June 11, 1989 - Stephen Hawking, theoretical physicist and author of "A Brief History of Time”, speaking in Northrop Auditorium at the University of Minnesota, as part of the Abigail and John Van Vleck lecture series. As Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at England's Cambridge University, Hawking occupies a chair once held by Isaac Newton. Hawking is renowned for his theories of black holes and the structure of space-time. He found that black holes - dense objects with gravity so strong even light can't escape - emit radiation just outside the boundary beyond which nothing can overcome the pull of gravity. He also initiated the concept that the continuity of space-time breaks down at infinitesimally small distances. Hawking has suffered from Lou Gehrig's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and now speaks about 10 words a minute with the aid of a computer voice synthesizer. By preparing speeches in advance, however, he can "speak" at a normal rate, although with an American accent.
July 15, 1989 - Robert Pepin, physics professor at University of Minnesota, reflects on the Apollo moon landing, and his scientific work on material that was brought back. Pepin also answers listener questions. Program presents short audio segment highlights of Walter Kronkite’s reporting of Apollo 11 mission.
September 20, 1989 - MPR’s Chris Tetlin reports on the increasing amount of employer monitoring of the forty-million people that use computers in their work. Tetlin talks with employees, management, and academics on their views regarding computer monitoring.
October 19, 1989 - Laura Oatman, public health engineer at the Minnesota Health Department, talks radon with MPR Journal’s Gary Eichten. Oatman details the serious danger of the naturally occurring gas.
October 23, 1989 - Deb Brown, horticulturist with the University of Minnesota, talks with MPR Journal’s Gary Eichten about the environmental benefits to utilizing fallen leaves rather than bagging and throwing away.
December 2, 1989 - Tom Coplin, owner of Coplin Physical Therapy, discusses how to prepare for winter activities; how to avoid winter injuries; and if hurt, what to do. Coplin also answers listener questions.
February 13, 1990 - Sandra Harding, philosopher at University of Delaware, speaking at the 25th annual Nobel Conference, titled "The End of Science?" at Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota. Glashow offered a feminist perspective on science.
February 14, 1990 - Sheldon Glashow, Nobel Prize-winning physicist, speaking at the 25th annual Nobel Conference, titled "The End of Science?" at Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota. Glashow offered his perspective on the future of science.
February 17, 1990 - On this Saturday Midday, Deb Brown, U of MN Extension horticulturist, discusses indoor plants. Topics include types of plants and insects. Brown also answers listener questions.
July 10, 1990 - Barry Commoner, author, environmentalist, and director of the Center for Biology of Natural Systems, speaking at an environmental conference sponsored by Clean Water Action in St. Paul. Commoner told his audience of environmental activists that during the past 20 years, pollution control has been a total failure, and stated that society must challenge corporations to do business in an environmentally responsible way.