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The History Channel
Primetime Programming Schedule
(schedules available after the 1st & 15th)
NOTE: We are listing both EST/Pacific Time and individual television ratings.
All rated [G] or [PG] unless noted. [NR] = Not Rated or news-related program.
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December 2007
Saturday, December 1, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - The Pig
It is said that the pig is as smart as a three-year-old human. The
pancreas, heart valve and intestines of the pig have been transplanted
into human bodies, yet the primary use of the pig is for food. Watch
the pig transform into bacon, ham, ribs and sausage, using a high tech
water knife, at Burger's Smokehouse in Missouri. Then Chef Chris
Cosentino re-creates old world dishes from pig parts and culinary
artisans attempt to duplicate long-vanished pork specialties like
prosciutto and acorn-fed pigs.
8-10:30pm -- Reel To Real - Pale Rider.
Movie. A mysterious preacher rides into a gold mining camp in the
California foothills and protects it from a neighboring mining company
intent on stealing their claims. Directed by and starring Clint
Eastwood. With Michael Moriarty, Carrie Snodgress, Chris Penn, Richard
Dysart, Sydney Penny, and Richard Kiel. (1985)
10:30-11:30pm -- Wild West Tech - Brothel Tech.
As prospectors and frontiersmen moved west, debauchery followed--and
women trekked across the frontier to serve these sex-starved men. We
examine the technology used by prostitutes to protect themselves from
violence and disease, prevent pregnancy, and occasionally please
themselves! Host Keith Carradine takes us back to the 19th century to
see how condoms were made, how steam-powered vibrators operated, and
how brothel architecture allowed for easy access--and escape!
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Sunday, December 2, 2007
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7-8pm -- MonsterQuest - Bigfoot
Bigfoot has been sighted in Washington State more than any other place
on earth. Join an all-female expedition as they try to lure a Bigfoot
within range of their cameras. The 1967 Patterson footage will be
reexamined using digital microscopes that could reveal details that
might prove if the beast is real or a hoax. One-part history, one-part
science and one part monsters, discover the truth behind legendary
monsters.
8-10pm -- Hippies -
The Hippie movement was the most controversial and influential of
modern times. Free love, the peace movement, drugs, Eastern religions
and communes are explored. Meet the figures whose words and actions
inspired it and destroyed it. See how the vibrations from that era are
still resonating today in almost every aspect of American life, from
the clothes we wear, to the Personal Computer and the Internet.
Finally, historic footage, stills and period graphics are interwoven
with expert commentary and eyewitness testimony.
10-11pm -- Hooked: Illegal Drugs and How They Got That Way - Marijuana.
In a series investigating the history of drug use, we begin our trip
tracing the rise of marijuana and synthetic amphetamines. Marijuana,
from the Indian hemp plant, has been used worldwide as a source of
rope, cloth, and paper; its medicinal qualities were first documented
4,000 years ago in China. But it's best known as the drug of choice of
the 1960s. During WWII, US troops were given an estimated 200 million
amphetamines to fight drowsiness and battle fatigue, and they're still
used to fight depression.
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Monday, December 3, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Bullets.
From "safe" bullets that stop hijackers but leave aircraft unscathed
to bullets that chain-saw through steel and "smart" bullets
computer-programmed to hit a target, this explosive hour examines the
evolution of bullets from origin in the 1300s--stones and round lead
balls shot from iron and bamboo tubes. Lead balls ruled until 1841
when a conical-shaped bullet changed ammo forever. We learn how to
construct a modern cartridge, and at pistol and rifle ranges view
demonstrations of modern firepower.
8-9pm -- Modern Marvels - Rocks
From the Stone Age to the Space Age, our world has been built from
rocks. Visit the Johnson Space Center in Houston to examine America's
horde of moon rocks to determine how the planets were formed, and how
old the solar system is. See how marble and granite are extracted, cut
and polished. Do some blasting at a gravel pit, watch ore turn into
steel and finally, learn how the Geysers in Northern California
harness heat from rocks to create energy for 85,000 homes.
9-10pm -- Gangland - 04 - Behind Enemy Lines
A gritty, true-life series exposing the world of history's most
notorious and dangerous gangs.
10-11pm -- Shockwave - 01 - Shockwave
Nothing makes for more exciting television than seeing history
captured as it happened, whether by home video, cell phones,
surveillance systems, or the occasional lucky news cameraman. Witness
the best raw footage of catastrophic, headline-making events from all
over the world. Watch as a firefighter takes the full force of a
massive explosion, and then be a spectator as China Airline flight 120
erupts into a fireball on the runway in Okinawa, Japan. Sift through
the debris of a Kansas tornado, then behold a rescue chopper crash
into Mt. Hood just as a hiker is about to be lifted to safety. See
race veteran Joe McCannon slam into a wall. Finally examine a missile
misfire on the USS Forrestal and watch as the missile hits the fighter
planes on the flight deck!
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Tuesday, December 4, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Distilleries 2.
It's an art. It's a science. It's a marriage of vapor and water. From
the elite to the illegal, the banned, to the celebrated, the
distillation of spirits is a 50 billion dollar a year business. We
will visit brandy, liqueur, moonshine, and absinthe distilleries to
see how this magic is done. A trip to the Christian Brothers
Distillery in northern California will reveal the secrets of how
brandy is made and in the Deep South we observe a working moonshine
still. Then it's off to France, where we visit the Courvoisier Cognac
distillery and at the Jade Absinthe Distillery we see how this
controversial drink is made. Includes expert commentary and historical
perspective given by Bon Appetit's Anthony Dias Blue.
8-9pm -- Modern Marvels - Deep Freeze
Take a look at the technology of cold. Think your home freezer is
"cool"? Try spending some time in a 12-story unit filled with 135
million pounds of ice cream. Enter Arctic vaults that store millions
of different seeds and learn how scientists have mastered temperatures
of -200 degrees F and below. Explore how the cold not only preserves
and chills, but also shatters rubber tires, strengthens steel, and
fuels rockets. Finally, visit Alcor, where researchers keep cadavers
on ice in hopes of future revival.
9-10pm -- The Universe - Cosmic Holes
Today, we know black holes exist, and now scientists are trying to
confirm that other holes lurk in hyperspace. Our infinite cosmos could
contain a variety of "holes" such as black, white, "mini" and
wormholes. White holes are the reverse of black holes; instead of
matter being sucked into it, matter is ejected out. Wormholes are
gateways in the fabric of space and time. They are included in
Einstein's field equations as possibilities for their existence.
Neither white holes nor wormholes have ever been found. Learn about
new discoveries including, colliding binary black holes, intermediate
black holes and manufacturing mini black holes.
10-11pm -- The Universe - Alien Planets
Have planet hunters finally found proof of other Earthlike worlds?
Astronomers have now discovered over two hundred alien worlds, beyond
our solar system, that were unknown just a decade ago. Discover
planets that rage with fiery hurricanes and bizarre planets covered by
water so dense that it forms a kind of hot ice. Among these weird
worlds, Earth actually seems like the oddball with the right
conditions for life.
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Wednesday, December 5, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Axes, Swords and Knives.
Blade implements have been a part of civilized man's arsenal since the
Paleolithic Age, when sharp tools were chipped off of flint or
obsidian. But with the discovery of metallurgy, people were able to
forge stronger, more versatile blade implements. We visit an
axe-throwing contest in Wisconsin for an introduction to the least
subtle of the blade tools. Then we visit a swordsmith and an
experienced swordfighter who work in traditional methods from ancient
sources, and review the history of knives.
8-9pm -- Modern Marvels - '80's Tech.
