December 2012 Program Highlights
All programs highlighted air on Channel 13.1 unless noted.

Saturday

Celtic Woman: A Christmas Celebration
This Christmas celebration with singers Chloe Agnew, Lisa Kelly, Meav Ni Mhaolchatha, Orla Fallon and fiddler Mairead Nesbitt includes such popular classics as “White Christmas,” “Carol of the Bells,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “O Holy Night” and “Let it Snow.” Filmed in Dublin’s prestigious Helix Centre, where the Celtic Woman phenomenon began.
Saturday, December 1 at 6:30 pm ET

High School Bowl
“Carney-Nadeau vs Paradise; Hurley vs L’Anse”
Join host GG Gordon as she presents the “best and brightest” from area high schools competing for scholarships and prestige in a battle of speed and knowledge. Cheer on your favorite team or test yourself against contestants from 40 Upper Peninsula high schools in the 35th season of High School Bowl.
Saturday, December 1 at 8 pm ET

John Sebastian Presents: Folk Rewind (My Music)
The latest program in the MY MUSIC series focuses on the greatest singers and songwriters of the classic 1950s and 1960s folk era. Hosted by John Sebastian of The Lovin’ Spoonful, this special features a treasure trove of historical footage plus new performances. Highlights include Pete Seeger & Judy Collins dueting on Seeger’s iconic adaptation of “Turn, Turn, Turn,” Harry Belafonte’s hit “Jamaica Farewell, and Trini Lopez’s version of “If I Had A Hammer.”
Saturday, December 1 at 9:30 pm ET
Repeats 12/2 at 7 pm ET

Sun Studio Sessions
“John Paul Keith & The 145s”
This series features today's best new touring artists performing live in the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. In addition to a live musical performance, each artist will share personal stories behind their songs and music. John Paul Keith and his Memphis band, extensively tour the US and Europe. American Songwriter praises their “malleable vocals and uncanny ability to whip off catchy gems featuring sing-along choruses with a flair that’s never studied or pretentious.” In this episode, John and band blast through several of those catchy gem songs including “Looking for a Thrill” and “Bad Luck Baby.”
Saturday, December 1 at 11:30 pm ET

Sunday

Moyers & Company
Bill Moyers returns with a weekly hour of compelling and vital conversation about life and the state of American democracy, featuring some of the best thinkers of our time. A range of scholars, artists, activists, scientists, philosophers and newsmakers bring context, insight and meaning to important topics. The series occasionally includes Moyers' own timely and penetrating essays on society and government. In a multimedia marketplace saturated with shallow sound bites and partisan name-calling, MOYERS & COMPANY digs deeper.
Sunday, December 2 at 11 am ET

Motown: Big Hits and More (My Music)
This program of original Motown classics from 1958 to 1968 features many first-time extended stereo mixes of Motown’s biggest hits, B-sides, album cuts and radio classics from the Temptations, the Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, the Supremes, the Miracles (pictured), Martha & the Vandellas and more. The MY MUSIC team spent a year in the Motown vaults assembling this special, which features the biggest and best moments from past PBS Motown specials, enhanced and extended with additional footage and archival gems.
Sunday, December 2 at 4 pm ET

John Sebastian Presents: Folk Rewind (My Music)
The latest program in the MY MUSIC series focuses on the greatest singers and songwriters of the classic 1950s and 1960s folk era. Hosted by John Sebastian of The Lovin’ Spoonful, this special features a treasure trove of historical footage plus new performances. Highlights include Pete Seeger & Judy Collins dueting on Seeger’s iconic adaptation of “Turn, Turn, Turn,” Harry Belafonte’s hit “Jamaica Farewell, and Trini Lopez’s version of “If I Had A Hammer.”
Sunday, December 2 at 7 pm ET

Lumberjack Life: U.P. Days of Yore
From the White Pine Era, to Henry Ford's influence on the Upper Peninsula, to modern day machinery, logging in the U.P. has taken on different forms, but one thing has remained the same… the lumberjacks who chose to work the woods. This locally-produced WNMU-TV documentary tells the story of the early-day lumberjacks and the people who followed, living the “lumberjack life.”
Sunday, December 2 at 9 pm ET

Alone in the Wilderness
To live in a pristine land and roam a wilderness through which few other humans have passed. To build a log cabin on an idyllic site, using natural materials. To give up 40-hour work weeks and chuck it all to live alone in the woods. Thousands have had such dreams, but Richard Proenneke has lived them. This is a simple account of the day-to-day explorations and activities he carried out alone in the wilderness of Alaska, and the constant chain of nature’s events that kept him company.
Sunday, December 2 at 10 pm ET

Monday

The U.P. Recalls The WAR
In this 2007 WNMU-TV production, people living in the Upper Peninsula recall World War II, sharing images and stories from the battlefields of Europe, and the home towns we know and love. They take us from the Battle of the Bulge, to Italy with the 10th Mountain Division, to the glider factory in Kingsford, and to the mines of the U.P. iron range. This is the story of people who fought for freedom in the greatest war the world has ever known, both abroad and at home.
Monday, December 3 at 9 pm ET

Barnes-Hecker: Memories of a Misfortune
Fifty-one men went to work one cold November day, never to return home. In 1926, Michigan’s worst iron ore mining disaster occurred in western Marquette County. The men were working in the Barnes-Hecker Mine when it caved in. They were fathers, brothers and sons. Now hear their stories through their descendants. You’ll also hear stories of the widows who went on to raise their families and an account of how one man managed to make it out alive. Based on the book "No Tears in Heaven" by Thomas G. Friggens, of the Michigan Iron Ore Industry Museum in Negaunee, Michigan.
Monday, December 3 at 10:15 pm ET

Tuesday

Fit Kids, Healthy Families
This program focuses on the critical threat to children's health posed by childhood obesity. The fast-paced program provides information on how and why childhood obesity has risen to become a major issue. The program also provides valuable information to children and parents on making wise nutritional and exercise choices to help insure a lifetime of healthy habits.
Tuesday, December 4 at 1 pm ET

American Masters
“Lennon NYC”
“LENNONYC” is the story of one of the most famous and influential artists of the 20th century and how he found redemption not in the public adoration he craved as a youth, but in the quiet and simple pleasures of fatherhood. It is also a New York immigrant’s tale. John Lennon moved to New York City in 1971 seeking what every other immigrant has sought: freedom — the freedom to be himself and not “Beatle John,” the freedom to live a normal life.
Tuesday, December 4 at 8 pm ET

Frontline
“Fast Times at West Philly High”
Students and teachers from West Philadelphia High School, a public high school serving one of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods in Philadelphia, defy expectations as they design and build two super-hybrid cars for international competition and compete for the chance to be part of a technological revolution. In summer 2010, the high school’s EVX Team raced against mega-sized auto manufacturers, multimillion-dollar start-ups and university teams from around the world in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X PRIZE competition. The challenge: Build an affordable, 100 miles-per-gallon car. The prize: $10 million dollars. In “Fast Times at West Philly High,” FRONTLINE explores the viability of these cars, the potential that exists within our young people and the prospects of effective innovation in public education.
Tuesday, December 4 at 10 pm ET

Wednesday

Nature
“Is That Skunk?”
It’s a familiar but mysterious creature in woods and neighborhoods all across America. Its infamous weapon is one of the most awful scents in all of nature. Now, intrepid researchers and cameramen track skunks day and night across California, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Ohio even Martha’s Vineyard, uncovering how they hunt, forage, mate and raise amazingly cute babies — all the things they’re up to when they’re not spraying the local dog. And yes, the remarkable secrets of that stink will be revealed!
Wednesday, December 5 at 8 pm ET
Repeats 12/12 at Noon ET

