National Geographic Travel

Based in Alameda California, MythBusters takes us through many experiments and trials to prove or disprove rumors long established to be truths. Among the programs and story ideas shown so far are adages, movie scenes, myths, news stories, and even some internet videos that are taken apart bit by bit and through scientific methods, either found to be valid or fakes. Whenever possible experiments will test how events happened or equipment is made to work or even made from "scratch" when needed. Experts in the art of special effects including Adam Savage (movie animator and designer) and Jamie Hyneman (beret wearing with a walrus style mustache) argue with each other as they work out how to demonstrate just how their experiments work (or don't work). While most of their scientific work is done in California some time is spent in production in Artarmon, Australia and out on location. Special effects are amazing to watch and make interesting viewing while they disprove things we have long believed in.

Rick Steves' Europe TV show encourages Americans to discover not only major cities, but also cozy villages away from popular tourist routes of Europe. Rick Steves is your perfect travel partner, guiding you through his favorite European cities, villages and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

The Universe TV show is an American documentary television series. The Universe TV show features computer-generated graphics of astronomical objects in the universe and interviews with experts who study in the fields of cosmology, astronomy, and astrophysics. From our humble planet to the most awesome celestial bodies, immerse yourself in this spectacular exploration of our universe.

A show exploring the geological history of the planet we call Earth is fascinating programming and may be somewhat speculative because we were not there when it all began. But modern technology has enabled scientists to determine much of how our great blue planet evolved and how we can help preserve our quality of life on it. Those who presume we can actually cause serious harm to this intrepid rock we live on simply don't understand its origin and may benefit from watching this made for television series. Each episode covers a vastly different array of processes and geologic features of Earth such as study of the San Andreas Fault in California, the Krakatoa volcano in Indonesia, or the suggestion of a true Loch Ness Monster in Scotland. Our planet is so diverse and utterly fascinating in description that a TV show based on its history should be on everyone's list of top rated programs. Some four billion years ago this planet was just a molten rock that cooled, turned into rock, and eventually produced water and life forms, and eventually man kind.

The premise here is to follow how life would continue to go on without us, the highest form of life on the planet. Could the animals actually take over and flourish once we are no longer there to care for and feed them. Also to cage and control them? Would all of the iconic structures man has built over the centuries remain standing or would they eventually collapse and return to the basic elements from which they were constructed? The modern metropolis may well be ravaged by the forces of nature once man is no longer around to rebuild and resurrect what Mother Nature would wear away. Each episode of this fine program focuses on some subject that would suffer once we are gone. Imagine the Sears Tower eroding away. Could the International Space Station fall back to earth? And what type of creature would replace humans once we are no longer in control of the planet? The program seems to ask more questions than supply answers and that's what makes it must see television.

Science fiction may bewitch, intrigue or beguile, but real science compels. "Nova" is the living proof. Aired in more than 100 countries, PBS "Nova" is the world's most watched documentary program and its most highly decorated, Humankind has yet to develop a television award "Nova" has not won"¦repeatedly. And for good reason: On "Nova," real scientists realistically discuss real areas of scientific investigation where real researchers are making significant discoveries. Now more than twenty years old, Nova's "The Miracle of Life" remains the most accurate and sensitive representation of the human reproductive process ever produced. Similarly, Nova's "Spy Machines" si generally regarded as the best-ever concise summary of "the Cold War" and the American-Soviet arms race. "Nova" reporters and photographers regularly take curiosity and cameras into places other brave correspondents would not even think about venturing, and they come back with breathtaking footage and groundbreaking reportage. Although American Public Broadcasting is tragically embroiled in a nasty political wrangle, critics and fans cling to their faith that "Nova" somehow can rise above the fray and continue its unrivalled work.