Tell Me More

A Shoutout!

5:10

August 5, 2008

How can I put this nicely?

We dig you, we really do ... and we want you to write to us, call us, tell us what's going on with you. And how we can make your life better (other than supplying winning Powerball numbers ... but, you know ... me first).

That's why today we put out many a 'shoutout'. We want to know what you're reading, how you're coping in the downturn and if you have any questions for the Mocha Moms. Yes, we will do this from time to time. You can send questions for ANY of our contributors ... Alvin ... the B-shop guys.

I am going to turn the space over to Douglas Hopper who is at the International Conference on HIV/AIDS in Mexico City. He's been blogging from there. What do you have for us Douglas?

5:10 - August 5, 2008

Comments

Please note that all comments must adhere to the NPR.org discussion rules and terms of use. See also the Community FAQ.

View all comments »

Mocha Moms- I guess I'm ignorant.... Today I heard the discussion that someone had written in disagreeing with using the term "mocha" for the program. I never made the connection. When I first heard you on the radio I was excited as a new mom to hear a group of intelligent women who were speaking from a "mom's" persepective. I eventually realized that there were probably several ethnicities, but never considered it a "mocha only" show :) As a white southern woman I enjoy your show and listent to it whenever I can. Just call me ignorant but I thought the "mocha" was used for alliteration purposes mo-cha, mo-m. And I also thought it gave a nod to women sitting around a coffee shop discussing topics, much like my friends and I do on the rare occassion we get out with out the kids. Thanks for your show, I'll contiue to listen even if you change the name to caramel latte moms!

Sent by JH | 6:26 PM ET | 08-05-2008

@JH -
Thanks for your comment ... exactly. So, we thought the title worked on a number of levels, not to mention it's an actual group ... so KEEP listening! It's all about the things that interest moms and dads of whatever "flavor" ...

P.S. We've gotten some hilarious comments. My personal favorite began, "you women nauseate me.."

Well, right back atcha buddy!

Sent by Michel Martin, TMM | 10:26 PM ET | 08-05-2008

I am a recently married, young (and debatably hip) urban professional male and I listen to the Mocha Moms virtually every week...

I am not a parent yet (hopefully one day soon), but find the 'Mocha Moms' insights into current cultural phenomena quite fascinating...

P.S. Ah yes...And my occupation...Well, I work in a 'Barbershop'...Michel's Barbershop...

Sent by Arsalan Iftikhar | 1:28 PM ET | 08-06-2008

Ditto to JH's comment. People really need to lighten up!

Now back to the subject on the "shoutout:" I've pulled back during the past few weeks on commenting because I've been busy studying and focusing on more training with my career. I really thought I was DONE (with any kind of studying) a couple of years ago after grad school.

What am I reading? A lot on transitions. I just finished "Something More" by Sarah Ban Breathnah. A gift from my Godparents seven years ago - I was in college; that was the last thing on my mind.

Also, just finished "Cure for the Common Life" by Max Lucado. And reading two books at the same time: "Repotting -10 steps for Redesigning Your Life" and "The Resilience Factor." That's just a snapshot, and oh, the latest Oprah Magazine Issue.

How am I coping in this "unique" economy? I've cut back significantly on driving without thinking about organizing my trips.

Also, my love of checking out new/hip restaurants have gone out the window. I can't recall the last time I checked a "restaurant review" in the papers. I've rediscovered this place in my home - my kitchen.

Don't have any questions for your contributors. But I will say this: As you know, I'm a fan of the show but I think you have a show for guys (the Barbershop), Moms (Mocha Moms). What about those of us who don't fall into any of the aforementioned categories?

Sent by Moji | 4:07 PM ET | 08-06-2008

I just finished, as in yesterday, T is for Trespass by Sue Grafton. It was very well-written, and quite the page turner.

Earlier this summer I read Final Salute: A Story of Unfinished Lives by Jim Sheeler. A very touching book chronicling several stories of deceased soldiers and how their families learn and cope with the death of their loved one.

Other books I've read this summer include: Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich, Nothing to Lose by Lee Childer, and The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell.

Next up is Blink by Malcolm Gladwell.

Sent by ernise | 7:57 PM ET | 08-06-2008

I'm currently reading Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist.' It's an 'easy' read, but oh so powerful b/c it makes me think deeply and reflect. I'm planning on reading his other books.

I have no question for the contributors, I don't really belong to their demographics, except for Alvin's. I usually enjoy his advice.

With respect to the segment on manners, I identify most with Karen Grigsby Bates' position. So many adults fail to acknowledge gifts received. I've received a thank you note for a wedding present, three years after the wedding - when the couple was divorcing. It boggles my mind that people can spend time to plan events (such as baby showers), can send invitations, but cannot acknowledge the gifts given.

A wise friend of mine told me that her children could not use or play with any gifts given, until after they've thanked the giver. If I ever have children, I'll implement that rule.

Sent by KALW Country | 12:59 AM ET | 08-07-2008

< previous post next post >

news/talk

entertainment

music

special series

hear continuous streams

24-Hour Program Stream

hear the latest news

Hourly News Summary

Tell Me More

A Shoutout!

Comments

'Tell Me More' with Michel Martin

'Tell Me More' Podcast

categories

Blog Roll

Recent Entries

Related News Feeds

Discussion Guidelines

Tell Me More archive

search Tell Me More

Contact Michel

npr always on

news

arts & life

music

programs a-z

listen

more