Thanks, Thinkport

Because you are written and edited by education professionals, there was nothing I could not use when I needed help.

My dear, creative daughter was having trouble staying focused and organized in second grade. “No problem,” I thought. I’m an educated person and a whiz at research. I was clueless at first at helping my daughter get more organized in her schoolwork. I tried web sites and articles and was overwhelmed with information and links to scary places. Medications and expensive tutors were not going to be our first choice. The lists and raised voices were not helping either. Finally, I looked to MPT’s Thinkport.

Thinkport is a dream for teachers, and many use it frequently. But in addition to Maryland-based curriculum and virtual field trips and snazzy math games, there is a wealth of basic information on the educational site for families and caregivers. I found an article about helping kids manage their time. There were links to even more sensible, helpful information.

My daughter would still rather spend time organizing her rocks and shells instead of doing math homework, but we’ve found some strategies for her to take responsibility for her time and keep the peace.

For time-managing tactics for your little ones, check out http://www.thinkport.org/familycommunity/interstitials/manage_time.tp


Susan Meoni
Assistant Attorney General

Born to rumor

It’s easy to believe what we see and hear on our television these days, especially when what we hear comes from the mouths of those we have come to respect in the world of journalism. So, with that in mind, consider the following: a retraction recently posted by Bob Costas of NBC Sports:

“…A few days ago in Beijing, Brian Williams and I had separate interviews with Michael Phelps. Just prior to those interviews, I had been told that the previous Friday night in Jacksonville, Bruce Springsteen had informed his audience that Phelps had won his seventh gold medal and that he then dedicated ‘Born in the USA’ to Michael....I had every reason to believe this information was accurate, and its source was reliable. In fact, I had intended to use it in my own interview with Phelps, but when time didn’t allow for it, I passed the story on to Brian, who did use it. As you may have seen, Phelps lit up at the story, which rang true for the additional reason that it’s the sort of thing Bruce might very well have done. Except that in this case, he didn’t. I had been misinformed. Still, the blame rests with me. So, I just wanted to set the record straight – and apologize to my friend Brian Williams, one of the best newsmen and biggest Springsteen fans I know…”

Now admittedly, mistakes happen, even to highly respected news journalists such as Costas and Williams. But it made me wonder how something so completely false ends up on the air—and what else gets repeated as fact.

Take for example a recent New Yorker cover that unflatteringly depicts Barack Obama in Middle Eastern/Islamic attire in the Oval Office, with wife Michelle carrying a machine gun. It’s easy to see how irresponsible and controversial journalism designed to sensationalize the issues helps to foster a misinformed American people. Perhaps this is the reason a measurable percentage of Americans falsely believe that Obama is Muslim.

It is our mission at MPT to educate our viewers and bring them the one-of-a-kind depth and insight they’ve come to expect from public television without compromising the integrity and forthrightness that have become our hallmarks. That is why we are proud to bring you this fall’s PBS Vote 2008 election lineup including coverage from both the local and state level as well as reports from the Democratic and Republican National Conventions via the News Hour with Jim Lehrer.

With the general election looming less than 70 (yes, it’s that close) days away, it is absolutely critical, perhaps now more than ever, to be vigilant as American citizens. It is our responsibility as Americans to look beyond the headlines, the campaign smears, the negative ads, to find out for ourselves just who we are casting our vote for on November 4th.

So please, between now and November, don’t just take Bill O’Reilly’s word for it; don’t assume Anderson Cooper is giving you all 360 degrees. Don’t be forced to rely on a media outlet that has to sensationalize every story to boost ratings enough to cover their advertising budget and turn a profit for CNN or FOX or any of the other major networks.

The time has come to roll up our sleeves as Americans, educate ourselves, question the answers and hold our leaders’ feet to the fire. It won’t be easy, but here at MPT we can help you get started.

P.S. Brian, Bob, if you’re reading this, from one Boss fan to another, all is forgiven.


Matt Rains
Member Services Representative

Sizzlin'!

