klru blog

Celtic Thunder at 8 p.m. Sunday, 9 p.m. Thursday and 9 p.m. Saturday features five Celtic male vocalists celebrating their heritage with powerful ballads, popular hits, and heartwarming songs of love.

Johnny Cash: A Man and his Vision at 10 p.m. Sunday celebrates of one of the most important and innovative television variety shows in history and celebrates the musical genius of one of America’s greatest artistic treasures.

Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work at 7 p.m. Monday goes behind the scenes of a state dinner in Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s “official” birthday party and a royal garden tea.

American Soundtrack: Doo Wops Greatest Hits at 8:30 p.m. Monday presents a new best-of compilation of Doo Wop Favorites of even more greatest moments from Doo Wop 50; Rock, Rhythm and Doo Wop; and Red, White and Rock.

Brain Fitness Program at 10:30 p.m. Monday  and 8:30 p.m. Wednesday looks at a program to get your brain in better shape.

Panda Tales at 7 p.m. Tuesday tells the story of San Diego’s Giant Panda cub, Zhen Zhen, and the zoo’s persistent conservation effort of a once dwindling species.

Stay Rich Forever & Ever with Ed Slott at 8 p.m. Tuesday provides an innovative yet simple step-by-step process to take control of retirement savings and prevent looming personal financial disaster.

Roy Orbison & Friends- A Black and White Night at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday gives a triumphant performance for Roy Orbison by a remarkable cast of “A-list” fans who signed on as his accompanists.

David Fortney has captured the breathtaking, natural beauty inside the 18 National Parks of North America in Timeless: A National Park Odyssey at 11 p.m. Tuesday

Tapped in 1999, Three Tenors Christmas at 7 p.m. Wednesday features José Carreras, Plácido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti performing popular Christmas songs as well as beloved carols.

Best-selling author, psychiatrist and brain-imaging specialist Daniel G. Amen, MD demonstrates how to optimize mental performance and overcome self-defeating behaviors in Change You Brain, Change Your Life at 10 p.m. Wednesday and  10:30 p.m. Friday.

Yanni: Voices at 11 p.m. Wednesday features a behind-the-scenes preview of the artist’s new CD and upcoming concert spectacular touring throughout the world over the next several years.

Celtic Women: The Greatest Journey at 7 p.m. Thursday and 11 p.m. Saturday provides a collection of memorable highlights taken from the vocalists’ acclaimed specials and reflects on their phenomenal success.

Love Train: The Sound of Philadelphia at 11 p.m. Thursday captures the live power of one of the most popular styles of music, featuring some of the recognizable songs ever written.

Magnificent at Any Age with Dr. Daniel Amen at 9 p.m. Friday explores the many natural ways that we can keep our brains healthy as we age as well as improve and enhance our brain power.

American Soundtrack: Doo Wops Greatest Hits at 7 p.m. Saturday presents a new best-of compilation of Doo Wop Favorites of even more greatest moments from Doo Wop 50; Rock, Rhythm and Doo Wop; and Red, White and Rock.

Nature at 7 p.m. Sunday retells the confrontation between Ernest Thompson Seton and outlaw wolf Lobo and how they set in motion a change in American hearts and minds.

To mark the centenary of Alistair Cooke’s birth in 2008, Masterpiece Special at 8 p.m. Sunday tells the story of one of the most celebrated broadcasters of the 20th century.

Masterpiece Theatre at 9 p.m. Sunday reveals “The Secret Life of Mrs. Beeton,” author of “Mrs. Beeton’s Book of Household Management” and the most famous cookbook author in British history.

Rape of Europa at 8 p.m. Monday tells the epic and miraculous tale of how Europe’s art treasures survived the systematic theft and deliberate damage perpetrated by the Third Reich during World War II.

Chihuly in the Hotspot at 10 p.m. Monday offers an intimate, close-up view of the artist’s process, from initial design to completed piece.

Nova at 7 p.m. Tuesday investigates how warming seas and man-made pollutants are combining to unleash toxic algae blooms decimating whales, sea lions and other marine mammals.

