Get outside, even though you are inside...

Nature
The wonders of our world are on full display this holiday season in these three specials.



Nature: Christmas in Yellowstone
Friday, December 3, 4:00 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1]
Saturday, December 4, 2:00 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1]
Tuesday, December 21, 9:00 AM [KLRN World 9.2]
Thursday, December 23, 11:30 AM [KLRN World 9.2]
Saturday, December 25, 11:30 AM [KLRN World 9.2]
As snow falls and Christmas lights glow in Jackson Hole, a holiday season of a different sort settles in just beyond the town, in the great winter world of Yellowstone. Breathtaking landscapes frame intimate scenes of wolves and coyotes, elk and bison, bears and otters as they make their way through their most challenging season of the year. NATURE journeys in the footsteps of the men who first explored the park, and travels with their modern-day counterpart on his own journey of discovery. From the unique crystals of individual snowflakes to the grand sweep of Yellowstone's Hayden Valley, this is a Christmas like no other.

Nature: Hummingbirds: Magic in the Air
Sunday, December 5, 6:30 PM [KLRN PBS 9.1]
Tuesday, December 7, 2:30 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1]
Hummingbirds represent one of nature's most interesting paradoxes -- they are the tiniest of birds, yet they qualify as some of the toughest and most energetic creatures on the planet. New knowledge gained from scientists currently making great breakthroughs in hummingbird biology makes this a perfect time to focus on these shimmering, flashing jewels of the natural world. Stunningly beautiful high-definition, high speed footage of hummingbirds in the wild combined with high-tech presentations of their remarkable abilities help us to understand the world of hummingbirds as we never have before.

Panda Tales
Sunday, December 12, 7:00 PM [KLRN PBS 9.1]
Wednesday, December 15, 2:00 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1]
Friday, December 17, 4:30 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1]
Go behind-the-scenes at the San Diego Zoo for a rare look at the first year of life of a baby Giant Panda. "Zhen Zhen" captivates visitors at the Zoo with her antics and charm, but she also represents hope for the future of this endangered species. Panda Tales combines music and fun scenes of the baby panda growing up with the science behind panda conservation efforts.

Relief from the parking lot battle...

Yoga & Healthy Living
Regardless how much we say that we’re not going to get stressed out this year, the holidays can still provide a lot of anxiety as we battle the parking lots and fret over our lists. In the midst of it all, don’t forget to take care of you. Here are a few programs that might help you unwind just a bit.



Back Care Basics: Yoga for the Rest of Us
Sunday, December 19, 9:30 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1]
Just as Peggy Cappy has modified yoga poses in her earlier videos Yoga for the Rest of Us and More Yoga for the Rest of Us to make yoga accessible to every body, Peggy turns her attention to stretches and exercises that are most beneficial to back care. Strong, healthy back muscles provide support for your spine and result in more energy and vitality in everything you do. Peggy shows you the right exercises and yoga poses to protect your back and improve your posture. These simple but powerful exercises stretch and strengthen back muscles and can alleviate back pain caused by muscular tension. And, with regular practice, they can keep back pain from returning.

Easy Yoga for Arthritis with Peggy Cappy
Sunday, December 5, 9:00 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1]
Tuesday, December 7, 5:00 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1]
Friday, December 10, 5:00 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1]
Saturday, December 18, 2:00 PM [KLRN PBS 9.1]
Peggy Cappy’s newest program is a fabulous anti-stress yoga sequence, presented in her gentle style that everybody can do. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the US, affecting some 37 million people. In this video Peggy shows how yoga can relieve stiffness, reduce pain and fatigue, and improve muscle and bone strength.

Heart Healthy Yoga: Yoga for the Rest of Us
Sunday, December 12, 9:30 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1]
Pioneering yoga instructor Peggy Cappy has made her mark in the world of yoga by developing and teaching an approach that makes yoga accessible to people of all ages, abilities and sizes. Continuing her mission to help Americans get healthier — and to promote yoga to the population at large — Cappy offers viewers a documentary special that demonstrates the heart-healthy benefits of yoga and shows how the simplest stretches and exercises can be incorporated into anyone’s daily routine.

Dr. Lori Mosca’s 3 Keys to Heart Health
Tuesday, December 7, 9:30 PM [KLRN PBS 9.1]
Friday, December 10, 2:00 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1]
Sunday, December 12, 10:30 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1]
Tuesday, December 14, 2:30 AM [KLRN PBS 9.1]
Heart disease is the number one killer of women… and men. It can't be cured, but it can be prevented. Dr. Mosca will cover simple steps to prevent heart disease and lead a happier, healthier life for you and your family.

Hot cocoa required...

It’s that time of year to nuzzle up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa and KLRN. We have a great line up of holiday themed programs that are sure to get you in the spirit of the season!



Click on any of the program titles below for dates, times and descriptions.

Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration
Great Performances: Andrea Bocelli & David Foster: My Christmas
Nature: Christmas in Yellowstone
Orla Fallon’s Celtic Christmas
Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring the Rockettes
Rick Steve’s European Christmas
Straight No Chaser: Live in New York: Holiday Edition

Need some food for thought?

Looking for ideas on what to cook for dinner? This December we are airing some of your favorite cooking programs, that will help to...get the juices flowing! Find your inspiration in roasting a chicken with Julia Child, traveling to Mexico with Rick Bayless for authentic Ceviche or grilling up a flavorful BBQ feast with Steven Raichlen.

(back by popular demand--Julia Child Memories Dec 11 at 5p)


Click on any of the program titles below for dates, times and descriptions.

America’s Home Cooking: Chocolate

Julia Child Memories: Bon Appétit!

Lidia’s The Best of Italy

Mexico One Plate At A Time

Primal Grill with Steven Raichlen

Can you feel the music?

