Happy Thanksgiving to all of you, Americans and otherwise! And Happy Harry Potter Weekend too!
Watch the shows and let me know what you think! Email me, the MediaWiz of Whyville!
Saturday, November 17 Beneath the Veil The Human Edge
Sunday, November 18 CBS News Sunday Morning Animals Behaving Badly People in the News -- Harry Potter Grey Owl
Monday, November 19 Minute by Minute: Mt. St. Helen's Eruption
Tuesday, November 20 Sworn to Secrecy: The O.S.S. Life's Greatest Miracle
Wednesday, November 21 Building the Impossible: the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World Destination Mars: Dreaming of Mars
Thursday, November 22 The History of Thanksgiving
Friday, November 16 "Life 360: Leaving Home" (PBS, 9-10 p.m. E/P) This is an episode in a program series about how artistic expression can be used to comment on our modern life -- in this particular case it's a look at ways in which leaving home is both a beginning and an end. You'll see how some comedians, filmmakers, performance artists, writers and musicians look at this important episode in everybody's lives. Saturday, November 17 "Beneath The Veil" (CNN, 2-3 p.m. ET, 11 a.m. - noon PT) This documentary, filmed with hidden cameras by a very brave Afghan emigre who got back into her country during Taliban rule to record the life of women, shows how far that nation will have to go to restore social and political rights -- even minus the Taliban' s influence. Repeats Thanksgiving Day 2-3 p.m. ET, 11 a.m.-noon PT. "The Human Edge" (National Geographic Channel, 8-9 p.m. E/P) This science newsmagazine reports on what you might call "additions" to our bodies -- in this episode it's "G-suits" the latest military flight gear for protecting fliers from extreme conditions. There's also a report on 'smart cars' that could make accidents a thing of the past, and a look at the portable machine that can jolt a heart attack victim back to life. Sunday, November 18 "CBS News Sunday Morning" (CBS, 9-10:30 a.m. E/P) Known for its level-headed reporting of stories that other TV newsmagazines often get all wrong, this program will present a report, rather technical in emphasis, on air travel safety in the U.S. Also, for people who think that history sometimes repeats itself, there will be a report comparing George W. Bush and an earlier "cowboy" president, Theodore Roosevelt (the "Rough Rider"). "Animals Behaving Badly" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/T) This episode of the "Nova" science documentary series is somewhat misnamed. The bad guys in this show are really the humans who have invaded various animals' habitats -- building tract homes, parking lots and golf courses there. No wonder geese interrupt golf games, snakes appear in ceiling structures, beavers mess up the backyard, and elephant seals take up people's parking spaces. "People In The News -- Harry Potter" (CNN, 8:30 - 9 p.m. ET. 5:30:-6 p.m. PT) This documentary, in a series usually about real people, reports this time on a fictional person who has somehow become more than real. Repeats Thanksgiving Day 8-8:30 p.m. ET , 5-5:30 p.m. PT. "Grey Owl" (Hallmark Channel, 9-11 p.m. E/P) This movie, based on book of the same name, is the true story of a British man who adopts the identity of a Native American trapper. Inspired by an Ojibway tribeswoman he married in the wilderness of Canada in 1934, he became famous as an early environmental activist and wrote a best-seller about the dangers of industrialization upon nature. Because this is about a man with charisma, I thought I'd mention that the title role is played by Pierce Brosnan, of James Bond fame. Monday, November 19 "Minute By Minute: Mount St. Helen's Eruption" (A&E Network 10-11 p.m. E/P) True to the series title suggesting you'll see very detailed accounts of certain natural and historical events, this documentary shows volcanic blasts that scorched wooded mountain ridges down to bedrock, incinerated campers trying to outrun the maelstrom and nearly drowned people 25 miles away in flood from melted glaciers. Scientists who arrived early in the eruption process vanished in the later blasts. There's an excellent website devoted to this geological event at http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/msh. Tuesday, November 20 "Sworn To Secrecy: The O.S.S" (History Channel, 3-4 p.m. E/P) This documentary about a topic in the news lately, spying on enemy territory, shows how American agents were recruited and trained to function on the 'invisible battlefield" during WWII. In those days, 'intelligence gathering' meant wading through swamps., not flipping through satellite pictures. Recent events have taught us that we should go back to doing things the old fashioned ways you'll see in this program. "Life's Greatest Miracle" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/P) Back in 1983 a Swedish scientific photographer, Lennart Nilsson made an Emmy-winning documentary for PBS's "Nova" series which told the story of life from conception to birth. Over the last 2 decades the pace of discovery in embryology and fertilization has been rapid. In this program new microscopy is used to show transformation of a few cells into 3 layers from which all of the body's organs will emerge -- and computer animation shows what goes on deep inside cells as master genes switch on and off to orchestrate crucial timing of a baby's development. For further info log on www.pbs.org/nova/miracle. Wednesday, November 21 "Building The Impossible: the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World" (Discovery Channel, 8-10 p.m.E/P) The designation of the structures in this documentary as "ancient wonders" suggests that we have a better standard for designating wonders in our times. But upon seeing the engineering used to build things like Colossus at Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Pyramids of Egypt, one can't but marvel at how their builders were able to wring such fabulous results from such minimal technical equipment. No wonder some people think magic was involved and can't understand how folks dressed in sheets, working with sharpened wooden sticks went ahead and built structures whose beauty and durability we've never been able to duplicate. "Destination Mars: Dreaming Of Mars" (The Learning Channel, 10-11 p.m. E/P) This documentary examines previous failed Mars missions -- the unmanned $1 billion Mars Observer lost 3 days before landing, the explosion of the Mars Lander due to miscalculations by U.S. and European scientists. It also looks at the successful Mars Pathfinder project and the effort underway to land a man (or woman) there in 2 decades. Thursday, November 22 "The History Of Thanksgiving" (History Channel, 8-9 a.m. E/P repeating 2-3 p.m E/P) As usual with any peek into the background of a famous holiday, there are surprises (for some) in this documentary. For instance, Abe Lincoln, not the Pilgrims, designated this one to be a big deal -- a National Holiday. Also, disagreements are revealed about the original food and customs involved.