Frontline at 8 p.m. Tuesday looks at Venezuela’s controversial and outspoken president Hugo Chavez and the revolution he claims is turning his country into an anti-capitalist beacon for Latin America and the world.

Independent Lens at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday examines 15 months at Fermilab as it scours the subatomic world for the Higgs boson particle in “The Atom Smashers.”

Amazon: Super River at 9 p.m. Wednesday explores the exciting life story of the river with the world’s most diverse ecosystem.

Austin City Limits at 10 p.m. Wednesday brings Gnarls Barkley’s eccentric hip-hop and R&B sounds to the stage followed by psychedelic worldbeat electronica from Thievery Corporation’s new album, Radio Retaliation.

Texas Monthly Talks at 7 p.m. Thursday talks to Rick Riordan, best-selling children’s author of The Lightning Thief series.

Novelist Sarah Bird talks about her books and her career on Writers @ Work at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Downtown at 8 p.m. Thursday learns how influences from live music venues such as the Vulcan Gas Co. and the Armadillo World Headquarters are such a part of Austin’s culture today.

iNcoNtext.tv at 8:30 p.m. Thursday focuses on the creative process as artists share their stories.

Kenny Chesney presents contemporary country at its finest in an intimate studio setting in Soundstage at 9 p.m. Thursday.

America’s IRA expert Ed Slott gives financial tips on Stay Rich Forever and Ever at 9 p.m. Friday.

The Brain Fitness Program at 10 p.m. Friday gives tips for getting your brain in better shape and through beneficial chemical, physical and functional change in the brain.

Nature at 7 p.m. Sunday hosts a special on the continent’s most recognizable aerial predator, the bald eagle, and provides an intimate portrait of their lives in the wild.

Oliver Dimsdale stars as Louis Trevelyan, a handsome man of high principles and deep insecurities, in part two of Anthony Trollope’s “He Knew He Was Right” on Masterpiece Theatre at 8 p.m. Sunday.

Masterpiece Contemporary at 9:30 p.m. Sunday tells the surprising story of Mary Whitehouse and her David-and-Goliath type struggle with the BBC in the 60s in “Filth.”

American Experience at 8 p.m. Monday sheds light on John and Abigail Adams and the tumultuous times through which they lived.

Independent Lens at 10 p.m. Monday gives viewers an intimate look at war through the eyes of the first women in U.S. history sent into direct ground combat, despite a policy that bans them from doing so.

Nova at 7 p.m. Tuesday breaks exciting new ground in investigating the origins of the ancient Israelites, the evolution of their belief in one God and the creation of the Bible.

Independent Lens at 9 p.m. Tuesday follows the journey of three teens from the Swinomish Tribe who have been asked to make a film about the threat their people face from two local oil refineries.

True Whisperers: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers at 10 p.m. Tuesday explores the personal and heartfelt story of the men who were recruited to devise an unbreakable code during combat against the Japanese.

Singer/songwriter Aimee Mann debuts with tunes from her latest album and folk rockers Iron & Wine showcase their acclaimed The Sheperd’s Dog CD on Austin City Limits at 10 p.m. Wednesday and 11 p.m. Friday.

Texas Monthly Talks at 7 p.m. Thursday speaks with Susan Orlean, author of best-selling novel The Orchid Thief and writer of perceptive magazine profiles, a cookbook for dogs and now a children’s book called Lazy Little Loafers.

Docubloggers at 7:30 p.m. Thursday gears up for Thanksgiving with a profile of UT’s mascot just in time for the big game.

Downtown at 8 p.m. Thursday takes a look at some of Austin’s most iconic independent businesses.

Soundstage at 9 p.m. Thursday delivers a high energy, rousing performance of Bon Jovi’s new album, Lost Highway.

Austin City Limits at 7 p.m. Saturday brings Gnarls Barkley’s eccentric hip-hop and R&B sounds to the stage followed by psychedelic worldbeat electronica from Thievery Corporation’s new album, Radio Retaliation.

