New Reality TV Show to Feature iSeries Operators and Programmers

LOS ANGELES, CA -- Programming executives at Aoba Entertainment announced today that they are developing a new reality TV show that will feature iSeries operators and programmers. The show, to be called Midrange Madness, will pit four teams of IT professionals against each other to see who can respond the quickest and most effectively to crisis situations.

"America is obviously enamored with the reality TV concept," said Frank White, VP of Programming. "But after an endless stream of shows about eating bugs and dating beautiful people, we felt that it was time to add some variety. We're doing this by tapping into the midrange computing market."

What can we expect as tasks for the competitors? "We had an original concept that involved eating microchips," explained White, "but it quickly became clear that this would be a legal liability... and we just couldn't be responsible for all those dental bills. So after a brainstorming session we decided to go with situations like security breaches, stopped job queues, and cascading system failures."

It all sounds fascinating, but will America really embrace a show about tech professionals?

"I loved the episode we were shown," said Lena Peters, a member of the show's test audience. "Fred is my favorite. The way he responded to that hack attempt was amazing! He caught that hacker right in the honeypot and shut him out of the system. I got weak in the knees."

The Houston Record obtained a tape of the screening episode and the show looks to have great promise. Some [TV] industry analysts believe that the reality concept is running out of steam, but Midrange Madness will definitely throw some spice into the mix. The screening episode featured other great moments in addition to Fred's honeypot trick, including a spectacular virus cleaning rampage that takes the green team through the IFS in search of the source of a nasty bug that has been repeatedly infecting the accounting PCs.

White indicated that, while there is currently no network attached to the project, they are in negotiations and expect the show to air in late 2004.


Zodiac Zone:
Your Personal Horoscope

Aquarius
The moon in Pluto today means that you will choose the slow line at the grocery store. Accept challenges and stay away from low-fat. Friends may accuse you of being boring, but you tell them that you're really just living in your own world that's much more interesting than theirs.

Pisces
You'll have a close call at the fish market, but the good will of others will make everything OK as tragedy befalls your long lost twin instead of you. Passionate relationships are the order of the day—an odd occurance at the fish market. Spice up your life with wasabi.

Aries
Just ram it. That's your motto. You may find friendships strained this week as your driving skills drop to a new low. The convergence of two key celestial houses means that you may find food too salty. Use caution when working with electronics.

Taurus
This is your week, and that's no bull. You will find your natural talents amplified—and your natural odor as well. Tasks come easy to you as you unseat coworkers and make a power play for chairman of the board.

Gemini
The number "2" will pop up where you least expect it this week, which is ironic because being a Gemini you should expect such things. Financial good fortune is on the horizon as Jupiter rules your house. You'll find a $2 bill in the pocket of an old jacket.

Cancer
You may find your hands tied as business associates hold up your vacation plans. The ocean's calling, but the big project you've been working on has you stuck in the sand. You will seek solace in bad rhymes and get kicks out of paying for pizza with dimes.

by Madame Gertrude and
her Psychic Llama

Leo
You just can't wait to be king, but the stars say there is a high probability that you'll find yourself in jail this week—not the throne you had in mind. The entry of Venus into your house means that it's the right time to take those smoke signal lessons you've been thinking about.

Virgo
That starring role in Lord of the Dance will finally be yours as a freak lighting strike endows you with a rare ability to shake it. Life is really looking up for you, but you'll come crashing down when McDonald's runs out of the Haunted Mansion toy you've been waiting for.

Libra
People always say they can read you like a book, and it doesn't look like that's going to change any time soon as you find yourself tossed out of acting class. You can blame it all on Saturn if you like, as the planet comes into alignment with Mars; though the truth of the matter is that you simply can't act.

Scorpio
Bad news on the job front sends you hiding under rocks. A new guy will transfer into your department from corporate headquarters and there may not be room for you anymore. The outcome may sting, but hey, that's life.

Sagittarius
You've had many surprises in your life, but the clothing endorsement that is about to land on your desk takes the cake. You'll find yourself more fashionable than ever this week. If you could only finish that nice tail cozy you'd be all set.

Capricorn
It would be nice to know what's in store for you this week, but it's more interesting to keep you guessing. Just ask your questions and try to work it out. All signs point to "yes."

Other Entertainment Stories

Be sure to uncover all the clues...

Issue 1

New Reality TV Show to Feature iSeries Operators and Programmers
Programming executives at Aoba Entertainment announced today that they are developing a new reality TV show that will feature iSeries operators and programmers, pitting IT professionals against each other to see who can respond the quickest and most effectively to crisis situations. :: View full story.

Madame Gertrude and Her Psychic Llama (Horoscopes Group 1)
The moon in Pluto, money found in an old jacket, a starring role in Lord of the Dance? Find out what's in store for you in the weeks to come with Madame Gertrude and the predictions of her psychic llama. :: View full story.

Issue 2

Is Your Security a Joke? Webcast Plans Mix of Hints and Humor
Evans Business Solutions, the local software vendor hit by a recent data theft scandal, is marching forward with business as it plans an upcoming webcast entitled "Is Your Security a Joke?" :: View full story.

Madame Gertrude and Her Psychic Llama (Horoscopes Group 2)
Billing errors with the phone company, a receding hairline, great furniture deals? Find out what's in store for you in the weeks to come with Madame Gertrude and the predictions of her psychic llama. :: View full story.

Issue 3

Red Alert! Star Trek: Enterprise Threatened with Cancellation
Apparently not realizing that they have no other decent shows, the United Paramount Network (UPN) is considering cancelling Star Trek: Enterprise—the fifth incarnation of Star Trek on television—due to low ratings. :: View full story.

Madame Gertrude and Her Psychic Llama (Horoscopes Group 3)
Rising levels of mercury, camel spiders, a chance meeting with Jewish Frankenstein? Find out what's in store for you in the weeks to come with Madame Gertrude and the predictions of her psychic llama. :: View full story.

Issue 4

Lollapalooza Out, Carbapalooza In
The waning music festival Lollapalooza, founded in 1991 by Jane's Addiction leadman Perry Farrell, finally ran out of steam this week as organizers cancelled the entire upcoming summer concert season. :: View full story.

Madame Gertrude and Her Psychic Llama (Horoscopes Group 3)
A sensitivity to pollen, shellfish allergies, humans and bears dating on a reality show? Find out what's in store for you in the weeks to come with Madame Gertrude and the predictions of her psychic llama. :: View full story.