__________________ Eight/KAET-TV ____ March 2010 Top Picks for the Month Program highlights, complete press releases and images available online: http://www.kaet.asu.edu/pressroom S M 1 T 2 Nova “Pluto Files” 8 p.m. W 3 Ask a College Expert 7:30 p.m. Frontline 9 p.m. Faces of America 8 p.m. T 4 F 5 My Music: My Generation 10 p.m. 14 21 28 Masterpiece Classic “Sharpe’s Challenge” 9 p.m. 8 Celtic Thunder 7 p.m. Craft Beer 9 p.m. 15 Ed Slott’s Stay Rich for Life 8:30 p.m. 22 29 Victory in the Pacific: American Experience 9 p.m. 9 John Gray: Venus on Fire, Mars on Ice 7 p.m. 10 Trail of Hope 7 p.m. 11 A Guide to a Richer Life 9 p.m. 16 17 When Irish Eyes Are Smiling 7 p.m. 18 23 24 Great Performances “Dance in America” 8 p.m. 25 30 Frontline 9 p.m. 6 Eight Cooks Noon Pat Boone 7:30 p.m. Independent Lens 10 p.m. 7 S 12 Rounder Records 40th Anniversary Special 10 p.m. 19 Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player 10 p.m. 26 Ed Sullivan’s Rock and Roll Classics 9 p.m. 13 Red Green Hindsight is 20/20 9 p.m. 20 27 Great Performances at the Met 9 p.m. 31 Apollo Wives 8 p.m. The Tavis Smiley Report 9 p.m. American Masters 10 p.m. Brief descriptions of these programs are attached ► Eight | March 2010 Tuesday, March 2 at 8 p.m. Nova “Pluto Files” Since its discovery in 1930, Pluto has held a warm place in the public imagination. So, when the American Museum of Natural History’s Hayden Planetarium stopped calling Pluto a planet, director Neil deGrasse Tyson found himself at the center of a firestorm – a firestorm led by angry Pluto-loving elementary school students. But what is it about this cold, distant rock that captures so many hearts? NOVA joins Tyson on a quest to find out. Tuesday, March 2 at 9 p.m. Frontline “The Suicide Tourist” Do we have the right to end our lives if life itself becomes unbearable, or when we enter the late-stages of painful, terminal illness? With unique access to Dignitas, the Swiss non-profit that has helped more than a thousand people die since 1998, Academy Award-winning filmmaker John Zaritsky offers a revealing look at a couple facing the most difficult decision of their lives — and lets us see for ourselves as one Chicago native makes the trip to Switzerland for what will become the last day of his life. Tuesday, March 2 at 10 p.m. Independent Lens “The Eyes of Me” This is an up-close look at four teens who have lost their sight. The film follows their struggles to fit in, prepare for college and live independently. Wednesday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. Ask a College Expert An Eight/KAET-TV Production For students about to embarks on a college education, the process can seem overwhelming. “Ask a College Expert” will provide information about a variety of concerns such as selecting a college and a major, how to apply, and options for financial aid. Viewers can call 1-888-3297088 between 5:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3 with specific questions for the experts. Wednesday, March 3 at 8 p.m. Faces of America “Know Thyself” Episode four takes up the ancestor search where the historical record leaves off and links the guests’ distinctive family histories to the broader history of “the family of man.” Combining the documented stories of some of the guests’ last known ancestors with DNA evidence, the series travels backward through time to reveal both distant relatives and surprising shared ancestral connections. Meryl Streep and Mike Nichols discover that they are distant cousins, as do Yo-Yo Ma and Eva Longoria. This episode offers a compelling and thought-provoking meditation on the importance of ancestry, the meaning of family and the role of both in creating identity. Friday, March 5 at 10 p.m. My Music: My Generation – The 60s The latest production in the My Music series focuses on the years 1965-1969 and includes essential 60s folk rock, R&B and pop hits from the decade of change, peace, love and protest music. -more- Eight | March 2010 Saturday, March 6 at noon Eight Cooks “P is for Pie” An Eight/KAET-TV production When we sent out the call for pie recipes, they arrived from all over the state for fruit pies, cheese pies, custard pies, pumpkin pies, pot pies, all kinds of pies. A few of the viewers who shared their recipes will join host Barbara Fenzl in Eight’s new studio kitchen to prepare their favorites. The Eight Cooks: P is for Pie Cookbook, with more than 100 recipes, will be available during the broadcast. Saturday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. Pat Boone: Love Songs in the Sands of Time Instantly recognizable for his silky, smooth singing voice, charming good looks and iconic white bucks, Pat Boone had 38 top 40 hits, starred in movies, became a best-selling author and, from 1957 to 1961, hosted a weekly network television musical variety show called “The Pat BooneChevy Showroom.” Boone stars in his first PBS special, featuring memorable performances from that popular hit show. Featured artists include Mel Tormé, the