NOVA
“Hunting the Edge of Space: The Ever Expanding Universe”
Investigate the universe’s distant past — and its future — from the discovery that the Milky Way is just one galaxy among billions to the stunning revelation that these galaxies are speeding away from each other faster every second. Modern telescopes have added a mysterious new twist to the plot: The vast majority of the stuff of the universe is invisible, tied up in dark matter and dark energy. But what are these mysterious dark forces? A new generation of telescopes is embarking on a “mission impossible” to see the unseeable and answer one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of the cosmos.
Wednesday, December 5 at 9 pm ET
Repeats 12/6 at Noon ET

Inside Nature’s Giants
“Giant Squid”
The team travels to New Zealand to examine one of the biggest yet most mysterious animals on Earth — the giant squid. Delving into its three hearts, razor sharp beak, tooth-covered tentacles and bizarre reproductive system, the team explores the anatomy of a deep-sea alien that’s never been observed in the wild.
Wednesday, December 5 at 10 pm ET

Thursday

Ask the DNR
“Snowmobiling, Post-Deer Season, Ice Fishing”
Personnel from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources visit the Public TV 13 studios to answer phoned-in questions from viewers on this live broadcast. Guests: To be announced. Call in your questions during the broadcast at 800-227-9668.
Thursday, December 6 at 8 pm ET
Repeats 12/7 at Noon ET

This Old House Hour
“Cambridge Project, Part 10”
This season, THIS OLD HOUSE updates an 1887 Victorian-era two family house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that homeowners John and Sally hope to turn into a one-family home. In the second half-hour host Kevin O’Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and landscape contractor Roger Cook address specific, viewer-driven home maintenance and repair questions. Specific details of this episode are to be announced.
Thursday, December 6 at 10 pm ET

Friday

Masterpiece Classic
“Downton Abbey II, Part 1”
Two years into World War I, Downton Abbey is in turmoil, as Matthew and other young men go to war — or avoid it. The women also pitch in, and many couples see their romantic dreams dashed.
Friday, December 7 at 9 pm ET

Saturday

Media Meet
“Suicide Prevention”
A discussion of a disturbing trend among seniors and other vulnerable populations. Topics will include suicide rates, demographics and community efforts at suicide prevention.
Saturday, December 8 at 6:30 pm ET
Repeats 12/9 at 1:30 pm ET

High School Bowl
“Westwood vs Cedarville; Marquette vs Gladstone”
Join host GG Gordon as she presents the “best and brightest” from area high schools competing for scholarships and prestige in a battle of speed and knowledge. Cheer on your favorite team or test yourself against contestants from 40 Upper Peninsula high schools in the 35th season of High School Bowl.
Saturday, December 8 at 8 pm ET

Austin City Limits
“Steve Martin/Sarah Jarosz”
AUSTIN CITY LIMITS continues its longstanding tradition of showcasing the best of American music. This week, Bluegrass is the order of the night with Steve Martin and Sarah Jarosz. Comedian Martin picks up his banjo with the Steep Canyon Rangers for new tunes in the old tradition. Young Texan Jarosz rewrites the bluegrass rules with her original songs and style.
Saturday, December 8 at 11 pm ET

Sunday

Moyers & Company
Bill Moyers returns with a weekly hour of compelling and vital conversation about life and the state of American democracy, featuring some of the best thinkers of our time. A range of scholars, artists, activists, scientists, philosophers and newsmakers bring context, insight and meaning to important topics. The series occasionally includes Moyers' own timely and penetrating essays on society and government. In a multimedia marketplace saturated with shallow sound bites and partisan name-calling, MOYERS & COMPANY digs deeper.
Sunday, December 9 at 11 am ET

Transplant: A Gift for Life
This documentary reveals the powerful emotions and cutting-edge science involved in vital organ transplant. Meet a daughter who shares half of her liver to save her father’s life; a lung transplant recipient who reaches out to his deceased donor’s family; and two mothers who nurse their sons through multiple transplants. Filmmaker Denny Mahoney, recipient of a 2008 liver transplant via live donation from his nephew Matthew addresses the fact that every day, 19 people in the United States die waiting for an organ transplant, and every 12 minutes, another person is added to the transplant list. The film features Marquette transplant recipient Bob Koehs.
Sunday, December 9 at 4 pm ET

Christmas at St. Olaf: Rejoice, Give Thanks, and Sing
This new production of one of the nation’s most highly acclaimed annual musical celebration marks the 100th anniversary of the annual Christmas Festival from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Featuring St. Olaf’s renowned choirs and orchestra, the program’s rich blending of compositions will highlight selections from previous Christmas Festivals, including excerpts from R.V. Williams Hodie. Additionally, this centennial performance will debut newly commissioned works by American composers André J. Thomas and David N. Childs.
Sunday, December 9 at 8 pm ET

Masterpiece Classic
“Downton Abbey II, Part 2”
Downton is turned into a convalescent home with Thomas in charge. Meanwhile, Lavinia and Sir Richard’s secret comes out, Anna tracks down Bates and Branson seizes his chance to strike a blow for Ireland.
Sunday, December 9 at 9 pm ET
Repeats 12/10 at 1 pm ET

Masterpiece Classic
“Downton Abbey II, Part 3”
Isobel and Cora lock horns over control of Downton’s medical role. Mrs. Bird starts a soup kitchen. And Matthew and William embark on a perilous patrol behind German lines.
Sunday, December 9 at 10 pm ET
Repeats 12/10 at 2 pm ET

Dissed-Respect: The Impact of Bullying
This special encourages dialogue about the need to reduce the high-risk behavior of bullying. It reveals the relationship between bullying and dysfunctional aspects of diversity, as well as increases the positive development of respect in students. The program combines role-playing scenes with candid interviews of students and authorities in the field, and utilizes poetry, rap and music to appeal to the sensibilities of today’s students.
Sunday, December 9 at 11 pm ET

Monday

Market Warriors
“Antiquing in Pasadena, CA”
In this episode of MARKET WARRIORS, pickers Miller, John, Bob and guest picker Bob Cirillo head west to the world-famous Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, for the monthly flea market. This week, the pickers are challenged to find Native-American wares. One of the pickers uncovers a piece with a questionable past (one buys a forgery that’s surrendered to the U.S. Government). Some notable picks include a Whitney Houston collectible, leather gauntlets and Picasso dominos. The finds are auctioned at Baker Auction in Denver, Colorado.
Monday, December 10 at 9 pm ET

Elderly Instruments: All Things Strings
Loved around the world as the source for the best in stringed instruments, Lansing Michigan’s Elderly Instruments is All Things Strings. Enter the Washington Street store and you encounter the best in musical instruments and a staff of terrific musicians who welcome you as if you had “walked into their living room.” “It’s the guitar center of the universe”, and “anyone and their brother” can pick up an expensive instrument and play it. No glass cases, no one looming over your shoulder, and you don’t need to ask—just pick it up and play. This documentary takes you behind the scenes with the quirky and knowledgeable staff, into workshops with guest musicians, and into the funky office and mind of Stan Werbin, co-founder and owner, and the source of the spirit and magic of Elderly.
Monday, December 10 at 10 pm ET

Tuesday

Kids, Cash & Common Sense
This special is designed to equip parents and young children ages 6 to 10 with the common sense to deal with money. The program, hosted by Jack Gallagher, includes lessons on where coins originate, teaching a young child about the value of money, the difference between "needs" and "wants," when an allowance is appropriate and how to deal with children suffering from a chronic case of the "gimme's." The groundbreaking format combines whimsy and wonder with education and enlightenment to make KIDS, CASH & COMMON SENSE a viewing experience for the entire family. The program weaves together fantasy with vignettes of real-life young entrepreneurs and smart shoppers and visits to the Denver Mint and a unique bank just for kids.
Tuesday, December 11 at 1 pm ET