I must say that PBS/KLRN is well-liked by music lovers (I happen to be one of them). The reason being, there is always a rich variety of music shows that cover everything from comfy classics that we love, to new up and coming artists, to big names that have taken the music industry by storm...then throw in some a cappella. We have it all! Over the next few weeks, we have some great musical programs for you. I hope you have a chance to tune in and take a moment to get lost in the music. Enjoy!





11/29 Roy Orbison: In Dreams
11/30 Motown Memories
12/2 Ed Sullivan's Rock and Roll Classics: 60s
12/2 Carole King-James Taylor Live at the Troubadour
12/4 John Sebastian Presents: Folk Rewind
12/4 Jeff Beck Honors Les Paul
12/5 Steve Miller Band: Live in Chicago
12/5 Love Me Tender--The Love Songs of Elvis
12/8 Straight No Chaser- Live in NewYork: Holiday Edition (watch preview)
12/9 Celtic Woman: Songs From The Heart
12/11 Great Performances: Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood
12/12 John Denver: A Song's Best Friend

For the love of wine...

KLRN is so pleased to announce the 2011 San Antonio Wine Festival event chairs. Dan and Soonalyn Jacob are spearheading this series of events that benefits KLRN. Now in it's 31st year, the San Antonio Wine Festival is a favorite event for people from all across South Central Texas. Many of them have seen it grow from a singular event for a handful of friends to a weekend of three different events, bringing "something for everybody." The Jacobs are filled with ideas, enthusiasm, spirit and a love for wine. We are thrilled to have them on board and look forward to a great and successful 2011.

Children’s Books in K-12 Classrooms

by Yvonne Yates
Director of School Services, KLRN

Watching a student spellbound by a book has to be one of my favorite things to see. The way that the whole world is shut out and the only thing that matters is what the author has written. Then again, I think that all teachers feel this way at one point or other.

Not too long ago, I walked into a high school classroom to observe and saw one of the most amazing things…all of the students were sitting on the floor as the teacher was reading a children’s book. Yes, this was a high school class. They were mesmerized as the teacher changed her voice to add drama to each character. This was her way of introducing her lesson. She read to them for five minutes, taught her lesson and in a mere twenty minutes, the classroom once again looked like an AP Junior English class.

It was fascinating to see a high school teacher entrance her students with the techniques that a kindergarten teacher uses. As we grow older, the child inside each of us often dies. This teacher made me think of a colleague who once dressed up as Christopher Columbus to introduce a series of books about Columbus’ journey from different points of view. She went as far as renting a period custom that included a wig. This is only one of many things she did to ensure that her students were engaged in her lessons. Although I did not teach for decades, I was lucky enough to see wonderful techniques by many amazing educators that taught me that an excellent teacher plants the seed in students to become readers for life.

November is National Children’s Book Month. Since 1919, it has been celebrated nationally in libraries, bookstores, and schools. This month gives educators, librarians, and families the opportunity to celebrate children's books--and the love of reading. Light the fire and encourage students to re-visit an old favorite and look at it, analyze it, and enjoy it once again!

This month, I don’t have a question for you but a task. Find your favorite children’s book and incorporate it into one of your lessons, whether you are an elementary teacher or high school teacher. And, then tell us about what you did.

Healthy Students

by Yvonne Yates
Director of School Services, KLRN

As educators, it is our job to ensure that our students are lifelong learners who thirst to know more about everything--knowledge that will extend far beyond the classroom’s lessons in Reading, Math, Science and Social Studies. As an avid reader and seeker of knowledge, I remember reading an interesting quote that made me reflect on my goals as a teacher. “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” What was I doing to make sure that my students where healthy, both physically and mentally?

In 2008, the year that I turned a decade older, I took it upon myself to run the Inaugural San Antonio Rock and Roll Marathon. Take into account that I had never run more than half a mile in my life, and here I was committing to running 26.2 miles. Many thought I was crazy, which reflecting back, I might have had a temporary moment of insanity. The ideas to do this came from my sister who had done a full marathon two years prior. She said it changed her life. What better way to celebrate another decade of my life then to subject my body and mind to a commitment of running this full marathon? Training started in June and continued until the marathon in mid-November. I gave up sleeping in on Saturday mornings and caffeine, and changed my eating habits to ensure that my body did not go into total shock from all this exercise.

The school year began in August, and I told my class about the personal goal I had taken on that summer. They asked why I wanted to do this and also what I would gain from it. The answers were simple. I wanted to celebrate with a lifestyle change, and I would gain a healthier body and mind from this commitment. My students helped me train during the week, reminding me to drink plenty of water and asking me first thing in the morning if I had done my cross-training. They held me accountable for my commitment.

The evening before the marathon, I laid out all my gear for next morning and went to bed early. I woke up at 4:30 a.m. and was at the starting line--teeth chattering and hands freezing. It was a cold morning. The start gun when off and thousands of runners/walkers were off. At about mile seven, I took a wrong step and hurt my knee; I didn’t feel it until mile 13. I was in pain. Just as I was thinking of quitting, I was hurt after all, I saw them. There where my students holding up signs and cheering me on. They cheered me on from mile 13 all the way to the finish line. I finished with a very unimpressive time but it did not matter, I finished.

I came back to work on Tuesday to a classroom full of questions and newspaper articles. My students had been bitten by the running bug and there was no going back. We made a classroom initiative to be healthy--both mentally and physically. We walked two laps at recess to get our hearts pumping, and we had brain breaks to rest our minds when things were getting a bit too stressful and intense in class. It was a great year for all of us. We learned together that our bodies, when taken care of properly, would do amazing things. About a week ago, I got an email from a former student informing me that she was going to be doing the San Antonio Marathon this year. She remembers how much fun it was to watch and now she wanted to be a part of it.