Mills Brothers, Frankie Avalon, Johnny Mathis, Connie Francis, Count Basie, and Nat “King” Cole. Saturday, March 6 at 9 p.m. Ed Sullivan’s Rock and Roll Classics: The Sixties From the late 1940s ’til the early 1970s, millions of viewers of all ages saw great musical acts each Sunday night on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” This installment in the MY MUSIC series presents classic song performances from 1963-1968. From the Beatles’ American television debut to the Doors’ infamous one-time-only appearance to the Rolling Stones, Sly and the Family Stone, the Mamas and the Papas and more, the special focuses exclusively on full-length music performances — no plate spinners or dancing elephants — that evoke the spirit of that decade’s youth movement. Monday, March 8 at 7 p.m. Celtic Thunder: It’s Entertainment! Celtic Thunder, a group of five Celtic male vocalists, undertakes a musical review that spans six decades and will delight and enthrall audiences, whether through the nostalgia of classics such as “Standing on the Corner” or the band’s unique take on contemporary numbers such as Michael Buble’s “Home” or U2’s “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” Monday, March 8 at 9 p.m. Craft Beer, The New Wine An Eight/KAET Production In this latest edition of Craft Beer, The New Wine, Eight travels to cities around the state to showcase breweries in Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Flagstaff, Oak Creek, Sedona and Prescott. Eight takes viewers behind the scenes for a look at the intricate brewing process and to hear from members of the Arizona Craft Brewing Guild as they discuss the growth and impact of craft brewers are having on the economy and beer industry in our state. Featured locations include: Four Peaks Brewing Company, Sleepy Dog Brewery, Rock Bottom, Beaver Street Brewery, Flagstaff Brewing Company, Prescott Brewing Company and more. Tuesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. John Gray: Venus on Fire, Mars on Ice John Gray, Ph.D., the bestselling relationship author of all time, returns with an illuminating new special based on his upcoming 17th book, Venus on Fire, Mars on Ice. Explaining how men and women can make small lifestyle shifts, Gray introduces natural “superoxytocin producers” – super-foods, super-exercise and super-sleep – that boost love and romance while supporting physical well-being. -more- Eight | March 2010 Wednesday, March 10 at 7 p.m. Trail of Hope: The Story of the Mormon Trail Multiple Emmy Award-winner Hal Holbrook hosts Trail Of Hope: The Story of the Mormon Trail, a documentary that tells the story of a group of Americans who triumph over adversity and find religious freedom. Trail Of Hope unfolds through Holbrook’s poignant narration and through firsthand accounts of the pioneers gleaned from the diaries and journals they kept during their westward exodus. The documentary features period photographs, sketches and artwork and recreations of selected events that establish this American experience as one of the heroic events of the 19th century. Filmed in England, New York, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming and Utah, Trail Of Hope visits many of the Mormon Trail locations. Thursday, March 11 at 9 p.m. A Guide to a Richer Life Host Kim Kiyosaki and her guests discuss the paths they took to get them to where they are today. Kiyosaki explains her actionable steps that viewers can apply immediately to get them started on the path to financial independence. Friday, March 12 at 10 p.m. Rounder Records 40th Anniversary Special This celebration of Rounder Records’ 40 years in the music industry features Grammy® winning Rounder artists Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Bela Fleck and Irma Thomas along with musical host Minnie Driver and special guests Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Chas and jazz/R&B pianist Henry Butler. The special was filmed in October 2009 at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. Saturday, March 13 at 9 p.m. Red Green: Hindsight is 20/20 Photos, clips from the Red Green Show’s 25-year history, and interviews with the show’s cast of characters offer a fitting celebration of the Canadian comedy. Monday, March 15 at 8:30 p.m. Ed Slott’s Stay Rich for Life The tax advisor and personal finance author offers his step-by-step solution to create, manage and keep family wealth for anyone who wants to retire on their own terms despite America’s fiscal crisis. Wednesday, March 17 at 7 p.m. When Irish Eyes are Smiling: An Irish Parade of Stars This nostalgic journey back to the 1950s and 1960s presents long-unseen footage of beloved performers singing some of the greatest songs from and inspired by Ireland. Hosted by Patty Duke and written by Malachy McCourt, the program features performances by the late Frank Patterson, the ultimate Irish tenor and a star around the world. Friday, March 19 at 10 p.m. Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player On May 15, 1987, a group of A-list musicians, including Mark Knopfler, the Everly Brothers, Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, gathered to celebrate the enormous influence of guitarist Chet Atkins on their lives and careers. Their performances, along with those of Atkins, were taped at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, just blocks away from Music Row, the two streets Atkins made famous with his virtuoso guitar playing and visionary producing. -more- Eight | March 2010 Wednesday, March 24 at 8 p.m. Great Performances “Dance in America: NY Export: Opus Jazz” This new production of choreographer Jerome Robbins’ 1958 “ballet in sneakers,” NY Export: Opus Jazz, was filmed in the five boroughs of New York City. Wednesday, March 24 at 9 p.m. Great Performances at the Met “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” Tony Award-winner Bartlett Sher (Lincoln Center Theater’s South Pacific) directs this new production, returning after the triumph of his Met Barber of Seville. Jacques Offenbach’s fictionalized take on the life and loves of the German Romantic writer E.T.A. Hoffmann is a fascinating psychological journey. Met music director James Levine conducts Joseph Calleja in the tour-de-force title role. Anna Netrebko is the tragic Antonia and Alan Held sings the demonic four villains. Recorded on December 19, 2009. Sunday, March 28 at 9 p.m. Masterpiece Classic “Sharpe’s Challenge” In 1817, soldier-adventurer Richard Sharpe comes out of retirement to quash a rebellion in British India and rescue his old friend Patrick Harper. Sean Bean (The Lord of the Rings) returns as the swashbuckling hero of this long-running series, based on the best-selling novels of Bernard Cornwell, with Daragh O’Malley as Harper. The duo’s exploits put them at the center of a blood-thirsty insurgency, led by a psychopathic former English officer. “Top Chef” Padma Lakshmi guest stars as Madhuvanthi, a beautiful schemer who is out to seduce Sharpe. Monday, March 29 at 9 p.m. Victory in the Pacific: American Experience ““Take no prisoners. Fight to the bitter end.” Those were everyday words to combat troops on both sides at the end of World War II in the Pacific. And they led to an unprecedented orgy of slaughter. This provocative, thorough examination of the final months of the war looks at the escalation of bloodletting from both Japanese and American vantage points. Tuesday, March 30 at 9 p.m. Frontline “The Quake” On January 12, 2010, Haiti was leveled by one of the most devastating earthquakes in recorded history. This report bears witness to the disaster and ill-coordinated relief efforts in the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. Wednesday, March 31 at 8 p.m. Apollo Wives The names of the Apollo astronauts are well-known, their actions and achievements are welldocumented, but what of the women they spent their lives with – the wives forced to stand in the shadow of the moon? This fascinating documentary looks in detail at precisely what it meant to be an Apollo wife, what was required of them by their husbands, by NASA and by the media. In painfully honest interviews, the wives open up about the difficulties of presenting to the world a perfect image of the American Dream; the relentless media intrusion in their lives; the difficulties they had to experience bringing up their children alone and often in great poverty while their husbands were away; and the methods they employed to cope with the very real possibility that the men they loved may not return alive. For the 40th anniversary of the 1969 Moon Landing, ten of them came together in Scottsdale, Arizona for a remarkable meeting of the minds. Together they reminisce about events long ago, reveal their own personal stories and how the ‘space age’ brought them together, and tore them apart. -more- Eight | March 2010 Wednesday, March 31 at 9 p.m. The Tavis Smiley Report “MLK: A Call to Conscience” - Smiley examines the context of Dr. King’s words on liberty, responsibility and freedom against the backdrop of the fight for civil rights and an increasingly unpopular war, and the implications of his words today. Guests include Harry Belafonte, Tony Bennett and Princeton Professor Cornel West. Wednesday, March 31 at 10 p.m. American Masters “I.M. Pei: Building China Modern” Noted architect I.M. Pei, who left his native China in the 1930s, was invited to design a modern museum to house the antiquities of Suzhou, where he grew up. This film follows his seven-anda-half-year personal and architectural journey from west to east, a literal coming home — a realization of Pei’s lifelong dream, but also his biggest challenge and a work that he defines as “my biography.” The program includes commentary from local residents, design specialists, Suzhou officials and a stellar array of architects, designers and scholars commenting on Pei’s life and work. ### Complete press releases, downloadable images, and Top Picks for the Month available on http://www.azpbs.org/pressroom