Wrestling with Our Stories: We Shall Remain

Have you been watching “We Shall Remain” from the folks at American Experience? If you have, you’ve witnessed a moving account of the complex and controversial birth of our nation and the trials of those who were here long before the first settlers arrived.

I grew up in Robeson County, North Carolina in the ‘70s-‘80s, where the racial divide was split equally among whites, African Americans and Native Americans. While I knew vaguely of the local lore of Henry Berry Lowrie and plight of the Lumbee Indians, most of what I knew about our country’s native people could be summarized in a kindergarten class reenactment of the Thanksgiving feast.

“We Shall Remain” has reintroduced me to the stories of real people and families who saw their way of life radically changed by the expansion of the United States. I hope you’ll take time to explore, and perhaps wrestle, with these stories as well.

You can catch the final two chapters of “We Shall Remain” on Monday, May 4 (Geronimo) & May 11 (Wounded Knee) at 9 PM on KLRN. You can watch past chapters (After the Mayflower, Tecumseh’s Vision, and Trail of Tears) online on PBS’ new video player at pbs.org/video. There’s also a robust website of information and resources at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/weshallremain.

PBS Unveils Its Fabulous New Video Playback Site

So what happens if you look up and it's 10 o'clock on Tuesday night and you realize you forgot to watch Frontline? Or you got home late on Sunday and missed the Masterpiece Theater you had intended to watch. Now you'll be out of order on that fabulous 6-part series you've been watching. What the heck can you do?

Do this: watch it online. PBS has now unveiled their new video portal. It's really quite fabulous, with searches by subject matter, title, even topics. If that layout looks a little familiar, it bears a certain resemblance to what you might find in your ipod. I'd file that under "Why Re-Invent the Wheel?"

If you're wondering whether KLRN programming will be there, yes it will. The PBS portal is still in its test phases. Once it passes those tests, we'll be back to add KLRN Productions to the PBS mix.

And a last-minute reminder: KLRN's Fresh Cut 2009 high school student documentary contest is still taking votes online through midnight this Sunday night--that's the 26th. You can watch the top 14 entrants now by clicking on the above link. Vote for your favorite and give that high school "doc jock" some positive re-enforcement. 'Til next time...

A Conversation about your brand spankin' new River Walk!

That's one of San Antonio's most-revered TV personalities, Tanji Patton at left, and Kim Abernethy at right. You may not know Kim, but she plays a major role in a project that's going to put the Alamo City on the Art Map like never before. She's raising the money for the Extreme Makeover that the San Antonio River is undergoing. The phase nearing completion is the Museum Reach portion of a fabulously huge project that will change the face of San Antonio forever.

I won't detail what's in the show, but I'll invite you to watch it instead: Catch it Thursday, May 7th at 8PM on KLRN. Can't remember when Conversations is on? Then check out the KLRN web site and look at bottom left where you see the words KLRN schedules. Our entire schedule is there, including those hard-to-find program details that you find handy. Hint: you could mark it as a favorite and zip there daily to see if what we're showing is must-see TV. If you do, I think you'll be surprised at how much you'll feel you must see!

Reminder: Tomorrow night's Conversations with Father David Garcia, and next Thursday night's with Filmmaker Ken Burns. Great stuff!

The time has come to VOTE for CHANGE!

Are you a student, parent, faculty, admin, alumni or friend of any of the following schools: Churchill High School, Communication Arts High School, East Central High School, Film School of San Antonio at Harlandale, Jefferson High School, MacArthur High School, North East School of the Arts, or Reagan High School?

If so, it is TIME to VOTE for CHANGE! Introducing the Viewer's Choice Award for Fresh Cut 2009! Student projects from these schools have made it into the finalist round for Fresh Cut, KLRN's annual student film competition! So grab the popcorn, sit back and click here to cast your vote for CHANGE!

And make sure to send this link on to everyone you know such as grandparents, aunts and uncles and neighbors, too. Let's see if we can get 1,000 votes before the polls close on Sunday, April 26 at midnight!

