NPR: The Last Minute

The Last Minute

Here's a question: how much do you really want to know about how the sausage gets made? Do you like the image of that seamless, effortless broadcast that flows smoothly from one subject to another? Or should I admit how many times my heart rate elevated beyond normal levels this morning (and not because I was thinking about my husband -- or Denzel)?

Okay ... let's just say that this morning's show was not without its anxiety-inducing moments -- although all turned out fine. Got a call late last night from legendary producer Kenny Gamble, of Gamble and Huff fame (The Sound of Philadelphia) that he'd be joining us for today's discussion of the situation in Philly. Did we have enough mikes? Would he get there in time? Would the already booked guests feel slighted? Yes, yes, and no. Thank Goodness.

Why devote a whole program to one city? As their columnists would point out, it's not the murder capital of the country -- in terms of homicide rate per capita, sadly New Orleans would have that distinction. But in terms of the number of murders, Philadelphia has one of the worst rates of the top ten cities. And the depravity of the killings -- the brazenness and the senselessnes -- has caught our attention. What also caught our attention -- thousands of men gathered yesterday to say they want it to stop and pledging their efforts to making it stop. We thought that was worth an hour of our time ... we hope you agree.

And don't worry ... if you haven't heard the program yet, there were many moments of inspiration ... let us know.

Michel Martin

1:08 PM ET | 10-22-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

Way to go Michel! Everyday, before I listen to the program, I go the Tell Me More web site to see the line-up for the day. And today, my heart warmed when I realized that you dedicated today's entire program to the movement in Philly. Thank you.

Sent by C. Robinson | 3:40 PM ET | 10-22-2007

We have some stats on the murder rate in major American cities. Try to overlook the juxtaposition of the glorification of violence and murder as typified by the movie Scarface:

http://www.aaenvironment.com/Scarface.htm

Sent by Norris McDonald | 8:30 PM ET | 10-22-2007

For my two cents I love to hear all more of what goes on behind the scenes. I think it reinforces the notion that out of chaos (controlled as it maybe) comes the unexpected 3rd three better than anything we might have planned.

Sent by raul | 3:56 PM ET | 10-23-2007

Send a Comment

Comments are reviewed and edited by NPR prior to display. All comments will be read, but not all will be posted.

NPR reserves the right to read on the air and/or publish on its Web site or in any medium now known or unknown the e-mails and letters that we receive. We may edit them for clarity or brevity and identify authors by name and location. For additional information, please consult our Terms of Use.

E-mail this Page

Recipient's e-mail address:	» Up to twelve addresses, separated by commas.
Your e-mail address:
Your name:
Personal message (optional, 600 characters max):
Your NPR member station:
Are you a member of your local NPR station?	Yes No
Would you like to receive information from your local NPR member station? (see NPR's privacy policy)	Yes No
May we contact you with information about NPR programming and services? (see NPR's privacy policy)	Yes No

(Information collected by NPR will be used solely for internal NPR or NPR member station purposes and only if you selected 'yes' above. See NPR's privacy policy for more information.)

E-mail Updates from the Tell Me More Blog

Share Your Story

What would it take to get your vote? Share text, audio or video.

'Tell Me More' with Michel Martin

"Nothing is assumed." That's the unofficial motto of Tell Me More, the new Monday-Friday talk show with host Michel Martin. Grounded in lively interviewing and compelling storytelling, the program seeks to present diverse new voices, cross borders, challenge conventional wisdom and discover how other people think.