITIES TO HIS NEW, THIRD GRADE TEACHER,
ON THE SEASON PREMIERE OF ABC’S “THE MIDDLE”
Patricia Heaton’s “Everybody Loves Raymond” Co-star, Doris Roberts,
Guest Stars as Brick’s Teacher, Ms. Rinsky
“Back to School” – After a disastrous attempt to get her kids ready for the first day of school, Frankie devises a plan to stay on top of her kids’ schedules in order to better organize their lives. But things go from bad to worse when Frankie – aided by a reluctant Mike — tries to be pre-emptive and explains Brick’s eccentric quirks to his new, no nonsense teacher, Ms. Rinsky (Doris Roberts), and gets accused of being over protective. Meanwhile, Sue is so enthusiastic about being on the school’s cross-country team that she wears a heavy sweatshirt touting her team spirit in 80 degree heat, and Axl’s body clock gets thrown for a loop when Frankie begins waking him up for school with an alarm clock, on the season premiere of “The Middle,” WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.
“The Middle” stars Patricia Heaton as Frankie, Neil Flynn as Mike, Charlie McDermott as Axl, Eden Sher as Sue, Atticus Shaffer as Brick and Chris Kattan as Bob.
Guest starring are Brian Doyle-Murray as Mr. Ehlert, Doris Roberts as Ms. Rinsky, Peter Breitmayer as Pete and Patrick Y. Malone as Mr. Rasmussen.
“Back to School” was written by Eileen Heisler & DeAnn Heline and directed by Wendey Stanzler.
“The Middle” is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format with a 5.1 channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-PG parental guideline.
For more information on “The Middle,” visit ABC.com
MY GENERATION: Pilot — PREMIERE (9/23)
PREMIERE
AN INNOVATIVE NEW DRAMA ABOUT HOPES, DREAMS, LOVE AND LOSS
EXPERIENCED BY A GROUP OF FRIENDS ON THEIR JOURNEY INTO ADULTHOOD,
ON THE PREMIERE OF ABC’S “MY GENERATION”
Jaime King (“Sin City,” “Pearl Harbor”), Mehcad Brooks (“True Blood”), Kelli Garner
(“Going the Distance,” “Lars and the Real Girl”), Julian Morris (“Pretty Little Liars”)
and Michael Stahl-David (“Cloverfield”) Star Alongside a Talented Ensemble Cast
“My Generation,” a new scripted drama series following the stories of nine friends and the promise of what their futures could bring, how far they’ve come and how they got here, as told through the camera of a documentary film crew, premieres THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.
In the premiere episode, “Pilot,” a documentary crew follows a disparate group of high school seniors from Greenbelt High School’s class of 2000 in Austin, TX as they prepare for graduation, and revisits these former classmates ten years later in 2010 to see where they are now, what they’ve become and where they’re still headed. The camera lenses reconnect with Steven Foster, “the overachiever” in high school, who succumbed to pressures and ended up escaping to Hawaii to surf and be a free spirit. However an unexpected call from Caroline Chung, the shy “wallflower,” has Steven returning to Austin after discovering that they have a nine-year-old son together, conceived on prom night. Upon returning, he bumps into Jackie Vachs, the high school “beauty queen” who went to Hollywood to become a starlet but came back and got married when that didn’t pan out. Their chance encounter exposes some chips in her veneer of marital bliss with Anders Holt, “the rich kid” whose charmed life took an unexpected turn after breaking up with his high school sweetheart and first love, Brenda Serrano. Brenda was the class “brain” who is now doing very well for herself as a high-powered Congressional aide in DC.
The documentary filmmaker also catches up with Kenneth Finley, “the nerd,” who stayed in Austin and became a teacher and dreams of starting a family of his own. He’s created a sort of surrogate family when by allowing his former high school girlfriend, Dawn Barbuso, “the punk,” to stay at his house until her baby is born, since her husband, Rolly Marks, is away in Afghanistan serving a tour of duty. Rolly, “the jock,” ended up forgoing his athletic scholarship and joined the army after the 9/11 attacks. And Falcon, “the rock star” who is everyone’s friend, is on track to become a music producer. It’s his ties to his old friends that keep him rooted. As the lives of these nine friends are documented, we get an intimate look at how much can change over ten years and all that still lies ahead for them.
