I've been familiar with YouTubeEDU and the TED Talks for a while, but I've recently been exploring other educational streaming video offerings. I just discovered some really cool resources, including the Indianapolis Museum of Art's channel on YouTube.
In honor of Hello Kitty's 35th birthday, I've linked a talk by author Ben Belson called "Hello Kitty: The Global Brand with Nine Lives."
Hello Kitty, pop culture & global marketing--what could be a better way to spend 30 minutes?
Even if you're not a big Sanrio fan, the way institutions are starting to make their programming available to anyone with broadband access is really exciting. The Indianapolis Museum of Art's channel has several other offerings (including Japanese & Chinese calligraphy demonstrations and a video showing how a Renaissance piece is restored).
While you're on YouTube, check out these other great resources--so much more enriching than watching ideas *not* worth spreading.
ScienCentral ("Making sense of science. Check these videos out if you want to know more about the world around you. ")
BBCEarth Channel
The Smithsonian Channel
The Museum of Modern Art's MoMA Video
The Japanese Culture & History Channel
I barely watch TV anymore unless it's a sporting event (e.g., the World Series as I type)...and offerings like these will make TV an even less likely event for me.