Virtuoso Channel

Places That Don't Exist Episode 5: Taiwan

2014-06-23T06:22:00.002-04:00

Places That Don't Exist Episode 5: Taiwan

Taiwan has one of the most powerful economies in the world, but it’s not allowed to have a seat at the United Nations and no major state recognises it as a proper country.

Under Chairman Mao the Chinese Communists defeated Nationalist rivals, who fled to Taiwan and took over. Taiwan has since become a stable democracy, but Beijing views Taiwan as a renegade province, and wants it back.

Simon’s journey starts in Beijing and takes him to a main shopping street, where he finds China’s army – the world’s largest - recruiting with help from singers and goose-stepping soldiers. After seeing sights and finding old posters declaring Taiwan must be recovered, Simon heads to Taiwan.

First stop is a Taiwanese air-base, bristling with US-made fighters ready to defend against Chinese attack. China’s absolute determination to recover Taiwan has been largely forgotten by the world, but it could be the cause of World War 3: the US has promised to help Taiwan if China attacks.

Simon visits a Taiwanese island from where the Taiwanese fought a 20-year artillery duel with the Chinese. Times have changed: shops now melt old artillery shells into knives for Chinese tourists. On the main Taiwanese island Simon goes up Taipei 101, the world’s tallest building. In a night market he drinks snake blood and finds brothels staffed by Chinese mainland girls. At night a Taiwanese boy-band sing of their pride at being Taiwanese, rather than immigrant Chinese like their parents.

Next Simon visits one of the world’s largest schools, where the Head tells him how to control groups of children, then he visits a theme park housing tiny replicas of Chinese landmarks (as close as most Taiwanese get to visiting the mainland).

The programme finishes with frightening remarks by a senior Chinese government official, who says China is going to get the island back, whatever the cost.

Places That Don't Exist Episode 4: Nagorno Karabakh

2014-06-23T06:19:00.000-04:00

Places That Don't Exist Episode 4: Nagorno Karabakh

Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia and Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan and Armenia became independent after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but a mountainous area of Azerbaijan called Nagorno-Karabkh (NK) triggered war. Historically it was mainly Armenian Christian, and when it wanted its own independence, Armenian troops helped the Karabkh army push Azeris out. Azerbaijan is still officially at war over NK, and Simon’s journey starts in Azerbaijan on the frontline overlooking NK; he sprints across open ground to avoid sniper fire.

Thousands of people fled during the war. Simon finds Azeri children and the elderly still living in rusty train carriages in a siding. Everywhere Simon goes there are reminders of the war. Everyone mentions it, including the country’s top pop star – a crack-shot with an AK-47.

Simon heads to NK, but the border with Azerbaijan is closed. A massive detour takes him across the border into Georgia, over stunning snowy mountains into Armenia, then south over icy mountain passes into NK. Inside the breakaway state he finds bombed-out villages and abandoned buildings, and Christians who view Muslims with suspicion and fear. In a village locals walk through a minefield in front of him.

Despite mines and war, Simon’s guide tells him NK would have the world’s highest longevity rate if recognized as a state. A graveyard contains endless people aged more than 100, and there is a suggestion of a live 120-year-old. Simon travels to the NK frontline trenches with Azerbaijan. Very few people go from one side to the other; Simon reflects on the stalemate, and the unlikely prospect of peace.

The programme finishes at a wedding where the electricity has died. Luckily, bride and groom emerge into the light to a rapturous reception.

Places That Don't Exist Episode 3: South Osetia

2014-06-20T06:03:00.002-04:00

Places That Don't Exist Episode 3: South Osetia

The former Soviet state of Georgia has a particular problem with breakaway states. After independence from Moscow three parts of the country – South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Adjaria, broke away from Georgia. Conflicts broke out, thousands were killed, and the whole region has suffered ever since. The new President of Georgia, who Simon meets in a lift, is trying to re-unify the country, but he faces a difficult task.

Simon travels across the frontline to visit South Ossetia – a self-declared country which has had its own flag, army and government for 12 years. The Ossetian people speak a different language to Georgians, and their government has vowed to fight to the death rather than rejoin the Georgian fold.

Simon persuades a tough Ossetian Foreign Ministry official to let him have a look around. Tensions are high between Georgia and South Ossetia, and the Ossetians are suspicious of foreigners, particularly when a government guide tells locals in the market that Simon’s from London, America. After his nationality is explained people become friendlier, although locals are tense because everyone has someone they love on the dangerous Georgian frontline and war is imminent. Everywhere Simon goes he’s followed by state security.

