NorCo Council Meets at PBS-39, Goes Into 45-Minute Exec Session

For their October 6 meeting, Northampton County Council took the show on the road. They met at PBS-39's studio, located at the Steelstacks in South Bethlehem. Presumably, the goal was to be more transparent. A television studio equipped to videotape and broadcast the meeting is perfect for that purpose. But three minutes after the meeting started, Executive John Brown asked for an executive session. As a result, the public was excluded for the first 45 minutes.

Northampton County Council is required to conduct its meetings in public. There are exceptions for some matters that may be discussed behind closed doors, One of these exceptions is to discuss litigation, and Council voted to go behind closed doors to discuss litigation over the objections of Council members Ken Kraft and Bob Werner. But when General Purpose Authority officials attempted to join the private conversation, Controller Steve Barron loudly complained. Pennsylvania's Sunshine Act does permit lawyers and other professional advisers to attend executive sessions concerning litigation, but no one was taking any chances. General Purpose Authority officials returned to their seats.

Starting a meeting at a new venue with a 45-minute executive session does little to demonstrate transparency

If the goal was to attract Bethlehem-area residents, the plan also failed. The only member of the public there was Slate Belt resident Jeffrey Fox, who described Pen Argyl as the "hub of the universe."

If you've ever been to Steelstacks, you know the parking is a hike away from ArtsQuest and PBS.That's something I ordinarily can do pretty easily, but not with sciatica,even if it is slowly getting better. Right outside PBS, I ran into three guys who were doing pushups,situps and lifting weights. They told me they were the Lehigh Valley GymGuys.

"Do you think you could help me?" I asked.

"There's only so much we can do," they told me.

I also got a shot of five Chinese guys who were passing the time while waiting for a bus to take them from the casino and back to New York City. Nobody was bothering them and they weren't bothering anyone either.

PBS & PSU Spotlight 80 Central & Western Pa. Candidates

In the Lehigh Valley, the last place to find a local news story is at PBS-affiliate Channel 39. Its light news program - Tempo - is very much like reading one of the puff blogs. Host Amy Burkett, who reminds me of Harriet Nelson, smiles as she quizzes us about how many women will die from ovarian cancer this year.

WPSU-TV, the PBS affiliate for Central Pennsylvania, takes its role a little more seriously. For the upcoming elections, it has developed a website featuring video, audio and interactive quizzes to help provide easy to use information about all the state and U.S. congressional candidates that fall within Central PA as well as parts of Western PA. It features over 80 candidate profiles from 27 counties. You can view it here.

It is comprehensive and impartial, an informational resource for voters, especially concerning local races that don't normally get much attention in the media. It features video and audio interviews, a questionnaire stating candidate positions on key issues and a blog. It even includes a "My Ballot" feature, in which users can enter their county and township to see which candidates are running within their area.

This is PBS at its best, a real service to the community and one that fills an information gap. Unfortunately, our local PBS affiliate has a long way to go.

PBS 39's Tempo to Air "Kids and Gangs" Special Tonight

PBS 39' Tempo, which usually does puff pieces, is trying to get a little gritty. According to a press release, it will air a "kids and gangs" special tonight at 7 PM.

Like many fourteen-year-old football players, Qu'eed Batts of Easton had hopes and dreams of a promising future. Those dreams came crashing to a halt when Batts pulled the trigger and murdered 16- year-old Clarence "C.J." Edwards in a gang- related shooting. Now 16, Batts is facing life imprisonment for an incident designed to promote him to a higher rank in his gang.

Join Team Tempo on Monday, October 22 at 7:30 p.m. as host Amy Burkett talks to Shaniqua Batts, Qu'eed's mother, in her first television interview. "His childhood is gone. This I know. I'm just praying that it's not the rest of his life," Batts said.

A survey by the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics shows 34 percent of students in city schools reported the presence of gangs. Kids and Gangs-it's a growing problem right here in our region, and local police say most of the shootings and murders that happen here are gang related. In this special report, PBS 39's production team helps educate parents and caregivers to look for the warning signs in our children.

"These kids are just like your own kid. They just have to be shown a different way," said Terrence Miller, a member of the Easton Anti-Gang Task Force.

Also, Team Tempo explores how a $2.5 million dollar federal grant is being used to combat this problem along the 222 Corridor which stretches from the Lehigh Valley to Reading. The partners in the 222 Corridor Initiative have developed a plan, which is expected to produce a substantial reduction in gang crime, gang violence, and gang membership and to provide positive alternatives for former gang members returning to society.

PBS 39 Offers Special Programming For Hispanic Heritage Month

PBS 39 has sent me a press release announcing special programming during Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15, 2007. let me share it with you.

(Lehigh Valley, PA) September 12, 2007-- From comedian George Lopez to artist Diego Rivera, PBS will present a number of broadcast premieres and encore presentations that recognize the cultural, historical and societal impact of America's growing Hispanic community. The programs air during Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated each year from September 15 - October 15.