"Life 360: Leaving Home" (PBS, 9-10 p.m. E/P) This is an episode in a program series about how artistic expression can be used to comment on our modern life -- in this particular case it's a look at ways in which leaving home is both a beginning and an end. You'll see how some comedians, filmmakers, performance artists, writers and musicians look at this important episode in everybody's lives. Saturday, November 17 "Beneath The Veil" (CNN, 2-3 p.m. ET, 11 a.m. - noon PT) This documentary, filmed with hidden cameras by a very brave Afghan emigre who got back into her country during Taliban rule to record the life of women, shows how far that nation will have to go to restore social and political rights -- even minus the Taliban' s influence. Repeats Thanksgiving Day 2-3 p.m. ET, 11 a.m.-noon PT. "The Human Edge" (National Geographic Channel, 8-9 p.m. E/P) This science newsmagazine reports on what you might call "additions" to our bodies -- in this episode it's "G-suits" the latest military flight gear for protecting fliers from extreme conditions. There's also a report on 'smart cars' that could make accidents a thing of the past, and a look at the portable machine that can jolt a heart attack victim back to life. Sunday, November 18 "CBS News Sunday Morning" (CBS, 9-10:30 a.m. E/P) Known for its level-headed reporting of stories that other TV newsmagazines often get all wrong, this program will present a report, rather technical in emphasis, on air travel safety in the U.S. Also, for people who think that history sometimes repeats itself, there will be a report comparing George W. Bush and an earlier "cowboy" president, Theodore Roosevelt (the "Rough Rider"). "Animals Behaving Badly" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/T) This episode of the "Nova" science documentary series is somewhat misnamed. The bad guys in this show are really the humans who have invaded various animals' habitats -- building tract homes, parking lots and golf courses there. No wonder geese interrupt golf games, snakes appear in ceiling structures, beavers mess up the backyard, and elephant seals take up people's parking spaces. "People In The News -- Harry Potter" (CNN, 8:30 - 9 p.m. ET. 5:30:-6 p.m. PT) This documentary, in a series usually about real people, reports this time on a fictional person who has somehow become more than real. Repeats Thanksgiving Day 8-8:30 p.m. ET , 5-5:30 p.m. PT. "Grey Owl" (Hallmark Channel, 9-11 p.m. E/P) This movie, based on book of the same name, is the true story of a British man who adopts the identity of a Native American trapper. Inspired by an Ojibway tribeswoman he married in the wilderness of Canada in 1934, he became famous as an early environmental activist and wrote a best-seller about the dangers of industrialization upon nature. Because this is about a man with charisma, I thought I'd mention that the title role is played by Pierce Brosnan, of James Bond fame. Monday, November 19 "Minute By Minute: Mount St. Helen's Eruption" (A&E Network 10-11 p.m. E/P) True to the series title suggesting you'll see very detailed accounts of certain natural and historical events, this documentary shows volcanic blasts that scorched wooded mountain ridges down to bedrock, incinerated campers trying to outrun the maelstrom and nearly drowned people 25 miles away in flood from melted glaciers. Scientists who arrived early in the eruption process vanished in the later blasts. There's an excellent website devoted to this geological event at http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/msh. Tuesday, November 20 "Sworn To Secrecy: The O.S.S" (History Channel, 3-4 p.m. E/P) This documentary about a topic in the news lately, spying on enemy territory, shows how American agents were recruited and trained to function on the 'invisible battlefield" during WWII. In those days, 'intelligence gathering' meant wading through swamps., not flipping through satellite pictures. Recent events have taught us that we should go back to doing things the old fashioned ways you'll see in this program. "Life's Greatest Miracle" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/P) Back in 1983 a Swedish scientific photographer, Lennart Nilsson made an Emmy-winning documentary for PBS's "Nova" series which told the story of life from conception to birth. Over the last 2 decades the pace of discovery in embryology and fertilization has been rapid. In this program new microscopy is used to show transformation of a few cells into 3 layers from which all of the body's organs will emerge -- and computer animation shows what goes on deep inside cells as master genes switch on and off to orchestrate crucial timing of a baby's development. For further info log on www.pbs.org/nova/miracle. Wednesday, November 21 "Building The Impossible: the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World" (Discovery Channel, 8-10 p.m.E/P) The designation of the structures in this documentary as "ancient wonders" suggests that we have a better standard for designating wonders in our times. But upon seeing the engineering used to build things like Colossus at Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Pyramids of Egypt, one can't but marvel at how their builders were able to wring such fabulous results from such minimal technical equipment. No wonder some people think magic was involved and can't understand how folks dressed in sheets, working with sharpened wooden sticks went ahead and built structures whose beauty and durability we've never been able to duplicate. "Destination Mars: Dreaming Of Mars" (The Learning Channel, 10-11 p.m. E/P) This documentary examines previous failed Mars missions -- the unmanned $1 billion Mars Observer lost 3 days before landing, the explosion of the Mars Lander due to miscalculations by U.S. and European scientists. It also looks at the successful Mars Pathfinder project and the effort underway to land a man (or woman) there in 2 decades. Thursday, November 22 "The History Of Thanksgiving" (History Channel, 8-9 a.m. E/P repeating 2-3 p.m E/P) As usual with any peek into the background of a famous holiday, there are surprises (for some) in this documentary. For instance, Abe Lincoln, not the Pilgrims, designated this one to be a big deal -- a National Holiday. Also, disagreements are revealed about the original food and customs involved.
Saturday, November 17 "Beneath The Veil" (CNN, 2-3 p.m. ET, 11 a.m. - noon PT) This documentary, filmed with hidden cameras by a very brave Afghan emigre who got back into her country during Taliban rule to record the life of women, shows how far that nation will have to go to restore social and political rights -- even minus the Taliban' s influence. Repeats Thanksgiving Day 2-3 p.m. ET, 11 a.m.-noon PT. "The Human Edge" (National Geographic Channel, 8-9 p.m. E/P) This science newsmagazine reports on what you might call "additions" to our bodies -- in this episode it's "G-suits" the latest military flight gear for protecting fliers from extreme conditions. There's also a report on 'smart cars' that could make accidents a thing of the past, and a look at the portable machine that can jolt a heart attack victim back to life. Sunday, November 18 "CBS News Sunday Morning" (CBS, 9-10:30 a.m. E/P) Known for its level-headed reporting of stories that other TV newsmagazines often get all wrong, this program will present a report, rather technical in emphasis, on air travel safety in the U.S. Also, for people who think that history sometimes repeats itself, there will be a report comparing George W. Bush and an earlier "cowboy" president, Theodore Roosevelt (the "Rough Rider"). "Animals Behaving Badly" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/T) This episode of the "Nova" science documentary series is somewhat misnamed. The bad guys in this show are really the humans who have invaded various animals' habitats -- building tract homes, parking lots and golf courses there. No wonder geese interrupt golf games, snakes appear in ceiling structures, beavers mess up the backyard, and elephant seals take up people's parking spaces. "People In The News -- Harry Potter" (CNN, 8:30 - 9 p.m. ET. 5:30:-6 p.m. PT) This documentary, in a series usually about real people, reports this time on a fictional person who has somehow become more than real. Repeats Thanksgiving Day 8-8:30 p.m. ET , 5-5:30 p.m. PT. "Grey Owl" (Hallmark Channel, 9-11 p.m. E/P) This movie, based on book of the same name, is the true story of a British man who adopts the identity of a Native American trapper. Inspired by an Ojibway tribeswoman he married in the wilderness of Canada in 1934, he became famous as an early environmental activist and wrote a best-seller about the dangers of industrialization upon nature. Because this is about a man with charisma, I thought I'd mention that the title role is played by Pierce Brosnan, of James Bond fame. Monday, November 19 "Minute By Minute: Mount St. Helen's Eruption" (A&E Network 10-11 p.m. E/P) True to the series title suggesting you'll see very detailed accounts of certain natural and historical events, this documentary shows volcanic blasts that scorched wooded mountain ridges down to bedrock, incinerated campers trying to outrun the maelstrom and nearly drowned people 25 miles away in flood from melted glaciers. Scientists who arrived early in the eruption process vanished in the later blasts. There's an excellent website devoted to this geological event at http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/msh. Tuesday, November 20 "Sworn To Secrecy: The O.S.S" (History Channel, 3-4 p.m. E/P) This documentary about a topic in the news lately, spying on enemy territory, shows how American agents were recruited and trained to function on the 'invisible battlefield" during WWII. In those days, 'intelligence gathering' meant wading through swamps., not flipping through satellite pictures. Recent events have taught us that we should go back to doing things the old fashioned ways you'll see in this program. "Life's Greatest Miracle" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/P) Back in 1983 a Swedish scientific photographer, Lennart Nilsson made an Emmy-winning documentary for PBS's "Nova" series which told the story of life from conception to birth. Over the last 2 decades the pace of discovery in embryology and fertilization has been rapid. In this program new microscopy is used to show transformation of a few cells into 3 layers from which all of the body's organs will emerge -- and computer animation shows what goes on deep inside cells as master genes switch on and off to orchestrate crucial timing of a baby's development. For further info log on www.pbs.org/nova/miracle. Wednesday, November 21 "Building The Impossible: the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World" (Discovery Channel, 8-10 p.m.E/P) The designation of the structures in this documentary as "ancient wonders" suggests that we have a better standard for designating wonders in our times. But upon seeing the engineering used to build things like Colossus at Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Pyramids of Egypt, one can't but marvel at how their builders were able to wring such fabulous results from such minimal technical equipment. No wonder some people think magic was involved and can't understand how folks dressed in sheets, working with sharpened wooden sticks went ahead and built structures whose beauty and durability we've never been able to duplicate. "Destination Mars: Dreaming Of Mars" (The Learning Channel, 10-11 p.m. E/P) This documentary examines previous failed Mars missions -- the unmanned $1 billion Mars Observer lost 3 days before landing, the explosion of the Mars Lander due to miscalculations by U.S. and European scientists. It also looks at the successful Mars Pathfinder project and the effort underway to land a man (or woman) there in 2 decades. Thursday, November 22 "The History Of Thanksgiving" (History Channel, 8-9 a.m. E/P repeating 2-3 p.m E/P) As usual with any peek into the background of a famous holiday, there are surprises (for some) in this documentary. For instance, Abe Lincoln, not the Pilgrims, designated this one to be a big deal -- a National Holiday. Also, disagreements are revealed about the original food and customs involved.
