PBS media review
I've always been opposed to contributing to PBS because, well, they take my money anyway via tax money for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which, being a Libertarian I am obligated to resent.
But I may have to reconsider given that a major chunk of our days are spent watching their awesome kids or adult shows and Stefan spends a good 2 hours daily playing on the website (where he learned to read and is as we speak learning vocabulary words - right now, "synonym")
Some of the best:
-Nova Science Now - seems to be currently on hiatus. Hosted by Neil DeGrasse Tyson (who got his big break on Colbert just after Pluto was deemed "Not a planet"). 12 min segments on fascinating science topics for the masses.
-Wordgirl - Funky animated vocubulary-based show reminiscent of "Daria" - clueless parents, boxy animation, and quick, witty dialogue. Almost entirely lost on my 4 year old, but I have a blast watching it.
-Curious George - adorable animation and sweet characters teaching beginning math/science/logic concepts.
-Car Talk - Click and Clack recently crossed over to TV and have a weekly cartoon that loves poking fun of PBS in general and Antiques Roadshow (or "Antiques Roadkill", as it is known on the show) in particluar. (Recording heard while Beth the station manager is on hold with the network execs, "Here at PBS our number one priority is making sure you don't complain to your representatives about us")
Pledge drive programming - this week we saw the unplugged James Taylor concert, The Who concert from the 70s, some shows about castles in Germany (haven't watched them all yet). Of course, Tivo is a must to skip the begging for money.
The annoying part is the local (KUAZ) radio newscasters. They are constantly fumbling over their words to point of making me think that they are drunk on every work day. I've considered calling the station about this, but figured that they would take me a lot more seriously if I gave in and became a donor.
But I may have to reconsider given that a major chunk of our days are spent watching their awesome kids or adult shows and Stefan spends a good 2 hours daily playing on the website (where he learned to read and is as we speak learning vocabulary words - right now, "synonym")
Some of the best:
-Nova Science Now - seems to be currently on hiatus. Hosted by Neil DeGrasse Tyson (who got his big break on Colbert just after Pluto was deemed "Not a planet"). 12 min segments on fascinating science topics for the masses.
-Wordgirl - Funky animated vocubulary-based show reminiscent of "Daria" - clueless parents, boxy animation, and quick, witty dialogue. Almost entirely lost on my 4 year old, but I have a blast watching it.
-Curious George - adorable animation and sweet characters teaching beginning math/science/logic concepts.
-Car Talk - Click and Clack recently crossed over to TV and have a weekly cartoon that loves poking fun of PBS in general and Antiques Roadshow (or "Antiques Roadkill", as it is known on the show) in particluar. (Recording heard while Beth the station manager is on hold with the network execs, "Here at PBS our number one priority is making sure you don't complain to your representatives about us")
Pledge drive programming - this week we saw the unplugged James Taylor concert, The Who concert from the 70s, some shows about castles in Germany (haven't watched them all yet). Of course, Tivo is a must to skip the begging for money.
The annoying part is the local (KUAZ) radio newscasters. They are constantly fumbling over their words to point of making me think that they are drunk on every work day. I've considered calling the station about this, but figured that they would take me a lot more seriously if I gave in and became a donor.