Remember "brick" cell phones, Pac-Man, Rubik's Cube, Sony Walkman, and
the first music CDs? Remember all the new and exciting gadgets of the
1980s? Join us as we investigate the transition from Industrial to
Information Age--a digital decade dedicated to ergonomics and
entertainment. The microchip ushered in an era that revolutionized the
way we work, play, and communicate. And we tour Silicon
Valley--birthplace of some of the greatest inventions from an amazing
time of change, including the modern personal computer. Steve "Woz"
Wozniak tells us about the evolution of Apple computers, and we talk
to Sony--makers of the Walkman, Betamax, and the first CD players. A
visit to the Computer History Museum shows fun technological
"artifacts", primitive by today's standards. At Intel, makers of the
first microchips, we learn why technology moves at such a fast pace.
We also take a ride in a DeLorean DMC-12 sports car--few things moved
faster.
9-10pm -- Lost Worlds - Lost City of Aphrodite
Aphrodisias is a magnificent city of marble dedicated to the Greek
goddess Aphrodite. It is widely recognized as one of the
best-preserved sites in the Classical World. Although forgotten until
the mid-20th century, the city's remarkable state of preservation led
to comparisons with Pompeii. A devastating earthquake in the 7th
century destroyed the city and damage caused to the remaining
buildings is still plainly visible. Watch as the city is recreated by
a team of historical detectives who use evidence from recent
excavations, scientific studies and historical documents to piece
together clues as to what ancient Aphrodisias looked like.
10-11pm -- MonsterQuest - Mutant Canines
Something strange is killing Fido. In 2006, a number of pets were
killed in Maine and Minnesota by a beast locals describe as a
mutant--one of these creatures was hit by a car. The body of this
strange looking creature will be DNA tested to see what it really is.
Two expeditions will be launched to trap other dog killers still at
large. One-part history, one-part science and one part monster,
discover the truth behind legendary monsters.
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Thursday, December 6, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Paint.
From the Impressionist canvas to the Space Shuttle...from customized
hotrods to the brilliant orange hue of the Golden Gate Bridge or tiny
electronic devices--paint is one of our most ubiquitous products. And
paint adds more than just pigmentation. It's a crucial engineering
element, protecting ships from water corrosion, stovetops from heat,
and the Stealth Bomber from radar detection. In homes and businesses,
it provides a balanced spectrum of light and protects surfaces from
wear. In this colorful hour, we discover how this marvel of chemistry
and engineering is made, and how it is applied. Come see what's
beneath the surface as we reveal one of man's most ingenious methods
of defeating the elements and adding spice to life!
8-9pm -- Modern Marvels - Brewing.
It's one of the world's oldest and most beloved beverages--revered by
Pharaohs and brewed by America's Founding Fathers. Today, brewing the
bitter elixir is a multi-billion-dollar global industry. Join us for
an invigorating look at brewing's history from prehistoric times to
today's cutting-edge craft breweries, focusing on its gradually
evolving technologies and breakthroughs. We'll find the earliest known
traces of brewing, which sprang up independently in such far-flung
places as ancient Sumeria, China, and Finland; examine the surprising
importance that beer held in the daily and ceremonial life of ancient
Egypt; and at Delaware's Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, an adventurous
anthropologist and a cutting-edge brewer show us the beer they've
concocted based on 2,700-year-old DNA found in drinking vessels from
the funerary of the legendary King Midas.
9-10pm -- Gangland - 05 - Race Wars
A gritty, true-life series exposing the world of history's most
notorious and dangerous gangs.
10-11pm -- Ancient Discoveries - 12 - Machines of the Gods
Gods and religion played an extremely important role in antiquity. The
problem with so many religions being worshipped by the Greeks and
Romans was how would the priests of these temples pay for their
upkeep? Great scholars such as Philon, Ctesibius and Heron were
patronized by the temples to create "magic". In return, they created
intriguing and mind blowing objects. It was a heavy mix of religion
and science. One of the most famous illusions was found in Alexandria
at the temple of Serapis, where an iron chariot was suspended in mid
air. It appeared to be the work of the gods.
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Friday, December 7, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Stealth and Beyond: Air Stealth.
They are the swarthy eagles of the sky, the sleek sharks of the sea,
the invisible warriors of the battlefield. Join us for a 3-part look
at the stealth aircraft, ships, and soldiers of today, yesterday, and
tomorrow. This hour highlights past, present, and future advances in
stealth military aircraft. Features footage of the F-117 Nighthawk,
B-2 Spirit Bomber, and the Air Force's newest fighters, the F/A-22
Raptor and the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, and talks to test pilots and
flight engineers.
8-9pm -- Modern Marvels - Mackinac Bridge.
Until recently, the Mackinac Bridge was the longest suspension bridge
in the world. One of the top engineering marvels of the 20th century,
the bridge spans the 4-mile wide straits of Mackinac, where Lakes
Huron and Michigan come together. The Mighty Mac connects the pastoral
northern mainland of Michigan with the state's heavily forested Upper
Peninsula and stands as a testament to the dreams, determination, and
hard work of a small few who created a true masterpiece of modern
engineering.
9-10pm -- Shockwave - 02 - Shockwave
Watch as the installation of a water tower in New Providence Iowa
turns into the tower of terror as the crane collapses sending hundreds
running for their lives. A Montana sheriff attempts to talk a
distraught man out of setting off a bomb, but the whole thing
literally blows up in his face. Next residents of St. George Utah
watch as a 3-foot-wide stream turns into a 300-foot-wide raging river
that claims dozens of homes. Witness one of the best stunt pilots in
the world slam into the ground at 300 miles an hour and then look on
as a photographer tries to rescue a racecar driver trapped inside his
car and burning alive. Finally learn how a cigarette ignited one of
the biggest explosions in US History at the PEPCON rocket fuel plant
in Henderson, Nevada.
10-11pm -- Human Weapon - Passport to Pain
Thirteen countries. Fourteen fights. Hundreds of body slams, groin
shots, and even a few laps around a Cambodian village on the back of a
Water Buffalo, join the ultimate quest to experience the greatest
martial arts the world has to offer. It hasn't been easy. In fact it's
been downright painful. Recount the nastiest fights, toughest
fighters, weirdest encounters and wildest training from Season 1. See
how hosts Jason Chambers and Bill Duff have earned their "Passports to
Pain".
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Saturday, December 8, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Rocks
From the Stone Age to the Space Age, our world has been built from
rocks. Visit the Johnson Space Center in Houston to examine America's
horde of moon rocks to determine how the planets were formed, and how
old the solar system is. See how marble and granite are extracted, cut
and polished. Do some blasting at a gravel pit, watch ore turn into
steel and finally, learn how the Geysers in Northern California
harness heat from rocks to create energy for 85,000 homes.
8-9pm -- The History of Sex - From Don Juan to Queen Victoria.
This part of our sexual sweep through history covers the intensely
romantic (Don Juan, Casanova) and the darkly perverse (Marquis de
Sade), then moves on to the 19th century with its quirky views. It is
the era of Queen Victoria, yet mail-order pornography takes off. We
also reveal carnal kinks of the Pilgrims and Puritans.
9-10pm -- The History of Sex - The 20th Century.
A sensual, extensive series that looks at what sex has meant to the
development of civilization--and what the development of civilization
has meant to sex. From the first latex condom in the 1920s to the
birth of the Pill in the 1960s, sexuality evolved at a rapid pace in
the 20th century. How will sex change in the 21st century?
10-11pm -- The History of Sex - Ancient Civilizations.
In this hour, we study sex in the ancient world--from Mesopotamians,
who viewed adultery as a crime of theft, to Romans, who believed that
squatting and sneezing after sex was a reliable method birth control.
We also look at revealing Egyptian and Greek practices--from the
origins of dildos, to intimate relations between Egyptian gods and
goddesses, to the use of crocodile dung as a contraceptive.
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Sunday, December 9, 2007
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7-8pm -- Lost Book of Nostradamus - Part 1
In 1994, Italian journalist Enza Massa was at the Italian National
Library in Rome when she stumbled upon an unusual find. It was a
manuscript dating to 1629, titled: Nostradamus Vatinicia Code. Michel
de Notredame, the author's name, was on the inside in indelible ink.
