Here are home viewing suggestions for the week, selected from online advanced TV program listings and aligned with the state and national K-12 academic standards available online. Please consult local listings also, since actual broadcast times may vary. The Websites cited in the “Log on“ box below the tv listing provide further details about the show’s topic and may contain links to video clips from the show or a complete streaming video version of the show.
Saturday, November 27, 2010,
7-9 p.m. E/P (airing Sunday 9:30-11:30 p.m. E/P on some stations)
PBS
Arts
Middle and High School
'Cirque du Soleil -- Flowers in the Desert'’
Since 1993, Cirque du Soleil has produced seven original, permanent shows in Las Vegas, creating a garden of delights that has transformed the very nature of entertainment in this desert oasis. Cirque du Soleil - Flowers in the Desert, an extraordinary entertainment experience, capturing the magic of Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas. This documentary will present performances recorded in High Definition at six of the seven Cirque shows in Las Vegas. TV-PG
Log on http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1728972/
Sunday, November 28, 2010,
7-8 p.m. E/P
CBS
World and U.S. History
Middle and High School
“60 minutes”
This newsmagazine contains reports about police and about the U.S. Supreme Court. “Good Cop-Bad Cops” is about the Afghan National Police force which is more important to the security of the country than the army, but despite improvements, there are still drug abuse and corruption problems within its ranks. In “John Paul Stevens” Scott Pelley interviews Justice John Paul Stevens upon his retirement from the U.S. Supreme Court after 35 years.
Log on http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/60minutes/main3415.shtml
Monday, November 29, 2010,
8:25-10 p.m. E/P
Sundance Channel
Geography and Arts
Middle and High School
“Sounds Like Teen Spirit’
In previous centuries, European nations settled their differences on bloody fields of battle: now there is the Eurovision pop song contest. A subset of this annual event is the lesser-known Junior Eurovision competition for kids aged 10 to 15. Jamie Jay Johnson's fun and touching documentary follows a handful of hopeful contestants from different European countries practicing their own songs - mostly cheesy Euro-pop ditties that are difficult to remove the brain - working on their costumes and routines, and talking about their national backgrounds and motivations. TV-14
Log on http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1039638/
Tuesday, November 30, 2010,
8-9 p.m. E/P
History Channel
World and U.S. History
Middle and High School
“The Real Story Of Christmas”
As this documentary shows, many of our seemingly innocent customs evolved from strange, surprising or even disturbing beginnings. With its roots in the Pagan celebration of the winter solstice, early Christmas was both a day of prayer and festival of drunken revelry. Rowdy medieval carolers begged for food and drink, threatening to throw rocks through the windows of those who refuse. Christmas was actually banned for years in America during the 16th and 17th centuries. And the Santa of old world legend was accompanied not by elves but by a devil named Krampus who beat and kidnapped naughty children.
Log on http://www.history.com/topics/christmas
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
9-11 p.m. E/P
History Channel
U.S. History
Middle and High School
“The President’s Book Of Secrets”
Moments after the President of the United States is sworn into office he gains access to “The Nuclear Football,” a briefcase that contains the most volatile top-secret information in the world – America’s nuclear launch codes. The Football is a high profile national secret, but it’s only one of many pieces in the classified arsenal at the President’s disposal once he assumes the role of Commander in Chief. This documentary takes viewers on a journey inside White House history to unveil information about secrets known only to the President, from top-secret intelligence and classified events to covert codes and future technologies. Presidential secrets investigated include: What secrets does an outgoing President share with the President-elect during their first private meeting? When does the incoming President gain access to vital national secrets and receive the codes to the nuclear arsenal? Is there a “Keeper of the Secrets” who tells the President everything? What information is so highly classified that even the President’s security clearance is not enough to gain access? The program features exclusive interviews with Washington insiders, including former CIA Director Michael Hayden, former Director of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, former Vice President Dan Quayle, former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino and Presidential daughter Susan Ford who reveal what it is like to live and work in the White House. Additionally, Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, journalists Dan Rather and Jonathan Alter and other experts share what they know about the secret world of the Presidency.
Log on http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1769369/
Thursday, December 2, 2010,
8-10:30 p.m. ET 5-7:30 p.m. PT
Turner Classic Movie Channel
English and Arts
Middle and High School
“A Midsummer Night's Dream ”
This is a classic film version of Shakespeare's comic play about two pairs of lovers and an amateur actor who get mixed up with fairies TV-PG
Log on http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?stid=1806 for information about the film and
http://shakespeare.mit.edu/midsummer/full.html ffor the complete text of the play.
Friday, December 3, 2010,
6-7 p.m. E/P
Planet Green Channel
Geography and Science
Middle and High School
“Lobster Wars :The Battle Begins”
A hundred miles off the coast of southern New England lies Georges Bank, one of the richest fishing grounds in the world. Generations of Yankee fishermen have ventured into these waters to wrest a living from the sea. Things are no different today. Many still sail from the same historic fishing ports, and hunt the bank for the North Atlantic's most prized treasure: the American lobster. Depleted resources nearer the coast are forcing these men to hunt hundreds of miles out in the open sea. Every winter as the temperature plummets and the seas turn stormy, lobsters migrate into the deep water in search of food and shelter. And that's where the crews of Lobster Wars seek them out, just when ocean conditions are at their worst. This broadcast is the initial episode of a “Lobster Wars” documentary miniseries and will be followed by five more episodes airing Fridays in this timeslot. TV-PG
Log on http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/lobster-wars/lobster-wars.html
Saturday, December 4, 2010,
6-8 p.m. E/P
Discovery Channel
U.S. History
High School
“The Kennedy Detail”
It was their duty to prevent one of the greatest tragedies in U.S. history and they failed, a fact that has haunted them ever since. For years, the men of President John F. Kennedy's Secret Service detail have kept silent about that terrible day in Dallas, but now they've gathered together back at the scene of the assassination and are speaking out about their experiences there for the first time. Revealing, gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, this documentary is their story told through their eyes for the very first time. TV-PG
Log on http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/the-kennedy-detail
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Saturday, November 27, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Media Menu, November 20, 2010
Here are home viewing suggestions for the week, selected from online advanced TV program listings and aligned with the state and national K-12 academic standards available online. Please consult local listings also, since actual broadcast times may vary. The Websites cited in the “Log on“ box below the tv listing provide further details about the show’s topic and may contain links to video clips from the show or a complete streaming video version of the show.
Saturday, November 20, 2010,
8-10 p.m. E/P
Planet Green Channel
Health and Science
Middle and High School
"Supersize Me”
While examining the influence of the fast food industry, documentarian Morgan Spurlock personally explores the consequences on his health of a diet of solely McDonald's food for one month. TV-14
For news about the recent study "Evaluating Fast Food Nutrition and Marketing to Youth" log on http://adage.com/article?article_id=146960 For information about this documentary log on http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390521
Sunday, November 21, 2010,
8 p.m. – midnight E/P
National Geographic Channel
Science
Elementary, Middle and High School
"Great Migrations: The Complete Miniseries”
This broadcast reprises the four episodes of the recently premiered nature documentary miniseries “Great Migrations”. In the first hour, witness the migration of Christmas Island's red crabs; the wildebeest's arduous 300-mile trek; the monarch butterfly's flight across North America; and the sperm whale's life-long travels. In the second hour witness the awe-inspiring stories of species' need to reproduce, the obstacles they overcome and the distances they travel to ensure future generations. In the third hour journey alongside zebras in Botswana; witness the heartbreaking struggle of the Pacific walrus; watch a herd of proghorn antelope follow its ancient migration path; and follow in the wake of the mysterious whale shark. In the final hour witness Mali elephants as they undertake the longest elephant migration on earth, see the great white sharks that cover thousands of miles of ocean each year, and follow Palau's golden jellyfish on a race to follow the sun.
