Tomlinson Hill takes a personal look at race in Central Texas

Posted on by
Tomlinson Hill

KLRU presents a new documentary on a seldom-told part of Texas history. Airing on June 19th at 9 pm and June 24 at 10 pm, Tomlinson Hill documents how the legacy of slavery in East and Central Texas has created a region still divided despite the civil rights changes of the last 60 years. Tomlinson Hill is one of several programs KLRU is presenting in honor of Juneteenth.

In the mid-1800s just outside of Marlin, Texas, a slave plantation named Tomlinson Hill was founded by James K. Tomlinson. The establishment would have long lasting effects on the rural community. In this powerful documentary, reporter Chris Tomlinson, a descendant of slave owner James K. Tomlinson, confronts the shame and guilt he feels from his ancestry and digs deeper into the real legacy of the area. Featuring NFL player LaDainian Tomlinson and others whose families have a long history in the area, Tomlinson Hill takes a fascinating look at people trying to move on while others idly resist change.

The seeds for the documentary began when Chris Tomlinson met Loreane Tomlinson, a descendant of slaves on Tomlinson Hill, who returned to her hometown with a vision of civic improvement. “After meeting Loreane, I knew I wanted the film to tell the story of my family history as well as her family history,” said Chris Tomlinson.  ”Together, it’s the story of America, as far as I’m concerned.”

The film was produced by Lisa Kaselak of Fosforo Films. Funding is provided in part through a grant from Humanities Texas: the state affiliate of the NEH, Southern Methodist University Research Council, Meadows Foundation and Dallas Women in Film. The film is part of the Voices of Marlin Living Stories of a Texas Town project find out more at voicesofmarlin.com.

 

Thank you for KLRU

Posted on by
Thank you for KLRU

Everyday, people in our community make sure that all of us have access to new ideas and information that can inspire our lives because they support KLRU-TV. As we start our shortest fundraising drive of the year, we want to first and foremost say thank you for making what we do possible.

We are proud to bring you such programs as the PBS Newshour, Antiques Roadshow, Nova, Central Texas Gardener and The Daytripper. That’s why during our June fundraising drive, we’re committed to reach our $75,000 goal with that core programming, leaving the regularly scheduled programs you know and love on-air as much as possible. Click here to donate.

Your financial gift is important so please consider the impact you make for all of us in Central Texas when you support KLRU, your local public television station.

Thank you for KLRU!

 

KLRU, Extend-A-Care, and Dell Powering the Possible

Posted on by

dell_blue_rgb

 

During the 2012-2013 school year, KLRU Educational Services has benefitted from a Dell Powering the Possible grant, which provided us the opportunity to purchase 20 beautiful, sleek new Dell XPS 13 laptops for use at the Extend-A-Care sites at Graham and Walnut Creek Elementary.

This video spot highlights a visit by Dell volunteers who got to hear from the kids as they talked about the various ways the computers have been used to further their learning during out-of-school time. Moreover, they had a chance to play games and talk about new options together.

The event was so successful that on June 28, we’ll hold a Create-A-Thon, in which 30 Dell volunteers will come together with kids at the Brentwood Summer Extend-A-Care program for a half-day burst of creativity. Teams of kids and adults will use the laptops to shoot and edit movies, create written projects, slideshows, e-books, and video games!

KLRU-TV is thankful for the support and collaborative spirit from Dell and Extend-A-Care. Together, we are enriching kids’ out-of-school time.

June 2013 Family Choice

Posted on by
Annie

This summer, KLRU is choosing three programs each month for your family to enjoy together. This month’s Family Choice programs are: THE DAYTRIPPER: Georgetown, exploring Williamson County, including its historic square and the “oldest University in Texas.”; NATURE: Hummingbirds: Magic in the Air, revealing their stunning abilities;  ANNIE: It’s the Hard-Knock Life, From Script to Stage, offering an exclusive, behind-the-curtain look at what it takes to put on a major Broadway production and a companion website: pbs.org/annie

THE DAYTRIPPER: Georgetown
Airs: Thursday, June 20 at 8:30 p.m.
repeats: Saturday, June 22 at 10 a.m. & Wednesday, June 26 at 5 a.m.

Chet explores Williamson County, including its historic square and the “oldest University in Texas.” He also walks on a high wire, dives in a swimming hole, and eats modern Mexican at a local establishment.

NATURE: Hummingbirds: Magic in the Air
Airs: Wednesday, June 12 at 7 p.m.
repeats: Friday, June 14 at 3 a.m. & Sunday, June 16 at 6 p.m.

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.

ANNIE: It’s the Hard-Knock Life, From Script to Stage
Airs: Friday, June 28 at 9 p.m.
repeats: Sunday, June 30 at 6 p.m.

The documentary film follows the development of a single production number in the musical: the tuneful and rhythmic “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” defiantly belted out by the orphans. From the earliest discussions among the set and costume designers, through the casting process, into choreography and vocal rehearsals, onto the stage, and finally, into performance, the program follows the young cast’s journey to Opening Night. ANNIE: It’s the Hard-Knock Life, From Script to Stage will show audiences that actors are only one part of a complex whole when it comes to a major Broadway production.

