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3 new PBS documentaries lead TV shows on DVD this week
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In the heart of Uganda, 20 rare giraffes are transported down the Nile River for protection in the "Nature" episode," Giraffes: Africa's Gentle Giants," now on DVD. - photo by Chris Hicks
PBS documentaries about giraffes, early civilizations and early man lead television programs on DVD this week.

Nature: Giraffes: Africas Gentle Giants (PBS, 2016). With giraffes in the news lately regarding their diminishing numbers due to poaching, the majestic creatures with the towering necks are a timely subject for exploration in this hourlong Nature episode. Julian Fennessy warns that the giraffe population has dropped some 40 percent in the two decades hes been studying them, and he embarks on a difficult voyage to move to safety 20 of the most rare giraffes, via the Nile River in the heart of Uganda.

Secrets of the Dead: After Stonehenge (PBS, 2016). Over the past five years, archaeologists in an eastern-England quarry have been uncovering evidence of a 3,000-year-old settlement that was surprisingly advanced. This hourlong documentary episode of Secrets of the Dead looks at a settlement that apparently rose above marshy fens with houses on stilts, busy harbors and rivers, metalwork traders selling goods across Europe, etc.

NOVA: Great Human Odyssey (PBS, 2016). This hourlong NOVA episode gathers evidence that our ancient ancestors lived in Africa in tiny bands before moving out and spreading across every corner of the planet crossing the Sahara on foot, surviving frigid ice ages, sailing to remote Pacific islands, etc.

Jericho of Scotland Yard (Acorn, 2005, two discs, four episodes). Entertaining, if unnecessarily complicated, this is a British 1950s-era four-part tale of a Jewish detective inspector (Robert Lindsay) whose life has been shaped by events concerning his late father, an English policeman. His father returned from World War I a changed, rather violent man, and then was gunned down in their home, right in front of his teenage son. (This show was intended as a series but was canceled after one brief season.)

Ray Donovan: Season Four (Showtime/CBS, 2016, four discs, 12 episodes, featurettes). The Boston-born title character (played by Liev Schreiber) is a tough-guy fixer for a high-rolling Los Angeles law firm, and this season he gets mixed up with the Russian mob, even as he tries to mend fences with his family. (As always, Showtime excesses abound on an R-rated level.)
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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Street musician killing it on clarinet

She must have lungs of iron! Its inspiring hearing the upper registers being played so well.

Posted by Clarinet Life on Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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