In 1994, the third week of October officially became “National Health Education Week.” It is not only the Physical Education and Health teacher’s job to make certain that students are making conscience food and lifestyle choices. National Health Education Week is an excellent opportunity to engage communities and schools to focus on important health issues that affect our society. The Mayor’s Fitness Council launch on Saturday, October 16 at Woodlawn Lake Park is one way that the Alamo City is taking a step to be a healthier community.

My question to you this month is: How do you encourage your students to make healthy lifestyle choices to promote a better working classroom environment? Use the comment box below to share your response.

FALL PREVIEW 5: MASTERPIECE MYSTERY! & INDEPENDENT LENS

We are wrapping up our week of fall season highlights with a closer look at a modern Serlock Holmes.

MASTERPIECE MYSTERY!
Sundays at 8 PM
London 2010. Sherlock Holmes — loner, oddball, genius. John Watson — doctor, soldier, war hero. Two men who couldn’t be more different ... united by adventure.
Sherlock: A Study in Pink: October 24 | When an unidentified woman, dressed all in pink, turns up murdered, Sherlock must catch the killer.
Sherlock: The Blind Banker: October 31 | When a banker is found dead inside his locked apartment, Sherlock and Watson follow the clues.
Sherlock: The Great Game: November 7 | Sherlock must solve perplexing and dangerous puzzles specifically laid out for him.

INDEPENDENT LENS
Tuesdays at 10 PM
This acclaimed Emmy Award-winning anthology series features documentaries and a limited number of fiction films united by the creative freedom, artistic achievement and unflinching visions of their independent producers.
The Longoria Affair: November 9 | Private Felix Longoria died during World War II, his Texas hometown’s only funeral parlor refused his family because “the whites wouldn’t like it.” The incident created deep divisions — but it also helped launch the Mexican American civil rights movement.

While this wraps up our look at the highlights coming this fall, there are many other programs you’ll find each night on KLRN. From the PBS NewsHour to Need to Know, Dinosaur Train to The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That, Antiques Roadshow to History Detectives, we’ll keep you posted on what’s coming up with our biweekly Previews e-newsletter. Sign up at http://www.klrn.org/signup/.

And as always, we want to know what you think about our programs!

FALL PREVIEW 4: CIRCUS & FRONTLINE

We’ve heard that many of you have enjoyed the series CARRIER, which looked at life aboard an air craft carrier. The creator of that series is back with CIRCUS. FRONTLINE looks at issues close to home in October.

These are just two shows we are highlighting this week. If you don’t want to miss these or other great programs on KRLN, sign up for our bi-weekly program highlights email at: http://www.klrn.org/signup/

CIRCUS
Wednesdays, November 3-17
Hit the road with CIRCUS and take an unforgettable trip with the legendary Big Apple Circus. From the big top to the “back lot” — where the real heart of the circus beats — explore a distinctive world with its own rules, lingo and no fixed address. Get involved with the diverse characters who make up the Big Apple family. Share their fears and frustrations, triumphs and failures and find out what it really means to live life in the ring.
Watch a preview of Circus at http://www.pbs.org/opb/circus/

FRONTLINE
As PBS’ premier public affairs series, FRONTLINE’s stature is reaffirmed each week through incisive documentaries covering the scope and complexity of the human, social and political experience.
Death by Fire: October 19 | Did Texas execute an innocent man? FRONTLINE examines the conviction and 2004 execution of Cameron Todd Willingham for the arson death of his three young children in light of new science that raises doubts about whether the fire at the center of the case was really arson.
The Spill: October 26 | Through interviews with current and former BP employees and executives, government regulators and safety experts, FRONTLINE joins with ProPublica to examine the trail that led to the disaster in the Gulf.

FALL PREVIEW 3: GOD IN AMERICA & NOVA

Continuing our look at the programs coming this fall to KLRN, today we’re highlighting a thought-provoking collaboration between FRONTLINE and AMERICAN EXPERIENCE called, GOD IN AMERICA.

GOD IN AMERICA
Monday-Wednesday, October 11-13, 9 PM
How has religious belief shaped American history? What role have religious ideas and spiritual experience played in shaping the social, political and cultural life of what has become the world's most religiously diverse nation?
For the first time on television, God in America, a presentation of AMERICAN EXPERIENCE and FRONTLINE, will explore the historical role of religion in the public life of the United States. The six-hour series, which interweaves documentary footage, historical dramatization and interviews with religious historians, will air over three consecutive nights.
Watch a preview God In America at: http://www.pbs.org/godinamerica/

NOVA
Tuesdays at 8 PM
PBS' premier science series helps viewers of all ages explore the science behind the headlines.
Building the Great Cathedrals: October 19 | Carved from a hundred million pounds of stone, soaring effortlessly atop a spider web of masonry, Gothic cathedrals are marvels of human achievement and artistry. But how did medieval builders reach such spectacular heights?
Trapped in an Elevator: November 2 | Across North America, elevators move 325 million passengers every day. NOVA reveals the secret life of these ubiquitous machines and investigates personal stories of those who have been caught inside when they fail.

If you don’t want to miss these great programs, sign up for our bi-weekly program highlights email at: http://www.klrn.org/signup/

FALL PREVIEW 2: MICHAEL FEINSTEIN’S AMERICAN SONGBOOK & AUSTIN CITY LIMITS

This week, we’re looking at new programs coming this fall to KLRN! Yesterday, we looked at BASEBALL and Great Performances. Today, we’re continuing with a look at two music programs. First, Michael Feinstein takes on a journey through the American Songbook. We’ll then take a musical hop up I-35 and see who’s on stage at Austin City Limits.