Become a fan of Earth

So, I'll admit it. I'm a big fan of our Earth...and I know that I am not alone. I am at the pinnacle of my happiness when I am outside, and I believe that my 3-year old is the same way. The fresh air, green grass and never ending exploration is enough to fuel my fire. That said, you can probably imagine just how much I love Earth Day.

I want to encourage all parents to remember to teach our young ones (and not-so-young ones) to be kind to our planet...on Earth Day and beyond.

Here are some links to help you start the conversation:
Fun Earth Day projects for your kids: http://www.pbs.org/parents/special/earthday.html
Your kids can post their favorite Earth Day idea: http://pbskids.org/speakout/earth/
Of course, Earth Day programming:
(0-6 yrs) http://pbskids.org/video/
(7-12yrs) http://pbskids.org/go/video/

What ideas have you and your kids come up with?

Who Deserves Your Vote?

Dozens of candidates are running for San Antonio City Council...but which of them deserves your vote? Well...you could spend hours-n-hours online, reading all their positions (and that's not so bad an idea). Or you could just watch tonight's City Council Candidate Forum here on KLRN.

Will you see the next dynamo of the city council? A future Mayor taking his or her first dive into the public policy pool? Well, we can't promise anyone will break out in song and wow Simon Cowell...but we can promise a lively, substantive look at those who want to represent you. Drop by at 8 tonight for your glimpse at the city's future.

Tweet for KLRN

I’m always one who is hooked by a good competition — and that’s what I’ve discovered just today on Twitter. Hugh Jackman, Hollywood actor, has announced that he’s giving away $100,000 to a charity. Here’s his Tweet:

I will donate 100K to one individual's favorite non profit organization.Of course,you must convince me why by using 140 characters or less.
4:25 PM Apr 14th from web

So can you do it? Can you convince @RealHughJackman that KLRN is worth $100K? I’ve already sent in my Tweet, now it’s your turn. May the best Tweet win!

Inside KLRN Programming

Hi, my name is Andrea Sosa and I am the Programming Manager for KLRN. In selecting local programming for our schedule, we seek quality programs that will advance education and culture. In April, we have featured several programs about our environment and use of natural resources, including Planet Forward, which will debut this evening. It’s a discussion of our Nation’s energy future. In the coming months, I'll continue to share information about programs down the pipeline and hope to read feedback on topics which are important to you. I am excited about this blog and it’s potential. We are constantly looking for new ways to interact with viewers and solicit feedback so that we can better meet the needs of our community. I look forward to reading your comments.

Getting Smart about Money

Today I talked with Clarissa Rodriguez at Security Service Federal Credit Union. She and I will be hosting a webinar next week on financial literacy for the classroom based on the PBS Series, BizKid$. She was telling me how critical it is to help young people know basic financial skills. It surprises her how many college-age kids don't even know how to write checks because all they have ever done is swipe ATM cards!

We are going to go over this and a lot more on April 20 and 22nd. If you are classroom teacher and want to join us, go to www.klrn.org/bizkids to register.

A brand new site for KLRN KIDS!

Hey KLRN KIDS (and parents!)

Come 'n' play! We've been working on a brand new website for KLRN KIDS it's now ready for you to explore!

• Watch live video from the PBS Kids GO! video player. Watch whenever you want!


• Check out the featured reading list from the San Antonio Public Library.


• Celebrate your birthday with KLRN KIDS!

And while you're there, flip through the calendar for two great events coming up in May just for KLRN KIDS club members.

Once you've had a chance to explore the site, drop us a note at kids@klrn.org and tell us what you think.

A huge thanks to a few big kids --Louis, Rick and Jacob at Blonde Creative-- for their help in building this fun new home for KLRN KIDS!

This Just Isn't Cool

It's crazy cool! It's the Grotto, by Camden and Newel Streets, well over halfway done, yet fully fabulous. For more detail, click on the picture and make it big.

It's time to use your imagination just a bit: Imagine where the white pickup is parked that 4 feet of San Antonio River is there instead. Imagine walking in from screen right, underneath a waterfall from the upper level, into that cave-like Grotto, walking by a pool at center left, underneath yet another waterfall, then up a set of stairs to get to street level. In just a couple of months you'll be able to do that.

