Billed as "the greatest Survivor ever" when it launched following the Super Bowl in January 2004, Survivor All-Stars broke new ground for the hit reality series by bringing back 18 of its most famous (and infamous) characters from the previous seven installments to battle it out in a quest for affirmation or redemption (and, of course, the million-dollar prize). Half the fun was seeing who was picked to return, and there were many tasty selections: original winner Richard (natch) from Borneo; Colby, Jerri, and Tina from the Australian Outback; Ethan, Lex, and Big Tom from Africa; and the newest alumnus, Rupert from the just-completed Pearl Islands. (There were, of course, many omissions, such as Mike Skupin, who deserved a second chance after falling into the fire in Australia.) Right from the beginning, it was clear that this Survivor was going to be different. Because people now knew each other (from sharing a previous game, watching on TV, or mixing at Survivor-related functions), some of the schemers were quickly sniffed out and snuffed out, and players were more aggressive about creating alliances (which sometimes overlapped, but hey, it's only a problem if you get caught). In addition, because no one wanted to see someone win a second million dollars, previous champions found that they had targets on their backs. As a result, there was an entirely new wave of power players. Along the way there were some surprising and very emotional developments (which had the unfortunate side effect of killing some of the show's action) and the first on-screen Survivor romance.

binding: DVD

For its seventh edition, The Amazing Race welcomed two familiar faces. Reality TV vets Rob and Amber were one of eleven teams competing for the million-dollar prize. The other contestants covered the spectrum, like boyfriends Lynn and Alex, brothers Brian and Greg, married couple Uchenna and Joyce, and mother/son duo Susan and Patrick. The latter decides he'll do whatever it takes to beat Boston Rob. As he notes in the season premiere, "I watched Survivor. He's as dumb as a rock." The show's top-rated installment spanned five continents and 40,000 miles, from Long Beach, CA to Fort Lauderdale, FL. Other pit stops include Buenos Aires, Istanbul, and London. Some of the more colorful challenges include llama herding in Peru and cave rappelling in South Africa, while the emotional high point is a trip to a Soweto orphanage, an experience that reduces Uchenna and Joyce to tears. There will also be sacrifices along the way, as when Gretchen, the second oldest contestant--after her 69-year-old husband, Meredith--has a frightening fall and Joyce says so long to her hair. The seventh season of The Amazing Race is broken into 12 episodes, including three two-part programs. This boxed set features a mini-documentary, chatty commentary from four of the highest-ranked teams, and over three hours of deleted material. After the race aired, Lynn and Alex and Rob and Amber--on network TV, naturally--tied the knot. It was also revealed that Joyce once had a recurring role on Star Trek: The Next Generation. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

binding: DVD

This sexy and addictive hit show will draw you in with its irresistible combination of creativity and intensity inside the glamorous industry of high fashion! Starring beautiful international supermodel Heidi Klum -- you'll go behind the scenes and take an unguarded look at what it takes for some hip young designers to make it in the highly competitive world of fashion! Featuring every entertaining episode of the acclaimed first season, this must-have DVD collection also includes a wealth of never-before-seen outtakes and reams of bonus material!

binding: DVD

Fabulous from head to toe, Project Runway differs from many of its reality-show peers in that 1) its contestants are actually skilled at a difficult trade (in this case, fashion design) and 2) it boasts the most engaging hosts (supermodel Heidi Klum and Parsons Fashion chair Tim Gunn, who's become a breakout star himself). Season Two benefits from a more streamlined process--gone is the model-picking cattle call every episode--and a cast twice as memorable as Season One. Compare the ideas of kind fashion teacher Nick vs. wearable-technology geek Diana; the profound commentary of South African boho-chick Kara ("there's a life to the garment") vs. dim-bulb early cast-off Heidi ("I thought it was just, pretty… I mean, she looked pretty"). Revel in the arrogant musings, over-the-top designs, and dead-on Tim Gunn impressions of Santino Rice, who was wrongly mislabeled the villain of Project Runway. That honor truly goes to bossy witch Zulema, who never met an excuse she didn't like, and broke a gentleman's agreement by swiping Nick's "muse," model Tarah, halfway through the season (In a bittersweet end, Zulema's subsequent ousting forced an early exit for Tarah as well). There's even a surprise return of Season One's Daniel Franco, whose quivering voice and shuffle added even more spice to the pot. This season's challenges included designing for Barbie, heiress Nicky Hilton, figure skater Sasha Cohen, and supermodel Iman; creating outfits from the clothes off their back; and designing a garden-party dress out of flowers and plants. Watching their creations (which are, in many cases, impressive) criticized by grumpy judges Michael Kors and Elle fashion director Nina Garcia makes for some of the best drama on television.

binding: DVD

The 2004 Edition of the leading extras casting directory for Southern California.

author: Hollywood OS binding: Paperback

In the first-ever guide to finding a satisfying job that will keep food on the table while you focus on your perhaps less lucrative dreams, Deborah Jacobson presents a detailed survey of employment possibilities that keep stressful money worries away and allow plenty of time for pursuing one's true calling in life. Survival Jobs proves that you don't have to wait tables while looking for your big break. With frank and funny advice from an author who has traveled the survival-job road, Jacobson introduces opportunities both on and off the beaten track that suit a wide variety of schedules, skills, and personalities. Survival Jobs includes: "Jobs for the CEO in You" (apartment manager, massage therapist, and other "be-your-own-boss" suggestions)"That's Entertainment" (from working as a personal assistant to performing at theme parks)"Nine to Five...Not" (clock in at the crack of dawn or the midnight hour as a limousine driver, a video-store clerk, or an airport employee)"You Gotta Have Heart" (jobs that satisfy the spirit and pay the bills: pet care, social work, children's entertainment)For each job, she describes:Duties and responsibilities, the pros and consLikely salary, necessary skills, and educational backgroundIdeas for getting startedSources for contacts, including names and phone numbers in major cities

author: Deborah Jacobson binding: Paperback

Every year, over 60,000 commercial roles for all ages, physical types, and ethnic backgrounds are cast by ad agencies, producers, directors, and casting directors across the country. Breaking Into Commercials will show you what it takes to get one of those roles and give you an edge over the competition. This essential guide provides untapped opportunities in regional markets and abroad, and shares valuable insights into developing a competitive edge." In Breaking Into Commercials, you'll discover how to • Get the best head shots • Create a résumé and cover letter that opens doors • Fine-tune your craft to develop a competitive edge • Find a good agent • Give an audition that will result in more callbacks and jobs • Prepare for a commercial shoot • Make the most of working in regional markets • Move from regional to major markets • Break into voice-over work • Cross over from modeling to commercials • Launch your child's commercial career. A glossary of industry terms and an appendix of regional and national resources rounds out this comprehensive text on breaking into the lucrative field of acting in commercials.

author: Terry Berland Deborah Ouellette binding: Paperback

"So, You Want To Be A Fashion Model?" is a to the point guide highly recommended by all the top agents in New York City and across Canada and the USA. It explains how to prepare to break into the modeling industry -- both physically and mentally -- and how to acquire good representation. It explains all this and much more clearly with both practical and vital steps as well as stories and examples from top international agent, Marcia Rothschild Moellers, an agent in the business for over 23 years.

author: Marcia Rothschild Moellers binding: Paperback