Chris Berube, a producer, shares the quirky tale of the French Revolution's decimal time and its surprising public challenges. Kurt Kolstad, digital director, delves into architect Carlo Scarpa's unique design approach. Delaney Hall explores ghost kitchens, revealing how they revolutionize restaurant delivery. Finally, acclaimed actor LeVar Burton recounts the fascinating history of the Telharmonium, an early music streaming device. Together, these stories illuminate the intersection of creativity, history, and innovation.
The Telharmonium was an early electronic instrument that used electricity to create and control sound waves, paving the way for modern electronic instruments.
Ghost kitchens, or delivery-only kitchens, have transformed the restaurant industry by offering convenience and variety through technology and virtual food delivery.
Deep dives
The Telharmonium: A Lost Sound
The Telharmonium was a massive archaic instrument invented by Thaddeus Cahill in the late 19th century. It used electricity to create and control sound waves, allowing it to replicate the sounds of various instruments. The Telharmonium had tone wheels that produced sine waves, which served as the fundamental notes, and additional tone wheels for the overtones. It was set up in Telharmonic Hall in Manhattan and later in Carnegie Hall, where subscribers could listen to performances through telephone wires. However, the Telharmonium faced challenges such as high costs, difficulty in playing, and interference with telephone service. It eventually lost popularity and was dismantled. The sound of the Telharmonium was never recorded, and its influence can be seen in modern electronic instruments.
The Rise and Fall of Ghost Kitchens
Ghost kitchens, also known as dark kitchens or cloud kitchens, are a relatively new trend in the restaurant industry. These kitchens specialize in delivery-only meals and do not have physical storefronts. Some ghost kitchens operate multiple delivery-only brands out of a single commercial space, while others are run by established chain restaurants that create delivery-only alter egos. By leveraging technology and partnering with delivery apps, ghost kitchens offer convenience and variety to customers, but they also face challenges such as quality control and competition. The concept of ghost kitchens has transformed the restaurant landscape, blurring the lines between traditional dining experiences and virtual food delivery.
The Curious Case of the French Decimal Time
During the French Revolution, the French introduced an idea called decimalization, which aimed to bring a rational approach to measurements, including time. They proposed a decimal time system with a 10-day week and 10-hour day, where each hour had 100 minutes and each minute had 100 seconds. However, this radical new concept faced resistance and challenges. The decimal time system didn't align with international trade, required costly clock replacements, and encountered resistance from people accustomed to the traditional 24-hour day. After less than two years, the French abandoned the decimal time system, but the idea of decimalizing time has reappeared in various forms over the years.
The Enigmatic Sound Detectives
Sound Detectives is a new fiction podcast for kids and families, featuring LeVar Burton as an inventor helping two detectives return stolen sounds to the world. In the podcast, the detectives encounter mysteries related to sound and use their problem-solving skills to solve them. Sound Detectives combines storytelling with educational elements, encouraging kids to explore the world of sounds and develop critical thinking skills. The podcast serves as an engaging and entertaining way to introduce children to the power of sound and the intricacies of solving puzzles.
It's the most wonderful time of the year. It's mini-stories season! Gather the kids around the fire because We have a year-end mix of short stories about a rogue architect, spooky kitchens, a hundred year old music streaming service, and the crazy way the French tried to make telling time less crazy.
Today's episode featured a story from Sound Detectives. Listen to Sound Detectives on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and go to sounddetectivespodcast.com to find coloring pages, sound terms, and more.
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