Friday, December 05, 2008

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - Adventures In Research - "Eyes and Ears For The Millions" (11-21-44) (11-28-44)


Eyes and Ears For The Millions (11-21-44) (11-28-44)


Down through the long corridors of time, man has strived unceasingly to solve the hidden mysteries of the universe...has sought to pierce the veil that shrouds the eternal riddle of life. Back from the dust of centuries past...reaching forward through the portals of tomorrow, comes a voice that will not be stilled...a voice that cries: Learn! Investigate! Instruct! Urging new generations to carry forward the work of progress for humanity...listen to the voice of science!" These syndicated program were produced at the studios of KDKA (Pittsburgh) and distributed by the station's parent company, Westinghouse Radio Stations Inc. The series began about 1942 and were distributed, probably as a public service educational feature, for weekly programming. The early shows were discussions with Paul Shannon asking the questions, Dr. Phillips Thomas (research physicist for Westinghouse, specializing in electronics) answering the questions. The later programs were written by Dr. Thomas, but were dramatizations instead of the Q and A fomat. The programs themselves present a fascinating look at the state of scientific knowledge during the war and the immediate post-war years. Many of the topics are hopelessly outdated, a surprising number are still up to date and reflect the state of knowledge about the subject many years later. The purpose of instilling an interest in science in the general public is still as valid now as it was then. Even more important, the program themselves are good radio and interesting. Those listeners with little or no interest in science will still be captivated. The post-war programs feature an organist whose efforts range from mediocre to absolutely great! This program: the story of the microscope and von Leeuwenhoek. Paul Shannon, Phillips Thomas. 14:45.

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