"America's Book of Secrets" aired for 2 seasons (2012-2013) on the History channel. Some episodes are currently being replayed. They are also viewable on YouTube, Vudu and the History website.
While "Conspiracy Theory with Jessie Ventura" deals more with conspiracies, ABOS provides a much more balanced perspective. It is based on in depth research and behind the scenes interviews.
Below are the season 1 episode summaries from the History website:
The Pentagon
It is the epicenter of America's military operations… a five-sided fortress with a single purpose–to defend the United States and its citizens. But behind the concrete walls and re-enforced windows are secrets. Enter the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense and explore the complex operations and top-secret business conducted at the largest low-rise office building in the world. How did the Pentagon get its unusual shape? How many people work at the Pentagon? What covert intelligence gathering organizations operate within the military compound–and how are their secrets protected? What top-secret information was compromised from the attack on September 11th? How quickly did the building and its tenants get back to business as usual? For seven decades, the Pentagon has been an icon of American strength and military excellence. But more impressive than the building itself are the secrets held there…until now.Black Ops
They are top-secret missions manned by specially trained intelligence and military elite. Covert operations using unconventional tactics outside the standard protocol. This episode uncovers the clandestine activities and state-of-the-art training of the U.S. Special Forces that undertake the most dangerous surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence collecting missions on Earth. What makes a mission a Black Operation or Black Op? Who approves a mission–and how much does the President know? What secret training prepares a soldier for these life and death assignments? How is the CIA involved in Black Ops? From cloak and dagger spy games to hand-to-hand combat, Black Ops are shrouded in secrecy…until now.West Point
It is the most prestigious military academy in the world. A place where cutting-edge technology converges with battle-proven tradition. But inside this launch pad for the Army's elite are secrets. Go inside the 200-year-old university to uncover the complex selection process, secret rituals and traditions and special training that each cadet experiences at the renowned institution of military might. How hard is it to get into West Point? What is the Honor Code, and what happens if a cadet breaks it? Who are the most famous–and infamous academy alumni? What special training goes into making cadets military leaders for the 21st century? West Point is where presidents, world leaders, and the Army's bravest officers are taught, trained and entrusted with some of the nation's most important secrets. Secrets that few outside the academy know… until now.The FBI
It is America's most powerful police force–made up of an elite team of Special Agents secretly patrolling the nation–and the world. While its patriotic mission is public knowledge, the FBI's tactics are classified. We'll go undercover to reveal the secret training, special operations and state-of-the-art tools used in today's 21st century crime fighting. How far can the FBI go to prevent crime and protect Americans? What are ghost agents, and how are they used for undercover surveillance? Who is the most notorious double agent? How has the internet changed the way the FBI works? While its global reach and sophisticated technology helps keep America safe, the FBI's greatest strength is its ability to keep its crime fighting tactics secret…until now.Presidential Transports
They are the most advanced and heavily protected vehicles ever built–operated by technicians prepared for the worst. But behind the bullet proof glass and armored plating of the President's fleet of vehicles are secrets. Travel by land, sea and air to explore the special construction, elite training and secret weapons that protect the President when he's on the move. Who's in charge of the President's safety on Air Force One and Marine One? Why is the Presidential Limo called "the Beast"–and who gets to drive it? What kind of defensive and offensive capabilities does the Presidential bus, known as Ground Force One, have? No matter what form of transport, moving the President safely requires the utmost secrecy. Secrets that have remained untold…until now.The Playboy Mansion
It is America's most infamous address, a place where fantasies come to life–and anything goes. But behind the security cameras and stonewalls of the Playboy Mansion are secrets. Go inside the stately residence to reveal the secret places, decadent gatherings, and special indulgences usually reserved for beautiful women and Hollywood's elite. How hard is it to get an invitation to the Playboy Mansion? How did Hugh Hefner transform the Mansion into a palace of pleasure? Who is the most notorious guest? What does it take to protect the Mansion for outside intruders? Home to one of the world's most private of public figures, the Playboy Mansion is a sanctum of secrets.Area 51
It is one of the most covert military bases on American soil, protecting the nation's most confidential research and development. For decades, the highest levels of government had denied its existence. But behind the barbed wire fences and surveillance cameras are secrets…Go inside the most famous secret military base on Earth to expose the high-tech security, undercover operations, and most outrageous claims surrounding the 575 square miles of "restricted" space. What actually goes on at Area 51? Is there a connection between Area 51 and the Roswell event of 1947? Could there be a secret subterranean city underneath the barren desert? Have the conspiracy theories surrounding Area 51 been a smokescreen for controversial military projects? While the government may never reveal what it's really hiding at Area 51, many believe it is a place where truth is stranger than fiction.
TVPG
No comments: