Topic: Public Broadcasting Service

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4 noteworthy new novels: What happens when a past love reappears?

These four new novels all feature the specter of a past relationship.
'Downton Abbey': 10 highlights from the new book

A new book about "Downton Abbey," released before the season 2 premiere on Jan. 8, provides insight into the show.
'Downton Abbey': catch up before the season 2 premiere

Whether you missed the first season and want to start watching now or just need a refresher, here's what happened at Downton Abbey last season.
In Pictures: Fourth of July traditions
Holiday gift guide 2010: Television programs

We have more gift ideas for you this holiday season. For the person who enjoys Canadian television comedy, World War II drama, a TV documentary on mankind's narrative myths, and a classic British television detective series, we have a quartet of selections. By the way, if you would like to purchase any of these DVD sets, there are links to do so on each page and you can help the Monitor at the same time.

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Editor's Blog
Fowl weather report

This is not Big Important News -- no economic meltdowns or international showdowns. It's just a note about a new generation of backyard chickens trying to fit in.
4 noteworthy new novels: What happens when a past love reappears?

These four new novels all feature the specter of a past relationship.
Chapter & Verse
PBS documentary explores the world of romance novels

PBS documentary 'Guilty Pleasures' looks at the romance novel – one of the most popular literary genres on the planet.
'Half the Sky' exhibition hopes to inspire action

Based on the Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn book, the 'Half the Sky' exhibition in L.A. looks at oppression of women around the globe and ways to strengthen and empower them through education and jobs.
Chapter & Verse
Marilynne Robinson: Why are we so afraid?

'Do we never expect to have a bad time?' Robinson asked an audience at Calvin College's Festival on Faith & Writing. 'Every generation or so, something goes haywire. It's human history.'
'Masterpiece' for the masses

Under Rebecca Eaton, dramas like 'Downton Abbey' attract more, and younger, viewers.
Reagan and Clinton as American idols? Not so fast.

The majority of Americans consider Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton as 'outstanding' or 'above average' among the modern presidents. Pollsters and historians need an edict: Wait 50 years before judging the greatness of presidents and their legacies.
Sticks and stones: the case for civility in American political discourse

Instead of dogmatism and hysterical clamor, we need more of the 'Shields and Brooks' kind of civility in our public discourse in America.
Stir It Up!
Curried chicken salad with apricots and cashews

The go-to meal when you don't know what else to make for dinner.
Chapter & Verse
Berenstain Bears 'have helped so many children through so many challenges'

Berenstain Bears co-creator Jan Berenstain has died at the age of 88.
Decoder Wire
Want to hear Obama sing the blues? Best chance is tonight on PBS.

At a recent White House blues concert, which airs on PBS Monday night, President Obama joined the guest artists for a few bars. When did the White House first become a musical venue?
The Vote
Obama sings the blues with Mick Jagger, B.B. King (+video)

President Obama took the microphone Tuesday to sing a few bars of 'Sweet Home Chicago' during a blues concert at the White House. Are Mick Jagger and B.B. King in danger of being upstaged? You decide.
Top Picks: Oscar-nominated shorts, Paul McCartney's new album, and more

A photography series shows the artist behind the famous image, Chip Taylor & the Grandkids create a charming album for all ages, 'American Experience' profiles Clinton, and more top picks.
Culture Cafe
Goat Rodeo's eclectic mix is bluesy and original

The four musicians who participate in 'The Goat Rodeo Sessions' somehow make the jumble of musical genres work.
Can Facebook and China be friends?

China, the world's biggest Internet market, is a huge draw for Facebook as it prepares to go public, but Beijing is deeply suspicious of social networks that lie beyond the control of the ruling Communist Party.
'Downton Abbey': 10 highlights from the new book

A new book about "Downton Abbey," released before the season 2 premiere on Jan. 8, provides insight into the show.
'Downton Abbey': catch up before the season 2 premiere

Whether you missed the first season and want to start watching now or just need a refresher, here's what happened at Downton Abbey last season.
Stratfor cyberattack adds an exclamation point to ‘Year of the Hack’

The 'hack and extract' attack on the strategic think tank Stratfor will only contribute to the public and media awareness of cybercrime that has grown throughout 2011.
Gift ideas: 'Harry Potter,' Adele, 'Law & Order,' and 'Super Mario 3D'

Your gift list can get long with nieces and nephews, grandparents and friends all needing a present this holiday season. Try a few of these items that are sure to please like 'Winnie the Pooh,' 'Ken Burns: Prohibition,' and the video game 'Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception.'
The Vote
Did Newt Gingrich just flip-flop on immigration?

Newt Gingrich has said that law-abiding, tax-paying illegal immigrant families should not be forcefully kicked out of the US. Now, he's emphasizing the get-tough part of his stance on immigration.
Top Picks: Guitar lessons from James Taylor, Keira Knightley voices Tinkerbell, and more

James Taylor teaches guitar lessons on his website, Keira Knightley voices Tinkerbell in SyFy's two-part Peter Pan series, 'Journey of the Universe' space series on PBS takes viewers through the galaxy, and more top picks.
Herman Cain: Sexual harassment allegations help campaign fund raising

Herman Cain raised $400,000 Monday, as Cain attempted to clear up confusion over his different accounts about the harassment controversy.
Why Herman Cain supporters are sticking with him

In the wake of sexual harassment allegations, why are supporters standing by Herman Cain? Iowa Herman Cain supporters speak out.
The Vote
Rick Perry says there are too many debates. Is he right?

Well, yes. But not really. Rick Perry may well be right that, by historical measures, there are too many debates. But in this YouTube world, debates might be more crucial than ever.
Vox News
Rick Perry calls debates a 'mistake,' but how can he avoid them?

Former GOP presidential front-runner Rick Perry says his mistake was taking part in the debates. But now that he's fallen back, it could be hard to rebound if he avoids future debates.