AKPC_IDS += "1598,";

March 31, 2009 Arts, Briefly New Reality Show for Tough Times   By BRIAN STELTER; Compiled by FELICIA R. LEE   Betting that a show about venture capitalists will entice viewers in tough economic times, ABC will adapt an overseas reality show about entrepreneurship for a possible premiere next season. The program, to be called “Shark Tank,” will be modeled after “Dragon’s Den,” a BBC program that challenges entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to multimillionaire investors. According to The Hollywood Reporter, ABC has ordered seven episodes of the series from Mark Burnett, the producer of “Survivor,” “The Apprentice” and other reality hits. The concept originated in Japan and has since blossomed in countries around the world. The investors, who will needle the contestants before deciding whether to finance the ideas, will include Barbara Corcoran, the founder of the New York real estate company the Corcoran Group. ABC has not yet set an air date for the series. AKPC_IDS += "1477,";

AKPC_IDS += "800,";

AKPC_IDS += "797,";

Real estate queen Barbara Corcoran was flattered when someone asked for her autograph on W. 50th St. – even though the fan thought she was singer Annie Lennox. Barb had a laugh. AKPC_IDS += "1502,";

That Barbara Corcoran, who turns 60 on Tuesday, is celebrating with a pajama party at her home with 40 friends who will all be provided with bunny slippers. AKPC_IDS += "611,";