Stimulus package: What do YOU think?

Negotiators have finally reached a deal on a multi-billion dollar stimulus package after weeks of debate between House and Senate versions of the stimulus bill. The stimulus package, which comes in at a hefty $789 billion dollar price tag, was actually less than the previous House and Senate versions of the bill.

Senate majority leader Harry Reid credited the work of three GOP senators—the only Republicans from Congress to back the bill—for working to reach an agreement on the enormous stimulus package: Sens. Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine and Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania.

"Like any negotiation, this involved give and take, and if you don't mind my saying so, that's an understatement," Reid said Wednesday. President Obama had indicated earlier that he wanted the bill on his desk no later than President’s Day, which is this Monday. Voting on the bill is expected to begin as early as tomorrow.

We’d love to know what you think about what’s going on. Here are some questions to consider:

1. Do you think the $789 billion dollar stimulus package has what it takes to pull this country out of the economic crisis?

2. Are you surprised that the GOP went along with the Dems on the stimulus package?

3. Has the Republicans’ delay of Obama’s stimulus package made the GOP look disingenuous in terms of helping everyday Americans get back on their feet?

Tune into the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer as he discusses the situation tonight at 6 p.m. on MPT.


Matt Rains
Member Relations Representative

Behind the scenes with William "Brit" Kirwan

As Americans confront the daily challenges of a struggling economy, universities are feeling the pinch as well.

William "Brit" Kirwan, chancellor of the University System of Maryland, joined MPT and host Jeff Salkin earlier this week for Direct Connection to chat about the prestigious university system during the budget crunch.

Jeff and the chancellor chatted in a post-show web exclusive (below) on meeting financial hurdles head-on. For more local newsmakers on local issues, tune in to Direct Connection every Monday night at 7:30 p.m.

Ever wonder how live TV works?

Wonder no more!

A little birdie (carrying a an equally little Flip cam) was on hand late last month as MPT filmed a live call-in special on the digital switch. Check out our new video (above) to get a true behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lights, the cameras, and yes, the action!

Tell us what MPT means to YOU!

All over the United States, people have been sharing in writing, pictures, sound and video the way public TV and radio fits into their lives.

Right now you can see and hear everyday viewers and well-known figures such as Jimmy Carter, Barbara Bush, Kevin Bacon, Judy Woodruff and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar share what public TV means to them. We'd like you to tell everyone how MPT fits into YOUR life.

You can type a few lines, even attach a picture, video or audio. We'll share your submission online, and you could be invited to the MPT studio for a follow-up interview! To see what others have said, or to to share your thoughts, check out MPT's new mysource page.

MPT viewer Dan Kaufman shared his story (above) with us recently. He was inspired by the documentary Anyone & Everyone, which tells the emotional stories of parents of gay youth. "Maryland Public Television is my source for understanding all different kinds of families," he says.

What's MPT YOUR source for? Tell us today!

Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North

History books tell us that American slave trading was strictly Southern business. But history was turned upside down for filmmaker Katrina Browne when she suddenly found out her New England ancestors were the largest slave-trading family in U.S. history—and that her family's prestige and wealth was tied to human trafficking.

In her P.O.V. documentary, Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North—airing on MPT January 27 at 10 p.m.—Browne and nine cousins retrace the Triangle Trade and gain a powerful new perspective on the black/white divide.

On the eve of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the historic inauguration of America's first African American president, MPT and a distinguished group of panelists will discuss if racial healing is possible in America Sunday, January 18 at 4:30 p.m. at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture in downtown Baltimore.

The event—held in conjunction with the broadcast premiere of Traces of the Trade—is free (but an RSVP is required; call 443-263-1875 to book your spot!), and part of MPT’s ongoing Campaign for Love & Forgiveness.

Dr. David Terry, executive director of the Lewis Museum, will head the discussion with a distinguished roster of panelists, and special guest Tom DeWolf, author of Inheriting the Trade and family member featured in the film, will also be available to provide insight into the documentary and answer questions from the audience.

If we haven't grabbed your attention just yet, check out the clip above. We hope to see you there!

A single table and a common goal

MPT’s outreach initiatives make a real difference in our communities. This entry—by Elyn Jones, Deputy Director of Maryland’s Department of Human Resource’s Office of Communications—is the last in a series on MPT’s recent foster care phone bank, which elicited over 100 viewer phone calls seeking more information about how everyday people can help foster care children in Maryland. We’ve posted a video mix of that exciting evening above. (Keep your eyes open for Lt. Governor Anthony Brown answering phones with the rest of the gang!)

From our very first meeting there was electricity behind this project that just could not be denied. All of the partners around the table were anxious to be a part of what we knew could be a wonderful event. On Thursday, November 20 during MPT’s broadcast of Foster Care Stories: A Place To Be and its accompanying live phone bank, we were all proven correct.