"Beneath The Veil" (CNN, 2-3 p.m. ET, 11 a.m. - noon PT) This documentary, filmed with hidden cameras by a very brave Afghan emigre who got back into her country during Taliban rule to record the life of women, shows how far that nation will have to go to restore social and political rights -- even minus the Taliban' s influence. Repeats Thanksgiving Day 2-3 p.m. ET, 11 a.m.-noon PT. "The Human Edge" (National Geographic Channel, 8-9 p.m. E/P) This science newsmagazine reports on what you might call "additions" to our bodies -- in this episode it's "G-suits" the latest military flight gear for protecting fliers from extreme conditions. There's also a report on 'smart cars' that could make accidents a thing of the past, and a look at the portable machine that can jolt a heart attack victim back to life. Sunday, November 18 "CBS News Sunday Morning" (CBS, 9-10:30 a.m. E/P) Known for its level-headed reporting of stories that other TV newsmagazines often get all wrong, this program will present a report, rather technical in emphasis, on air travel safety in the U.S. Also, for people who think that history sometimes repeats itself, there will be a report comparing George W. Bush and an earlier "cowboy" president, Theodore Roosevelt (the "Rough Rider"). "Animals Behaving Badly" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/T) This episode of the "Nova" science documentary series is somewhat misnamed. The bad guys in this show are really the humans who have invaded various animals' habitats -- building tract homes, parking lots and golf courses there. No wonder geese interrupt golf games, snakes appear in ceiling structures, beavers mess up the backyard, and elephant seals take up people's parking spaces. "People In The News -- Harry Potter" (CNN, 8:30 - 9 p.m. ET. 5:30:-6 p.m. PT) This documentary, in a series usually about real people, reports this time on a fictional person who has somehow become more than real. Repeats Thanksgiving Day 8-8:30 p.m. ET , 5-5:30 p.m. PT. "Grey Owl" (Hallmark Channel, 9-11 p.m. E/P) This movie, based on book of the same name, is the true story of a British man who adopts the identity of a Native American trapper. Inspired by an Ojibway tribeswoman he married in the wilderness of Canada in 1934, he became famous as an early environmental activist and wrote a best-seller about the dangers of industrialization upon nature. Because this is about a man with charisma, I thought I'd mention that the title role is played by Pierce Brosnan, of James Bond fame. Monday, November 19 "Minute By Minute: Mount St. Helen's Eruption" (A&E Network 10-11 p.m. E/P) True to the series title suggesting you'll see very detailed accounts of certain natural and historical events, this documentary shows volcanic blasts that scorched wooded mountain ridges down to bedrock, incinerated campers trying to outrun the maelstrom and nearly drowned people 25 miles away in flood from melted glaciers. Scientists who arrived early in the eruption process vanished in the later blasts. There's an excellent website devoted to this geological event at http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/msh. Tuesday, November 20 "Sworn To Secrecy: The O.S.S" (History Channel, 3-4 p.m. E/P) This documentary about a topic in the news lately, spying on enemy territory, shows how American agents were recruited and trained to function on the 'invisible battlefield" during WWII. In those days, 'intelligence gathering' meant wading through swamps., not flipping through satellite pictures. Recent events have taught us that we should go back to doing things the old fashioned ways you'll see in this program. "Life's Greatest Miracle" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/P) Back in 1983 a Swedish scientific photographer, Lennart Nilsson made an Emmy-winning documentary for PBS's "Nova" series which told the story of life from conception to birth. Over the last 2 decades the pace of discovery in embryology and fertilization has been rapid. In this program new microscopy is used to show transformation of a few cells into 3 layers from which all of the body's organs will emerge -- and computer animation shows what goes on deep inside cells as master genes switch on and off to orchestrate crucial timing of a baby's development. For further info log on www.pbs.org/nova/miracle. Wednesday, November 21 "Building The Impossible: the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World" (Discovery Channel, 8-10 p.m.E/P) The designation of the structures in this documentary as "ancient wonders" suggests that we have a better standard for designating wonders in our times. But upon seeing the engineering used to build things like Colossus at Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Pyramids of Egypt, one can't but marvel at how their builders were able to wring such fabulous results from such minimal technical equipment. No wonder some people think magic was involved and can't understand how folks dressed in sheets, working with sharpened wooden sticks went ahead and built structures whose beauty and durability we've never been able to duplicate. "Destination Mars: Dreaming Of Mars" (The Learning Channel, 10-11 p.m. E/P) This documentary examines previous failed Mars missions -- the unmanned $1 billion Mars Observer lost 3 days before landing, the explosion of the Mars Lander due to miscalculations by U.S. and European scientists. It also looks at the successful Mars Pathfinder project and the effort underway to land a man (or woman) there in 2 decades. Thursday, November 22 "The History Of Thanksgiving" (History Channel, 8-9 a.m. E/P repeating 2-3 p.m E/P) As usual with any peek into the background of a famous holiday, there are surprises (for some) in this documentary. For instance, Abe Lincoln, not the Pilgrims, designated this one to be a big deal -- a National Holiday. Also, disagreements are revealed about the original food and customs involved.
