You probably know Nickelodeon as the home of "Dora the Explorer," "Diego" and "SpongeBob." But what you may not know is that the cable television network is also home to some serious news programs.

Today, we taped an interview with Linda Ellerbee who is hosting a special this Sunday called, "$tre$$ed Out! The Economic Crisis and You." The show features kids, mostly 12 to 14 years of age discussing how the recession is changing their lives. Some of the stories are gut-wrenching.

Here's Leah talking about what happened when both her parents lost their jobs:

Another child who was interviewed is David, who talks about the imminent foreclosure of his family's home:

The special starts with Ellerbee saying "what has happened is not your fault." In this clip, she explains how many kids blame themselves for their parents' economic troubles:

Linda Ellerbee has produced news specials for Nickelodeon for almost twenty years. Before that, she worked as a television correspondent and anchor at NBC and ABC. In the YouTube clip below at 2:41 you can watch a typical Ellerbee anchor introduction.

"And so it goes."

Tune in to Tell Me More on Monday to hear Linda Ellerbee's conversation with Jennifer Ludden -- the two discuss how kids are coping with foreclosures, sparse economic resources and dwindling self-esteem in family members due to unemployment

Pantheon Publishers

Lee Hill, here ...

Tomorrow:

You'll hear an interesting conversation with Josh Neufeld. He is author of the comic book -- yes, a comic book (or "graphic novel") -- about the real-life affects of Hurricane Katrina on the lives of seven survivors of the storm.

A.D. New Orleans After The Deluge tells the stories of Denise, a man known as "The Doctor" of the French Quarter, Abbas, Darnell, Kwame, Leo and Michelle. Each experience emotional journeys in the days leading up to and after the hurricane.

Tomorrow, Neufeld and Leo join us for a look inside the pages...

Meet you back here tomorrow.

Teshima Walker, here ...

Summer is almost over.

Ugh.

No more tank tops, shorts and tanning opportunities.

Whatever.

I don't wear shorts. And tanning ... really? I don't want to pay my money to be reprimanded by my dermatologist.

Young people everywhere are moaning about the end of summer days, but I like that school is back in session. I loved learning, class discussions, chatting with my friends about really "important" topics like fashion, movies and who was dating who.

Wait. I'm not talking about elementary school or high school. It was all about college Baby. I clicked my heels and did the "happy dance" when I arrived at Tennessee State University (TSU) in Nashville. TSU is a member of the historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) network. I chose to attend an HBCU because my Daddy always talked about his alma mater, Alcorn State University in Lorman, Miss., another HBCU.

He talked with great affinity about his professors that were committed to his education, the other young men and women that were enthusiastic about improving the quality of their lives and changing the world. My dad was always animated when he talked about Alcorn State University's marching band and the "Golden Girls" -- the majorettes that danced with them:

I decided that I wanted that experience for myself and so I got it at Tennessee State. My professors challenged me. They provided me with loving attention and firm guidance. TSU's motto was "Enter to learn, go forth to serve." (Am I doing enough to serve?)

Rep. James Clyburn, the House Majority Whip from South Carolina, released a statement today recognizing this week as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) week.

Here's an excerpt from his remarks:

This week, as we celebrate the accomplishments of HBCUs, we must also pay tribute to the tremendous contributions that HBCUs have made to our society. Many HBCU graduates have shaped the course of our history - from W.E.B DuBois and Booker T. Washington, to Langston Hughes and Thurgood Marshall.

Now, I'd almost be proud of the above statement if everyone Clyburn mentioned (all HBCU graduates) wasn't dead. On tomorrow's program, guest host host Linda Wertheimer will talk about the history of HBCUs, the challenges they face in today's education landscape and introduce you to some of the current leaders from those institutions.

And, if you went to an HBCU, let's do a roll call please.

