The Front Blog

On the evening of February 24, 1942, air raid sirens went off throughout Los Angeles County. A total blackout was ordered and air raid wardens were summoned to position. At 3:16 a.m., the 37th Coast Artillery Brigade began firing 12.8-pound anti-aircraft shells at a reported unidentified aircraft. Pilots of the 4th Interceptor Command were alerted but stayed grounded. Artillery fire continued until the 4:14 a.m., over 1,400 shells fired. An “all clear” was sounded and a blackout order lifted at 7:21 a.m. Three civilians were killed, another three died of heart attacks, several buildings were damaged. Initially, the target of the aerial barrage was thought to be an attacking force from Japan, but speaking at a press conference shortly afterward, Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox called the incident a “false alarm.” Newspapers of the time published a number of sensational reports and speculations of a cover-up. Some modern-day UFOlogists have suggested the targets were extraterrestrial spacecraft. When documenting the incident in 1983, the U.S. Office of Air Force History attributed the event to a case of “war nerves” likely triggered by a lost weather balloon and exacerbated by stray flares and shell bursts from adjoining batteries.

It’s Friday, February 24

Artwork by Adam Meredith is on display through March 25 at the Janice Mason Art Museum in Cadiz. Meredith specializes in historically themed figurative graphite drawings and photography. He also constructs miniature buildings, which will be included in the exhibit. The opening reception is tonight from 5 to 7.

Murray Preschool, Head Start, and Early Head Start will hold registration for the 2012-2013 school year next Friday from 8 to 3. Registration for children ages four and under will be held on the first floor of Alexander Hall, located on North 16th Street. For more information, call 809-3262.

Author Jennifer Trafton will give a reading and sign copies of her novel, “The Rise and Fall of Mount Majestic,” tomorrow at 11:30 at the University Book and Bean. Trafton’s debut novel tells the story of one brave girl’s efforts to make an entire island believe the impossible. For more information, call 761-BOOK.

Find more community events at wkms.org, where you can also learn about supporting public radio. Thanks.

Supernova 1987A was located in the outskirts of the Tarantula Nebula in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a nearby dwarf galaxy, approximately 168,000 light-years away, though close enough to be visible to the naked eye if you lived in the Southern Hemisphere. The light from the supernova reached Earth on February 23, 1987. It was the first opportunity for modern astronomers to see a supernova up close and observations have provided much insight into core-collapse supernovae. Voyager 2, then enroute to Neptune, was able to observe the supernova with its cameras.

It’s Thursday, February 23

The Howard Finster Vision House Touring Exhibit goes on display tonight at the WKCTC Clemens Fine Arts Center Gallery. Finster’s images range from pop culture icons like Elvis to historical figures such as George Washington to religious images of his own visions. There’s a reception tonight from 5 to 7, with an artist talk by curator David Leonardis at 6. The exhibit runs through March 23.

The Modernette Civic Club sponsors their 18th Annual African American Breakfast on Saturday at 8AM at the James E. Bruce Convention Center in Hopkinsville. The keynote speaker will be Mr. John Johnson, Executive Director for the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights in Louisville. $12 tickets can be purchased at the door.

Western Baptist Hospital offers free screenings during a Heart Health Fair on Saturday from 9 to noon in the atrium of Doctors Office Building 2. Western Baptist staff will provide blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and EKG rhythm strip screenings. Fasting and advance registration are not required.

Find more community events online at wkms.org.

George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 (and died December 14, 1799). We all know him as the 1st U.S. President (1789-1797), and as a great military leader. He was elected unanimously and oversaw the creation of a strong, well-financed government that maintained neutrality in the wars raging in Europe. He was born into a wealthy Colonial Virginia family, who owned tobacco plantations and slaves. He was mentored by William Fairfax, who promoted his career into the military. He quickly became a senior officer in the colonial forces during the French and Indian War. As  Commander-In-Chief of the Continental Army, he forced the British out of Boston in 1776, but lost New York City. After crossing the Delaware River, he defeated the British in two battles, and retook New Jersey. Washintgon strategized the capture of Saratoga in 1777 and Yorktown in 1781. As President, he supported Alexander Hamilton’s programs to pay off the debt, to implement a tax system, and to create a national bank. He was outspoken against partisanship, sectoinalism, and involvement in foreign wars. He retired from presidency in 1797 and returned to his home, Mount Vernon. He freed his slaves in his will. At his death, Washington was hailed as “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen”.

It’s Wednesday, February 22

The American Red Cross holds a blood drive at First Presbyterian Church in Murray tomorrow from 12:30 to 5:30.  Donors must be healthy, at least seventeen years old, and at least 110 pounds.  Schedule an appointment by calling 800-RED-CROSS.

The Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park hosts an Oil Painting Weekend this Saturday and Sunday.  Learn the wet-on-wet method of oil painting by creating your own 16×20 landscape painting.  The fees are $65 for one class or $120 for both classes and the Friday night program.  For more information, call Rebecca Clark at 797-3421.

The Murray State University Department of Theater presents Suddenly Last Summer, by Tennessee Williams, tomorrow night at 7:30 in the Actor’s Studio Theater.  The play tells the story of a young woman who seems to go insane after her cousin dies under mysterious circumstances. Admission is $8, or free for MSU students.

Tomorrow at noon, hear Swinging into the 21st Century with Wynton Marsalis.  Find details at wkms.org.

What ever happened to the flying car? Why don’t we live like the Jetsons today? Waldo Waterman invented the first tailless monoplane, the first aircraft with modern tricycle landing gear, and the first successful low cost and simple to fly flying car. The idea behind the Arrowbile was to develop a transmission drive system that could operate the propeller for flight and the rear wheels for groudn operation. The aircraft was required to meet the certification standards of thee Bureau of Air Commerce. Waldo used readily available auto components for most of the vehicle. The only device used for flight control was a wheel yoke suspended from the cabin – the same used to turn the nose wheel in ground operation. Waterman flew the first test flight of the Arrowbile on February 21, 1937, and found the aircraft easy to fly and virtually spin and stall proof. The price tag was $3,000 (over $45,000 today). Waldo continued to improve his design over the next few decades. In 1957, the aircraft was listed in the experimental category, but the market had vanished. His flying car can be seen at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

It’s Tuesday, February 21

Jian Ping, the author of “Mulberry Child: A Memoir of China,” gives a reading on Thursday at 7:30PM in the Clara M. Eagle Art Gallery. The reading is free and open to the public, with a book signing and reception to follow at the Faculty Club. The film adaptation of the book will be shown tomorrow at 7:30 in the Alexander Hall Auditorium.

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network holds a meeting Thursday evening at 6:30 at The Legacy Personal Care Home in Paducah. The meeting is open to supporters, pancreatic cancer survivors, caregivers, and those interested in joining the fight against pancreatic cancer. To learn more, visit pancan.org.

Playhouse in the Park presents “13” Friday and Saturday at 7PM and on Sunday at 2:30. The high-energy musical is about discovering that cool is where you find it, and sometimes where you least expect it. Reserve tickets by calling the Playhouse at 759-1752.

Find more about these and other community events at wkms.org, and thanks for listening.

Happy President’s Day! It’s an especially commemorative day this year. John Glenn became the first American to orbit Earth 50 years ago. Also, Emmett Ashford became the first African American umpire 60 years ago, Edward O’Hare became the first WWII Flying Ace 70 years ago, and the US Post Office was established 220 years ago! All of these things are really cool, but it’s really hard to top “space stuff” so let’s look into John Glenn… He became the 5th person in space, the 3rd American in space and the 1st American to orbit the Earth, aboard Friendship 7 on February 20, 1962, on the Mercury-Atlas 6 mission, circling the globe 3 times during a flight lasting 4 hours, 55 minutes, and 23 seconds. Perth, in Western Australia, became known worldwide as the “City of Light” when residents lit their house lights and streetlights as Glenn passed overhead. During the mission there was concern over a ground indication that his heat shield had come loose, which could allow it to fail during re-entry through the atmosphere, which would result in his capsule burning up. Flight controllers had Glenn modify his re-entry procedure by keeping his retrorocket pack on over the shield in an attempt to keep it in place. He made his splashdown safely, and afterwards it was determined that the indicator was faulty. After retiring from NASA, Glenn became a US Senator (D-Ohio) from 1974 to 1999. He has a Congressional Space Medal of Honor, and was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame. In 1998, he became the oldest person to fly in space and the only person to fly in both the Mercury and Space Shuttle programs. He is 90 years old.

It’s Monday, February 20th

The Lourdes Foundation hosts “Mardi Gras and All That Jazz” tomorrow night from 6 to 9 at Harrah’s Metropolis Hotel. The fundraising event features live music by Lew Jetton & 61 South, an auction of Bill Ford’s original artwork, and a variety of food and beverage vendors. Purchase $50 tickets by calling 444-2205.

A lecture on “Understanding Islam” will be given tomorrow at 4PM in the Curris Center Theater. Dr. Ossama Bahloul, imam of the Islamic Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is the featured speaker. The lecture is free and open to the public.