"The Human Edge" (National Geographic Channel, 8-9 p.m. E/P) This science newsmagazine reports on what you might call "additions" to our bodies -- in this episode it's "G-suits" the latest military flight gear for protecting fliers from extreme conditions. There's also a report on 'smart cars' that could make accidents a thing of the past, and a look at the portable machine that can jolt a heart attack victim back to life. Sunday, November 18 "CBS News Sunday Morning" (CBS, 9-10:30 a.m. E/P) Known for its level-headed reporting of stories that other TV newsmagazines often get all wrong, this program will present a report, rather technical in emphasis, on air travel safety in the U.S. Also, for people who think that history sometimes repeats itself, there will be a report comparing George W. Bush and an earlier "cowboy" president, Theodore Roosevelt (the "Rough Rider"). "Animals Behaving Badly" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/T) This episode of the "Nova" science documentary series is somewhat misnamed. The bad guys in this show are really the humans who have invaded various animals' habitats -- building tract homes, parking lots and golf courses there. No wonder geese interrupt golf games, snakes appear in ceiling structures, beavers mess up the backyard, and elephant seals take up people's parking spaces. "People In The News -- Harry Potter" (CNN, 8:30 - 9 p.m. ET. 5:30:-6 p.m. PT) This documentary, in a series usually about real people, reports this time on a fictional person who has somehow become more than real. Repeats Thanksgiving Day 8-8:30 p.m. ET , 5-5:30 p.m. PT. "Grey Owl" (Hallmark Channel, 9-11 p.m. E/P) This movie, based on book of the same name, is the true story of a British man who adopts the identity of a Native American trapper. Inspired by an Ojibway tribeswoman he married in the wilderness of Canada in 1934, he became famous as an early environmental activist and wrote a best-seller about the dangers of industrialization upon nature. Because this is about a man with charisma, I thought I'd mention that the title role is played by Pierce Brosnan, of James Bond fame. Monday, November 19 "Minute By Minute: Mount St. Helen's Eruption" (A&E Network 10-11 p.m. E/P) True to the series title suggesting you'll see very detailed accounts of certain natural and historical events, this documentary shows volcanic blasts that scorched wooded mountain ridges down to bedrock, incinerated campers trying to outrun the maelstrom and nearly drowned people 25 miles away in flood from melted glaciers. Scientists who arrived early in the eruption process vanished in the later blasts. There's an excellent website devoted to this geological event at http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/msh. Tuesday, November 20 "Sworn To Secrecy: The O.S.S" (History Channel, 3-4 p.m. E/P) This documentary about a topic in the news lately, spying on enemy territory, shows how American agents were recruited and trained to function on the 'invisible battlefield" during WWII. In those days, 'intelligence gathering' meant wading through swamps., not flipping through satellite pictures. Recent events have taught us that we should go back to doing things the old fashioned ways you'll see in this program. "Life's Greatest Miracle" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/P) Back in 1983 a Swedish scientific photographer, Lennart Nilsson made an Emmy-winning documentary for PBS's "Nova" series which told the story of life from conception to birth. Over the last 2 decades the pace of discovery in embryology and fertilization has been rapid. In this program new microscopy is used to show transformation of a few cells into 3 layers from which all of the body's organs will emerge -- and computer animation shows what goes on deep inside cells as master genes switch on and off to orchestrate crucial timing of a baby's development. For further info log on www.pbs.org/nova/miracle. Wednesday, November 21 "Building The Impossible: the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World" (Discovery Channel, 8-10 p.m.E/P) The designation of the structures in this documentary as "ancient wonders" suggests that we have a better standard for designating wonders in our times. But upon seeing the engineering used to build things like Colossus at Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Pyramids of Egypt, one can't but marvel at how their builders were able to wring such fabulous results from such minimal technical equipment. No wonder some people think magic was involved and can't understand how folks dressed in sheets, working with sharpened wooden sticks went ahead and built structures whose beauty and durability we've never been able to duplicate. "Destination Mars: Dreaming Of Mars" (The Learning Channel, 10-11 p.m. E/P) This documentary examines previous failed Mars missions -- the unmanned $1 billion Mars Observer lost 3 days before landing, the explosion of the Mars Lander due to miscalculations by U.S. and European scientists. It also looks at the successful Mars Pathfinder project and the effort underway to land a man (or woman) there in 2 decades. Thursday, November 22 "The History Of Thanksgiving" (History Channel, 8-9 a.m. E/P repeating 2-3 p.m E/P) As usual with any peek into the background of a famous holiday, there are surprises (for some) in this documentary. For instance, Abe Lincoln, not the Pilgrims, designated this one to be a big deal -- a National Holiday. Also, disagreements are revealed about the original food and customs involved.
Sunday, November 18 "CBS News Sunday Morning" (CBS, 9-10:30 a.m. E/P) Known for its level-headed reporting of stories that other TV newsmagazines often get all wrong, this program will present a report, rather technical in emphasis, on air travel safety in the U.S. Also, for people who think that history sometimes repeats itself, there will be a report comparing George W. Bush and an earlier "cowboy" president, Theodore Roosevelt (the "Rough Rider"). "Animals Behaving Badly" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/T) This episode of the "Nova" science documentary series is somewhat misnamed. The bad guys in this show are really the humans who have invaded various animals' habitats -- building tract homes, parking lots and golf courses there. No wonder geese interrupt golf games, snakes appear in ceiling structures, beavers mess up the backyard, and elephant seals take up people's parking spaces. "People In The News -- Harry Potter" (CNN, 8:30 - 9 p.m. ET. 5:30:-6 p.m. PT) This documentary, in a series usually about real people, reports this time on a fictional person who has somehow become more than real. Repeats Thanksgiving Day 8-8:30 p.m. ET , 5-5:30 p.m. PT. "Grey Owl" (Hallmark Channel, 9-11 p.m. E/P) This movie, based on book of the same name, is the true story of a British man who adopts the identity of a Native American trapper. Inspired by an Ojibway tribeswoman he married in the wilderness of Canada in 1934, he became famous as an early environmental activist and wrote a best-seller about the dangers of industrialization upon nature. Because this is about a man with charisma, I thought I'd mention that the title role is played by Pierce Brosnan, of James Bond fame. Monday, November 19 "Minute By Minute: Mount St. Helen's Eruption" (A&E Network 10-11 p.m. E/P) True to the series title suggesting you'll see very detailed accounts of certain natural and historical events, this documentary shows volcanic blasts that scorched wooded mountain ridges down to bedrock, incinerated campers trying to outrun the maelstrom and nearly drowned people 25 miles away in flood from melted glaciers. Scientists who arrived early in the eruption process vanished in the later blasts. There's an excellent website devoted to this geological event at http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/msh. Tuesday, November 20 "Sworn To Secrecy: The O.S.S" (History Channel, 3-4 p.m. E/P) This documentary about a topic in the news lately, spying on enemy territory, shows how American agents were recruited and trained to function on the 'invisible battlefield" during WWII. In those days, 'intelligence gathering' meant wading through swamps., not flipping through satellite pictures. Recent events have taught us that we should go back to doing things the old fashioned ways you'll see in this program. "Life's Greatest Miracle" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/P) Back in 1983 a Swedish scientific photographer, Lennart Nilsson made an Emmy-winning documentary for PBS's "Nova" series which told the story of life from conception to birth. Over the last 2 decades the pace of discovery in embryology and fertilization has been rapid. In this program new microscopy is used to show transformation of a few cells into 3 layers from which all of the body's organs will emerge -- and computer animation shows what goes on deep inside cells as master genes switch on and off to orchestrate crucial timing of a baby's development. For further info log on www.pbs.org/nova/miracle. Wednesday, November 21 "Building The Impossible: the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World" (Discovery Channel, 8-10 p.m.E/P) The designation of the structures in this documentary as "ancient wonders" suggests that we have a better standard for designating wonders in our times. But upon seeing the engineering used to build things like Colossus at Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Pyramids of Egypt, one can't but marvel at how their builders were able to wring such fabulous results from such minimal technical equipment. No wonder some people think magic was involved and can't understand how folks dressed in sheets, working with sharpened wooden sticks went ahead and built structures whose beauty and durability we've never been able to duplicate. "Destination Mars: Dreaming Of Mars" (The Learning Channel, 10-11 p.m. E/P) This documentary examines previous failed Mars missions -- the unmanned $1 billion Mars Observer lost 3 days before landing, the explosion of the Mars Lander due to miscalculations by U.S. and European scientists. It also looks at the successful Mars Pathfinder project and the effort underway to land a man (or woman) there in 2 decades. Thursday, November 22 "The History Of Thanksgiving" (History Channel, 8-9 a.m. E/P repeating 2-3 p.m E/P) As usual with any peek into the background of a famous holiday, there are surprises (for some) in this documentary. For instance, Abe Lincoln, not the Pilgrims, designated this one to be a big deal -- a National Holiday. Also, disagreements are revealed about the original food and customs involved.