Back in Georgia proper Simon realises war is close when he finds a troop train packed with soldiers and tanks. He’s chased away by armed guards.

Heading west to the former breakaway region of Adjaria, Simon visits the palatial home of the former dictator. His son used to race a Lambourghini along the main street of the region, much to the anger of locals earning an average £15 a month.

Elsewhere in Georgia, Simon and his BBC crew are the first film unit ever allowed inside a major former Soviet military base. In a chilling scene, they find thousands of tonnes of explosives unguarded and huge working missiles, any of which could be stolen by criminals or terrorists, and which are capable of destroying skyscrapers.

Places That Don't Exist Episode 2: Trans-Dniester

2014-06-20T05:50:00.000-04:00

Places That Don't Exist Episode 2: Trans-Dniester - aka Transniestria, Transdniestria, Transnistria

Trans-Dniester - aka Transniestria, Transdniestria, Transnistria
Moldova, sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine, gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Two-thirds of the people are of Romanian descent, and wanted closer ties with neighbours to the West. But the eastern side of the country wanted to stay close to Ukraine and Russia. War broke out, and the east split to form Transniestria, a new country which – even now - remains unrecognised by the world.

Simon begins his journey by meeting the Moldovan President. Simon expects a formal conversation, but the President is in casual clothes, and takes him fishing. After warning that Transniestria is a “black hole” of arms trafficking, the President offers Simon cognac. As the President’s wife returns with the weekly shopping, Simon and the President are finishing their second bottle.

Outside the capital, Simon discovers Moldova is beautiful but is also the poorest country in Europe. He finds villages with men who sold a kidney to buy a cow.

Simon then heads east to Transniestria, and discovers a country of 600,000 people where Soviet statues still stand, and a mysterious firm called Sheriff runs much of life. He watches the Transniestria Independence Day celebrations, with the whole Soviet-era army and children singing “our army is the best army”.

Simon visits a major steel plant, once the pride of the Soviet Union, but now rumoured to be producing arms, before wandering into Ukraine to show the lax security of a country on the eastern edge of Europe.

Finally, Simon heads through undergrowth towards a secret Russian military base containing an ammunition stockpile that Western spies fear is reaching terrorists. As Simon gets closer, police arrive. Simon and his crew are held by the KGB as spies, questioned, and their equipment is confiscated. Eventually everything is returned, but they realise it’s time to leave.

London Business Forum Selected Episode 3: Lord Sugar on Business

2014-06-19T15:11:00.002-04:00

London Business Forum Selected Episode 3: Lord Sugar on Business
A Q&A session with the Chairman and Chief Executive of Amstrad

Revolutionaries Episode 5: The Anthropology of Innovation

2014-06-19T13:28:00.001-04:00

Revolutionaries Episode 5: The Anthropology of Innovation

Places That Don't Exist Episode 1: Somaliland

2014-06-18T22:31:00.001-04:00

Places That Don't Exist Episode 1: Somaliland

Author Simon Reeve undertakes a thrilling journey through the most obscure countries in the world – PLACES THAT DON'T EXIST.
This award-winning five part series on breakaway states and unrecognised nations, broadcast on BBC2 and broadcasters internationally, took Simon to little-known parts of the world including Somaliland, Transniestria, Nagorno-Karabakh, Ajaria, South Ossetia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Somalia, Moldova, Taiwan, and the former Soviet republic of Georgia.

WINNER - 2005 One World Broadcasting Trust Awards - "for an outstanding contribution to greater world understanding"

Somaliland and Somalia
In the north of Somalia – one of the poorest and most dangerous countries in the world – is Somaliland, a stable working democracy which no other nation recognizes as a proper country. Somaliland used to be linked to Britain, but joined with Somalia in the 1960s to form one country. When the relationship soured Somaliland sought independence, but had to fight a bitter war against the Somali dictator during which thousands died.

Simon’s first stop on the way to Somaliland is Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, where a dozen armed guards are needed to prevent kidnap or killing. The war-ravaged city, abandoned by the rest of the world, is in a state of anarchy with warlords instead of a government, but the rest of the world recognizes Somalia as an official state. Because there’s no government there’s also no police force. In the main market, Simon buys himself a Somali diplomatic passport from a man called Mr Big Beard, then heads north to Somaliland.

