2012-03-04

The Mega-Brands That Built America is the newest series in History's "That Built" franchise, telling the origin stories of some of the most successful businesses in history: from mega-stores like Costco and Walmart to sporting goods giants like Spalding and Wilson, titans like Ivory Soap, Schick and Gillette, to shipping giants like Fedex and UPS, and countless more of the biggest brand names in history. Each story is told through the "That Built" franchises' signature blend of expert interviews and archival, mixed with original premium recreations. Through the eyes of the visionaries and entrepreneurs behind the brands, the series takes viewers on a journey; starting with how it all began, following the innovations, the failures, and all the incredible achievements that forever changed the way Americans live. It's everything you didn't know about the colossal brands you know so well.

The eight-episode fast-paced, nostalgia-fueled series will take viewers on a thrilling ride through America's past. 

General Hospital, which celebrated its golden anniversary on April 1, 2013, continues its tradition of passion, intrigue and adventure that takes place in the fictional town of Port Charles in upstate New York. The glamour and excitement of those who have come to find their destinies in this familiar seaport town intertwine with the lives, loves and fortunes of beloved, well-known faces. As always, love, danger and mind blowing plot twists continue to abound on General Hospital with contemporary storylines and unforgettable characters.

Mama June: From Not to Hot is all about Mama June's dramatic transformation. "I'm a mama, a grandmama, and a BIG reality star — and now I'm ready for a BIG change," Mama June narrates as we see her strike various poses. But she's not just talking about physical changes, she's revamping her entire life! "It's time to say goodbye to bad men and junk food," Mama June says before adding that fans (and haters) can all "[say] hello to a whole new me, because when they see what I look like now, they're not going to believe their eyes!" At this point we see a string of text that I assume are all things that went into Mama June's dramatic makeover. Included in the list are weight loss surgery, physical therapy, liquid diet, tummy tuck, gastric sleeve, strength training, breast implants, high intensity training, and laser teeth whitening.

The American Gilded Age was a period of immense economic change, of huge fortunes made and lost, and the rise of disparity between old money and new.

Against this backdrop of change, the story begins in 1882 — introducing young Marian Brook, the orphaned daughter of a Union general, who moves into the New York City home of her thoroughly old money aunts Agnes van Rhijn and Ada Brook. Accompanied by Peggy Scott, an accomplished African-American woman, Marian inadvertently becomes enmeshed in a social war between one of her aunts, a scion of the old money set, and her stupendously rich neighbors, a ruthless railroad tycoon and his ambitious wife, George and Bertha Russell.

In this exciting new world that is on the brink of the modern age, will Marian follow the established rules of society, or forge her own path?