Subject: [removed] Digest V2004 #129
From: <[removed]@[removed]>
Date: 4/11/2004 4:18 PM
To: <[removed]@[removed];

------------------------------


                            The Old-Time Radio Digest!
                              Volume 2004 : Issue 129
                         A Part of the [removed]!
                             [removed]
                                 ISSN: 1533-9289


                                 Today's Topics:

  Three Volumn Encyclopedia of Radio    [ RICFAS@[removed] ]
  Don Herbert                           [ "Mark Kinsler" <kinsler33@[removed] ]
  Re: Space Signals                     [ Don Shenbarger <donslistmail@sbcglo ]
  another current movie with OTR        [ BH <radiobill@[removed]; ]
  Out In the Fields of Stars.           [ "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@ ]
  Sara Berner                           [ Jack & Cathy French <otrpiano@erols ]
  More OTR for listening on the web     [ Bryan Wright <bswrig@[removed]; ]
  More OTR for listening on the web     [ Bryan Wright <bswrig@[removed]; ]
  JB show of 12/7/41                    [ JackBenny@[removed] ]
  Radio waves                           [ JackBenny@[removed] ]
  Iraq yoU Obviously Is Spelled wrong!  [ Christopher Werner <werner1@globalc ]
  Jan Merlin/ Radio Signals             [ Dennis W Crow <DCrow3@[removed] ]
  Re: 4-11 births/deaths                [ <cvc@[removed]; ]
  OLDE TYME RADIO NETWORK               [ "Jerry Haendiges" <Jerry@[removed] ]
  4-12 births/deaths                    [ Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed]; ]

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 10 Apr 2004 19:40:59 -0400
From: RICFAS@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Three Volumn Encyclopedia of Radio
X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: from multipart/alternative
X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: Alternative section used was text/plain

...comprehensively covering all of radio's history around the [removed]

Now really!  These three volumes don't even come close.

Ric Ross

  *** This message was altered by the server, and may not appear ***
  ***                  as the sender intended.                   ***

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 10 Apr 2004 19:41:04 -0400
From: "Mark Kinsler" <kinsler33@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Don Herbert

The link to radio is a bit tenuous: Don Herbert was a Chicago radio
personality before he developed 'Mr Wizard' for televison in 1951.  He was
born in 1917 and is apparently still alive: his organization was doing
school science programs in 1998.  Does anyone have contact information for
him or his organization?  There's a "Mr Wizard Institute" and a "Mr Wizard
Foundation," both nominally run by a fellow named Steve 'Jake' Jacobs of
Wichita, but the whole thing seems fairly extinct now.  Does anyone here
know anything about him at present?

Mark Kinsler
512 E Mulberry St. Lancaster, Ohio USA 43130 740-687-6368
[removed]~mkinsler1

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 10 Apr 2004 19:41:36 -0400
From: Don Shenbarger <donslistmail@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Re: Space Signals

At 05:18 PM 4/10/2004, Alain Altounian asked,

I'm curious; do radio signals decay over space and time? If at least some
signals survive, how far out are the OTR era's signals? And, could ET (or
some other extra terrestrial) conceivably be listening to Jack Benny right
now using a regular AM receiver?

The strength falls off in accordance with the "inverse square rule",
meaning it works just like light shining from a flashlight. Eventually you
reach a point where the strength of the signal (or light) is much less than
the ambient background (noise) and can no longer be separated from the
noise. You can compare this to AM radio quality as you drive in your car
where static replaces more of the program as the distance to the station
increases. To a great extent, better receivers will work at greater
distances, but all have limitations.

As to the distance, radio signals travel at the speed of light. Jack
Benny's radio show broadcast on December 7th, 1941 would be at a distance
of [removed] light years now. At that distance the program has passed through
approximately 2,500 known neighboring stars.

Don Shenbarger

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 10 Apr 2004 19:42:34 -0400
From: BH <radiobill@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  another current movie with OTR

In reference to the Carl Sagan movie "Contact" Alain Altounian commented:

I believe the opening sequence is a tracking shot starting at Earth and
taking us through our solar system and beyond.
The accompanying audio goes backwards in [removed] with the present
and eventually reaching OTR period, then just static(ie-before audio signals
generated from our planet)....
I thought this was a neat reminder that all radio signals - including OTR -
are still out there, but they are moving away from us.
I'm curious; do radio signals decay over space and time? If at least some
signals survive, how far out are the OTR era's signals? And, could ET (or
some other extra terrestrial) conceivably be listening to Jack Benny right
now using a regular AM receiver? 8)

This has been discussed before. That sequence of moving out into space
and catching up to OTR  signals of long ago is a bit far fetched. The
wavelength of OTR transmissions in the AM broadcast band are too long
to penetrate the ionosphere and go into space, so none of those
transmissions are traveling out there. Higher frequencies (shorter
wavelengths) such as at VHF and above can  penetrate the ionosphere and
are still traveling out there somewhere. FM transmissions in the 88-108
mHz frequencies should be out there somewhere but unfortunately ET can't
pick up Jack Benny, Fibber, or Bob Hope unless he finds one of the FM
stations that rebroadcast  OTR shows.