Log on http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/great-migrations/?source=fohomefeat1
Monday, November 22, 2010,
9-10 p.m. E/P
History Channel
U.S. History
Middle and High School
"The Real Story Of Thanksgiving”
The story of Thanksgiving, with its costumed Pilgrims, turkeys and pumpkin pie, zigzags through American history with some surprising twists. At the iconic Thanksgiving feast of 1621-- no pumpkin pie or cranberry sauce was served, and that event was wiped from the history books for 200 years. In the 19th Century, some southern states thought Thanksgiving was an abolitionist plot and refused to celebrate it. Thanksgiving didn't become an annual national holiday until World War II. What started as a somber Puritan day of prayer is now about football and food. This documentary explains how we got there. TV-PG
Log on http://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving
Tuesday, November 23, 2010,
8-9 p.m. E/P
PBS
World History and Geography
Elementary, Middle and High School
" NOVA: Quest for Solomon’s Mines”
NOVA and National Geographic embark on two investigations that illuminate the legend of Solomon and reveal the source of the great wealth that powered the first mighty biblical kingdoms. Countless treasure seekers have set off in search of King Solomon’s mines, trekking through burning deserts and scaling the forbidding mountains of Africa and the Levant, inspired by the Bible’s account of splendid temples and palaces adorned in glittering gold and copper. Yet, to date, the evidence that has claimed to support the existence of Solomon and other early kings in the Bible has been highly controversial. In fact, so little physical evidence of the kings who ruled Israel and Edom has been found that many contend that they are no more real than King Arthur. The expeditions covered in this documentary expose important new clues buried in the pockmarked desert of Jordan, including ancient remnants of an industrial-scale copper mine and a 3,000-year-old message with the words “slave,” “king” and “judge.” TV-G
Log on http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/quest-solomons-mines.html
Wednesday, November 24, 2010,
3-6 p.m. E/P
History Channel
U.S. History
Middle and High School
" Desperate Crossing: The Untold Story of The Mayflower ”
The three parts of this documentary - a 3-hour combination of scholastic and dramatic effort – present the history of the Pilgrims and their journey to and colonization of the New World. A marriage of feature-film quality historical reenactments with the latest scholarship and analysis of original source material , it shows the reality of their experience. Most of the people whom we now know as "the Pilgrims" made their way from England to the city of Leiden, Holland, a place of religious tolerance. They found religious freedom, but faced extreme financial hardship. A bold decision is made to move to America. In the late summer of 1620 The Mayflower sets sails carrying 102 English settlers and 30 sailors. Over the next four months, about half of the settlers and sailors die of scurvy and weather-related illness. After the survivors had settled on shore on shore English speaking Indian, Samoset, visits them and his visit leads to the signing of a peace treaty. By the Fall of 1621, the English decide to celebrate their harvest with a feast which is attended by at least 90 Wampanoags. That peace will last 40 years. TV-PG
Log on http://shop.history.com/detail.php?ecid=PRF-2101452&p=69858&pa=PRF-2101452
Thursday, November 25, 2010,
8-9 p.m. E/P
CNN
World History and Geography
Middle and High School
"CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute,"
This program, spotlighting everyday people who are changing the world, is the result of considering more than 10,000 nominations received from more than 100 countries. The top 10 CNN Heroes are selected by a blue-ribbon panel of judges, including Muhammad Ali, Richard Branson, cellist Yo Yo Ma, Olympic speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno, rapper Chris "Ludacris" Bridges and actor Rainn Wilson. Judges also include Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, singer Ricky Martin, actresses Holly Robinson Peete and Patricia Heaton, supermodel Alek Wek, actor and author Hill Harper, and entrepreneur Ela Bhatt. The CNN Hero of the Year will be revealed at the tribute show. Each of the top 10 CNN Heroes receives $25,000, and the CNN Hero of the Year receives an additional $100,000. The 2009 CNN Hero of the Year was Efren Peñaflorida, who started a "pushcart classroom" in the Philippines to bring education to poor children as an alternative to gang membership. CNN Heroes has illustrated the best of humanity through the telling of stories of selfless acts of kindness, courage and perseverance.
For profiles of the honorees log on http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/archive10/index.html
Friday, November 26, 2010,
9:30-10:30 p.m. E/P (check local listings)
PBS
U.S. History and Arts
Middle and High School
“ The President's Photographer: Fifty Years Inside the Oval Office"
This documentary offers a current and historical behind-the-scenes look at the everyday grit of the American presidency and a chance to see what it’s like to cover the most powerful man in the world, for history. Currently, Pete Souza is never far behind President Obama. In fact, sometimes he’s ahead of him. As the president’s chief White House photographer, Souza is the president’s shadow. National Geographic and PBS follow Souza inside the Obama White House — aboard Air Force One, backstage at the State of the Union and into the heart of the West Wing. TV-PG
Log on http://www.photographyblog.com/news/the_presidents_photographer
Saturday, November 27, 2010,
7-9 p.m. E/P (check local listings)
PBS
Arts
Middle and High School
'Cirque du Soleil -- Flowers in the Desert'’
Since 1993, Cirque du Soleil has produced seven original, permanent shows in Las Vegas, creating a garden of delights that has transformed the very nature of entertainment in this desert oasis. Cirque du Soleil - Flowers in the Desert, an extraordinary entertainment experience, capturing the magic of Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas. This documentary will present performances recorded in High Definition at six of the seven Cirque shows in Las Vegas. TV-PG
Log on http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1728972/
Saturday, November 20, 2010,
8-10 p.m. E/P
Planet Green Channel
Health and Science
Middle and High School
"Supersize Me”
While examining the influence of the fast food industry, documentarian Morgan Spurlock personally explores the consequences on his health of a diet of solely McDonald's food for one month. TV-14
For news about the recent study "Evaluating Fast Food Nutrition and Marketing to Youth" log on http://adage.com/article?article_id=146960 For information about this documentary log on http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390521
Sunday, November 21, 2010,
8 p.m. – midnight E/P
National Geographic Channel
Science
Elementary, Middle and High School
"Great Migrations: The Complete Miniseries”
This broadcast reprises the four episodes of the recently premiered nature documentary miniseries “Great Migrations”. In the first hour, witness the migration of Christmas Island's red crabs; the wildebeest's arduous 300-mile trek; the monarch butterfly's flight across North America; and the sperm whale's life-long travels. In the second hour witness the awe-inspiring stories of species' need to reproduce, the obstacles they overcome and the distances they travel to ensure future generations. In the third hour journey alongside zebras in Botswana; witness the heartbreaking struggle of the Pacific walrus; watch a herd of proghorn antelope follow its ancient migration path; and follow in the wake of the mysterious whale shark. In the final hour witness Mali elephants as they undertake the longest elephant migration on earth, see the great white sharks that cover thousands of miles of ocean each year, and follow Palau's golden jellyfish on a race to follow the sun.