Although this nation of 3.5 million people is relatively stable, with a government, police force and traffic lights, no country recognizes it officially. Simon is guided around by Yusuf, a national hero and former guerilla fighter who spent 10 years battling for Somaliland’s independence. Because Somaliland is not recognized it’s having trouble getting foreign aid to help with the worst drought in decades. Tens of thousands of people are at risk of starvation.
The President tells Simon he runs the country on just a few million pounds a year. Because nobody recognizes the government it cannot get loans, making Somaliland one of the few poor countries on the planet not burdened by foreign debt repayments. Because there is no money sloshing around, there’s also little corruption.
Some countries want Somaliland to reunify with Somalia. Over a camp fire, Yusuf warns Simon that this could lead to war, and he would be prepared to fight.

Ancient Discoveries Episode 9: Egyptian Warfare

2014-06-17T07:54:00.002-04:00

Ancient Discoveries Episode 9: Egyptian Warfare

ABOUT THE SERIES
Ancient Discoveries series - selected episodes

Shot on location in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, Ancient Discoveries unearths amazing technologies we think of as modern, but which actually have their origins in antiquity. The series travels back in time to uncover remarkably sosphisticated inventions and to celebrate the ancient engineers whose ingenuity laid the foundations for todays technology.

In the ancient texts of Homer and the walls of Egyptian tombs lie tantalizing clues that are causing historians to re-think just how sophisticated centuries-old societies were. Drawings show that the Egyptians may have unlocked the secret to flight with primitive helicopter designs, and that the Chinese had a “wind car” in the 6th century AD that could transport them over land at up to 30 miles per hour. Even more amazing are 600-year-old designs from Italy for a Batmobile-like “rocket car” that appeared to be fueled by gunpowder.

Mechanical maids that could fetch water for people on their own were created by the inventor Philos in the Third century, a concept we still struggle to perfect today! And discoveries about ancient machines of warfare give a new vision of what truly defined the Egyptian empire. Ancient Discoveries unearths new clues that connect the present with the past in more startling ways than we had ever imagined.

Ancient Discoveries was made for The History Channel by Wild Dream Films based in Cardiff in the UK. Much of the filming was done on location across the world. The series used contributions from archaeologists and other experts, footage of historical sites and artifacts, computer generated reconstructions and dramatized reconstructions along with experiments and tests on reconstructed artifacts.

Ancient Discoveries Episode 8: Chinese Super Ships

2014-06-13T14:08:00.002-04:00

Ancient Discoveries Episode 8: Chinese Super Ships

ABOUT THE SERIES
Ancient Discoveries series - selected episodes

Shot on location in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, Ancient Discoveries unearths amazing technologies we think of as modern, but which actually have their origins in antiquity. The series travels back in time to uncover remarkably sosphisticated inventions and to celebrate the ancient engineers whose ingenuity laid the foundations for todays technology.

In the ancient texts of Homer and the walls of Egyptian tombs lie tantalizing clues that are causing historians to re-think just how sophisticated centuries-old societies were. Drawings show that the Egyptians may have unlocked the secret to flight with primitive helicopter designs, and that the Chinese had a “wind car” in the 6th century AD that could transport them over land at up to 30 miles per hour. Even more amazing are 600-year-old designs from Italy for a Batmobile-like “rocket car” that appeared to be fueled by gunpowder.

Mechanical maids that could fetch water for people on their own were created by the inventor Philos in the Third century, a concept we still struggle to perfect today! And discoveries about ancient machines of warfare give a new vision of what truly defined the Egyptian empire. Ancient Discoveries unearths new clues that connect the present with the past in more startling ways than we had ever imagined.

Ancient Discoveries was made for The History Channel by Wild Dream Films based in Cardiff in the UK. Much of the filming was done on location across the world. The series used contributions from archaeologists and other experts, footage of historical sites and artifacts, computer generated reconstructions and dramatized reconstructions along with experiments and tests on reconstructed artifacts.

Ancient Discoveries Episode 7: Rituals of Death

2014-06-13T14:03:00.000-04:00

Ancient Discoveries Episode 7: Rituals of Death

ABOUT THE SERIES
Ancient Discoveries series - selected episodes

Shot on location in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, Ancient Discoveries unearths amazing technologies we think of as modern, but which actually have their origins in antiquity. The series travels back in time to uncover remarkably sosphisticated inventions and to celebrate the ancient engineers whose ingenuity laid the foundations for todays technology.

In the ancient texts of Homer and the walls of Egyptian tombs lie tantalizing clues that are causing historians to re-think just how sophisticated centuries-old societies were. Drawings show that the Egyptians may have unlocked the secret to flight with primitive helicopter designs, and that the Chinese had a “wind car” in the 6th century AD that could transport them over land at up to 30 miles per hour. Even more amazing are 600-year-old designs from Italy for a Batmobile-like “rocket car” that appeared to be fueled by gunpowder.