The book contains cryptic and bizarre images along with over eighty
watercolor paintings by the master visionary himself. We begin our
investigative trail of how the manuscript was found in the archives
and exactly how it got there. (Part 1 of 2.)
8-9pm -- Lost Book of Nostradamus - Part 2
We continue our investigative trail of how a manuscript, dating back
to 1629 and titled: Nostradamus Vatinicia Code, was found in the
archives of the Italian National Library in Rome and try and determine
exactly how it got there. New insight is given into the life of
Nostradamus and his relationship with Pope Urban VIII, who knew about
this manuscript and in whose possession it was for many years.
Conclusion.
9-11pm -- 1968 with Tom Brokaw -
In 1968, the fury and violence of the Democratic National Convention
in Chicago propelled us toward a tipping point in politics. Martin
Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated, America
suffered its bloodiest year in Vietnam and drugs seduced us. Yet
idealism--and hope--flourished. Explore the significance of that
turbulent year and the way it continues to affect the American
landscape. Tom Brokaw offers his perspective on the era and shares the
rich personal odysseys of some of the people who lived through that
chaotic time, along with the stories of younger people now
experiencing its aftershocks. Includes archival footage and interviews
with former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, who was talking to King when
he was assassinated and rushed to his side to try to staunch the
wound; Olympic gold medalist Rafer Johnson, who wrestled RFKs'
assassin to the ground; and Arlo Guthrie, best known for his song
"Alice's Restaurant.
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Monday, December 10, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Codes.
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. We explore the rich
history of communicating with secret symbols--from Egyptian
hieroglyphics to Caesar's encrypted directives, from WWI and WWII
codebreakers to cyberspace.
8-9pm -- Modern Marvels - Most Shocking
It strikes without warning and kills in an instant. We fear its might
even as we use it to save a life. Explore the electric shock in its
numerous forms. Visit a modern day taser factor, uncovering the
history behind these devices. Deconstruct a lightening bolt, which can
travel up to 100,000 miles per second, and listen to the shocking
tales from survivors of lightening strikes. From fences to eels, to
the electric chair, we reveal the jolting truth about the electric
shock.
9-10pm -- Gangland - 05 - Race Wars
A gritty, true-life series exposing the world of history's most
notorious and dangerous gangs.
10-11pm -- History Rocks - The '60s
Incredible music, outrageous characters and remarkable events are what
shaped the 1960s. Viewers will gain both new perspectives and new
information through the pairing of the most important events of the
decade with the music of the era. Eight events are told through on
screen words with no narration over the songs. Segments include the
Pontiac GTO paired with "Born to Be Wild" by Steppenwolf; the Draft
with The Youngblood's "Get Together"; and Marilyn Monroe with The
Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin."
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Tuesday, December 11, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - The Junkyard.
It's the place where one man's trash is truly another man's treasure.
Enter the strange and mysterious world of the junkyard, where many
pieces actually do add up to a whole. Uncover how junkyard operators
create order out of seemingly random piles of junk.
8-9pm -- Modern Marvels - Wiring America.
We begin with electrical linemen perched precariously out a helicopter
door, repairing 345,000-volt high-tension power lines. They are part
of an army of technicians and scientists we'll ride, climb, and crawl
with on this episode. They risk their lives so that we can have the
services we take for granted--electric power and 21st century
communications. They lay and maintain the wire that connects us one to
another, as well as America to the rest of the world. The hardwiring
of America is a story that is nearly two centuries old. And though
satellites and wireless systems may be challenging the wire, it's not
dead. Fiber optic cable, lines that transmit light, became a player in
information delivery in the late 1970s. We may be entering a
"wireless" age, but the infrastructure of wires laid by visionary
scientists and industrialists are still vital to America. Wire
technology will be with us, continuing to provide service, well into
the next century.
9-10pm -- The Universe - Mysteries of the Moon
For thousands of years, mankind has found comfort in its presence.
It's been a lantern for nighttime travelers, a timekeeper for farmers,
and a location finder for sailors at sea. For some cultures, it's even
been a god. It's the only cosmic body ever visited by human beings.
From afar, the Moon's luminance has captivated us since the beginning
of time. And a closer look at the beacon in the dark sky reveals an
ever-present source of myth, intrigue, controversy and unsolved
mysteries. The field of science may cast an empirical light on some
things about the Universe, but lunar experts are the first to admit
they don't have all the answers when it comes to our Moon. This
episode explores the theories behind Lunar Transient Phenomena that
have left scientists stumped for centuries; takes to the Canadian
waters to see how the Moon effects our planet through tides; and dusts
off some age-old myths and weighs arguments that without our Moon,
humanity may not even exist.
10-11pm -- Mega Disasters - Comet Catastrophe
The cause of the Biblical Great Flood may have been a massive
three-mile wide comet that crashed in the Indian Ocean, 4,800 years
ago. It is believed to have decimated over 60% of Earth's population.
A similar comet, crashing into the Pacific Ocean near San Francisco,
could cause millions of casualties followed by a lethal mega tsunami,
earthquake, torrential rains and a nuclear winter. Is the next massive
impact just around the corner?
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Wednesday, December 12, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Shovels.
From a prehistoric sharpened digging stick to today's $15-million
monster machines, our journey for the ultimate shovel begins in
California's borax mines, where the P&H 4100 uses advanced
electronics, brute strength, and savvy operators to excavate 170-ton
chunks in a single scoop. We travel back to 1835, when William Otis
set off an American digging frenzy with his patented steam shovel. And
at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, we kick the legs of NASA's latest
Mars Lander: Phoenix. This stationary probe has a robotic arm with a
shovel scoop designed to dig into the soil, locate ice, and analyze
its properties. Back on Earth, the Hitachi Corporation's 200-ton
hydraulic humanitarian shovel is designed to locate and explode
landmines in Third-World countries.
8-10pm -- 1968 with Tom Brokaw -
In 1968, the fury and violence of the Democratic National Convention
in Chicago propelled us toward a tipping point in politics. Martin
Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated, America
suffered its bloodiest year in Vietnam and drugs seduced us. Yet
idealism--and hope--flourished. Explore the significance of that
turbulent year and the way it continues to affect the American
landscape. Tom Brokaw offers his perspective on the era and shares the
rich personal odysseys of some of the people who lived through that
chaotic time, along with the stories of younger people now
experiencing its aftershocks. Includes archival footage and interviews
with former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, who was talking to King when
he was assassinated and rushed to his side to try to staunch the
wound; Olympic gold medalist Rafer Johnson, who wrestled RFKs'
assassin to the ground; and Arlo Guthrie, best known for his song
"Alice's Restaurant.
10-11pm -- MonsterQuest - Lions in the Backyard
Mountain lions do occasionally attack humans, and when they do it
makes headlines across the country. However, it has been reported that
people are seeing something else--attacks by large black cats.
Pictures and law enforcement encounters prove a big black cat is out
there, while it resembles a mountain lion, there is no such thing as a
black mountain lion. From Texas to Minnesota to West Virginia, follow
the eyewitness accounts and physical evidence of these demon cats.
Bones from a carcass that eyewitnesses claim was a huge black cat will
be put to the DNA test. One-part history, one-part science and one
part monsters discover the truth behind legendary monsters.
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Thursday, December 13, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Da Vinci Tech.
Nearly 500 years after his death, Leonardo da Vinci still intrigues
us. Most people think of him as a great artist, but he was also a
remarkable scientist and inventor. His love of mechanics was
unparalleled and he filled his notebooks with pages of incredible
machines--from weapons of war to "Ships of the Skies", from submarines
and scuba suits to robots and an analogue computer...even contact
lenses and alarm clocks! How did a 15th-century man envision such
modern innovations? If we follow his plans, would any of his designs
work? We need wonder no more. With recent technological advances and
new materials, we're the first generation able to bring Leonardo's
drawings to life--to learn whether his "mechanical dreams" were
workable plans. We explore the fascinating intersection of his art,
science, and engineering marvels, and use them to offer insight into
this "Genius of Geniuses", who remains as elusive as Mona Lisa's
smile.