MICHAEL FEINSTEIN’S AMERICAN SONGBOOK
Wednesdays, October 6-20
MICHAEL FEINSTEIN'S AMERICAN SONGBOOK chronicles Feinstein's ongoing quest to preserve, perpetuate and celebrate one of America's greatest treasures - the American popular songbook -created by some of the nation's finest composers and lyricists: the Gershwins, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Richard Rodgers, Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer and Harry Warren.

AUSTIN CITY LIMITS
Saturdays at 10 PM
ACL continues its longstanding tradition of showcasing the best of original American music. This fall, catch the sounds of: Jimmy Cliff, 10/2; Spoon, 10/9; Patty Griffin & Friends, 10/16; and Alejandro Escovedo/Trombone Shorty, 10/23.

If you don’t want to miss these great programs, sign up for our bi-weekly program highlights email at: http://www.klrn.org/signup/

FALL PREVIEW 1: THE TENTH INNING & GREAT PERFORMANCES

Vacation photos have been posted to Facebook, school buses are back in our neighborhoods and here at KLRN, we’re looking forward to some exciting programs this fall. Each day this week, we’re taking a peek at a couple of these programs. We'll kick things off by highlighting Ken Burn’s latest project, an update to his series, BASEBALL and Sir Patrick Stewart’s turn as Macbeth.

Don’t miss these great programs! Sign up for our bi-weekly program highlights email at: http://www.klrn.org/signup/

THE TENTH INNING
Tuesday-Wednesday, September 28-29
Thousands of bats, three home run records and one "curse" have been broken since Ken Burns last explored the history of America's national pastime with his landmark 1994 PBS series BASEBALL. Now, Burns and co-director Lynn Novick update the series with THE TENTH INNING. Beginning with a crippling strike that alienated millions of fans and brought the game to the brink, this new film tells the tumultuous story of our national pastime up to the present. It celebrates baseball's new Golden Age - an era of unprecedented home run totals, popularity and prosperity - and sheds light on one of the game's darkest chapters - the steroid era.
Watch a preview of The Tenth Inning at http://www.pbs.org/baseball-the-tenth-inning/

GREAT PERFORMANCES
Television's longest-running performing arts anthology continues to broadcast the best in music, dance and theater.
Macbeth: Wednesday, October 6 | Director Rupert Goold adapts his gripping stage production of Macbeth - with Sir Patrick Stewart and Kate Fleetwood reprising their Tony-nominated performances - into this edgy film adaptation, which relocates the bloody action to a nameless 20th-century netherworld.
Watch a preview of Macbeth at http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/episodes/macbeth/about-the-film-and-preview/1015/

Check back tomorrow when we’ll explore music specials coming to KLRN!

At KLRN, we're all about showing you

...what you've never seen. And I went to see something last week that I'd never seen: The National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg. It's been called the "most comprehensive, well-organized and informative Military Museum" by a writer from the Wall Street Journal. So, why do you want to go to a Military Museum? I can think of a million reasons, but here are a couple:

It's not just a military museum, but a museum of the sociology of the times--the 30's and 40's. Even if you've no interest in War, spend some time there and you'll get a heaping dose of what it felt like being alive, and being an American back then.

Further, it will give you a window into your parents' and grandparents' world. Everyones' lives revolved around the war, and the survival of the world as we know it was in no way guaranteed. Those of us not born 'til way after the war really can't comprehend how all-encompassing World War II was, even here in the peaceful US. Everyone paid a price, and some paid with everything they had.

So why was I at the Museum of the Pacific War? We recorded a Conversations there with its new President & CEO, Retired General Mike Hagee. He's a great guy and there was so much to see, so much to talk about, that we decided to make this Conversations an hour-long special. Calling it special is no leap, either. Host Jeff Coyle had to overcome a blown out tire, a cab ride home, then he had to borrow his wife's car just to get to Fredericksburg!

No arduous journey for you though; all you've got to do is turn on your TV to watch. It'll be on at 8PM Thursday August 19th. If you can't see it then, you can catch it on our Video Player later.

I'm sure we'll be able to show you something you hadn't seen before about our world, and even about our little slice of it here in Texas.

TWEETING THE AUCTION
By (Guest Blogger) Laura Bray
Bruce and I always look forward to June and the Blazing Gavels auction. Over the years, we’ve purchased art, wine, vacations, jewelry, and much more, all while supporting our great local television station. So I was flattered beyond measure (and ridiculously excited!) when KLRN asked me to serve as one of their “guest Tweeters” during the event!
KLRN staffer Katrina Kehoe set me up with a computer and desk, and off I went. We’ve watched the auction for years, but I’ve never been in-studio. I was pleasantly surprised at how smoothly it all runs. There’s plenty of energy in the room, but no panic or any sense of frenetic activity. It runs like a well-oiled machine. You can really tell that the staff and many of the volunteers have done this for a long time.
The redesigned set occupies a much smaller space, but it didn’t appear to be crowded or cramped. The boards still rotate around all evening, and the volunteers worked well in the new space.
The “guest Tweeter” desk sits up on the top platform, just to the left of where announcer Steve Alwais sits. The spot provided me with an excellent view of all the activity below. Occasionally I would wander the studio, take photos, and talk to volunteers. This being a new activity, my desk attracted a good bit of attention from those getting ready to read the boards. Everyone kept looking over my shoulder as I typed.
The most surreal aspect of the evening: while everything looked familiar, I couldn’t hear the announcer or board readers. Monitors were scattered throughout the studio, but all were muted. It was strangely disorienting.
I kept expecting the energy level to drop as the evening progressed, but it never happened. A new shift of phone bank volunteers arrived around 10:00 pm, and they were just as enthusiastic as the first bunch.
I truly enjoyed the experience…so much so that I returned on the final night!
And let me tell you…..that zebra is totally creepy in person.

