I don't know about you but I'm grateful for programming that addresses my health care concerns especially when it comes to trends about aging. 
Hosted by TV personality Geoffrey Baer, "10 Buildings That Changed America" promises to be a very interesting look at America's architectural footprint and their pioneering influence on building across the country. All of the buildings are highly individual, signature structures whose features have been replicated across America.
The one-hour show premieres on Sunday, May 12 at 9 p.m. in Spokane on KSPS TV. Don't forget that Sunday is also Mother's Day but at that hour we'll have all probably finished up with our Mother's Day celebrations.
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Join the conversation with host Shaun, Jackie and Ryan! Share your opinions, observations, or questions about the movies on Saturday Night Cinema and they'll do the same. 
Are you fascinated by Australia? Do giant prehistoric animals float your boat?
If so, check out another Nova series - "Australia's First 4 Billion Years: Monsters" airing on Wednesday, April 24 from 8-9p.m.
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Airing on Tuesday, April 23, "Dust Bowl: The Great Plow Up," a film by Ken Burns, is one of the best researched and informative historical documentaries I've ever seen.
This is episode one of three, and chronicles the worst manmade environmental disaster in American history.
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Robin Charboneau, an Oglala Sioux from North Dakota’s Spirit Lake Tribe, had a dream that convinced her she needed to tell her story. So she allowed documentary filmmaker David Sutherland to follow her journey as she struggled with alcoholism and memories of sexual abuse for three years.
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There has been much media attention devoted to meteors since a 7,000-ton asteroid, as big as a house, crashed into the earth’s atmosphere and landed in Siberia, Russia on Feb. 15, 2013.
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Based on real events, Sisters of War tells the stories of Lorna Johnston and Sister Berenice Twohill, two Australian missionary women who survived as prisoners of war in Papua New Guinea during World War II.
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One of the most magnificent and charismatic creatures on the planet has been close to extinction for many years.
Yet last year more elephants were slaughtered for their ivory tusks since an international ban on the ivory trade was implemented in 1989 – as many as 50,000 according to some sources.
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Betty Friedan. Gloria Steinem. Sandra Day O’Connor.
We all know these trailblazers who in the 1960’s and ‘70s blazed a trail with the 1963 book “The Feminine Mystique,” the launch of Ms. Magazine and the losing battle for the federal Equal Rights Amendment in 1982.
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Are you a fan of Saturday Night Cinema? Or of cinema in general? Do you have the chutzpah to host a weekly program?
Bill Stanley, creator and long-time host of Saturday Night Cinema, is bowing out and the program needs a new host.
Hence the Great Cinema Search!
Well I’ve been absent from blogging for about two months and it is almost two months to the day that we moved into our new house. Can’t believe how long it takes to “get settled.”
Finally after moving in during the month of August, having a garage sale last weekend and getting rid of a ton of stuff I’m finally feeling like I can get back to relaxing and watching a bit of the tube. And KSPS is at the top of my list next week even with all the new programming on commercial channels.
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I love serendipity!
So when I saw that American Masters “You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story – A Rising Power: 1923-1927” series is airing beginning next week, I was delighted! I’m right in the middle of reading “Rin Tin Tin” by Susan Orlean. I’ve followed and loved her writing for a long time. She also wrote “The Orchid Thief” which was the basis for the movie “Adaptation.”
The black and white and silent films starring “Rin Tin Tin” only helped Harry, Albert, Sam and Jack L. Warner get their start as Hollywood moguls in 1923 ....
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Just a quick note about “Market Warriors” my new Monday evening (9p.m.) favorite program. I wrote about in last week’s blog. Here's a quick synopsis about the Monday, July 30 episode.
This week we find the pickers: Miller (the only woman), John, Bob and Kevin at the Lakewood 400 Antiques Market outside Atlanta, Georgia. Their task was to find vintage advertising … one of my personal favorite collectibles, and the pickings are good. They are up for the challenge and among the treasures they snag is a rare Red Rock Cola piece, a Sterling Card case and antique hobbyhorse. Can't wait to see what the hobbyhorse looks like.
Nextavenue is one of the best, newest websites I’ve seen for everyone “of a certain age.”
Developed by the public tv community and journalists who are yearning to create a new life stage between young adulthood and “old-old:” adulthood, it’s Adult Part 2 online.
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There's news for viewers in Camas Prairie as well as the Chelan/Manson areas. Read more →
Market Warriors, a new program developed by "Antiques Roadshow" producers, premiered this week on Monday evening. And if it’s anything like the hit Roadshow series I predict it will also be a big winner.