8-9pm -- Modern Marvels - Torture Devices.
For more than 3,000 years, emperors and generals, dictators and
police, criminals, clerics, and even medical doctors have created and
used a vast array of torture devices--everything from the ancient
Greeks' Brazen Bull, which slowly barbecued the victim, to the
elaborate mechanical apparatuses of the Spanish Inquisition. A medical
doctor who specializes in victims of torture reveals how the human
body responds to their use--from the earliest excruciating
contrivances to the more modern.
9-10pm -- Gangland - 06 - Kings of New York
A gritty, true-life series exposing the world of history's most
notorious and dangerous gangs.
10-11pm -- Ancient Discoveries - 16 - Superships
In recent years there have been a number of extraordinary discoveries
of ships from the ancient world. But what do these finds say about the
societies which created them, and the techniques they used in their
construction? Travel back to ancient Egypt and learn about the "Khufu
Boat" which had not one metal nail in its construction, and uncover
huge sailing vessels, dating from 3000 B.C., in Abydos near the Nile.
Some of the most exciting discoveries that have been made include the
warship, and one carried as many as 7000 crewman.
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Friday, December 14, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Secret Luftwaffe Aircraft of WWII.
German military aircraft designs were decades ahead of their Allied
counterparts. To insure Luftwaffe superiority, their designers tested
advanced concepts including swept-wing and vertical take-off aircraft
and stealth bombers. Using computer-generated images and archival
footage, we trace development of Hitler's airborne arsenal.
8-9pm -- Modern Marvels - Saws
Sink your teeth into the razor sharp world of saws. Cut across the
centuries to discover how the Egyptians arduously sawed stone as
compared to modern saws that slice through limestone like butter. Saws
have been used as instruments of torture and tools for surgery. They
are imperative for construction, salvage, demolition, and they even
make music. Whether they have teeth of steel, carbide or diamond, you
will be on the cutting edge of successful sawing.
9-10pm -- Shockwave - 03 - Shockwave
Nothing makes for more exciting television than seeing history
captured as it happened, whether by home video, cell phones,
surveillance systems, or the occasional lucky news cameraman. This new
groundbreaking series taking the best raw footage of catastrophic,
headline-making events from all over the world and using the latest in
graphics technology to dissect the video, revealing astonishing 3-D
views and explanations for what really happened. From the catastrophic
bridge collapse in Minneapolis to the explosion aboard the USS
Forrestal, we take an in-depth look at the stories behind the
headlines and introduce you to the people who conquered tragedy with
their incredible human spirit.
10-11pm -- Human Weapon - Ninjutsu
Jason Chambers and Bill Duff venture back to the Land of the Rising
Sun to study one of the most mysterious, subversive, and deadly
martial arts in the world--Ninjutsu. From the electric streets of
Tokyo to the misty mountains of North Japan--our hosts will wield the
swords, throwing stars, and violent takedowns of the Ninja. They'll
explore the secret passages of a 300-year-old Ninjutsu barracks, and
hone the secret fighting tactics of Japan's immortal shadow warriors.
And it's all in preparation for one ultimate challenge: a back-to-back
showdown with two Ninjutsu masters.
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Saturday, December 15, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - 60's Tech
Take a groovy ride back to the freewheeling days of the 1960s and
recall the technological happenings that helped shape the decade.
Television went from black and white to color. Satellite broadcasting
made coast-to-coast live broadcasts possible. Transistors made radios
portable, computers downsized and telephones began switching from
rotary to touch-tone. The 60s also brought along the Ford Mustang and
other hot wheels. For fun, there was slot car racing, etch-a-sketch,
the superball, and lava lamps. The decade gave us quite a
technological rush, with the introduction of concert sound,
psychedelic light shows and the birth of the rock festival.
8-10pm -- The Plague -
It began like the common cold. Then fever, baseball-sized black
swellings on the neck, coughing of blood. Few lived more than two
days. The year--1347. It was history's worst biological disaster and
almost half of Europe's population died within three years. Visit the
plague ships' rat-infested holds, witness the terror that swept
through the towns, and walk with the religious flagellants. Follow a
princess as she travels into the center of the plague, a doctor who
struggles to understand what is happening, and a Jewish merchant
caught up in violent attacks. Hear the actual words of the victims,
taken from diaries and journals. From the Pope's palace to the humble
huts of medieval peasants, watch as people live and die in the
unforgiving grip of fear and death, and wonder how we would act if
such a terrible event happened today.
10-12am -- Vampires Secrets -
Since Bram Stoker first published his novel Dracula in 1897, the
world's most popular vampire has made his appearance in 44 languages.
The vampire myth however, is much older than Count Dracula, popping up
from Athens to Beijing almost 1000 years before the Transylvanian
legend. Vampire legends have two things in common: drinking blood and
returning from the dead. Long before Jesus urged his followers to
drink his blood and eat his flesh, prehistoric man held similar
rituals. From the Bible and ancient Mesopotamian history to blood
drinking societies in New York, we reveal the amazing truth behind one
of the most terrifying legends in history.
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Sunday, December 16, 2007
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7-8pm -- History Rocks - More '60s
Some of the biggest cultural changes and events of the 1960s are set
against the original soundtrack of the decade's memorable hits.
Viewers will gain both new perspectives and new information through
the pairing of the most important events of the decade with the music
of the era. Eight events are told through on screen words with no
narration over the songs. Continue the journey with Steppenwolf's
"Magic Carpet Ride" as you re-live the exciting race to the moon; the
JFK conspiracy "I Can See for Miles and Miles" by the Who; and
experience Growing Up in the Sixties through Donovan's "Sunshine
Superman".
8-11pm -- Reel To Real - Forrest Gump
(movie) Inspiring, heartbreaking, hilarious--all of those describe this
film. Tom Hanks stars in this Oscar-winning story about a slow-witted
but good-hearted young man who gets mixed up in all of the turbulent
events of his times--the Kennedy assassination, the Civil Rights
Movement, Vietnam--but can't quite understand any of them. Co-stars
Robin Wright Penn, Gary Sinise and Sally Fields, and directed by
Robert Zemeckis. (1994)
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Monday, December 17, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Copper.
It transports electricity, water, and heat. Our bodies can't survive
without it, yet it can kill microbes in minutes. It brings music to
our ears and beauty to our eyes. We'll delve into all of copper's
impressive traits, history, and how it's mined. This versatile red
metal's most famous attribute is its ability to conduct
electricity--copper wires connect and energize the world. And it's
revolutionizing the electronics industry by enabling ever-shrinking
computer chips. It's also formed into plumbing pipes to convey water
and is the metal of choice for beautiful roofs and sculptures. It
doesn't only look good--it sounds great too. A visit to a bell foundry
reveals why bronze, a copper alloy, has been used to make music for
hundreds of years. In myriad shapes and for innumerable uses, copper
figures prominently in our world.
8-9pm -- Modern Marvels - Cold Cuts
They're the meat in our sandwiches and slices of American pop culture.
Take a look behind the deli counter to reveal the secret ingredients
in boloney. Watch a master sausage maker craft salami, and pile it on
at Carnegie Deli with their famous mile-high pastrami sandwich. We'll
construct exotic cold cuts made of pig head parts and livers, make the
cut with the best meat slicers, past and present and see how to make
turkey out of tofu. And don't forget that olive loaf for the holidays.
Served cold and cut with precision. Pureed, pounded, and poured, it's
time for a taste of cold cuts.
