What's On the Box this week?

'What In The World" (RTE 1, Thursday) - By western standards, Mongolian herders live very isolated lives against the stunning landscape of the vast open steppes where they temporarily settle in small clusters of one or two tents or gers. These pastoral nomads have enormous herds of camels, sheep, cows and goats - some as large as 1,000. From these, the country produces meat, milk and hides for the domestic market. But this centuries-old way of life is undervalued and under threat while the pressure to urbanise is relentless. Backed by the International Monetary Fund, politicians and economists are working on what they call 'a new development model for Mongolia'. In keeping with current global trends, this model involves the gradual reduction of nomadism and its replacement with private commercial agriculture, mineral extraction and urbanisation. Already the transformation of Mongolian society is underway with over half of its 2.6 million population now living in urban areas. Baasanjargal has already made the move from the country to the city and daily pines for her lost world. ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ 'Pregnancy: My Big Decision" (BBC 3, Thursday) - Five pairs of teenage girls facing similar and potentially life-changing decisions are followed as The Adult Season opens with the documentary series 'My Big Decision". This first episode follows two teenage girls who are determined to have a baby. Separated by age, culture and geography, but sharing the same all-consuming desire, the girls go on a very personal journey of self discovery - but they"re taking their mums and grans with them. Taking a break from everyday life, the six women embark on a five-day road trip across the UK, immersing themselves in the subject matter. Offering help and support throughout the experience, it"s the last chance the older women have to persuade the teenagers to really think about making the right choice. Along the way, the families are introduced to people and situations that are designed to get them talking openly and honestly and to help inform their decision. ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ 'Total Wipeout" (BBC 1, Saturday) - Filmed against the stunning backdrop of Argentina, 'Total Wipeout", which features 20 thrill-seeking contestants taking on one of the toughest, most ridiculous and physically demanding games ever created, continues. As always, Richard Hammond presents from the safety of the studio while Amanda Byram is trackside in Argentina to talk to the brave contestants who, this week, include a Catholic priest, a community support officer and a part-time wrestler. This episode is notable for a number of larger-than-life characters with larger-than-life nicknames. There"s 'Yes" Diane (the power of positive thinking), Levitating Ian, Romeo Raymondo (who intends spending the £10,000 prize, if he should win, on building a Chihuahua mansion for his Chihuahua, Romeo) and Andy, an amateur singer-songwriter from Kent, whose nickname is 'No Gary Barlow" Andy. This week"s show also introduces a brand-new game called The Dreadmill, in which two huge demolition balls swing from side to side across a couple of giant running machines, which have been set to 'fast". ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ 'The Big Story" (RTE 1, Saturday) - 'The Big Story" is a new six part series featuring Irish journalists discussing some of the major stories of their careers. Stories like Charlie Bird"s coverage of Fr Niall O"Brien"s arrest in the Philippines and Nell McCafferty"s reporting on the Kerry Babies Case. Other journalists like John Waters, Maggie O"Kane, Brenda Power and Tom McCaughren offer a unique slant on Irish and international newsgathering, both past and present, and how today"s obsession with celebrity means some reporters have become bigger news than the stories they tell. In the first episode, Charlie Bird takes centre stage. In 1983, a major Irish story broke in the Philippines. Irish priest, Fr Niall O"Brien, was one of nine men charged with the murder of a government official. The men became known as the Negros Nine. Set against a backdrop of corruption and civil unrest, their trial became headline news worldwide. Bird was sent to the Philippines to cover the story of the Negros Nine, which became the big story that first made Charlie Bird a household name in Ireland. ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Movie Of The Week: 'Mr & Mrs Smith" (RTE 1, Wednesday) - Starring Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Vince Vaughn, Kerry Washington and Adam Brody, this one marks the place where two of the most beautiful stars in the world began to fall in love. A madcap caper movie, the pair do actually generate some chemistry with Jolie looking much more glam that her stick-insect image of 2009.