SPOTLIGHT - Robotic Surgery

Robotic-Assisted Surgery is a relatively new technology at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh, New York. As it grows in usage, people who have not experienced it wonder just how much of the "human touch" of the surgeon gets directly involved in the operation.

I enjoyed working on this story, as it was the first time CVPH had allowed cameras in the operating room to let viewers witness this technology in action. We found a willing patient who allowed us to record her hysterectomy, and she also gave us a great interview.

Dr. Dane Larsen, pictured with me, will speak about robotic surgery at "Girls Night Out" on Tuesday, October 11. "Girls Night Out" is a relaxing evening of entertainment and education, with an emphasis on healthy living. It is one way CVPH commemorates Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For tickets and times of the "Girls Night Out" programs, head to the CVPH website: www.cvph.org

You may see the story on the Spotlight segment of Mountain Lake Journal Extra, Thursday at 8:30pm, on Mountain Lake PBS. It repeats Friday at 6am and 12:30pm, Saturday at 7:30pm, and Sunday at 10:30am.

"Author Visits" Presentation

Our Director of Outreach and Education Jane Owens hosted a meeting of teachers and librarians at the station. She invited me to give a presentation about "Author Visits," our online educational initiative. "Author Visits" takes our pre-existing "Spotlight" author interviews and transforms them into a video series that has uses for classrooms, libraries and book clubs. The project is a collaboration among the production, education and communications departments. Plattsburgh author Amy Guglielmo, a former teacher herself and featured "Author Visits" guest, also spoke to the educators about the uses of "Author Visits" in the classroom, and her Touch the Art book series. Her books may also be used to enhance curriculum. www.mountainlake.org/authorvisits

SPOTLIGHT: Bill Haugland

For the second time, former CTV news anchor Bill Haugland joined me in the studio to talk about a novel he's written. This time, he discusses his new book The Bidding, inviting us into a sinister world of abduction, murder and demonic cults. Haugland's news reporter protagonist Ty Davis, whose earlier adventures he'd related in the book Mobile 9, returns for a second adventure. You may see the interview on the "Spotlight" segment of Mountain Lake Journal Extra, tonight at 8:30pm, on Mountain Lake PBS. It repeats Friday at 6am and 12:30pm, Saturday at 7:30pm, and Sunday at 10:30am.

Parade! Battle of Plattsburgh

The on-air talent of Mountain Lake PBS, including Thom Hallock, Derek Muirden, Aubery Bresett, Jack LaDuke, and myself met many of our viewers as we marched in the Battle of Plattsburgh parade. We also handed out candy to the young people who lined the streets. Director of Education Jane Owens, Development Director Sophie Mitsoglou, and some volunteers joined us for a beautiful afternoon, celebrating an important battle that helped shape our country. During the War of 1812, the battle ended the final British invasion of the northern states. Thanks to viewer Glenn Estes for taking and submitting these photos.

SPOTLIGHT: Justin Hines

Canadian singer/songwriter Justin Hines came to our studio for an interview. What a nice guy! He's funny too. His album "Days to Recall" is the first of his four albums to be released in the United States, and now he's on tour to promote it. "Days to Recall" features a lot of his original material. His live shows also include songs made famous by James Tayor and Jim Croce. You may see the interview on the "Spotlight" segment of Mountain Lake Journal Extra, tonight at 8:30pm, on Mountain Lake PBS. It repeats Friday at 6am and 12:30pm, Saturday at 7:30pm, and Sunday at 10:30am.

SPOTLIGHT: Joshua Bell

Joshua Bell not only plays the violin exquisitely, he can also tell a very funny story. During an interview I conducted in his Manhattan home, he kept me entertained with true tales about his 300-year-old Stradivarius, a violin that has had many adventures during the last three centuries. He also shared some humorous anecdotes about performing on stage and traveling around the world. You may see the interview on the Spotlight segment of Mountain Lake Journal Extra, tonight at 8:30pm, on Mountain Lake PBS. It repeats Friday at 6am and 12:30pm, Saturday at 7:30pm, and Sunday at 10:30am.

Interview with Andre Monet