NMU Hockey vs Michigan Tech
The Northern Michigan University hockey game with Michigan Tech from December 4 will be rebroadcast on TV13HD, Channel 13.2. Students from NMU's BC 310 "Sports and Special Events" class produced the program. The students do all of the camera work, play-by-play and production. TV13HD is available over the air on channel 13.2, and on Charter Cable channel 783.
Tuesday, December 11 at 4 pm ET on TV13HD 13.2 Only

Saving the Titanic
She was the pride of the British Empire. A leading example of state-of-the-art engineering in a time of groundbreaking scientific and technological innovations on a global scale: the Titanic. Yet she sank in less than three hours after striking an iceberg on April 14, 1912. Follow a dramatic interpretation of the Titanic’s final hours, told from the point of view of the engineers below deck as they struggle to maintain power and keep the ship afloat to save as many lives as possible.
Tuesday, December 11 at 8 pm ET

The Titanic with Len Goodman
Join Len Goodman, a judge on “Dancing With the Stars,” as he examines the 100-year legacy of the Titanic, exploring the human stories that unfolded in the years after the ship sank. He meets descendants of passengers and crew and hears how, for the families of many on board, the sinking was just the start of the story. He visits Belfast, the city where Titanic was built, and journeys to other towns left scarred by the tragedy.
Tuesday, December 11 at 9 pm ET

Frontline
“The Undertaking”
In this moving and powerful film, FRONTLINE enters the world of Thomas Lynch, a poet and undertaker whose family has cared for the dead in a small Michigan town for three generations. Through the intimate stories of families coming to terms with grief, mortality and a funeral's rituals, the film illuminates the heartbreak and beauty in the journey taken between the living and the dead when someone dies.
Tuesday, December 11 at 10 pm ET

Wednesday

Nature
“Revealing the Leopard”
Leopards are the ultimate cat. They are the most feline, the most intelligent, the most dangerous and, until recently, one of the least understood. They hunt from South Africa to Siberia, from Arabia to Sri Lanka, and are the most widespread predator of their size on land. A leopard is a cat that walks by itself, unseen and secretive. Leopards are the beautiful killers that live in the shadows. This film accumulates the evidence and puts together a psychological profile of this extraordinarily cunning cat.
Wednesday, December 12 at 8 pm ET
Repeats 12/19 at Noon ET

NOVA
“Secrets of Stonehenge”
Join a new generation of researchers finding important clues to the enduring mystery of Stonehenge, perhaps the best-known and most mysterious relic of prehistory. Every year, a million visitors are drawn to England to gaze upon the famous circle of stones, but the monument’s meaning has continued to elude us. Now investigations inside and around Stonehenge have kicked off a dramatic new era of discovery and debate over who built Stonehenge and for what purpose. How did prehistoric people quarry, transport, sculpt and erect these giant stones? Granted exclusive access, NOVA joins the dig site at Bluestonehenge, a prehistoric stone circle monument about a mile from Stonehenge.
Wednesday, December 12 at 9 pm ET
Repeats 12/13 at Noon ET

Secrets of the Dead
“China’s Terracotta Army”
The extraordinary story of China’s 8,000 terracotta warriors begins two centuries before the birth of Christ. The first emperor of China was preparing an extravagant tomb for his journey into the afterlife — and decreed that he be protected forever by a monumental army. Since then no one has seen these ancient warriors in their original splendor, brightly painted and fully armed, ready to protect their Emperor for all eternity. Now this once mighty army will be returned to its former glory for the first time. Row upon row of life-size, lavishly painted warriors will rise from the dust of two millennia. But how was a terracotta army of this size made in less than two years using the technology of 2200 years ago? Led by archaeologist Agnes Hsu, SECRETS OF THE DEAD shows that the Chinese may have Henry Ford beat by more than 2,000 years with their own assembly line used to produce the 8,000-strong Ghost Army.
Wednesday, December 12 at 10 pm ET

Thursday

Colonial Williamsburg Fieldtrips
“Colonial Idol”
Take a trip back in time to experience life in colonial America. These interactive field trips take viewers to Williamsburg, Virginia via live satellite video transmission, phone and the Internet to interact with actors reenacting 18th century American life. This month: Vote for outstanding musical performances in Colonial Idol! This exciting talent showcase features 18th-century music, including Native American songs, military tunes, enslaved people's work songs, and much more. As the judges deliberate, discover how music can influence individuals, shape public opinion, and even change history.
Thursday, December 13 at 1 pm ET

Ask the Doctors
“Geriatrics/Palliative Medicine/Hospice”
Area physicians visit the Public TV 13 studios to answer phoned-in questions from viewers during this live broadcast. This week’s guests are: To be announced. Call in your questions during the broadcast at 800-227-9668.
Thursday, December 13 at 8 pm ET
Repeats 12/14 at Noon ET

Currier & Ives: Perspectives on America
“Printmakers to the People”
Printmakers to the People focuses on the personal stories of Currier & Ives and how they met, the history of their firm and its phenomenal growth, and offers an examination of whether the company was creating an American identity or actually recording its history. Also examined is how lithography changed our view of the world. 
Thursdays at 9:30 pm & Saturdays at 10 pm, begins December 13
Repeats 12/15 at 10 pm ET

This Old House Hour
“Cambridge Project, Part 11”
This season, THIS OLD HOUSE updates an 1887 Victorian-era two family house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that homeowners John and Sally hope to turn into a one-family home. In the second half-hour host Kevin O’Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and landscape contractor Roger Cook address specific, viewer-driven home maintenance and repair questions. Specific details of this episode are to be announced.
Thursday, December 13 at 10 pm ET

Live from Lincoln Center
“The Richard Tucker Opera Gala”
The Richard Tucker Music Foundation features its 2012 award winner, soprano Ailyn Pérez, joined by baritones Dmitri Hvorostovsky and Gerald Finley and others in a program of favorite arias and ensembles, including selections by Verdi, Rossini, Donizetti, Massenet, Mascagni, Handel and Wagner. Maestro Patrick Summers, artistic and music director of Houston Grand Opera, leads the lineup of luminaries, supported by members of the Metropolitan Opera and the New York Choral Society. Includes a feature on Pérez, as well as backstage interviews with the artists.
Thursday, December 13 at 8 pm ET and Saturday, December 15 at 8 pm ET on 13.2HD Only

Friday

Clifford's Really Big Movie
Based on the popular Scholastic book series by Norman Bridwell about the lovable oversized canine with his head in the clouds but four paws planted firmly on the ground, Clifford presents a larger-than-life view of the world. With his loving human, Emily Elizabeth, and dog pals, Cleo and T-Bone, Clifford inhabits a colorful island community, inviting viewers on a fun-filled journey through the dips and curves of childhood. In this movie special, Clifford is worried that he costs too much to feed, so he runs away to join a carnival act and helps win a lifetime supply of his favorite Tummy Yummies.
Friday, December 14 at 6 am ET

Great Performances
“Magical Mystery Tour Revisited”
Produced at the peak of Beatlemania in 1967, Magical Mystery Tour is the least known of the various films starring the Beatles. It was never theatrically released or nationally broadcast on U.S. television, receiving only sporadic TV syndication in the 1980s. This documentary chronicles the behind-the-scenes story of the making of the film and provides context for “the summer of love” era that set the scene for its production. This greatest Beatles story never told is packed with unseen footage and features contributions from Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Martin Scorsese, Peter Fonda and Terry Gilliam, among others.
Friday, December 14 at 9 pm ET

Great Performances
“The Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour”
View the Beatles’ 1967 film “Magical Mystery Tour,” a showcase for the Fab Four’s idiosyncratic sense of humor and six classic Beatles songs. This fully restored film features John, Paul, George and Ringo as themselves taking a surreal dreamlike coach trip to an unknown destination joined by a cast of eccentric characters.
Friday, December 14 at 10 pm ET