Laura Bray blogs as Alamo A La Carte (http://alamoalacarte.blogspot.com) and tweets as @laurabray

I hear some buzzing?

So fun. This year, we (KLRN) with the help of Rackspace, are taking our Blazing Gavels auction waaaay into Social Media. Rackspace loaned us their fantastic employee, Fran Stephenson, to help us, essentially, make time for Social Media in our plans for Blazing Gavels. While we as a business have done what we can to build and maintain a presence in Facebook,Twitter, YouTube, etc, the auction is a beast all it's own that takes many people and many hours. Sometimes trying to find a time to "stop" and try something different will keep you from doing what is already on your to-do list. Insert Fran and all of the sudden we have someone to be held accountable to---she kept us in check (with a good old-fashioned checklist), helped us to expand our minds and ideas, and gave us insight into what auction appears like to folks outside of our building. One of the ideas that we came up with is inviting a Social Media Reporter to come into the studio each night to "report" on what is happening. Who is in the studio? What is being auctioned off next? What is the environment like? What is different than what they expected to see? What is their "wow" moment?
It is terribly exciting for us to see what is unfolding, and most importantly it is so helpful to have someone "speaking" for us. Answering tweets and FB questions, promoting items, engaging in discussion, creating buzz, and helping us to be out there. Nora Frost was our first guest tweeter and her energy was awesome. 9pm struck and I said, "Nora, if you need to go, feel free...you have done wonderfully, but I know that you have other obligations." Her response, "Are you kicking me out? I'm having a ball and the only question I have is where can I plug in to get more power?" She made her exit after 11p. Thanks Nora.
I can't wait to engage 9 other folks from our San Antonio Social Media community into our efforts and a day later, read about their comments, experiences and insight.

It really does take a village...

As we approach the 44th Annual Blazing Gavels auction, there is a buzz in the building, on the streets, and throughout the community and we all hear over and over again... donate, donate, donate! The energy is fantastic. And while it is very easy to get lost in the donations that make the auction what it is, it is the energy that so many of us use to make it all happen that is the key. I have to stop for a moment and thank all of the restaurants who have committed hundreds of meals over the 10 days of the auction to feed our volunteers. These restaurants (some of them have even promised more than one day!) make sure that the over 1,500 volunteers that set up fort in the KLRN studio for the auction are well fed.
It does take a village, a whole village, to make this event happen. We recognize, salute and applaud everyone who is providing a lunch, dinner or snack to our amazing volunteers. If you want to get involved, please give us a ring--- 270.9000, ask for Sharon or e-mail ssutton@klrn.org ---I would be delighted to add your name to the list below.

Chipotle
Sugar Hill Bakery
Cabot Cheese
Mission Foods
Sugarbakers
Spaghetti Warehouse
Deananns Gourmet Popcorn
WD Deli
FattysBurgers
Goombas Pizza
Le Cake
Black Eyed Pea
R&S Dairy Queen
Taco Taco
Picante Grill
Cheesy Jane’s
Fourth Street Inn
Earl Abels
Burger King
Sol Y Luna
Green Restaurant
Good Time Charlies
Michelino’s
Rudy’s Deli
Domino’s Pizza
Butterfly Cake Bites

Auction Volunteers Rock

Blazing Gavels would simply not be a success without the volunteers who give of their time during the ten-day event.

Over 1,000 volunteers are involved in such things as:

• Answering calls during the event
• Calling high bidders back and confirming their bid
• Writing and tracking bids on the boards
• Staging items that we show you on-air
• Helping with the web site and social media posts
• Serving meals, generously donated by local restaurants

We can always use more help during Auction, particularly answering phones in the late night shifts. If you would like to get involved, call Sharon Sutton at 210-270-9000 or email her at ssutton@klrn.org.

'Twas the Week Before Auction

With just one week before the kick-off of KLRN’s 44th Annual Great TV Auction, we thought we share a bit of what the KLRN staff is doing.

Auction Team: The center of all of the action, this group is busily ensuring all donations are picked up from various places around region and getting them entered into databases and prepared to go on-air and online.

Social Media: We’ve gotten some great help this year from Fran Stephenson and the folk at Rackspace Hosting. We’ve created a brand new way to share news and updates throughout the Auction. Be sure to look for us at facebook.com/klrnauction or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/klrnauction.

BlazingGavels.com: If you’ve visited the site lately, you’ll see we are beginning to enter the first items. Check back each day to see what we’ve added.

Production: This team is coordinating everything you see when you watch the Auction beginning at 6 PM each night. The KLRN studios are being transformed and it’s very exciting to watch it take shape. We have a group of students from the International Academy of Design and Technology and the Blue Star MOSAIC program, who are creating and painting a new graphic look for the set. (See progress photos here.)

And how about YOU? Are you ready for the Auction? Do you have your SPEED BID NUMBER? Give us a call at 210-270-9000 today!

Don't You Believe Them

Surely you've seen the patterns in people. There are those who fast-as-lightning will tell you "No way; it can't be done."

If you believe that, you're right. It can't be.

And then there are those who look at that same equation and think "yeah, it's gonna be hard, but I think we can do it. No. I know we can do it." These folks have the can-do gene, which is one of humanity's great gifts to itself.

For our Conversations program a while back we interviewed the doctors Ruth Berggren and Tyler Curiel. They've got the odd luck to have suffered the landfall of Hurricane Katrina at ground zero, and to have gone to Haiti to help in the humanitarian efforts after their big quake. These 2 doctors have that can-do gene.


We also recently interviewed Carolyn Chipman Evans, who created the Cibolo Nature Center, and has gone on to make it one of Texas' finest Interpretive Centers. One has to wonder how many came to her and said "You wanna do what? Can't be done!" She's got the can-do gene.