"CBS News Sunday Morning" (CBS, 9-10:30 a.m. E/P) Known for its level-headed reporting of stories that other TV newsmagazines often get all wrong, this program will present a report, rather technical in emphasis, on air travel safety in the U.S. Also, for people who think that history sometimes repeats itself, there will be a report comparing George W. Bush and an earlier "cowboy" president, Theodore Roosevelt (the "Rough Rider"). "Animals Behaving Badly" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/T) This episode of the "Nova" science documentary series is somewhat misnamed. The bad guys in this show are really the humans who have invaded various animals' habitats -- building tract homes, parking lots and golf courses there. No wonder geese interrupt golf games, snakes appear in ceiling structures, beavers mess up the backyard, and elephant seals take up people's parking spaces. "People In The News -- Harry Potter" (CNN, 8:30 - 9 p.m. ET. 5:30:-6 p.m. PT) This documentary, in a series usually about real people, reports this time on a fictional person who has somehow become more than real. Repeats Thanksgiving Day 8-8:30 p.m. ET , 5-5:30 p.m. PT. "Grey Owl" (Hallmark Channel, 9-11 p.m. E/P) This movie, based on book of the same name, is the true story of a British man who adopts the identity of a Native American trapper. Inspired by an Ojibway tribeswoman he married in the wilderness of Canada in 1934, he became famous as an early environmental activist and wrote a best-seller about the dangers of industrialization upon nature. Because this is about a man with charisma, I thought I'd mention that the title role is played by Pierce Brosnan, of James Bond fame. Monday, November 19 "Minute By Minute: Mount St. Helen's Eruption" (A&E Network 10-11 p.m. E/P) True to the series title suggesting you'll see very detailed accounts of certain natural and historical events, this documentary shows volcanic blasts that scorched wooded mountain ridges down to bedrock, incinerated campers trying to outrun the maelstrom and nearly drowned people 25 miles away in flood from melted glaciers. Scientists who arrived early in the eruption process vanished in the later blasts. There's an excellent website devoted to this geological event at http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/msh. Tuesday, November 20 "Sworn To Secrecy: The O.S.S" (History Channel, 3-4 p.m. E/P) This documentary about a topic in the news lately, spying on enemy territory, shows how American agents were recruited and trained to function on the 'invisible battlefield" during WWII. In those days, 'intelligence gathering' meant wading through swamps., not flipping through satellite pictures. Recent events have taught us that we should go back to doing things the old fashioned ways you'll see in this program. "Life's Greatest Miracle" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/P) Back in 1983 a Swedish scientific photographer, Lennart Nilsson made an Emmy-winning documentary for PBS's "Nova" series which told the story of life from conception to birth. Over the last 2 decades the pace of discovery in embryology and fertilization has been rapid. In this program new microscopy is used to show transformation of a few cells into 3 layers from which all of the body's organs will emerge -- and computer animation shows what goes on deep inside cells as master genes switch on and off to orchestrate crucial timing of a baby's development. For further info log on www.pbs.org/nova/miracle. Wednesday, November 21 "Building The Impossible: the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World" (Discovery Channel, 8-10 p.m.E/P) The designation of the structures in this documentary as "ancient wonders" suggests that we have a better standard for designating wonders in our times. But upon seeing the engineering used to build things like Colossus at Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Pyramids of Egypt, one can't but marvel at how their builders were able to wring such fabulous results from such minimal technical equipment. No wonder some people think magic was involved and can't understand how folks dressed in sheets, working with sharpened wooden sticks went ahead and built structures whose beauty and durability we've never been able to duplicate. "Destination Mars: Dreaming Of Mars" (The Learning Channel, 10-11 p.m. E/P) This documentary examines previous failed Mars missions -- the unmanned $1 billion Mars Observer lost 3 days before landing, the explosion of the Mars Lander due to miscalculations by U.S. and European scientists. It also looks at the successful Mars Pathfinder project and the effort underway to land a man (or woman) there in 2 decades. Thursday, November 22 "The History Of Thanksgiving" (History Channel, 8-9 a.m. E/P repeating 2-3 p.m E/P) As usual with any peek into the background of a famous holiday, there are surprises (for some) in this documentary. For instance, Abe Lincoln, not the Pilgrims, designated this one to be a big deal -- a National Holiday. Also, disagreements are revealed about the original food and customs involved.
