This special examines the theories outlined by Gavin Menzies in his best-selling book. An amateur historian and former submarine commander in the British Navy, Menzies poses an argument that could change the way we perceive global history forever — that Chinese admirals discovered America and Chinese junks first circled the earth.
Producers: PBS Distribution
-
Emotional Intelligence with Daniel Goleman
Clinical psychologist Dr. Daniel Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence, based on his best-selling book, focuses on emotion as a better measure of intelligence, redefining what it means to be “smart.” Goleman argues that strong interpersonal skills not just IQ shape destiny by improving health, professional prospects, and family life.
-
Art of Quilting
Explore the diverse techniques and artistry reflected in contemporary American art quilts. Discover how the boundaries of traditional American quilt making have expanded to an art form that now adorns the walls of exhibit halls and art galleries worldwide. The Art of Quilting honors the artistry America’s contemporary art quilters by visiting art quilt exhibitions across the country and through personal interviews with noted fabric artists.
-
Elie Wiesel: First Person Singular
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Elie Wiesel reflects upon his life, work, and concerns for mankind’s future. The celebrated author of “Night” reconstructed his life after surviving Auschwitz to write, teach, and campaign for human rights. As a journalist, prolific author, and human rights activist, Wiesel focuses on how human beings dehumanize others in order to kill with impunity, and reflects on the re-emergence of terrorism after 9/11.
-
Ernest Hemingway
More than 40 years after his death, Hemingway is one of the most widely read and written about American authors. Many of his works are still in print, some in as many as 20 languages, including A Farewell to Arms, The Sun Also Rises and For Whom the Bell Tolls. It is the art of Hemingway’s story telling that forms the heart of this film, the point of departure from which Hemingway’s work is uniquely explored.
-
The Story of India – Public Performance
Sixty years after Indian independence, British historian Michael Wood presents the tale of the oldest and most diverse civilization, and largest democracy. A nuclear power and a rising giant, India’s population will overtake China’s within 10 years and its economy is predicted to overtake that of the U.S. in the 2030s. This journey of sights and sounds, and achievements takes him from the deserts of Turkmenistan to the Khyber Pass.
-
Be Well Now with Dr. Nancy Snyderman – Public Performance
Dr. Nancy Snyderman, chief medical editor of NBC News, outlines the everyday elements that affect well-being and provides the information people need to revitalize their bodies, maintain longevity, manage their care and possibly even save their lives. The special is based upon Dr. Snyderman’s best-seller, Medical Myths That Can Kill You: And the 101 Truths That Will Save, Extend, and Improve Your Life.
-
Betty Ford: The Real Deal – Public Performance
Betty Ford: The Real Deal profiles Betty Ford, her time in the White House, advocacy for equal rights and her substance addiction that led to the founding of the Betty Ford Center in California.
-
Great Performances: King Lear – Public Performance
William Shakespeare’s unrelenting King Lear is considered to be one of the playwright’s most enduring and haunting works for the stage. The challenge of playing its title role has long fallen to some of the greatest actors of our time. This telecast marks Sir Ian McKellen’s return to the Royal Shakespeare Company, that has resulted in a tour-de-force performance as Lear. Co-directed for television by Sir Trevor Nunn and Chris Hunt.
-
Peter Matthiessen: No Boundaries – Public Performance
PETER MATTHIESSEN: NO BOUNDARIES is an intimate documentary that captures the essence of the literary and spiritual force that is Peter Matthiessen. Novelist, travel writer, explorer, Zen monk – Matthiessen is all this and more. The program offers a dynamic interplay between a host of elements, including interviews with Matthiessen, excerpts from his writings and anecdotes from those who know him, have worked and traveled with him and those who have been inspired by his work. Glenn Close narrates.