The men of Westside Baptist Church in Murray are holding a barbeque fundraiser for Alaska missions. They will be delivering barbeque plates during lunch on Friday, including barbeque butt, baked beans, a choice of coleslaw or potato salad, a roll, and banana pudding. The suggested donation is $7. Orders must be in by Wednesday. For more information, contact Ryan Dawson at 804-6996.

Find more community events at wkms.org, where you can also learn about supporting public radio. Thanks.

On February 17, 1972, the Volkswagen Beetle overtook the Ford Model-T as the most popular car ever made. On this day, the 15,007,034 car rolled off the assembly line in Germany, making the new record for most highly produced car in history. This record was eventually surpassed by the Toyota Corolla, but there’s no doubt that the Beetle has one of the most recognizable designs, originating in pre-war Nazi Germany to present day – the look of the Beetle has remained largely unchanged. In 1933, Adolf Hitler commissioned Ferdinand Porche to develop a “people’s car,” or Volkswagen – an affordable car (a little over $5,000 dollars today) that can accommodate a family of five. After WWII, VW was seized and handed to the British, who deemed the car unattractive and impracticable. Whether or not you agree, sales figures ultimately decide a product’s fate. Over 21 million cars have been manufactured and sold worldwide. The Beetle ceased production in 2003, but variations like the ‘New Beetle’ and the current Beetle A5 carry the legacy and brand.

It’s Friday, February 17

Immanuel Baptist Church in Paducah dedicates its new pipe organ during a free recital on Sunday at 3PM. Joyce Jones, professor of organ at Baylor University, is the featured performer. A reception will follow the recital. For more information, call 443-5306.

The Stewart County Historical Society offers an evening of Civil War Era music and dancing tonight at 6:30 at Brandon Springs Group Camp in Dover, Tennessee. Period dance instruction will be provided. Dress is casual. Call Don Young at 931-232-7328 for more.

Murray State University hosts the final round of the annual Young Artists Concerto Competition Sunday afternoon at 2. Seven high school musicians will play concerti by Liszt, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Barber, and others. The winner receives a one thousand dollar cash prize, a music scholarship, and a performance with the Paducah Symphony Orchestra. The competition is in the Performing Arts Hall and is free and open to the public.

Find more community events online at wkms.org. Thanks for listening.

The Battle of Fort Donelson was fought from February 11 to February 16, 1862. The capture of the fort by Union forces opened the Cumberland River as an avenue for the invasion of the South. The success elevated Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant to the rank of major general, and earned him the nickname “Unconditional Surrender” Grant in the process. The battle followed the capture of Fort Henry on February 6. Grant moved his army 12 miles to Fort Donelson on February 12 and conducted several small probing attacks. On February 14, U.S. Navy gunboats under Flag Officer Andrew H. Foote attempted to reduce the fort with naval gunfire, but were forced to withdraw after sustaining heavy damage from Donelson’s water batteries. On February 15 the Confederates, commanded by Brig. Gen. John B. Floyd, launched a surprise attack against Grant’s army, attempting to open an avenue of escape. Grant, rallied his men with a counterattack and forced Floyd back to the fort. On the following morning, the Confederates turned over their command to Brig. Gen. Simon Bolivar Buckner, who agreed to the terms of surrender offered by Grant.

It’s Thursday, February 16

The Murray High School Baseball Team hosts a barbecue lunch on Saturday at 1PM in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church. Kirk Rueter of the San Francisco Giants will be the guest speaker. The event also features an auction including autographed baseballs and unique items from Murray businesses. Purchase $10 tickets by calling 753-5202.

The annual Bull Blowout is tomorrow and Saturday at 8PM at the Cherry Expo Center at Murray State University. Events include bull riding and barrel racing, as well as a children’s calf scramble and mutton busting. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for MSU students, and $5 for children under 12.

The Run4Another 5K run/walk will be held on Saturday, March 3, in Murray. All participants registered by tomorrow are guaranteed a free tech shirt and goodie bags. Find online registration, an official route map, and business sponsorship forms at run4another.com.

Find more information about these and other community events at wkms.org, where you can also get in on a drawing for a Big Green Egg.