As far as the signal decaying, yes they do get weaker the farther they
travel. The strength reduces as the square of the distance. In other
words, if you measure the strength of a signal at a certain point from
the transmitting antenna, then move twice the distance away the signal
strength reduces by a factor of four. Even thought the station you
listen to may be broadcasting in the thousands of watts, the signal that
hits your radio antenna is in the micro watts, so any signals traveling
in outer space are very weak.

Keep in mind that we are still getting signals from one of the Voyager
space probes that has left the solar system even though the signal is
very very weak and takes quite a while to get here.

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 10 Apr 2004 20:11:17 -0400
From: "Stephen A Kallis, Jr." <skallisjr@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Out In the Fields of Stars.

Alain Altounian, speculating about OTR broadcast traveling through space,
asks,

I'm curious; do radio signals decay over space and time? If at least
some signals survive, how far out are the OTR era's signals?

An intriguing question.  Now, everything being equal and assuming that
the signal escaped the Heaviside Layer, then, since radio signals are
propagated at the speed of light, then an April 1944 show would be
roughly 60 light-years out  (about [removed] quintillion miles).

However, A lot of signal didn't make it out of the atmosphere.  What did
drops off exponentially, so before it left the vicinity of the Earth's
orbit, it would probably need extreme amplification.  By the time it
leaves the solar system assuming it's the only signal, it would be at or
below the amplification limits of our current technology.  By the time
one's 60 light-years out what remains of the signal would be so
profoundly weak that it probably couldn't be detected.

Worse, the transmitter is not the only radio source.  There are other
radio sources (stars, atmospheric electrical storms, etc.).  These could
and would drown out the signal.

Stephen A. Kallis, Jr.

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 10 Apr 2004 20:11:33 -0400
From: Jack & Cathy French <otrpiano@[removed];
To: OTRBB <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Sara Berner

Laura Leff and Ivan Shreve, Jr. have recently commented on their
admiration for the mimicry of Sara Berner on Jack Benny's radio
program. This pint-sized bundle of talent was used on many comedy and
variety shows in the Golden Age of Radio. But she was also one of
radio's feminine sleuths.

In my new book, 'Private Eyelashes: Radio's Lady Detectives" I detail
Sara's comedic crime-busting affairs in her 1950 summer series on NBC,
"Sara's Private Caper," in which she used her own name as the character
lead. (The only other lady sleuth on radio to use her own name was
Irene Delroy in 1932.) Sara played a secretary in the police
department, and against the orders of her boss, she would dash out and
solve crimes. Her goofy boy friend was the voice of Bob Sweeney, a
grocery stockboy, whose boss was played by another favorite on the
Benny show, Frank Nelson. Only two audio copies have survived from this
humorous series.

Book is available on line from my publisher at  [removed]

Jack French
Editor: RADIO RECALL

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 10 Apr 2004 22:54:40 -0400
From: Bryan Wright <bswrig@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  More OTR for listening on the web

Hi, Folks.

For the past six years, I've hosted a weekly local radio program
featuring vintage jazz and dance bands (1920s-1950s) as well as old
time radio programs. This week marks the first time the program will be
available "live" on the web, through WCWM's new webcast. My program,
"Night Train" airs Sunday evenings from 8:00 PM until Midnight (Eastern
Time). To listen to the broadcast, just go to:

[removed]

Then click on the link provided to listen to WCWM. Here's the lineup
for tonight, Sunday April 11, 2004 (all times EDT):

8:00 - 10:00 Vintage jazz and big bands
10:00 Fibber McGee And Molly
10:30 The Jack Benny Program
11:00 The Gotham Radio Players
11:30 Lights Out

Happy listening!
Bryan Wright

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 10 Apr 2004 22:59:34 -0400
From: Bryan Wright <bswrig@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  More OTR for listening on the web

Hi, Folks.

