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ARCHIVE
of past programs |
April 2001
Program Notes
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First Week (April 7- April 13) |
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In the early 1920s, scientists working for General Motors made a discovery they believed could eliminate the engine knock that plagued early automobiles. By adding lead to gasoline, they were able to silence the quaking engines. But their solution would prove hazardous. Lead is a known poison and has been blamed for numerous health problems, including developmental problems in children. Media studies professor William Kovarik (Radford) argues that General Motors, Standard Oil and DuPont – all of whom were involved in the sale of the fuel additive in the US for more than 50 years – ignored early tests and accidents that demonstrated the dangers of leaded gasoline. Their reason, he says, was profit.
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Second Week (April 14 - April 20) |
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Leonardo da Vinci was praised for his ability to capture movement and perspective on canvas. But the great master was never able to create those same qualities in sculpture, despite plans to do so. Finally, in 1999, a group of American's brought Leonardo's visions for a bronze horse to fruition and presented the work to the city of Milan. The Italians have chosen to display it in a not-so-prominent place. Regardless, we honor the Americans can-do-spirit with a look at equestrian statues and public art. Art historian Tom Somma (MWC) tells us how to read these equine eminences. Also featured: Michael Gelb travels the country preaching the secrets of Leonardo's success. The author of How to Think like Leonardo da Vinci: Seven Steps to Genius Every Day offers tips on how to add a little sfumato and sensazione to your life.
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Third Week (April 21 - April 27) |
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How effective would the famous shower scene in Psycho be without the screeching violins? Director Alfred Hitchcock's own self-doubts led to an intense jealousy of Bernard Hermann, the composer of the film score and the director's longtime collaborator. Composer and film music buff Stephen Burton (GMU) tells this story and more as we take a post-Oscars look at notable movie music. Also featured: Composer-in-residence Nkeiru Okoye (NSU) shares her music and details the influences – from Nigerian highlife to Copeland fanfares – that shape it.
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Fourth Week (April 28 - May 4) |
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Mars has long captured our fancy. One hundred times farther from Earth than the moon, the Red Planet remained unexplored until the 1965 Mariner 4 mission. Photographs revealed a scarred wasteland hardly hospitable to life. But the pictures weren't enough to dampen our enthusiasm for such shows as My Favorite Martian or the dream of one day colonizing the planet. More recent explorations have suggested Mars may be home to life, further fueling the desire of some to travel there. Aerospace engineer Bob Ash (ODU) outlines what it will take to get to Mars and survive. Also featured: Should colonization of Mars occur, we'll need building materials that can withstand the harsh Martian environment. Chemist Richard Kiefer (W&M) is working with NASA Langley researchers on developing a brick that could shield Mars colonizers from dangerous radiation.