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Modern Marvels Season 17 Episodes
Season 17 Episode Guide
14 Episodes 2010 - 2011
Episode 1
Mega Stores
Fri, Oct 29, 201044 mins
The colossal cornerstones of commerce. Oversized outfitters. Merchandise Moguls. Mega Stores are giant facilities engineered to keep up with America's supersized habits. They are the largest, busiest places in the country.
Episode 2
Supersized Food
Fri, Nov 5, 201042 mins
The story of some of the largest food in the world. Includes large burgers, hot dogs, cupcakes, candy, and pizza.
Episode 3
Coin Operated II
Fri, Nov 12, 2010
A look at more coin operated machines including slot machines and coin operated viewers. Also featured, a behind the scenes look at the Philadelphia Mint and the Luray Cavern wishing wells.
Episode 4
Engineering Disasters 22
Fri, Nov 19, 201044 mins
They are catastrophic failures with deadly consequences. Caused by a single spark or a massive collapse, these disasters reveal one thing--the danger inherent in our most common industries. From a massive oil spill to refinery blaze to a downed plane, find out what went wrong... and how to prevent the next engineering disaster.
Episode 5
Dogs
Fri, Nov 26, 201044 mins
Man's best friend--fearless, faithful, determined and swift. They're our sharpest eyes, noses and ears--and among the bravest hunters, soldiers, rescuers, and protectors.
Episode 6
Built to Last
Fri, Dec 3, 201044 mins
Enter the amazing and ingenious ultra-sturdy shelters, machines, containers, materials and packaging designed to deny the ruination of society. The drive to create the indestructible has inspired some of the most prolific and awe inspiring results:
Episode 7
Secret Underground
Fri, Dec 10, 2010
A look at underground real estate including illegal drug smuggling tunnels, Las Vegas flood controls, and a salt mine that doubles as a vault for classic films and government documents. Also featured is the National Research Lab in Oak Ridge.
Episode 8
Made in the USA
Fri, Dec 17, 201048 mins
From Ancient Rome to the massive system that quenches Los Angeles's thirst, this is a fascinating look at the history and technology of aqueducts.
Episode 9
Driver's Seat
Tue, Dec 21, 201044 mins
Get behind the wheel and take control of the some of the largest, fastest, most powerful machines on the planet. These aren't your average vehicles--and handling one of these rides is unlike anything else. But you need more than just a learner's permit to take control of these vehicles...you need training, experience, and above all, guts--if you plan to sit in the Driver's Seat.
Episode 10
Rice
Wed, Dec 29, 2010
One of the world's most widely consumed grains, rice is profiled. All of the grain's applications from food to drink and beyond are detailed. Includes a step by step process of how rice is grown, farmed, cultivated and processed.
Episode 11
Packaging
Fri, Jan 14, 201144 mins
It's all around us--so much a part of our lives that we forget it's there. But try to survive a single day without packaging. This episode reveals the astounding technology and ingenuity required to create our packaged world. At a Michigan company that designs water bottles, we'll show you how engineers find their inspiration from a bell pepper.
Episode 12
Grease
Fri, Jan 21, 201143 mins
GREASE It makes the whole world go around...and up and down...and side to side. Without it, the wheels of industry and our modern existence would grind to a halt, along with everything else. In this episode of Modern Marvels, we take a close up look - at GREASE.
Episode 13
Ropes & Chains
Fri, Jan 28, 201144 mins
From hauling our heaviest gear to mastering the tallest mountains, they have been around for centuries, but we constantly improve upon them. Get an inside look at factories where every kind and style of Ropes & Chains are made. We'll get some lessons from a company that trains high-flying workers who depend on rope to do their jobs safely.
Episode 14
American Trucking
Fri, Feb 4, 201144 mins
America would come to a standstill without trucks. Trucks transport a staggering 70 percent of all the nation's goods. Explore the amazingly diverse world of American trucks and the colorful men and women who drive them. Join country superstar Brad Paisley and his crew of truckers on the road between Little Rock and Tulsa--racing the clock to be on time for Brad's next concert.
