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The Golden Age

   2016    History
This episode tells the tale of what's broadly considered China's most creative dynasty - the Song (960-1279). Michael Wood heads to the city of Kaifeng, the greatest city in the world before the 19th century. Here in Twin Dragon Alley, locals tell him the legend of the baby boys who became emperors.
He explores the ideas and inventions that made the Song one of greatest eras in world culture, helped by China's most famous work of art, the Kaifeng scroll, which shows the life of the city in around 1120. A chef makes Michael a recipe from a Song cookbook, while a guide to 'how to live happy, healthy lives for old people', published in 1085 and still in print, is discussed with local women doing their morning exercises. The Song was also a great era for scientific advance in China. Michael steers a huge working replica of an astronomical clock, made by China's Leonardo da Vinci.
Then at a crunch Chinese Premier League match, Michael tells us the Chinese invented football! The golden age of the northern Song ended in 1127, when invaders sacked Kaifeng, but they survived in the south. At their new capital, Hangzhou, Wood joins locals dancing by the West Lake, while in the countryside he meets Mr Xie with his records of 40 generations of ancestors. The final defeat of the Song took place in a naval battle in the estuary of the Pearl River in 1279. When all was lost, rather than surrender to the Mongols, a loyal minister jumped into the sea with the young boy emperor in his arms. 'So ended the glory of the Song', Wood concludes, 'but a new age would arise... as in China, it always has!'.
Series: The Story of China

FIFA Uncovered: First Episode

   2022    Culture
Fierce and fantastic investigative series looks deep into the history of FIFA and football, showing how corruption built and took root in one of the world’s biggest sports scandals. From power struggles to global politics, an exploration of FIFA reveals the organization's checkered history and what it takes to host a World Cup.
In the first episode, we are in 2015, 14 executive members of FIFA are arrested on suspicions of corruption. An investigation ensues into how a World Cup's host country is selected.
Series: FIFA Uncovered

This is War

   2020    Technology
Nintendo was like an impossibly huge wall. But if Mario was the undisputed king, an underdog was about to declare war. For Japanese game maker Sega, mainly known for its arcade cabinets, the battle was about winning the home console market. Sega's Genesis console and its speedy character, Sonic, hit the market.
In the early '80s, sports video games existed, but they didn't really look real. And one visionary entrepreneur had already started tackling the challenge of taking sports from the stadium onto the screen. Electronic Arts kicks off a partnership with football legend John Madden.
Series: High Score

The North London Derby

   2022    Culture
It's the North London Derby - one of the most notorious games in the world. Arteta and his young squad prepare to take on local rival Tottenham Hotspur in front of a riotous home crowd at the Emirates Stadium. The pressure is mounting on Euro 2020 hero, Bukayo Saka to score his first goal of the season. For captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, this game means far more than just team rivalries.
The narrative around Arsenal at the moment, they're only ever one game away from it being calamitous again. Mikel Arteta remains under pressure. So far in the league, Arsenal have played four games and only scored one goal.
Series: All or Nothing: Arsenal

FIFA Uncovered: Second Episode

   2022    Culture
(Click CC for subtitles) Joseph Sepp Blatter wins a dubious victory as FIFA president. As South Africa is chosen to host the 2010 Cup, rumors swirl around executive Jack Warner.
FIFA is really powerful because it's got the World Cup. And countries fall over themselves to try and host the World Cup in their country. It gives their country image building that you just can't achieve with anything else. The World Cup is the only one event in the world which is broadcasted in the majority of countries. I don't think you can imagine about something else bringing one million people in the street. And the World Cup is the number one way for FIFA to make money. So, because of the power of the biggest football event around the world every four years that gives FIFA and the FIFA president real power and so much leverage over actual countries. But that power is a trap for corruption.
Series: FIFA Uncovered

FIFA Uncovered: Fourth Episode

   2022    Culture
(Click CC for subtitles) Sepp Blatter faces a thorny reelection. As FIFA looks to restore its image, questions remain about its future.
The FBI investigation of FIFA began before the infamous vote in 2010, but in the year and a half the investigation's been open, they learned very little because they haven't had this person who can tell them what's happening. Chuck Blazer was the guy they needed. He was an American association football administrator, who held a number of high-level positions before becoming a government informant on widespread corruption within organized football after being accused of massive fraud during their years as CONCACAF executive.
Series: FIFA Uncovered
Conquest of the Skies

Conquest of the Skies

2015  Nature
Motivation

Motivation

2017  Culture
Blood of the Vikings

Blood of the Vikings

2001  History
The Human Body

The Human Body

1998  Medicine