Viewers will be introduced to the work of the talented creative professionals who impact, shape, and contribute to the final production. Broadway veterans — Tony Award winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler (In The Heights), Tony Award winning costume designer Susan Hilferty (Wicked, Spring Awakening, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying), and set designer David Korins (Chinglish, Godspell, An Evening with Patti Lupone & Mandy Patinkin, Motown) — reveal their creative process as they work to prepare the young actors, most of them making their Broadway debuts. Additional interviewees include James Lapine (director), Martin Charnin (lyricist), Thomas Meehan (book), Charles Strouse (music), and pre-teen actors Tyrah Odoms, Emily Rosenfeld, and Jaidyn Young, among others. Of an ensemble cast recruited from all across America, the pint-sized Emily Rosenfeld – the orphan Molly – is the documentary’s standout star, leaping off the screen with her infectious enthusiasm, singing and dancing chops, and outsized 9-year-old charm.

The comprehensive accompanying Web site features quizzes, historical games, audio presentations, and video interviews with the Broadway production team, giving kids and families everywhere an opportunity to explore the world of the musical. The Web site sets a new standard for educational outreach in support of a Broadway production, and provides an innovative model for re-imagining the way children and their families relate to live theatre, whether on Broadway, on tour, or in their local high school auditorium.

Austin City Limits Signed Poster Auction!

Posted on by
PosterAuction2013

The tapings for season 39 of Austin City Limits may be well under way, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t still revel in the great times from season 38 – and what better way to remember the incredible line up than owning one (or all!) of the limited edition signed band posters.

To kick off the KLRU June fundraising drive, we have organized an eBay auction of signed, limited edition band posters from ACL’s season 38 – the auction will be up until June 13, so bid now and bid often to get your favorite performer’s poster into your personal collection.

Also available in the auction is an original poster signed by ALL artists at the KLRU All Star Celebration featuring The Dixie Chicks, Courtyard Hounds, Natalie Maines & Ben Harper in a tribute to Lloyd Maines with special guests Joe Ely, Bruce Robison & Kelly Willis, Terry Allen, Carolyn Wonderland & Terri Hendrix.

Posters currently available for bids
(click on band name below to visit auction site)

Alabama Shakes

Bob Mould

Bon Iver

Bonnie Rait

Delta Spirit

Dr Dog

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Esperanza Spalding

Gary Clark Jr.

Jack White

Kat Edmonson

Mavis Staples

Norah Jones

Punch Brothers

Radiohead

Rodrigo y Gabriela

The Civil Wars

The Shins

Tim McGraw

tUnE-yArDs

All proceeds will go directly to KLRU-TV to continue in our mission to inspire Austin with television programs, community projects and educational initiatives that serve Central Texas. 

Mondays on KLRUQ

Posted on by
KLRU Q Featured

June 3
8:00pm   Ashes to Ashes  - The team is investigating the kidnap of a young girl, Dorothy Blonde, who was abducted as her stepmother walked her to school.

9:00pm   In Search of Shakespeare “A Time of Revolution” - Spies’ reports, archives and a coded diary help uncover the dark side of the playwright’s world.

10:00pm  She-Wolves: England’s Early Queens “Matilda and Eleanor” – Helen Castor examines why Matilda’s bid for the throne failed and explores Eleanor of Aquitaine.

more →

KLRU Q Saturday at the Movies – 6/1

Posted on by
KLRU Q - Night at the Movies

KLRU-Q’s Saturday Night at the Movies presents a full-length feature film every Saturday night, plus extra content that gives the evening an exciting spin. Each film explores the work of legendary actors and actresses through many important films from their careers. Here is a peek of what this Saturday has in store:

7:00 – Just Seen It “Episode #207“
Just Seen It is the review show where industry professionals present their takes on current movies and TV shows, and interview Hollywood insiders.

7:30 – On Story “James Franco: A Look Inside 127 Hours”
James Franco reveals his unique experience working on 127 Hours, including his faith in director Danny Boyle’s vision, and the collaboration approach from cast and crew to fulfill the tension needed to capture this true and tantalizing story. Followed by the allegorical short film, Voice Over, directed by Martin Rosete, about a few extreme situations that literally take your breath away.

8:00 – I Want To Live!
Convicted of murder, drug-addicted shill and prostitute Barbara Graham (Susan Hayward) lands on death row.

10:05 -Mae West … And The Men Who Knew Her
As the first “blonde bombshell,” Mae West reigned supreme and changed the nation’s view of women, sex and race – on stage, in films, on radio and television.

11:05 - Marilyn Monroe … Beyond The Legend
This Wombat production is narrated by Richard Widmark and features Marilyn Monroe’s great moments on film.