“My Generation” stars Michael Stahl David as Steven, Jaime King as Jacqueline, Kelli Garner as Dawn, Keir O’Donnell as Kenneth, Mehcad Brooks as Rolly, Julian Morris as Anders, Daniella Alonso as Brenda, Anne Son as Caroline, Sebastian Sozzi as Falcon and Elizabeth Keener as the filmmaker.
Guest cast include True Pham as Tom, Babs George as Joyce Foster, Jeffrey Schmidt as Ben Watts, Deana Ricks as Fay Roscoe, John Hafner as Private Harper, Steven Walters as Mickey Cooper, Ben Taylor as Bartender, Melissa Cordero as Hot Girl, Laurence Hines as Photographer, Steve Alberts as Newscaster and Jessica Vess as ABC News Anchor.
“Pilot” was written by Noah Hawley and directed by Craig Gillespie.
Based on a Swedish format entitled “On God’s Highway,” “My Generation” was created and written by Noah Hawley (“The Unusuals,” “Bones”), who is also an executive producer, along with Warren Littlefield, Henrik Bastin, Peter Magnusson and Martin Persson. The project is from ABC Studios.
The series is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1-channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-14,D,L,V parental guideline.
A review screener of “Pilot” is currently available on www.abcmedianet.com. Cast bios and photography can also be found there under the “My Generation” showpage in the Primetime section.
For more information on “My Generation” please visit ABC.com.
THE WHOLE TRUTH: Pilot — PREMIERE (9/22)
PREMIERE
ROB MORROW AND MAURA TIERNEY STAR IN “THE WHOLE TRUTH,”
PREMIERING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, ON ABC
“The Whole Truth,” starring Rob Morrow and Maura Tierney, employs a unique alternating narrative structure that chronicles the way a felony case is built from the perspectives of both the defense and the prosecution. Portraying each side equally keeps the audience guessing – shifting allegiances and opinions on guilt or innocence until the final scene. Ultimately, it becomes evident that innocence and guilt have nothing to do with the truth – the only thing that matters at the end of every trial is what the jury believes. “The Whole Truth” premieres WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET), on ABC. Note: This program will repeat Friday, Sept. 24 at 9:00 p.m., ET.
In the premiere episode, “Pilot,” viewers are introduced to Jimmy Brogan (Morrow), born and raised in Hell’s Kitchen and one of New York’s rising criminal defense attorney stars. Kathryn Peale (Tierney), the product of a New England background and a sheriff father, is a Deputy Bureau Chief in the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. These two have been friends (but enemies in the courtroom) since their days at Yale Law School, and face off in this episode about a high school history teacher and family man who’s arrested for the rape and murder of a female student.
Aiding Kathryn in the prosecution is the DA’s Bureau Chief Terrence “Edge” Edgecomb (Eamonn Walker) and Chad Griffin (Sean Wing), a very junior ADA and a total player. Over at Jimmy’s firm, his defense team includes Alejo Salazar (Anthony Ruivivar), Jimmy’s faithful and extremely competent second, and Lena Boudreaux (Christine Adams), a recent hire angling to be Jimmy’s second on the murder case.
“The Whole Truth” stars Rob Morrow as Jimmy Brogan, Maura Tierney as Kathryn Peale, Eamonn Walker as Terrence “Edge” Edgecomb, Anthony Ruivivar as Alejo Salazar, Christine Adams as Lena Boudreaux and Sean Wing as Chad Griffin.
Guest Cast: John Aylward as Judge Jeremiah Studley, Jack McGee as Stan Klotz, Rick Kelly as Glen Sellards, Allison Smith as Corinne Sellards, Skyler Day as Brianna Sellards.
“The Whole Truth” is produced by Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Jerry Bruckheimer Television and Warner Bros. Television. Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman and Ed Zuckerman are executive producers. Tom Donaghy, who created the series, and KristieAnne Reed are co-executive producers.
“Pilot” was written by Tom Donaghy and directed by Alex Graves.
“The Whole Truth” is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format, with 5.1 channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-14,D,L parental guideline.
For more information on “The Whole Truth,” visit ABC.com. Viewers can also follow the show via http://facebook.com/TheWholeTruth and Twitter: WholeTruthABC
 

