We remember the 70th anniversary of the attack by Japan on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, bringing the United States into World War II. On Podcast 72, Smitty and Mike look back on that day, and share information on the events leading up to the attack, the state of the world at that time, and we listen to some radio news broadcasts from December 7, 1941. In addition, we recall the aftereffects of that day such as blackouts and the internment of Japanese-Americans. The attack would signal four long years of struggle and hardship by our fighting forces, and sacrifice by people on the homefront. Pictured above, is a helmet that was worn by an Air Raid Warden of that time. We remember those who served, and those who sacrificed their lives on that day and throughout the war, that we might live in a free country today.
We explore the world of vintage newspaper collecting, and hear stories about the newspaper business of the past on this edition of our show. Jeff Prescott, well-known San Diego radio personality, joins us to talk to us about these fascinating topics and more. Jeff has an extensive collection of vintage newspapers, and as a seasoned collector, shares with us hints on collecting and preserving these old newspapers. In addition, he tells us about the earlier days in the newspaper business, before they took a back seat to the internet and today's fast world of instant information. He tells us in detail the processes by which extra editions were assembled and printed, and how the papers would issue many "Extras" on a day with a big news story. Visit our Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site Facebook page and see our "Vintage Newspapers" album to see scans of a few of Jeff's papers. Pictured above is Jeff Prescott with a 40 pound-plus vintage lead plate that would have been used on a press to print the papers. Photo courtesy Shotgun Tom Kelly.
We welcome George Haloulakos, who along with his father, Vassilios E. Haloulakos have authored a fascinating thesis titled "The Science of Space Flight in Classic Sci-Fi Cinema". George relates the technology of space flight that is portrayed in two classic productions: the 1964 unaired pilot episode of "Lost in Space" titled "No Place to Hide", and the 1968 motion picture "Planet of the Apes". How realistic were the space craft and technologies that were shown? Find out by listening in. In addition, we remember that era of the 1960s when the goal to land a man on the moon was at its peak. It was a positive, productive era when the nation joined in the hope that this goal would be reached, and that the dream of President John F. Kennedy would be fulfilled before the end of the decade. Photo courtesy of George Haloulakos, from his personal collection. Please go to our Facebook page to see additional items from George's collection in the "Man, Moon, Media, and Myth" photo album.
Jack Vincent was the overnight air talent for many years in the 1950s and 60s on KCBQ Radio in San Diego. On Podcast 67, Smitty and Mike pay a visit to Jack, and talk to him about his recollections not only on his radio career, but also his interesting life. Jack is approaching his 94th birthday, and he has the wonderful ability to recall in great detail many aspects of his fascinating life. We are also very pleased to announce that this marks the first one-hour episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site. Look for more full hour episodes coming in the future!