Last week we interviewed Sandra Cisneros, who was raised in a situation where she was told the her career options were primarily secretarial. Turns out, she was driven not so much to type, but to write. Now she's written herself into the pantheon of great American writers. Sandra's got the can-do gene, too.


Next week we talk to Joci Straus, whose life is all about seeing the possibilities, and putting the effort towards turning those possibilities into realities. After leading the charge to save the Majestic and Empire Theaters, Ms. Straus is now focused on helping the next generation of artists and performers with scholarships that will enable them to realize their dreams. No doubt, Joci Straus has the can-do gene.

Here at KLRN, we're all about can do. We hope through programs like Conversations, that we inspire you to do all you can. Don't believe 'em when they tell you you can't. You can.

Can you imagine their excitement?

A typical "school project" is filled with stress, angst, deadlines, grades, and usually some last minute cramming. Sound about right? Well, a group of St. Mary's Hall students may have felt some or all of those feelings while working on their group project for Fresh Cut but this week they were able to feel a bit rewarded for their work. Fresh Cut is a film contest held annually by KLRN for local high schoolers. Students submit their projects which are viewed and judged by a professional panel. The top finalists make it on-air for a one-hour documentary--and it is then that the Director's Cut winner is announced. Last year we added an on-line element allowing the public to vote for their favorite (resulting in a Viewers Choice award).

When the team at PBS NewsHour learned about our project, they viewed the 2010 finalists and found that one film in particular stood out. Not long after contacting us, a PBS NewsHour Extra reporter was interviewing (via Skype) the 4 students behind the film. My, my...hasn't interviewing changed! We are terribly proud of all of the student films submitted this year and to the group from St. Mary's Hall--congrats on the interview! You've represented San Antonio very very well.

All winners will be announced on air May 20th. You bring the popcorn, students provide the entertainment.

Come Learn About Your Better Nature

Have you been to Boerne's Cibolo Nature Center? It's about 160 acres of hill country bottomland, but even with its small size, it features four completely distinct ecosystems: a marsh, a tall-grass praire, a woodlands, and the Cibolo creek, with towering Bald Cypress.

The story of how the Cibolo came about is crammed full of history, passion, and humanity. Here at KLRN we've heard about the Cibolo for years, so we finally connected with its creator and Executive Director, Carolyn Chipman Evans, and got the inside story. Texas Public Radio's David Martin Davies and a crew of intrepid production folks headed out to Boerne to shoot the half-hour Conversations only to be greeted with heavy rain.

Not to worry; this ain't our first rodeo. We shot on one of the Cibolo's expansive back porchs, keeping David and Carolyn high-n-dry while it rained 3 feet over their shoulders. This Thursday night at 8 the program on the Cibolo Nature Center airs. It's a fine show and I sure think you'll like it.

The Cibolo story is an important one, not just for Boerne, but for all of us. And their story reminds me of KLRN's: they do valuable work, for free, hoping that people will be touched by their efforts, and thereby decide that those efforts warrant their financial support. But enough preaching...just give the show a look-see and I think you'll see what I mean. And don't forget: if you get too busy to watch, you can also view it on KLRN's snazzy new video player.. This show will be available there, along with hundreds of others!

KLRN Celebrates Our Volunteers

Message from William G. Moll, KLRN President:

The week of April 18-24, 2010 is National Volunteer Week. This year’s theme “Celebrating People in Action” truly represents the spirit of more than 2,000 volunteers who have given their time to KLRN’s events this year. Over the course of the last year, our volunteers have helped us with Membership Drives, Early On Family Fun Fairs, Kids Club Events, San Antonio Wine Festival, Kerrville Wine Festival, Laredo Women’s Health Conference and Blazing Gavels Auction and Office Support. The successful outcome of these events wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our community volunteers.

KLRN would like to take this week to recognize the team of volunteers who make it possible to continue our mission:
…to provide quality programs and services which advance education, culture and community to enrich the lives of people throughout South Central Texas.

Below, you will find a few photos from our past events — perhaps you will see yourself, a family member or friend. Next year, we hope our photos will capture our long time volunteers and new volunteers welcomed into our KLRN family.

Thanks for all you do to support KLRN and public television!




To join our fantastic team of volunteers, contact Sharon Sutton at 210-270-9000 or email her at ssutton@klrn.org.

WARNING:

This isn't a rant against Kids these days who can't find anything to do with their time. Instead, it's a heads-up about how young folks are routing their creative energy towards something that inspired them, and may inspire you.

I'm talking about Fresh Cut, KLRN's yearly film contest for high schoolers. Working in conjuction with high school teachers, KLRN's Education Department collaborated with mysa.com to give young people a specific creative outlet, and even a broadcast for their endeavors. At 8PM on Thursday, May 20th, we'll be broadcasting Fresh Cut, but you don't have to wait 'til then to see the winning entries.

Instead, why not go here to check out the videos, one-by-one, and vote on your favorite? Voting will be open only for the next week, and the winner will get the Viewers' Choice Award during our broadcast.

Kids these days! One of 'em may just be tomorrow's Steven--or Stephanie--Spielberg.

I smell cookies?

Cookies...don't they make everyone smile? The smell of them baking, the joy of dunking them in milk, and of course, eating them with the master spokesmonster, Cookie Monster...who could ask for anything more? Luckily, we at KLRN had the opportunity to provide this type of event for children and families who really do deserve a "special" night.

Earlier this week, we held the first of several events at the Warrior and Family Support Center at Fort Sam Houston. Families were able to make an average Wednesday an extraordinary one where everyone was able to step away from their own reality to paint and personalize an apron, play games and of course munch on freshly baked cookies with Cookie Monster himself. In essence, kids were able to be kids and parents were able to be kids...again.

