EP 4 : Speakable - A Blaze of Crimson Light: The Story of Neon

Hello Lightning Tamers!

Taming Lightning Podcast Episode 4 is finally out!  

In today’s podcast, I’d like to introduce a new segment called Speakable. Think of speakable as Audiobook for content be it articles or blog posts that relate to the Art, Science, or History of Neon and Plasma. This was largely inspired by my love for audio books, and the podcast Optimal Living Daily Podcast that is centered around narration of articles and blog posts, with given permissions. So I thought I’d give it a shot to help fill in the gaps when interviews and discussions are being scheduled. To be able to give life to content that I can bring to you. Let me know in the comments or by email your thoughts on continuing this, suggested material are welcome.

In our first Speakable I’ll be reading “A Blaze of Crimson Light: The Story of Neon” by Jane E. Boyd and Joseph Rucker. An article relating to a brief history and science of neon in terms of it’s discovery, uses, and its associations with Sign making and advertising. 

Before I begin I want to talk about the organization behind the source material, The Chemical Heritage Foundation, which is a library, a center for scholars, a museum, and archive. They focus on matter and materials and their effects on our modern world. They collect, preserve, and exhibit historical artifacts; engage communities of scientists and engineers; and tell the stories of the people behind breakthroughs and innovations.
Distillations is a blog, podcast, and magazine, centered around Science, Culture, and History, where you’ll find a diverse range of subjects such as science, Business, Technology, and Pop Culture.  

Show Notes

Intro Music: Boost by Jakim Karud
www.joakimkarud.com
https://soundcloud.com/joakimkarud

Outro Music: Re-Entry by Lapse
https://soundcloud.com/lapse

A Blaze of Crimson Light: The Story of Neon

Neon is a dull and invisible gas until it's trapped in a tube and zapped with electricity. Literally pulled out of thin air, neon became the bright light of the modern world, a symbol of progress, and an essential component of the electronic age.

Thank You for listening to the Taming Lightning Podcast. I hope you enjoyed the first segment of Speakable. If you find something interesting that you would like to have narrated, please send me an email or fb message at Taming Lightning. I’d like to thank Michal Meyer, the Editor in Chief of Distillations at Chemical Heritage Foundation  for permission to narrate their article from their Magazine. Also, I’d like to thank Pittsburgh Glass Center for supporting me as well as encouraging me to pursue this project, as well as the Plasma Art Alliance where I have access to the well of knowledge, and connects to some amazing people.

Keep an eye out for next summer’s classes at Pittsburgh Glass Center as we work to provide a space for learning neon and plasma.

In the Spring, I’ll be teaching a 2 Night Hands-on workshop for creating plasma globes. On the first night you’ll be working with me to create your globe, adding color, pushing and pulling the glass. On the Second night, you’ll see your piece filled with neon gases, and light up before your eyes. This class does not require any glass experience, and mostly geared towards those local to Pittsburgh.

NEW! Neon and Plasma Globes | Pittsburgh Glass Center

This is a brief introduction to a process of neon that has been fading in and out of interest since the early 70s. In two nights, you will make your own plasma globe, and unlike a neon sign you'll be creating your own unique neon light that responds to your touch!

For those with more glass experience, you may contact me to help you get started, but also keep a lookout for our 5-day summer intensive with Wayne Strattman and Mundy Hepburn plasma neon in the Flame Studio.

If you like to support this, simply  like, share, comment, and subscribe.

See you next time,

Percy Echols II 
​Sorcerer Apprentice  ⚡​

Pittsburgh Glass Center

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