Thirteen Highlights Weekly

Weekly Edition
March 23 - March 29, 2009

Dear Friend,

King Lear, The Powder and the Glory, Kilauea

Much speculation has arisen over whether Sir Ian McKellen's nude scene in this week's presentation of King Lear on Great Performances will air unedited (Find out Wed., 8pm!). We thought now was an appropriate time to look back on some of the ulcer-inducing, collar loosening, sweaty brow moments of public television past. Read The Most Shocking Moments in THIRTEEN History.

Tonight (10pm), two titans of the makeup world are the subject of The Powder and the Glory. See how their intense rivalry spawned the others' creativity and pioneered their field.

And on Sunday (8pm), the river of lava comes at you fast, furious -- and at times underwater -- on Nature: Kilauea: Mountain of Fire. Head to Hawaii for the spectacular look at an erupting volcano.

Cosmetic competitors Arden and Rubenstein

Monday, March 23 at 10pm
The Powder and the Glory
In the early 20th century, Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubenstein transformed the cosmetics industry, launching a 50-year rivalry in the process. Follows American Experience: Sister Aimee at 9pm.

Watch a preview

The national debt: any end in sight?

Tuesday, March 24 at 9pm
Frontline: Ten Trillion and Counting
The recent government bailouts have have added to the already-daunting national debt. Experts and insiders discuss possible solutions. Follows Nova: Extreme Ice at 8pm.

Watch a program preview

Sir Ian as King Lear

Wednesday, March 25 at 8pm
Great Performances: King Lear
Sir Ian McKellen stars in the Royal Shakespeare Company's adaptation of the tragic tale of love, deception, betrayal, murder and madness. Charlie Rose follows at 11pm.

Watch a preview and read about other Lear adaptations

Send a King Lear ecard

New York's good 'n' ready for The Hold Steady

Thursday, March 26 at 10pm
Live from the Artists Den: The Hold Steady
"Brooklyn's working class heroes" bring their classic rock grit to a frenzied crowd at the Old Emigrant Savings Bank Building in Lower Manhattan. Follows Live from Lincoln Center at 8pm.

Preview this episode and enjoy clips from past artists

Monkeying around in central Africa

Friday, March 27 at 10pm
Globe Trekker: Malawi & Zambia
Join trekker Holly in the heart of Africa as she visits Lake Malawi, home to 1,000 species of fish and Victoria Falls, the world's largest waterfall. Follows Bill Moyers Journal at 9pm.

Monkeying around in central Africa

Who's conning who in the House of Games?

Saturday, March 28 at 9pm
Reel 13: Classics: House of Games
In David Mamet's directorial debut, a preeminent female psychiatrist meets a con man and is soon caught in a web of deceit. Reel 13: Indies: Thumbsucker follows at 10:50pm.

Explore Classics, Indies and Shorts at the new Reel 13 online

Not the kind of river you'll want to take a dip in

Sunday, March 29 at 8pm
Kilauea: Mountain of Fire
A furious vent of steam, a constant flow of molten lava and underwater explosions! View the beauty of this Hawaiian volcano in this episode that's got it all. Masterpiece Classic follows at 9pm.

Go behind the scenes with the producers

Unsung Heroines
Sunni Patterson: New Orleans Poet
Sunni Patterson has been called “a visionary” and “one of New Orleans’ greatest poets.” A survivor of Hurricane Katrina, Patterson uses her poetry to challenge injustice and call for change. See for yourself why she is a staff pick for THIRTEEN's Unsung Heroines.

Watch Patterson's spoken word performances

Betty Ford
The Real Deal
One of America's most influential First Ladies reflects on her life and career, including her bout with breast cancer and her struggle with addiction.

Watch the full program online

NOW on PBS
Unemployed and Uninsured
Losing one's job is usually accompanied by a loss of health insurance. Watch the investigation and explore solutions with former DNC Chairman Dr. Howard Dean.

Watch the full program online

Network with THIRTEEN fans online:

Friend, please join DL in support of THIRTEEN. Give now

View our Best of March thank-you gift selection.

Jump the Line Tix
Meet Chris Botti on April 3
The jazz great will be appearing at Borders at the Time Warner Center on Friday, April 3 at 6pm. Fans might have to endure a long line to meet the trumpeter, but you can enter to win a “jump the line” pass and be one of the first to meet Chris up close and personal.

Enter to win

Travel with THIRTEEN
In the Realm of the Winged Lion
October 11 - October 22, 2009
Join us aboard the Sea Cloud II as it sets sail from Venice for an enchanting voyage across the Adriatic Sea, along the picturesque coasts of Italy and Croatia. Olivier Bernier, acclaimed art historian and author, will be on board as a fellow traveler.
Learn more about this trip and other Patron Network benefits

Unsung Heroines
March is Women's History Month and we asked PBS personalities to name their "unsung heroines." Nominate a woman who you feel hasn't received the honor she deserves, on our site.
See the submitted unsung heroines and share yours with others

View the schedule of Women's Lives programs on THIRTEEN this month

Alan Alda Meets the Chimps
The Human Spark
What goes on in the minds of chimps? In his effort to learn about the nature of human uniqueness, Alan Alda visits a North Carolina zoo and speaks with primate experts to find the answer.
Read the full story

Save NY PBS
Governor Paterson is pushing a 50% cut in the state's contribution to New York's 9 public television stations. THIRTEEN is doing its part to spend wisely, but Albany's proposal is frightening. So, please tell your state representatives and Gov. Paterson how you feel.
Send your message -- visit Savenypbs.org

Questions or comments? Send an email to membership@thirteen.org or call (212) 560-2888.

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