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<font face="Arial"><span style="font-size:12pt">Hi all, <br>
Below is an inquiry from a producer who is working on a pilot for a new show. He’s looking for some ideas and thought you all might have some good ones. You can reply to me and I will compile and send along to him. <br>
Thanks, <br>
<br>
Jen Hirsch<br>
MIT News Office<br>
Media Relations<br>
X3-1682<br>
________________________<br>
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The "Go-To Guy" is a series of half-hour documentaries highlighting specialized knowledge, ingenuity, and arcane information that will surprise, enlighten, and entertain.<br>
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Each show will feature three unique individuals who solve a problem.<br>
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In some cases, the problem is solved by a person who is the only person who still has archaic knowledge or tools - a man like Louis Gentile of Quincy, who is one of the few people who can repair 100 year old player pianos. In our pilot episode, he is called to fix one of two remaining Steinway player pianos, owned by a little old lady in Wellesley. <br>
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In contrast to these kinds of generational stories, there will be stories that highlight young people with cutting edge technology dealing with problems of the present and future. I am hoping I can find some of these stories at MIT.<br>
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Other problems will find their solution through horizontal thinking or cross-disciplinary interaction: A medical supply company invents a remarkable polyethylene thread that is stronger and more flexible than metal - the only problem is that it is inherently slick, and difficult to tie off in an operation. A medical doctor, immersed in knowledge of sailor's knots - devises a unique series of knots that solves the problem.<br>
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I also like it when old technology finds new uses - for example, origami is finding new scientific applications. This kind of problem-solving can be described as "letting dead people solve your problem".<br>
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My hope is that you can alert me to stories that fit the general outline. The Cryptographic voting story is interesting - but seems to take place mainly out of state.<br>
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I look forward to hearing any and all ideas.<br>
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Yours truly,<br>
DAN MCGUIRE<br>
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