  • 55% sad 6
  • 18% furious 2
  • 9% bored 1
  • 9% laughing 1
  • 9% intrigued 1
  • 0% thrilled 0

the journey home song

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:58:35 -0400





Basement Songs: Journey, “Only the Young”

In the fall of 1984, the Make A Wish Foundation contacted the band Journey. A 16-year old fan from Cleveland named Kenny Sykaluk was in the final days of his lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis. One of his dreams was to meet his musical idols. The members of Journey flew to Cleveland in October to meet the boy as he lay in a hospital, gasping for air; his young lungs were giving out on him. Among the gifts Journey brought with them was a cassette containing the band’s upcoming single, a song cut from their 1983 hit album, Frontiers, but soon to be released on the soundtrack to the film Vision Quest. That song was “Only the Young.”

Kenny became one of the very first Journey fans to hear the song, as he played it on his Walkman while the band stood by his bedside. Eventually, the visit came to an end and Journey returned to their homes back in California. Their time with Kenny deeply affected them and they would honor the boy on their 1986 tour by opening each concert with “Only the Young.”

Being a huge Journey fan raised in Cleveland, I naturally read the story of this visit as it appeared in the Cleveland Plain Dealer. I was 14 at the time. Like most teenagers my age, I scanned the article in the newspaper looking for information that interested me most. I came away from thinking that Journey was a cool band for coming all that way to visit a sick boy, and how cool it was that they’d brought a new song.

If I’d been more aware I would have dug deeper. I would have realized that Kenny Sykaluk had a disease that could be linked to my own family. My cousin, several years older than me, had a son who passed away from CF when I was a boy; he was just five years younger than me. I didn’t know him very well when we were growing up. The fact that we only saw my father’s side of the family once a year made it difficult for me, at a young age, to feel a strong connection.

If I’d been more aware, I would’ve also followed up on the fate of Kenny Sykaluk. Sadly, he died soon after meeting his heroes. It’s said that his Walkman was in his hand, the Journey tape still in it.

I remained a Journey fan throughout high school and into college, even when it wasn’t cool and the band was considered derivative corporate dinosaurs. One of the reasons I continued to enjoy their music was this story. Despite the slick direction their music took at the end of the 80’s and the infighting that led to the band’s first breakup, the story made them seem less like rock stars and more like decent people capable of kindness. Their actions that October in 1984, like the lyrics and music of “Only the Young,” gave me hope.

For Christmas in 1992, Julie bought me the Journey box set, Time 3. Besides the thrill of hearing several unreleased tracks from one of my favorite bands, I was excited to finally add “Only the Young” to my record collection. Because I’d owned all of Journey’s studio albums, I never purchased their multiplatinum Greatest Hits album from 1988. I figured that I could make my own (bigger and better) “best of” compilation tape using my LP’s, and borrow the Vision Quest soundtrack from the library to add “Only the Young.” Now I had the song in a clean, digital form and it never sounded better.

The 63-page booklet in Time 3 details the colorful history of Journey and includes the story of Journey’s visit to Kenny Sykaluk. The booklet, of course, mentions CF, but I did not correlate how that disease related to my own life. The story of Journey’s Cleveland visit would be revisited in the late 1990’s when Journey was featured on VH1’s Behind the Music. In that hour long documentary, Steve Perry, Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain, the chief songwriters of Journey and the men responsible for “Only the Young,” spoke about how meeting Kenny Sykaluk changed them and gave them a new perspective on life. Cain even broke into tears on camera.

You could be cynical and say that the Journey members were using this poor boy’s death to be opportunistic and make themselves look better. I don’t believe that to be true. The way I see it, each time Journey and the fans mentions Kenny Sykaluk and the horrible disease of cystic fibrosis, they keep the his memory alive and bring awareness to a little known disease. They’re doing their small part to help find a cure and stamp out CF once and for all.

I’ve seen Journey in concert three times, the last one being in August of 2001. I didn’t know what to expect from the band, as they were touring in support of a new album and a new lead singer, Steve Augeri. Would the music have the same power and the same emotion? My worries were quelled when they began playing “Only the Young.”  Augeri hit each note perfectly and the band was flawless. What I’ve always loved about “Only the Young” is Neal Schon’s understated guitar playing, how it compliments the vocals and melody and doesn’t overpower everything. On that hot summer night, Schon delivered each note with the same intensity and soulfulness that he did in ’86, when I heard them play the song the first time. With my brother and younger sister in attendance with me, that particular concert experience seemed even more exceptional.

Jacob was born in November of 2001 and diagnosed with cystic fibrosis a month later. As I Julie and I grappled with this news, distressed at what meant to our baby boy’s life, we leaned on our families and friends and turned to music to soothe our weary souls. Out of pure coincidence, my brother, Budd, had given me The Essential Journey for my birthday in early November, so I had been listening to a lot of their classic songs. You’ve heard of comfort food? Well, Journey soon became comfort music.