We want to hear from you ...

iStock

The skies have been gray for much of the day here in Washington, D.C., but I don't care -- it's Friday. I'm going to have an early dinner with a former Tell Me More intern. I hope she's doing well with her job on Capitol Hill - last time I spoke with her she said she loved her work as much as I love mine.

Good.

Tonight, however, I'm going to ask if she's balancing her work and personal life. I haven't done a great job on that front and I want her to think about love, marriage, children (yes, in that order) more seriously than I did.

Recently, Jennifer Longmire, the program's assistant editor, handed me an article about a research study that found "marriage chances for highly educated black women have declined over time relative to white women."

Oh no!

You know I have one pedicured foot in this group, right?

I have a graduate degree and no one is meeting me soon at City Hall to say "I Do." But, babies, don't cry for me, yet. Someone is going to sweep this "fine, educated, brown frame" off her feet, and when they do -- I'll invite you all to the wedding. But, until then...

Next week, Michel will have a conversation about this study with one of the authors and one other guest. That could be YOU. I'm looking for a black woman, over 35, childless, who is actually out there trying to get married -- active, not passive.

You've asked your friends and family to get involved. You've asked a priest, pastor, rabbi, imam to pray about it.

C'mon now, send me a note and tell me your story.

I hope you've enjoyed the show this week. Michel Martin is back in the big chair on Monday.

Thanks for listening.

Here was our coverage dilemma for the day: The courts acting at the behest of the military junta that runs Myanmar sentenced Nobel Peace laureate Aung Sun Su Kyi to another 18 months of house arrest. We have been covering this story, but it happened overnight and the news was available on the wires. We were debating up until air time whether we should revise the program to include an interview on the case. But with whom? We needed a voice that could expand the story beyond what is available on the wires, someone with direct knowledge who has spoken to her or her legal team.

As it happens we WERE able to reach someone but not until we were in the middle of the program and had guests in chairs. Still not sure we did the right thing, but we think so...for today.

We'll bring you more as we can reach people we think you'll want to hear from.

Meanwhile we do think we've brought you an interesting program, touching on many of the issues that we actually think and talk about among ourselves. With the economy in such poor shape and jobs at a premium it seems that employers have a new tool to weed out people - credit checks. But why does an employer want to know about your credit unless you are handling money? We asked our personal finance expert Alvin Hall and our life and career coach Valorie Burton to weigh in.
Also, what's Obama doing with his Office on Faith based initiatives and why a Maryland lawmaker who has made history as the first Muslim elected to office in that state is making waves by publicly supporting same sex marriage?

And....is GYM CLASS making you sick? Well, not literally! But we couldn't help but take note of a study in the journal Pediatrics that noted a huge increase in the number of kids visiting emergency rooms for the injuries sustained in gym class. We wanted to know why this might be so. It turns out researchers can tell you what but not necessarily why. The moms weigh in...

And on we go.

Tell Me More Host Michel Martin. (Stephen Voss / For NPR)

I got up this morning and decided to throw on a scarf headband to pull the hair back from my forehead. It's supposed to be hot today, and I tried to remind myself to make a hair appointment. Sometime. So I thought, do I want to go to the pool this week or not, and, if so, when? Then I forgot about it and went to work, and even that is five times more thought than I put into my hair for years when I wore it short and natural, and cropped close to my scalp. Which was its own tricky decision being on network television.

To this day, how many African-American women in television or any form of public life wear their hair "natural?" Right now I can think of one: Ursula Burns, the new CEO of XEROX and, to date, the only African-American female CEO of a Fortune 500 company.

It should be a personal choice, like wearing blue or red, but it isn't really. The decision to wear blue or red in some neighborhoods is a matter of life or death or safety, because those are Crips' or Bloods' colors, and you have to know the code. It isn't written down anywhere.

And, similarly, to wear their hair a certain way is a matter of corporate survival for many women. And for black women, it is so, so freighted with history, with the weight of all the messages telling you, You just won't do. You aren't good enough. How you look is wrong. ... How your hair grows is wrong.