It sounds so cliche to say that "it's the little things that make the biggest difference" but for these families who are coping with the stress of having a parent, spouse or loved one wounded and/or hospitalized, every bit of help matters. We already look forward to our next visit...

Yet Another San Antonio First

And KLRN is there to tell you all about it. I'm talking about the opening of Morgan's Wonderland, San Antonio's brand new theme park. Every theme park has a theme, and this one's is regardless of your disability, you're welcome here.

Its creator is former neighborhood builder Gordon Hartman. If you've watched San Antonio television you've surely seen his commercials. They virtually drip with optimism and the sense that all of us can--ought--to make this world a better place.

So when we went to do a Conversations with him I had to wonder "is this guy really that nice, that optimistic?" I can report that yes, the guy you see on those commercials is the guy who showed up to tape our show.

It's a jaded world out there and many peoples' views have a hard and nasty edge to them. Delightfully not so with Gordon Hartman. Tune in tonight (Thursday) at 8PM and you'll see what I mean. If you can't be there this evening, catch the show on KLRN's spiffy new video player where you can watch it on your own schedule. In either case, I hope you'll watch. It may be the most re-affirming half-hour you've spent in a long time.

As a non-profit, we're always looking for ways to increase our income. Goodsearch is a fun way that KLRN employees have been helping raise money for the station -- and you can help too, without donating a dime. For three days only, GoodSearch is having a $5,000 Giveaway.

GoodSearch will donate a $1 for every toolbar that is downloaded between April 6 at 9:00 a.m. Eastern and April 9 at 9:00 am Eastern. You can download the toolbar by following this link - KLRN Toolbar.

Our new KLRN toolbar is free to download and allows you to raise money for public media in South Central Texas every time you search or shop online! Once added to IE or Firefox, each time you shop at more than 1,300 stores (from Amazon to Zazzle!) a percentage of your purchase will automatically be donated to KLRN — at no cost to you.

The toolbar also has a search box and each time you search the Internet, about a penny is donated to KLRN. So check out GoodSearch and be sure to select KLRN as your designated charity.

And of course, please pass this along to all of your friends. Last year we raised more than $74 from GoodSearch. I know it doesn't seem like much, but it's fun to raise money for the station while searching the internet for work related or home related needs. The two minutes it takes to add this toolbar to your browser does make a difference for your local PBS station.

Thank you!

It's Going Fast--n-Furious at Your Local PBS Station

I spent about half my career in commercial TV doing local TV News Promotion. That's a tough, fast-paced business, but I don't know that it was any more fast-paced than what we've been doing here at KLRN recently.

We've been in pledge drive, which means we had to design, build and light a pledge set. We've also worked every day the last couple of weeks because, well, that's the way pledge works. Been meaning to pledge, but haven't gotten around to it? I can make it real easy; just go here and see how quickly you can step through it.

We also shot an hour-long special on Water last week, and it's now edited for air at 8PM Thursday the 25th.

We're putting together a Conversations with Everyman Overachiever Nelson Wolff and SARF President Nick Hollis. We shot it down at Espada Mission, and Mr. Wolf waxes poetic about how the New Mission Reach is a labor of his love for the South Side.

Speaking of the San Antonio River, did you watch our River Walk Doc? Sorry for the inside-the-station terminology, but River Walk Doc is what we call Paseo Del Arte: Expanding the San Antonio River Walk. If you missed it, or if you want to see it again, for now at least, you can. All you've got to do is check out our spiffy new video player. You can see Conversations you may have missed, Wings Over the Alamo, World War II: In Our Words, and other important local programs.

Pledge is done on Sunday; here's to hoping we make goal, and that we earn your pledge dollar in the process by bringing you great local programming on our channel, and a lifetime of learning outside the box, out in the community.

The Challenge Was Accepted, and Met!

In response to your question: "How did The Tobin Endowment Challenge Grant do last night?" We're happy to report the successful results!

KLRN introduced The Tobin Endowment $10,000 Challenge Grant at the start of last night’s PBS NEWSHOUR, and the phones and web exploded in response! The Tobin Endowment provided a $10,000 grant — $1 for every $1 pledged in and around the PBS NEWSHOUR last night.

We received 139 pledges – from $5 to $1,000 – from callers in San Antonio, New Braunfels, Schertz, Pleasanton, Boerne, Von Ormy, Converse, Helotes, Laredo, Seguin, and Uvalde.

The total pledged was $23,900. Counting the $10,000 Tobin Endowment Challenge, the activity was a $33,900 success!

Many thanks to all of you for your support and good wishes . . . and to the Tobin Endowment for its continued participation in our Membership Campaign.

It's simple: MAKE YOUR OWN COFFEE

Some of you might think "sure, it's pledge time, and I really oughtta do my part and call in a pledge...but I'm not too sure I've got that expendable cash!"

Okay, that's good logic, but I think it falls apart if you examine it more closely. Let's say you stop in every workday at a national coffee chain...let's just call it the StellarEuro. For just a plain StellarEuro coffee you're paying...what? $1.42 with tax? And those hungry, oddly-pierced and tatoo'd baristas...don't you let them keep the change?

So that's $2 you're spending every day at the StellarEuro, which for you 5-day-a-weekers is $10. There are 4 weeks in a month, which puts you at $40 twelve times a year. Do I need to extrapolate what you spend the 52 weeks each year?

So as far as not being able to afford it...while that surely applies to some of you, I'd say most of you have the wherewithall. So I'm here to encourage you to consider a viable alternative: make your own coffee. If that seems a bit Draconian, make it every other day.

If you saved just $4 a week, $16 a month that would total out to $192 a year! And you know what? I can even let you off easy here: Membership is just $60 a year. If you just didn't get coffee 1 day--that would be $2 X 4 X 12...and even at just one day a week sacrifice, where you make your own coffee instead of that StellarEuro place...you'd have PLENTY to give.

