On the Clock: A (Brief) History of Time [rebroadcast]




BackStory show

Summary: It's fall back once again, and so to celebrate that extra hour, we're dedicating ours to an exploration of time itself. In this episode of BackStory, we look at the changing ways Americans have experienced the 24-hour day - from pre-industrial times right on up through today's era of time-shifted media. Along with their guests, Peter, Ed, and Brian examine the role of economic forces in shaping our relationship with the clock – like the powerful Gilded Age railroad officials who got together in 1883 and carved the continental U.S. into five time zones, introducing Americans to the idea of “standard time.” And they explore how people have experienced the rhythm of night and day — and why the advent of electric lighting changed that rhythm forever. And finally, they ask, is unlimited time always a good thing? A loving look at basketball’s iconic “shot-clock” offers answers. For more on the guests and stories featured in this episode, take a look at BackStory’s website: http://backstoryradio.org/?p=11329