KLRU is giving Austin viewers a sneak peak at Tattooed Under Fire at 9 p.m. Thursday. This program will soon air nationally. Tattooed Under Fire is a grippingly intimate, character-driven portrait of war-bound and returning soldiers as they go under the tattoo needle — openly professing their patriotism, sharing their secrets and confessing their fears. Each soldier’s story is an evocative, poignant and highly personal look at the human and cultural cost of war.

Writers@Work, airing at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, is a new local series features an interview with an author as well as dramatic readings of their work. This Writers’ League of Texas produced show also features reading suggestions for viewers. This month the first episode of the series features Austin author Sarah Bird. Bird is the author of The Yokota Officers Club, The Mommy Club and more.

Other highlights

Nature at 7 p.m. Sunday looks at the enormous falcons and Arctic wolves that raise their families on Canada’s remote Ellesmere Island.

Stephen investigates a contaminated hepatitis B vaccine and ends up stripped of his identity in the part four showing of “Last Enemy” in Masterpiece Contemporary at 8 p.m. Sunday.

Frontline at 9 p.m. Sunday examines the personal and political biographies of candidates John McCain and Barack Obama in “The Choice: 2008.”

American Experience at 8 p.m. Monday traces Lyndon Johnson’s pursuit of social programs, escalation in Vietnam and retirement years.

Cruiser Houston: Pride and Purpose at 10 p.m. Monday pays tribute to the men who fought following the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Nova at 7 p.m. Tuesday tells the dramatic story of a group of pioneering mathematicians who developed the study of fractals.

Frontline at 8 p.m. Tuesday gives an inside look at the real foreign policy choices the next president of the United States will face.

Ghosts on the Underground at 9 p.m. Tuesday takes a journey through London’s public transport system from a chillingly unfamiliar perspective.

Secret Life of Ghosts and Werewolves at 10 p.m. Tuesday provides scientific explanations behind the myths that have arisen around seemingly supernatural activity.

Ride along the Lincoln Highway at 7 p.m. Wednesday chronicles the history and wonderful landmarks found along the first coast-to-coast highway.

The San Francisco Symphony celebrates Bernstein’s amazing music at “Carnegie Hall Opening 2008″ in Great Performances at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Wallflowers band leader Jakob Dylan plays tunes from his debut solo album followed by songwriter/violinist Carrie Rodriguez in Austin City Limits at 10 p.m. Wednesday and 11p.m. Friday.

U.S. Senator John Cornyn discusses his career on Texas Monthly Talks at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Docubloggers at 7:30 p.m. Thursday takes a sneak peek into Austin City Limits and Round Rock’s Ballet Folklorico.

The Austin History Center, downtown on less than $25 a day, ROT Rally and more on Downtown at 8 p.m. Thursday.

In Context at 8:30 p.m. Thursday features hatmaker Julia Mogwitz, musician Amy Cook and Michener’s Japanese prints at the Blanton.

Tattooed Under Fire at 9 p.m. Thursday features an intimate portrait of war-bound and returning soldiers as they go under the tattoo needle.

Claudia and Gwyneth drive through Barcelona at night and Mario and Gwyneth grill a Catalan feast in Spain… On the Road Again at 9 p.m. Friday.

Ride along the Highway at 10 p.m. Friday chronicles the history and wonderful landmarks found along the first coast-to-coast highway.

The Kentucky indie rock heroes My Morning Jacket return to the stage to showcase their acclaimed album “Evil Urges” in Austin City Limits at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Nature at 7 p.m. Sunday takes a look at “Parrots in the Land of Oz,” the most exotic birds on the island continent.

Stephen and Yasim join forces with a rogue agent to get to the bottom of a bio-weapons conspiracy in the part three showing of “Last Enemy” Masterpiece Contemporary at 8 p.m. Sunday.

The mysterious death of a paparazzo leads Lynley and Havers to a 1995 massacre in Bosnia in Masterpiece Mystery at 9 p.m. Sunday.

American Experience at 8 p.m. Monday chronicles Lyndon Johnson’s poor childhood, rise to political power and 1964 election victory.

