Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Family Specials

December is filled with holiday cheer on Rhode Island PBS. Warm and cozy, you'll find shows that range from delicious home cooking, to the hand-crafted art of blown glass, to the traditional National Christmas Tree Lighting, and a host of Christmas music specials. Even your child's favorite characters are in the Christmas Spirit!

Here are the highlights for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day on Rhode Island PBS - all with our very best wishes for a joyous, safe, and healthy holiday season!


Key:  Children   Whole Family

Christmas Eve

4:00 p.m.         Arthur’s Perfect Christmas

5:00 p.m.         Cat In the Hat Knows A Lot About Christmas

6:00 p.m.         Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas

7:00 p.m.         European Christmas Markets

7:30 p.m.         Are You Being Served? Top Hat & Tails

8:00 p.m.         Nature: Christmas In Yellowstone

9:00 p.m.         Night Before Christmas

10:00 p.m.       Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

11:00 p.m.       Christmas at Luther: Tidings of Comfort and Joy

Christmas Day

12:00 a.m.       Candles & Carols

1:00 a.m          Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir – Natalie Cole

2:00 a.m.         Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir – David Archuleta

3:00 a.m.         Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir – Jane Seymour

4:00 a.m.         Candles & Carols

5:00 a.m.         Raleigh Ringers: One Winter Evening

6:00 a.m.         Thomas & Friends Winter Surprise

6:30 a.m.         Arthur’s Perfect Christmas

7:30 a.m.         Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas

8:30 a.m.         Super Why! Twas the Night Before Christmas

9:00 a.m.         Cat In the Hat Knows A Lot About Christmas

10:00 a.m.       Broadway: The American Musicals (all 6 episodes)

4:00 p.m.         Great Performances: Phantom of the Opera at Royal Albert Hall 

A Lively Experiment for Friday, November 30 (Sunday December 2)

Panel
Dyana Koelsch – moderator
Leonard Lardaro - URI economics professor
Scott Wolf – Grow Smart Rhode Island    
Aaron Regunberg – GoLocalProv.com
Maureen Moakley – URI political science professor

Topics

• The state of the state's economy 
• Anticipated initiatives by the governor and legislature to boost the state's economy

A Lively Experiment airs on WSBE Rhode Island PBS (36.1) Fridays at 8:30 p.m., with rebroadcasts on Saturdays at 7 P.M. on WSBE Learn (36.2), and Sundays at noon on WSBE Rhode Island PBS (36.1).

WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) programming over the air on digital 36.1; on Rhode Island cable: Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, and Full Channel 08; on Massachusetts cable: Comcast 819HD and Verizon FiOS 18 / 518HD; on satellite: DirecTV 36 / 3128HD, Dish Network 7776.

WSBE Learn transmits over the air on digital 36.2; on Cox 808; Verizon 478; Full Channel 109; and Comcast 294 or 312.

Can't get to the TV? Watch the episode online anytime and anywhere on our YouTube channel. Episodes of A Lively Experiment are generally available to watch on the next business day. Subscribe to our YouTube channel, and YouTube will notify you when a new episode is uploaded.

On Facebook? So are we! "Like" A Lively Experiment on Facebook!

Happy Holidays: The Best of The Andy Williams Show

Rhode Island PBS is proud to encore the annual Christmas favorite,  Happy Holidays: The Best of The Andy Williams Christmas Shows in December.

The show features classic clips of various Christmas specials from The Andy Williams Show. Filling homes with seasonal cheer, the specials became a cherished holiday family tradition. The digitally re-mastered production numbers are complete with magnificent sets and costumes and a cast of singers, dancers, and skaters.

Quintessential moments include Williams’s solos of “Silent Night” and “Ave Maria,” as well as performances with his brothers for “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and with the Osmonds for “Silver Bells.” Interviews with Williams, and Bobby and Donny Osmond are interwoven with the show clips.

Happy Holidays: The Best of The Andy Williams Christmas Shows airs November 29 at 8 p.m., November 30 at 1 p.m., December 1 at 11 p.m., December 2 at 7 p.m., and December 7 at 2 a.m.

Rhode Island PBS transmits standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) programming over the air on digital 36.1; on RI cable services: Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon 08 / 508HD, Full Channel 08; MA cable Comcast 819HD, Verizon 18 / 518HD; on satellite: DirecTV 36 / 3128HD, Dish Network 7776.

Blenko Glass: Behind the Scenes

Beautiful Blenko piece made for
Rhode Island PBS viewers

Sparkle, color, shape. Each piece of Blenko glassware is recognizable yet unique. Now Blenko: Behind the Scenes takes viewers into the heat and heart of the Blenko glassworks to see how the beautiful all-handmade glassware is created, from mixing the raw materials, to blowing, finishing, and shipping.

This brand new, high-definition program also introduces the artisans who make each piece of glassware beautiful and unique, and members of the Blenko family who continue this proud 100-year tradition in the little town of Milton, West Virginia. 

Aired as part of the December fundraising period to benefit Rhode Island PBS, Blenko: Behind the Scenes affords viewers a special opportunity to own one or more Blenko originals. There is even a beautiful blue vase made especially for Rhode Island PBS viewers. Tune in on Wednesday, December 5 at 9:30 p.m. for details.

