Television

Lou Barlow, whose group The Deluxx Folk Implosion perform the contemporary version of "I'm Just a Bill" on the new release of School House Rock.

Jazz musician, Bob Dorough, musical director of the 1970s educational TV series, "Schoolhouse Rock" and composer of the popular song "Three is a Magic Number". A new CD, "School House Rock Rocks", has been released with contemporary artists such as Blind Melon, Lemonheads and Pavement, playing the old songs. Also, just published, "School House Rock: The Official Guide". (Hyperion Books) by the creators of the series, Tom Yohe and George Newall.

British detective author, Lynda La Plante, who created the TV detective series, "Prime Suspect" which stars Helen Mirren as Superintendent Jane Tenneson. La Plante has also published a new crime novel, "Cold Shoulder" about a woman cop on the skids. (Random House) (Interview by Maureen Corrigan)

Documentary producer, Glenn Holsten who's recent documentary, "Mothers who March" focuses on the lives and commitment of four mothers who've lost children to Aids. It debuts on PBS television nation-wide tonight (Tuesday May 7).

T.V. critic David Bianculli comments on the launch of Nickelodeon's new network T.V. Land.

TV critic David Bianculli reviews Saturday Night Live's new late-night comedy show competitor: Saturday Night Special on FOX.

TV critic David Bianculli reviews "To Sir with Love, Two" the sequel to the film, "To Sir With Love," which was released 29 years ago. Both star Sidney Poitier. It airs on CBS, Sunday night.

TV critic David Bianculli reviews last night's Academy Awards.

T.V. critic David Bianculli explains how two programs are making changes to appease their respective audiences: "Murder One" and Dana Carvey's Variety Show.

TV critic David Bianculli reviews "Muppets Tonight."

TV critic David Bianculli previews "Neil Simon's Jake's Women" on CBS, Sunday night at 9, starring Alan Alda.

Professor of Religion, and distinguished scholar Huston Smith. His book "The World's Religions" (formerly "The Religions of Man") has been the most widely-used textbook for courses in world religion for thirty years. There's now an illustrated version of his book, a companion to Bill Moyer's upcoming series featuring Smith. ("The Wisdom of Faith" premiers MARCH 26 - APRIL 23 on PBS.) "The Illustrated World's Religions: a Guide to Our Wisdom Traditions" is published by Harper.

Inventor and the man called "the greatest marketer/salesman of the television era," Ron Popeil. He's sold everything from the Veg-O-Matic to the Pocket Fisherman on television, amassing over one billion dollars in sales. He's written a new book about how he did it, Ron Popeil: The Salesman of the Century, (Delacorte Press, with Jefferson Graham).

TV critic David Bianculli reviews the mini-series "Gulliver's Travels."

T.V. critic David Bianculli on the Super Bowl hype, and the special episode of "Friends" which airs after the Super Bowl.

Record producer, musician, and composer Ben Vaughn. The New. Jersey-based musician, and a favorite with Fresh Air, has relocated to L.A. to work in film and television. He composed the theme music for the new sitcom, "Third Rock from the Sun," starring John Lithgow, and Jane Curtin, which premieres tonight (TUES, JAN 9, at 8:30 PM ET/PT on NBC). Vaughn most recent release is "Instrumental Stylings" (Bar/None).

Emmy award winning actor Kelsey Grammer. The former co-star of "Cheers" and the current star of "Frasier," has written his memoir, "So Far." (Dutton). Grammer, who got his start in classical theatre, is now known for his comic gifts in "Frasier" which is one of television's top ten shows.

T.V. critic David Bianculli reflects on the 1995 television year.

T.V. critic David Bianculli reviews "Bye Bye Birdie," a three hour TV version of the 1960 stage musical. It airs on ABC Sunday night.

David Bianculli, TV critic for the New York Daily News, reviews Dennis Potter’s Lipstick on Your Collar TV series that has been released on video.