For the past six years, I've hosted a weekly local radio program
featuring vintage jazz and dance bands (1920s-1950s) as well as old
time radio programs. This week marks the first time the program will be
available "live" on the web, through WCWM's new webcast. My program,
"Night Train" airs Sunday evenings from 8:00 PM until Midnight (Eastern
Time). To listen to the broadcast, just go to:

[removed]

Then click on the link provided to listen to WCWM. Here's the lineup
for tonight, Sunday April 11, 2004 (all times EDT):

8:00 - 10:00 Vintage jazz and big bands
10:00 Fibber McGee And Molly
10:30 The Jack Benny Program
11:00 The Gotham Radio Players
11:30 Lights Out

Happy listening!
Bryan Wright

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 10 Apr 2004 23:07:28 -0400
From: JackBenny@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  JB show of 12/7/41

udmacon@[removed] writes:

I'd be interested to know what kind of a program Jack Benny hosted on Dec.
7,
1941. Was it low key?

Not at all, very standard show with fine audience reaction.  I am continually
amazed that both the performers and the audience sound so normal on that
show, as opposed to the complete stoppage of broadcasting on 9-11 (other than
coverage of the disaster) which continued for almost a week.

--Laura Leff
President, IJBFC
[removed]

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 10 Apr 2004 23:08:01 -0400
From: JackBenny@[removed]
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Radio waves

Alain writes:

And, could ET (or some other extra terrestrial) conceivably be listening
to Jack Benny right now using a regular AM receiver? 8)

If any join the club, I'll let you know.

--Laura Leff
President, IJBFC
[removed]

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 10 Apr 2004 23:08:28 -0400
From: Christopher Werner <werner1@[removed];
To: [removed]@[removed]
Subject:  Iraq yoU Obviously Is Spelled wrong!

My apologies to those who perhaps did not follow the misspelling in my last
post (re: OTR about the Revolutionary War period) quite as harmoniously as
hoped. In commenting about the fine works of James Fenimore Cooper, I
omitted an O from the spelling of the fine New England Indian nation of the
Iroquois. No reference to current events was intended.

I taught them to play the piano and organ, now if I could just get them to
learn the computer keyboard this wouldn't happen!

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2004 00:16:16 -0400
From: Dennis W Crow <DCrow3@[removed];
To: OTR Digest <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Jan Merlin/ Radio Signals

A poster a few days ago remarked that he had been a neighbor of Jan Merlin,
who has guested at the FOTR Convention, and he wondered where Merlin was
now.

There is an excellent interview with him in the current issue of FILMFAX.
He discusses the time when he and Frankie Thomas starred on "Tom Corbett,
Space Cadet."

He also discusses his movie career, which ended with his disillusionment
over the John Huston film, "The List of Adrian Messenger."  It is a sad
story of an uncredited actor  (Merlin)  who spent hours in makeup
disguising himself as various characters, while "guest stars [did] similar
turns to throw the audience off."  It's a lot like Mercedes McCambridge's
voice not being credited in "The Exorcist," until she demanded and
received a byline. Unfortunately for Jan Merlin, he was told up front that
he would not receive credit. That's only part of the story.  You need to
get the magazine and read it. Kirk Douglas does not fare too well.

+++

Alain Altounian discusses radio signals in yesterday's Digest.  My first
introduction to radio signals in outer space, albeit a silly one, is the
1952 "C" movie, "Red Planet Mars."  Peter Graves obsesses over strange
signals coming from his television screen.   For whatever reason,  I have
always remembered that movie.  I am glad it has an OTR connection.  Marvin
Miller plays a featured role.

Dennis Crow

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2004 01:39:39 -0400
From: <cvc@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  Re: 4-11 births/deaths

April 11th deaths

09-08-1921 - Harry Secombe - Swansea, Wales - d. 4-11-2001
comedian: Major Bloodkock, Min, Moriarity "Goon Show"

Ron --

Please note, Sir Harry Secombe was one of the Goons, but
Min/Bloodnock/Moriarty was played by Peter Sellers.  Harry had a few minor
parts but nearly always played Neddie Seagoon.   (He was also a noted Welsh
tenor!)

Cynthia "ChibiBarako"

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2004 10:54:29 -0400
From: "Jerry Haendiges" <Jerry@[removed];
To: <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  OLDE TYME RADIO NETWORK

Hi friends,

Here is this week's line-up for the week of 4-11-04 on my Olde Tyme Radio
[removed] Featuring Tom Heathwood's "Heritage Radio Theatre," Big John
Matthews and Steve Urbaniak's "The Glowing Dial" and my own "Same Time, Same
Station" broadcasts, being broadcast on demand 24/7 in high quality
streaming RealAudio at [removed]

Past archived broadcasts are also available there.

