Some broadcast and cable programs contain material included in the public school curriculum and on standardized examinations. Here are viewing suggestions for November 1-7, 2004.

The topic of this week's Media Hour is If I was in charge! If you were your nation's boss -- or boss of the place you or your parents work, or even your school -- what would you do with the power you have? We might talk about what Presidents of countries and companies do, what principals do, and so on. Watch "Back to the Floor" on Wednesday to see how one boss handles coming to work with his employees.

What's the Media Hour? Watch the show(s)-of-the-week, jot down some ideas, then come and talk about them with me and other citizens (including other City Workers, if they're available). We get together at the Greek Theater (next to City Hall), every Saturday morning at noon, Whyville Time. You'll find that the Theater makes discussions pretty easy, since City Workers are able to direct people's movement and behavior, when we need to, and it makes everyone's chat bubbles overlap a little less than other rooms.

Monday, November 1

"Animal Icons: Political Animals" (Social Studies and Natural History, Elementary, Middle and High School, Animal Planet Channel, 8-9 p.m. E/P, repeating 9-10 p.m. E/P) This documentary combines a civics and natural history lesson. You'll find out why donkeys and elephants are symbols for the biggest political parties in the U.S. The program includes interviews filmed at the Republican and Democratic conventions with celebrities and delegates discussing the animal kingdom's role in world politics.

Tuesday, November 2

"2004 Election" (Current Events, Elementary, Middle and High School, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS and most cable news networks, 5pm-midnight, E/P) All major broadcasters will be carrying local, state and national election news. One interesting variation will be the Comedy Channel where "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart" will be on at its regular hour -- 10-11 p.m. E/P -- with a report entitled "Election Night 2004: Prelude To A Recount." Their "fake news" may in fact be the BEST news on television -- because they're not afraid to ask hard questions of the candidates, and mock their answers. In fact, "The Daily Show" has received an Emmy Award and a prestigious George Foster Peabody Award for its coverage of the race for the White House. Senator Bob Dole served as the series' Guest Political Commentator. Senator John Edwards announced his intention to run for the Democratic Presidential nomination on "The Daily Show" during an appearance on September 15, 2003. The program's web address is http://www.comedycentral.com.

Wednesday, November 3

"National Geographic Special: Last Stand Of The Great Bear" (Natural Science, Elementary, Middle and High School, PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/P) This is a documentary about one of the largest intact temperate rainforests in North America, a place conservationists call Great Bear. On Canada's Pacific coast north of Vancouver, grizzlies, black bears and wolves roam this ancient forest, and dolphins, seals and killer whales patrol its myriad inlets and bays. Wild salmon runs in the midst of it all -- connecting the forest with the sea. Now, with the Great Bear rainforest under threat from logging, scientists are racing to prove that the place is so extraordinary that it must be better protected.

"Back To The Floor" (Economics and Mathematics, High School, PBS, 10:30-11 p.m. E/P, check local listings) Although this program is on late and should probably be taped for later viewing, it covers a topic know to lots of students: fast food jobs. You'll see Burger King General Manager Eric Bonnot trying to win the battle of the burgers in England, despite the challenges posed by Mad Cow disease and tough competitors. To find out how the business works 'on the floor' he undergoes some basic training at the busy new Burger King restaurant in Liverpool, he begins grilling whoppers, frying fries and serving customers. However, his lack of experience soon begins to show. His colleagues support him, but make sure he's aware of the realities of their working. He has established the goal -- and is leading the corporate effort -- to grow the fast-food chain from more than 650 locations to over 1,000 in the U.K. "A lot of companies spend a lot of money and work with expensive consultants to understand what happens at their shop or at their business," Bonnot says. "I see here a unique opportunity to go and see for myself." At the Liverpool Burger King, where staff is resentful at having to do extra cleaning for Bonnot's visit, workers are already rooting against the top dog. One employee sneers, "I hope by the end of the week he's gone home and he's absolutely knackered."