Saturday

Thomas & Friends: Blue Mountain Mystery
When trouble strikes at the Blue Mountain Quarry, Thomas is sent to help his Narrow Gauge engine friends. While shunting and hauling, he discovers a little green engine hiding in the tunnels. Thomas is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery but discovering the truth is harder than he imagined! Will Thomas be able to help his new friend? Or will the little engine be sent away from Sodor forever?
Saturday, December 15 at 7 am ET
Repeats 12/16 at 8 am ET

Northern Michigan University Mid-Year Commencement
Live coverage of Northern Michigan University’s mid-year commencement ceremonies. R.D. (Dan) Musser III, the president of Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, will be the keynote speaker. Dan and his sister Mimi represent the third generation of Musser family ownership and operation of Grand Hotel, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary and billed as the world's largest summer resort. The 385-room hotel has played a prominent role in Upper Peninsula economic development and is a rich piece of Michigan history. This live event will be broadcast on both 13.1 and 13.2HD.
Saturday, December 15 at 10:30 am ET

Media Meet
“Micropolitan Strategy Concept”
A critique of state development plans, which have been based mainly on large urban-centered populations, and a proposed asset-based strategy for improving state investment in the Upper Peninsula.
Saturday, December 15 at 6:30 pm ET
Repeats 12/16 at 1:30 pm ET

High School Bowl
“Brimley vs Calumet; Stephenson vs Escanaba”
Join host GG Gordon as she presents the “best and brightest” from area high schools competing for scholarships and prestige in a battle of speed and knowledge. Cheer on your favorite team or test yourself against contestants from 40 Upper Peninsula high schools in the 35th season of High School Bowl.
Saturday, December 15 at 8 pm ET

Currier & Ives: Perspectives on America
“Printmakers to the People”
Printmakers to the People focuses on the personal stories of Currier & Ives and how they met, the history of their firm and its phenomenal growth, and offers an examination of whether the company was creating an American identity or actually recording its history. Also examined is how lithography changed our view of the world.
Saturday, December 15 at 10 pm ET

Austin City Limits
“Monsters of Folk”
AUSTIN CITY LIMITS continues its longstanding tradition of showcasing the best of American music. This week, ACL presents alternative rock supergroup Monsters of Folk. The group performs songs from its debut album.
Saturday, December 15 at 11 pm ET

Sunday

Thomas & Friends: Blue Mountain Mystery
When trouble strikes at the Blue Mountain Quarry, Thomas is sent to help his Narrow Gauge engine friends. While shunting and hauling, he discovers a little green engine hiding in the tunnels. Thomas is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery but discovering the truth is harder than he imagined! Will Thomas be able to help his new friend? Or will the little engine be sent away from Sodor forever?
Sunday, December 16 at 8 am ET

Moyers & Company
Bill Moyers returns with a weekly hour of compelling and vital conversation about life and the state of American democracy, featuring some of the best thinkers of our time. A range of scholars, artists, activists, scientists, philosophers and newsmakers bring context, insight and meaning to important topics. The series occasionally includes Moyers' own timely and penetrating essays on society and government. In a multimedia marketplace saturated with shallow sound bites and partisan name-calling, MOYERS & COMPANY digs deeper.
Sunday, December 16 at 11 am ET

The National Christmas Tree Lighting 2012
Celebrating its 90th year, the lighting of the National Christmas Tree signals the start of the holiday season across the country. Taped at President's Park in Washington, D.C., the 60-minute special will feature performances and readings by top musical artists and actors including James Taylor, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Colbie Caillat and American Idol Season 11 winner Phillip Phillips. The evening’s festivities will be capped off with the ceremonial lighting of the National Christmas Tree -- by a very special guest!
Sunday, December 16 at 4 pm ET

Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Featuring Jane Seymour and Nathan Gunn
Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress Jane Seymour and Grammy Award-winning baritone Nathan Gunn join the renowned Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in a magnificent Christmas special featuring some of the season’s best-loved songs.
Sunday, December 16 at 8 pm ET

Masterpiece Classic
“Downton Abbey II, Part 4”
In the climactic battle of the war, Matthew and William go over the top to an uncertain fate. Vera plays a cruel endgame with Bates and Anna. And Daisy faces the severest test of her life.
Sunday, December 16 at 9 pm ET
Repeats 12/17 at 1 pm ET

Masterpiece Classic
“Downton Abbey II, Part 5”
As the war nears its end, Downton’s aristocrats and servants put their lives back together. Mary and Sir Richard go estate hunting. A mysterious wounded officer makes a shocking revelation.
Sunday, December 16 at 10 pm ET
Repeats 12/17 at 2 pm ET

Saxophone and Piano: A Conversation
Look inside the minds of 3 musicians as they work to discover the language of the musical moments, with a side excursion into the connection between the musical moment and the instant the racquet strikes the ball in tennis. Joe Lulloff loves two things deeply besides his family: saxophone and tennis. Joe has performed in Carnegie Hall, soloed with the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra, and been a guest artist and teacher all around the world. He is a world class performer and teacher. His tennis is not exactly at the same level. In this program Lulloff and pianists Deborah Moriarty and Ron Newman explore the musical language of Cesar Franck, Henry Mancini, Miles Davis, and others. And we see Lulloff and musical friends in a spirited but unsophisticated tennis doubles match with some humorous and revealing moments.
Sunday, December 16 at 11 pm ET

Monday

Antiques Roadshow
“Greatest Gifts”
A Louis Comfort Tiffany necklace from a husband or a Fender bass guitar as a birthday present — these memorable gifts turned out to be valuable and interesting items. This new Roadshow special filled with appraisals featuring items that guests received as presents, will have you writing your own holiday wish list.
Monday, December 17 at 8 pm ET
Repeats 12/18 at Noon ET

Market Warriors
“Antiquing in Burlington, KY”
This week on MARKET WARRIORS, our pickers (Miller, John, Bob and Kevin) are off to the races at the Burlington Antique Show in Burlington, KY where they visit a well-known gem of a market. The pickers are challenged with discovering unique lighting among the 200 vendors. A pair of mid century lamps invite some conversation. Off-screen host Mark L. Walberg points out some notable picks include a Marilyn Monroe thermometer, a pair of mid-century modern chairs, and a chrome headboard. Their finds are auctioned at A.N. Abell Auction Company in Los Angeles.
Monday, December 17 at 9 pm ET

A Thousand Invisible Cords: Connecting Genes to Ecosystems
Can an entire landscape be changed by changing one gene in one plant or animal? Thirty years of interdisciplinary research says yes, and this film follows the scientific journey that came to that conclusion. This program is an eco-documentary that can truly change how we view the world. No longer will we see species as isolated members of ecosystems but as genetically connected members of a rich interacting community. In the words of the 19th century naturalist, writer, and environmental activist John Muir: "When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find that it is bound fast by a thousand invisible cords that cannot be broken to everything in the universe.
Monday, December 17 at 10 pm ET

Tuesday

Enertips
“A Very Bright Christmas”
Climate change is happening and “Enertips” is here to help us! The Handy Family—fun, friendly, finger-shaped characters—will have to use their wit and imagination to face all kinds of adventures related to the energy needs in the life-like city of Tipsville. While making spectators aware of how we can work for a more sustainable world, the Handy family will confront the wasteful neighbors, especially the Stickyfingers, and fight against the evil businessman, Darkhand and his sidekick, Backhand, that wants to control the city’s energy. In this episode, it's Christmas and the city of Tipsville celebrates with the Great Tree Ceremony in which the citizens hang anonymous papers of their deepest wishes for the New Year.
Tuesday, December 18 at 1 pm ET

First Freedom: The Fight for Religious Liberty
Hear the story of how the Founding Fathers raised the ideal of religious freedom to the level of a fundamental human right — told through re-enactments, the Founding Fathers’ own words and the commentary of key experts. The documentary profiles the lives and times of the colonial Americans — including Jefferson, Franklin and Washington — who codified freedom of conscience for the first time in human history as an inalienable right protected by law.
Tuesday, December 18 at 8 pm ET