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This year the big 4th of July concert live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in celebration of America's 236th birthday, will be hosted by the Emmy Award-winning host of “Dancing With the Stars,” Tom Bergeron.
Bergeron will lead an all-star group including Mathew Broderick, Anton Ohno and R&B stars Kool & The Gang.
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“World Peace & Other 4th Grade Achievements” airs on Wednesday, June 6 on KSPS 7.2 at 4p.m. in Spokane and it’s a program for adults as well as kids.
This program is about world peace … what a concept. And although it’s a game that deals with real world problems like water rights, it’s also reality for this class of 4th grade students in Virginia over eight weeks.
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Unless you’re living under the proverbial rock, you've probably heard about the FIRST Robotics Competition held at EWU this spring.
You can actually experience the “robot rumble” by tuning in to Northwest Profiles this month on KSPS. Tune-in on 06/02/12 at 10:31pm pt, 06/03/12 at 9:30pm pt and 06/17/12 at, 4:30pm pt.
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The Frontline program that airs next week on KSPS Spokane at 9pm/10mtn is one of those news stories that takes some investigative chops to put together.
Frontline and ProPublica seem to do a great job on these types of investigations.
You know you love them … those adorable little Australian creatures.
This program doesn’t however spend too much time appreciating their cuddliness. Instead it will bring you face-to-face with their grunts and snorts… bellows and roars and their day to day dramas.
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“Finding Your Roots” is easily one of my favorite shows on KSPS.
This Sunday Sunday, May 6, I’ll be watching with baited breath as they say because all three people’s heritage should be fascinating programming.
A program that’s already aired this week really peaked my interest as I read about it on this week’s schedule.
It’s a regional story about Central Idaho’s Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness which was heretofore unknown to me.
I don’t get out enough, it’s true.
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We’ve probably all seen video clips of Jesse Owens at the iconic Olympic Stadium in Berlin in 1936. With the backdrop of impending world war, the 22-year-old Owens won four gold medals in the face of Nazi racism.
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Are you a fan of the popular CSI TV series? If so you may want to catch this Frontline program on Tuesday, April 17 at 9p.m. on KSPS in Spokane.
"The Real CSI" promises to tell us how reliable, or unreliable, the science behind forensics really is.
According to Frontline, it finds serious flaws in some of the best-known tools of forensic science and wide inconsistencies in how forensic evidence is presented in the courtrooms of America.
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I love stories about the courageous men and women who resisted the Nazi’s tyranny in WWII and outwitted the enemy. And especially when it tells the story of a group of women like “Irena Sendler: In the Name of Their Mothers” which airs this Sunday evening at 11p.m. in Spokane on KSPS.
What a great story … this group of very young Polish women headed by Irena Sendlerowa (commonly known as Irena Sendler), is credited with saving the lives of more than 2,500 Jews, most were children, in German-occupied Poland in WWII.
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Don’t miss Finding Your Roots on Sunday evening at 7p.m. in Spokane.
I love Kyra Sedgwick on TNT in the role of Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson on The Closer. So I can’t wait to see what they find out about her roots on this program. Kevin Bacon, her husband in real life, will also be the subject of this week’s program.
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Did you know all the men in Washington State got together to vote for women in November 1910?
True story.
Washington State women were the first in the country to have the right to vote. Seems odd that it was only 100 years ago doesn’t it?
There’s a KSPS-produced documentary available right here called “Courage in Corsets: Winning the Vote in Washington State.”
Given the high profile deaths of Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger, Anna Nicole Smith and most recently Whitney Houston, it’s time we all look more closely at what’s happening in this country with prescription drug use.
When we think of drug addicts we often think of those back-of-the alley, downtrodden, older, perhaps homeless people.
However, that’s not an accurate picture. The face of drug addiction has changed.
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Can you believe it's been 25 years since the "Phantom of the Opera" opened onstage in London?
I love this story. It has everything-obsessive love, fabulous music and out-of-this-world drama. KSPS in Spokane will air the the performance at London's Royal Albert Hall on Friday, March 16 at 8p.m.
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How smart are dogs? What makes them such ideal companions?
The answers are all available to viewers of “Dogs Decoded” on KSPS7.2 in Spokane on Thursday, March 15 at 11a.m./4p.m. and 9p.m.
