history wal mart

Satellite TV for History Buffs

Do bits of trivia, like President Obama’s childhood nickname (Barry), Abraham Lincoln’s height (6’4â€), and the fact that Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas was adopted, interest you?  Do you want to know how many high-definition televisions Michael Jackson had on his Neverland Ranch?  Would you like to track Oprah’s weight loss struggles throughout the years?  Are you a history buff with a thirst for all kinds of knowledge about the lives of some of the most influential figures past and present?  If so, you should tune into the Biography Channel, which serves as a window into the lives of extraordinary people and is available through cable or satellite TV.  The channel, which began programming in 1999 and is based on the documentary A&E Network TV series called Biography, has featured biographies on such people as Elvis Presley (whose Graceland estate is the second most-visited home in the United States), Pope John Paul II (whose travels to 117 countries and every continent except for Antarctica made him the most traveled Pope of all time), Mao Zedong (of Hunanese peasant stock), Queen Elizabeth II (who speaks fluent French), and Babe Ruth (also known as “the Bambino†and “the Sultan of Swatâ€), as well as fictional characters, like Superman and Santa Claus.

At first, episodes primarily focused on the lives of historical figures or present political or social leaders, but over time, more and more pop culture figures were added into the mix, drawing some criticism from people who didn’t like the move away from purely intellectual matter.  Now, in addition to historical figures, famous icons, sports legends, entertainers, and great women, you can also learn about notable figures from the business and technology world, such as Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page, and Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton.

The Biography Channel also celebrates America’s diversity, through several minority-themed series.  During Black History Month, which takes place in February, there are episodes chronicling the lives of many of the atheists, scientists, adventurers, and activists that compose the Black history line-up.  These range from household name sports stars, like Jackie Robinson, to groundbreaking but lesser-known inventors, such as L. P. Ray (who invented the dustpan) and Dr. Charles Drew (who discovered techniques to store blood and developed blood banks).  Harlem Renaissance figures and leaders of the Civil Rights Movement are also included.  You can learn what events in their lives inspired Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcom X to fight for equality.  And you can find out more about the creative forces behind Billie Holiday Langston Hughes.

During Hispanic Heritage Month, from the middle of September to mid-October, you can learn about the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico, and the Spanish-speaking countries of Central and South America and the Caribbean.  The Biography channel observes the month by showing programs devoted to the lives of such people U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

Watch the Biography Channel’s HD programming to get an even richer inside look at the stories behind the people.

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