Las Vegas Hotels

The Oakland Bay Bridge in San Francisco boasts more superlatives than any bridge on earth. Bridge builders of the depression era defied logic and economics and succeeded in building an 8 mile long structure connecting Oakland and San Francisco. Engineer Charles Purcell built two suspension bridges side by side on the San Francisco side of the bay, then built the largest bore tunnel in the world to connect the west side with Oakland's eastern shores. A cantilever bridge and a truss section connect the tunnel with the eastern shore. Twenty-two men plunged to their death building the bridge, as diver bill reed risked his life helping to position the giant concrete foundations far below the waterline. Once completed, the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge soon became the busiest bridge on earth, carrying more than 280,000 cars every day.

Plumbing; it's the arteries of civilization, surging with life-giving water and tons of waste. It feeds the fixtures that spoil us and flushes us with pride. It's potential is explosive and it's history overflows with innovation.

History of the U.S. Mint and the Bureau of Printing and Engraving.

In 1941, penicillin was first used to save human life. But now, bacteria has emerged resistant to every known antibiotic, and scientists have begun to fear that the era of the wonder drugs is near to its end.

To run faster, jump higher, and play longer--the ultimate goal of all athletes. But when training runs its course, science and technology jump in. Explore the history and technological advances in everything from athletic shoes to football gear. And leap into a future filled with radar-enhanced baseballs and virtual-reality stadiums.

45min | Aired on Nov 04, 1998 | CC

A study of the discoveries, inventions, and technological advances that have helped us understand and predict weather accurately. From simple observations made by early humans, to early instruments such as thermometers and barometers, to Doppler radar and satellite imaging, we'll see how man has tried to harness weather.

46min | Aired on Dec 07, 1998 | TV-PG | CC

It has become a new dimension in entertainment. It pulls us into the center of the action with explosive sounds and computer controlled audio design. From it's humble beginnings in the basements of amateurs, stereo has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry.

46min | Aired on Dec 16, 1998 | TV-PG | CC

Through rain, snow, heat, or gloom of night, we expect postmen to deliver the mail. The U.S. Post Office handles over 603-million pieces of mail daily. Yet it represents only 43% of the world's total mail volume. From ancient Sumerians to Pony Express, from airmail to E-mail, we follow the long journey of mail.

The crash of the Hindenburg puts an end to the era of zeppelins.

45min | Aired on Jan 18, 1999 | TV-PG | CC

A look up at the symbol of the American Century--the skyscraper, the construction of which is a triumph of engineering and capitalism. Climb to the top of the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, Sears Tower, and World Trade Center to see how ego, money, and technology joined to build the tallest of man-made structures.

From the Colossus of Rhodes and Egypt's pyramids to the Hoover Dam and the Space Shuttle, mankind has celebrated the work of engineers. But what happens when their calculations prove wrong? From Hammurabi, who passed the first building laws, to today's potential disasters that can wipe out a whole city, we review engineering mistakes.