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PBS Series Examines Weapns of Mass Destruction

© F. Colin Kingston

We hear the phrase "weapons of mass destruction" quite a bit these days. A new PBS series, funded by media mogul Ted Turner, examines this topic in great detail.

Hosted by veteran newsman Walter Cronkite, this series looks at the history of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. It also examines where they come from, who has them and what governments, as well as ordinary citizens, can do to help reduce the chances that they will be used in future conflicts.

Here is a look at each episode in the series which begins Monday, April 14 on PBS. Check your local listings for the exact times in your area.

"Avoiding Armageddon" - "Silent Killers: Poison and Plagues" (part one of four) Monday, April 14, 9-11 p.m., PST The first episode takes a dramatic and thoughtful look at where chemical and biological weapons came from, who has them, who might use them and what the world must do to prevent their use. (CC, Stereo)

"Avoiding Armageddon" - "Nuclear Nightmares: Losing Control" (part two of four) Tuesday, April 15, 9-11 p.m., PST The second episode reveals the urgent threats of nuclear weaponry as hostile nations and stateless terrorists, unafraid to unleash this deadly force, race to obtain the ultimate weapon of mass destruction. (CC, Stereo)

"Avoiding Armageddon" - "The New Face of Terror: Upping the Ante" (part three of four) Wednesday, April 16, 9-11 p.m., PST The third episode examines the people, the causes and conditions that define terrorism today. (CC, Stereo)

"Avoiding Armageddon" - "Confronting Terrorism: Turning the Tide" (part four of four) Thursday, April 17, 9-11:00 p.m., PST The final episode looks at a broad array of measures needed to create global security destabilizing events. (CC, Stereo)

At the companion site, take an unflinching look at the problems and how we can solve it. Meet people who are making a difference, look more closely at the risks we face, including terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. Find out how we can lower the homeland security threat with the Global Security Simulator, access lessons and more. Plus, get resources for PBS Program Clubs, or find out how to start one of your own.

For more information on this program, please see http://pbs.org/avoidingarmageddon/

Web site of the week: The FOX drama "24" is winding down its season. The concluding seven episodes air on consecutive Tuesdays at 9 p.m. PST.

At press time, agent Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) is trying to find the evidence necessary to prevent a nuclear war. I hope he can. If not, there will be no reason for the series to return for a third season.