KLRU Launches Smart Screen Time Initiative For Summer

Posted on by
klrukids.org1

KLRU announced a Smart Screen Time / La Pantalla Inteligente Initiative to connect Central Texas families and kids to PBS content, videos, games and apps and to use them to explore the world beyond the screen.  “We know that as school ends more and more kids are going to be watching television, playing games on tablets and using their parents’ phones to play apps,” said Ben Kramer, VP Educational Services at KLRU,“ and we want to encourage families to be smart about their choices.”

Smart Screen Time is about finding good content, using it in smart ways, and knowing when to turn off devices. KLRU has developed five guidelines for parents and caregivers to follow when watching a television show or playing online with their kids.  They are:

  • Knowing the difference between “smart time” and “silly time.”
  • When the brain slows down, turn the screen off.
  • Talk throughout the day with your children.
  • Watch and play on screens together.
  • Read at home every day.
    Get more details about each of these guidelines

To combat the summer learning loss KLRU will be offering 11 hours of uninterrupted non-commercial children’s programs each weekday as well as launching klrukrids.org.  www.klrukids.org connects learners of all ages 2 and up to a plethora of curriculum-based video, games and apps that teach math, literacy, and more.   These resources in both English and Spanish, will allow kids to have Smart Screen Time while also having fun.  All of the activities featured on klrukids.org embody the PBS Kids spirit that “anytime is learning time” and “learning can be fun.”

more →

Smart Screen Time / La Pantalla Inteligente

Posted on by
big bird & pajaro grande

Download a printable version of this guide (pdf): Smart Screen Time | La Pantalla Inteligente

With the proliferation of screen-based activities available for and embraced by youth, KLRU Educational Services has developed a set of guidelines for digital media use called “Smart Screen Time / La Pantalla Inteligente.” In addition to offering quality educational media, KLRU Educational Services staff believe that explicit guidelines for how to use these media has never been more needed – for parents, caretakers, educators, and the children themselves. The guidelines have been incorporated into all of KLRU Educational Services’ messaging and will soon be appearing on-air and online in a series of explanatory video clips. The guidelines are as follows:

  1. Knowing “smart time” vs. “silly time” - Kids instinctively know when they are viewing or playing media that is cognitively stimulating, and media that is pure entertainment. We believe that there is a role for both in kids’ lives. Adults who provide access to digital media ought to have conversations about the appropriate balance of smart and silly with the children in their care, and help children monitor their own media habits.
  2. When the brain slows down, turn the screen off! - All viewers of digital media have experienced moments when they are neither asleep nor alert, but in some in-between “zombie” zone. For adults, this may be a reasonable break from a long day’s work. For kids, it’s a different matter because this time is neither truly restful, nor is it meaningfully engaging. In short, it’s lost time during a period of rapid brain growth and development. For that reason, it’s important for adults in kids’ lives to turn the screen off and send them to another activity (including sleep!). Kids can become self-monitors of their own zombie states,  and can learn alternatives to drooling in front of a screen.
  3. Talk throughout the day, including during screen time - Studies have shown that dialogue can enhance the learning outcomes of using educational digital media. Look no further than our own characters to see role models for our kids – our characters use sophisticated vocabulary, ask good questions, and seek solution pathways for desired information. In short, they are all chatterboxes! Adults can ask kids for narrative summaries of show episodes, or to describe strategies they are using to advance in games.
  4. Watch and play on screens together - This is corollary of guideline #3. Whereas dialogue about kids’ viewing or playing is great, an even stronger learning experience occurs when adults and kids engage together with educational media. KLRU Educational Services selects PBS evening programs each month for “Family Choice” viewing, when we encourage generations to sit, watch, and discuss together. This idea can be extended to our programming throughout the day, and to game-playing online and on mobile media.
  5. Read both at home and at school – every day! As proud as we are of the educational quality of our media, KLRU Educational Services recognizes that reading remains the most efficient, effective method of acquiring new information, building vocabulary, and experiencing new worlds of learning. In fact, a good number of our programs and games explicitly steer children to reading experiences. Most children still need adults to bridge the gap from screen to text, and to help them locate appropriate reading materials. This cannot solely occur in school – children who practice literacy as a desired activity during out-of-school time have markedly better learning outcomes that endure throughout their lives (International Reading Association, 1998). We know our job is done when kids instinctively and enthusiastically turn from our media to books as a logical next step in their learning lives.

martha speaks

Science Night 6/5

Posted on by

Wednesdays are Science Night on KLRU! This week, we’ve got two recent favorites to thank you for watching and supporting your community-supported public television station.

NOVA Earth From Space at 7 pm
This film reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. Produced in extensive consultation with NASA scientists, NOVA takes data from earth-observing satellites and transforms it into dazzling visual sequences, each one exposing the intricate web of forces that sustains life on earth.

Eat, Fast And Live Longer With Michael Mosley at  9:30 pm
Michael Mosley has set himself a truly ambitious goal: he wants to live longer, stay younger and lose weight. But he wants to make as few changes to his life as possible along the way. And he thinks he’s found the answer — the ancient idea of fasting.