[X] My Assistant

[nprev]

Although all I ever saw of his show was reruns, let us reflect on the passing of Don Herbert, "Mr. Wizard" to US TV viewers, who showed so many of us the wonders of basic experimental science in our youths. He was 89: http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/TV/06/12/o...d.ap/index.html

Mr. Herbert undoubtedly had a significant influence on many of today's senior scientists, underscoring the role that popular science educators can play via mass media; he was a true pioneer. This is evident from the fact that his stage moniker has become an instantly recognizable nickname for people who are skillful and competent.

His show ran from 1951 through 1964, and his impact on our civilization reverberates even now in 2007. Rest well, sir, and we thank you.

[dvandorn]

One of my favorite homages to Mr. Wizard was the parody shown on the mid-'90s Jim Henson Productions TV comedy, "Dinosaurs." I even forget what they called the show (something similar to "Mr. Wizard"), but the running gag was that the dinosaur science teacher always had a mammalian child assistant named Timmy. Most of the "science demonstrations" ended up killing the assistant, which brought the tag line, "We're gonna need another Timmy!"

This led to me informing my roommate over the phone today of Mr. Herbert's death with the respectful, but still amusing, comment, "It looks like we're gonna need another Mr. Wizard."

I sure hope someone can step up and fill Mr. Herbert's shoes. The concept is not only valid, it's important.

-the other Doug