It’s hard to oversell the charm and excitement of seeing Greece and the quintessential Greek Islands.
I was lucky to go on a whirlwind sailing tour of the Greek isles several years ago. It was the trip of a lifetime.
On Wednesday evening on KSPS7.3 or Channel 109 in Spokane, there are two diverse travel shows playing back to back. The first, at 6p.m. is part 1 of Rick Steves’ Europe: Three-Part Travel Skills special.
At 7p.m. stay tuned for Travelscope: Greece- Cruising The Isles.
“Need to Know” is an integrated broadcast and online current affairs project merging TV and web in an innovative approach to newsgathering and reporting.
I have not seen this show yet but when I saw it on the schedule I was really excited and can’t wait to see it on Friday night in Spokane at 7:30p.m.
Do you know a young someone (K—3rd grade) who loves to tell stories?
Get them signed up of the PBS Kids Go! Writers Contest.
Valentine’s Day always brings thoughts of Paris for me … really the most romantic city on planet Earth.
So I was excited to see that Rick Steves' Europe this week is set in Paris – “Highlights of Paris: Eiffel and Monet to Crème Brulee.”
There’s only one episode of Downton Abbey left this season and it’s next Sunday evening.
If you’re addicted and you can’t wait ... but you're also dreading having the season end ... you’re not alone. The British tale of life and times in Edwardian England has become somewhat of a cult in its second season on PBS channels.
On Thursday of this week I was attracted to the story of “Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock.” KSPS is airing it at 10p.m. I did a bit of research on her and now I know I'll be watching Thursday evening.
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I love Frontline. They do some of the very best investigative journalism around. And tomorrow evening is no exception.
KSPS will air Frontline’s Post Mortem Tuesday, Feb. 1, at 9p.m.
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Friday evening late (11:30p.m.) which is late in my book, is Northwest Profiles. But I’m going to the Mythbuster’s Show at 8p.m. that night so I’ll just catch the program before I hit the bed. At least that’s the plan.
If you’re interested in all-things-related-toWorld War II … don’t miss the Nova program tomorrow night called “3D Spies of WWII.”
The program premieres Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. on KSPS in Spokane and this story of suspense and wartime secret intelligence hasn’t been told until now.
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Tonight’s airing of Billy the Kid from 9-10p.m. is the beginning of American Experience’s January series on the legend of the Wild West and Western Heroes called the Wild West Collection.
The series this month also includes programs on Custer’s Last Stand, Wyatt Earp, Geronimo, Annie Oakley and Jesse James.
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I hope your holiday was everything you hoped for. If it was anything like mine it was filled with family, fun and food … lots of food … too much food!
I took a couple of weeks off from the blog and am back refreshed and looking forward to a great new blogging year in 2012.
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If you’re looking for holiday entertainment on KSPS you’ll find something nearly every night from now through Sunday, Dec. 25th … Christmas.
Can you imagine being in the audience at Webster Hall in New York, a club that holds only 1,400 people, for a show that was the culmination of a two-month US tour of theaters and smaller venues to see Paul Simon?
One of my very favorite musicians, Simon played the show in June 2011 to rave reviews including one which indicated the concert was “a rare and spectacularly up-close event for fans.
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Do you have your tickets to see Rick Steves?
He’s coming to Spokane Wednesday, Dec. 7, to discuss ‘Travel as a Political Act Part II’ at Gonzaga University.
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Are you up to date on your estate planning?
It’s not one of my favorite topics nor probably yours, but it’s something that must be done. If it isn’t there’s no telling what kinds of mistakes can be made and the legacy for the family who is left with these types of problems can be very painful and expensive.
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Are you a dog or a cat person?
People usually have a strong preference for one or the other. I’m basically a dog person.
Read more →How can you not be interested in what Einstein was searching for all of his later years … the Theory of Everything?
I love quantum physics.
There are so many ways to get news these days … it’s pretty incredible if you think about it. Even in the last five years changes in technology mean that we can go online to news sites like PBS Newshour or NPR, use Ustream live video, or catch up with what’s happening in the world using Twitter or other social media apps.
And it all becomes so very personal since we can use these tools at almost any time and place we choose through the use of mobile devices.
I, like millions of other people, was so very sad upon hearing about the death of Steve Jobs.
I’ve been an Apple devotee for many years … appreciative of not only the unique ability of Apple products to rise to the top of the tech world’s best, but also a love of what I perceive to be some of the most unique, clean and most creative design of Apple products.