The Iranian Americans
Filmed around the United States – from Los Angeles to Washington, DC – this documentary chronicles the underreported history of a group of immigrants finding refuge, overcoming adversity and ultimately creating new lives in the United States. Even though Iran is in the news virtually every day, many Americans have little knowledge of the story of the hundreds of thousands of Iranians who live in the U.S.
Tuesday, December 18 at 9:30 pm ET

Frontline
“From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians, Part 1”
FRONTLINE presents the epic story of the rise of Christianity. Drawing upon new and sometimes controversial historical evidence, the series transports viewers back 2,000 years to the time and place where Jesus of Nazareth once lived and preached, and challenges familiar assumptions and conventional notions about the origins of Christianity. The first program traces the life of Jesus of Nazareth, exploring the message that helped his ministry grow and the events that led to his crucifixion around 30 C.E. The film then turns to the period that followed Jesus’ death, examining the rise of Christianity and concluding with the first revolt — the bloody and violent siege of Jerusalem and the beginning of a rift between Christianity and Judaism. The broadcast explores evidence suggesting that Jesus’ followers, because of their diversity and the differences in their cultures and languages, looked at and interpreted Jesus and his teachings in many different ways.
Tuesdays, December 18 & 25 at 10:30 pm ET

Wednesday

Nature
“Christmas in Yellowstone”
As snow falls and Christmas lights glow in Jackson Hole, a holiday season of a different sort settles in just beyond the town, in the great winter world of Yellowstone. Breathtaking landscapes frame intimate scenes of wolves and coyotes, elk and bison, bears and otters as they make their way through their most challenging season of the year. NATURE journeys in the footsteps of the men who first explored the park, and travels with their modern-day counterpart on his own journey of discovery. From the unique crystals of individual snowflakes to the grand sweep of Yellowstone’s Hayden Valley, this is a Christmas like no other.
Wednesday, December 19 at 8 pm ET
Repeats 12/26 at Noon ET

NOVA
“Riddles of the Sphinx”
For 45 centuries, the Great Sphinx has cast its enigmatic gaze over Egypt’s Giza plateau. The biggest and oldest statue in a land of colossal ancient monuments, its scale is staggering: the mighty head towers as tall as the White House, while its body is nearly the length of a football field. This strange half-human, half-lion image has inspired countless fantastic theories about its origins. How was it built, and who or what does it represent? Surprisingly, the scribes of the period when it was built — during Egypt’s Old Kingdom — passed over it in silence. Adding to the mystery, archeologists found that its creators abruptly discarded their tools and abandoned the structure when it was nearly complete. Searching for clues, NOVA’s expert team of archeologists, including Mark Lehner (director, Ancient Egypt Research Associates), carries out eye-opening experiments that reveal the techniques and labor invested in the carving of this gigantic sculpture. The team also unearths new discoveries about the people who built the Sphinx and why they created such a haunting and stupendous image.
Wednesday, December 19 at 9 pm ET
Repeats 12/20 at Noon ET

NOVA
“Building Pharaoh’s Ship”
A magnificent trading vessel embarks on a royal expedition to a mysterious, treasure-laden land called Punt. Is this journey, intricately depicted on the wall of one of Egypt’s most impressive temples, mere myth — or was it real? NOVA travels to the legendary temple, built some 3,500 years ago for the celebrated female pharaoh Hatshepsut, in search of answers to this tantalizing archeological mystery. Did Punt exist and, if so, where was it? Did the ancient Egyptians, who built elaborate barges to sail down the Nile, also have the expertise to embark on a long sea voyage? NOVA follows a team of archeologists and boat builders as they reconstruct the mighty vessel shown on the mysterious carving, and then launch it into the Red Sea on a unique voyage of discovery. 
Wednesday, December 19 at 10 pm ET

Thursday

When Families Grieve
One in 20 American children under the age of 15 experiences the death of a parent – from illness, suicide, accident or war-related incident. Children are not the only ones who feel overwhelmed by losing a parent – grieving is a family event; thus, the entire family needs support. In this special Katie Couric and the Sesame Street Muppets present families’ personal stories about coping with the death of a parent and strategies that have helped these families move forward using the Muppets to aid the communication between adults and children with language and strategies that are child-appropriate and useful for the whole family.
Schedule Note: Ask the Lawyers will not air tonight do to inclement weather.
Thursday, December 20 at 8 pm ET
Repeats Friday, 12/21 at Noon

Currier & Ives: Perspectives on America
“Cheap and Popular Pictures”
Cheap and Popular Pictures investigates the process of lithography in detail and what makes a good print. The passion of collectors who seek out the many Currier & Ives prints still in circulation is also looked at as is some of the more popular images and the stories behind them.
Thursday, December 20 at 9:30 pm ET
Repeats 12/22 at 10 pm ET

This Old House Hour
“Cambridge Project, Part 12”
This season, THIS OLD HOUSE updates an 1887 Victorian-era two family house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that homeowners John and Sally hope to turn into a one-family home. In the second half-hour host Kevin O’Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and landscape contractor Roger Cook address specific, viewer-driven home maintenance and repair questions. Specific details of this episode are to be announced.
Thursday, December 20 at 10 pm ET

Friday

American Woodshop
Season 19 presents Master Works from American home shops, representing the finest woodworking from humble origins – the independent home shops across America. So what’s holding you back? Join Scott & Suzy Phillips to learn the latest in woodworking projects, tricks and tips in this series of Keepers - The American Woodshop Goes Home: the ultimate group of projects for every home, anywhere – anytime. This week: Shaker Rockers.
Fridays at 4:30 pm ET, begins December 21

After Newtown
One week after the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, PBS continues its participation in the national conversation by bringing together its news and public affairs teams in a joint effort to analyze and illuminate the issues. This special, anchored by Gwen Ifill, will address access to guns and the politics of gun laws, mental illness in young adults, the science of detecting violent impulses, and how communities react to unspeakable tragedy and begin to heal. The question of how to respond to this tragedy faces all of us: government at all levels, educators and mental health professionals, the media and individual Americans. Drawing on the resources of NEWSHOUR, FRONTLINE, NOVA, WASHINGTON WEEK, and others, this collaborative effort will provide the sort of context and analysis that is unique to public broadcasting. This special program replaces WASHINGTON WEEK and NEED TO KNOW.
Friday, December 21 at 8 pm ET

MSU’s Home for the Holidays Concert 2012
Think you’ve been to a great holiday party? You haven’t been to ours yet! Check out the best party ever, a fast-paced romp through the snowy scenes of the holidays, featuring excerpts from Strauss’ seasonal favorite Die Fledermaus, with surprise guests and events throughout the evening, all from the MSU College of Music.
Friday, December 21 at 9 pm ET

B.E. Taylor Christmas Concert
Each holiday season, recording and performing artist B.E. Taylor draws loyal fans and first-time concert-goers alike to his annual Christmas tour. Now, Taylor makes his national public television debut with an entertaining holiday special recorded at a festively decorated concert hall adorned with Christmas trees, wreaths and white lights. The concert features Taylor's modern arrangements of perennial Christmas favorites that Taylor infuses with a contemporary feel.
Friday, December 21 at 10 pm ET

Saturday

What Next After Newtown: What Our Country and Communities Can Do
Modeled on the recent success of AMERICAN GRADUATE DAY, this three-hour program, will be divided into the following six half-hour segments: The mind of a killer; public policy and mental illness; school security; talking to children and finding a path to healing; volence in the media; and accessibility of weapons, especially assault weapons.
Saturday, December 22 at 3 pm ET on TV13Plus Channel 13.3 Only

