Playlist for July 12, 2011 from 12:00AM - 3:00AM

Playlist Date & Time: 7/12/2011 12:00AM - 3:00AM

Program: Contemporary Jazz with Mockingbird

It's the 155th anniversary of Nikola Tesla's birth, without whom you and I might not be hangin out in the tiny hours together.

A truly eccentric genius and early proponent of all things electric, Tesla held 111 patents and a million more ideas in his skull that are only now finding practical use. He brought us alternating current, thermomagnetic and electromagnetic motors, the foundation of radio, and a "magnifying transmitter" that shoots lightning bolts across great spaces (and oh, man, these things are so amazing to be with!). He had solid ideas for rocket propulsion, ridiculously powerful vacuums, and means of harnessing and utilizing solar power. In 1931 he unveiled a fully functioning electric car he designed and built within a 1930 Pierce Arrow; unlike the modern electric cars being built in his name, Tesla's car ran on alternating current generated using only only only electromagnetic waves. No batteries. No plug-in electricity. Not a single dolla going to the oil, gas or power mongers' pockets (which may explain the abrupt and continued absence of research funds for just this type of power). No one else, in over 80 years, has yet been able to even come close to duplicating his work.

So. In honor of one of the most amazing minds to grace our modern monkeyworld,
tonight
is

The Science Show.

(...well, mostly)

Playlist Tracks