9-10pm -- Gangland - 06 - Kings of New York
A gritty, true-life series exposing the world of history's most
notorious and dangerous gangs.
10-11pm -- History Rocks - The '80s
The 1980s was a decade of extremes. The most important events of the
'80s will be paired with music of the era. Songs are matched to
documentary clips to deepen the meaning and evoke the mood of the
event. Segments include the perestroika between Ronald Reagan and
Mikhail Gorbachev told to the hard rock strains of "Cult of
Personality" by Living Colour; the crack epidemic that ravaged
America's inner cities with "Electric Avenue" by Eddy Grant; and Mount
St. Helens' eruption with "Should I Stay or Should I Go" by the Clash.
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Tuesday, December 18, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - The Autobahn.
Imagine a superhighway designed for speed...thousands of miles of
roadway unhindered by limits of any kind. Buckle up for safety as we
take you for the ride of your life when we explore the fascinating
history and current reality of the world's fastest freeway. The
number-one works project of the Third Reich, the Autobahn was known as
Adolf Hitler's Road until Germany's defeat in WWII. Reconstructed and
extended to more than four times its original size, it became a symbol
of the New Germany.
8-9pm -- Modern Marvels - Chocolate
Americans eat over three and a half billion pounds of chocolate each
year--that's 12 pounds per person per year with annual sales topping
$13 billion! Take a tour through the entire chocolate making process
and learn how chocolate has been thought of as an energizer, an
aphrodisiac and a cure-all. Watch as colorful M&Ms are made by the
millions at Mars. Visit a working cacao bean farm in Central America
for a demonstration of the hand harvesting techniques that have
remained unchanged for centuries. To the delight of those who indulge,
this awesome edible is now even good for you--full of antioxidants,
cholesterol-lowering polyphenols, and heart-healthy flavonols.
9-10pm -- The Universe - The Milky Way
We used to think that Earth was at the center of the universe, but now
we know we're not even at the center of our own galaxy. Countless
wonders exist between where earth is situated and the massive black
hole at the galactic center of our solar system. Within the Milky Way
can be found the debris of old, dying stars fueling the birth of new
stars and at the galactic center hypervelocity stars get catapulted
clear beyond the Milky Way's outer rim at unimaginable speeds. Come
along for a guided tour of 100,000 light-year-wide family of stars and
stellar phenomena we call The Milky Way.
10-11pm -- Mega Disasters - Krakatoa's Revenge
In 1883, Krakatoa, the most famous and feared volcano on Earth,
erupted. Gigantic explosions blew the volcano to bits, which triggered
massive lava flows that generated huge tsunamis. Nearly 37,000 died,
the greatest death toll caused by a volcanic eruption. It could happen
again. Watch as state of the art models, 3D animations and practical
demonstrations show how the eruption occurred. Leading experts
speculate on the impact of a mega eruption today. Would the resulting
colossal ash cloud cause a worldwide catastrophe?
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Wednesday, December 19, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Dangerous Cargo.
Toxic traffic is everywhere! An average of 800,000 shipments of
hazardous materials hit our highways and railways daily. From Wild
West wooden crates filled with explosives to HAZMAT containers of
nuclear waste, we shadow dangerous cargo. We ride shotgun on a
hazardous material shipment that's tracked by satellites; hunt down
the hush-hush "ghost fleet"--trucks carrying classified government
materials; and board a Con-Air flight moving another kind of nasty
stuff--dangerous felons!
8-10pm -- Modern Marvels - Walt Disney World.
Journey underground and backstage at the technological marvel that is
Walt Disney World. Enter a make-believe world spanning some 27,000
acres, brought to life by cutting-edge technology. What was once
Florida swampland now boasts the world's largest theme park. The ride
technology ranges from space-age centrifuges to enhanced motion
vehicles powered by 3,000 PSI of hydraulic pressure. And hundreds of
audio animatronics brought to life through the power of pneumatics,
hydraulics, and electrical systems. Walt Disney World is made up of
four separate theme parks, each with its own innovations: the 107-acre
Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom.
The four parks are all part of a megaplex of a resort. Twice the size
of Manhattan, it was the final vision and crowning achievement of a
man who spent more than 40 years pushing the limits of technology to
create entertainment magic: Walt Disney.
10-11pm -- MonsterQuest - Gigantic Killer Fish
Are monster fish lurking in freshwater lakes and rivers? From the
Arctic Circle to the Amazon, follow an expedition to find the biggest
and nastiest giant fresh water fish, from catfish large enough to
swallow children whole to trout as large as a boat. Scientists will
deploy giant lures and underwater cameras in a search for monster
fish. One-part history, one-part science and one part monster,
discover the truth behind legendary monsters.
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Thursday, December 20, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Logging Tech.
When Paul Bunyan cried "Timber!", he never foresaw today's
cutting-edge, controversial industry that feeds a ravenous,
lumber-crazy world--a world striving to protect nature while devouring
it. Come into the woods to see how he-men and hi-tech combine forces
to topple 4-billion trees annually; journey to 19th-century America,
when lumberjacks cut a legend as large as the timber they felled; and
travel with a tree from stump to sawmill and learn its non-wood
uses--from aspirin to film to toothpaste!
8-9pm -- Modern Marvels - Christmas Tech
Christmas is observed by nearly one-third of the world's
population...and probably more if you count the non-Christians who
incorporate some of the more secular traditions into their winter
season. Every year, revelers go all out with trees, ornaments, lights,
window displays and Christmas treats. Technological advancements have
made them cheaper, easier and safer. We'll visit Rockefeller Center
for a look at their yearly tree preparations and then take a walk to
Macy's, Herald Square, where we'll find out what it takes to design,
assemble and install their annual holiday windows. How is the 3,300
pound UNICEF crystal snowflake hoisted above Fifth Avenue every year?
Then it's off to Yule Tree Farms, one of Oregon's largest Christmas
tree farms and we'll visit a bakery in Texas that bakes and ships
about 33,000 fruitcakes per day during the holiday season. So plug in
the tree, grab some eggnog, sit back and enjoy!
9-10pm -- Gangland - 07 - Stone to the Bone
A gritty, true-life series exposing the world of history's most
notorious and dangerous gangs.
10-11pm -- Ancient Discoveries - 14 - Machines III
One thousand years ago, when Europe was still in the dark ages, China
was at the forefront of technology. We unveil the remarkable story of
how China created a myriad of ingenious devices including cosmic
machines able to collect data on the stars, hydraulic hammers,
water-controlled clocks, and mass production plants powered by water.
We visit a reconstruction of an ancient Chinese iron furnace to
unravel how the Chinese created a forty-ton iron artifact five
centuries before the West discovered cast-iron technology. Meet the
leading clay expert Professor Ye Hongming who has spent a lifetime
seeking to discover the secrets of how the ancient Chinese created
their vast terracotta army.
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Friday, December 21, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Super Guns of Today and Tomorrow.
An examination of guns that exist on the cutting edge of firearm
technology. Fighting battles on computers decades before an actual
shot is fired, these super guns may make the world safer...or more
dangerous than ever before.
8-9pm -- Modern Marvels - More Snackfood Tech.
They crunch; they ooze; they crackle; they pop--mmmmm, yeah! Soft
drinks, donuts, meat snacks, popcorn, and gum. What's your weakness?
From the handmade treats of the earliest civilizations to hi-tech mass
production, these snacks are borne of man's need to feed his cravings.
Join us for an hour-long tasty treat as we examine the history of
snackfoods and check out how they are made today.
9-10pm -- Shockwave - 04 - Shockwave
Nothing makes for more exciting television than seeing history
captured as it happened, whether by home video, cell phones,
surveillance systems, or the occasional lucky news cameraman. This new
groundbreaking series taking the best raw footage of catastrophic,
headline-making events from all over the world and using the latest in
graphics technology to dissect the video, revealing astonishing 3-D
views and explanations for what really happened. From the catastrophic
bridge collapse in Minneapolis to the explosion aboard the USS
Forrestal, we take an in-depth look at the stories behind the
headlines and introduce you to the people who conquered tragedy with
their incredible human spirit.