Media Meet
“The Canadian Economy”
A focused look at the economy of the United States' largest trading partner, what it means for the U.S. and vice-versa. Featured guest is Niels Velduis, Canadian economist and President of the Fraser Institute. (Repeat from November)
Saturday, December 22 at 6:30 pm ET
Repeats 12/23 at 1:30 pm ET

High School Bowl
“Gwinn vs St. Ignace; Ishpeming vs Hancock”
Join host GG Gordon as she presents the “best and brightest” from area high schools competing for scholarships and prestige in a battle of speed and knowledge. Cheer on your favorite team or test yourself against contestants from 40 Upper Peninsula high schools in the 35th season of High School Bowl.
Saturday, December 22 at 8 pm ET

Currier & Ives: Perspectives on America
“Cheap and Popular Pictures”
Cheap and Popular Pictures investigates the process of lithography in detail and what makes a good print. The passion of collectors who seek out the many Currier & Ives prints still in circulation is also looked at as is some of the more popular images and the stories behind them.
Saturday, December 22 at 10 pm ET

Austin City Limits
“Tom Waits”
AUSTIN CITY LIMITS continues its longstanding tradition of showcasing the best of American music. This week, Tom Waits performs in this classic episode from 1979.
Saturday, December 22 at 11 pm ET

Sunday

Moyers & Company
Bill Moyers returns with a weekly hour of compelling and vital conversation about life and the state of American democracy, featuring some of the best thinkers of our time. A range of scholars, artists, activists, scientists, philosophers and newsmakers bring context, insight and meaning to important topics. The series occasionally includes Moyers' own timely and penetrating essays on society and government. In a multimedia marketplace saturated with shallow sound bites and partisan name-calling, MOYERS & COMPANY digs deeper.
Sunday, December 23 at 11 am ET

America’s Children’s Holiday Parade
America’s Children’s Holiday Parade is one of most unique parades of its kind in the country. The 2012 parade will feature a cast of characters from PBS KIDS, popular children's storybooks, movies and programs. The parade will also feature colorful floats, terrific marching bands, giant balloons, and entertaining performance groups. Over 100,000 spectators line the streets of downtown Oakland to view this event live. This year's parade will feature many children's favorite stars including Garfield, Odie, Clifford, Strawberry Shortcake, the Peanuts Gang, Curious George and many more.
Sunday, December 23 at 4 pm ET

Christmas at Luther: Tidings of Comfort and Joy
This program celebrates the joy and traditions of Christmas with the renowned choirs of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Holiday music, 500 choristers, a symphony orchestra, thousands in the audience and glowing candlelight capture the wonder and joy of the season as Luther College’s internationally acclaimed musicians mark 32 years of sharing the seasonal gift of music with their annual Christmas concert.
Sunday, December 23 at 8 pm ET

Masterpiece Classic
“Downton Abbey II, Part 6”
The Spanish flu strikes Downton, disrupting one match, hastening another and transforming the fortunes of all. Mary, Sybil and Robert each confront a moment of truth. Anna and Bates know a moment of happiness.
Sunday, December 23 at 9 pm ET
Repeats 12/24 at 1 pm ET

European Christmas Markets
The town centers, market squares or just the narrow, cobblestone streets of the cities and towns of Europe come alive in winter with festively decorated wooden stalls offering all sorts of treats and delights. This special travels along the rivers that connect Germany, France and Switzerland (the Mosel, Rhine and Main rivers), visiting cities and towns to learn of their history, see their major sights, and visit their charming markets. Besides being a visual treat, the show is also a musical treat, as the Kingston Trio provides special folk arrangements of traditional Christmas carols to add to the magic and enchantment of the medieval and castle towns we visit.
Sunday, December 23 at 11 pm ET
Repeats 12/24 at 3 pm ET

Monday

Holiday Pops Featuring The Flint Symphony Orchestra
Annual live broadcast featuring the Flint Symphony Orchestra, Flint Festival Chorus and other local soloists and ensembles performing a variety of popular holiday music. The 2012 concert features area high school singers, the Flint Jubilee Chorale, the Flint Festival Youth Chorus, Robert Hoag, baritone soloist, and Pastor Seon Thompson, vocal soloist.
Monday, December 24 at 9 pm ET

Independent Lens
“These Amazing Shadows”
Filmmakers Paul Mariano and Kurt Norton tell the story of the National Film Registry, an eclectic collection of films that typify cinema’s contributions to American culture. The 550 films inducted thus far constitute a roll call of national cultural and artistic treasures that reflect a nation’s self-perception, fears and ambitions.
Monday, December 24 at 10 pm ET

Tuesday

Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas
Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat are having a wonderful time getting ready for Christmas. There's only one dilemma -- neither of them can figure out what to give the other for a present! The Man finds George's wish list filled with geometric shapes and other indecipherable images. And George doesn't have a clue what to get The Man who has everything. What ensues is a twelve-day merry montage of Man and Monkey Mayhem involving all your favorite characters. Through it all George tries repeatedly to create a homemade gift for The Man, and The Man enlists everybody and everything trying to decipher George's cryptic Christmas list.
Tuesday, December 25 at 8 am ET

The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Christmas!
Sure to be a holiday favorite for years to come, this adventure finds the Cat in the Hat, Nick and Sally on a journey around the world to help a lost reindeer find his way home to Freezeyourknees Snowland in time for Christmas. On the way, the Thingamajigger breaks down and they depend on a variety of animals – from African bush elephants to bottlenose dolphins to red crabs – and their remarkable abilities to help them make an amazing journey home.
Tuesday, December 25 at 9 am ET

Cinema XIII Classics
“Meet John Doe”
Frank Capra’s classic 1941 film is a sentimental, socially-conscious, melodramatic tale of the common man, starring Gary Cooper as a sincere impostor turned inspirational speaker and Barbara Stanwyck as an idealistic, aggressive young newspaper reporter.
Tuesday, December 25 at 1 pm ET

Songs for the Seasons: The MSU Children’s Choir
The Michigan State University Children’s Choir, under founding director Mary Alice Stollak, won Grammy Awards in 2006 for Best Classical Album and Best Choral Performance. In this special, the choir performs a selection of holiday music, including such favorites as Silent Night, White Christmas and Wassail Song. Includes a behind-the-scenes look at the choir, through rehearsals and interviews.
Tuesday, December 25 at 3 pm ET

Cinema XIII Classics
“Topper Returns”
Joan Blondell stars in this 1941 spoof of haunted house mysteries where Cosmo Topper (Roland Young) turns detective and tries to solve a murder. Considered to be one of the best of the Cosmo Topper movie series.
Tuesday, December 25 at 8 pm ET

Downton Abbey Revisited
In this riveting special, savor great moments from the series' first two seasons, along with cast interviews, rare behind-the-scenes footage and a sneak peek at what's in store for the Crawleys as they enter the Roaring Twenties. What will become of Bates? What new mischief will villainous footman Thomas and scheming lady's maid O'Brien instigate? Will wedding bells finally ring? And how will the formidable Dowager Countess (Dame Maggie Smith) handle the arrival of Lady Grantham's American mother (Shirley MacLaine)?
Tuesday, December 25 at 9:30 pm ET

Frontline
“From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians, Part 2”
In the second program, FRONTLINE examines the period after the first revolt, tracing the development and impact of the Gospels and looking at the increasingly hostile relationship between the Christians and the Jews. The film looks at another bloody Jewish war against Rome, the second revolt, assessing its impact on the Christianity movement. The broadcast documents the extraordinary events of the second and third centuries in which Christianity grew from a small Jewish sect to an official religion of the Roman Empire.
Tuesday, December 25 at 10 pm ET

