Programmer's Page with Chad Heiges and Seth Arenstein

The Time Has Come Today Not too many years ago, I responded to many historical events with apathy, preferring instead to focus on the truly “important” things such as the present and what might transpire going forward. But age has taught me to examine the past, to measure it, to assess its current impact on me, my generation, and humankind… and to realize that yesterday’s foundation is tomorrow’s abode. I mention this because, to me, much of The History Channel’s content strives to do just that, providing pertinent historical perspective on events and eras that have shaped the current world. The net’s “1968 with Tom Brokaw” (Sun, 9pm ET) is no exception. Plus, it highlights the importance—and the net’s typical deft use—of noteworthy points of view. “The beauty of history is that over the passage of time, people are able to think through their experiences,” said svp, development and programming David McKillop. “This is a passion piece for Tom, and I think this film captures that passion.” Indeed, much of the special’s appeal is Brokaw’s take on the tempestuous year of ’68, when he was a young journalist covering a passel of compelling events. The respected newsman talks with people armed with first-hand knowledge of the heart-breaking assassinations of King and RFK, the charged anti-war and peace movements, and the important civil rights goals; and also to those whose lives were shaped by the turbulent era. Included are Pat Buchanan, John Stewart and Bruce Springsteen. Helping to further illustrate the weighty era are superb footage and cogent music, and what results is a span from past to present composed of genuine emotion and disbelieving interest. “We tried to capture the touch points of ’68,” said McKillop, who noted that all that came to pass in that fateful year “will blow people away.” It does, and it will. Much of history, as I have to come to realize, is truly alive. CH Highlights “Anthony Bourdain’s Holiday Special,” Mon, 10pm, Travel. Don’t worry, Chef Bourdain hasn’t sold out. This is an un-holiday holiday special, with Bordain’s tongue on fire. Discussing how a farmer raises great turkeys, he says, “You keep the strong and desirable ones and push the rest to the margins… kinda like the American school system.” Later, on the farm, he handpicks his bird and lets “Santa’s elves whack its head off and disembowel him.” Happy holidays! SA Worth a Look “Lost Holiday,” Sat, 8pm, Lifetime. Darn those promos. If you watch Lifetime (for “Frasier” reruns), you know Jim and Suzanne Shemwell (Dylan Walsh and Jami Gertz) get in trouble in “Lost Holiday.” The details aren’t important. The real question—will Lifetime let Jim and Suzanne die on a snowy mountain days before Christmas, making their kids orphans? Since this is Lifetime, Jim and Suzanne are estranged. But don’t you think a near-death experience will rekindle their love, and just in time for Christmas? You don’t? — “The Note,” Sat, 9pm, Hallmark. Even FCC commish Deborah Taylor Tate would find it tough to last through this long, silly excuse for a holiday movie. (On the other hand, she’s survived Kevin Martin’s delay tactics, so…) – “Monk,” Fri, 9pm, USA. He’s a prig and lost his wife around Christmas, but would Monk (Tony Shalhoub) shoot Santa? Nah. SA