The series continues on Tuesday, May 25, with episodes entitled "The Reckoning" and "Judgment Day". The harvest is a success, and there are predictions of growth and prosperity. The colonists put on a feast honoring St. Michael the Archangel to celebrate the closing of their accounts. After the experts' assessment is announced, the participants depart for the 21st Century. Their journey back to their modern-day lives is an unexpected challenge.

Tuesday, May 25

Tune in to the conclusion of the "Colonial House" series described above.

Wednesday, May 26

"First Look: The Day After Tomorrow" (HBO, 4-4:30 pm E/P -- check local listings, program rated PG-13) This is a 'making-of' documentary about an environmental disaster movie that opens in theatres on Friday. It's about sudden climate changes threatening to destroy life on Earth. Dennis Quaid and Jake Gyllenhaal, who star in the movie, are interviewed.

"Japan: Memories Of A Secret Empire" (PBS, 8-11 pm E/P) This here are all three episodes of a new documentary miniseries about Japanese history. The episode titles give a good idea of what it's all about: "The Way of the Samurai" / "The Will of the Shogun" / "The Return of the Barbarians". For nearly 250 years, Japan was a land ruled by military dictators called The Shogun, and a military upper class, the Samurai. You can explore 16th to 19th Century Japan online and create your own woodblock print at http://www.pbs.org/empires/japan. Plus, your teacher can download a Japan study guide with lesson plans for middle and high school students.

Thursday, May 27

"Frontline: The Way the Music Died" (PBS, 9-10 pm E/P) This is a documentary about the music scene today. It started, some say, in 1969 at Woodstock. Half a million fans, dozens of artists and the politics of the times came together in a "big-bang" moment that would eventually generate billions of dollars. But over the last 20 years MTV, compact discs, corporate consolidation, Internet piracy and greed have contributed to a perfect storm for the recording industry. Take a look at how the business that has provided the soundtrack of the lives of a generation is on the verge of collapse. Log onto the companion Web site to read extended interviews with artists such as David Crosby. Plus, get a closer look at
the music industry's future. http://www.pbs.org/frontline/shows/music.

Friday, May 28

"The Day After Tomorrow" (This is a movie which opens in theatres beginning today. It's rated PG-13 because of its depictions of peril and violence.) Here's what the world might look like if the greenhouse effect and global warming continue at currently increasing levels -- multiple hurricanes, tornadoes, tidal waves, floods and the beginning of the next Ice Age. At the center of this movie's version of things is a paleoclimatologist (a scientist who studies the ways weather patterns changed in the past). He tries to save the world from the effects of global warming while also trying to get to his son, who was in New York City as part of a scholastic competition when the city was overwhelmed by the chilling beginnings of the new Ice Age. In addition to all of the other challenges the scientist faces, he's also going against the flow as humanity races south to warmer climes. The movie's website is at http://www.thedayaftertomorrow.com/. I also recommend www.noaa.gov for background information on climatology.

Saturday, May 29

"Broadcast Live -- Dedication of WWII Memorial" (CBS, 2:30-3:00 pm ET, 11:30 am -- noon PT, Time is approximate since it's a live transmission) This is the formal dedication ceremony of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., including the formal presentation of a plaque to President George W. Bush, as well as the President's remarks. The memorial, located on the National Mall, was authorized by Congress in 1993 and construction began in September 2001.

"The Red Badge Of Courage" (TCM Channel, 8-9:15 pm ET, 5-6:15 pm PT -- also available on video) This movie, based on the novel of the same name by 22 year-old Steven Crane, is about a young recruit in the American Civil War. The actor who plays the soldier, Audie Murphy, was in real life a Medal of Honor winner for bravery in WWII. He's particularly convincing as a character who wants to fight yet doubts his own courage. In the midst of the movie's first battle, the soldier runs away. But after seeing dead and wounded, a sense of shame leads him back to his unit, where he distinguishes himself in the next battle. The book version is an American classic that many middle-schoolers have to read; maybe the movie will give you a new perspective on it!

Sunday, May 30

"National Memorial Day Concert" (PBS, 8-9:30 pm E/P) Tom Hanks headlines the 15th annual salute to U.S. armed forces, which focuses on D-Day's 60th anniversary and the veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. The concert portion is hosted by actor and World War II veteran Ossie Davis, and features Alison Krauss, Charles Durning, Joe Mantegna, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Joshua Bell, and others. Erich Kunzel conducts the National Symphony Orchestra.

"Something The Lord Made" (HBO, 9-11 pm E/P) This movie is based on a true story of two men -- one a wealthy white surgeon, the other a black lab technician -- who achieve a medical breakthrough that earns one of them praise... and the other a painful lesson in racism and unequal opportunity. It takes place in 1940s Baltimore, where these two developed a technique for performing heart surgery on "blue babies". It was a new field of medicine and since then has saved thousands of lives. But social pressures in the 1940s threatened their continued collaboration and tore their friendship apart. Alan Rickman and Mos Def star. More scientific and historical details are presented http://www.hbo.com/films/stlm/.