There are some who will listen to our moms conversation today -- about the video of a little girl screaming and crying as she gets her hair done -- and they will ask, "What on EARTH are these women talking about? ... How could this possibly be a big deal in this day and age?"

But trust me. It is. We wish it weren't. But it is.

People say having kids will keep you young, but they will also keep you humble. I was on Washington Post media writer Howard Kurtz's CNN program "Reliable Sources" yesterday to talk about last week's "beer summit" at the White House, Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin's media bashing et al, and my husband made the kids watch the show (if for no other reason than so they would see why I got up and left the house on Sunday without them). When I got home, I asked them how they liked it and my husband didn't want to tell me, until I insisted.

My daughter was happy, "it's Mommy! It's Mommy."

But my son went right there ...

"This is boring. Can we watch Scoobie Doo?"

So there you have it, big shot.

Speaking of children, this weekend reminded us not to take anything for granted.

I had not mentioned it before now because I did not know if this was meant to be kept private, but as there was a piece in The Washington Post over the weekend, I assume I can share this. We are in a state of deep grief here at NPR. The two sons of our colleague Linton Weeks and his wife Jan -- Stone, 24, and Holt, 23 -- were killed last week in a multi-car collision as they were driving home from Rice University in Houston to their parents' home in Rockville, Maryland. (Read the obituary, for more.)

There are really no words. All one can say is how very, very sorry we all are and that I cannot wrap my head around it. I did not know the young men but their father is a man who radiates warmth and kindness, and judging from the tremendous attendance at the funeral -- there must have been 800 or 900 people there -- these were some very special young men also.

And then there was this ...

Our regular Barbershop regular Ruben Navarrette and his wife Veronica welcomed the lovely Vanessa into their lives -- at 8 lbs, 7 ounces -- last Thursday. Check out her picture:

Vanessa Naverrette. ( Family Photo)

She joins big sister Jacqui and big brother Santi. We are so happy for them.

Teshima Walker, here.

Here's a quick note to let you know Michel Martin is trying to catch her breath. I've got tons of stories piled high on her desk, chair and floors ... and she's sorting through them all. (Thanks, Michel.)

There are several stories on our mind:

First and foremost, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted today in favor of Judge Sonia Sotomayor. This is a historic moment, right? But what happens to that moment when your Senator votes "No."

We consider the case of Republican Sen. John Cornyn, who represents the heavily Latino-populated state of Texas. Cornyn voted against confirming Sotomayor as the first Hispanic justice on the Supreme Court.

Plus, I speak often about my battle with the bulge. (And I'm on my way to exercise boot camp as soon as I finish this post.) More than a third of black Americans are obese, with Hispanics not far behind. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the government will give state and local governments more money to fight obesity.

I want to know, what does this really mean and what are fat people saying (I can say "fat" ... with love)?

Now, even the government wants you to lose weight, eat more fruits and vegetables and exercise. But I want to know how state and local government plans to help you lose weight when you can't find time away from your job -- and your family -- in order to exercise. Will they pay for baby sitters? Gym memberships?

Whatever.

I want to hear from a fat person trying to schedule fitness into their daily lives, and from those who are getting their friends involved. So, call me ... well, e-mail me, and tell me how you're removing your "love handles." Lol.

Michel will be back to blog it out with you tomorrow. And, if there's a story that you think we should talk about, let us know.

Take care ...

Teshima Walker, here ...

Wow. What is the lesson I've learned this week from programming Tell Me More?

It's hard out here.

Today, the federal minimum wage jumps to $7.25 an hour. And, for a full-time worker that could mean an extra $1500 a year, before taxes. Just in case you're trying to guess whose doing the happy dance and bumping fists over the extra cash, it's your retail worker and restaurant employee.

I guess you're thinking, it's a good day for those waitresses that have to run back and forth for your "room temperature water with no ice and one wedge of lemon, please.