Log on http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/great-migrations/?source=fohomefeat1
Monday, November 22, 2010,
9-10 p.m. E/P
History Channel
U.S. History
Middle and High School
"The Real Story Of Thanksgiving”
The story of Thanksgiving, with its costumed Pilgrims, turkeys and pumpkin pie, zigzags through American history with some surprising twists. At the iconic Thanksgiving feast of 1621-- no pumpkin pie or cranberry sauce was served, and that event was wiped from the history books for 200 years. In the 19th Century, some southern states thought Thanksgiving was an abolitionist plot and refused to celebrate it. Thanksgiving didn't become an annual national holiday until World War II. What started as a somber Puritan day of prayer is now about football and food. This documentary explains how we got there. TV-PG
Log on http://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving
Tuesday, November 23, 2010,
8-9 p.m. E/P
PBS
World History and Geography
Elementary, Middle and High School
" NOVA: Quest for Solomon’s Mines”
NOVA and National Geographic embark on two investigations that illuminate the legend of Solomon and reveal the source of the great wealth that powered the first mighty biblical kingdoms. Countless treasure seekers have set off in search of King Solomon’s mines, trekking through burning deserts and scaling the forbidding mountains of Africa and the Levant, inspired by the Bible’s account of splendid temples and palaces adorned in glittering gold and copper. Yet, to date, the evidence that has claimed to support the existence of Solomon and other early kings in the Bible has been highly controversial. In fact, so little physical evidence of the kings who ruled Israel and Edom has been found that many contend that they are no more real than King Arthur. The expeditions covered in this documentary expose important new clues buried in the pockmarked desert of Jordan, including ancient remnants of an industrial-scale copper mine and a 3,000-year-old message with the words “slave,” “king” and “judge.” TV-G
Log on http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/quest-solomons-mines.html
Wednesday, November 24, 2010,
3-6 p.m. E/P
History Channel
U.S. History
Middle and High School
" Desperate Crossing: The Untold Story of The Mayflower ”
The three parts of this documentary - a 3-hour combination of scholastic and dramatic effort – present the history of the Pilgrims and their journey to and colonization of the New World. A marriage of feature-film quality historical reenactments with the latest scholarship and analysis of original source material , it shows the reality of their experience. Most of the people whom we now know as "the Pilgrims" made their way from England to the city of Leiden, Holland, a place of religious tolerance. They found religious freedom, but faced extreme financial hardship. A bold decision is made to move to America. In the late summer of 1620 The Mayflower sets sails carrying 102 English settlers and 30 sailors. Over the next four months, about half of the settlers and sailors die of scurvy and weather-related illness. After the survivors had settled on shore on shore English speaking Indian, Samoset, visits them and his visit leads to the signing of a peace treaty. By the Fall of 1621, the English decide to celebrate their harvest with a feast which is attended by at least 90 Wampanoags. That peace will last 40 years. TV-PG
Log on http://shop.history.com/detail.php?ecid=PRF-2101452&p=69858&pa=PRF-2101452
Thursday, November 25, 2010,
8-9 p.m. E/P
CNN
World History and Geography
Middle and High School
"CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute,"
This program, spotlighting everyday people who are changing the world, is the result of considering more than 10,000 nominations received from more than 100 countries. The top 10 CNN Heroes are selected by a blue-ribbon panel of judges, including Muhammad Ali, Richard Branson, cellist Yo Yo Ma, Olympic speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno, rapper Chris "Ludacris" Bridges and actor Rainn Wilson. Judges also include Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, singer Ricky Martin, actresses Holly Robinson Peete and Patricia Heaton, supermodel Alek Wek, actor and author Hill Harper, and entrepreneur Ela Bhatt. The CNN Hero of the Year will be revealed at the tribute show. Each of the top 10 CNN Heroes receives $25,000, and the CNN Hero of the Year receives an additional $100,000. The 2009 CNN Hero of the Year was Efren Peñaflorida, who started a "pushcart classroom" in the Philippines to bring education to poor children as an alternative to gang membership. CNN Heroes has illustrated the best of humanity through the telling of stories of selfless acts of kindness, courage and perseverance.
For profiles of the honorees log on http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/cnn.heroes/archive10/index.html
Friday, November 26, 2010,
9:30-10:30 p.m. E/P (check local listings)
PBS
U.S. History and Arts
Middle and High School
“ The President's Photographer: Fifty Years Inside the Oval Office"
This documentary offers a current and historical behind-the-scenes look at the everyday grit of the American presidency and a chance to see what it’s like to cover the most powerful man in the world, for history. Currently, Pete Souza is never far behind President Obama. In fact, sometimes he’s ahead of him. As the president’s chief White House photographer, Souza is the president’s shadow. National Geographic and PBS follow Souza inside the Obama White House — aboard Air Force One, backstage at the State of the Union and into the heart of the West Wing. TV-PG
Log on http://www.photographyblog.com/news/the_presidents_photographer
Saturday, November 27, 2010,
7-9 p.m. E/P (check local listings)
PBS
Arts
Middle and High School
'Cirque du Soleil -- Flowers in the Desert'’
Since 1993, Cirque du Soleil has produced seven original, permanent shows in Las Vegas, creating a garden of delights that has transformed the very nature of entertainment in this desert oasis. Cirque du Soleil - Flowers in the Desert, an extraordinary entertainment experience, capturing the magic of Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas. This documentary will present performances recorded in High Definition at six of the seven Cirque shows in Las Vegas. TV-PG
Log on http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1728972/
Friday, November 12, 2010
Media Menu, November 13, 2010
Here are home viewing suggestions for the week, selected from online advanced TV program listings and aligned with the state and national K-12 academic standards available online. Please consult local listings also, since actual broadcast times may vary. The Websites cited in the “Log on“ box below the tv listing provide further details about the show’s topic and may contain links to video clips from the show or a complete streaming video version of the show.