AMERICAN MASTERS, which pioneered the television biography genre, continues to offer insightful profiles of important figures in America's artistic and cultural life.

"Orozco: Man of Fire," Wednesday, September 19, 2007, 9 - 10 p.m.
This is the vibrant story of an artist whose dramatic life, iconoclastic personality and dynamic painting changed the way we see art and politics.

"Rivera in America," Wednesday, September 19, 2007, 10 - 11 p.m.
Considered the greatest Mexican painter of the 20th century, Diego Rivera had a profound effect on the international art world. In a series of visits to America from 1930 to 1940, Rivera brought his unique vision to public spaces and galleries, enlightening and inspiring artists and laymen alike.

BROWN IS THE NEW GREEN: GEORGE LOPEZ AND THE AMERICAN DREAM
Friday, September 28, 2007, 10 - 11 p.m.
Latinos, the nation's largest and fastest-growing minority group, are big business. This smart, fast- paced program examines how efforts to profit from this group are shaping the contemporary Latino identity. The documentary's focal point is George Lopez, an icon and advocate for Latinos' move into the mainstream.

MAYA & MIGUELMonday thru Thursday, continuing series with NEW episodes, 7 - 7:30 a.m. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and the launch of their highly anticipated fourth season, MAYA & MIGUEL and Scholastic Media are declaring the month of October MAYA & MIGUEL'S "Latin Fun Fiesta." Beginning Monday, October 1, a new episode of the returning series will premiere each day through October 10.

Muhlenberg Mystery Robe Featured This Monday on "History Detectives"

Ever watch The History Detectives? I don't get to watch much TV, but that's one show I try to catch. This Monday, at 9 PM, PBS 39 will feature the Revolutionary War legend of Muhlenberg's robe.

The story goes that in January 1776, Lutheran minister Peter Muhlenberg turned his pulpit into a recruiting station for revolutionary fighters. During a fiery sermon, he tore his robe from his shoulders to reveal a uniform and at once rallied 300 able-bodied congregants to the patriotic cause.

A woman in Philadelphia wants to know: Is the robe that’s on display at the nearby Lutheran Theological Seminary the cloak that bore witness to this event? In Philadelphia and Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, HISTORY DETECTIVES host Elyse Luray delves into rare, period accounts from Muhlenberg’s family, friends and contemporaries to find the truth behind the story of the reverend’s famous robe.

Local trivia: Did you know that the statue which adorns the front lawn of Muhlenberg College in Allentown is known as “General Pete?”

The original fightin' parson.

PBS 39 to Sponsor Free Internet Safety Workshop

In the wake of the recent arrest of a LU provost for seeking mom-and-child sex over the web, this PBS Internet Safety Workshop sounds like a pretty good idea.

(Lehigh Valley, PA) June 21, 2007 Rapidly advancing technology has it's pros and cons. It can allow us to work faster and smarter. But it can also pose great danger to our children.

In light of the ever increasing exposure of Internet predators, and the responsibility we have to keep our children safe, you are cordially invited to attend:

WHAT: Be More . . . Tech Savvy
WHEN: 6:00 - 8:30pm Tuesday July 24 or August 14.
WHERE: PBS 39, 123 Sesame St., Bethlehem
COST: No charge

Be More . . . Tech Savvy is a free workshop hosted by WLVT PBS 39 to help keep children safe. Scheduled in the studio of PBS 39, this workshop strives to help caregivers understand the Internet and the various risks that students are taking when exploring the World Wide Web. Topics such as chatrooms, texting or IM'ing, MySpace and other social networking sites, cyberbullying and basics like the need for antivirus and firewall software will be discussed.

Click here to register for one of these sessions, or call or email Stephanie Druckenmiller at (610) 867-4677 x127 or stephanied@wlvt.org.

PBS 39 Has Some Nice Things to Say About Bethlehem

PBS 39 has some nice things to say about Bethlehem in a documentary narrated by Charles Osgood and premiering on Sunday, March 4, 2007 at 7:00pm and 8:30pm. From the press release, we can read this.

Nestled in the heart of the Lehigh Valley, you’ll find this charming historic town responsible for creating many American firsts. Bethlehem boasts the first Bach Choir, and the first pumped municipal water system. The oldest girls school in the American colonies and the first bookstore started here too. There’s a wealth of incredible things to know and experience in this extraordinary, ordinary town.

While things thrived during the industrial revolution in the 1900’s, the city took a downturn in the seventies. Diversification, industrial parks and high tech businesses helped turn things around. Musikfest, a ten-day music celebration generates business for the city too, and entertains about a million visitors each summer. As we look to the future, developers hope their plan to build a casino and reuse former steel land will spark an even larger economic engine.

Will the documentary address the problems presented by a casino? The gentrification of the city's south side? Real documentary or puff piece? Tempo host Amy Burkett seems to answer that question with this. "We're excited to celebrate this city’s rich heritage."