Wednesday

Cinema XIII Classics
“The Milky Way”
A quirk of fate leads a mild-mannered milkman into the prizefighting ring in the 1936 Harold Lloyd film. One thing always leads to another in this deft comedy, which many people consider to be Harold Lloyd's best talkie. Also stars Adolphe Menjou and Verree Teasdale.
Wednesday, December 26 at 1 pm ET

Breakfast Special 2: Revenge of the Omelets
Going out for breakfast can be a delicious, social and sometimes gritty pleasure. This tasty sequel (with a playful title) celebrates some great breakfast spots — like Big Ed’s in Raleigh, North Carolina; Post Road Diner in Norwalk, Connecticut; and Square Cafe and Hot Metal Diner in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Go to the Big Island of Hawaii to learn about “loco moco,” pay tribute to Carman’s Country Kitchen in Philadelphia and, when in Wentworth by the Sea in New Hampshire, order lobster hash.
Wednesday, December 26 at 2:30 pm ET

Nature
“Wild Balkans”
Thick forests, vast wetlands, deep chasms — this is a wild, inaccessible place that belongs more to myth than reality. The landscape looks as if it was taken straight from Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. But here, there are neither orcs nor elves; rather, bears and wolves. This is not Middle Earth; it is middle Europe — the Balkans. Through the centuries, this land has burned its way into the soul and spirit of its people. The jagged contours have thrown long, dark shadows over the history of the peninsula, always in the middle, between forces of the East and the West. It’s as if the bloody history of the Balkans conspired to conceal its natural wonders. The landscape is still untouched, and in it live wild animals that have all but vanished from the rest of Europe.
Wednesday, December 26 at 8 pm ET

NOVA
“Building the Great Cathedrals”
Carved from a hundred million pounds of stone, soaring effortlessly atop a spider web of masonry, Gothic cathedrals are marvels of human achievement and artistry. But how did medieval builders reach such spectacular heights? Consuming the labor of entire towns, sometimes taking a hundred years to build, these architectural marvels were crafted from just hand tools and stone. Many now teeter on the brink of catastrophic collapse. To save them, an international team of engineers, architects, art historians and computer scientists searches the naves, bays and bell-towers for clues to how the dream of these heavenly temples on earth came true. NOVA’s teams perform hands-on experiments to investigate and reveal the architectural secrets that the cathedral builders used to erect their soaring, glass-filled walls. On this dazzling journey, inside the jewels of Gothic architecture, the filmmakers of the award-winning NOVA documentary “Secrets of the Parthenon” reveal the hidden formulas, drawn from the pages of the Bible itself, that drove medieval builders ever upward.
Wednesday, December 26 at 9 pm ET
Repeats 12/27 at Noon ET

NOVA
“Quest for Solomon's Mines”
Countless treasure seekers have set off in search of King Solomon’s mines, trekking through burning deserts and scaling the forbidding mountains of Africa and the Levant, inspired by the Bible’s account of splendid temples and palaces adorned in glittering gold and copper. Yet, to date, the evidence that has claimed to support the existence of Solomon and other early kings in the Bible has been highly controversial. In fact, so little physical evidence of the kings who ruled Israel and Edom has been found that many contend that they are no more real than King Arthur. In summer 2010, NOVA and National Geographic embarked on two cutting-edge field investigations that illuminate the legend of Solomon and reveal the source of the great wealth that powered the first mighty biblical kingdoms. These groundbreaking expeditions expose important new clues buried in the pockmarked desert of Jordan, including ancient remnants of an industrial-scale copper mine and a 3,000-year-old message with the words “slave,” “king” and “judge.”
Wednesday, December 26 at 10 pm ET

Thursday

Cinema XIII Classics
“The Gold Rush”
The Little Tramp (Charlie Chaplin) heads north to the Klondike in this 1925 silent film classic. His partner in the enterprise is big Mack Swain. Contains some of the funniest scenes ever filmed, including the dinner sequence with Chaplin and Swain dining on boot soles and shoelaces, and the unforgettable tottering cabin. Written, starring and directed by Charlie Chaplin.
Thursday, December 27 at 1 pm ET

Cinema XIII Classics
“Reaching for the Moon”
This 1930 Depression-era musical comedy stars Douglas Fairbanks, Sr., and features Edward Everett Horton and the suave sounds of a very young Bing Crosby crooning an Irving Berlin tune. Fairbanks plays a straight-laced financial wizard, who is too caught up in his Wall Street world to have any time for women or fun -- until Vivian (Bebe Daniels) comes across his path.
Thursday, December 27 at 2:20 pm ET

Norway Passage: The Most Beautiful Voyage
This new program tells the story of a voyage - a beautiful voyage along more than eleven hundred miles of Norway’s spectacular coastline. Deep fjords, crashing waterfalls, mountains rising from the sea, lovely towns and fishing villages and a history of the coastal ferries vital to people living along this stunning coast. A Norway Passage is a six-day journey in the Midnight Sun to the Arctic Circle and the border of Russia.
Thursday, December 27 at 8 pm ET

Currier & Ives: Perspectives on America
“The Surprise of Currier & Ives”
The Surprise of Currier & Ives, reveals the other side of the printmakers’ commonly recognized nostalgic and homey portraits of New England. As the firm grew they delved into areas such as advertising, political cartoons, risqué prints, and the controversial Darktown Comics series. Also examined is the relevance of Currier & Ives in the 21st Century.
Thursday, December 27 at 9:30 pm ET
Repeats 12/29 at 10 pm ET

This Old House Hour
“Cambridge Project, Part 13”
This season, THIS OLD HOUSE updates an 1887 Victorian-era two family house in Cambridge, Massachusetts, that homeowners John and Sally hope to turn into a one-family home. In the second half-hour host Kevin O’Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and landscape contractor Roger Cook address specific, viewer-driven home maintenance and repair questions. Specific details of this episode are to be announced.
Thursday, December 27 at 10 pm ET

Friday

Once Upon a Christmas Cheery in the Lab of Shakhashiri 2012
The sights and sounds of science come alive in this 43rd Annual Christmas Lecture by renowned science communicator, Bassam Z. Shakhashiri, Chemistry Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prof. Shakhashiri and special guests, including Bucky Badger and Santa Claus, display fascinating phenomena, color-changing liquids, fog and smoke, both loud and melodious sounds. The 43rd element, technetium, is also featured. Dazzling demonstrations will entertain and edify as you watch science in action.
Friday, December 28 at Noon ET

Cinema XIII Classics
“Parlor, Bedroom and Bath”
Buster Keaton stars in this 1931 comedy from the Mack Sennett school as backwards and disaster-prone Reggie. He falls in with a pair of beautiful sisters but because he is so shy, he needs lessons in love. Also stars Charlotte Greenwood and Reginald Denny.
Friday, December 28 at 1 pm ET

Cinema XIII Classics
“Mr. Robinson Crusoe”
In this classic 1932 adventure/comedy millionaire Steve Drexel (Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.) bets that he can survive on a deserted island a la Robinson Crusoe. Of course, he "survives" quite nicely, rigging up island models of most of the luxuries of home, including an ingenious contraption that passes for a radio, and his man Friday turns out to be a girl, the lovely Maria Alba.
Friday, December 28 at 2:15 pm ET

American Masters
“Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance”
Uncover the story of the first quintessentially American dance company, the Joffrey Ballet. Founders Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino pioneered a new dance philosophy by daringly combining modern and traditional techniques and art with social statement, and integrating pop and rock music scores. Tracing the struggles and triumphs of the company from 1956 to the present, the film features interviews with former and current Joffrey dancers, the breakthroughs of choreographers Twyla Tharp, Laura Dean and Margo Sappington, and rare archival performance footage, including excerpts from signature works Astarte, Trinity and Billboards. Mandy Patinkin narrates.
Friday, December 28 at 9 pm ET