10-11pm -- Human Weapon - Taekwondo
Jason Chambers and Bill Duff travel to South Korea, birthplace of one
of the most acrobatic and physically punishing fighting styles in the
world, Taekwondo. Our hosts travel to ancient fortresses, break marble
slabs, and learn an insane arsenal of jumping, flying and spinning
taekwondo kicks. They'll serve as bodyguards protecting a VIP from
potential attack, and channel the fighting spirit of an ancient band
of Korean warriors. It's all in service to their ultimate challenge: a
full-on Tae Kwon Do battle with a former World Champ.
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Saturday, December 22, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Most Shocking
It strikes without warning and kills in an instant. We fear its might
even as we use it to save a life. Explore the electric shock in its
numerous forms. Visit a modern day taser factor, uncovering the
history behind these devices. Deconstruct a lightening bolt, which can
travel up to 100,000 miles per second, and listen to the shocking
tales from survivors of lightening strikes. From fences to eels, to
the electric chair, we reveal the jolting truth about the electric
shock.
8-10pm -- The True Story of Charlie Wilson -
As incredible as anything in the pages of Tom Clancy or John le Carré,
this is a gripping story of international intrigue, booze, drugs, sex,
high society and arms deals. It is the true story of Texas congressman
Charlie Wilson's and CIA operative Gust Avrakotos's covert dealings in
Afghanistan, and how they armed the Afghan Mujahideen in what became
the CIA's largest and most successful campaign in history. Their goal
was to turn Afghanistan into the Soviet Union's Vietnam. The effort
would blow back to haunt America into the next century.
10-12am -- Banned from The Bible II -
Take another look at ancient texts that were edited out of the Bible.
Are they the missing links to Christ's true teachings, or heretical
attempts to rewrite history? Explore the kabalistic stories of angels
and demons disavowed by orthodox leaders, and the apocalyptic visions
and the sexual imagery that were barred from the Old Testament. Why
was Peter's account of a "Lord of The Rings"-style battle of wits and
magic repressed by Rome? With discoveries being made all across the
world--in caves, ruined temples, ancient libraries and
monasteries--these tantalizing fragments continue to be found and
debated. Are they heresy or hidden truth?
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Sunday, December 23, 2007
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7-8pm -- The History of Christmas -
Fascinating story of how the bawdy Roman Saturnalia, a week-long
festival of food and drink that culminated on December 25, became the
centerpiece of the Christian year, and why the holiday is known as
much for shopping as the birth of Christ. Interviews with experts,
harried bargain hunters, and excited children round out the program.
8-10pm -- The Hunt for John Wilkes Booth -
It was the largest manhunt in history--ten thousand federal troops,
detectives and police hunted those responsible for the assassination
of President Abraham Lincoln. The conspiracy was vast--an effort to
decapitate the United States government at the end of the Civil War.
The manhunt was intense--ending 12 days later in a fiery showdown with
the man who pulled the trigger--John Wilkes Booth.
10-12am -- The Kennedy Assassination: Beyond Conspiracy -
No other murder in history has produced as much speculation as the
assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Forty years after he was
fatally shot, more than 70 percent of polled Americans believe there
was a conspiracy and that Lee Harvey Oswald did not act alone. In this
2-hour special, ABC News Anchor Peter Jennings takes a fresh look at
the assassination, the evidence, the various and many theories, and an
exact computer simulation of the famous Abraham Zapruder film that
offers surprising results.
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Monday, December 24, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Bible Tech.
Arguably the most influential book ever written, the Bible provides a
glimpse into the origins of ancient technology and its use to
withstand the elements, build great structures, wage war, and conserve
precious water. We examine the technological plausibility of biblical
structures and machines--including the Tower of Babylon, the Temple of
Jerusalem, ancient bronze and iron forging, and shipbuilding skills
that might have been employed to build Noah's Ark.
8-10pm -- Bible Battles -
In one of the most hostile lands on the planet, an ancient people
called the Israelites forged an army and carved out an empire. Their
ancient military exploits are described in one of history's most
famous religious texts--the Old Testament of the Bible. But by reading
between the religious lines, military historians unlock the soldiers'
secrets of the Bible by examining the weapons, strategies, and the
commanders, some of whom are not always thought of as warriors, like
Abraham, Moses, and Deborah. In this 2-hour special, we explore the
biblical world from a military perspective from the time of Abraham
until David's ascension to the throne. Blood often flows more freely
than holy water in the days of the Old Testament, and the military
secrets of the Bible have yet to be revealed...until now!
10-12am -- Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed -
The story of Anakin Skywalker's descent into darkness and his son
Luke's quest to conquer evil has spellbound audiences for 30 years.
The reason for this is simple: the saga of Star Wars is universal and
firmly rooted in the mythology and the political history of the entire
planet. May 2007 will mark the 30th anniversary of George Lucas' space
fantasy that grossed billions worldwide. For the first time take a
profound look at the serious subtext behind Lucas' six film milestone.
The influence of ancient mythology from Greek legends to King Arthur
is visible; but also more recent historical influences, from the
political rise of Napoleon to the machinations of Adolf Hitler can be
seen.
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Tuesday, December 25, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Christmas Tech
Christmas is observed by nearly one-third of the world's
population...and probably more if you count the non-Christians who
incorporate some of the more secular traditions into their winter
season. Every year, revelers go all out with trees, ornaments, lights,
window displays and Christmas treats. Technological advancements have
made them cheaper, easier and safer. We'll visit Rockefeller Center
for a look at their yearly tree preparations and then take a walk to
Macy's, Herald Square, where we'll find out what it takes to design,
assemble and install their annual holiday windows. How is the 3,300
pound UNICEF crystal snowflake hoisted above Fifth Avenue every year?
Then it's off to Yule Tree Farms, one of Oregon's largest Christmas
tree farms and we'll visit a bakery in Texas that bakes and ships
about 33,000 fruitcakes per day during the holiday season. So plug in
the tree, grab some eggnog, sit back and enjoy!
8-10pm -- Nostradamus: 500 Years Later -
The life story of Nostradamus unfolds in medieval Europe at the time
of the Great Plague and the Inquisition. He lived in an age of
superstition and magic and believed that he could foretell the future.
For this he was labeled both a prophet and a heretic, and his cryptic
journals continue to inspire controversy just as they did in the 16th
century. In this two-hour examination of his life, we visit his
birthplace in France and trace his career as doctor, astrologer,
father, and seer.
10-11pm -- Decoding The Past - The Other Nostradamus.
He predicted WWII, the deaths of US Presidents, and the turmoil of the
1960s. He prophesied that Israel would become a state 15 years before
the event and foretold the Great Depression. Many of his visions
seemed to pass unfulfilled, but are now proven accurate. His name is
Edgar Cayce, and to many, he's known as the other Nostradamus.
Throughout the 1930s and '40s, Cayce was a well-known American figure,
reputed for his "healing abilities" as well as his prophecies. Cayce's
predictions are documented in the transcriptions of his readings,
which he gave until his death in 1945. Join us as we examine his life
and prophecies.
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Wednesday, December 26, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - B-2 Bomber.
In any battle, the key to victory is the ability to strike the enemy
without them knowing what hit them. Within the US arsenal one such
weapon can go into harm's way, deliver 40,000 pounds of either
conventional or nuclear bombs, and slip away unobserved--the B-2
Stealth Bomber. With its origins in single-wing experimentation in
Germany in the 1930s, the B-2 was developed under a cloak of secrecy.