But, here's a secret we've heard from one or two of them: this recession has resulted in some lousy tips from all of us. So, reconsider fussing about that 20 percent tip -- whether you think they've earned it or not -- because it's hard out here.

How hard is it?

Historian Henry Louis Gates Jr., poses for a photograph at his home in Cambridge, Mass., in January 2008. Gates is Director of the W. E. B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research at Harvard University. AP

 

Ask Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr. He was handcuffed, arrested on his own front porch last week.

Have you seen the pictures?

A white police officer has a hand on Professor Gates' arm as his more salt than peppered beard, is seen bordering his open mouth. I know Professor Gates is fussing that picture. How can I tell? Here's the story and you tell me if you wouldn't have been in a fussing mood.

Professor Gates returned home after spending a week in China, where he was filming his new PBS documentary, Faces of America. It isn't Gates' first PBS documentary. Remember his series African-American Lives, where he traced the genealogical and historical guide for comedian Chris Rock, singer Tina Turner and media mogul Oprah Winfrey?

But I digress ...

So the lock is jammed and Gates and his driver are pushing against the front door, having to force their way in. But Gates' neighbor doesn't recognize him, calls the police and the Cambridge arrive on the scene. Words were exchanged (reported that someone said something about someone's Mama) and ... you guessed it -- the well-respected Professor Henry Louis Gates, Jr., is charged with disorderly conduct.

Now, although the charges were dropped, Gates is ANGRY. He says he was humiliated; the police officer didn't recognize him, his accomplishments, his connections to Harvard, to PBS ... to frickin' OPRAH?!

And so now, honestly, I'm wondering, how do I counsel the Black men that I love?

How do I keep them safe from humiliation and harm if Gates, an older dude with a case of jet lag, can't be forgiven for being indignant when he flashes his all-impressive Harvard employment badge with his picture, and still gets a ride in the back seat of a squad car?

Continue reading "This Week's Lesson: It's Hard Out There" >

We are scrambling today - furloughs, vacations, sick leave. The rest of us are hiding under our desks. We hope you like our take on the news of the day - the increase in the minimum wage, the 40th anniversary of the Moon landing and the passing of Walter Cronkite.
Let's hope nobody else goes down for the count!

Teshima Walker, here ...

Today's program excites me. It's a great mix of conversations -- political, social, cultural -- I hope you're listening and liking what you hear. Write and let us know. Don't send complaints, though! (Kidding.)

So, what's up for next week?

Well, many news organizations are noting the 40th anniversary of when Neal Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin Aldrin landed on the moon as part of the Apollo 11 mission. On Monday, Michel talks with Dr. Bernard Harris. He was the first African American to walk in space. He's trying to get young people interested in science, technology and mathematics.

Does he have his work cut out for him?

I'm not a science whiz -- that's my baby sister's domain. Anyway, Dr. Harris' story about becoming an astronaut is amazing. He began preparing for his career at the age of 13 when he watched the moon landing.

Also ...

Next Friday, the minimum wage increases to $7.25 and we want to know how that will affect you. Is the increase enough? And if you're a small business owner - will it break your bank? Let us know.

Finally, here's a note from our Planning Editor, Luis Clemens.

Thanks, Teshima.

Earlier this week, Michel had a conversation about the Spanish-language media coverage of the confirmation hearings of Supreme Court nominee Judge Sonia Sotomayor. She talked with three prominent Latino journalists: Gerson Borrero of New York's leading Spanish-language daily - El Diario/La Prensa. He is a political columnist known for his independent streak. Lori Montenegro, a veteran correspondent at the Spanish-language Telemundo network's Washington bureau. And Maria Elena Salinas who co-anchors the evening news on Univision, which is the country's largest Spanish-language media company. Columnist Gerson Borrero chose to drop out of the conversation. We called to find out why and Mr. Borrero said this: he felt he wasn't given a chance to fully explain his viewpoint and was treated rudely. He then opted to hang up. Some of you thought we were censoring Mr. Borrero.

