Radio: Continued Balmy

Despite a cold front reportedly moving down from Canada, U.S. radio last week remained dizzy with the heat:

¶In Yuma, Ariz., KYUM officials announced a new rating system for summer programs: during last week's hot spell an observer was dispatched to the local water system to tot up the rises & falls in the water pressure. (When Yuma's temperature gets near 110°, everybody goes outside to water the lawn, and local water pressure drops; when a particularly popular program comes on the air, people turn off their hoses, rush inside to listen, and the water pressure jumps again.)

¶At Manhattan's Polo Grounds, NBC Telecaster Bob Stanton (TIME, May 26) decided to have a hot dog—with mustard. He had barely got it down before his doctor, who had been watching at home with disapproval, called up and scolded Stanton roundly for breaking his diet.

¶ A number of odd noises passed for entertainment. In Chicago, the Warblers—a troupe of 15 canaries, including a bass singer—were practicing trills and twitters in anticipation of a new Mutual show which will celebrate the canaries' 20th consecutive year on the air. In Portland, Ore., 250 sticky youngsters filled the air with gooey snaps and pops—and splattered the microphone—at the first broadcast of a bubble-gum contest.

¶In Mesa, Ariz., 1,000 motorists jammed the parking lot outside station KTYL to watch the show going on in what the station claims to be the first drive-in studio in the U.S.

¶In Los Angeles, Mr. & Mrs. Albert J. Anderson were nearing the end of their treasure hunt (among other items they must collect: a Winston Churchill cigar butt, one hair from Jack Benny's toupee, another from John L. Lewis' eyebrow, a salt cellar from Senator Pepper, a shilling from Sir Harry Lauder, a copy of the Missouri Waltz, autographed by President Truman and Senator Taft, one of Herbert Hoover's collars). If they bring in everything to NBC's Truth or Consequences next week, the Andersons will collect a washing machine, a man's wardrobe, a diamond ring, a vacuum cleaner, a radio-phonograph, two wrist watches, a refrigerator, a gas range, a 72-piece silver service, a home freezer.