But when that cloak was lifted, the world was awed by what stood
before them. Able to fly over 6,000 miles without refueling, it can
reach whatever target the US military wants to attack and deliver its
awesome array of laser-guided weapons with pinpoint accuracy. Using
state-of-the-art technology, including over 130 onboard computers, and
shrouded by a mantle of stealth, it's undetectable by any radar.
8-9pm -- Modern Marvels - Fast Food Tech
Can fast food get any faster? Fast food joints in the US pull in $150
billion dollars in annual sales. Their mantra is "fast, consistent,
and inexpensive." Learn how they grow it, process it, freeze it, ship
it, track it, fry it, flip it and pack it. Watch as hundreds of
burgers, fries and shakes fly across counters and drive-thru windows
at Carl's Jr., Jack in the Box, Wendy's and McDonald's. Visit a
potato-processing plant for the scoop on how fries are made and learn
how Taco Bell's founder developed the fast-food hard shell taco. Find
out what the future holds for fast food technology.
9-10pm -- Lost Worlds - Sin City of the West
The Wild West was an era of American growth fueled by lawless gambling
towns, frenzied gold rushes, and legendary racketeers. Gunfighters and
misfits thrived in an anarchic society where people were simply
looking for a good time and a way to get filthy rich. Follow a team of
historical detectives who use evidence from recent excavations,
scientific studies and historical documents to piece together clues to
what the Wild West looked like. Computer graphics will allow viewers
to fly over, enter the streets, walk through the halls and peer into
this lost age.
10-11pm -- MonsterQuest - Swamp Beast
Are the vast swamps of Louisiana and Florida hiding a beast? The
locals believe so and call it, "The Swamp Creature." It is said to be
7-feet tall with red hair and a rotten egg smell. The beast even has a
nickname--The Skunk Ape. For the first time, bloodhounds will be used
to track the elusive creature, and sexual ape pheromone chips will be
used to guide the bloodhounds to their prey. Scientists will be
brought in to tell viewers what the evidence reveals. One-part
history, one-part science and one part monster, discover the truth
behind legendary monsters.
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Thursday, December 27, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Pacific Coast Highway.
For 25 years, construction crews dug, blasted, tunneled, and bridged
their way up America's West Coast along the California, Oregon, and
Washington shoreline to build the Pacific Coast Highway. Historians,
road and bridge engineers, and experts relate this story of
perseverance, primal machines, convict labor, and engineering
brilliance as we tour its scenic route. And we look at the latest
technologies used to keeping it running despite floods, earthquakes,
tsunamis, and landslides.
8-9pm -- Gangland - 06 - Kings of New York
A gritty, true-life series exposing the world of history's most
notorious and dangerous gangs.
9-10pm -- Gangland - 08 - Hate Nation
A gritty, true-life series exposing the world of history's most
notorious and dangerous gangs.
10-11pm -- Gangland - 02 - You Rat, You Die
A gritty, true-life series exposing the world of history's most
notorious and dangerous gangs.
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Friday, December 28, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Engineering Disasters of the 70's.
To err is human... But when the error results in the loss of life,
it's a disaster. Learn about one of the most mysterious maritime
disasters of the decade--the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Was it
possible that the nation was on the brink of war due to a faulty
circuit board? What caused the Buffalo Creek Dam disaster in West
Virginia? Finally, delve into the explosion of a super tanker in Los
Angeles harbor. With the aid of 3-D animation, forensic engineering
experts, and footage of the actual disasters, an in-depth look can be
taken of what went wrong, and how the disasters have led to industry
improvements.
8-9pm -- Shockwave - 01 - Shockwave
Nothing makes for more exciting television than seeing history
captured as it happened, whether by home video, cell phones,
surveillance systems, or the occasional lucky news cameraman. Witness
the best raw footage of catastrophic, headline-making events from all
over the world. Watch as a firefighter takes the full force of a
massive explosion, and then be a spectator as China Airline Flight 120
erupts into a fireball on the runway in Okinawa, Japan. Sift through
the debris of a Kansas tornado, then behold a rescue chopper crash
into Mt. Hood just as a hiker is about to be lifted to safety. See
race veteran Joe McCannon slam into a wall. Finally examine a missile
misfire on the USS Forrestal and watch as the missile hits the fighter
planes on the flight deck!
9-10pm -- Shockwave - 05 - Shockwave
Nothing makes for more exciting television than seeing history
captured as it happened, whether by home video, cell phones,
surveillance systems, or the occasional lucky news cameraman. This new
groundbreaking series taking the best raw footage of catastrophic,
headline-making events from all over the world and using the latest in
graphics technology to dissect the video, revealing astonishing 3-D
views and explanations for what really happened. From the catastrophic
bridge collapse in Minneapolis to the explosion aboard the USS
Forrestal, we take an in-depth look at the stories behind the
headlines and introduce you to the people who conquered tragedy with
their incredible human spirit.
10-11pm -- Shockwave - 04 - Shockwave
Nothing makes for more exciting television than seeing history
captured as it happened, whether by home video, cell phones,
surveillance systems, or the occasional lucky news cameraman. This new
groundbreaking series taking the best raw footage of catastrophic,
headline-making events from all over the world and using the latest in
graphics technology to dissect the video, revealing astonishing 3-D
views and explanations for what really happened. From the catastrophic
bridge collapse in Minneapolis to the explosion aboard the USS
Forrestal, we take an in-depth look at the stories behind the
headlines and introduce you to the people who conquered tragedy with
their incredible human spirit.
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Saturday, December 29, 2007
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6-8pm -- Child Soldiers -
Children as young as seven years old have become hardened combat
soldiers and there are currently 300,000 children under the age of
eighteen fighting in three-fourths of the world's conflicts. Never
before in history have children been used on such a large scale. Some
are drugged to stay and fight; others simply have nowhere to go and
know nothing else. Technology has reduced the need for expert combat
skills, and the proliferation of arms in conflict areas has made the
child a serious threat on the battlefield. This special chronicles the
incredible personal story of Ishmael Beah, a former child soldier in
Sierra Leone's civil war, and the author of the best selling book A
Long Way Gone - Memoirs of a Boy Soldier. Also profiled is Yasmin
Ardila, a girl child soldier from Colombia, who at the age of sixteen
lost her leg when she stepped on a landmine, while fighting for a
rebel group.
8-10pm -- Last Stand of The 300 -
After Custer, Thermopylae is the most famous last stand in history. In
a narrow pass in Northern Greece, seven thousand Greek soldiers await
an onslaught of epic proportions. They will soon face the largest
fighting force ever assembled--the war machine of the mighty Persian
Empire, estimated at over a million men. The Greeks are led by three
hundred of the most ferocious warriors of the ancient world--the
Spartans. Their leader is the fearless King Leonidas, who after this
battle would be catapulted into legend. When it is over, every Spartan
in the pass will have sacrificed his life for freedom. Creating a
fresh visual style and using new technologies we will dramatically
recreate the significant events that lead to Thermopylae and the clash
of arms.
10-12am -- The True Story of Hannibal -
One of history's greatest military leaders, at age nine Hannibal
accompanied his father Hamilcar Barca on the Carthaginian expedition
to conquer Spain. Before embarking, the boy vowed eternal hatred for
Rome, his people's bitter rival. Twenty years later, in 218 BC, he
left New Carthage (now Cartagena, Spain) to wage war on "The Eternal
City" with an army of about 40,000, including cavalry and elephants.
After crossing the Pyrénées and Rhône River, he traversed the Alps
while beset by snowstorms, landslides, and hostile mountain tribes.
This 2-hour special brings to life the story of the Carthaginian
general who struck fear in all Roman hearts and wreaked havoc with his
masterful military tactics, bringing the mighty Roman Republic to the
brink of ruin. Archaeologists, historians, and military experts guide
us through ancient Carthage and give insight into his military
strategy up to defeat at Zama in 203 BC.
