Batteries

Batteries... We use them so often that we hardly even think about it. Mobile phones, cameras, portable audio players - even your car keys might have a battery inside. Japan makes 4.8 billion batteries every year, and the Japanese have a long history of battery breakthroughs, from recent advances in rechargeable batteries to what may have been the world's first dry-cell battery over 120 years ago. Recently, electric car batteries have been used not just for driving, but as power sources for entire homes. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, supplies of water and electricity were cut off in many parts of northeastern Japan. Batteries played a key role in helping evacuees. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is batteries. We'll see how these small sources of power, invented in this small island nation, have transformed the lives of its people.
Trailer
Recently Updated Shows

Spartacus: House of Ashur
Spartacus: House of Ashur poses the question: What if Ashur hadn't died on Mount Vesuvius at the end of Spartacus: Vengeance? And what if he had been gifted the gladiator school once owned by Batiatus in return for aiding the Romans in killing Spartacus and ending the slave rebellion?

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
A century before the events of "Game of Thrones," two unlikely heroes wandered Westeros… a young, naïve but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his diminutive squire, Egg. Set in an age when the Targaryen line still holds the Iron Throne and the memory of the last dragon has not yet passed from living memory, great destinies, powerful foes, and dangerous exploits all await these improbable and incomparable friends.

The Daily Show
Hosted by a rotating cast of comedy greats, The Daily Show remains the go-to source for provocative satire, insightful interviews and an award-winning team of correspondents and contributors.

The Librarians: The Next Chapter
The Librarians: The Next Chapter centers on Vikram Chamberlain, a "Librarian" from the past who time traveled from 1847 and now finds himself stuck in the present. When Vikram returns to his castle in Belgrade, Serbia and discovers that it is now a museum, he inadvertently releases magic across the continent. With the help of a new team of eclectic heroes, including a savant in world history, a scientific genius, and a highly skilled Guardian, Vikram has only six months to clean up the mess he made.

Ridiculousness
Ridiculousness and Rob Dyrdek return with another incredible season of hysterical and absurd internet videos. Sterling "Stee-Lo" Brim and Chanel "West Coast" join Rob and another unbelievable line up of special guests, including rapper phenom Future, R&B singer/ songwriter Ne-Yo, and internet video super-team Smosh. This season's storm of new categories like "Power Kiss", "Everyday Demons", "Human Glitches", and "Magnet Feet" will leave you belly laughing for the rest of your life.