Since interning for MPT this summer, I’ve found new love for its programs. I love to eat, and I’m a huge fan of cooking shows. Cooking is a passion of mine, and if you’re anything like me, one of the reasons you love summer is because it’s the perfect time to fire up the grill. So you can imagine how excited I am about a new cooking show on MPT. Steven Raichlen (creator of Barbecue University and author of Barbecue Bible and How to Grill) is back with a new series, Primal Grill with Steven Raichlen. Anybody who loves to cook is sure to love this show.

To celebrate the new series, MPT is having a cool event this weekend. Last month, MPT viewers were asked to submit their favorite grilling recipe by mail to MPT. The grillmaster himself has judged and selected a winning recipe (and will announce the winner’s name on air!). The recipe will be featured in a live grilling demonstration at MPT’s Summer Sizzle event this Saturday. The first-place winner will receive a Weber Spirit E-310 gas grill!

So whether you thrill for the grill, or are just looking to have some fun, join us this Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Rams Head Tavern Courtyard located in Historic Savage Mill in Savage, Maryland. Guests will enjoy live music, beverages and a demonstration and taste of the winning recipe!


Julia Goldwasser
Intern, Corporate Support

T-minus 6 and counting!

Hello DTV blog readers!

We are at the six-month point and counting down to the shutoff of analog television on February 17, 2009. Are YOU ready?

Only those viewers who watch us over-the-air (OTA) on an analog TV have to do something. You’ll need a DTV Converter Box, which is what all those announcements on TV and radio are about.

A new survey from the Association of Public Television Stations (APTS) reveals a mixed bag when it comes to the public’s involvement with the February 2009 digital television transition. On one hand, awareness of the impending transition is at an all-time high. According to the study, you’ve watched the announcements. On the other hand, many OTA households are slow to take the necessary steps to continue receiving terrestrial television after the plug is pulled on analog transmitters, the survey found.

Don’t wait – do it now – avoid the rush … get your discount coupons from the federal government at http://www.dtv2009.gov/. Then get your box, hook it up to your antenna and TV, turn the box on, follow the prompts and see the wonders of digital TV.

If you can’t receive us with your existing indoor antenna, you may need an outside antenna. Reception of our analog signal is no guarantee you’ll receive our digital signal. I’ve talked with viewers who could never receive our analog signal, and now are watching all three of our digital channels, as well as those who have a great analog signal and cannot receive our digital signal.

For more information, visit http://digitaltelevisionnow.org/mpt/

So don’t delay, become a digital TV viewer today.


George Beneman
VP Technology

He's still "The Gangster of Love"

I recently had the pleasure of a day filled with amazing music at Merriweather Post Pavilion performed by Joe Cocker and The Steve Miller Band. I saw these legendary performers on MPT during its June pledge drive, and when noticed on MPT’s local events calendar that tickets were available, I knew I had to get them.

It began late afternoon with a glimpse into the inner-workings of a big-name band at sound check. We heard the familiar sounds of The Steve Miller Band as we walked to the concert arena. The only other folks around were diligently working to prepare for the evening concert. As we took our seats and tried not to appear overly zealous, we saw that Steve Miller was not yet on stage—but the riffs being played got our blood pumping. Quickly and without fanfare, Steve Miller appeared on stage, picked up his guitar and began to play. To see him this way—as a regular guy preparing for his “job”—was impressive. He tweaked the sound coming from his guitar over and over, he spoke to the sound man with authority but without condescension. He knew what he wanted and expected, but did it with respect for the others involved. It was refreshing to see in a world dominated by divas.

As quickly as he appeared, he disappeared. Our private concert was over. We departed for dinner and twittered about what we saw, reliving the “good old days” and feeling as if we had taken a walk back to our youth. We were eager to return for the concert.

As concert time drew near, we were psyched to hear The Steve Miller Band but knew that Joe Cocker was the opening act. We anticipated enjoying his music, but deep down wanted to hear more of what we heard in the afternoon. We couldn’t have been more wrong! Joe Cocker brought the house down. From “With a Little Help From My Friends” to “Feelin’ Alright” to “Cry Me a River,” he did them all and never missed a note or his signature big voice. He had everyone’s attention. When he sang “You Are So Beautiful,” the house was on its feet and screaming. He’s still got it and The Steve Miller Band needed to step up to the plate so they wouldn't be outdone.

And they did not disappoint. They began with “Swingtown” and kept going. It seemed as if each song required a different guitar, including a bright red Flying V that Steve proudly told the crowd he won at a poker game just a few nights earlier.

Those of us there had the joy of hearing two hours of music that included “Space Cowboy,” “Jungle Love,” “Dance, Dance, Dance” and so many more. “Mercury Blues,” an oldie but goody, was well received. “Rock ‘n Me” was played for quite a stretch and the guitars were wailing.

Sonny Charles, formerly of the Checkmates, has joined the band and added a fine voice and fine dancing. He sang a Bo Diddley song, “Pretty Thing,” with accompaniment from Miller that was a true get-out-of-your-seat-and-dance moment.

The harmonica playing was amazing; the guitar playing knocked your socks off; the keyboard playing was more than lively; and the drumming held it all together. These guys are GOOD!

After all was said and done, the evening ended with three encores – the third with Steve Miller taking requests. When was the last time you saw that?

In the end, Steve reminded us to live in peace and love. The years have passed but some things never change. And for that I am grateful.


Sue Vanskiver
Senior Administrative Assistant

MPT's New Initiatives Fund

If you haven’t heard about it yet, MPT has an exciting new opportunity to help fulfill its mission. Through the generosity of Irene and Edward H. Kaplan, MPT will have $1 million to use over a four-year period to take risks, both on and off-air, that it has not been able to until now. Funds will be used to respond more rapidly to regional concerns with innovative projects, and, according to its stated intent, “to positively impact the quality of life in Maryland and beyond through high quality initiatives that will serve and benefit the citizens of Maryland, including MPT viewers and members.”

What this means to us is that we will be able to create productions and community initiatives that we otherwise might not be able to do. The criteria that will guide the selection process are:

▪ Quality & Excellence
▪ Public Service Value
▪ Synergies
▪ Boldness & Creative risk

An internal committee has been established to oversee the fund and decide what projects will be funded. The committee is made up of seven senior MPT managers that will meet on an as-needed basis to review submissions. The committee is chaired by MPT’s President & CEO Robert J. Shuman. Decisions will be based on established criteria (mentioned above) and will be directed primarily toward the following core service areas:

▪ Kids & Family
▪ Environment
▪ Perspectives
▪ Health & Wellness

We anticipate that the committee will review several requests in August. While nothing has been chosen yet, we know the projects requested will include a Maryland Generations (similar to what we did with Ken Burns' The War last fall) companion piece for Burns' upcoming National Parks series (scheduled to air fall 2009) and a community initiative around financial literacy. These are just two examples of the varying types of projects that will be reviewed. We hope that this fund will provide seed money for exciting new projects, and that the fund can be replenished by others seeking to make significant and meaningful investments in MPT’s public service.

This is truly a transitional gift for MPT. It will allow us to do more great things, and take risks that we otherwise may not have been able to take.


Larry Unger
Chief Operating Officer

Sneak peek: Back Door Slam!

Fresh off Baltimore's ArtScape stage, British blues rockers Back Door Slam stopped by MPT yesterday to tape a performance for an upcoming edition of ArtWorks. The trio blew us away with a performance that pretty much made us want to drop to our knees and shout, "We're not worthy!" Check out some behind-the-scenes footage below, and be sure to tune into ArtWorks every Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. (with rebroadcasts Thursday at 6 a.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m.)! Rock on!

From 'cool aunt' to education advocate!

I never had a calling to be a mother, though I’m incredibly fond of kids. Sure, I’m a cool aunt and feel pretty hip dancing with my niece Eliza to songs from “High School Musical.” Oh wait, does that make me cool or just a middle-aged geek trying to hang onto my youth? Anyway, trust me, I’m still cool.

While I can “bust a move” to a predictably catchy teen song, I was never really immersed in kids’ TV shows, activities or their education until I started working at MPT. Since landing in MPT’s Education Department a few years ago, I have helped create and market a variety of products and resources for kids, families, teachers and child caregivers. I have bridged the gap from mere mortal/semi-cool aunt to an advocate for quality educational resources for our communities.

When you think about MPT, you probably think about the shows. Perhaps you catch Antiques Roadshow from time to time, or you’re a longtime fan of Outdoors Maryland. You may even think we are just "that Sesame Street station for kids," but we’re more—a lot more. In MPT’s Education Department, we develop and promote an extensive range of free, multimedia resources and interactive education tools for the K-12 education community.