All the products as well as the branding came under the watch of Steve Jobs.
Did you catch the first installation of “America in Primetime” last night? Called the Independent Woman, the one-hour show, part of a new four-part series, traced the evolution of women on American TV from zany Lucy Show comedic talents of Lucy Ricardo to transitional roles like Laura Petrie’s in the 1960’s and Mary Tyler Moore to that of Murphy Brown, another transitional role that portrayed changes in American culture through comedy.
If you love TV, arguably one of our country’s best creative endeavors, as much as I do, the new four-part series called “America in Primetime” which premiered Sunday evening and runs on consecutive Sundays through Nov. 20, will be on top of your priority list.
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It’s Hallooween week this week since the 31st falls on Monday next week.
Consequently this week’s schedule is packed with the best and scariest programs for the peanut gallery and up into the tweens and teens category during the day on KSPS.
If you’re an avid Antiques Roadshow viewer as am I … you may already know that this Monday there’s another double-header. The first hour of the program is from Atlantic City, New Jersey.
If you’re a music connoisseur you’ll be excited to see this week there are several musical programs to choose from on KSPS.
If you read this blog you probably know that I’ve been away from Spokane for several years and just moved back last August. So I’ve been playing catch up on what’s news in Spokane these days; who’s who on the city council … mayor … police chief, sheriff and any number of other subjects including elections and such.
For the past few weeks we’ve been inundated with political ads and advertising pro and con on different initiatives on the upcoming ballot. If you're anything like me, you probably would like to see some objective-type programming that explains some of the issues and highlights the candidates running for the different positions. Yes?
Tonight’s the night for the premiere of “Women WAR & Peace” on KSPS in Spokane. The five-hour series airs at 10 p.m. tonight and the rest of the series continues on Tuesdays throughout October and into November. Check the site for specifics dates.
As we all know, the United States “officially” bans women from combat while the reality is that they already serve on the front lines alongside men. The ban is somewhat ridiculous since while women are not officially assigned to units which are likely to see combat, they can be “attached" to them and fight alongside men.
By Judith Spitzer
Check it out! Saturday night uninterrupted films begin airing this Saturday, Oct. 8, at 8 p.m. in Spokane with “After the Thin Man” starring William Powell, Jimmy Stewart and Myrna Loy.
Nick and Nora's friend Selma is accused of murdering her fiancee and the couple, aided by their dog Asta, investigate -- so says the program schedule. I haven't seen this one.
By Judith Spitzer
Have you noticed your grocery bill going up and up and up? I certainly have. Compared to last year at this time I bet I am paying at least 10 percent more on groceries!
My mother was queen of getting her money’s worth, could save money even during winters when my dad wasn’t working and she passed all that wisdom down to her four daughters and two sons.
However, budgeting for families isn’t an easy task these days especially given the dire jobs situation in some parts of the country.
So I was very happy to see that PBS’ and Sesame Workshop (creators of Sesame Street) are launching a new campaign to end child hunger called “Food For Thought: Eating Well on a Budget.”
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“Prohibition” is a three-part, five-and-a-half hour documentary series directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick. The series airs starting on Sunday, Oct. 2, at 8p.m and runs for the next two nights.
The film tells the story of the rise, rule, and fall of the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the entire era it encompassed.
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National Lymphoma Awareness Month is commemorated each September to help raise public attention for this type of blood cancer. Lymphoma is not a single cancer but a group of many related cancers. In fact, there are nearly 30 different types of lymphoma. They are grouped under two categories: Hodgkin Disease and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. These two broad groups may be similar in their symptoms and the tests that are required, but they behave differently when they affect a person.
While other cancers have shown a decline, Lymphoma is on the rise -- according to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that there will be 65,980 new cases of Lymphoma in the United States this year. But with early diagnosis it is often a very treatable cancer with good prognosis.
On Tuesday, September 27th at 7:00 PM Pacific Time KSPS-TV (7.1) will present the one-hour documentary “Not As I Pictured: A Pulitzer Prize-Winning Photographer’s Journey Through Lymphoma.” The documentary follows John Kaplan ‘s experiences as he deals with life afflicted with lymphoma. John is a Pulitzer Prize photographer who once worked for the Spokesman-Review. This Sunday, the S-R will feature a story about John and the documentary.
Although the topic is serious, NOT AS I PICTURED is upbeat, very positive, and ends with John’s remission and return to health.
The documentary is scheduled for a repeat on Sunday, October 2nd at 1:00 PM on KSPS.
