If you don’t have cable or satellite TV, it’s time to get it because all the Discovery Network of channels are on cable or satellite. History and its network of channels are also only on cable or satellite.

Science Channel

• Sci Q Sundays – with Dr. Michio Kaku
• Brink
• Ecopolis
• How It’s Made
• How Do They Do It?
• Survivorman
• Colossal Construction
• Deconstructed
• Weird Connections
• Beyond Tomorrow

History Channel

There are several channels associated with The History Channel: A&E, Military History, History Education, History International, and Biography

• Modern Marvels – show on engineering and technology of the past and present
• Cities of the Underworld
• Armageddon Week
• Seven Deadly Sins
• The Universe
• Extreme Trains
• UFO Hunters
• Ancient Discoveries
• Shows about particular periods in the past
• Shows about the wars of the world from ancient times to Iraq and Afghanistan
• Shows about history of the Bible and other religions

Discovery Channel

• MythBusters
• How Stuff Works
• Survivorman (if you don’t get The Science Channel)
• Dirty Jobs
• How It’s Made (if you don’t get The Science Channel)
• Man Vs. Wild
• Destroyed in Seconds

Military Channel

• Future Weapons
• Weaponology
• Puzzles

Other Discovery Network Channels

• Turbo
• TLC
• ID: Investigation Discovery
• Discovery Health
• Animal Planet
• Planet Green
• HD Theater

MSNBC

• The Rachel Maddow Show

Rachel speaks our teens’ language and delivers the news with dry wit and lots of humor while making wicked smart arguments and observations, and asking the deeper questions about the world and current events with a decidedly liberal tilt, but no spin.

Rachel isn’t a typical newscaster or anchor. She’s young, only 35, and has a Ph.D. in political science from Oxford University in England. She was a Rhodes Scholar and received the John Gardener Fellowship upon receiving her undergraduate degree in public policy from Stanford University.

She has impeccable integrity and always corrects any mistakes she makes, no matter how minor, apologizes when she is wrong, and makes sure there is complete and total disclosure about any conflicts of interest involving a guest on the show, and of her own. She occasionally talks about Clear Channel radio, and makes sure to disclose that her show on Air America Radio is broadcast on some Clear Channel stations before she gives any opinions about Clear Channel, for example.

She insists upon civil debate and does not tolerate argument melt-downs, impolite behavior or name calling of any kind. She’s an excellent role model on how to have a heated, yet very civil debate or discussion.

My son started watching this show on his own. I watch and one day he started getting off the computer and watching this show for an hour.

Your teen may prefer other networks, other shows, and other anchors. But have them find something that they don’t like to miss so they learn to keep up with current events and can discuss and debate issues effectively and civilly. No Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity or Bill O’Reilly as role models. They don’t debate anything. They preach their opinions and there is no room for discussion or disagreement with them. They are also extremely rude to their guests and audience participants. To make a more civil and just world, we need to learn to debate without rudeness and disdain for our opponents. The debate needs to be heated, but the people themselves need to get along and stick to the subject without personal attacks or condescension.

Don’t forget to check your local library for DVDs of shows on specific topics to check out and watch. Also, many news shows are available via podcast free of charge through the show’s website or on iTunes.

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