"Animals Behaving Badly" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/T) This episode of the "Nova" science documentary series is somewhat misnamed. The bad guys in this show are really the humans who have invaded various animals' habitats -- building tract homes, parking lots and golf courses there. No wonder geese interrupt golf games, snakes appear in ceiling structures, beavers mess up the backyard, and elephant seals take up people's parking spaces. "People In The News -- Harry Potter" (CNN, 8:30 - 9 p.m. ET. 5:30:-6 p.m. PT) This documentary, in a series usually about real people, reports this time on a fictional person who has somehow become more than real. Repeats Thanksgiving Day 8-8:30 p.m. ET , 5-5:30 p.m. PT. "Grey Owl" (Hallmark Channel, 9-11 p.m. E/P) This movie, based on book of the same name, is the true story of a British man who adopts the identity of a Native American trapper. Inspired by an Ojibway tribeswoman he married in the wilderness of Canada in 1934, he became famous as an early environmental activist and wrote a best-seller about the dangers of industrialization upon nature. Because this is about a man with charisma, I thought I'd mention that the title role is played by Pierce Brosnan, of James Bond fame. Monday, November 19 "Minute By Minute: Mount St. Helen's Eruption" (A&E Network 10-11 p.m. E/P) True to the series title suggesting you'll see very detailed accounts of certain natural and historical events, this documentary shows volcanic blasts that scorched wooded mountain ridges down to bedrock, incinerated campers trying to outrun the maelstrom and nearly drowned people 25 miles away in flood from melted glaciers. Scientists who arrived early in the eruption process vanished in the later blasts. There's an excellent website devoted to this geological event at http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/msh. Tuesday, November 20 "Sworn To Secrecy: The O.S.S" (History Channel, 3-4 p.m. E/P) This documentary about a topic in the news lately, spying on enemy territory, shows how American agents were recruited and trained to function on the 'invisible battlefield" during WWII. In those days, 'intelligence gathering' meant wading through swamps., not flipping through satellite pictures. Recent events have taught us that we should go back to doing things the old fashioned ways you'll see in this program. "Life's Greatest Miracle" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/P) Back in 1983 a Swedish scientific photographer, Lennart Nilsson made an Emmy-winning documentary for PBS's "Nova" series which told the story of life from conception to birth. Over the last 2 decades the pace of discovery in embryology and fertilization has been rapid. In this program new microscopy is used to show transformation of a few cells into 3 layers from which all of the body's organs will emerge -- and computer animation shows what goes on deep inside cells as master genes switch on and off to orchestrate crucial timing of a baby's development. For further info log on www.pbs.org/nova/miracle. Wednesday, November 21 "Building The Impossible: the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World" (Discovery Channel, 8-10 p.m.E/P) The designation of the structures in this documentary as "ancient wonders" suggests that we have a better standard for designating wonders in our times. But upon seeing the engineering used to build things like Colossus at Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Pyramids of Egypt, one can't but marvel at how their builders were able to wring such fabulous results from such minimal technical equipment. No wonder some people think magic was involved and can't understand how folks dressed in sheets, working with sharpened wooden sticks went ahead and built structures whose beauty and durability we've never been able to duplicate. "Destination Mars: Dreaming Of Mars" (The Learning Channel, 10-11 p.m. E/P) This documentary examines previous failed Mars missions -- the unmanned $1 billion Mars Observer lost 3 days before landing, the explosion of the Mars Lander due to miscalculations by U.S. and European scientists. It also looks at the successful Mars Pathfinder project and the effort underway to land a man (or woman) there in 2 decades. Thursday, November 22 "The History Of Thanksgiving" (History Channel, 8-9 a.m. E/P repeating 2-3 p.m E/P) As usual with any peek into the background of a famous holiday, there are surprises (for some) in this documentary. For instance, Abe Lincoln, not the Pilgrims, designated this one to be a big deal -- a National Holiday. Also, disagreements are revealed about the original food and customs involved.
"People In The News -- Harry Potter" (CNN, 8:30 - 9 p.m. ET. 5:30:-6 p.m. PT) This documentary, in a series usually about real people, reports this time on a fictional person who has somehow become more than real. Repeats Thanksgiving Day 8-8:30 p.m. ET , 5-5:30 p.m. PT. "Grey Owl" (Hallmark Channel, 9-11 p.m. E/P) This movie, based on book of the same name, is the true story of a British man who adopts the identity of a Native American trapper. Inspired by an Ojibway tribeswoman he married in the wilderness of Canada in 1934, he became famous as an early environmental activist and wrote a best-seller about the dangers of industrialization upon nature. Because this is about a man with charisma, I thought I'd mention that the title role is played by Pierce Brosnan, of James Bond fame. Monday, November 19 "Minute By Minute: Mount St. Helen's Eruption" (A&E Network 10-11 p.m. E/P) True to the series title suggesting you'll see very detailed accounts of certain natural and historical events, this documentary shows volcanic blasts that scorched wooded mountain ridges down to bedrock, incinerated campers trying to outrun the maelstrom and nearly drowned people 25 miles away in flood from melted glaciers. Scientists who arrived early in the eruption process vanished in the later blasts. There's an excellent website devoted to this geological event at http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/msh. Tuesday, November 20 "Sworn To Secrecy: The O.S.S" (History Channel, 3-4 p.m. E/P) This documentary about a topic in the news lately, spying on enemy territory, shows how American agents were recruited and trained to function on the 'invisible battlefield" during WWII. In those days, 'intelligence gathering' meant wading through swamps., not flipping through satellite pictures. Recent events have taught us that we should go back to doing things the old fashioned ways you'll see in this program. "Life's Greatest Miracle" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/P) Back in 1983 a Swedish scientific photographer, Lennart Nilsson made an Emmy-winning documentary for PBS's "Nova" series which told the story of life from conception to birth. Over the last 2 decades the pace of discovery in embryology and fertilization has been rapid. In this program new microscopy is used to show transformation of a few cells into 3 layers from which all of the body's organs will emerge -- and computer animation shows what goes on deep inside cells as master genes switch on and off to orchestrate crucial timing of a baby's development. For further info log on www.pbs.org/nova/miracle. Wednesday, November 21 "Building The Impossible: the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World" (Discovery Channel, 8-10 p.m.E/P) The designation of the structures in this documentary as "ancient wonders" suggests that we have a better standard for designating wonders in our times. But upon seeing the engineering used to build things like Colossus at Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Pyramids of Egypt, one can't but marvel at how their builders were able to wring such fabulous results from such minimal technical equipment. No wonder some people think magic was involved and can't understand how folks dressed in sheets, working with sharpened wooden sticks went ahead and built structures whose beauty and durability we've never been able to duplicate. "Destination Mars: Dreaming Of Mars" (The Learning Channel, 10-11 p.m. E/P) This documentary examines previous failed Mars missions -- the unmanned $1 billion Mars Observer lost 3 days before landing, the explosion of the Mars Lander due to miscalculations by U.S. and European scientists. It also looks at the successful Mars Pathfinder project and the effort underway to land a man (or woman) there in 2 decades. Thursday, November 22 "The History Of Thanksgiving" (History Channel, 8-9 a.m. E/P repeating 2-3 p.m E/P) As usual with any peek into the background of a famous holiday, there are surprises (for some) in this documentary. For instance, Abe Lincoln, not the Pilgrims, designated this one to be a big deal -- a National Holiday. Also, disagreements are revealed about the original food and customs involved.