The appeal for volunteers for last month’s phone bank went out several weeks earlier from Faith Wachter, MPT’s Director of Community Outreach Initiatives, with a special request to secure a few extra volunteers in case of possible last minute cancellations. We needed 25 volunteers to answer phones, so you can imagine our surprise—and delight—when that number was surpassed! A whopping 43 volunteers made the trek out to MPT to donate their time and knowledge to help educate callers on foster care.

Included in this number were Lt. Governor Anthony Brown, Governor’s Chief of Staff Michael Enright and Department of Human Resources Secretary Brenda Donald. They were assisted by Miss Maryland, Louise Schlegel and Melissa Smith, President of the Maryland Foster Youth Resource Center. Also on hand and ready to answer phones were Delegates Talmadge Branch and Guy Guzzone.

After the very first interview segment, which featured the Lt. Governor and Secretary Donald, studio phones lit up and continued to ring throughout the remainder of the program. At night’s end, some 105 calls had been taken.

This was truly an example of what can happen when partnerships are formed around a common goal. We will follow-up with the callers from the program, and will work closely with them should they choose to become foster or adoptive parents. There are over 9,200 children in foster care across the state. If we are able to get a handful of adoptive or foster parents from the 105 calls received, that will make a tangible difference for some of those children, all thanks to the joint effort of MPT all thanks to the join effort of MPT, its partners, a single table and a common goal.

Elyn Jones
Deputy Director, Maryland Department of Human Resource, Office of Communication

Get ready for digital TV!

Yes, in a mere 64 days, all U.S. television broadcasters will be going digital. It's sounds scary, but trust us, it's not.

Here's the lowdown: digital television (or "DTV," as us industry folks call it) will free up space on the valuable broadcast spectrum, which will be used for public and safety services (such as police and fire departments) as well as advanced wireless services. It will also offer viewers television with better picture and sound quality.

If you receive your television signal over the air, i.e. with "rabbit ears," and you haven't prepared for "the big switch"--or maybe you've already purchased your digital convertor box but are having problems using it--fear not!

The lovely folks at WGBH in Boston have prepared a great how-to DTV guide, featuring famous do-it-yourselfers Norm Abram and Kevin O'Connor of This Old House. The duo visits several homes in a Boston suburb to prepare the homeowners for digital TV.

As always, if you have questions about DTV, visit www.mpt.org/dtv or call or e-mail MPT’s Viewer Services with questions or concerns Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or by email at dtv@mpt.org.

Jim Lehrer's kinda funny!

Yes! Can you believe it??

In case you haven't caught the new promo we're airing (or maybe you have and just want to see it again! We certainly wouldn't blame you!) for next month's PBS series, Make 'Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America, we've taken the opportunity to post it here on The Buzz.

The six-hour comedy epic showcases the most hilarious men, women and moments in American entertainment. Hosted by funnyman Billy Crystal and narrated by Amy Sedaris, the documentary explores the currents of American comedy throughout a century of social and political change.

Until it airs, enjoy this 31-second gem. We definitely did!

Anúna: Christmas Memories

On the set of Anúna: Christmas Memories here at MPT. Hard to believe it was in the middle of summer!

Whaddaya get when you mix vintage Christmas specials, twin Irish brothers, six live instruments, three dancers, 12 more Irish singers and a crackerjack set at MPT?

Anúna: Christmas Memories, of course!

If you're in need of some holiday cheer (and aren't we all?) look no further than Anúna: Christmas Memories, airing on MPT Sunday at 6 p.m. (With program encore broadcasts Monday, Dec. 22 at 10pm and Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 11pm.)

But you don't have to just take our word for it! Check out what WBAL had to say about the special earlier today.

The best part about having the Anuna crew here over the summer? They were totally fun! Here are Anuna creators Michael McGlynn (in red) and brother John McGlynn being interviewed for WBAL back in June. Hey guys! How's the weather in Ireland??

Meet the 3 Mo' Divas!

The critically acclaimed, diva-licious 3 Mo' Divas stopped by Maryland Public Television yesterday to put the finishing touches on a national pledge special destined to be a hit from coast to coast.

The trio—Laurice Lanier, Nova Payton and Jamet Pittman—are sure to become household names. Jazz, blues, opera, gospel, even disco, the divas do it all—with soul, feeling, style, and yes, a little well-timed attitude.

Wanna meet 'em? You're in luck!

We stopped by to say hello to the ladies in MPT's green room. They introduced themselves and yes! even sang a little. Check out the videos below and tune in Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. for a special rebroadcast of their fabulous special. This may be the first time you've heard of the Divas, but it certainly won't be the last!