Saturday, November 13, 2010,
8-10 p.m. E/P
History Channel
Science and U.S. History
Middle and High School
"Black Blizzard”
This documentary takes a front row seat on a period of U.S. environmental history from 1930-1940 when America's heartland was ravaged by a weather phenomenon that became known as a "black blizzard." Watch as scientists and special effects experts recreate the black blizzards in amazing detail and reveal that this was a man-made disaster. Discover how these phenomena form, what they're made of, and how they affect people's health and the environment. Learn how a black blizzard emerged so ferociously that it seemed like a moving mountain range creating enough static electricity to power New York City. Hear the story of the people who refused to leave their land and learn the history of the Great Plains and how it came to be settled. TV-PG
Log on http://www.drought.unl.edu/whatis/dustbowl.htm
Sunday, November 14, 2010,
8-10 p.m. E/P
National Geographic Channel
Science and Geography
Middle and High School
"Great Migrations: Feast Or Famine/Race To Survive”
This is a broadcast of two new episodes of a documentary miniseries about animal migrations. The first hour, entitled “Feast Or Famine”, follows Mali elephants as they undertake the longest elephant migration on earth – a vast, 300-mile circle around the heart of landlocked Mali in West Africa. Traversing the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, the only way they can survive is to keep moving across the scorched earth – from water to water, food to food – both in desperately short supply. Great white sharks cover thousands of miles of open ocean each year from Hawaii to northern Mexico to reach an abundant feast 150 miles off the coast of Guadalupe, Mexico, where the waters are teeming with marine life: mola mola, dolphins, rare beaked whales, fur seals and elephant seals. Witness close up the rarely filmed attack on a seal by a great white, shown in incredible detail from above and below the water’s surface. In the Mississippi River Valley, we find a great winged highway humming with traffic as bald eagles, peregrine falcons, ducks, songbirds, geese and pelicans search for food in this avian crossroads between the Gulf of Mexico and Canada or even the Arctic. And witness the incredible, beautiful sight of golden jellyfish of Palau on a race to follow the sun in their daily migration. The second hour, entitled ” Race To Survive”, show every spring in Botswana, hundreds of zebras leave the largest inland delta in the world to make a desperate 150-mile slog into hell – a desert of salt and sand – so their bodies can take in much-needed minerals. Off the coast of Alaska, we see the heartbreaking struggle of Pacific walrus who have become victims of earth’s changing climate. Traveling hundreds of miles along ice floes to reach their summer foraging ground, they find fewer and smaller floating ice chunks, unable to hold the walrus population that struggles to occupy these insufficient life rafts. In the untamed early days of the American West, the pronghorn antelope were plentiful and moved freely, proud and unconstrained. We watch one small herd of 200 that follows its ancient migration, traveling north in early spring from southern Wyoming, moving to lower elevations to follow the retreating snow line – a tough journey made even more difficult by human encroachment. Forty feet long and weighing up to 20 tons, the mysterious whale shark is the largest fish in the world. We join them as they have migrated to feast on the eggs of spawning fish. And in Borneo, a single, fragrant fig tree provides the impetus for a chaotic chorus of orangutans, red leaf monkeys, macaques and grey gibbons who travel from throughout the jungle to feast before the figs rot and drop to the forest floor.
Log on http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/great-migrations-episode-guide
Monday, November 15, 2010,
6-7 p.m. E/P
History Channel
Economics and U.S. History
Middle and High School
"Fort Knox: Secrets Revealed ”
The rise in gold proves is in the news currently, and this documentary and the link below explain part of its role in our economic life. The U.S. Bullion Depository, better known as Fort Knox, is home of the United States Army and one of the world's most top secret fortresses. Hidden deep inside the vault is an estimated $73 billion dollars in gold. Almost all information about it is classified. Through interviews with eyewitnesses, rare photos and rarely seen films, we will construct a picture of what the building might look like. Hear testimony of those journalists and congressmen who were among the select few invited inside in 1974. Discover the history and secrets behind the Army's tank warfare and the classified military technologies it will use to fight the wars of the future. TV-PG
Log on http://www.usmint.gov/about_the_mint/fun_facts/index.cfm?action=fun_facts13
Tuesday, November 16, 2010,
8-9 p.m. E/P
PBS
Word History and Science
Elementary, Middle and High School
" NOVA: Secrets of Stonehenge”
Granted exclusive access to the dig site at Bluestonehenge, England a prehistoric stone circle monument recently discovered about a mile from Stonehenge, this documentary’s cameras follow a new generation of researchers finding important clues to the enduring mystery of Stonehenge. Dated to the late Stone Age, Stonehenge may be the best-known and most mysterious relic of prehistory. Every year, a million visitors are drawn to England to gaze upon the famous circle of stones, but the monument’s meaning has continued to elude us. Now investigations inside and around Stonehenge have kicked off a dramatic new era of discovery and debate over who built Stonehenge and for what purpose. How did prehistoric people quarry, transport, sculpt and erect these giant stones?
Log on http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/secrets-stonehenge.html
Wednesday, November 17, 2010,
9-10 p.m. E/P
Science Channel
World History and Science
Elementary, Middle and High School
"Saturn: Lord of the Rings“
This is an astronomy documentary. July 1st, 2004, the Cassini-Huygens spacecraft arrived at Saturn to start its four year journey around the planet. It traveled closer to Saturn than any previous mission, passing between its rings, bringing us the most spectacular pictures to date. TV-G
Log on http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/science/index.cfm?SciencePageID=47
Thursday, November 18, 2010,
10-11 p.m. E/P
PBS
World History and Government
Middle and High School
"Athens: The Dawn Of Democracy “
In this initial hour of a two-part documentary, historian Bettany Hughes explores the contradictions of the "Golden Age" of ancient Athens, where democracy emerged nearly 2,500 years ago. Far from an environment of peace and tranquility, democratic Athens was a bloody, tumultuous place of both brilliant ideas and a repressive regime. While the period saw the rise of philosophy, the flourishing of the arts and the creation of a great political ideal, Athens also became a warlike state that carved out an empire to enrich itself, an empire that couldn't tolerate criticism. At the same time Athenians reached new intellectual heights, they practiced "black magic" and created a society where one in three Athenians was a slave. Women were denied the vote and rhetoricians practiced modern "spin control" as an integral part of democracy. No two years went by that Athenians didn't vote to go to war. Eventually the empire withered, to be crushed finally by Alexander the Great. It would be another 2,000 years before society was once again able to tolerate the idea of democracy — rule by the people. The second part of the miniseries airs in this timeslot on November 25.