On Stay Rich Forever & Ever with Ed Slott at 10 p.m. Monday the IRA expert shares strategies viewers can implement to safeguard their retirement savings.

Mark Oliver Everett of the band Eels learns about his influential physicist father Hugh Everett in Nova at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Martin Smith travels the globe to test what big business is doing to solve the climate problem in Frontline at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Secrets of the Dead at 7 p.m. Wednesday explores the 15th and 16th century “Battle for the Bible,” when men set out to bring the Scriptures to people in their own language.

Independence Lens at 8 p.m. Wednesday tells the story of the Chicago Conspiracy Trial with animation, archival footage and music.

Austin City Limits at 10 p.m. Wednesday and 11 p.m. Friday features talented songwriter Lyle Lovett as he performs with acclaimed tunesmiths John Hiatt, Guy Clark and Joe Ely.

U.S. Senate candidate Rick Noreiga talks with Evan Smith on Texas Monthly Talks at 7 p.m. Thursday.

From dogs in prison to cats in shadows, Docubloggers at 7:30 p.m. Thursday uncovers the “Unconventional Rodeo.”

Downtown at 8 p.m. Thursday explores live in downtown Austin.

In Context at 8:30 p.m. Thursday features Berlin painter Edward B. Gordon, Austin singer Chrysta Bell and Mazatlan’s Delfos contemporary dance company.

Gwyneth and Mario visit the Marques de Riscal Hotel and take a behind-the-scenes vineyard tour in Spain… On the Road Again at 9 p.m. Friday.

Lords of the Gourd: Pursuit of Excellence at 10 p.m. Friday presents gardeners who attempt to grow a world record 1500lb pumpkin for the Cooperstown Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off.

Wallflowers band leader Jakob Dylan plays tunes from his debut solo album followed by songwriter/violinist Carrie Rodriguez in Austin City Limits at 7 p.m. Saturday.

From frogfish to hagfish, learn the “Beauty of Ugly” in “Nature” at 7 p.m. Sunday.

Yasim suspects her late husband may have known what killed the woman found in Stephen’s apartment in the part two showing of “Last Enemy” in “Masterpiece Contemporary” at 8 p.m. Sunday.

Lynley & Havers are catapulted into the world of internet vice when they investigate a brutal death in “Masterpiece Mystery” at 9 p.m. Sunday.

“American Experience” at 8 p.m. Monday reassesses the life and political career of President Richard Nixon in a three hour special.

“Nova” at 7 p.m. Tuesday interviews with investigators and family members who give a new look at NASA and the Columbia space shuttle tragedy.

“Frontline” at 8 p.m. Tuesday examines the personal and political biographies of candidates John McCain and Barack Obama in “The Choice: 2008.”

“Chasing Churchill” at 10 p.m. Tuesday explores Churchill’s love for the United States and his relationship with President Roosevelt.

“Secrets of the Dead” at 7 p.m. Wednesday reveals the secretive, Cold War world of East German athletes who were given dangerous steroids.

Bob Schieffer of CBS moderates this seated debate focusing on foreign policy at Hofstra University in “PBS Newshour Debates 2008: Presidential” at 8 p.m. Wednesday.

“Austin City Limits” at 10p.m. Wednesday presents R&B veteran Bettye Lavette and classic blues pianist Pinetop Perkins.

U.S. Senator and Vice Presidential candidate Joe Biden speaks with Evan Smith on “Texas Monthly Talks” at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Community Docublogger Natasha Chen explores the fluctuating politics of Williamson County and Texas as a whole in “Docubloggers” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

“Texas Senatorial Debates” at 8 p.m. Thursday.

“Austin City Limits” at 7 p.m. Saturday features talented songwriter Lyle Lovett as he performs with acclaimed tunesmiths John Hiatt, Guy Clark and Joe Ely.

“Nature” at 7 p.m. Sunday examines the evolution of dogs and their infiltration in to human society in the part one showing of “Dogs that Changed the World.”

Scrappy orphan Sally Lockhart faces deadly villains as she uncovers the truth of her father’s death in “Masterpiece Theatre” at 8 p.m. Sunday.