By Judith Spitzer
If you’re old like me … you probably remember watching the program called “An American Family” that started running on Thursday evenings at 9p.m. in 1973.
Actually in 1973 I was still in high school in Spokane. I remember vaguely seeing the program but I’m sure I was much more concerned with whatever angst or epiphany I was having back in the day.
Be that as it may, the 12-hour documentary chronicled the daily lives of the Santa Barbara Loud family – parents Pat and Bill Loud and their five children Lance, Delilah, Grant, Kevin and Michele Loud.
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By Judith Spitzer
I don’t know about you but it seems like I’ve always struggled with my weight – even as a teenager although looking back I was not overweight … just self-conscious.
Since I’ve gotten older though it seems like the pounds have crept up and up until now when I truly am overweight -- and not just self-conscious.
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By Judith Spitzer
I had a quiet weekend – spending time with my daughter and 15-year old grandson was the big highlight. I think everyone should arrange to hang out with a 15-year old on occasion. The world through their eyes is so naïve and innocent … and incredibly fun!
My grandson is a wannabe stand up comedian. So I’m always checking out videos of comics that he can watch – preferably those who are funny and not raunchy.
By Judith Spitzer
I love just about any and all kinds of music from classical to hip-hop and pop to Celtic and R&B to the sounds of Big Bands. If you feel the same way, you'll be happy to learn how many choices you have for music this week on KSPS.
Like I have, you’ve probably been seeing all the programming this week around the anniversary date of 9/11 -- which is this Sunday. Although it seems unbelievable to me, it’s been 10 years since the tragedy of 9/11 played out on TV for millions in America and across the world.
I will always remember that day … getting an early morning call from my husband while I was getting ready for work in Portland. A week before that date in 2001, I had started a new job as an education reporter for a newspaper group in the Portland suburbs.
For the past decade, Between the Lions has entertained while helping children acquire basic reading skills and a love of reading. Rights to the series will expire at end of August.
The series has earned 10 Emmy awards. Independent studies have shown the series has boosted children’s early reading skills in key areas, such as phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency and vocabulary. But the true success of a series lies with you the viewer. On behalf of Theo, Cleo, Leona, and Lionel, I would like to thank you for your support of this series.
By Judith Spitzer
You know what they say – perception is everything. You may have the perception that public broadcasting stations are running along just fine with no help from you. The truth is that KSPS Public TV, just like any other public TV stations, need and depend on viewer members just like you and me to help support the tremendous programming that they bring to us every day of the year.
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By Judith Spitzer
Remember at the beginning of the summer when I told you about the free movies at 9:45 a.m. at Riverfront Park? You probably thought yeah, that’s a good idea and then promptly tucked it away in a note to self.
Fast forward to the dog days of summer and you and yours have done all the playing, camping, sunning, traveling and eaten oh so many s’mores and ... you still haven’t been down to see the unique documentaries that are playing Monday through Friday at Riverfront Park.
By Judith Spitzer
There are several programs I like to catch every week on Saturdays on KSPS.
By Judith Spitzer
I know there lots of you out there who watch Antiques Roadshow on Monday evenings at 8p.m. And I’m one of you.
Tonight (and last week I noticed) there will be two hours of the show for the price of one. The first hour is from Hartford, Ct. and hour two is from Louisville, Ky.
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Have I ever mentioned that shopping is my avocation? Yes, I am called to shop … anywhere, any time, anyhow.
So naturally I’ve found my way to the KSPS Create webpages. Yes, you too can support your local public TV station and PBS by shopping on the KSPS website.
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A federal jury recently found five New Orleans Police Officers guilty of the shootings that killed two civilians and seriously wounded four others in the chaotic, traumatic days after Hurricane Katrina.
The jury also found the officers guilty of a massive cover-up that went on for almost five years.
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Have you checked out KSPS on Facebook and Twitter? Read more →
If you’re not going to see Michael Buble on Wednesday evening, check out the 8 p.m. performance of the “Jackie Evancho: Dream with Me in Concert” on KSPS Public TV.
Jackie Evancho, if you’ve been cloistered under the proverbial rock, is the tiny little blonde discovered on the 5th season of America’s Got Talent.
Why do huge swarms of rats overrun a bamboo forest in northeast India once every half-century? Hmmm. I can’t say I have the answer to that one right on the tip of my tongue.