Log on http://www.pbs.org/previews/athens
Friday, November 19, 2010,
7:30-8:30 p.m. E/P
Science Channel
Science and Technology
Elementary, Middle and High School
"How It’s Made”
This is a broadcast of two episodes of a documentary series about manufacturing techniques and jobs. Covered in the programs are: surfboards, stickers, sandwich cookies, concrete roofing tiles, motorcycle engines, glass, enamel sculptures, hand-made paper and vaulting poles. TV-G
Log on http://science.discovery.com/tv/how-its-made
Saturday, November 20, 2010,
8-10 p.m. E/P
Planet Green Channel
Health and Science
Middle and High School
"Supersize Me”
While examining the influence of the fast food industry, documentarian Morgan Spurlock personally explores the consequences on his health of a diet of solely McDonald's food for one month. TV-14
For news about the recent study "Evaluating Fast Food Nutrition and Marketing to Youth" log on http://adage.com/article?article_id=146960 For information about this documentary log on http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390521
Saturday, November 13, 2010,
8-10 p.m. E/P
History Channel
Science and U.S. History
Middle and High School
"Black Blizzard”
This documentary takes a front row seat on a period of U.S. environmental history from 1930-1940 when America's heartland was ravaged by a weather phenomenon that became known as a "black blizzard." Watch as scientists and special effects experts recreate the black blizzards in amazing detail and reveal that this was a man-made disaster. Discover how these phenomena form, what they're made of, and how they affect people's health and the environment. Learn how a black blizzard emerged so ferociously that it seemed like a moving mountain range creating enough static electricity to power New York City. Hear the story of the people who refused to leave their land and learn the history of the Great Plains and how it came to be settled. TV-PG
Log on http://www.drought.unl.edu/whatis/dustbowl.htm
Sunday, November 14, 2010,
8-10 p.m. E/P
National Geographic Channel
Science and Geography
Middle and High School
"Great Migrations: Feast Or Famine/Race To Survive”
This is a broadcast of two new episodes of a documentary miniseries about animal migrations. The first hour, entitled “Feast Or Famine”, follows Mali elephants as they undertake the longest elephant migration on earth – a vast, 300-mile circle around the heart of landlocked Mali in West Africa. Traversing the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, the only way they can survive is to keep moving across the scorched earth – from water to water, food to food – both in desperately short supply. Great white sharks cover thousands of miles of open ocean each year from Hawaii to northern Mexico to reach an abundant feast 150 miles off the coast of Guadalupe, Mexico, where the waters are teeming with marine life: mola mola, dolphins, rare beaked whales, fur seals and elephant seals. Witness close up the rarely filmed attack on a seal by a great white, shown in incredible detail from above and below the water’s surface. In the Mississippi River Valley, we find a great winged highway humming with traffic as bald eagles, peregrine falcons, ducks, songbirds, geese and pelicans search for food in this avian crossroads between the Gulf of Mexico and Canada or even the Arctic. And witness the incredible, beautiful sight of golden jellyfish of Palau on a race to follow the sun in their daily migration. The second hour, entitled ” Race To Survive”, show every spring in Botswana, hundreds of zebras leave the largest inland delta in the world to make a desperate 150-mile slog into hell – a desert of salt and sand – so their bodies can take in much-needed minerals. Off the coast of Alaska, we see the heartbreaking struggle of Pacific walrus who have become victims of earth’s changing climate. Traveling hundreds of miles along ice floes to reach their summer foraging ground, they find fewer and smaller floating ice chunks, unable to hold the walrus population that struggles to occupy these insufficient life rafts. In the untamed early days of the American West, the pronghorn antelope were plentiful and moved freely, proud and unconstrained. We watch one small herd of 200 that follows its ancient migration, traveling north in early spring from southern Wyoming, moving to lower elevations to follow the retreating snow line – a tough journey made even more difficult by human encroachment. Forty feet long and weighing up to 20 tons, the mysterious whale shark is the largest fish in the world. We join them as they have migrated to feast on the eggs of spawning fish. And in Borneo, a single, fragrant fig tree provides the impetus for a chaotic chorus of orangutans, red leaf monkeys, macaques and grey gibbons who travel from throughout the jungle to feast before the figs rot and drop to the forest floor.
Log on http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/great-migrations-episode-guide
Monday, November 15, 2010,
6-7 p.m. E/P
History Channel
Economics and U.S. History
Middle and High School
"Fort Knox: Secrets Revealed ”
The rise in gold proves is in the news currently, and this documentary and the link below explain part of its role in our economic life. The U.S. Bullion Depository, better known as Fort Knox, is home of the United States Army and one of the world's most top secret fortresses. Hidden deep inside the vault is an estimated $73 billion dollars in gold. Almost all information about it is classified. Through interviews with eyewitnesses, rare photos and rarely seen films, we will construct a picture of what the building might look like. Hear testimony of those journalists and congressmen who were among the select few invited inside in 1974. Discover the history and secrets behind the Army's tank warfare and the classified military technologies it will use to fight the wars of the future. TV-PG
Log on http://www.usmint.gov/about_the_mint/fun_facts/index.cfm?action=fun_facts13
Tuesday, November 16, 2010,
8-9 p.m. E/P
PBS
Word History and Science
Elementary, Middle and High School
" NOVA: Secrets of Stonehenge”
Granted exclusive access to the dig site at Bluestonehenge, England a prehistoric stone circle monument recently discovered about a mile from Stonehenge, this documentary’s cameras follow a new generation of researchers finding important clues to the enduring mystery of Stonehenge. Dated to the late Stone Age, Stonehenge may be the best-known and most mysterious relic of prehistory. Every year, a million visitors are drawn to England to gaze upon the famous circle of stones, but the monument’s meaning has continued to elude us. Now investigations inside and around Stonehenge have kicked off a dramatic new era of discovery and debate over who built Stonehenge and for what purpose. How did prehistoric people quarry, transport, sculpt and erect these giant stones?
Log on http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/secrets-stonehenge.html
Wednesday, November 17, 2010,
9-10 p.m. E/P
Science Channel
World History and Science
Elementary, Middle and High School
"Saturn: Lord of the Rings“
This is an astronomy documentary. July 1st, 2004, the Cassini-Huygens spacecraft arrived at Saturn to start its four year journey around the planet. It traveled closer to Saturn than any previous mission, passing between its rings, bringing us the most spectacular pictures to date. TV-G
Log on http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/science/index.cfm?SciencePageID=47
Thursday, November 18, 2010,
10-11 p.m. E/P
PBS
World History and Government
Middle and High School
"Athens: The Dawn Of Democracy “
In this initial hour of a two-part documentary, historian Bettany Hughes explores the contradictions of the "Golden Age" of ancient Athens, where democracy emerged nearly 2,500 years ago. Far from an environment of peace and tranquility, democratic Athens was a bloody, tumultuous place of both brilliant ideas and a repressive regime. While the period saw the rise of philosophy, the flourishing of the arts and the creation of a great political ideal, Athens also became a warlike state that carved out an empire to enrich itself, an empire that couldn't tolerate criticism. At the same time Athenians reached new intellectual heights, they practiced "black magic" and created a society where one in three Athenians was a slave. Women were denied the vote and rhetoricians practiced modern "spin control" as an integral part of democracy. No two years went by that Athenians didn't vote to go to war. Eventually the empire withered, to be crushed finally by Alexander the Great. It would be another 2,000 years before society was once again able to tolerate the idea of democracy — rule by the people. The second part of the miniseries airs in this timeslot on November 25.
Log on http://www.pbs.org/previews/athens
Friday, November 19, 2010,
7:30-8:30 p.m. E/P
Science Channel
Science and Technology
Elementary, Middle and High School
"How It’s Made”
This is a broadcast of two episodes of a documentary series about manufacturing techniques and jobs. Covered in the programs are: surfboards, stickers, sandwich cookies, concrete roofing tiles, motorcycle engines, glass, enamel sculptures, hand-made paper and vaulting poles. TV-G
Log on http://science.discovery.com/tv/how-its-made
Saturday, November 20, 2010,
8-10 p.m. E/P
Planet Green Channel
Health and Science
Middle and High School
"Supersize Me”
While examining the influence of the fast food industry, documentarian Morgan Spurlock personally explores the consequences on his health of a diet of solely McDonald's food for one month. TV-14
For news about the recent study "Evaluating Fast Food Nutrition and Marketing to Youth" log on http://adage.com/article?article_id=146960 For information about this documentary log on http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0390521
Friday, November 5, 2010
Media Menu, November 6, 2010
Here are home viewing suggestions for the week, selected from online advanced TV program listings and aligned with the state and national K-12 academic standards available online. Please consult local listings also, since actual broadcast times may vary. The Websites cited in the “Log on“ box below the tv listing provide further details about the show’s topic and may contain links to video clips from the show or a complete streaming video version of the show.
