S1.E13 ∙ Varanasi: City of Light

The granddaughter of a Dutch-Indonesian detention-camp survivor asks her grandmother about her life in imprisonment.

A Thousand Invisible Cords: From Genes to Ecosystems presents a new and hopeful perspective on how to address some of the most important environmental challenges of our times and emphasizes how even at the genetic level, all organisms on planet earth are connected. As the 19th century naturalist, writer, and environmental activist John Muir stated, "When we try to pick out anything by itself we find that it is bound fast by a thousand invisible cords that cannot be broken, to everything in the universe." This film takes these connections to a whole new scientific level by exploring the frontiers of ecology with one of the smallest biological units, the gene.

Why do humans create art? Filmmaker Karen Cantor went to Santa Fe to find out. Sculptors, painters, weavers, musicians, and writers share their journeys into the unknown, whether starting from a slab of stone, a blank canvas, or a pile of wool. Filmed in a poetic style, the filmmaker uses the metaphor of a spider creating its web, endlessly spinning the strands produced from its own body, just as the artists reach into their inner selves and formulate their creations. Working in a beautiful natural environment we see how nature is incorporated into art. Not only does 'Invitation to the Muse' reflect artists' inner journeys, it also is a feast for the eyes and a celebration of the creative force.

It's a pop-culture phenomenon! On a frigid Ohio night, obsessive gamers and young entrepreneurs camp outside stores for the chance to buy Play Station 3. For 3 days and 2 nights they brave the cold, just to be in line when the new release hits the sales floor. Each camper has a story - an agenda. They need to be first; they want to make a profit on eBay; they need a gift or reward for someone special, etc. One man captures it all on camera. He's welcomed at one store - physically assaulted and thrown out at another. It's all here - the fun, the drama, the individual stories, the outcome. It's 'Crazy for Play Station 3.'

The Kalachakra Mandala creation process is not fantasy or a science fiction tale, yet it can be experienced like one. It is a living tradition from the Dalai Lama's monastery with an ancient, intricate history and is created with a wish for Peace On Earth. The Venerable Losang Samten took five weeks to construct the 6 foot diameter sand painting in Chico, CA while offering evening teachings. The sand constantly radiated, sparkled and scintillated reflecting the mysteries held within its designs. 'Meeting The Kalachakra' explores this deep tradition while sharing the joy of a community transformed by this love, kindness and compassion.