Impromp2, The Community Blog

Liza With a Zing

In this highlight from her new special, LIZA'S AT THE PALACE.... this clip captures the powerhouse entertainer Liza Minnelli at the peak of her form, performing her legendary hits at the Hollywood Theatre in Las Vegas’ MGM Grand hotel. Coming to Las Vegas after a triumphant New York run (which played for five sold-out weeks and won a Tony Award for Best Special Theatrical Event), the show features material performed on Broadway, including "New York, New York," "Maybe This Time," "Teach Me Tonight" and the "Palace Medley." Minnelli also performs a show-stopping, affectionate tribute to her godmother, the late Kay Thompson -- a groundbreaking singer-dancer, songwriter, vocal arranger and musical director / vocal coach at MGM Studios. Minnelli is joined on the program by her Broadway co-star and musical director, the talented pianist, singer and composer Billy Stritch.

Look for the program on WPBT2 in late November

FREE Sound Financial Advice from NSU

Experts on “Surviving the Holidays with Healthy Finances” Mini-Workshops

 

FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, Fla. – Nova Southeastern University’s (NSU) Alvin Sherman Library, Research, and Information Technology Center is hosting two “Sound Financial Advice to Survive the Holidays” mini-workshops, with economic experts from the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship.

 

Reduce monetary stress during this year’s holiday season by joining finance professor Albert Williams, Ph.D., and taxation professor Michael Hoffman, D.B.A., who will present two mini-workshops on:

• Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 7 to 9 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Topics at each presentation include:

• Money Matters: How to keep track of your money and budgeting
• Pay Yourself First: Savings goals
• Charge It Right: Make credit cards work for you

 

No prior knowledge is necessary to get the most out of these informative afternoons. Williams and Hoffman will share their money expertise in a down-to-earth style to help you manage your cash wisely for the upcoming holidays and for life beyond the festive season.

 

All programs will be held at the Alvin Sherman Library on NSU’s main campus, at 3301 College Ave. in Davie.

 

The mini-workshops are FREE and open to the public, but space is limited so sign up early by visiting www.nova.edu/library/main or calling 954-262-5477.

 

Creative Writing Contest for Students

Jewish Museum of Florida Announces

"A Military Portrait" Creative Writing Contest for Students

Submission deadline: January 8, 2010


This contest supplements the Jewish Museum of Florida's upcoming exhibit, Florida Jews in the Military, on display from February 23 - September 12, 2010. Throughout history, many people in the military have distinguished themselves by responding to challenges with bravery, selflessness and vision. Some of these outstanding individuals are well known, while others may be relatively unknown. This exhibit explores the sacrifices and accomplishments of Florida's Jews in every conflict from the Seminole Wars to the World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and the battles of the 21st century. It will present real-life examples of ordinary men and women and honor their life experiences, including displays of courage, dedication, responsibility, patriotism, pride and good decision-making skills -- all true foundations for both exemplary military service and citizenship. While serving, many maintained the traditions of their heritage even when it was difficult to do so. This exhibit will present role models for students of all ages and cultures.

Contest & Criteria: We invite students to submit an essay that focuses on the accomplishments of someone they know or have researched who has served in the military.

THE BOTANY OF DESIRE

Wednesday, October 28 at 8 p.m.

Every schoolchild learns about the mutually beneficial dance of honeybees and flowers. What if people and domesticated plants have a similar relationship. Featuring Michael Pollan and based on his best-selling book, this special takes viewers on an eye-opening exploration of the human relationship with the plant world--seen from the plants' point of view. Narrated by Frances McDormand, the program shows how four familiar species--the apple, the tulip, marijuana and the potato--evolved to satisfy our yearnings for sweetness, beauty, intoxication and control.

REPAIRING AMERICAN HEALTHCARE

Tuesday, October 27 at 8 p.m.

Congress has been debating how to reform healthcare for months but as it happens with politics, sometimes special interests or general politicking get in the way of exploring the real root of the issues. Repairing American Healthcare will utilize a seminar format, in which guests will be using based upon different scenarios. Guests include Jogn Rock, M.D., Joseph Rogers, Linda Quick, Penny Shaffer, Ph.D., Robin Fiore, Ph.D., Steven Ullmann, Ph.D.