Saturday, November 6, 2010,
8-11 p.m. ET, 5-8 p.m. PT
TCM – Turner Classic Movie Channel
Literature and World History
Middle and High School
"Mutiny On The Bounty”
This is a movie version of the classic tale of the villainous British Navy Captain Bligh who drives his crew to revolt during a South Seas expedition. The movie is loosely based on a trilogy of novels – which are based on historical events - “Mutiny on the Bounty" , “Men Against the Sea” , and "Pitcairn's Island” by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall - available in one volume as “The Bounty Trilogy” . The novels show the tragic collision of two implacable personalities--William Bligh and Fletcher Christian. Both men were unquestionably capable, courageous, and born leaders. Mr. Bligh ruled by intimidation; Mr. Christian by persuasion. Arguably, it's a parable of two ages, two incompatible social attitudes--the stifling aristocracy of the 18th century, and the burgeoning democracy of the 19th--smashing head-on aboard a cramped vessel in the middle of the Pacific. Cast: Marlon Brando, Trevor Howard, and Richard Harris. TV-PG
Log on http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?stid=12737 and http://www.infoplease.com/spot/pitcairn.html
Sunday, November 7, 2010,
7-9 p.m. E/P
National Geographic Channel
Science
Middle and High School
"Great Migrations: Born To Move/Need To Breed”
Every day, millions of creatures are born into a life on the march, on the wing, on the run. They are migrants. Born to move. From the tiniest butterflies to the largest wildebeest, life itself hinges on these travelers ability to get up and go. The episodes in this documentary miniseries span the globe, revealing the most remarkable animal movements. In the initial hour, entitled “”Born To Move”, witness the migration of Christmas Island's red crabs; the wildebeest's arduous 300-mile trek; the monarch butterfly's flight across North America; and the sperm whale's life-long travels. The second episode, entitled “Need To Breed, deals with species' need to reproduce, the obstacles they overcome and the distances they travel to ensure future generations.
Log on http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/great-migrations-episode-guide
Monday, November 8, 2010,
8-9 p.m. E/P
NBC
U.S. History and Government
Middle and High School
"Matt Lauer Reports: George W. Bush book”
Former President George W. Bush discusses “Decision Points”, his upcoming book and the defining decisions he has made in his personal and political lives.
Log on http://today.msnbc.msn.com/cleanprint/CleanPrintProxy.aspx?1288899597970 and
Monday, November 8, 2010,
8-9 p.m. E/P
Science Channel
Science and Economics
Middle and High School
"Moon For Sale”
As the world's space powers gear up for what's been dubbed the 'second moon race', there's another, parallel, race to cash in on its resources and potential. This documentary looks at Russian, Chinese and American plans to return to the moon by 2020. TV-PG
Tuesday, November 9, 2010,
8-9 p.m. E/P
PBS
Science
Elementary, Middle and High School
"NOVA: Dogs Decoded”
This documentary investigates new discoveries in genetics that are illuminating the origin of dogs — with revealing implications for the evolution of human culture as well. Dogs have been domesticated for longer than any other animal on the planet, and humans have developed a unique relationship with these furry friends. We treat our pets like a part of the family, and we feel that they can understand us in a way other animals cannot. Now, new research is revealing what dog lovers have suspected all along: Dogs have an uncanny ability to read and respond to human emotions. What is surprising, however, is new research showing that humans, in turn, respond to dogs with the same hormone responsible for bonding mothers to their babies. How did this incredible relationship between humans and dogs come to be? And how can dogs, so closely related to fearsome wild wolves, behave so differently? It’s all in the genes. Dogs Decoded investigates new discoveries in genetics that are illuminating the origin of dogs—with revealing implications for the evolution of human culture as well. This program also travels to Siberia, where the mystery of dogs’ domestication is being repeated—in foxes. A 50-year-old breeding program is creating an entirely new kind of creature, a tame fox with some surprising similarities to man’s best friend. "Dogs Decoded" reveals the science behind the remarkable bond between humans and their dogs and spurs new questions about what this could mean for our relationships with other animal species.
Log on http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/nature/dogs-decoded.html
Wednesday, November 10, 2010,
9-10 p.m. E/P
CNBC Channel
Technology and Economics
Middle and High School
" Ford: Rebuilding An American Icon”
This documentary takes viewers on a story of one of the most remarkable and harrowing comebacks in business history. With the automaker’s full cooperation, correspondent Phil LeBeau spent months behind the scenes at Ford to tell the story of its surprising turnaround just a few short years after nearly collapsing. The documentary profiles Ford’s tireless and steel-nerved CEO, Alan Mulally, who took the reins in 2006 when Ford was in a nosedive, having lost $17 billion in that year alone. In a gamble to raise the money Ford would need to finance its turnaround, Mulally mortgaged nearly every asset the company owned—even the signature blue Ford logo. Yet unlike its rivals, General Motors and Chrysler, who staggered into Washington for taxpayer-funded lifelines, Ford saved itself without a dime of government bailout money. CNBC takes viewers inside the Thunderbird Room—the top-secret command center where Ford leadership orchestrated the comeback and from which they still manage the company today. The program takes advantage of the remarkable access to the company’s inner-workings, introducing viewers to an unlikely pair of engineers charged with breathing new life into a legendary but tarnished Ford nameplate, the Explorer. Once the top-selling SUV in America, the Explorer is now a distant third to the Honda Pilot and Kia Sorento, having weathered a devastating scandal involving defective tires, and then being pummeled by skyrocketing fuel prices that eroded the public’s appetite for SUV’s. The program travels with Ford as it unveils the new and improved Explorer—one of its largest and most critical product launches in the company’s history. CNBC also looks at Ford’s efforts to bring cutting edge technologies into the driver’s seat. Ford’s new features allow drivers to use voice commands and steering wheel controls to operate a variety of communication and entertainment devices such as phones, iPods, and navigation systems. Ford says these programs are designed to keep a driver’s eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, but some critics—including U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood —believe they are hazardous distractions. In his interview with LeBeau, Secretary LaHood goes so far as to advocate an outright ban of cell phones from cars. Cameras also travel to one of the frontlines of the brutally competitive global automotive industry, the rapidly expanding car market of South Asia. Ford’s toehold in India, where it is investing heavily, is small but tenacious, and the blue Ford oval is becoming increasingly commonplace on the crowded and exotic streets of the world’s fastest growing auto market. The program also profiles the Ford family, which unlike many other famous American business dynasties, has never given up its hold on its company, despite an unfortunate and well-established knack for turning boom into bust.
