Comments by Warren Polk

Comment for "Grabbing that First Chance to Vote"

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Review of Grabbing that First Chance to Vote

Every elected or wanna be elected official need to listen to this piece. At its Simplest form this piece, is a letter to those in the government, Telling them to pay attention to everyone, not just those who live in the big cities. With a beautiful Kentucky accent Autum tells us why politics matter to her..but more importantly, why she and those similar to her should matter to the government. From the local waiting who has been making minimum wages longer then most of us has been alive, to her father who is a miner and risks his life daily to provide for his family, Autum speaks on their behalf..and we need to pay attention.

Comment for "Speaking to My Heart"

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Review of Speaking to My Heart

Parent hood is hard for anyone..and even more if you are young. Although you feel you the need to be there for you children, you also free the need to be free. 17 year old Nicci takes us on her journey, between drugs, parties, jail and ultimately providing for her two children. This piece holds so much emotions, I can promise it will even make even the hardest listener smile.. Her personal narrative, is laced, with the voices of her children, that add a needed dynamic to this piece. Over all this is one of my favorite pieces.. Listen, and it might be your too.

Comment for "That's My Song: Thanks A Lot!"

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Review of That's My Song: Thanks A Lot!

Music is considered by many to be the soundtrack of life. ITs amazing how the right song can change your mood, make you happy, sad, or just well, special, and that's exactly what this song did for Leslie. It provided a special connection between her and her sister, that they will forever remember. The story is wonderfully told, and you feel like you are right next to her in the shower singing. Give it a listen, and maybe she won't be the only on saying "Thanks you a lot".

Comment for "Hip-Hop Star Zola Made UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador"

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Review of Hip-Hop Star Zola Made UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

Hip Hop Strikes Again....So often hip hop artists are portrayed as bad word saying, diamonds wearing, fast car driving, ego tripinn' maniacs who couldn't care less about the well being the people who now stay in the "hood" they grew up in. But every once in awhile there comes a knight with a shining mic who's sole purpose is to help those, who need it. " As long as I live, I suppose i will have to fight where ever there is human injustices done" This is an amazing story about and amazing artists, who is trying to use his music to fight back, and with the help of UNICEF its seems possible..cause you know what they say..the pen of a scholar can be 10 times more effective then the blood of a martyr.

Comment for "Youth Voting"

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Review of Youth Voting

Nine percent of youth vote..that's crazy.. Zoe tells us why, with this compelling commentary. She has a very refreshing way of portraying her point. Her voice is clear, and and opinion is supported by fact. she isn't some disgruntle voter..she isn't even old enough to vote yet, she is just a very smart and political young women, that took the time to examine, why youth don't vote, instead of just complaining. And if those who are running for office, or want to increase the number of youths at the poll, listened to some of the suggestions in this piece, there would definitely be a higher turn our at all polling booths across the country. So if you are planning to vote now or in the future, on know someone who is, you should check out this piece.

Comment for "Southwest Side Stories: Dodging Violence"

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Review of Southwest Side Stories: Dodging Violence

Edwards asks the listener to take a walk with him, as he tries to make it home safely. His voice is sincere, and his story is real.. Like so many before, he faces the hardship of living in a city, plaguing by gangs. This piece is captivating, because he tells his story in such a poetic way, that it is almost like you are walking next to him for real. You see the street, the gangs, and you hear his heart beating. Its hard not to sympathize with Edward, because he makes it so easy to understand logic.. you feel his fear, and his bitter-sweet relief as he makes the through the front gates of his home, but also realizing, that he have to re live those events tomorrow.

Comment for "Locked Up Letters" (deleted)

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Review of Locked Up Letters (deleted)

So often the stories of those behind bars go unheard, and this is one way to get their voices heard, And a lot of times our writing is the only way for us to truly express the way we feel. Its honest and real..and from reading the letter as it was written, it allows us to picture the writer as he was writing it. What was special about this piece, is that is was read by someone who was close to the writer, which added another dynamic, which you could hear in readers voice. More then anything you could feel the love they had for each other..and the writers determination to do something better with his life. It gave the listener the chance to peek into the mind of this PERSON, who many would simply call a criminal.

Comment for "Too Much TV?"

