Almanac Producer's Blog

Almanac Highlights December 19, 2008

The Monologue
David Gillette loves things that are out of this world.

Budget Deficit
This afternoon, Governor Pawlenty outlined his plan to cut the state budget by nearly $500 million. Mary Lahammer brings us the details.

"Crossing the Canal"
It's the Zenith City's most recognized icon. Author Tony Dierckins joins us to talk about his new book celebrating the history of the Duluth Aerial Bridge.

The New Standards
Live holiday music with a great local band.

Sports with Fitzy
Larry Fitzgerald is back for his monthly chat and there's a lot happening in the sports world. Wild and Timberwolves can't seem to win. And the Vikings need to earn a playoff spot without Pat Williams on the field.

"Tales of the Road: Highway 61"
Our very own Cathy Wurzer has written a book about Highway 61 and is working on a companion documentary that will air right here on tpt next year. She's here to tell us all about it.

U. S. Senate Recount
It's been a busy week on the recount front. The Canvassing Board has been ruling on ballot challenges, campaigns have been withdrawing and re-instating challenges. And the state Supreme Court has weighed in as well.

Political Panel
There's plenty of politics to ponder this holiday season from the U. S. Senate recount to the state budget deficit. This week's version of the political panel give us their take on it all. Democrats Wy Spano and Mary Jo McGuire are joined by Republicans Sarah Janacek and Pat Anderson.

It's A Wrap!
Last week's Index File answer, this week's question and one more tune from The New Standards.

Almanac Highlights December 12, 2008

The Monologue
Dominic Papatola wants to introduce a new word into your vocabulary.

Canvassing Board Meeting
On Friday the state canvassing board asked counties to count their improperly rejected absentee ballots.  The Coleman campaign will ask the State Supreme Court to weigh in.  We bring you Friday's developments.

Secretary of State Mark Ritchie
Mark Ritchie joins us live with his take on today's proceedings and then he previews next week's board meetings. 

Minnesota National Guard Deployment
It was announced this week more than one thousand state guard troops will leave early next year for Iraq.  The assignment is an unusual one as we learn from Major General Richard Nash.

The Weather Outside Is...
... whatever Paul Douglas says it is.  Paul is back for his every-month-or-so Almanac visit.  Paul works these days at his firm Weather Nation.

Sherwin Linton
He's a country music legend in these parts.  And he's written a new holiday tune:  "A Global Warming Christmas."  This is the live television premiere of the tune.

Fritz
It's a new documentary on the life and times of Walter Mondale.  Filmmaker Melody Gilbert's work will be shown on tpt-2 Wednesday December 17 at 7 pm.  Here's an excerpt.

The Political Scientist Panel
With the recount and the mess in Illinois there's plenty to talk about this week.  Larry Jacobs, David Schultz, Stacey Hunter Hecht and Guy Charles are our guests.

The Wrapup
Two excellent Minnesota history questions and J.G. Preston's Blue Xmas.  They come from all around to hear it. 

Almanac Highlights December 5, 2008

The Monologue
Jim Ragsdale, like the rest of us, has the Senate recount on his mind. 

The BIG Budget Shortfall
All 5.2 billion dollars of it... is the focus of Mary Lahammer's story. 

The U.S. Senate Recount
The recount is now nearly complete except for missing and challenged ballots.  We hear the latest from our state's most knowledgeable election official... Joe Mansky from Ramsey County.

A Steeles Holiday Tradition
The Steeles return to the tpt studios for their annual holiday music visit.  You can catch the Steeles in concert on December 12 and 13 at the Fitzgerald Theater.

College Flu Shots
A new student study shows getting a flu shot can help boost grades. We hear from one of the study authors, Dr. Kristin Nichol from the U of M and the VA Hospitals. 

Pledge!
Yes, it's pledge time here at tpt and many other PBS stations.  Found out how to become a member.

The Political Panel
Budget shortfalls, senate recounts and other weighty topics.  Democrats Dee Long and Mike Hatch scrap around with Republicans Phil Krinkie and Andy Brehm.

The Wrapup
We present two Minnesota history questions and a show-ending tune from the Steeles.