In 1957, it was a very different world for women. Education was something to fall back on, but a woman's primary place was still supposed to be in the home. The story of Mary Sherman Morgan is a fascinating one – in so many ways she fit the mold perfectly. She never got a degree. She gave up her job to stay home with her children. But she actually had another story - according to her co-workers and her son, writer George Morgan, she invented the fuel that finally got the United States into space...and she had a secret that she never shared with her son. She is the subject of his new book, Rocket Girl: The story of Mary Sherman Morgan, America's First Female Rocket Scientist.
Up next, changes in the industry that brings you your morning eggs...and a seal that's backed by thousands of women.
Every American eat about 250 eggs each year. Think about it – not just your breakfast, but your brownies, cakes, even the original Caesar dressing calls for an egg. But as factory farming has replaced small farms, consumers have become increasing concerned with environmental, health and even moral issues created by huge complexes of caged laying hens. As Harvest Public Media’s Amy Mayer reports, the poultry business – which grapples with the environmental challenge of caring for the millions of hens that lay all those eggs – is anything but simple. And change happens slowly, driven by consumer demand.
Finally, you know about Consumer Reports, the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, even Angie's List. Have you noticed theWomen's Choice Award when you go shopping? It's an award given to companies after marketing surveys show that women would recommend a particular brand, a company or even a hospital. Delia Passi is the founder – her experience is in publishing, but also marketing – and she's creating a brand of her own with information gathered from the surveys she creates.
That’s our show for this week. Thanks to Katie Britton for production assistance. Our theme music is by Kevin Bartlett. This show is a national production of Northeast Public Radio. Our executive producer is Dr. Alan Chartock.
