[This message has been edited by doombug]
PBS is one of the greatest free things going. I love their Frontline and Independent Lens series, and just recently discovered that they have a small trove of programs viewable online.
It's tough to find reality-based stuff that isn't slanted, programs that tell a great story, keep you hooked for an hour, and can teach and inspire you on a topic you'd only caught glimpses of in the news, or read only briefs of in the periodicals.
A few years ago, PBS broadcast a documentary film by David Sutherland called, "The Farmer's Wife." When I first glimpsed the show (I'd only found it by accident, jumping in during the second episode), my immediate reaction was that it was hokey, a sort of soap-opera set on a farm, something that'd be really boring. But, as I hung with it for a while, I couldn't wait to catch the next episode. It became addictive; following the camera around as they filmed this family on the verge of collapse, recovery, then...
And, the weather--of all things--played the role of a key villain, as it probably does in many farming communities.
Here's a synopsis from PBS:
"An estimated 15 million Americans tuned in over three nights to witness Darrel and Juanita Buschkoetter's daily battle to keep their dream of family farming alive. Along the way, people from all walks of life found themselves identifying with the couple's fight to keep their financial problems and grueling schedules from destroying their marriage."
You can view the first 53 minutes of the program here:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/farmerswife/view/
In fact, they'd actually rebroadcast the program a second time (as well as the program below) because of the public feedback. Your wives will definitely sympathize and find commonalities with Juanita. (PBS offers most of their more popular programs for sale, in case the short preview captures your interest.)
Another program I'd caught about a year or two ago was something that many of you--and your wives or novias--might finding inspiring & educational. It's titled, "The New Americans." Another documentary, the cameras follow the journeys of five distinct immigrant groups as they reach our shores for the first time.
Two Nigerian refugee families, a Palestinian woman, two Los Angeles Dodgers prospects from the Dominican Republic, a Mexican meatpacker, and an Indian couple.
Catch a further description, and a preview, here:
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/newamericans/
Two recent Frontline programs I've seen were extremely eye-opening. The first dealt with the inseparable bond between China and Wal-mart. This one might actually get your temper up. It's titled, "Is Wal-mart Good for America?"
Watch the entire program online at PBS, here:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/walmart/view/
The second was broadcast two weeks ago, and is titled, "al Qaeda's New Front." If you'd ever assumed that the U.S. is the primary target of the terrorists, this program will educate you otherwise.
It, also, can be viewed in its entirety:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/front/view/
"The Man Who Knew" and "Cyber War!" were also great revealing pieces. And, "An Ordinary Crime" might enrage you, with its portrayal of incompetence and injustice in the legal system.
There are about 40 other recent Frontline episodes available for viewing at the PBS website. Another added benefit: the forums to each program are interesting in themselves. Most of the public responses are "flame proofed," and add nuanced value to what you've just viewed.
You'll definitely find a handful of these very interesting:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/view/
If you enjoy seeing things that are inspirational, educational, or portrayed through an unbiased lens, check out some of their programs. As the Smithsonian in Washington is to our American heritage--our history and innovations--PBS shares the events of the day with a calm voice (figuratively, and literally: Frontline's narrator rocks!), displaying our current culture as it unfolds.
Sorry if any of you think this was off topic (though "The New Americans" should qualify otherwise), but I know some of you will be impressed/inspired by at least one of these programs.
And it's definitely some wholesome viewing to share with the wifey.
Peace out!
