April 28 - May 11, 2008

Twin Cities Public Television is all about variety, and in the next couple of weeks, you'll get a little bit of everything.  First, enjoy the arts with a new Masterpiece Classic and the American Master's exploration of the life of Marvin Gaye.  Delve into history and politics with American Experience and Secrets of the Dead, and last, but not least, join us for an in-studio sneak preview of a tpt original production! PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Carrier Witness the personal triumphs and struggles of 5,000 sailors on board the USS Nimitz in this unique behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the U.S. Navy. For a preview, check out these short clips. You can also share your story with tpt! We are collecting stories from the community about families in military deployment or life on an aircraft carrier.  We'd love to hear about your experiences! Sunday-Thursday, April 27-May 1, 8pm, 10pm, 2am and 4am; Wednesday, April 30 second airing starts at 10:30pm; Repeat broadcasts on Saturday, May 3, 2pm-6pm and Sunday, May 4, 1-7pm Masterpiece Classic: Cranford Dame Judi Dench stars in Cranford, the witty, poignant tale of a small, 19th century town on the cusp of great change as railroads bring outsiders into this intimate community.  Sundays, May 4, 11 and 18, 8pm; Monday, May 5, 12 and 19, 2am Fridays, May 9, 16 and 23, 8pm More Arts Programs » American Experience: George H.W. Bush   This two-part biography examines the life and career of the 41st president — from his service in World War II to his days in the Oval Office. (Part One)   Monday, May 5, 8pm; Tuesday, May 6, 2am; Sunday, May 11, 2:30pm (Part Two)    Tuesday, May 6, 8pm; Wednesday, May 7, 2am; Sunday, May 11, 4:30pm Sunday, May 11, 4:30pm More History Programs » Secrets of the Dead: Doping for Gold In the 1970s, female East German athletes dominated international sport, but at a terrible price.  Learn about the devastating effects of the secret, state-sponsored doping program. Wednesday, May 7, 8pm; Thursday, May 8, 2am More History Programs » American Masters: Marvin Gaye: What's Going On?     A singer, an activist and a legend, explore the life of the incomparable Marvin Gaye. Wednesday, May 7, 9pm; Thursday, May 8, 3am; Tuesday, May 13, 11pm; Wednesday, May 14, 5am Thursday, May 8, 8pm More Arts Programs »   SNEAK PREVIEW DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows This tpt original production examines the complex disease of depression, its causes and treatments.  By weaving together expert opinions with intimate portrayals of families and individuals, DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows provides a comprehensive portrait of this disease never before presented on American television. For a glimpse into the program, check out this short clip. Wednesday, May 21, 8pm; Thursday, May 22, 2am Thursday, May 22, 8pm And join us for a special in-studio sneak preview and discussion event on Thursday, May 8th with producer/director Larkin McPhee and local participants featured in the documentary.  Discussion will be moderated by former tpt broadcast journalist Ken Stone. Doors open at 5:30pm and the event will run from 6:00 — 7:00pm. Space is limited, so please RSVP online by May 1st. FOR KIDS & PARENTS Tips for Gardening with Kids Horticulturist, landscape designer and host of PBS's The Victory Garden, Jamie Durie, shares his expertise on how to share the joy of gardening with kids — from creating garden mazes to growing veggies! For more information, read the full article. Reading Made Fun! To help make reading exciting, PBS Kids presents a daily Reading Activity Calendar.  Each day find great educational activities, like reading a poem for "Great Poetry Reading Day", writing a note for an appreciated teacher on "Teacher Day," or enjoying "World Laughter Day"! The transition to DTV may seem complicated, but tpt has created a whole website to answer your questions. There you'll find detailed explanations, including a how-to video on setting up converter boxes.  If you have any questions that the website doesn't answer, send them in and the technical experts at tpt will be glad to help! Shopping for a DTV converter box? Read viewer reviews of DTV converter boxes or submit one of your own. Check out the Almanac: At the Capitol web site.  Only here will you find behind-the-scenes content like Mary Lahammer's blog and David Gillette's new "After Hours" web shorts series. Play "Can You Name That Politician?" and become a fan of our Facebook page, you can find it all at www.tpt.org/politics. MEMBER DISCOUNTS   The Bibelot Shops Present your membership card at any Bibelot and receive 20% off any item. This offer cannot be used for online purchases or be combined with any other coupon or discount. Visit www.bibelotshops.com for locations. Complete member discount information SPECIAL EVENTS    Support provided by: SPECIAL INVITATION Join tpt's  Program Club.  You'll have an opportunity to make new friends, broaden your perspectives, and have fun along the way. ONLINE VIDEO, PODCASTS & FEEDS You can view some of your favorite shows online at your convenience. FIND YOUR   FAVORITE SHOWS   NOVA   Nature   Antiques Roadshow   This Old House   Austin City Limits OVERNIGHT REBROADCASTS Weeknights: 6PM to midnight programming is repeated overnight beginning at midnight.        Weekends: 7PM to midnight programming is repeated overnight beginning at 1AM. Get complete TV Schedule information. More about tpt's digital services. The Minnesota Channel delivers the best in local and regional public television, every day, all day long. Minnesota Channel programs are also featured on on Saturday and Sunday nights. Close the Gap This five-part documentary series co-produced with the Itasca Project examines the widening disparities between Minnesotans and demonstrates what we can do to contend with these differences.  Place Disparities Saturday, May 3, 8pm Making Change Saturday, May 10, 8pm Learn more about ending disparities in your community by visiting www.tccompass.org. Big Band Treasures Big Bands dominated the music scene by the end of the 1930s and continued their popularity well into the 1950s. Rare clips recall the quality and complexity of what was the most popular music in the nation. Co-produced with Normandale Community College. Sunday, May 4, 7pm