Conversations on The Road

April 25, 2008 would have been the 100th birthday of Edward R. Murrow. A pioneer in broadcast journalism both on radio and television, his spirit looms large on media news more than four decades after his passing.

In a conversation with Rick Buselle of the Murrow School of Communications at Washington State University, we speak of the legacy of Murrow. We also contemplate what Murrow’s response to challenging times might teach today’s breed of broadcast journalist.

 

 Edward R. Murrow [18:57m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

There’s a stretch of road, 13 miles (21 km), now abandoned that was once part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. It was bypassed in 1968 when a modern stretch opened to ease traffic congestion. The reasoning behind the bypass was to reduce traffic congestion at the tunnels.  In this case, the Sideling Hill Tunnel and Rays Hill Tunnel were bypassed, as was one of the Turnpike’s travel plazas. The bypass is located just east of the heavily congested Breezewood interchange on exit 161.Today, the “Abandoned Turnpike”, as it is commonly known, has become a popular tourist attraction.

We speak with Brian Troutman, an expert on the subject who maintains a wesbite on the topic:  http://www.briantroutman.com/highways/abandonedpaturnpike/index.html

 

 Abandoned PA Turnpike [22:20m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This international podcast features Jeremiah Tittle in a conversation with the knowledgeable Benedetto Langiano, who not only organizes events for the Gruppo Storico Romano, but leads the annual procession dressed as Marcus Valerius Longinus Britannicus of the LEGIO XI CLAUDIA pia et fidelis through the streets of Rome in Italy celebrating the birth of the Eternal City each April.  Benedetto explains with great detail the legend surrounding the birth of the capital city of Italy.  His pride in Rome and Italy in general is palpable as he describes the events which take place each year.  For more information and to see Benedetto adorned in the historically accurate legionary uniform, visit www.gsr-roma.com. 

 

 Rome [28:13m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

There’s a unique post office along Route 41 in Ochopee, Florida which has become something of a tourist destination unto itself.

This closet-sized, 7×8-foot building used to be an irrigation pipe shed for a tomato farm. It was pressed into service after a fire destroyed the Ochopee general store — which also housed the post office — in 1953.

The town, which sits on the edge of the Everglades, and which reportedly has a population of 11, has been happy with it ever since.

We speak about it with Gene Wooten, who owns the building. Our conversation also gets into some other local flavor, including a culinary dish called Gator Tails.

 

 Smallest Post Office [12:14m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

April 7, 2008 marked the 75th anniversary of the official beginning of the end for Prohibition. On the date in 1933, legal beer production resumed in the United States, sparking celebration among brewers and imbibers alike. Historian William Rorabaugh, author of Alcoholic Republic, puts the event into historical context.

Make sure to also check out Mr. Rorabaugh as he spoke with NPR’s Robert Siegel on this subject on All Things Considered:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=89441573

 

 End of Prohibition [7:46m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In Springfield, Missouri each April during Administrative Professionals Week (f/k/a Secretaries Week), some of these vital “gatekeepers” ascend a fifty-foot cherry-picker to throw office objects (over the years ranging from classic typewriters to computer terminals). Overcoming gender and environmental iisues, this event is now in its 18th year.

Dave Roberts of host radio station KGBX describes what takes place at their annual Typewriter Toss and how you can take part.

 For more info about the Typewriter Toss:

http://www.kgbx.com/cc-common/mainheadlines2.html?feed=105990&article=3486868

 

 Typewriter Toss [12:39m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

On April 4, 1968 Martin Luther King was killed at the Lorriane Motel in Memphis. The site, preserved as it was then on the exterio,r has been transformed inside.  It is now the National Civil Rights Museum.

Allison Fouche of the Museum speaks with us about this special day at the Museum. She also provides some context for the observance – describing what happened at the site after the King Assassination and after all the pain what the site has come to represent.

For more about the National Civil Rights Museum, visit their website: http://www.civilrightsmuseum.org

By the way, if you get the chance, catch a “Hidden America” segment in which Mark Walsh & David Goodfriend of Left Jab speak with Rev. Jesse Jackson. He was beside Dr. King at the time of ther killing and he returned to the Motel turned Museum on April 4, 1008, from where he spoke to Mark & David. It was a powerful interview on a powerful day.

 WEBSITE: http://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/default.asp

 

 MLK Lorraine Motel [6:40m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

In Columbus, Mississippi Spring is just not Spring. It is Pilgrimage time.

The annual Columbus Pilgrimage is an award-winning event with a reputation as one of the best and most authentic historic home tours in the South.

But Pilgrimage is more than tours of the many well-maintained antelbellum mansions.

We speak with Nancy Carpenter and Brenda Caradine, both anchors in the Columbus community about the tours, and what the Pilgrimage has come to represent.

For additional info, see:

 http://www.historic-columbus.org/

 

 Standard Podcast [17:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download