Datebook: December 20 – First Electricity-Generating Nuclear Power Plant ‘Lights Up’ 60 Years Ago

Experimental Breeder Reactor I (EBR-I) is a decommissioned research reactor and U.S. National Historic Landmark located in the desert near Arco, Idaho. At 1:50 pm on December 20, 1951 it became the world’s first electricity-generating nuclear power plant when it produced sufficient electricity to illuminate four 200-watt light bulbs. It subsequently generated sufficient electricity to power its building, and continued to be used for experimental purposes until it was decommissioned in 1964. The design purpose of EBR-I was not to produce electricity but instead to validate nuclear physics theory which suggested that a breeder reactor should be possible. It paved the way for a nearby reactor to power the city of Arco, Idaho in 1955, the first time a city had been powered solely by nuclear power. EBR-I was also the world’s first breeder reactor and the first to use plutonium fuel to generate electricity.

It’s Tuesday, December 20

Next June West Kentucky Community and Technical College has a Study Abroad Program going to Peru. The trip, which is open to the public, explores the land of the Inca June 11 through 19 and costs $3300. Inquire about scholarships and payment plans at 270-534-3207.

Tonight at 7 Maiden Alley Cinema’s FILMBREW SERIES features a hi def presentation of Die Hard with Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman, rated R. The theatre’s at 112 Maiden Alley in downtown Paducah. See maidenalleycinema.com for details.

Owensboro’s River Park Center’s Winter Wonderland offers a large outdoor ice skating rink with thousands of twinkling lights, a 35 foot Christmas tree and concessions. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. with $5 admission, including skate rental. It’s closed Christmas Eve and Day, but open weekdays through January 1 with free admission Mondays. The Center’s at 101 Daviess Street.

Let us keep you Company for the Holidays. See our Christmas week schedule of special features at wkms.org, including the Solstice program at 7 p.m. tomorrow.

the morning cram [get out!! edition]

Occupy LA is no more after police attacked in the night and arrested around 200.

NPR reports around 1400 LA Police officers raided the Occupy LA camp last night, arresting 200 in an overwhelming show of force.

Kentucky~ Ballard County names interim superintendent.  Former KCTC Prez gets a settlement. We’re reaching out to farmers in Benton. KSP wants your food in their car.

Illinois~ A pension bill is on Gov Quinn’s desk.

the morning cram [the all american rejects edition]

Many occupy protesters were forced out of their camps across the country.

NPR reports the NYC occupy group was given the boot from Zuccotti Park  last night, and other occupy groups are being forced out of public spaces they’ve called home since September.

Kentucky~ Murray State B-Ball wins first away game. The Carson Center may be taking the reigns of the Paducah Convention center.  TVA’s electricity rates are about to go up.  Go get your gun, sandhill crane season is about to begin! Kentucky is awarding cash for illegal dump cleanup. Occupy supporters are showing up in most Kentucky cities.

Illinois ~Catholic Charities stop taking state money. Quinn decides to pay superintendents again.

the morning cram [bad company edition]

Be careful who you hire…

NPR reports Penn State fires Joe Paterno after an alleged cover up of alleged abuse by one of his assistant coaches.

Kentucky~ Owensboro says fake pot is no good. Williams looks back on his campaign. Rand Paul is either anti-regulation or pro-pollution, can’t quite tell yet.

Illinois~ The SIUC strike is over. The house says no to a gambling expansion bill.

the morning cram [friendly fires edition]

Local governmental agencies don’t know how to treat the occupy protesters.

NPR reports Mayors across the country are trying to balance respect for the plight of protesters occupying public land and the greater welfare of their cities.

Kentucky~ KYTC wants to tell you about widening KY 68/80.  It looks like most people are avoiding the polls today.  A Kentucky native has been charged with espionage.  Romney wants some of that Kentucky green.

Illinois~ SIU: Teachers gotta eat too.

Tennessee~  Haslam tosses around the idea of school vouchers.

the morning cram [gerrymandering edition]

Latinos are giving Texas a representation boost, but are they getting more representation themselves?

NPR reports a growth in Texas’ Latino population will give the state four more House seats, but Latinos don’t feel they are getting any more representation.

Kentucky~ The trial date is set for a McCracken school burglar. Two Paducah cops are quitting amidst sex allegations. There are six more historic sites in the state. Sec of State candidates will debate tonight. The Medal of Honor winner gets a heroes welcome. Owensboro may have had its last Bluegrass Boys reunion.