"Grey Owl" (Hallmark Channel, 9-11 p.m. E/P) This movie, based on book of the same name, is the true story of a British man who adopts the identity of a Native American trapper. Inspired by an Ojibway tribeswoman he married in the wilderness of Canada in 1934, he became famous as an early environmental activist and wrote a best-seller about the dangers of industrialization upon nature. Because this is about a man with charisma, I thought I'd mention that the title role is played by Pierce Brosnan, of James Bond fame. Monday, November 19 "Minute By Minute: Mount St. Helen's Eruption" (A&E Network 10-11 p.m. E/P) True to the series title suggesting you'll see very detailed accounts of certain natural and historical events, this documentary shows volcanic blasts that scorched wooded mountain ridges down to bedrock, incinerated campers trying to outrun the maelstrom and nearly drowned people 25 miles away in flood from melted glaciers. Scientists who arrived early in the eruption process vanished in the later blasts. There's an excellent website devoted to this geological event at http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/msh. Tuesday, November 20 "Sworn To Secrecy: The O.S.S" (History Channel, 3-4 p.m. E/P) This documentary about a topic in the news lately, spying on enemy territory, shows how American agents were recruited and trained to function on the 'invisible battlefield" during WWII. In those days, 'intelligence gathering' meant wading through swamps., not flipping through satellite pictures. Recent events have taught us that we should go back to doing things the old fashioned ways you'll see in this program. "Life's Greatest Miracle" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/P) Back in 1983 a Swedish scientific photographer, Lennart Nilsson made an Emmy-winning documentary for PBS's "Nova" series which told the story of life from conception to birth. Over the last 2 decades the pace of discovery in embryology and fertilization has been rapid. In this program new microscopy is used to show transformation of a few cells into 3 layers from which all of the body's organs will emerge -- and computer animation shows what goes on deep inside cells as master genes switch on and off to orchestrate crucial timing of a baby's development. For further info log on www.pbs.org/nova/miracle. Wednesday, November 21 "Building The Impossible: the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World" (Discovery Channel, 8-10 p.m.E/P) The designation of the structures in this documentary as "ancient wonders" suggests that we have a better standard for designating wonders in our times. But upon seeing the engineering used to build things like Colossus at Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Pyramids of Egypt, one can't but marvel at how their builders were able to wring such fabulous results from such minimal technical equipment. No wonder some people think magic was involved and can't understand how folks dressed in sheets, working with sharpened wooden sticks went ahead and built structures whose beauty and durability we've never been able to duplicate. "Destination Mars: Dreaming Of Mars" (The Learning Channel, 10-11 p.m. E/P) This documentary examines previous failed Mars missions -- the unmanned $1 billion Mars Observer lost 3 days before landing, the explosion of the Mars Lander due to miscalculations by U.S. and European scientists. It also looks at the successful Mars Pathfinder project and the effort underway to land a man (or woman) there in 2 decades. Thursday, November 22 "The History Of Thanksgiving" (History Channel, 8-9 a.m. E/P repeating 2-3 p.m E/P) As usual with any peek into the background of a famous holiday, there are surprises (for some) in this documentary. For instance, Abe Lincoln, not the Pilgrims, designated this one to be a big deal -- a National Holiday. Also, disagreements are revealed about the original food and customs involved.
Monday, November 19 "Minute By Minute: Mount St. Helen's Eruption" (A&E Network 10-11 p.m. E/P) True to the series title suggesting you'll see very detailed accounts of certain natural and historical events, this documentary shows volcanic blasts that scorched wooded mountain ridges down to bedrock, incinerated campers trying to outrun the maelstrom and nearly drowned people 25 miles away in flood from melted glaciers. Scientists who arrived early in the eruption process vanished in the later blasts. There's an excellent website devoted to this geological event at http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/msh. Tuesday, November 20 "Sworn To Secrecy: The O.S.S" (History Channel, 3-4 p.m. E/P) This documentary about a topic in the news lately, spying on enemy territory, shows how American agents were recruited and trained to function on the 'invisible battlefield" during WWII. In those days, 'intelligence gathering' meant wading through swamps., not flipping through satellite pictures. Recent events have taught us that we should go back to doing things the old fashioned ways you'll see in this program. "Life's Greatest Miracle" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/P) Back in 1983 a Swedish scientific photographer, Lennart Nilsson made an Emmy-winning documentary for PBS's "Nova" series which told the story of life from conception to birth. Over the last 2 decades the pace of discovery in embryology and fertilization has been rapid. In this program new microscopy is used to show transformation of a few cells into 3 layers from which all of the body's organs will emerge -- and computer animation shows what goes on deep inside cells as master genes switch on and off to orchestrate crucial timing of a baby's development. For further info log on www.pbs.org/nova/miracle. Wednesday, November 21 "Building The Impossible: the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World" (Discovery Channel, 8-10 p.m.E/P) The designation of the structures in this documentary as "ancient wonders" suggests that we have a better standard for designating wonders in our times. But upon seeing the engineering used to build things like Colossus at Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Pyramids of Egypt, one can't but marvel at how their builders were able to wring such fabulous results from such minimal technical equipment. No wonder some people think magic was involved and can't understand how folks dressed in sheets, working with sharpened wooden sticks went ahead and built structures whose beauty and durability we've never been able to duplicate. "Destination Mars: Dreaming Of Mars" (The Learning Channel, 10-11 p.m. E/P) This documentary examines previous failed Mars missions -- the unmanned $1 billion Mars Observer lost 3 days before landing, the explosion of the Mars Lander due to miscalculations by U.S. and European scientists. It also looks at the successful Mars Pathfinder project and the effort underway to land a man (or woman) there in 2 decades. Thursday, November 22 "The History Of Thanksgiving" (History Channel, 8-9 a.m. E/P repeating 2-3 p.m E/P) As usual with any peek into the background of a famous holiday, there are surprises (for some) in this documentary. For instance, Abe Lincoln, not the Pilgrims, designated this one to be a big deal -- a National Holiday. Also, disagreements are revealed about the original food and customs involved.
"Minute By Minute: Mount St. Helen's Eruption" (A&E Network 10-11 p.m. E/P) True to the series title suggesting you'll see very detailed accounts of certain natural and historical events, this documentary shows volcanic blasts that scorched wooded mountain ridges down to bedrock, incinerated campers trying to outrun the maelstrom and nearly drowned people 25 miles away in flood from melted glaciers. Scientists who arrived early in the eruption process vanished in the later blasts. There's an excellent website devoted to this geological event at http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/msh.
Tuesday, November 20 "Sworn To Secrecy: The O.S.S" (History Channel, 3-4 p.m. E/P) This documentary about a topic in the news lately, spying on enemy territory, shows how American agents were recruited and trained to function on the 'invisible battlefield" during WWII. In those days, 'intelligence gathering' meant wading through swamps., not flipping through satellite pictures. Recent events have taught us that we should go back to doing things the old fashioned ways you'll see in this program. "Life's Greatest Miracle" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/P) Back in 1983 a Swedish scientific photographer, Lennart Nilsson made an Emmy-winning documentary for PBS's "Nova" series which told the story of life from conception to birth. Over the last 2 decades the pace of discovery in embryology and fertilization has been rapid. In this program new microscopy is used to show transformation of a few cells into 3 layers from which all of the body's organs will emerge -- and computer animation shows what goes on deep inside cells as master genes switch on and off to orchestrate crucial timing of a baby's development. For further info log on www.pbs.org/nova/miracle. Wednesday, November 21 "Building The Impossible: the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World" (Discovery Channel, 8-10 p.m.E/P) The designation of the structures in this documentary as "ancient wonders" suggests that we have a better standard for designating wonders in our times. But upon seeing the engineering used to build things like Colossus at Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Pyramids of Egypt, one can't but marvel at how their builders were able to wring such fabulous results from such minimal technical equipment. No wonder some people think magic was involved and can't understand how folks dressed in sheets, working with sharpened wooden sticks went ahead and built structures whose beauty and durability we've never been able to duplicate. "Destination Mars: Dreaming Of Mars" (The Learning Channel, 10-11 p.m. E/P) This documentary examines previous failed Mars missions -- the unmanned $1 billion Mars Observer lost 3 days before landing, the explosion of the Mars Lander due to miscalculations by U.S. and European scientists. It also looks at the successful Mars Pathfinder project and the effort underway to land a man (or woman) there in 2 decades. Thursday, November 22 "The History Of Thanksgiving" (History Channel, 8-9 a.m. E/P repeating 2-3 p.m E/P) As usual with any peek into the background of a famous holiday, there are surprises (for some) in this documentary. For instance, Abe Lincoln, not the Pilgrims, designated this one to be a big deal -- a National Holiday. Also, disagreements are revealed about the original food and customs involved.