We're here at least 5 days a week, making interesting, beautiful, important local TV. And we're bringing you all the Antiques Roadshows, Austin City Limits and Masterpiece Theaters that you can watch. So pour yourself a congratulatory cup of coffee, and then call in your pledge. Thanks!

A Major Tragedy Struck

...and instead of heading the other way, these folks stuck around and did what needed doing. They're Dr. Ruth Berggren and Dr. Tyler Curiel. They're a couple of intelligent, well-known doctors, and a married couple to boot.

Besides medicine, another of life's aspects they share is an odd proximity to tragedy. They were there when dikes failed and the waters drowned much of New Orleans. The two doctors stayed with patients too sick to be moved, day after day, wondering if the world had forgotten them. Finally, Sanjay Gupta and Anderson Cooper shone the national spotlight on the hospitals that rescue efforts seem to have forgotten, and the choppers arrived to ferry patients and doctors out safely.

Ms. Berggren was raised in Haiti, and returns there often to care for the sick and teach UT Health Science Center students medical ethics. She'd only been back to San Antonio from such a trip for 36 hours when the earthquake nearly leveled Port Au-Prince. Feeling the call of duty and a tug on her heartstrings, she headed back to the tropical country, joined shortly thereafter by husband Tyler.

They sat down recently with Texas Public Radio's David Martin Davies to relive their experiences, and tell south Texans that what they know about Haiti...isn't the Haiti these doctors know at all. Their stories are fascinating and well-told, their pictures beautiful and revealing.

We invite viewers to spend an hour tonight at 8 with two of San Antonio's most interesting people. I can guarantee that you'll learn something you didn't know, and you'll feel just a little better about the world.

This Is Why You Need KLRN:

We’ve just put the finishing touches to the show we at KLRN call Politithon. It’s the marathon political program wherein we invite everyone who’s running for local, area and national office, from County Clerk to U.S. Representative. The League of Women voters collaborate with us to bring south Texas voters a two and 3/4-hour, in-depth talk with those who want your vote in the March 2nd Primary.

No other local station does this.

Millions of Americans’ identities are stolen every year, costing untold billions and heartache to its victims. With this in mind, the Texas Lyceum approached KLRN to shoot, produce and edit one in their Great Debate Series at San Antonio’s Empire Theater. Moderated by the Express-News’ Bob Rivard, the forum on Cyber Security didn’t just make for great TV. It gave viewers an hour’s worth of information they likely haven’t heard anywhere else to protect them and their families.

No other local station does this.

The KLRN production crew recently descended on the Foundry Coffee House to shoot its 5th annual College Call-In. This program helps students and parents navigate the confusing and choppy waters of getting into and paying for college. Hosts Chuck Cureau and Karen Grace invited parents and students to ask representatives from most local colleges their most pressing questions, and have them answered right then-n-there. KLRN commits to getting all calls, e-mails and tweets answered so that everyone who wants to get into college can do so!

No other local station does this.

Coming soon:
Conversations--a revealing Conversation with Dr. Ruth Berggren, the woman who stayed with her New Orleans patients after Katrina, and whose big heart took her back to Haiti after the earthquake.
Also: Judge Nelson Wolff takes us to the south side and reveals why the rebirth of the San Antonio River at the Mission Reach might even be greater than the wildly successful Museum Reach.

No other local station does this.

This is what you deserve from your local PBS station, and that’s precisely what KLRN will continue to do for you. Thanks for watching, and supporting, KLRN.

Frontline: Digital Nation

Watch Digital Nation tonight at 9:00 PM on KLRN. Want to know more? Google it!

Want to make competition fun? Bring wine into the picture.

5 panels of judges sniffed, swirled and sipped 515 different varietals of wine on Saturday for the 2010 San Antonio Wine Competition. The results of this competition help to determine which wines are served at the San Antonio Wine Festival events, but they also help the general public through the sometimes intimidating wine aisles. Our judges were fantastic, the volunteers were organized and impressive, and of course the wineries came through with quality products---and this all led to a successful competition. The results will be published in the February 14th issue of the San Antonio Express-News. See below for a sneak peek into this endeavor.





For more information on the competition or any of the San Antonio Wine Festival events, please visit http://www.sawinefest.com/. Cheers!

Laredo Speaks Up!

A team from KLRN recently visited Laredo to talk to people in the community about news, jobs, life and issues. Allow us to introduce the six people who agreed to speak with us.





Their videos, which are posted on the PBS NewsHour Patchwork Nation blog, give insight into the the issues that plague this town and other border towns, but also give these folks a chance to respond to the latest news of the closing of Laredo's only bookstore.

Volunteer Opportunity!

Do you love fine wine and delicious food? Of course you do! Who doesn't?

The 2010 Fine Wine & Cuisine Tasting is coming up on Monday, February 15, 2010 and we are looking for wine lovers to serve as "corkers."

We are specifically seeking “corkers” to pour wine at various wine stations. Volunteers need to be at the Alamodome at 4:30 PM for training. Volunteers will receive official KLRN corkscrew, official KLRN wineglass, free parking at the Alamodome and be able to enjoy half of the event!

All volunteers will be pre-assigned to alternating shifts so please indicate on your registration if you are part of a group. Because you will be able to enjoy half of the event as an attendee, there is a special volunteer ticket price of $25, which includes your parking (That’s $20 off the door ticket price). The deadline for substitutions is February 1, 2010.

Then go to http://www.sawinefest.com/10Volunteer.html today to register to be a corker for the KLRN Fine Wine & Cuisine Tasting event on Monday, February 15, 2010 at the Alamodome. This is a great event for friends or organizations that love to volunteer together.

The deadline to register is February 1, 2010.