This is just one of the many art installations now fully underway as part of the Museum Reach River Walk extension. For more, check out Karen Adams' River Blog about the project. KLRN is working with the San Antonio River Foundation to create a documentary about the landmark project, and bridge by bridge, artist by artist, we'll keep you informed as it comes together!

Defining "change"

I sat in on a judging today for Fresh Cut 2009-a video competition for high school students. As a mom of two very young kids, I was so intrigued by what I saw. Entertained. Enlighted. Inspired. There are limitations on the videos where length and copyright information are concerned, but a new twist this year was that we added the idea of a theme. We asked that students make the obvious (or not so obvious) theme of their films to be "change". Now, I've only seen a small glimpse of the submissions thus far and I hope to see more as the judging takes place this week, but it really makes you think about the word -change- and the many different ways you can portray that in a five minute time period.

These kids are in high school and some of the messages are very...well, mature. They are well thought out and I am very impressed with how they use this small amount of time to get their thought process across the screen. They are opening my mind in a way that only kids can.

Filmmaking really is an art, many shows and movies I've seen remind me of that often. These kids (are they too young to call "kids"?) may be artists in the budding stages of development and what fun it is to see their work now. What if we have the next Ken Burns right here in our community?

I think I'm going to buy my 3-year-old a Flip camera this weekend---it is never too early to start them on the creative path.

PBS Teachers Live! Webinar Series

Join Us Tuesday, April 7 for PBS Teachers Live! ‘Using 21st Century Resources to Enhance Math & Teaching Learning

PBS Teachers and Classroom 2.0 Present a Live Webinar with CYBERCHASE

Join PBS Teachers and Classroom 2.0 Tuesday, April 7 at 8 p.m. ET for “Using 21st Century Resources to Enhance Math & Teaching Learning,” with professional development experts and educational consultants from the Emmy award-winning math mystery series CYBERCHASE.

Preparing young elementary learners with high-quality math and science education is critical. Many educators are meeting this challenge by bringing CYBERCHASE into their classrooms. In this webinar, a member of the CYBERCHASE outreach team, two educators (an elementary teacher and a professor of pre-service teachers), and the director of THIRTEEN/WNET New York’s VITAL (Video in Teaching and Learning) project will share innovative and effective ways to approach elementary math and science instruction using media and technology.

Webinar participants will get an exclusive opportunity to preview CYBERCHASE's new seventh-season initiative, Weather Watchers, which features five math and weather-themed episodes, a new interactive Web game at CYBERCHASE Online, and hands-on activities for elementary learners. Participants will also learn how to access more than 125 different CYBERCHASE video segments and accompanying lesson plans using the VITAL/Teachers' Domain service.

For more information and to register, visit PBS Teachers

What in the world is THIS?

Well, it's The Grotto, of course! It's emerging from the riverbank of the San Antonio River at Camden and Newell Streets right next to the elevated I-35 freeway. The Grotto is the work of San Antonio artist Carlos Cortes, known for carrying on the Faux Bois work of his famous great uncle Dionisio Rodriguez.

The Grotto will feature a pair of waterfalls, a cave and much more. It's part of a 1.2 mile River Improvement project detailed in Karen Adams' River Blog. Artists from San Antonio and around the world are creating new works of art in the Museum Reach section of the river, and KLRN has partnered with the San Antonio River Foundation to create a documentary for the city's landmark project. We'll keep you informed of the project as it becomes a fabulous new reality for the city.

Star Light, Star Bright, Moon Pies are our delight!

Last night, KLRN and the San Antonio Astronomical Association (SAAA) teamed up for a “Sky Party” at McAllister Park. While a few wispy clouds hung around, they were no match for the high-powered telescopes set up by the members of the SAAA. Ellen and I (along with three invaluable volunteers) set up a KLRN table and provided Moon Pies, water and juice for the crowd of all ages. We also took the opportunity to promote the show, “400 Years of the Telescope,” which airs Friday, April 10 at 10 PM.

Highlights of the viewing included seeing detailed craters on the moon, Saturn and its moon and Orion. Of particular interest was the relatively fast flyover of the International Space Station.

A huge thanks to the San Antonio Astronomical Society for the guided tour of the night sky. Weather permitting; they are out at McAllister every Wednesday night.