A Lively Experiment for Thanksgiving week (11/23 at 8:30P, 11/25 at noon)

Panel
Dyana Koelsch – moderator
Honorable Allan Fung - Mayor of Cranston
Robert Walsh – National Education Association R.I. Executive Director    
Ian Donnis – Rhode Island Public Radio political reporter
Ted Nesi – WPRI.com political/financial reporter

Topics

• The state pension lawsuit 
• Anticipated financial aid to cities and towns by this year’s General Assembly 
• George Caruolo named chairman of the Board of Higher Education

A Lively Experiment airs on WSBE Rhode Island PBS (36.1) Fridays at 8:30 p.m., with rebroadcasts on Saturdays at 7 P.M. on WSBE Learn (36.2), and Sundays at noon on WSBE Rhode Island PBS (36.1).

WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) programming over the air on digital 36.1; on Rhode Island cable: Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, and Full Channel 08; in Massachusetts: Comcast 819HD adn Verizon FiOS 18 / 518HD; on satellite: DirecTV 36, Dish Network 7776.

WSBE Learn transmits over the air on digital 36.2; on Cox 808; Verizon 478; Full Channel 109; and Comcast 294 or 312.

Can't get to the TV? Watch the episode online anytime and anywhere on our YouTube channel. Episodes of A Lively Experiment are generally available to watch on the next business day. Subscribe to our YouTube channel, and YouTube will notify you when a new episode is uploaded.

On Facebook? So are we! "Like" A Lively Experiment on Facebook!

Downton Abbey I & II Thanksgiving Weekend Marathon

Set your DVR, or - if you're really fortunate - set aside the time to watch Masterpiece Downton Abbey Seasons 1 and 2 in a Thanksgiving Weekend "Marathon."

Season 1
Friday, November 23
12 noon - 6 p.m.






Season 2 
Saturday, November 24
3 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Concluding Sunday, November 25
3 p.m. - 8 p.m.





Bonus! Downton Abbey Revisited on Sunday, November 25 at 8 p.m.

Tax Planning Forum 2012 (Update: Watch the Program Here)

Tax Planning Forum, produced in conjunction with the Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants, will be broadcast on Rhode Island PBS this Sunday, November 18 at 1:30 p.m., with  rebroadcast Monday, November 19 at 7:00 p.m. on Learn. The program allows our viewers to hear from local certified public accountants about the changes in tax laws and tax strategies for the coming year.

This year, host David Morganelli, a CPA with the firm Partridge Snow & Hahn, LLP, welcomes Jacquelyn H. Tracy, CPA, MST a partner with the firm Mandel & Tracy, LLC; Kristy Hurtt, CPA with Piccerelli, Gilstein & Company, LLP; Laura H. DaLomba, CPA, MST with KLR & Company, Ltd; and Gregory Porcaro, CPA a partner with Otrando, Porcaro & Associates, Ltd.

Ms. Tracy discusses the benefits of year-end planning and offers tax hints to help minimize one’s taxes. Ms. Hurtt reviews the new Affordable Care Act surtax and other tax increases. Ms. DaLomba discusses Roth IRA conversions. Mr. Porcaro provides an overview of tax implications surrounding cancellation of debt and Mr. Morganelli reviews changes to estate taxes and proposed changes to corporate taxes.

Watch the full program here:

In addition, Rhode Island PBS will provide a Tax Planning Forum Web site – www.ripbs.org/taxforum.html - with information on where viewers can get help with tax preparation. There are also links on the site to additional video of Ms. Tracy’s advice on year-end capital gains planning and Ms. DaLomba's comments regarding retirement plans for self-employed and small business owners – two segments we couldn't include in the program due to time constraints. 

Rhode Island PBS transmits standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) programming over the air on digital 36.1; on cable services: Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon 08 / 508HD, Full Channel 08, Comcast 819HD; on satellite: DirecTV 36, Dish Network 7776.

Learn transmits over the air on digital 36.2; on cable: Cox 808, Verizon 478, Full Channel 109, Comcast 294 or 312.

Updated Monday, November 19 at 1 p.m.

A Lively Experiment (Friday, 11/16 at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday 11/18 at noon)

Panel
Dyana Koelsch – moderator
Tom Sgouros – author, political advocate    
Donna Perry – R.I. Statewide Coalition executive director
Denise Aiken – R.I. Legal Services attorney, former state representative 
Jim Hummel – investigative reporter, Hummel Report executive director

Topic

• The Petraeus scandal 
• Issues confronting the Rhode Island General Assembly 
• High-profile lawyer joining the state’s defense of its pension law

 

A Lively Experiment airs on WSBE Rhode Island PBS (36.1) Fridays at 8:30 p.m., with rebroadcasts on Saturdays at 7 P.M. on WSBE Learn (36.2), and Sundays at noon on WSBE Rhode Island PBS (36.1).

WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) programming over the air on digital 36.1; on Rhode Island cable: Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, and Full Channel 08; in Massachusetts: Comcast 819HD and Verizon FiOS 18 / 518HD; on satellite: DirecTV 36, Dish Network 7776.

