SHOWS FOR YOUNGSTERS AND THEIR PARENTS TOO : Nickelodeon provides Black History news and Valentine’s Day shows; AMC’s Lincoln films

“Home Improvement’s� favorite son, Jonathan Taylor, Thomas stars alongside Chevy Chase and Farrah Fawcett in last year’s Man of the House (Sunday, 7 p.m. Disney). Thomas stars as a boy who tries to sabotage his mother’s attempt to remarry. For ages 6 and up.

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In recognition of Black History Month, Nick News Special Edition: Stories From the Dream (Sunday, 8 p.m. Nickelodeon) offers a look at African American history and its promise for the future. The show features stories about pivotal African Americans including Linda Brown, who was involved in the pivotal desegregation case; Darnell Martin, the first African American woman to write and direct a major studio film; Dudley Edmonson, a nature photojournalist, and Lt. Matice Wright, a Naval flight officer and pilot. For ages 5 and up.

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Based on Robert Sherwood’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, 1940’s Abe Lincoln in Illinois (Monday 5 and 8:45 p.m. AMC) stars Raymond Massey as the “honest� president. The film examines the president’s life and career. Ruth Gordon co-stars as Mary Todd. The movie is followed by Henry Fonda’s portrayal of Young Mr. Lincoln (7 and 10:45 p.m. AMC), the 1939 movie that focuses on Lincoln’s early struggles as a lawyer. Both for ages 6 and up.

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Nickelodeon begins Valentine’s Day with The Muppet Valentine Show (Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.) with Mia Farrow as star guest. Kermit croons “Froggie Went a-Courtin’.� As the day of hearts wears on, there is Valentine’s Day Stunt (3-8 p.m.), featuring love-filled episodes of favorite Nick shows: “Clarissa Explains It All,� “The Secret World of Alex Mack,� “Doug,� and “The Adventures of Pete & Pete.� For ages 4 and up.

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Set your VCRs: Also in accordance with Black History Month, Showtime presents The Last Call (Wednesday, midnight Showtime), directed by Tisch School of the Arts senior Greg Wilson. The film short looks at a NYPD crime scene officer who struggles with the pressures of his job and his family life. For ages 13 and up.