Happy Birthday, Julia Child!
Posted on August 15, 2012 at 11:35 am
A Capitol Fourth: Tomorrow on PBS
Posted on July 3, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Tomorrow at 8 Eastern time, PBS will broadcast the annual Capitol Fourth concert, hosted by Tom Bergeron, of the hit TV series “Dancing With the Stars.” Performers include “American Idol” winner Phillip Phillips, acclaimed Broadway and television star Megan Hilty of NBC’s “Smash;” two-time Tony Award winner Matthew Broderick performing songs from the hit Broadway musical “Nice Work If You Can Get It” with four-time Tony nominee Kelli O’Hara; singer-songwriter and winner of “The Voice,” Javier Colon; country music star Josh Turner; R&B superstars Kool & The Gang; renowned tenor Russell Watson; actress and singer Amber Riley from “Glee”; the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly; eight-time Olympic medalist Apolo Anton Ohno will host a tribute to Team USA, honoring the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams, featuring five-time Academy Award-winner John Williams conducting his “Olympic Fanfare.”
In celebration of America’s 236th birthday, the show will be capped off with a rousing rendition of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” complete with live cannon fire provided by The United States Army Presidential Salute Battery, an audience favorite and now an “A Capitol Fourth” tradition. Also participating in the event will be The Choral Arts Society of Washington, along with The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, The U.S. Army Ceremonial Band, the Quantico Marine Corps Band, members of the Armed Forces carrying the state and territorial flags and the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard provided by the Military District of Washington, D.C.
Reading Rainbow is Back — As an App
Posted on June 22, 2012 at 3:30 pm
One of my all-time favorite television shows for children was the PBS series “Reading Rainbow,” with LeVar Burton and a bunch of kids talking about the books they loved.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6j8EiWIVZsIt’s back, now as an app that encourages kids to read and provides them with access to e-versions of some of the best in children’s literature.
Designed for children 3-9 years of age, the App delivers a library of hundreds of curated books and all new videos presented in a world of adventure and discovery. Traveling to themed islands, such as Animal Kingdom, My Friends, My Family and Genius Academy, kids find a variety of books and videos customized to their age and interests. The App brings together books from numerous acclaimed children’s publishers. Each book comes alive with audio storytelling by celebrity actors, including spoken word Grammy winner Burton himself, and features light animations and related activities to enhance the story. Similar to the original series, children journey with Burton on exciting real-life adventures. These in-app video field trips connect the stories children read to the world they live in and use a combination of newly produced video as well as classic segments from the TV show.
The App’s many features include a reward system in which children earn digital stickers to motivate a continued exploration of books and frequent reading. For parents, ReadingRainbow.com offers a companion website and dashboard to get updates regarding time their child spent reading, books read and suggestions for new stories based on the child’s interests. “Family Reading Time” hints provide opportunities to discuss themes and lessons explored in each book.
At launch, the App will include 150 books and 16 video field trips. New content will be added to the service on a regular and frequent schedule expanding the library, themes and topics children can explore.
“We’re excited to offer a safe experience designed just for kids,” notes Asra Rasheed, RRKidz CEO. “We’ve created an easy-to-use subscription service for parents, allowing them to unlock the extensive Reading Rainbow library books and videos without the worry of approving and purchasing each item separately.” The Reading Rainbow App is free for download on the iPad and includes the ability to fully explore the App, the islands, videos and to select one book to read. The subscription is now available for a limited-time introductory price of $9.99 a month or $29.99 for six months at the App Store.
Auto-Tuned Mr. Rogers
Posted on June 7, 2012 at 3:00 pm
Thanks to The Wrap for sharing a heartwarming gem. The auto-tuned Mr. Rogers is just as friendly a neighbor as the original.
I am not going to embed the clip because I am sorry to say it is followed by a brief unrelated link to another clip with some offensive language. But do visit the YouTube page and just turn it off as soon as you see the end credit.
Tonight: National Memorial Day Concert on PBS
Posted on May 27, 2012 at 6:51 pm
The National Memorial Day concert on the Capitol Building lawn will be broadcast tonight live on PBS.
The program will be co-hosted for the seventh year by Tony Award-winner Joe Mantegna (“Criminal Minds”) and Emmy Award-winner Gary Sinise (“CSI: New York”), two acclaimed actors who have dedicated themselves to veteran’s causes and supporting troops in active service. They will be joined by an all-star line-up including: distinguished American leader Colin L. Powell USA (Ret.); the multi-platinum rock band Daughtry; nine-time Grammy award-winner, singer and songwriter Natalie Cole; country music superstar Trace Adkins; “American Idol” finalist Jessica Sanchez; Emmy, Oscar and Tony award-winning actress Ellen Burstyn; Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actor and Vietnam veteran Dennis Franz; celebrated film and television actress Selma Blair; and world renowned tenor Russell Watson; in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.