WSBE Learn transmits over the air on digital 36.2; on Cox 808; Verizon 478; Full Channel 109; and Comcast 294 or 312.

Can't get to the TV? Watch the episode online anytime and anywhere on our YouTube channel. Episodes of A Lively Experiment are generally available to watch on the next business day. Subscribe to our YouTube channel, and YouTube will notify you when a new episode is uploaded.

On Facebook? So are we! "Like" A Lively Experiment on Facebook!

Post-Election Analysis on A Lively Experiment (11/9 at 8:30 PM and 11/11 at noon)

Panel
Dyana Koelsch – moderator
Maureen Moakley – URI political science professor  
Scott MacKay – political analyst, Rhode Island Public Radio
Wendy Schiller – Brown University political science professor 
Arlene Violet – former attorney general, former radio talk show host 

Topic

• The panel provides their post-election analysis of the presidential and local races.

A Lively Experiment airs on WSBE Rhode Island PBS (36.1) Fridays at 8:30 p.m., with rebroadcasts on Saturdays at 7 P.M. on WSBE Learn (36.2), and Sundays at noon on WSBE Rhode Island PBS (36.1).

WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) programming over the air on digital 36.1; on Rhode Island cable: Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, and Full Channel 08; in Massachusetts: Comcast 819HD and Verizon FiOS 18 / 518HD; on satellite: DirecTV 36, Dish Network 7776.

WSBE Learn transmits over the air on digital 36.2; on Cox 808; Verizon 478; Full Channel 109; and Comcast 294 or 312.

Can't get to the TV? Watch the episode online anytime and anywhere on our YouTube channel. Episodes of A Lively Experiment are generally available to watch on the next business day. Subscribe to our YouTube channel, and YouTube will notify you when a new episode is uploaded.

On Facebook? So are we! "Like" A Lively Experiment on Facebook!

Behind the Scenes - Discovering Treasures of the Rhode Island PBS Holiday Sale

The Rhode Island PBS Holiday Sale blends bounty with bargains from Tuesday, November 13 through Friday, November 16 at our studios at 50 Park Lane in Providence. As a smart shopper, you can harvest the savings on one-of-a-kind and limited quantity items offered at a fraction of retail value. New items will be added daily. Proceeds from the sale benefit the programming fund of Rhode Island PBS (over-the-air digital channel 36.1) and Learn (over-the-air digital channel 36.2). That's win-win-win by any measure: give great gifts, save money, and support local public television station.

Here's our first post, listing some of the "PBS" items we have available.

Here is a small selection of some unique and higher-end items. Of course, once the one-of-a-kind items are sold, they're gone. There is also an amazing collection of framed original art and prints.

Different items will be added every day! 

2012 Elections Predictions on A Lively Experiment (11/2 at 8:30 p.m. and 11/4 at noon)

Panel
Dyana Koelsch – moderator
Maureen Moakley – URI political science professor  
Rob Horowitz – GoLocalProv.com columnist
Jim Hummel – The Hummel Report investigative reporter
Lisa Pelosi – political analyst

Topics

• Grading the response of our public officials to Hurricane Sandy 
• Predictions for Tuesday’s elections 
• Economic Development Corporation’s 38 Studios lawsuit

A Lively Experiment airs on WSBE Rhode Island PBS (36.1) Fridays at 8:30 p.m., with rebroadcasts on Saturdays at 7 P.M. on WSBE Learn (36.2), and Sundays at noon on WSBE Rhode Island PBS (36.1).

WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) programming over the air on digital 36.1; on Rhode Island cable: Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, and Full Channel 08; in Massachusetts: Comcast 819HD and Verizon FiOS 18 / 518HD; on satellite: DirecTV 36, Dish Network 7776.

WSBE Learn transmits over the air on digital 36.2; on Cox 808; Verizon 478; Full Channel 109; and Comcast 294 or 312.

Can't get to the TV? Watch the episode online anytime and anywhere on our YouTube channel. Episodes of A Lively Experiment are generally available to watch on the next business day. Subscribe to our YouTube channel, and YouTube will notify you when a new episode is uploaded.

On Facebook? So are we! "Like" A Lively Experiment on Facebook!

Two Things Are Unavoidable: Tax Planning Forum Eases the Second One

When the calendar page flips to November, thoughts shift to planning the holiday season – menus and guests for Thanksgiving, followed by plans for festive holiday gatherings with family and friends through New Year's Eve.

Not so fast! Sure, we hate to bring it up, but before you baste your turkey or trim your tree or pop that champagne cork, take some time to plan for the inevitable federal tax filing deadline of April 15th. It will be here before you know it, and there are certain steps you can take now – before year's end – to ease the pain next spring.

The Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants (RISCPA) presents its annual Tax Planning Forum 2012 on Sunday, November 18 at 1:30 p.m. and on Monday, November 19 at 7 p.m. on WSBE Rhode Island PBS.

This informative discussion outlines changes to the tax code and offers tax planning strategies and advice about what to do before December 31 to make filing income taxes easier and less… taxing in April.