Not just rats but black rats, that appear to spring from nowhere to spread destruction and famine in their wake. What the heck you say? Me too.
Apparently bamboo forests in part of northeast India go into “exuberant flowering” … followed by the plague of rats. And lucky us – NOVA and National Geographic have captured this ordeal in vivid detail and the show is scheduled to run Wednesday evening at 8 p.m.
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Do you love Michael Bublé’s music as much as I do? If you do like him, you probably know he’s on tour right now, The jazz-pop vocalist is coming to town with his “Crazy Love Tour” at 8p.m. on Aug. 10 at the Spokane Arena.
If you’re lucky, you can be one of 10 winners ….
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By Judith Spitzer
I finally tried the Antiques Roadshow App on my iPad this weekend.
Whether you’re a fan of the television series on Monday nights or whether you just love antiques – you’ll love this game! It’s available for the iPhone, iPad and the iPod touch.
Read more →By Judith Spitzer
PBS recently launched another new app for iPhones, iPads and iPod touch that features more than 300 hours of free video, including full-length programs from Frontline, PBS Newshour and many, many others.
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By Judith Spitzer
I don't know about you but I am inundated with paper! Aren't we supposed to have less paper in this... the computer age? Still there are things I need to keep and I'm a piler. I know 'they' say you should only look at a paper or bill once and then deal with it and put it in its file; trash it; pend it or whatever. I have my piles and I'm fine with that. To each her own I say.
One of the things I do print out and keep every week is the e-Friends Weekly Newsletter.
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By Judith Spitzer
Don’t you love this time of year … farmer’s markets, fresh fruits and veggies, barbecues and picnics galore? Summer has always been a time when I love to spend early mornings gardening, when it’s cool and quiet.
This year has been different given that we moved to Spokane last July and we have yet to buy a house in the area – waiting for our Portland house to sell. I’m sure many of you can relate.
By Judith Spitzer
Did you catch the Capitol 4th on KSPS TV? Great program! I watched between barbecues and going downtown to see the fireworks display. Both were great of course. Spokane couldn’t compete with what was called the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation!
Equally sublime were the entertainers who provided incredible music for the event. My favorites were comedian Steve Martin who played with the Steep Canyon Rangers and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks.
By Judith Spitzer
I love watching just about any shows having to do with history on KSPS.
My latest favorite is the American Experience documentary is called "Abraham and Mary Lincoln: A House Divided."
I watched part one of the series several weeks ago, and loved every minute of it. Part one covered both Abraham and Mary's childhoods - his, in a remote backwoods log cabin and hers, - in a wealthy Kentucky home. It describes their courtship and marriage. Mary is quoted as saying - "He'll be President of the United States one day. If I had not thought so I never would have married him."
By Judith Spitzer
I have been a card-carrying, devoted DIY watcher and doer for many years now. I crochet, sew, collage, shop vintage (both clothes and furniture), paint, garden and will tackle many a DIY project if it doesn't involve saw blades or cement — although I have been known to attempt a concrete pathway and the idea of smoothing concrete is very, very appealing to me.
I'm a big fan of Create TV. There is so much available on this channel from cooking to arts & crafts to gardening and home improvement, not to mention a number of award-winning travel programs. I watch Create TV all the time but I didn't realize that on Saturdays you can watch a full day of how-to programs focusing on a single theme.
By Judith Spitzer
News flash: School is out for the summer! You don’t have six camps lined up, a host of play dates scheduled and you’re wringing your hands you say?
Well, KSPS is at least one outlet offering an educational and fun venue for your kids this summer. They’ve joined with Riverfront Park and are proudly presenting a FREE, yes FREE, summer movie series of locally produced documentaries.
The movies will run on the same weekly schedule until Sept. 2, 2011. Check out another IMAX freebie at the end of the blog.
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By Judith Spitzer
Did I mention how much I enjoy social media? You know … blogging, Tweeting, Face Booking, Linking In, YouTubing and a myriad of ways that we’ve come to know, rather quickly, as communication tools?
Social media is pretty amazing. It feels like a whirlwind with no apparent limits to its potential. People are using social media tools like this blog, to get their message out on a personal level, to communicate business to business, to promote and/or market, to network and to socialize, just to name a few.
Read more →I’m so proud of myself this week! I worked super hard over the weekend getting our yard back into shape after the too-wet spring. It was a major spring cleanup and since our house is on a corner, there are both the front and back yards as well as two sloping hills on either side.