We look forward to having you join us!

	Jerry

Here's this week's lineup:

SAME TIME, SAME STATION with Jerry Haendiges

EASTER SPECIAL

THEATER GUILD ON THE AIR
Episode 33  4-21-46  "Green Pastures"
Author: Marc Connelly
Stars: Juano Hernandez, Richard Huey, Avon Long, Maurice Ellis, The Hall
Johnson Choir and an all-Negro cast
Narrator: Maurice Ellis
Announcer: Norman Brokenshire

FAMILY THEATER
Episode 8  4-3-47  "The Passion And Death Of Christ"
Stars: Ethel Barrymore and the Mitchell Boys Choir
Host: Charles Boyer

THE RED SKELTON SHOW
4-15-49  "Easter Hats"
=======================================

HERITAGE RADIO THEATRE with Tom Heathwood

BURNS & ALLEN
NBC    1-17-38    Gracie Sings on this early show

THE BILLIE BURKE SHOW
CBS    4-27-46   "The Tramp"

LUM AND ABNER
NBC BLUE    1943    "The New Picture Show"
Part One of Two (Part Two next week)

BOB & RAY EXTRA
Fun with Bob Elliott and Ray Goulding
========================================

THE GLOWING DIAL with Big John Matthews and Steve Urbaniak

Ellery Queen
NBC    1/20/44    “The Mystery Of The Scarecrow And The Snowman”

Jimmy Durante Show
NBC    12/10/47    “Boris Karloff”

Adventures Of Leonidas Witherall
WOR / MUTUAL    9/17/44    “The Reunion”

NBC Theater (Screen Director's Guild Assignment)
NBC    1/16/49    “Let's Live A Little”

One Man's Family
NBC Red    12/28/41    “Book 40, Chapter 13, The Last Of 1941”
====================================

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or requests for upcoming
shows.

            Jerry Haendiges <Jerry@[removed]; 562-696-4387

  [removed]  The Vintage Radio Place
  Largest source of OTR Logs, Articles and programs on the Net

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2004 16:00:00 -0400
From: Ron Sayles <bogusotr@[removed];
To: Olde Tyme Radio List <[removed]@[removed];
Subject:  4-12 births/deaths

April 12th births

04-12-1899 - Boake Carter - Baku, Russia - d. 11-16-1944
news commentator: "Night newscast for CBS"
04-12-1904 - Lily Pons - Draguignan, France - d. 2-13-1976
singer: "Telephone Hour"; "Voice of Firestone"
04-12-1912 - Herbert B. Mills - Picqua, OH - d. 4-12-1989
singer: (The Mills Brothers) "Mills Brothers Quartette"
04-12-1914 - Ken Williams - Canada - d. 2-16-1984
actor: Brian Wells "David Harum"
04-12-1919 - Ann Miller - Chireno, TX - d. 1-22-2004
dancer, actress: "Forecast"; "Hollywood Hotel"
04-12-1926 - Jane Withers - Atlanta, GA
actress: "Lux Radio Theatre"

April 12th deaths

01-30-1882 - Franklin Delano Roosevelt - Hyde Park, NY - d. 4-12-1945
[removed] president: "Fireside Chats"
04-12-1912 - Herbert B. Mills - Picqua, OH - d. 4-12-1989
singer: (The Mills Brothers) "Mills Brothers Quartette"
05-23-1882 - James Gleason - NYC - d. 4-12-1959
actor: "Jimmy Gleason's Diner"
09-09-1894 - Arthur Freed - Charleston, SC - d. 4-12-1973
songwriter: "Lux Radio Theatre"
11-02-1901 - Paul Ford - Baltimore, MD - d. 4-12-1976
actor: "Suspense"; "Tom Corbett, Space Cadet"
--
Ron Sayles
For a complete list:
[removed]

--------------------------------
End of [removed] Digest V2004 Issue #129
*********************************************

Copyright [removed] Communications, York, PA; All Rights Reserved,
  including republication in any form.

If you enjoy this list, please consider financially supporting it:
   [removed]

For Help: [removed]@[removed]

To Unsubscribe: [removed]@[removed]

To Subscribe: [removed]@[removed]
  or see [removed]

For Help with the Archive Server, send the command ARCHIVE HELP
  in the SUBJECT of a message to [removed]@[removed]

To contact the listmaster, mail to listmaster@[removed]

To Send Mail to the list, simply send to [removed]@[removed]