MPR Presents "A Beautiful World" on November 26
Nov 18, 2013
"A Beautiful World," a live event at MPR's UBS Forum on Nov. 26, offers a different take on today's news by exploring stories that seek real hope.
Hosted by New York Times best-selling author and This American Life contributor Heather McElhatton, the 90-minute mixed media program reflects on significant news events that have sparked hope in recent weeks.
Highlights of the program include:
NASA reveals the truth about the notorious ISON comet, headed this way on Thanksgiving.
The Smithsonian reports on recently discovered rain forests found on Google Maps.
The Swiss Ornithological Institute report on the recent discovery of the Alpine Swift, a tiny bird that stays in flight for six months straight.
Kofi Anwoor, beloved Ghanaian poet recently killed in the Nairobi Mall Attacks, is honored by award-winning musician Sowah Mensah and the Macalester African Ensemble.
KARE 11's Jana Shortal shares what she says is the most profound story of her career. Chan Poling performs a musical tribute to his wife, the late Eleanor Mondale.
MPR reporters share their personal "Empty Chair Tributes," different ways they remember deceased loved ones at the holidays.
HCMC teams up with a new local charity to cook an elegant Thanksgiving dinner for 400 homeless teens.
Musicians from the Minnesota Orchestra perform a special Thanksgiving Day poem recorded by U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins.
Sanden Totten, Southern California Public Radio science reporter, reveals a new animal species discovered at LAX airport.
U.S. soldiers deploying to Afghanistan leave audio postcards for their families back home to be heard on Thanksgiving.
When: Tuesday, November 26, 2013, Doors at 7 p.m., Program at 7:30 p.m.
Where: UBS Form, MPR Headquarters, 480 Cedar Street, St. Paul
Tickets: $12 MPR members, $15 general public. Available at mpr.org/tickets.
About the host
Heather McElhatton began reporting for MPR over two decades ago, covering arts, culture, current events, economics, breaking news, science, tech and travel. Her stories and commentaries have been heard nationally and internationally on MPR, PRI, NPR and the BBC on Sound Money, Morning Edition, All Things Considered, Savvy Traveler and This American Life, Talking Volumes and Stage Sessions. She's appeared on television for several national talk shows and news shows, including the television broadcast of This American Life. McElhatton has published four best-selling books with HarperCollins, and she does book reviews for several news outlets including the Star Tribune, the BBC and the Huffington Post.