News Notes

Inflatable Monster

Shortly after sending the Oct-Dec issue to the printer, I discovered a local store selling a full-sized inflatable Frankenstein monster for around $30. This continued interest in Dr. Frankenstein's creation lends support to the sentiments stated in my article, “Frankenstein - A Look Back.” How many movies of that era have retained such popularity? Youngsters who visited here last Halloween got the scare of their lives. I had the inflatable monster set up along with a Tesla coil giving around 3' arcs. I expect that future trick-or-treat visitations here will be fewer in number once the word gets around (ha).

Frankenstein's Fish

The September issue of Audubon magazine carried an interesting article by sport fisherman, Ted Williams (of baseball fame). The author bemoaned about the trend of modern fish hatcheries in releasing altered and artificially raised sport species such as trout. The new breeds, it seems, have lost most of the characteristics which make the natural wild populations so desirable to pursue. The article, “Frankenstein's Fish,” was accompanied by an artist's rendition of Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory. But in this case, the monster had fins and scales. The black-and-white reduction at the right doesn't do justice to artist J. Juehnergarth's talents.

Hughie Lewis and the News (rock band)

While switching TV channels, I came across a rock station that was featuring the latest video hits. Normally, I would have passed on to the next channel but there was something about the special effects that looked familiar. What I saw was a recreated version of the old Frankenstein laboratory. The performance of “Doin It All For My Baby” even included the creation scene of the monster. There wasn't any lightning but the special effects, short circuits, etc., were well done. You can even see a Tesla coil in the background.

Frank 'N Stuff

There's an advertisement by Hormel, the meat packing company, showing the Frankenstein monster in a lab made up of weird scientific(?) apparatus. The machine appears to be turning hot dogs into cash. A supply of Frank 'N Stuff hots is being carried into the machine and money is seen coming out. As the late Jimmy Durante might say, “Everybody wants to get into the act.” (tip from B. Stoutenberg)

Weather Modification

Much has been said about Soviet activities directed toward weather modification using the experiments of Nikola Tesla. Regardless of whether or not they are true, a recent New York Times service report has revealed the issuance of a U.S. Patent for the purpose of altering selected regions above the earth. Scientists at a subsidiary of Atlantic Richfield intend to use electromagnetic radiation with possible addition of charged artificial particles from an earth-launched rocket or orbiting satellite, (tip from W.H. Richards)

Legel Lectures

TCBA member Gary Legel continues to be active on the TC demonstration-lecture circuit. Last summer, Gary gave an interesting TC demonstration before the Ground Systems Group at Hughes Aircraft (CA). Gary astounded his audience with a display of 40" sparks from a coil having a secondary around 24" tall. I wish that Gary would extend his lectures to the east coast.

Canadian Stamp Honors Fessenden

The Canadian Postal Service has given recognition to one of its famous sons. Reginald A. Fessenden was a chemist, inventor, and pioneer in wireless telegraphy. He held a total of 500 patents among them being a system for detecting submarines as well as a patent for a wireless compass. Fessenden is best remembered for his historic broadcast of Christmas Eve, 1906. On that night, he and his assistants made the first wireless transmissions of voice & music.

Pyramid Research Center

TCBA has received an 8-page newsletter published by the Pyramid Research Center, Box 5271, Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 33310. The 6-issue subscription is $12 but a sample copy may be had for $2.