Seemingly unconnected events set young sleuth Sally Lockhart on the trail of an evil mystery in “Masterpiece Mystery!” at 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

“American Experience” at 8 p.m. Monday follows Ronald Reagan’s controversial presidency after rising from Hollywood to the Whitehouse.

“Nova” at 7 p.m. Tuesday details the missteps that made the U.S. lose to the Soviets in the first round of the space race.

The struggles of four critically ill Americans showcase the nation’s growing health care crisis on “P.O.V.” “Critical Condition” at 8 p.m. Tuesday.

“RX for Change” at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday explores health issues set against the healthcare platforms of the two presidential candidates.

Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi’s life and legacy is celebrated, featuring Suri music and popular poetry, in “Rumi Returning” at 10 p.m. Tuesday.

“Secrets of the Dead” at 7 p.m. Wednesday investigates shocking evidence from the Hawley Crippen murder in 1910 in “Executed in Error.”

“American Masters” at 8 p.m. Wednesday explores the life and career of the man who single-handedly influenced the direction of contemporary music in “Atlantic Records: The House that Ahmet Built.”

Filmmaker Joanna Rudnick faces her deepest fears when she tests positive for the breast cancer gene in “P.O.V.” at 10 p.m. Wednesday.

“Texas Monthly Talks” at 7 p.m. Thursday features an interview with Matthew McConaughey.

“Docubloggers” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday pays tribute to the men and women fighting overseas, and those that have fallen in the line of duty.

Gwen Ifill moderates the Vice Presidential Debate, focusing on domestic and foreign policy at Washington University in “PBS Newshour Debates 2008: Special Report” at 8 p.m. Thursday.

“American Masters” at 10 p.m. Friday examines the life and career of the Mexican muralist, who had a profound impact on American Artists, in “Orozco: Man of Fire.”

“Austin City Limits” at 11 p.m. Friday presents performances from San Francisco’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in Golden Gate Park.

Influential superstars R.E.M. take the stage in support of their latest acclaimed record, Accelerate, in “Austin City Limits” at 7 p.m. Saturday.

“Celtic Thunder” at 7 p.m. Sunday features five male vocalists taking part in a celebration of Celtic heritage.

The IRA expert shares strategies viewers can implement to safeguard their retirement savings on “Stay Rich Forever & Ever With Ed Slott” at 9 p.m. Sunday.

“Lifeguard” follows the influence of family, religion, and anti- communism on Ronald Reagan from his youth to presidency in “American Experience” at 8 p.m. Monday.

Flutist James Galway joins conductor Lorin Maazel in a performance of Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony in “Live from Lincoln Center” at 10 p.m. Monday

“Nova” at 7 p.m. Tuesday reveals the dark secrets of black holes, from their birth to their destructive waves of energy.

The four brothers who founded the movie studio in 1923 and its early films and stars are explored in part one of “The Warner Bros. Story” in “American Masters” at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Warren Beatty and other industry insiders discuss the movie studio’s history and its best films in part two of “The Warner Bros. Story” in “American Masters” at 8 p.m. Wednesday.  Part three of “The Warner Bros. Story” in “American Masters” at 8 p.m. Thursday features Clint Eastwood, George Clooney and great movie clips.

Jim Lehrer interviews George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Joe Lieberman, John Kerry and Al Gore in “Debating Our Destiny II” at 10 p.m. Tuesday.

“Killer Stress: National Geographic” at 7 p.m. Wednesday reveals just how measurable and dangerous exposure to stress response can be.

John Mayer performs on the heels of his tour for his Grammy-winning album, Continuum, in “Austin City Limits” at 10 p.m. Wednesday and 11 p.m. Friday.

“Texas Monthly Talks” at 7 p.m. Thursday speaks with Houston-born musician Billy Gibbons, whose look is as distinctive as the songs he’s written and played with ZZ Top.

“Docubloggers” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday takes a peek at some local baby bald eagles before they take flight, and meets with Sheila Smith and her 75 cats at the Shadow Cats Sanctuary.

