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Greetings, TV viewers!
Some broadcast and cable programs
contain material included in the public school curriculum and on standardized
exams. Here are home-viewing suggestions for March 21-27, 2005.
The show for this week's Media Hour is the NAACP Image Awards, on the FOX network this Thursday. We can talk about who won and who should have won, your favorite performers and, most importantly, what the Image Awards stand for.
If you think you've got the smarts to answer a few trivia-type questions, you'll need to watch the shows and read the websites to be sure!
Remember to come to Saturday's Media Hour prepared. It's all about an open discussion, with everybody pitching in on a good topic -- bounce off of what other people say, too, and talk amongst yourselves while I'm down there! Explore what everyone thinks and remind us to think about what was in the shows and on the websites. The more you help others discuss things (and the more you know about the shows), the better your chances of getting on stage, or even earning clams.
What's the Media Hour? Watch the show(s)-of-the-week, jot down some ideas, then
come and talk about them with me and other citizens (including other City Workers,
if they're available). We get together at the Greek Theater (next to
City Hall), every Saturday morning at 9 a.m., Whyville Time. You'll find that
discussions are easier in the Theater, since everyone's chat bubbles overlap
a little less than in other rooms, and City Workers are able to direct people's
movement and behavior, when we need to.
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Monday, March 21
9-10 p.m. E/P -- check local listings
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PBS
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Social Science and Geography
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Middle and High School
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"American Experience: Partners
Of The Heart"
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This documentary explains the
improbable alliance of black medical genius Vivien Thomas and white surgeon
Alfred Blalock which began in Depression-era Nashville. Their work together
at Vanderbilt University and later at Johns Hopkins led to one of the
century’s greatest medical breakthroughs: the pioneering of heart
operations that saved thousands of children afflicted with a congenital
heart defect called “blue baby syndrome.” Blalock and Thomas
went on to train two generations of America’s most prominent cardiac
surgeons. Oscar winner Morgan Freeman narrates. Rated TV-PG.
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| Log on http://www.pbs.org/amex |
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Tuesday, March 22
4-6 p.m. E/P
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History Channel
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Science and Health
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Middle and High School
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"The Rise And Fall Of The
Spartans”
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In ancient Greece, after they
defeated an invasion from Persia in the 5th Century B.C., the main cities,
Sparta and Athens became rivals. While Athens ruled the sea, Sparta's
celebrated army was unbeatable on land. These two Greek giant powers collided
in a fight called the Peloponnesian War. It went on for 27 years, engulfed
all of Greece, and changed the nature of democracy – not for the
better. This documentary explores the effects of the war and destruction
of Sparta. Rated TV-PG.
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Tuesday, March 22
8-9 p.m. ET, 5-6 p.m. PT
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National Geographic Channel
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World History
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Middle and High School
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"Egypt's Warrior King”
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When Tuthmosis III was only
a boy when he inherited the kingdom of Egypt. But he soon showed great
skill on the battlefield. His shrewd military mind eventually earned him
the nickname "The Napoleon of Egypt." This documentary follows
his military campaigns, and shows how his ancient army’s weapons
worked.
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Wednesday, March 23
8-9 p.m. ET, 5-6 p.m. PT
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Ovation -- The Arts Network
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Arts and Social Studies
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Middle and High School
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"Harmony in Hanoi"
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Airing in observance of the
30th anniversary of the end of the war in Vietnam, this documentary story
of the Vietnamese National Symphony Orchestra reflects the cultural and
political changes taking place in that country.
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Wednesday, March 23
9-10:30 p.m. E/P
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PBS
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Arts and Social Studies
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Middle and High School
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"The Life And Times Of Frida
Kahlo"
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This program places the extraordinary
life of the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo in the context of the historical
and cultural influences that created her. This 20th Century icon became
an international sensation in the worlds of modern art and radical politics.
Among those interviewed in the documentary are Carlos Fuentes and Carlos
Monsivais. The program is narrated by Rita Moreno; Mexican singer Lila
Downs is the voice of Frida Kahlo. Rated TV-14, S.
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For an opportunity, in English
and Spanish, to see Kahlo's story in an even larger context of culture
and history log on http://www.pbs.org/fridakahlo.
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Thursday, March 24
8-9 p.m. E/P
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History Channel
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Social Studies |
Middle and High School
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"Joseph, The Silent Saint"
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Airing during the Christian
Holy Week, this program is intended to explain a great Biblical mystery:
Who, exactly, was the earthly spouse of Mary and father of Jesus? According
to the Bible, though a humble tradesman, he was descended from royalty.
He was counseled by angels, chased into a strange land by murderers, and
adored by a son who would grow up to be called the King of Kings. And
yet not one word of Joseph's is recorded in the Bible. Through interviews
with leading theologians and priests, examination of the Gospels, and
aided by dramatic recreations, the program presents a picture of the man
who spoke with his actions and helped shape the very foundations of Christianity.
Rated TV-PG.
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Friday, March 25
8-10 p.m. E/P
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FOX
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Arts and Social Studies
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Elementary, Middle and High School
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"NAACP Image Awards"
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This NAACP broadcast special
honors prominent African-Americans from the fields of music, television
and film, as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice
through creative endeavors. Hosted by Chris Tucker and featuring special
award recipients Prince, Oprah Winfrey and U.S. Senator Barack Obama,
the program will also include appearances by some of the year’s leading
stars and performers. Rated TV-PG.
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Saturday, March 26
10-11 p.m. E/P
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FOX
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Arts and Social Studies
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Elementary, Middle and High School
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"Ends Of The Earth: Secrets
Of The Holy Land”
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Airing during Holy Week,
this program uses stunning photography provide details about a land shrouded
in mystery. From Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, to Masada and the
Dead Sea, it presents the stories, both ancient and contemporary, behind
these locales.
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Sunday, March 27
5-8 p.m. E/P
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Discovery Channel
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History and Social Studies
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Elementary, Middle and High School
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"Easter Sunday: The Early
Years, The Mission, The Last Days"
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Curriculum standards in
California specify that “students analyze the geographic, political,
economic, religious, and social structures during the development of Rome.
Note the origins of Christianity in the Jewish Messianic prophecies, the
life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as described in the New Testament,
and the contribution of St. Paul the Apostle to the definition and spread
of Christian beliefs (e.g., belief in the Trinity, resurrection, salvation).”
These three programs contain just such information.
The shows start with “The
Early Years”, which explores various accounts of Jesus' birth and
follow his childhood and early adult years. Based on information from
a newly-opened museum in Nazareth, it explains why Jesus began his ministry
and why he chose to live his life the way he did.
“The Mission”
describes how Jesus carried out his ministry as a healer and how his contacts
with undesirables came to be viewed as an attack on religious authorities.
It follows him to Jerusalem and shows how dangerous it was for him during
the Passover Festival.
“The Last Days”
looks at the final days of Jesus' life: the Last Supper; the Mount of
Olives where he prayed and the trial where he was condemned for blasphemy.
It explores what may have accounted for his resurrection and what he may
have looked like. All three shows are rated TV-PG.
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