During World War II, Singapore was a major British military base, nicknamed ”Gibralter of the East.” It was considered an impregnable fortress and it’s fall, was a major blow to British forces. Prime Minister Winston Churchill called the defeat to the Japanese the “worst disaster” and “largest capitulation” in British history. Indeed, roughly 62,000 troops were taken prisoner and more than half had died as POWs. Singapore had been a British colony since the 19th Century. On February 8th, the first wave of Japanese troops landed on the island, outgunning British defense. By February 13, most of the island’s defensive weaponry had been destroyed by air, land, and sea troops. On the morning of February 15, Japanese troops broke through the last line of defense, by evening Lieutenant-General Arthur Percival surrendered to General Tomoyuki Yamashita. This was a triumphant victory for Japan. During their occupation, the island was renamed Syonanto. Many of the captured Indian troops, which had fought for the British, were recruited to fight for the Japanese in the Burma Campaign. Occupation ended after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, along with the entry of the Soviet Union into the war. Singapore was returned to the British, and remained under their weakened control until self-governance in the late 1950s and the merger with Malaysia in the 1960s. Yamashita was convicted of war crimes by the US and hanged on February 23, 1946.

It’s Wednesday, February 15

Children ages six to twelve can learn about the magic of light and sound at this week’s WKCTC Friday Night Science event. Discover the science behind light and sound by making an aluminum rod sing and creating a rainbow. The cost is twenty dollars. The two-hour class begins at 5PM. To register, call 270-534-3335.

Maiden Alley Cinema in Paducah presents “The Descendants,” starring George Clooney, tonight at 7. The film’s protagonist tries to re-connect with his two daughters after his wife suffers severe head trauma during a boat race. The movie plays through Sunday; find more information and additional showtimes at maidenalleycinema.com.

Graves County High School features a number of its graduates as performers in “All Hearts Come Home.” The alumni show is Friday at 7PM at the Performing Arts Center, located next to the high school. Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students.

Tomorrow at noon on WKMS, hear “Say It Loud,” a radio documentary featuring historically important speeches by African Americans. Learn more at wkms.org.

Happy Valentine’s Day! The legend of St. Valentine is one of mystery. The Catholic Church recognizes no less than three martyred saints in history with the name Valentine. One legend claims he was a Roman priest, third century. Emperor Claudius II decided single men made better soldiers and thus outlawed marriage for young men, but the priest saw the injustice and married young lovers in secret… until he was put to death for his actions. Other stories suggest Valentine had helped Christians escape from harsh Roman prisons, until he was put in one. He fell in love with the jailer’s young daughter who visited him during the confinement. Before his death he wrote a letter signed “From your Valentine,” the origin of the expression we use today. Whether these stories are true or not, it should be no surprise that the romantic hero became one of the most widely popular saints.

Read more about the pagan festival, why February 14th, and the Valentine’s greeting.

It’s Tuesday, January 14

The next Doggie Day Spa takes place on Saturday from 9 to 2 at Carmen Pavilion, located on College Farm Road across from Calloway County High School. Pre-vet students from Murray State University will bathe dogs for $7 and clean ears and trim nails for $4. The Humane Society will microchip pets for $10. Find more information at forthepets.org.

The Civil War Singers will present a concert of Civil War songs on Thursday at 7PM at the Stewart County Visitors Center in Dover, Tennessee. The free concert is part of the sesquicentennial remembrance of the battle of Fort Donelson.

The Paducah National Weather Service hosts a “Skywarn” weather-spotting class in Murray on Thursday at 6:30PM. No fees or pre-registration are required. The three-hour class takes place in the Freed Curd Auditorium of the Industry & Technology Building at Murray State. For more information, contact Bill Call at 293-0068.

Find more community events online at wkms.org, where you can pledge to public radio and be our Valentine.

It’s World Radio Day, adopted by UNESCO in 2011. The proclamation was requested by the Spanish Radio Academy for February 13, on the anniversary of the establishment of United Nations Radio in 1946. Various radio industry bodies around the world are supporting the initiative by encouraging stations in developed countries to assist those in the developing world. See more about World Radio Day on the official website.

See our links page to support a charitable cause. (scroll down a little bit)

It’s Monday, February 13

Wednesday is the application deadline for musicians interested in performing in the 2012 Lower Town Arts & Music Festival. Selected performers will appear on one of three stages during the festival, which runs May 18th through the 20th in Paducah. Applications can be accessed online at lowertownamf.com.

A regular monthly meeting of the Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place tomorrow morning at 10 at the Pennyrile Area Development District Office in Hopkinsville. For more information, contact James Patterson at 886-9484.

The Pennyroyal Area Museum in Hopkinsville displays a collection of African artifacts from Kenya and Tanzania. The exhibit runs through March and features a selection of ebony carvings, a chess set, a bow and arrow, African currency, textiles, and more. The museum, located at 217 East 9th Street, is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4:30 and on Saturday from 10 to 3.

Find out how you can support public radio and get in on a drawing for a Kindle Fire at wkms.org.