TV Night
Last night was a television night. I watched three interesting programs on PBS. The first show was part of the Secrets of the Dead series, this one focusing on the Shroud of Turin. The shroud was analyzed using various methods of modern science and available historical data. A strong case was made that the shroud is authentic, that it is the cloth which was used to wrap Jesus in after his being taken from the cross. When the blood on the shroud was analyzed, I couldn’t help but wonder if it were scientifically possible to extract the DNA and perform the technique of reproductive cloning. Granted, such a procedure is illegal, but I was wondering if it were possible. If it is possible, the reality of it would certainly be fascinating.
The second show was a continuation of The West series, this episode focusing on Sacagawea, the Native American woman that played a pivotal role in the Lewis and Clark expedition. Both Lewis and Clark wrote in their journals how invaluable Sacagawea was, performing the tasks of interpreter and guide, all the while caring for her newborn child throughout the expedition. And she was only seventeen!
The third show I watched was part of the POV series entitled 5 Girls. The show provides an in-depth portrait of growing up female today through the eyes of five teenage girls. An interesting documentary, as each of the girls comes from different areas of Chicago with varied ethnic, familial, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The program is rather long as it follows the girls over a handful of years, yet I found myself absorbed in the show and rooting for the girls.
One of the great things about PBS is that many of their documentaries are rebroadcast. If they are shown in your area, I highly recommend all three.