Thinkport.org, MPT’s instant gateway to these resources, serves as a valuable link between educators, families and students. A journey through Thinkport will take you places you’ve never gone before, transforming ordinary learning into extraordinary learning. Comprehensive lesson plans, video clips and refreshing online field trips invigorate learning and help connect students and teachers to quality content. If you have children, teach or care for other people’s kids—or are perhaps just a loving aunt—you might want to check out Thinkport.

The department also provides early childhood education services to licensed and non-licensed child caregivers through interactive workshops and outreach, and online professional development opportunities for teachers and caregivers.

There’s always something exciting on the horizon, including several new interactive projects. The Lure of the Labyrinth, an online digital math game, helps build the pre-algebraic skills of middle school students. An engaging storyline woven throughout the game guides students through an underworld maze of mythical monsters and stimulating game play to solve math puzzles. Look for the Labyrinth online early next year.

Another interactive project in development, the PORT, will transport high school technology students to the Port of Baltimore to explore key careers, investigate various technology systems and navigate inter-modal transportation services at Baltimore’s very own seaport.

A steady stream of new projects, grants and partnerships enable our Education Department to offer these resources to the public year and after year. By partnering with community organizations, universities, schools, the Maryland State Department of Education and other established agencies, MPT continues its strong tradition of education.

So, as you can see, we are much more than TV. Sure, I’ve met a few stars along the way and frolicked with a cast of furry friends when the award-winning puppets from Between the Lions roared into Baltimore earlier this year. But it’s way more than TV. We hope to inspire, educate and enlighten families, schools and communities for years to come. And as I creep up the ladder in age, I can sit back and enjoy being a kid again, especially at work.

So give it a whirl, hop online and take a look, you’ll be surprised and inspired. You can access these great resources and learn more about what we do by visiting http://thinkport.org/.


Leslie Adler
Marketing Manager, Education Projects

Way more than television

And so the paper writing began…

Flash back fifteen years to 1993. It was the height of the Barney craze, and Maryland Public Television was my personal go-to station for a “rocking good time.” At age seven, MPT was one of the few channels I could watch without restriction. Fits of laughter, bursts of singing, and even the occasional tear accompanied my years as a public television viewer. I was always exceedingly entertained.

My nostalgia for classic children’s programs, like “Sesame Street,” “Arthur,” “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood,” and of course, “Barney and Friends” fueled my desire to spend the summer working at MPT. I remembered the place MPT programs once held in my heart, and openly recognized that public television was no longer part of my life. Examining my own relationship with public TV put me on the path that ultimately resulted in this report.

And 57 pages later, I was finished.

As I typed the last period and prepared to submit the paper that would earn me a master’s degree, I realized all of the things my summer at MPT meant to me. This report about MPT, the thoughts of its people, its challenges, its successes, was an exercise that led to significant self-discovery. With each new MPT staff member I interviewed, I learned more about life, the media world and myself.

While I’m not sure I’ll ever come across a group as pleasant and helpful as the staff here at MPT, I will definitely try to find a similar work environment in the future. MPT reminded me of the importance of mentors and of surrounding myself with great people. I made a mental “note to self”: When you become successful, always take the time to help young people. Never act too busy or too important to give back. Always make a way. MPT staffers certainly made a way for me this summer.

So if I had to tell you one thing about MPT, the place that filled my childhood years with joy and the place that has given me great perspective on life as a young adult, I’d say it’s definitely WAY more than television. MPT is a place where a group of passionate people come together to share Maryland’s stories and help Maryland’s citizens. And if that’s not cool, I can’t imagine what is!

Thanks, MPT, for making this summer memorable :~)


Gretta Moody
Institutional Advancement Intern

What's it like to intern at MPT?

Hear it from the interns themselves!

MPT interns Joy Thompson and Shernay Williams took a few minutes during MPT's recent intern pledge night to talk about interning at their favorite public television station (and what it's like answering phones on live TV!).

(Interested in interning at MPT? We're always on the lookout for enterprising young undergrads and grad students! Click here for more info!)