Reverence: Life in the Ballet
This documentary goes inside the world of the Toledo Ballet and showcases the company's young dancers as they strive for the highest standards of artistic accomplishment. The countless hours of rehearsal pushes these performers to their perceived limits — and beyond. In rare on-stage and back-stage exchanges and interviews, the dancers, instructors and founder of the Toledo Ballet share their creative passions and express their commitment to bringing the joy of dance to thousands of patrons and students.
Friday, December 28 at 10:30 pm ET

Saturday

Fons & Porter’s Love of Quilting
Marianne & Liz are back for another series showcasing their passion for quilting through in-depth demonstrations on a variety of quilting topics. Beginner or expert, viewers with a love of quilting will be inspired. This week, Marianne and Mary share how to make a table topper combing hexagon units, pyramid units, and diamond units.
Saturdays at 10:30 am ET, begins December 29

Media Meet
“Forest Products Business & Policy”
A discussion of the latest practices, policies and challenges to an industry employing some 900,000 American workers. Featured guest is Donna Harman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Forest & Paper Association. (Repeat from November)
Saturday, December 29 at 6:30 pm ET
Repeats 12/30 at 1:30 pm ET

Johnny Cash Music Festival
Recorded on the campus of Arkansas State University in February 2012, this musical benefit to restore Johnny Cash’s boyhood home includes performances by Rosanne Cash, John Carter Cash, Kris Kristofferson, George Jones, Tommy Cash, Joanne Cash Yates, Dailey and Vincent, Gary Morris, Rodney Crowell and Bill Miller.
Saturday, December 29 at 8 pm ET
Repeats 12/30 at 4 pm ET

Currier & Ives: Perspectives on America
“The Surprise of Currier & Ives”
The Surprise of Currier & Ives, reveals the other side of the printmakers’ commonly recognized nostalgic and homey portraits of New England. As the firm grew they delved into areas such as advertising, political cartoons, risqué prints, and the controversial Darktown Comics series. Also examined is the relevance of Currier & Ives in the 21st Century.
Saturday, December 29 at 10 pm ET

Austin City Limits
“Sonic Youth/The Black Keys”
AUSTIN CITY LIMITS continues its longstanding tradition of showcasing the best of American music. This week, ACL presents the evolution of electric guitar music with Sonic Youth and the Black Keys. Sonic Youth showcases the avant-garde rock of its latest album The Eternal, while the Black Keys highlights the classic blues rock of its recent record Brothers.
Saturday, December 29 at 11 pm ET

Sunday

Moyers & Company
Bill Moyers returns with a weekly hour of compelling and vital conversation about life and the state of American democracy, featuring some of the best thinkers of our time. A range of scholars, artists, activists, scientists, philosophers and newsmakers bring context, insight and meaning to important topics. The series occasionally includes Moyers' own timely and penetrating essays on society and government. In a multimedia marketplace saturated with shallow sound bites and partisan name-calling, MOYERS & COMPANY digs deeper.
Sunday, December 30 at 11 am ET

Johnny Cash Music Festival
Recorded on the campus of Arkansas State University in February 2012, this musical benefit to restore Johnny Cash’s boyhood home includes performances by Rosanne Cash, John Carter Cash, Kris Kristofferson, George Jones, Tommy Cash, Joanne Cash Yates, Dailey and Vincent, Gary Morris, Rodney Crowell and Bill Miller.
Sunday, December 30 at 4 pm ET

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Enjoy a fun-filled trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes as retired Park Ranger Kristen Hintz explores this area of Michigan National Lakeshore with the WGVU Adventure Team. Both educational and entertaining, this program will make you feel like you have visited Sleeping Bear Dunes without ever leaving your living room. Don't be surprised if you're inspired to take a trip of your own!
Sunday, December 30 at 7 pm ET

Call the Midwife Holiday Special
In this special, newly married Chummy and Nurse Jenny Lee are hard at work during their first Christmas in Nonnatus House. As nurses and nuns minister to an abandoned newborn and search for the mother, and Jenny tries to find the children of an elderly vagrant, Chummy plans an ambitious nativity play. In true Chummy fashion, mishaps ensue. Based on the best-selling memoirs of the late Jennifer Worth, stories of midwifery and families in London's East End in the 1950s.
Sunday, December 30 at 7:30 pm ET
Repeats 12/31 at Noon ET

Masterpiece Classic
“Downton Abbey II, Part 7”
Multiple Emmy winner (including Outstanding Miniseries) “Downton Abbey” concludes the story of aristocrats and servants of Downton Abbey during the tumultuous World War I era. In the finale, the family gathers at Downton Abbey for Christmas.
Sunday, December 30 at 9 pm ET
Repeats 12/31 at 1:30 pm ET

The War Against Microbes
In the past century, the tremendous expansion of scientific knowledge about the causes of infectious diseases has helped to more than double average global life expectancy. But as far as we've come, we still face some very daunting scientific challenges. This program takes viewers on an eye-opening journey through some of the most important advances in our understanding of infectious diseases, focusing on the relentless efforts of Nobel Prize laureates to uncover the mysteries of the body's smallest adversaries. From the dawn of bacteriology up through today's cutting-edge research, each generation of scientists continues to pursue the same question: can we one day declare victory in the war against microbes?
Sunday, December 30 at 11 pm ET

Monday

Call the Midwife Holiday Special
In this special, newly married Chummy and Nurse Jenny Lee are hard at work during their first Christmas in Nonnatus House. As nurses and nuns minister to an abandoned newborn and search for the mother, and Jenny tries to find the children of an elderly vagrant, Chummy plans an ambitious nativity play. In true Chummy fashion, mishaps ensue. Based on the best-selling memoirs of the late Jennifer Worth, stories of midwifery and families in London's East End in the 1950s.
Monday, December 31 at Noon ET

Masterpiece Classic
“Downton Abbey II, Part 7”
Multiple Emmy winner (including Outstanding Miniseries) “Downton Abbey” concludes the story of aristocrats and servants of Downton Abbey during the tumultuous World War I era. In the finale, the family gathers at Downton Abbey for Christmas.
Monday, December 31 at 1:30 pm ET

Live from Lincoln Center
“One Singular Sensation: Celebrating Marvin Hamlisch”
The New York Philharmonic, conducted by Paul Gemignani, rings in 2013 with this celebration of the life and work of Marvin Hamlisch. Joshua Bell, Raúl Esparza, Michael Feinstein, Maria Friedman, Josh Groban, Megan Hilty, Kelli O’Hara and Frederica Von Stade are featured in a program highlighting selections that span Hamlisch’s groundbreaking music for stage and film. Audra McDonald hosts.
Monday, December 31 at 8 pm ET

Sun Studio Sessions
“Granville Automatic”
This series features today's best new touring artists performing live in the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. In addition to a live musical performance, each artist will share personal stories behind their songs and music. Singer Vanessa Olivarez was a Top 12 finalist on American Idol, with co-writing credits with superstars Sugarland. Songwriter Elizabeth Elkins has had her songs featured on Jersey Shore" and Paramount Pictures' "Mean Girls 2." Together the duo are winning fans touring across the country. In this episode, backed by a talented full band, the ladies’ storytelling via their songwriting is on fully display performing such songs as “The Grondskeeper” and “Blood and Gold.”
Monday, December 31 at 9:30 pm ET

Scala & Kolacny Brothers
The classically trained Kolacny brothers, Steven (piano) and Stijn (conductor) have turned their talented Belgian girls choir Scala into an international phenomenon. Shot at the Concertgebouw Brugge Theater in the historic city of Brugge, Belgium, This special features imaginatively reworked covers of beloved hits from immortal artists such as Roberta Flack, The Police, U2 and The Mamas and The Papas, as well as truly mesmerizing original compositions.
Monday, December 31 at 10 pm ET
Repeats Friday, January 4 at 1 pm ET

The complete schedule for Public TV 13, Channel 13.1 is available on one page at this link.