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Sunday, December 30, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Star Trek Tech
For forty years Star Trek has engulfed our imagination and sent us on
voyages across the galaxy. We'll take a look at the technology behind
the gadgets used in the series such as phasers and communicators, and
tell their stories from the people who knew them best--the actors,
producers and prop men.
8-10pm -- Fort Knox: Secrets Revealed -
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.
10-12am -- Houdini: Unlocking the Mystery -
In one of magic history's rarest events, a private collector auctioned
off the largest collection of personally-owned Harry Houdini artifacts
and memorabilia, providing an unprecedented peek behind the curtain at
the world's great showman and magician. In a 2-hour special, hosted by
renowned magician Lance Burton, we explore the life and magic of the
great escape artist through his most prized possessions: the Chinese
Water Torture Cell, the Milkcan, his straitjackets and handcuffs, and
lockpicks that were "key" to his handcuff escapes, revealed to the
public for the first time. We also unlock secrets of the man--brash
showman, fierce competitor, loyal son and husband. With expert
commentary, including a great-nephew and the last surviving member of
his magic troop.
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Monday, December 31, 2007
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7-8pm -- Modern Marvels - Times Square.
The Crossroads of the World, New York City's Times Square is the
screaming marketplace of our culture and time. It's urban life pushed
to the limit--the most electrified, visceral, crowded, and vibrant
area in the world's most dynamic city. A unique district that forever
changes its face, it sank into crime and sleaze in the 1970s, only to
rehabilitate in the '90s into a dubious family entertainment paradise.
Join us for a trip to America's Town Square at the intersection of
Broadway and 7th Avenue in the Borough of Manhattan.
8-9pm -- Hooked: Illegal Drugs and How They Got That Way - Cocaine.
Derived from South America's coca leaf, cocaine was touted as a
cure-all in the late 19th century and was the secret ingredient in
many medicines and elixirs such as Coca-Cola. But cocaine's allure
quickly diminished as racism entered the picture--the concept of the
"cocaine-crazed Negro" even led police to strengthen the caliber of
their guns from .32 to .38. We'll see how, though it was outlawed in
1914, its popularity soared in the 1980s and '90s and gave birth to a
deadlier form--crack.
9-10pm -- The History of Sex - Ancient Civilizations.
In this hour, we study sex in the ancient world--from Mesopotamians,
who viewed adultery as a crime of theft, to Romans, who believed that
squatting and sneezing after sex was a reliable method birth control.
We also look at revealing Egyptian and Greek practices--from the
origins of dildos, to intimate relations between Egyptian gods and
goddesses, to the use of crocodile dung as a contraceptive.
10-11pm -- The History of Sex - The Eastern World.
An exploration of sex in China, Japan, India, and the Arab world that
offers an intriguing perspective on the interrelation of sexuality and
spirituality in eastern culture. Among the topics presented are the
ancient Chinese equivalent of Viagra, Japanese acceptance of
prostitutes and pornographic art, and tips from the Kama Sutra.
Don't Be A Sucker (1947)
Click Watch Full Movie to see entire 1947 video, narrated by Lloyd Nolan
The History Channel's real-life Pirates Of The Caribbean website including a Mail Call clip of their favorite weapons: click on the pirate ship there to see video
Six-Shooter Tech, on Saturday December 15 @ 9:00 AM
Gold Rush Tech, on Monday December 17 @ 10:30 AM & 4:30 PM
Law & Order Tech, on Monday December 17 @ 11:00 AM & 5:00 PM
Outlaw Tech, on Monday December 17 @ 12:00 PM & 6:00 PM
Massacre Tech, on Saturday December 22 @ 9:00 AM
The Unexplained, on Saturday December 29 09:00 AM
Lights in the sky, strange sounds in the woods, vicious attacks that couldn't be explained away.... The Wild West was overflowing with unexplained happenings. Some people even said the skies were filled with UFO's! How did technology help to craft the legends that have scared people for generations? And could technology finally help put some of these enduring myths to rest, once and for all? Join host David Carradine as he enters the Wild West Tech Zone!
Mail Call (rated TVPG-L, cc) in 2007, all 30-minute unless noted:
Friday December 14 @ 12pm & 6pm: Civil War Special #72
Host R. Lee Ermey, dressed in the uniform of a Civil War Marine Corps sergeant, dedicates the entire half-hour to the Civil War, answering a slew of email questions about the guns and gear used in the War between the States. First, the Gunny performs live-fire demonstrations with four different weapons: the Union's Springfield rifle, the Confederacy's Enfield rifle, the 1842 Springfield muzzleloader, which was the last smoothbore musket used by the US military, and last but not least, a powerful cannon. Next, Lee shows viewers cavalry gear, including weapons, tack, and personal gear. In particular, we get a look at the rare 9-shot pistol called "Le Mat"--it also fired a shotgun shell for a lethal blast. Then, the Gunny cooks up some salt port and hardtack, the Civil War version of an MRE. Finally, he dons the fancy pants and embroidered vest of the regiment known as the Zouaves and takes part in their bang-up bayonet training.
Friday December 21 @ 12pm & 6pm: NORAD #67
Host R. Lee Ermey hits the road to give us an inside look at one of the most secure and super-secret facilities in the world--NORAD. Lee gets through tight security to enter Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center, America's eye in the sky where everything that flies is monitored 24/7. During a tour of the Battle Management Center, an incident of concern puts the center on alert and we see how NORAD operates under pressure. We also tour the Missile Command Center and find out what keeps the 800 military personnel inside on their toes. And Brigadier General Jim Hunter unlocks the door for Lee to the most secret part of Cheyenne Mountain--the Command Center, or what a lot of people call the War Room. We see how the men and women who work here monitor planes, missiles, and even space junk to make sure North America stays safe. The General and Lee talk about how NORAD's mission has changed since September 11th and we get a sneak peak at the new command center.
Friday December 28 @ 12pm & 6pm: Afghanistan #68
R. Lee Ermey returns to Afghanistan and Bagram Air Base devoted to the hard-charging Marines stationed there. The Gunny goes on foot patrol into the rural villages surrounding Kabul. With his armed Marine Corps escorts, he shows what it's like to gather intelligence and promote goodwill among the Afghanis. Next, Lee goes for a ride in the Ch-53 Super Stallion, gets a little trigger time on a helicopter gunship--the Cobra attack helicopter, and test drives the Marine Corps' newest heavy duty truck, the MTVR. Finally, Lee spends time with the lifeline for the Marines in Afghanistan, the Medical Corpsman, and finds out how they treat injuries on base and on the battlefield.
Sunday December 30 @ 9:00 AM:
Army Air Ambulance/1st Special Service Force/Johnson Rifle/MiG-15 vs. F-86/P-59: #46
At Fort Irwin, R. Lee Ermey checks out the Army's state-of-the-art air ambulance--the Blackhawk helicopter; then, he learns why the helicopter became so important to Korean War MASH units that it was dubbed "The Angel of Mercy". Then, he reviews the history of America's First Special Service Force, created in WWII and nicknamed "The Devil's Brigade" by the German Army; sees which Cold War superjet is tougher--the MiG-15 or F-86 Sabre; and checks out the first US operational jet--the P-59.
Nostradamus predicts a war between Christians and Muslims (aired previously on A&E/History Channel)
R. Lee Ermey (Mail Call) has decided to play something other than a tough drill sgt. (Full Metal Jacket). His latest movie is a prequel to Texas Chainsaw Massacre called "Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning" as the head of a very strange & lethal family of mutants
For info on UFOs, check out the interview on MonsterVision's Mars Attacks page
Official HistoryChannel.com Homepage
Or find out what happened when with our exclusive History of the World Timeline!
GO TO: HistoryChannel.com/worldtimeline
NOTE: We are listing both EST/Pacific Time and individual television ratings.
from episodes of "24" to Star Trek, whether they're available on video/DVD or not!
Watch Mail Call every week if you know what's good for you, 
Official 