Mechanical maids that could fetch water for people on their own were created by the inventor Philos in the Third century, a concept we still struggle to perfect today! And discoveries about ancient machines of warfare give a new vision of what truly defined the Egyptian empire. Ancient Discoveries unearths new clues that connect the present with the past in more startling ways than we had ever imagined.

Ancient Discoveries was made for The History Channel by Wild Dream Films based in Cardiff in the UK. Much of the filming was done on location across the world. The series used contributions from archaeologists and other experts, footage of historical sites and artifacts, computer generated reconstructions and dramatized reconstructions along with experiments and tests on reconstructed artifacts

Ancient Discoveries Episode 6: Ancient Special Forces

2014-06-13T08:07:00.002-04:00

Ancient Discoveries Episode 6: Ancient Special Forces

ABOUT THE SERIES
Ancient Discoveries series - selected episodes

Shot on location in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, Ancient Discoveries unearths amazing technologies we think of as modern, but which actually have their origins in antiquity. The series travels back in time to uncover remarkably sosphisticated inventions and to celebrate the ancient engineers whose ingenuity laid the foundations for todays technology.

In the ancient texts of Homer and the walls of Egyptian tombs lie tantalizing clues that are causing historians to re-think just how sophisticated centuries-old societies were. Drawings show that the Egyptians may have unlocked the secret to flight with primitive helicopter designs, and that the Chinese had a “wind car” in the 6th century AD that could transport them over land at up to 30 miles per hour. Even more amazing are 600-year-old designs from Italy for a Batmobile-like “rocket car” that appeared to be fueled by gunpowder.

Mechanical maids that could fetch water for people on their own were created by the inventor Philos in the Third century, a concept we still struggle to perfect today! And discoveries about ancient machines of warfare give a new vision of what truly defined the Egyptian empire. Ancient Discoveries unearths new clues that connect the present with the past in more startling ways than we had ever imagined.

Ancient Discoveries was made for The History Channel by Wild Dream Films based in Cardiff in the UK. Much of the filming was done on location across the world. The series used contributions from archaeologists and other experts, footage of historical sites and artifacts, computer generated reconstructions and dramatized reconstructions along with experiments and tests on reconstructed artifacts.

How Stuff Works Episode 3: Corn

2014-06-09T07:58:00.000-04:00

How Stuff Works Episode 3: Corn

Learn about agriculture's most versatile and productive crop. The program examines how corn is bred, grown, harvested, and converted into everything from animal feed to plastic. Agricultural scientists discuss corn's origins as a humble grass, and chemists reveal how corn can be made into ethanol, an alternative to fossil fuels.

How Stuff Works Episode 2: Beer

2014-06-09T07:33:00.001-04:00

How Stuff Works Episode 2: Beer
BBC Documentary 2014

How Stuff Works Episode 1: Secrets of Chocolate

2014-06-07T21:48:00.001-04:00

How Stuff Works Episode 1: Secrets of Chocolate
Discovery Channel Documentary

All Things Occult Episode 16: Werewolves

2014-06-07T21:44:00.000-04:00

All Things Occult Episode 16: Werewolves

In True Horror, Anthony explores the truth behind the long established Hollywood Myths of Vampires, Demons, Werewolves, Witches and Zombies and discovers that behind the stories we've all seen on the Silver Screen lie even more disturbing origins. Unlike other documentaries where the presenter is based in the studio providing quirky links between films of reporters in the field, Anthony was hands on throughout the production. He met and interviewed experts as varied as the Head of the Vatican's Exorcism Department and Chief Druids and travelled to such far afield places as the Caparthian Mountains.

Virtuoso Channel

Places That Don't Exist Episode 5: Taiwan

Places That Don't Exist Episode 4: Nagorno Karabakh

Places That Don't Exist Episode 3: South Osetia

Places That Don't Exist Episode 2: Trans-Dniester

London Business Forum Selected Episode 3: Lord Sugar on Business

Revolutionaries Episode 5: The Anthropology of Innovation

Places That Don't Exist Episode 1: Somaliland

Ancient Discoveries Episode 9: Egyptian Warfare

Ancient Discoveries Episode 8: Chinese Super Ships

Ancient Discoveries Episode 7: Rituals of Death

Ancient Discoveries Episode 6: Ancient Special Forces

How Stuff Works Episode 3: Corn

How Stuff Works Episode 2: Beer

Recommended

How Stuff Works Episode 1: Secrets of Chocolate

All Things Occult Episode 16: Werewolves