Thanks for asking my question in the BackTalk segment.

Concerning the Frog Princess segment, I was surprised that Kim McLarin didn't focus more on how inaccurate Disney is in its portrayals of historical events. For instance, I hope that people understand that the movie "Pocahontas" took great creative license in portraying that historical time. If Disney is more concerned about creativity than accuracy, that is a cause of concern for African Americans with this new movie. Further, I wonder how African Americans employed Disney feel about this absence of strong black characters in the studio's animated films.

The Divas Uncorked segment gave me a segment idea for the show. I think that a segment that features and profiles owners of ethnic restaurants about why they brought their homeland's -- or that of their ancestors -- with them to our country would reveal interesting aspects of diversity. How does it make the restaurant owners feel to serve ethnic food to their community? How do people react to it? Do you they that they educate the public about their culture through their food? I would argue that such a segment would make for some delicious listening. Anyone agree?

Sent by Steve Petersen | 7:06 PM ET | 03-16-2007

I enjoyed listening to the 'Political Blogosphere' and will be looking forward to more with great anticipaton. It was very engaging and left me wanting to hear more. It appears that you will be covering a broad range of compelling topics that will appeal to a wide audience. I am an avid reader of blogs and particularly of Professor Kim's Blogspot. I can count on her information to be well researched and credible. She inspires me to think critically and develop an informed opinion on important issues. Kudos for a job well done!

Sent by Rosemarie Pena | 9:50 PM ET | 03-16-2007

I have a few comments. First, I think that there are too many episodes being released daily. I can handle one or two, but having three to five (even if they are short) is a little overwhelming.

Second, is it absolutely necessary to have promos for Roughcuts on the intro and outro of every episode? I'm already listening to the podcast, so I don't really need to be reminded of what I'm listening to. I can understand the intro, but the outro message seems to be a bit much.

Sent by Bob | 2:04 AM ET | 03-17-2007

Hello,
I've been listening to Rough Cuts for a couple of months now, and I enjoy it very much. I have one critique, most of the stories you do are racial/African-American specific stories. That is just fine if that is what you want from this show, but I thought the theme was the under-represented story? Are the only under-represented stories about African-Americans dealing with racial issues? If you want to do an African-American race show, well then just call it that. What about more Arabic/Islamic stories- I hear very little personal stories from that sector. How about hearing from the ever growing Mexican-American minority? Finally, how about some NON-race related fun stories? Tom Ashbrook did a story in December called "Loafing" which I think is a perfect example of a story this show could cover well. Thank you for making this show, and keep up the good work.

Sent by Jesse Guzman | 8:51 AM ET | 03-17-2007

Political Blogosphere: Boooooring. Sorry.

Frog Princess: Too bad this commentary didn't wait until after it was discovered that the prince in the story is white. As for the hyenas in Lion King, I thought their puns were funny. As for Alladin, in the original release, "Arabians Nights" had the lyric "Where they cut off your ear if you don't like your face", which they removed. The commentator also missed that Mulan DIDN'T need a man to be happy.

Back Talk: Thanks for mentioning me, TWICE. :)

Divas Uncorked: I've tried two wines in my time (Merlot and Chardonney) and I didn't like either of them (although they SMELLED nice). Maybe I hadn't chilled it enough (or too much) or something. I'm more of a beer and hard liquor kind of guy. So this was a little interesting, but not very much.

March Madness: I don't like basketball, so I wasn't very interested in this show, either.

Sent by Scott K | 1:45 PM ET | 03-19-2007

A bit more about March Madness: I don't like basketball, but I DO like football, and I we do have an office pool. I didn't find myself having the same problem you did with "the sheet" because I usually only watched my team's games. Playoff time I did end up watching all of the games, so I guess, in a way, I understand what you mean. But then during playoffs, I usually pick the teams I like, not necessarily who I thought would win. As you can imagine, I don't fair to well in the pool. :)

Sent by Scott K | 1:54 PM ET | 03-19-2007

I'm having so much trouble keeping up with the listening I have to commend the recording. The new episodes have been uniformly interesting and entertaining, though and I also have to commend Ms. Martin's interviewing. You're thoughtful and keep on your toes when the discourse get a little, well, discursive.

Sent by Doug | 3:38 PM ET | 03-19-2007

The blogosphere piece is weak especially in comparison with so many of the other segments you've aired here. It was rushed - some of the questions you asked were never answered, and each of the two commentators made statements that should have been countered or pursued in the hopes of more clarity or straightening out the facts.

Sent by Elisa | 5:17 PM ET | 03-19-2007

It was very intersting getting a liberal and conservative view of Bush's trip to South America. If more discussions on radio were so respectful and polite, as this one was, I would listen. Issues need to be discussed in the opening and viewpoints need to be respected so that progress can occur. Thank you again for the show!

Sent by Robert Jones | 6:05 PM ET | 03-19-2007

Michel: Love the timber of your voice. It is a pleasure to listen to. But I must say: I don't really see how this show is a departure from the usual NPR fare. These are the kinds of segments I'm used to hearing.

Sent by Steeley | 6:48 PM ET | 03-19-2007

A minor nitpick on Frog Princess -- if you're using the term 'Latino,' be careful -- it is gender-specific. So there aren't 'Latino' women, but 'Latina' women.

The commentary was fairly interesting, but went on too long, I think.

Sent by Mara | 3:43 PM ET | 03-20-2007

Mara--Latina vs Latino--thanks for the heads up! We are so busted! thanks. and to those who thought there were too many segments--I hear you--we're just trying different things as we work to put the whole show on the air. As for the diversity question...it's a judgement call...we're working on it. Hope you'll hang in there with us and see what we do. thanks for all the constructive suggestions (it's good for us..even when it hurts!)

Sent by Michel Martin and the rough cuts team | 7:40 PM ET | 03-23-2007

I'm a pain but I like you and your show. I don't like wine but I enjoyed your segment on wine. Looking forward to hearing more.

Sent by Alan P. | 11:59 AM ET | 04-04-2007