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The long Memorial Day holiday weekend was packed with visiting family and non-ending meals ... clean up ... shop for meals ... eat meals ... clean up ... cook more meals ... ad nauseum. Eating seems to be what my family does best when we're together.
Answer: 170 Million Americans
Question? How many Americans connect to public media every month in this country?
It's Monday … which means I've got Antiques Roadshow on my get-to-do list.
I love, love, love antiques. And not just because they're unique and wonderful vintage pieces. Most times people have collected at least a little bit of the history that goes along with their treasures. Better yet are the heirlooms passed down through generations within a family — then there are even more fascinating details.
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This is my first blog for KSPS and I’m really excited to be sharing my thoughts with you about KSPS Public TV and the communities of Spokane, Calgary and Edmonton, Canada.
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Norma Zimmer, the "Champagne Lady" on national television's The Lawrence Welk Show, died at her home in Brea, CA on Tuesday, May 10, 2011, at the age of 87. Norma was a featured soloist on The Lawrence Welk Show weekly series on commercial television from 1960 to 1982. In 1987, the weekly series moved to public television where it continues to air today on 276 PBS stations. 
On Friday, May 6th a group of 40 college students will gather in Washington D.C. to participate in the 2011 Student Freedom Ride. The ride will retrace the route planned for the original ride that occurred fifty years ago and culminate in New Orleans on May 16th. American Experience’s Student Freedom project received over 1,000 applications. Those chosen represent the unique diversity that is America.
In May KSPS-WORLD celebrates Asian-Pacific American Heritage month with four unique documentaries. Originally presented in October 2007 as part of the series Independent Lens, Please Vote For Me, directed by Weijun Chen, features an elementary school in the city of Wuhan in central China, where three eight-year-old students campaign for the coveted position of class monitor. This is the first election for a class leader to be held in China, and the candidates hold debates, campaign tirelessly, and show their intellectual and artistic skills, until one is voted the winner. Please Vote For Me airs on Sunday, May 8 as part of the Global Voices series.
Global Voices “Please Vote for Me “is scheduled for broadcast on KSPS-World (over-the-air channel 7.2, Comcast Cable of Spokane channel 108) Sunday, May 8th at 6:00 AM (Pacific) with repeats slated later in the day at 12:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 11:00 PM (all times are Pacific.)
The Space Age: NASA's Story premieres Tuesday evening May 3rd at 7:00 PM on KSPS-TV. This four part series from the BBC is a unique look at the space agency and man’s quest to explore the universe. The series offers restored footage along with interviews of the astronauts, their families and the journalists who covered the triumphs and tragedies of space exploration.
The series highlights the iconic moments but also reveals the lesser known, and sometimes humorous events of man’s adventures in space. The Space Age: NASA’s Story is a complete history of mankind's journey into space and is scheduled for Tuesdays at 7:00 PM (Pacific) with repeat broadcasts Wednesdays at 10:00 PM (Pacific) and Saturdays at 2:00 PM (Pacific).
Freedom Riders is the powerful harrowing and ultimately inspirational story of six months in 1961 that changed America forever. From May until November 1961, more than 400 black and white Americans risked their lives-and many endured savage beatings and imprisonment-for simply traveling together on buses and trains as they journeyed through the Deep South.
Filmmaker Stanley Nelson (Wounded Knee, Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple, The Murder of Emmett Till), along with the original Freedom Riders, will be featured on Oprah Wednesday, May 4th.
Freedom Riders: American Experience premieres on Monday, May 16th at 9:00 PM Pacific on KSPS-TV.
Tonight on KSPS-TV at 9:00 PM Pacific Time FRONTLINE's "Fighting for bin Laden";
As the world reacts to the news that that Osama bin Laden, long-hunted leader of the al-Qaeda terror group and mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, was killed in a firefight in Pakistan, news and public affairs programs on PBS are offering extensive coverage both online and on air about the years-long hunt, the operation and what’s next for the U.S. war on terror.
Nature takes a timely look at the salmon crisis in the Pacific Northwest. “Salmon: Running the Gauntlet” airs on Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 7 p.m. (PT) on KSPS-TV.
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On Friday, April 29th beginning at midnight Pacific time, KSPS-TV (7.1) will provide live coverage of the Royal Wedding of HRH Prince William and Catherine Middleton as presented by the BBC. Our coverage, presented in high definition, will last five and one-half hours. For years our programming has been closely associated with Britain and the BBC. We have the unique opportunity to provide our viewers the opportunity to witness the event from the British perspective.