Directed by Hector Galan, “Los Lonely Boys Cottonfields and Crossroads” at 9 p.m. Thursday tells the story of the band from San Angelo. Los Lonely Boys have rocked their way to the top of the American music industry, determined to fulfill their father’s long-held dream.

“Spain… On the Road Again” at 10 p.m. Friday follows Gwyneth Paltrow and Mario Batali as they visit Madrid and Toledo and have a cooking lesson with a top chef.

“Austin City Limits” at 7 p.m. Saturday presents performances from San Francisco’s Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in Golden Gate Park.

“American Soundtrack: Doo Wop’s Greatest Hits” at 6 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Wednesday features favorite moments from other “American Soundtrack” specials including Doo Wop 50, Rock, Rhythm and Doo Wop and Red, White and Rock.

Everyone from Bob Dylan to the Dixie Chicks help tell the story of the legendary folk artist’s experiences on “Pete Seeger: The Power of Song” at 7 p.m. Monday.

Based on his book the Power of Intention, Dr. Wayne Dyer at 9 p.m. Monday takes viewers on an exploration of intention as seen through his fresh interpretation of scientific and metaphysical thinking.

“Brain Fitnness Program” at 7 p.m. Tuesday teaches viewers to drive beneficial chemical, physical and functional change in the brain.

The IRA expert shares strategies viewers can implement to safeguard their retirement savings on “Stay Rich Forever & Ever With Ed Slott” at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and 11:30 p.m. Friday.

Dan Rather host a look at the icon’s spiritual odyssey, featuring interviews and rare performances on “Gospel Music of Johnny Cash” at 9 p.m. Wednesday.

“Bob Dylan: Live in Newport” at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday captures performances of his greatest songs, including Mr. Tambourine Man and Blowin’ In the Wind.

“My Music: My Generation The 60s” at 7 p.m. Thursday focuses on the years 1965 - 1969 and includes essential 60s generation folk rock, R&B and pop.

Dr. Daniel G. Amen teaches how to optimize mental performance and overcome self-defeating behaviors on “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life” at 9 p.m. Thursday.

“Now” at 7:30 p.m. Friday focuses on women and political power featuring special reporting by Maria Hinajosa.

Before dying of cancer, Randy Pausch gave an inspiring discussion of his life on “Last Lecture” at 9:30 p.m. Friday.

Country music performers pay tribute to legendary outlaws of the Wild West in a spirited concert on “Outlaw Trail” at 7 p.m. Saturday.

“Pavarotti: A Life in Seven Arias” at 6 p.m. Sunday and 8 p.m. Wednesday examines the renowned tenor’s childhood, early career in Italian opera houses and rise to fame.

“Celtic Thunder” at 8 p.m. Sunday and 9 p.m. Thursday features five male vocalists taking part in a celebration of Celtic heritage.

Dr. Daniel G. Amen teaches how to optimize mental performance and overcome self-defeating behaviors on “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life” at 10 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Monday.

America’s favorite malt shop memories are back with this hit collection for lovers only on “My Music: Doo Wop Love Songs” at 8:30 p.m. Monday and 7 p.m. Thursday.

The IRA expert shares strategies viewers can implement to safeguard their retirement savings on “Stay Rich Forever & Ever With Ed Slott” at 10:30 p.m. Monday and 11 p.m. Thursday.

Problems and possible solutions to global warming are examined on “Nova: Saved by the Sun” at 7 p.m. Tuesday with a focus on renewable energy.

“My Music: My Generation The 60s” at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and 7 p.m. Saturday focuses on the years 1965 - 1969 and includes essential 60s generation folk rock, R&B and pop.

A never-before-released concert performance of Louis Armstrong at the 1970 Newport Jazz Festival at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Country music performers pay tribute to legendary outlaws of the Wild West in a spirited concert on “Outlaw Trail” at 9 p.m. Friday.

“Bob Dylan: Live in Newport” at 10 p.m. Saturday captures performances of his greatest songs, including Mr. Tambourine Man and Blowin’ In the Wind.