Log on http://warbirdsofww2.tripod.com/intro.htm
Wednesday, November 10, 2010,
9-11 p.m. E/P
History Channel
U.S. and World History
Middle and High School
"WWII In HD: The Air War”
This documentary presents the untold story of the American 8th Air Force’s bloody battle to defeat the German Luftwaffe in the months leading up to D-Day. Told through first person accounts of three American airmen and Stars & Stripes reporter Andy Rooney, The film showcases aerial combat – original, color footage, never before seen by most Americans – of the B-17s “Flying Fortresses”, P-47 “Thunderbolts” and P-51 “Mustangs” on missions such as Regensburg, Schweinfurt and Berlin. Never-before-seen 8mm footage of the airmen on the bases, the devastation in Germany, and the Luftwaffe perspective is also highlighted. Flying 25,000 feet above the earth in oxygen-devoid air, and temperatures as low as 50 below zero, the 8th Air Force fought a war unlike anything ever before experienced. By the end, they would suffer more than 26,000 combat deaths – more than the US Marines lost in all of World War II. This two-hour special is narrated by Emmy® nominated actor, Rob Lowe. Characters are voiced by: Casey Affleck (as B-17 bombardier Joe Armanini); Sean Astin (as P-47 fighter pilot Steve Pisanos); Chris O’Donnell (as B-17 pilot John Gibbons); Elijah Wood (as Stars & Stripes reporter Andy Rooney)
Log on http://warbirdsofww2.tripod.com/intro.htm
Thursday, November 11, 2010,
10-11:30 p.m. E/P (check local listings)
PBS
U.S. and World History
Middle and High School
"Medal Of Honor”
Airing on the occasion of the observance of Veteran’s Day, this documentary tells the story of the Medal of Honor - the highest U.S. award for valor in combat - told through personal accounts of bravery and daring. The medal, dating from Civil War through the war in Iraq today, is presented to individuals for service "above and beyond the call of duty." Most have been awarded posthumously, yet in this film 13 living recipients tell their inconceivable stories. This documentary about finding courage and succeeding against overwhelming odds transports audiences to the battlegrounds of Little Round Top, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq.
Log on http://www.pbs.org/medalofhonor
Friday, November 12, 2010,
9-10 p.m. E/P
History Channel
Technology and Economics
Elementary, Middle and High School
"Modern Marvels: Coin Operated II”
Tens of millions of them all over the world... Soda and snack machines, parking meters and payphones, video games and vending machines... They're everywhere we look. And they all use coins--but for how long? This documentary examines the historic one-armed bandits and the 21st century, cutting edge, computerized slot machines that occupy Vegas casinos and get an exclusive look at their inner workings in a never-before-seen factory in Reno, Nevada. Search out some of the wackiest, strangest vending machines on the planet that sell everything from bottles of wine to dog washes. Get a close-up look at the famous binoculars located at popular tourist sites around the world, as well as a unique company that collects and cleans the coins thrown into fountains for good luck. But it all starts and ends in the historic halls of the U.S. Mint, where coins are made and destroyed. Will coins one day become obsolete? In an age of debit cards, text messages, and wireless transfers, it may seem like cold hard cash is going out of style, but there's one place where small change is still big business ... where the potential power of the coin is revered.
Saturday, November 13, 2010,
8-10 p.m. E/P
History Channel
Science and U.S. History
Middle and High School
"Black Blizzard”
This documentary takes a front row seat on a period of U.S. environmental history from 1930-1940 when America's heartland was ravaged by a weather phenomenon that became known as a "black blizzard." Watch as scientists and special effects experts recreate the black blizzards in amazing detail and reveal that this was a man-made disaster. Discover how these phenomena form, what they're made of, and how they affect people's health and the environment. Learn how a black blizzard emerged so ferociously that it seemed like a moving mountain range creating enough static electricity to power New York City. Hear the story of the people who refused to leave their land and learn the history of the Great Plains and how it came to be settled. TV-PG
Log on http://www.drought.unl.edu/whatis/dustbowl.htm
Saturday, November 6, 2010,
8-11 p.m. ET, 5-8 p.m. PT
TCM – Turner Classic Movie Channel
Literature and World History
Middle and High School
"Mutiny On The Bounty”
This is a movie version of the classic tale of the villainous British Navy Captain Bligh who drives his crew to revolt during a South Seas expedition. The movie is loosely based on a trilogy of novels – which are based on historical events - “Mutiny on the Bounty" , “Men Against the Sea” , and "Pitcairn's Island” by Charles Nordhoff and James Norman Hall - available in one volume as “The Bounty Trilogy” . The novels show the tragic collision of two implacable personalities--William Bligh and Fletcher Christian. Both men were unquestionably capable, courageous, and born leaders. Mr. Bligh ruled by intimidation; Mr. Christian by persuasion. Arguably, it's a parable of two ages, two incompatible social attitudes--the stifling aristocracy of the 18th century, and the burgeoning democracy of the 19th--smashing head-on aboard a cramped vessel in the middle of the Pacific. Cast: Marlon Brando, Trevor Howard, and Richard Harris. TV-PG
Log on http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jsp?stid=12737 and http://www.infoplease.com/spot/pitcairn.html
Sunday, November 7, 2010,
7-9 p.m. E/P
National Geographic Channel
Science
Middle and High School
"Great Migrations: Born To Move/Need To Breed”
Every day, millions of creatures are born into a life on the march, on the wing, on the run. They are migrants. Born to move. From the tiniest butterflies to the largest wildebeest, life itself hinges on these travelers ability to get up and go. The episodes in this documentary miniseries span the globe, revealing the most remarkable animal movements. In the initial hour, entitled “”Born To Move”, witness the migration of Christmas Island's red crabs; the wildebeest's arduous 300-mile trek; the monarch butterfly's flight across North America; and the sperm whale's life-long travels. The second episode, entitled “Need To Breed, deals with species' need to reproduce, the obstacles they overcome and the distances they travel to ensure future generations.
Log on http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/great-migrations-episode-guide
Monday, November 8, 2010,
8-9 p.m. E/P
NBC
U.S. History and Government
Middle and High School
"Matt Lauer Reports: George W. Bush book”
Former President George W. Bush discusses “Decision Points”, his upcoming book and the defining decisions he has made in his personal and political lives.
Log on http://today.msnbc.msn.com/cleanprint/CleanPrintProxy.aspx?1288899597970 and
Monday, November 8, 2010,
8-9 p.m. E/P
Science Channel
Science and Economics
Middle and High School
"Moon For Sale”
As the world's space powers gear up for what's been dubbed the 'second moon race', there's another, parallel, race to cash in on its resources and potential. This documentary looks at Russian, Chinese and American plans to return to the moon by 2020. TV-PG
Tuesday, November 9, 2010,
8-9 p.m. E/P
PBS
Science
Elementary, Middle and High School
"NOVA: Dogs Decoded”
This documentary investigates new discoveries in genetics that are illuminating the origin of dogs — with revealing implications for the evolution of human culture as well. Dogs have been domesticated for longer than any other animal on the planet, and humans have developed a unique relationship with these furry friends. We treat our pets like a part of the family, and we feel that they can understand us in a way other animals cannot. Now, new research is revealing what dog lovers have suspected all along: Dogs have an uncanny ability to read and respond to human emotions. What is surprising, however, is new research showing that humans, in turn, respond to dogs with the same hormone responsible for bonding mothers to their babies. How did this incredible relationship between humans and dogs come to be? And how can dogs, so closely related to fearsome wild wolves, behave so differently? It’s all in the genes. Dogs Decoded investigates new discoveries in genetics that are illuminating the origin of dogs—with revealing implications for the evolution of human culture as well. This program also travels to Siberia, where the mystery of dogs’ domestication is being repeated—in foxes. A 50-year-old breeding program is creating an entirely new kind of creature, a tame fox with some surprising similarities to man’s best friend. "Dogs Decoded" reveals the science behind the remarkable bond between humans and their dogs and spurs new questions about what this could mean for our relationships with other animal species.