Leading the coverage for BBC One and BBC News will be Huw Edwards, who will be based outside Buckingham Palace and joined by fellow anchors Fiona Bruce and Sophie Raworth, who will be situated at key locations in central London.
As a courtesy to our viewers, KSPS-TV will repeat the coverage on Saturday, April 30th beginning at 10:00 AM Pacific time.
With the exceptions of Ask This Old House and the Victory Garden, the life style programs preempted on Saturday, April 30th will be presented on Saturday, May 7th in their regular time periods.
The repeat of Antiques Roadshow “Billings, MT – Part 3” shifts to Sunday, May 1st at 12:00 PM PT.
Hidden Fire: The Great Butte Explosion will air on Thursday, May 5th at 7:00 PM and repeat on Sunday, May 8th at 12:00 PM. There is an earlier broadcast of this special on Sunday, May 1st at midnight.
Daylight: The Most Beautiful Train in the World moves to Sunday, June 19th at 12:00 PM PT.
Coverage of The Royal Wedding is made possible through the generous support of the Friends of KSPS. Our Friends really do make a difference!
Due to technical difficulties, the Thursday, March 3rd presentation of Hustle was not broadcast in its entirety. The technical center did everything possible to restore the program but was forced to select an alternative program. The episode (series one, episode 6) has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 5th at 8:00 PM Pacific Time.
On March 25, 1911, a fire broke out in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York’s Greenwich Village. Workers tried to make their way out of the congested loft, but the doors on their floor were locked and the fire escape soon crumpled.
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If the idiom "mind over matter" is true, is it possible that the mind can heal the body to promote better health? This question, among others, will be discussed at 7 pm/8MT Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011 on the next installment of the Health Matters series. “The Mind-Body Connection" will feature a guest panel of four experts interested in hearing your thoughts and voicing opinion on how the mind can affect your body and health.
Do you believe that the mind has the power to affect your physical health? Please leave your questions and comments below.
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Viewer feedback related to Masterpiece Classic’s “Downton Abbey” has been favorable. The first season of Downton Abbey concluded on Sunday, January 30th.
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The production of the series Last of the Summer Wine came to a conclusion earlier this month. The following is a link to the BBC Comedy page that pays tribute to the series. 
In January Northwest Profiles featured a segment titled “Challenging Vision” the story of Bernard Vinther, a visually impaired machinist. On March 17th Mr. Vinther was involved in a pedestrian-automobile accident in Kennewick, Washington. Mr. Vinther suffered minor injuries but Kaber, his guide dog, did not survive the accident.
From reports of the incident, the loss of Kaber has created a tremendous void within the Vinther family. We extend our best wishes to those involved and hope for a speedy recovery from the physical and psychological trauma that has occurred.
I’ve included a link to the Tri-City Herald’s online story of the incident and a quick link to the Northwest Profiles segment on Mr. Vinther.
In January of 2005 Masterpiece Theatre presented a five-part mini-series titled “Island at War.” This period drama followed the experiences of three British families living in the German occupied Channel Islands during World War II. You may recall that when the series ended there were many questions left unanswered. There was talk of another season of “Island at War.” Unfortunately, the series did not garner much interest when broadcast in the UK and the passing of writer Stephen Mallatratt in 2004 pretty much assured that the loose ends of the story would be left to the imagination of the viewer.
I’ve included a link to an article presented by The Times that you may find interesting, and perhaps it will provide a sense of closure for “Island at War.”
The French Chef debuted on February 11, 1963 on WGBH in Boston. The series had a successful run of ten years on NET (National Educational Television) making Julia Child the first celebrity in the PBS world.
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The encore presentation of Ken Burns’ The National Parks: America’s Best Idea is airing Wednesday evenings at 8:00 PM Pacific / 9:00 PM Mountain on KSPS-TV. The next project that Florentine Films is working on is an indepth look at Prohibition. I’ve included a family photo taken in the 1920’s. The location is presumed to be just north of Seattle. My mother-in-law is the small child resting in the basket. Each time the picture re-surfaces from the family’s photo archive the story behind the family gathering becomes more intriguing. English tea was not the beverage of choice in the boneware cups and the rosy cheeks were not the handiwork of a photographer’s art brush. And the smiles? They are the result of Nettie, the young woman holding the tea cup, a child of the Alberta prairies and in her later year’s my wife’s grandmother, who was held in high regards as a “home brewer.”
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