Thursday, November 4

"Identity Theft: the Michelle Brown Story" (Economics, Social Studies, High School, Lifetime Channel, 8-10 p.m. E/P) This movie is based on a true story. Every six seconds in America, someone's identity is stolen. In this incidence, it took an incredible turn when the identity "thief," not only stole all of Michelle Brown's information and wracked up thousands of dollars in debt but also became so obsessed with her that she wanted to become her. " Starring Jason London, Anabella Sciorra and Kimberly Williams-Paisley. For a recent news report summarizing this national problem log on to http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/24/business/yourmoney/24theft.html.

Friday, November 5

"Modern Marvels: Codes" (Mathematics, World History, Middle and High School, History Channel, 7-8 p.m. E/P) This documentary covers the development of codes -- communicating with secret symbols -- from Egyptian hieroglyphics to Caesar's encrypted directives, from WWI and WWII codebreakers to cyberspace- Whenever a culture reaches a level of sophistication in literacy, science, and language, codes spring up spontaneously. As the social life of a community increases in complexity, the demands for private communication between two or more people inevitably lead to cryptology -- a system of secret symbolic messages.

"Dateline NBC: Weighing The Risks" (Health Science, Middle and High School, NBC, 8-9 p.m. E/P) In this newsmagazine, reporter Al Roker reports on his health since his documented gastric bypass surgery; and the dangers and benefits involved in the procedure for obese people of all ages -- from teens to adults.

Saturday November 6

"Dig!" (Music, Economics, High School, Sundance Channel, 9-10:30 p.m. E/P, Rated TV-14 for adult situations) This documentary won the 2004 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize. It's about the contemporary rock music scene -- focusing on the complicated love/hate relationship between two West Coast bands. Courtney Taylor of Portland, Oregon's The Dandy Warhols greatly admires Anton Newcombe, the rebellious creative force behind San Francisco's The Brian Jonestown Massacre. However, professional respect wass eventually compromised after the Oregon band snagged a recording contract and was accused of selling out.

Sunday, November 7

"Dateline NBC" (Health Science, Elementary, Middle and High School, NBC, 8-9 p.m. E/P) The main story in this newsmagazine is a report on school cafeteria cleanliness across the country.

"The True Story Of Alexander The Great" (World History, Middle and High School, History Channel, 8-11 p.m. E/P, Rated TVPG) This documentary is about a 20-year-old military commander from Northern Greece set out in 334 B.C. to conquer the known world. During the next 12 years, King Alexander of Macedon led 40,000 troops more than 20,000 miles, defeated the world's most powerful ruler, King Darius of Persia, and conquered West Asia. before dying at age 32. How could one man accomplish so much at such a young age? What led to his demise? These questions drive our analysis of Alexander's complex character, delicately balanced between genius and insanity. The program follows Alexander from his birth in Greece, through his education as a student of Aristotle, through his campaign of conquest across continents and finally to his tragic death and the destruction of his empire. It fulfills the following standards as outlined by the National Council for History Education: Civilization, Cultural Diffusion and Innovation, and Patterns of Social and Political Development.

"Masterpiece Theatre: Henry VIII" (World History, High School, PBS, 9-10:30 p.m. E/P, Tape delayed version for the west coast airs from 10-11 p.m. PT.) This is a dramatic miniseries about 16th Century England's cruel and colorful monarch who married six times and founded a new religion. In love with the beautiful Anne Boleyn and eager to produce a male heir, King Henry VIII seeks an annulment from his Spanish wife, Katherine of Aragon. When the pope objects, Henry breaks from the Catholic Church and banishes Katherine, leaving her powerless. Their daughter, Mary, is declared illegitimate. Henry marries Anne, who gives birth to a daughter, Elizabeth, and thereafter suffers several miscarriages. Anne, falsely accused, is convicted of adultery and condemned to death. Henry, now in love with Jane Seymour, offers Anne the option of an annulment. If she accepts, Elizabeth will be labeled illegitimate. Anne would rather die than allow this to happen. Part 2 airs November 14. Visit the official website at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/, and read the #times_article( 4634 )article by penny305 in this week's Times!