Comments by Richard Spiegel

Comment for "The Picture in the Flame"

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Review of The Picture in the Flame

The music is rich and evocative. The ngunim is festive. The shtetl story builds about a memory of cold days kept warm in the flame of a hannukah candle.

Comment for "No Limits for Deaf Kids"

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Review of No Limits for Deaf Kids

Fascinating aural space, realizing the speakers may not hear what we are listening to. The controversy remains -- Are the deaf better served in a mainstream environment? The story doesn't touch on the issue of deaf culture, but has radio been a part of deaf culture? It would have added to the special aura if we could hear some of the performance by the theater company. Yet, the woman profiled is exceptional and that comes across.

Comment for "WNYC's Fishko Files: Minute Waltz"

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Review of WNYC's Fishko Files: Minute Waltz

Brilliant collage of pianists and interpretations clarify a seemingly slight piece. While many feel that they know this piece there's much to learn from listening to Ms. Fishko's report that flows from Thibaudet through Borge, the big easy, and Hollywood smoothly and without dropping a note. Wonderful voice, she always makes the listener feel she's talking right to them.

Comment for "Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain"

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Review of Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain

The discussion leads the listener to a better understanding of learning disabilities like dyslexia and obsessive compulsive disorders by touching on research in neuroplasticity. The book may lean a little too much on Buddhist monks, but there are intriguing implications for educators in the field of arts in education.