Tennessee~ Five bikers died at a charity event.

Datebook – August 31 – Hermann von Helmholtz turns 190

Hermann von Helmholtz was born August 31, 1821 (and died September 8, 1894). He was a German physician and physicist who made significant contributions to several widely varied areas of modern science. In physiology and psychology, he is known for his mathematics of the eye, theories of vision, ideas on the visual perception of space, color vision research, and on the sensation of tone, perception of sound, and empiricism. In physics, he is known for his theories on the conservation of energy, work in electrodynamics, chemical thermodynamics, and on a mechanical foundation of thermodynamics. As a philosopher, he is known for his philosophy of science, ideas on the relation between the laws of perception and the laws of nature, the science of aesthetics, and ideas on the civilizing power of science.

It’s Wednesday, August 31

Market House Theatre opens its 48th season with the Tony Award winning play the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee starting tomorrow night, running through September 18. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Sundays. For tickets go online at www.mhtplay.com.

Fort Donelson National Battlefield hosts a living history encampment at the main unit along Highway 79 in Dover, Tennessee – open 10 to 4 Saturday and Sunday. It’s the 150th anniversary of this Confederate fort’s being built. At 11 a.m. Saturday Junior Rangers learn about journalists and artists who covered the battles. Register for this program today at 931-232-5706.

Owensboro Museum of Fine Arts opens a visual arts celebration of Bill Monroe’s 100th Birthday titled Bluegrass Roots over Labor Day Weekend. Four concurrent exhibitions open with a preview gala and artist’s reception Saturday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The museum’s at 9th and Frederica Street. See omfa.us.

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the morning cram [no new taxes...ever edition]

Stephen Colbert discovers Grover Norquist would sacrifice his grandmother to fire ants before approving a tax increase.

NPR reports the GOP has long resolved to refuse tax increases, while Democrats continue to crow over what are thought to be “chinks” in the no-new-tax armor.

Kentucky~ The McCracken County Jail is looking to improve security. Amtrak in Fulton might pick you up at home soon. There will be lanes closed on I-24 starting next week. Brent Burke has been released. There are more fireworks stands this year. Elderly are targeted for a “grandparent scam”.

Illinois~ Gov Quinn needs to create a new budget.

Datebook: June 1 – Kentucky & Tennessee Statehood Day

On June 1, 1792 Kentucky became the 15th state of the United States. On the same day four years later, Tennessee was named the 16th state.

It’s Wednesday, June 1

The Calloway County Chapter of the American Red Cross hosts its annual Ride for Red Motorcycle Rally and Poker Run Saturday starting at 9 a.m. at Town and Country Motorsports, east of Murray on Highway 94. $25 registration includes t-shirt, breakfast, lunch, and door prizes.

The 14th Annual Movers and Shakers Tasters Luncheon is Friday from 11 to 1 at the War Memorial Building, 1202 S. Virginia Street in Hopkinsville. Tickets are $8 for fried chicken, bbq ribs, turkey and dressing, pulled pork and fixins’. Get tickets at the Minority Economic Development Initiative of Western Kentucky inside the US Bank building.

The Yellowbanks Dulcimer Festival is Friday and Saturday at Yellow Creek Baptist Church, 5741 Highway 144 in Owensboro. Workshops start at 12:30 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday. There are concerts both nights at 7. There’s a $20 registration fee for workshops; concerts are free. See details at yellowbanksdulcimer.org.

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morning cram [middle woes edition]

Being middle class in America once meant feeling secure. You could count on having a decent home, a regular paycheck and food in the fridge.

~NPR reports government statistics confirm just how dramatically life has changed for the middle class.

KENTUCKY~ Mayfield law enforcement denies Florida pastor Terry Jones’ allegations the city’s Muslim community is violent. Police in McCracken County are searching for a missing and possibly depressed homeless man. A Murray construction firm wins a bid to build Marshall County’s new Health Department.  An Owensboro chemical plant may relocate to Dawson Springs. Trigg County’s Ham Fest begins this weekend!!! The Beshear camp banks +$3mil.

TENNESSEE~ South Fulton officials stand by a decision to let a house burn because the residents didn’t pay their annual protection fee. Clarksville mayoral candidates differ on how to prepare for the city’s predicted population explosion. The state’s Employees Association head plans to petition election candidates for pay raises.