ANTIQUES ROADSHOW: UNIQUE ANTIQUES

Monday, October 26 at 8 p.m.

Antique Roadshow’s Unique Antiques showcases some of the most outlandish, kitschy and downright morbidly fascinating antiques and collectibles of the series’ last decade. Warning: These objects have been appraised by trained professionals; don’t try this at home! Highlights include a Weller pottery humidor in the shape of a skull; a chair once belonging to Chang Bunker, the owner’s great-grandfather and half of the 19th-century’s world famous conjoined twins, Chang and Eng; and a collection of tin cans salvaged from a 19th-century dump and valued at $10,000 to $14,000.

NATURE: CLOUD - CHALLENGE OF THE STALLIONS

Sunday, October 25 at 8 p.m.

The continuing saga of Cloud, the wild, white stallion, returns viewers to the Arrowhead Mountains of Montana. Cloud is now a confident band stallion in his prime. As he rules the mountains, gathering mares and expanding his reign, the story turns to his two sons. Bolder is his by birth — beautiful and golden, the success of his father and grandfather flowing in his veins. Flint, sired by another stallion, is the colt Cloud raised. Who will rise to challenge the mighty Cloud? Will nature or nurture produce the next great stallion of the Arrowheads?

Repairing American Healthcare

This one-hour program will feature eight expert guests from different sectors of the healthcare community. 

Together, they will challenge one another as to how to best repair what many would argue is our country’s broken healthcare system. The discussion will be moderated by Helen Ferre, the host of WPBT2’s weekly public affairs program, Issues. This one hour special will air Tuesday, October 27th from 8 to 9 pm on WPBT2. 

Funny Ladies of British Comedy II – Behind the Lens

Originally published at Telly Spotting (Your Brit TV Pub)

Several years ago, PBS paid tribute to The Funny Ladies of British Comedy. Hosted by one of the grand dames of British comedy, Penelope Keith, the special featured classic clips from perennial favorites such as As Time Goes By, Keeping Up Appearances, Are You Being Served and Fawlty Towers along with insights from the likes of Dawn French, Patricia Routledge, Moira Brooker, Mollie Sugden, Wendy Richards, Prunella Scales and others.

Behind the lens of Funny Ladies II

Penelope Keith returns as host of The Funny Ladies of British Comedy II. Targeted for broadcast in March 2010 on many PBS stations nationwide, the program pays tribute to those ladies you have come to know and love over the years from more of your favorite series likeKeeping Up Appearances, As Time Goes By, Vicar of Dibley, Last of the Summer Wine, My Hero, Blackadder and Are You Being Served. Having just returned from being a part of the production team taping the host segments, I have to say that one of the nicest individuals on the planet to spend time with both professionally and personally is Penelope Keith.

Far removed from her the characters of Margo Ledbetter (Good Neighbors) and Audrey fforbes-Hamilton (To The Manor Born), Ms. Keith spent the morning with us at the Theatre Royal in Bath where she was appearing in a short run of Entertaining Angels by Richard Everett.

And the Emmy Goes to....

The Emmy Award nominations for the Suncoast chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences were recently announced, and several WPBT2 programs were honored with a nomination.  They include:

The Life of Jesus Christ (John Jones, David Fitzgerald, and Jeff Crevier) and Dudu Fisher: In Concert from Israel (Bruce Gelb, Adam Weinberg) in the category of "Arts/Entertainment"

Changing Seas (Alexa Elliott, Sean Hickey, Allan Farrell, Jeremy Nicholson) in the category of "Health/Science/Environment Program"

Vizcaya (Linda Corley, Sean Hickey, Allan Farrell, Tomas Rodriguez) in the category of "Documentary-Cultural"

My Suitcase Full of Hope: The Story of the Cuban Freedom Flights (Joe Cardona, Alina Valle, and Bared Maronian) in the category of "Documentary-Historical"

Check, Please! South Florida, Episode #114 (Linda Corley, Sean Hickey) in the category of "Interview/Discussion"

Congratulations to all the nominees.  The awards presentation will take place on December 5th in Orlando.