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Review of Too Much TV?

From the beginning of this piece Zoe voice, and humorous intro grabs the listening ear, and refuses to let it go. This is probably one of the best commentaries I have heard in along time. The over all issue is..why do we watch so much TV,, and instead of telling the listener, Zoe suggests ideas on why we do. This is the prefect piece for those of us who spends a lot of time in front of the TV..(don't worry shes doesn't offend TV watcher), she even explains why TV is so important to her. Its fast paced, hilarious, personal, and just plain good. So tivo your TV for a minute, and grab some headphones..believe me its worth it.

Comment for "Sleeping in the Front Room: A Teen Evacuee's New Life in Chicago"

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Review of Sleeping in the Front Room: A Teen Evacuee's New Life in Chicago

If Hurricane Katrina did anything, it made us listen! We listened to the stories of those who lost their jobs, homes, families and in some cases ?sadly? their lives. In such a short moment we realize that sometime life, isn?t pretty, but it was also a time, that we started to believe in the goodness of people. Many people from across the nation sent clothes, food, water and other necessities to Katrina victims, but never really knew how much it helped. This piece is one example of how helping others, can shape the way we view the world. 17 year old Cheyenne takes us on her journey from N.O to Chicago. It?s refreshing to hear a story, with such warmth, humor and steer excitement that the only thing you can do is smile. It?s hard not to share in Cheyenne joy of being in Chicago. It just reminds us that, triumph can come out of tragedy.

Comment for "Teen Poetry"

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Review of Teen Poetry

So often we hear poetry or read literature and find our self wondering, what the author meant when he/she wrote this line, and in this piece we find that out. The segment opens up with Kristie, A youth poet from New York, reading one of her pieces. The pieces in it self examines, stereotypes and personal views of her ethnic background. The poems set the prefect tone for the interview. I congrats the producer on keeping the interview rolling through thought provoking question, because a lot of times interviews can become boring and drag on, but not here. Between The producer?s questions and Kristine?s insight, this is a prefect piece to listen to, if you want to gain a greater understanding of human life, struggles and achievements. This is radio at it purest from, and interviewer, interviewer, and microphone, and you the listener...don?t keep them waiting.

Comment for ""Where The Ink Sinks In": Interview with Teen Graffiti Taggers"

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Review of "Where The Ink Sinks In": Interview with Teen Graffiti Taggers

These are the stories of those, who participate in an art, which is for the most part misunderstood. Three unique individual?s takes us on a journey of self discovery via the use of Graf or better know as graffiti art... From humble beginning of kids coloring on walls, to using graffiti as a voice to speak out, these speakers invite us into their lives, and help us understand the importance of such a beautiful art. The narrator perfectly transitions from each storyteller in such a lyrical way that is makes it hard not to listen. Plus it is not the typical type of commentary normally used on this type of production, which is, a breathe of fresh air, and at the same time conveys the important of other forms of art. After you listen to this piece you should gain a new apercation for this art, and if not let the ink sink in.

Comment for "Mi Abuela's Lottery Dreams"

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Review of Mi Abuela's Lottery Dreams

The cost of a dream: One dollar
The love of a granddaughter:Priceless

?Abuela?s dream? is wrapped around her lottery ticket, and due to the sincere and warm way Alca narrated the story I found my hopes beginning to wrap around that ticket as well. Hoping to hear them call her number,so that Abuela could buy her a nice coat, and pay off the Sears card, because even in that short time, I felt connected to her. I felt like she deserved to win. In less then 3 minutes Alca found a way to tell a beautifully simple story and seamlessly produced an oral environment that was all at
once, natural, hopeful, and serious. Throughout the piece, I felt as if I was sitting right next to them. Alca is a wonderful story teller, and her voice is filled with emotions, and at the end of the day whether Abuela?s numbers get called or not, one thing, is clear: Abuela is already extremely LUCKY to have a granddaughter who loves her so much, and that?s something you can?t find in the baby?s breakfast, or buy from the local corner store.

Production Notes: The use of sound as a transition is wonderful. You did a wonderful job on the pacing of the story as well. There is no chance for the listener to get bored or un interested. And your translation seems as if it was written into the story, so it flows perfectly.