PBS 39's Souper Bowl This Saturday!

PBS 39 has sent me a press release to share with you about its second annual Super Bowl. I've looked over the entries and Touch of Thai is a sponsor. Nothing beats a Thai or Vietnamese soup. This looks like fun! I'd like to go, but I'm coaching an East Side Youth Center basketball team that has lost its first three games. Duty calls.

(Lehigh Valley, PA) PBS 39 invites you to attend its popular Souper Bowl event from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, January 27th – the week before the Super Bowl football game. The contest will be held at Starters Riverport in Bethlehem.

Mouth watering Snow Crab Bisque, rich tasting Butternut Squash Coconut Curry soup, creamy Tomato Basil or the mother of them all, Italian Wedding Soup, are just a few of the entries vying for the coveted title of “The Best Soup in the Lehigh Valley.”

More than twenty-five local restaurants are competing to win. The challenge is on and you’ll be the judge! BRING YOUR family, friends and your appetite! Over 500 people attended last year! The PBS 39 Souper Bowl. Saturday, January 27th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Starters Riverport in Bethlehem, PA.

PBS Looking For a Few Young Writers & Illustrators

PBS 39 sent me a press release today. Those of you with younger kids or grandchildren might be interested in the National Reading Rainbow Contest.

(Lehigh Valley, PA) Kindergarten through third graders are invited to write and illustrate original story books and enter them in the 13th Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest. Applications and additional information are available here.

Sponsored by the award-winning PBS television series READING RAINBOW, the Contest attracts over 400 entries locally and more than 40,000 entries nationally each year. PBS 39 together with more than 100 other PBS stations nationwide sponsor the contest. Kindergarten through third graders enter by creating an original story with illustrations and submitting it with an official entry form to PBS 39.

PBS 39 Vice President of Education and Outreach Dr. Teri Haddad stated "The Reading Rainbow contest provides children with an opportunity to share their creativity with the community.” She continued, this contest underscores PBS 39’s commitment to supporting the efforts of schools and parents to get children excited about reading."

Airing weekdays on PBS 39 at 5:30 AM, READING RAINBOW builds lasting friendships between children and books. The contest builds on the program's mission to stimulate a child's interest in reading.

Every child who enters the Contest receives a special Certificate of Achievement signed by LeVar Burton, host of the READING RAINBOW series. Local first place winners advance to the national competition. The winning students will also receive prizes and all entrants and their families are invited to attend the PBS 39 Reading Rainbow Gala.

I've already submitted my own entry. Having lost the humorous Christmas parody contest to LVCurmudgeon, this should be a cinch!

PBS 39's "Town Hall" a Biased Charade

PBS 39 is conducting a disgraceful political forum for state house and senate candidates, which will supposedly be climaxed by a showdown between U.S. congressional candidates Charles Dertinger and Charlie Dent. Although deceptively called a "town hall," it's nothing like that. The whole town consists of Amy Burkett, cheerfully exclaiming, "Where does the time go?"

On Monday evening, four state house candidates had less than thirty minutes total to explain property tax reform or midnight payraises.

Amy "Where does the time go?" Burkett gave Democrat Archie Follweiler just fifteen seconds to explain what he'd do about property taxes, an issue that has frustrated our state legislature for thirty years. Now Archie attempted an answer, but I've got an even better one. Cut public funding to stations that provide no public service.

Tuesday evening, things got even worse. Host Amy Burkett did replace "Where does the time go?" with "We must move along." But this time, in addition to rushing her guests, Burkett began to show bias. Julie Harhart and Russ Shade, candidates for state rep. in the 183rd legislative district, were the victims. Harhart was called either "Julie" or "Representative Harhart." Amy left me with the impression that she and "Julie" would be baking cookies as soon as the show was over. Reformer Russ Shade, on the other hand, was kept at a distance. He was almost always "Mr. Shade."

When I complained to Burkett, she responded "we need to limit the time." Translation? "These guys are too boring. Who gives a shit?" She also said, "I thank you for your time and passion for politics." Translation? "Drop dead, bozo."

I speak PBS. I learned that from the cookie monster. I think he could do a better job interviewing the candidates.

LV Ramblings Makes Top 5 on PBS Blog

O.K. A little shameless self-promotion here.

Mediashift is a PBS blog, hosted by Mark Glaser, that tracks how digital media technologies like webblogs are changing the way we get our news and information, while also providing a place for public participation and feedback. It features a weekly Top 5 of people, trends and technologies on its radar.

Well, get this. Wednesday's story about AT&T's failed attempt to blog in Lehigh Valley cyberspace as HandsOff43, made this week's Top 5.

Holy cannoli! I've been linked to PBS! I thought they were a little more sophisticated than that. They must have missed most of your comments, where I'm described in less charitable terms.

I'm quite honored.

But I'd rather be a Chippendale.