childhood heros

  • Hale Sparks: Science Editor in the 60's from UCLA. I caught this ten-minute radio show every time I could, and eventually got a subscription to the transcripts, which I still have.
  • Dr. Frank Baxter: the balding fellow who hosted Hemo the Magnificent, Our Mister Sun, and other Bell Telephone science movies. I wonder if it is time to remake some of these, or have PBS and the cable channels removed the need? Here is an unauthorized sound clip from Hemo.
  • Jules Bergman: science reporter for ABC news during the 60's. He gave much more scientific detail in his coverage of the space program than the rest of the reporters.
  • In retrospect, Jean Shepherd belongs on this list. I used listen to his Limelight shows sub covers on Saturday nights on my 6 transistor radio. Upon listening to some of those old shows, I realize that some of Shep's views and outlook, and even his public speaking style, had a life-long effect on me. Excelsior, you fathead!
  • Back to Bill Cheswick's home page.