Log on http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/nature/dogs-decoded.html
Wednesday, November 10, 2010,
9-10 p.m. E/P
CNBC Channel
Technology and Economics
Middle and High School
" Ford: Rebuilding An American Icon”
This documentary takes viewers on a story of one of the most remarkable and harrowing comebacks in business history. With the automaker’s full cooperation, correspondent Phil LeBeau spent months behind the scenes at Ford to tell the story of its surprising turnaround just a few short years after nearly collapsing. The documentary profiles Ford’s tireless and steel-nerved CEO, Alan Mulally, who took the reins in 2006 when Ford was in a nosedive, having lost $17 billion in that year alone. In a gamble to raise the money Ford would need to finance its turnaround, Mulally mortgaged nearly every asset the company owned—even the signature blue Ford logo. Yet unlike its rivals, General Motors and Chrysler, who staggered into Washington for taxpayer-funded lifelines, Ford saved itself without a dime of government bailout money. CNBC takes viewers inside the Thunderbird Room—the top-secret command center where Ford leadership orchestrated the comeback and from which they still manage the company today. The program takes advantage of the remarkable access to the company’s inner-workings, introducing viewers to an unlikely pair of engineers charged with breathing new life into a legendary but tarnished Ford nameplate, the Explorer. Once the top-selling SUV in America, the Explorer is now a distant third to the Honda Pilot and Kia Sorento, having weathered a devastating scandal involving defective tires, and then being pummeled by skyrocketing fuel prices that eroded the public’s appetite for SUV’s. The program travels with Ford as it unveils the new and improved Explorer—one of its largest and most critical product launches in the company’s history. CNBC also looks at Ford’s efforts to bring cutting edge technologies into the driver’s seat. Ford’s new features allow drivers to use voice commands and steering wheel controls to operate a variety of communication and entertainment devices such as phones, iPods, and navigation systems. Ford says these programs are designed to keep a driver’s eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, but some critics—including U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood —believe they are hazardous distractions. In his interview with LeBeau, Secretary LaHood goes so far as to advocate an outright ban of cell phones from cars. Cameras also travel to one of the frontlines of the brutally competitive global automotive industry, the rapidly expanding car market of South Asia. Ford’s toehold in India, where it is investing heavily, is small but tenacious, and the blue Ford oval is becoming increasingly commonplace on the crowded and exotic streets of the world’s fastest growing auto market. The program also profiles the Ford family, which unlike many other famous American business dynasties, has never given up its hold on its company, despite an unfortunate and well-established knack for turning boom into bust.
Log on http://warbirdsofww2.tripod.com/intro.htm
Wednesday, November 10, 2010,
9-11 p.m. E/P
History Channel
U.S. and World History
Middle and High School
"WWII In HD: The Air War”
This documentary presents the untold story of the American 8th Air Force’s bloody battle to defeat the German Luftwaffe in the months leading up to D-Day. Told through first person accounts of three American airmen and Stars & Stripes reporter Andy Rooney, The film showcases aerial combat – original, color footage, never before seen by most Americans – of the B-17s “Flying Fortresses”, P-47 “Thunderbolts” and P-51 “Mustangs” on missions such as Regensburg, Schweinfurt and Berlin. Never-before-seen 8mm footage of the airmen on the bases, the devastation in Germany, and the Luftwaffe perspective is also highlighted. Flying 25,000 feet above the earth in oxygen-devoid air, and temperatures as low as 50 below zero, the 8th Air Force fought a war unlike anything ever before experienced. By the end, they would suffer more than 26,000 combat deaths – more than the US Marines lost in all of World War II. This two-hour special is narrated by Emmy® nominated actor, Rob Lowe. Characters are voiced by: Casey Affleck (as B-17 bombardier Joe Armanini); Sean Astin (as P-47 fighter pilot Steve Pisanos); Chris O’Donnell (as B-17 pilot John Gibbons); Elijah Wood (as Stars & Stripes reporter Andy Rooney)
Log on http://warbirdsofww2.tripod.com/intro.htm
Thursday, November 11, 2010,
10-11:30 p.m. E/P (check local listings)
PBS
U.S. and World History
Middle and High School
"Medal Of Honor”
Airing on the occasion of the observance of Veteran’s Day, this documentary tells the story of the Medal of Honor - the highest U.S. award for valor in combat - told through personal accounts of bravery and daring. The medal, dating from Civil War through the war in Iraq today, is presented to individuals for service "above and beyond the call of duty." Most have been awarded posthumously, yet in this film 13 living recipients tell their inconceivable stories. This documentary about finding courage and succeeding against overwhelming odds transports audiences to the battlegrounds of Little Round Top, World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq.
Log on http://www.pbs.org/medalofhonor
Friday, November 12, 2010,
9-10 p.m. E/P
History Channel
Technology and Economics
Elementary, Middle and High School
"Modern Marvels: Coin Operated II”
Tens of millions of them all over the world... Soda and snack machines, parking meters and payphones, video games and vending machines... They're everywhere we look. And they all use coins--but for how long? This documentary examines the historic one-armed bandits and the 21st century, cutting edge, computerized slot machines that occupy Vegas casinos and get an exclusive look at their inner workings in a never-before-seen factory in Reno, Nevada. Search out some of the wackiest, strangest vending machines on the planet that sell everything from bottles of wine to dog washes. Get a close-up look at the famous binoculars located at popular tourist sites around the world, as well as a unique company that collects and cleans the coins thrown into fountains for good luck. But it all starts and ends in the historic halls of the U.S. Mint, where coins are made and destroyed. Will coins one day become obsolete? In an age of debit cards, text messages, and wireless transfers, it may seem like cold hard cash is going out of style, but there's one place where small change is still big business ... where the potential power of the coin is revered.
Saturday, November 13, 2010,
8-10 p.m. E/P
History Channel
Science and U.S. History
Middle and High School
"Black Blizzard”
This documentary takes a front row seat on a period of U.S. environmental history from 1930-1940 when America's heartland was ravaged by a weather phenomenon that became known as a "black blizzard." Watch as scientists and special effects experts recreate the black blizzards in amazing detail and reveal that this was a man-made disaster. Discover how these phenomena form, what they're made of, and how they affect people's health and the environment. Learn how a black blizzard emerged so ferociously that it seemed like a moving mountain range creating enough static electricity to power New York City. Hear the story of the people who refused to leave their land and learn the history of the Great Plains and how it came to be settled. TV-PG
Log on http://www.drought.unl.edu/whatis/dustbowl.htm
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