It wasn’t until the following spring, while rereading the booklet from Time 3 and I finally connected the link between Journey’s “Only the Young” and cystic fibrosis. So many years had passed and I had never once thought to look into the disease associated with one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands. Now I was a father with a son afflicted with the same disease and the song took on a new meaning. I never listened to it the same again. However, I never had a cathartic moment listening to it; I never felt a swell of emotions that caused me to associate the song with Jacob. It remained that song, linked to CF, but not a song about my family, until last weekend.

The city of Santa Clarita hosted a free concert in the park with the Journey tribute band DSB (Don’t Stop Believin’). Julie, Sophie, Jacob and I joined my brother’s family and 14,000 other people, old and young, to listen to a covers band perform the Journey hits. I have to say that the guys in DSB were top notch, putting on the closest thing to hearing Journey in concert besides the real deal. As they began their 18-song set of Journey classics (including several deep cuts), Sophie and I stood close to the stage to get the real concert experience. After about five songs, my daughter had had enough of her ears ringing and we walked back to join Jacob and Julie, some 10,000 people back.

We sat in lawn chairs, ate Italian ice, watched the strange people walking around the park, and enjoyed the music of Journey. Midway through the set DSB played “Only the Young.” For the first time in my life, all of the elements about this song aligned. Journey, CF, and now my family. As the music soared, I looked at my precious son, then over to his darling sister, and finally to my radiant wife. A huge wave of emotion swept over me. I have listened to this song at least a thousand times in 25 years, but it has never brought me to tears, not like it did that night, and not like it does as I’m writing this.

No longer would I associate the song with Journey’s visit to a dying boy in 1984. The sadness that surrounded that day and always seemed to be just below the surface of the song (for me) has been replaced with hope. I refuse to let this song make my heart hurt. I now have a lasting memory, one filled with smiling faces and the love of my family, to drive me. I will only let he optimism of “Only the Young” inspire me to do all that I can to ensure that CF is something my son lives with, but that it doesn’t define him.

When the song came to an end, I wiped my eyes and took a drag from the beer I was cradling. Soon thereafter, Julie and Jacob went home so that he could do his breathing treatments. By the end of the concert, Sophie and I returned to the front of the stage to hear DSB complete their triumphant show with a final round of hits, including Journey’s signature anthem, “Don’t Stop Believin’” No concert is complete without the band playing that one. As far as I was concerned, it already was.

Tags: Basement Song, Cystic fibrosis, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, DSB tribute band, Frontiers, Jonathan Cain, Journey, Make A Wish Foundation, Neal Schon, Only the Young, Ross Valory, Scott Malchus, Steve Perry, Steve Smith, Vision Quest

I was in fear of getting my hands on this new release, especially since listening to Buddha Bar III. As said by another reviewer here, the whole thing started smelling like “easy money”. Nevertheless, I like risky adventures and just went for this one.After listening to this double cd several times, and sharing new experiences, I must say I am far from disappointed. David Visan (DJ here in charge) does a great job, and his multicultural background (parents from a different culture, he has also traveled a lot) is clear, especially on cd 1. You just flow through 63 minutes of what I call S.I.S. music (Suave, Incisiva y Sexy). The roots are clearly Mediterranean, in the broad sense, taking you from one point to another of that area, with some latin influences, such as the tango-like closing track. The Mediterranean is SOOOOOOOOO wonderful and rich in different cultures and ways of living, and the cd is an attempt to make you feel and discover it. When it is over, you just want….more. And you hit the repeat button, several times if necessary. CD 1 is six stars by itself.True that cd 2 is a little more average and lacks a bit of punch, especially if it is filed as “drink” (cd 1 is filed as “dinner”, even if I would have called it something else). It is more chill out music than an invitation to move your body as you’re having drinks with your friends in an upscale bar of cities such as Paris, Tokyo, New York, Roma… Having said this, it has the inevitable (you’ll have this on all those French releases) kitsch tracks : number 8 sounds like what the gypsies play in the streets in Madrid to have people throwing them coins from their balconies, number 9 has that silly synthesizer sound that reminds me of the popcorn song (mid seventies). Then, you have a remake of Gloria Gaynor’s “I will survive” sung by salsa icon Clia Cruz, that also sounds more like a joke than anything else.Overall, a great purchase if you don’t get upset with the kitsch side and if it wouldn’t be for two drawbacks : still a bit pricy and the shortness of the journey (63 and 60 minutes, that’s almost half an hour less than what we could get), which is why it gets 4 stars. Other than that, the second best, after volume one… You won’t be disappointed if you like cds such as “Real Ibiza”, some of the “Cafe del Mar” (only the best ones), or “Flying carpet”.P.S. Just like the rest of the cds from the Buddha bar and associates collection, all tracks are mixed. Just thought you’d like to know.