In today's "fast-paced" world, it is difficult to take the time to appreciate the love we are blessed with. Ed Werler's tender account of the love he shares with his wife Martha reminds us of the importance of those precious moments spent dancing around the kitchen. When Ed reveals that Martha now has Alzheimers, it becomes even more clear why he must "renew old memories"; this surprising twist makes the piece even more poignant.
On the technical side, Bente Birkeland eloquently crafts this story with great sound and editing. I especially love his choice of "Sentimental Journey," which brings us back to a time of big band music, dancing and old-fashioned romance. This is my grandparents' song, which I sang at their 50th Anniversary celebration; I imagine it has similarly strong associations for many listeners.
"Hard to Say" would be perfect on Valentine's Day, but I would love to hear it at any time. Even in the middle of a standard broadcast, it would bring people away from their day-to-day stresses and serve as a great reminder of what truly matters in life. I am sure that everyone listening could not help but be inspired by Ed Werler's profound devotion.
This light-hearted and charming piece explores the seemingly bizarre habits of various collectors. A few such habits are hillarious in a fascinatingly morbid way, such as one woman's collection of naked barbies that she dismembers and assorts into wreaths. Although the story is unlikely to inspire listeners to display dolls' body parts on their doors, it portrays its subjects' quirks as more endearing than disturbing.
At 6:30, the piece is perhaps a bit lengthy, but the ingenious editing makes it speed along. The jazz music also helps to keep the pace upbeat, adds interest and creates a flow between the speakers without distracting from the content. Additionally, the subject has a wide audience because most people have some experience with eccentric collectors. Listening to this account reminded me of a couple I once stayed with who collected pig memorobilia -- we counted 300 pigs in the kitchen alone! I would love to hear this aired between a couple of classical songs or rather dry stories. Its unique character and flair would definitely enliven a broadcast.
Comments by Lauren Capp
Comment for "Hard to Say"
Lauren Capp
Posted on June 03, 2004 at 08:15 AM | Permalink
Review of Hard to Say
In today's "fast-paced" world, it is difficult to take the time to appreciate the love we are blessed with. Ed Werler's tender account of the love he shares with his wife Martha reminds us of the importance of those precious moments spent dancing around the kitchen. When Ed reveals that Martha now has Alzheimers, it becomes even more clear why he must "renew old memories"; this surprising twist makes the piece even more poignant.
On the technical side, Bente Birkeland eloquently crafts this story with great sound and editing. I especially love his choice of "Sentimental Journey," which brings us back to a time of big band music, dancing and old-fashioned romance. This is my grandparents' song, which I sang at their 50th Anniversary celebration; I imagine it has similarly strong associations for many listeners.
"Hard to Say" would be perfect on Valentine's Day, but I would love to hear it at any time. Even in the middle of a standard broadcast, it would bring people away from their day-to-day stresses and serve as a great reminder of what truly matters in life. I am sure that everyone listening could not help but be inspired by Ed Werler's profound devotion.
Comment for "Naked Barbies and Deflated Basketballs: A look inside the world of collectors"
Lauren Capp
Posted on June 01, 2004 at 01:26 PM | Permalink
Review of Naked Barbies and Deflated Basketballs: A look inside the world of collectors
This light-hearted and charming piece explores the seemingly bizarre habits of various collectors. A few such habits are hillarious in a fascinatingly morbid way, such as one woman's collection of naked barbies that she dismembers and assorts into wreaths. Although the story is unlikely to inspire listeners to display dolls' body parts on their doors, it portrays its subjects' quirks as more endearing than disturbing.
At 6:30, the piece is perhaps a bit lengthy, but the ingenious editing makes it speed along. The jazz music also helps to keep the pace upbeat, adds interest and creates a flow between the speakers without distracting from the content. Additionally, the subject has a wide audience because most people have some experience with eccentric collectors. Listening to this account reminded me of a couple I once stayed with who collected pig memorobilia -- we counted 300 pigs in the kitchen alone! I would love to hear this aired between a couple of classical songs or rather dry stories. Its unique character and flair would definitely enliven a broadcast.