PBS Idea Channel's Mike Rugnetta contemplates the impact of smartphone culture on our perception of everyday life, particularly in the context of French philosopher Jean Baudrillard's theory of hyperreality.

"In 1969, Fred Rogers appeared before the United States Senate Subcommittee on Communications. His goal was to support funding for PBS and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, in response to significant proposed cuts by President Nixon."

This fight sure could use him.

If only this info had been sitting on Obama's lecturn...

Eight-year-old Alabama resident Cecelia Crawford was not impressed by Mittens' pledge during the debate to fire Big Bird, so today she fired off this sweet little note:

When I grow up I'm going to get married and I want my kids to watch it so do not cut it off. You find something else to cut off!

PBS' Off Book explores the phenomenon that makes the Internet the Internet. Better than you'd think.

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Unless you never missed an episode of The Joy Of Painting with Bob Ross, odds are you didn't know he had an equally-talented son. Steve Ross appeared on the long-running PBS show from time to time, painting the familiar landscapes that made his father so famous. YouTuber carrotwhip recaps one appearance, which is a glorious mixture of epic mullets, porn 'staches and double entendres.

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This view of the United States (rotated to fit) observes national internet access in a positively breathtaking manner. The image comes from a new PBS miniseries, America Revealed, that "explores the hidden patterns and rhythms that make America work."

There are more stunning pictures, as well as a free full episode online (for US residents only).

[core77]