"Sworn To Secrecy: The O.S.S" (History Channel, 3-4 p.m. E/P) This documentary about a topic in the news lately, spying on enemy territory, shows how American agents were recruited and trained to function on the 'invisible battlefield" during WWII. In those days, 'intelligence gathering' meant wading through swamps., not flipping through satellite pictures. Recent events have taught us that we should go back to doing things the old fashioned ways you'll see in this program. "Life's Greatest Miracle" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/P) Back in 1983 a Swedish scientific photographer, Lennart Nilsson made an Emmy-winning documentary for PBS's "Nova" series which told the story of life from conception to birth. Over the last 2 decades the pace of discovery in embryology and fertilization has been rapid. In this program new microscopy is used to show transformation of a few cells into 3 layers from which all of the body's organs will emerge -- and computer animation shows what goes on deep inside cells as master genes switch on and off to orchestrate crucial timing of a baby's development. For further info log on www.pbs.org/nova/miracle. Wednesday, November 21 "Building The Impossible: the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World" (Discovery Channel, 8-10 p.m.E/P) The designation of the structures in this documentary as "ancient wonders" suggests that we have a better standard for designating wonders in our times. But upon seeing the engineering used to build things like Colossus at Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Pyramids of Egypt, one can't but marvel at how their builders were able to wring such fabulous results from such minimal technical equipment. No wonder some people think magic was involved and can't understand how folks dressed in sheets, working with sharpened wooden sticks went ahead and built structures whose beauty and durability we've never been able to duplicate. "Destination Mars: Dreaming Of Mars" (The Learning Channel, 10-11 p.m. E/P) This documentary examines previous failed Mars missions -- the unmanned $1 billion Mars Observer lost 3 days before landing, the explosion of the Mars Lander due to miscalculations by U.S. and European scientists. It also looks at the successful Mars Pathfinder project and the effort underway to land a man (or woman) there in 2 decades. Thursday, November 22 "The History Of Thanksgiving" (History Channel, 8-9 a.m. E/P repeating 2-3 p.m E/P) As usual with any peek into the background of a famous holiday, there are surprises (for some) in this documentary. For instance, Abe Lincoln, not the Pilgrims, designated this one to be a big deal -- a National Holiday. Also, disagreements are revealed about the original food and customs involved.
"Life's Greatest Miracle" (PBS, 8-9 p.m. E/P) Back in 1983 a Swedish scientific photographer, Lennart Nilsson made an Emmy-winning documentary for PBS's "Nova" series which told the story of life from conception to birth. Over the last 2 decades the pace of discovery in embryology and fertilization has been rapid. In this program new microscopy is used to show transformation of a few cells into 3 layers from which all of the body's organs will emerge -- and computer animation shows what goes on deep inside cells as master genes switch on and off to orchestrate crucial timing of a baby's development. For further info log on www.pbs.org/nova/miracle.
Wednesday, November 21 "Building The Impossible: the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World" (Discovery Channel, 8-10 p.m.E/P) The designation of the structures in this documentary as "ancient wonders" suggests that we have a better standard for designating wonders in our times. But upon seeing the engineering used to build things like Colossus at Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Pyramids of Egypt, one can't but marvel at how their builders were able to wring such fabulous results from such minimal technical equipment. No wonder some people think magic was involved and can't understand how folks dressed in sheets, working with sharpened wooden sticks went ahead and built structures whose beauty and durability we've never been able to duplicate. "Destination Mars: Dreaming Of Mars" (The Learning Channel, 10-11 p.m. E/P) This documentary examines previous failed Mars missions -- the unmanned $1 billion Mars Observer lost 3 days before landing, the explosion of the Mars Lander due to miscalculations by U.S. and European scientists. It also looks at the successful Mars Pathfinder project and the effort underway to land a man (or woman) there in 2 decades. Thursday, November 22 "The History Of Thanksgiving" (History Channel, 8-9 a.m. E/P repeating 2-3 p.m E/P) As usual with any peek into the background of a famous holiday, there are surprises (for some) in this documentary. For instance, Abe Lincoln, not the Pilgrims, designated this one to be a big deal -- a National Holiday. Also, disagreements are revealed about the original food and customs involved.
"Building The Impossible: the Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World" (Discovery Channel, 8-10 p.m.E/P) The designation of the structures in this documentary as "ancient wonders" suggests that we have a better standard for designating wonders in our times. But upon seeing the engineering used to build things like Colossus at Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, and the Pyramids of Egypt, one can't but marvel at how their builders were able to wring such fabulous results from such minimal technical equipment. No wonder some people think magic was involved and can't understand how folks dressed in sheets, working with sharpened wooden sticks went ahead and built structures whose beauty and durability we've never been able to duplicate. "Destination Mars: Dreaming Of Mars" (The Learning Channel, 10-11 p.m. E/P) This documentary examines previous failed Mars missions -- the unmanned $1 billion Mars Observer lost 3 days before landing, the explosion of the Mars Lander due to miscalculations by U.S. and European scientists. It also looks at the successful Mars Pathfinder project and the effort underway to land a man (or woman) there in 2 decades. Thursday, November 22 "The History Of Thanksgiving" (History Channel, 8-9 a.m. E/P repeating 2-3 p.m E/P) As usual with any peek into the background of a famous holiday, there are surprises (for some) in this documentary. For instance, Abe Lincoln, not the Pilgrims, designated this one to be a big deal -- a National Holiday. Also, disagreements are revealed about the original food and customs involved.
"Destination Mars: Dreaming Of Mars" (The Learning Channel, 10-11 p.m. E/P) This documentary examines previous failed Mars missions -- the unmanned $1 billion Mars Observer lost 3 days before landing, the explosion of the Mars Lander due to miscalculations by U.S. and European scientists. It also looks at the successful Mars Pathfinder project and the effort underway to land a man (or woman) there in 2 decades. Thursday, November 22 "The History Of Thanksgiving" (History Channel, 8-9 a.m. E/P repeating 2-3 p.m E/P) As usual with any peek into the background of a famous holiday, there are surprises (for some) in this documentary. For instance, Abe Lincoln, not the Pilgrims, designated this one to be a big deal -- a National Holiday. Also, disagreements are revealed about the original food and customs involved.
Thursday, November 22 "The History Of Thanksgiving" (History Channel, 8-9 a.m. E/P repeating 2-3 p.m E/P) As usual with any peek into the background of a famous holiday, there are surprises (for some) in this documentary. For instance, Abe Lincoln, not the Pilgrims, designated this one to be a big deal -- a National Holiday. Also, disagreements are revealed about the original food and customs involved.
"The History Of Thanksgiving" (History Channel, 8-9 a.m. E/P repeating 2-3 p.m E/P) As usual with any peek into the background of a famous holiday, there are surprises (for some) in this documentary. For instance, Abe Lincoln, not the Pilgrims, designated this one to be a big deal -- a National Holiday. Also, disagreements are revealed about the original food and customs involved.
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