That was definitely not the case and it was not our intention to be rude. We were most definitely not censoring Mr. Borrero. For the record, we planned to hear more from him after the break. We wanted to hear his viewpoint. In fact, we still want to hear from Mr. Borrero and have invited him to return to our program. He has graciously agreed to talk to us in the future.

Thanks, Luis...

Have a good weekend.

Marie Nelson, here ...

At the risk of being stoned, by you our loyal online community, and quite honestly, most to the team that produces Tell Me More, I begin this posting with lyrics from Michael Jackson's "Gone Too Soon."

Born To Amuse, To Inspire, To Delight
Here One Day
Gone One Night

Like A Sunset
Dying With The Rising Of The Moon
Gone Too Soon

Gone Too Soon

TMM Executive Producer Marie Nelson is leaving the program for an opportunity with President Obama's administration. Robert Sachs/NPR

 

Today is a profoundly difficult one for me. It's my last day producing Tell Me More as I embark upon a new journey, working in the Obama administration as part of their efforts to build peace in the Sudan.

But, I want to share with you the reasons that I accepted Michel's invitation, three years ago, to come to NPR to create this program. First, I believe in Michel Martin. She has the unique capacity to dazzle and to get down and dirty. She is funny and human and she gets it right. I would have followed her anywhere, and that's the real truth. However, there was the added attraction of being able to make real things we had only dreamed of -- telling stories and reaching people that we believe are an integral and often underserved part of the public radio universe.

In the early days, we sat for hours in small rooms with nothing more than flip charts and a fountain of ideas.

What could we bring to the table that was fresh, relevant and powerful?

The Moms, Barbershop and scores of talented contributors began to make the ideas from the flip charts come to life. And though our motley crew started as a dynamic duo, we built a team of dedicated and crafty journalists, who added their dreams to the mix.

How else could we have brought you conversations like James Harvey (a a Newark father who lost his son to gun violence) , Makaiya (the pregnant teenager), veteran black journalist Bernard Shaw, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former KKK leader David Duke and Queen Latifah, to name a few?

We traveled the program from Las Vegas to Jackson, Miss. We chased Obama in a convoy down the highways and byways of the campaign trail, forced Michel to consume alcoholic beverages for our "summer sipping" series --- all for the love of you. So, as I pack my boxes, and honestly shed more than a few tears, I know that I am leaving you in the best of hands.

For me, in this chapter, the sun sets. For you, the moon rises and the dream lives on for all of us.

Be good to each other.

The TMM production staff poses in a 2007 photo on Capitol Hill with Executive Producer Marie Nelson (far left, wearing black) Margaret Low Smith/NPR

 

Hi, "Tell Me More" world. Argin Hutchins, here ...

Lee Hill, our resident digital media guy asked me to do a blog posting about today's show. And I have to say that his request caught me off guard for one huge reason: today, I directed the program (our usual Director is Rob Sachs, who's enjoying some time off).

Most people don't know what's involved in doing that job, so let me explain ...

Think of directing a live radio program as if you were a train operator. Your primary responsibilities are to make the train run on time, and to steer clear of incidents. You are not necessarily worried about what's happening in one particular train car, or how many people are in another. And in that same vein (similar to a train conductor), when I direct, I don't always hear all of the show. My role isn't so much to listen to content, but my primary concern is that that we are playing the proper audio at the correct time for our listeners. (All I really hear during the show are the highlights.)

For instance, we had a conversation today about the Stonewall "rebellion" -- or "riots," depending on who you talk to -- where New York police raided a gay bar in 1969. Apparently that happened a lot in the late 1960s, but this time the patrons fought back.

Even though I was busy in-studio directing the program, I was still drawn to our guests' vivid memories and feelings about how they witnessed what happened. Towards the end of the conversation, one of the guests, Danny Garvin, became quite emotional when explaining how heartbreaking it is to have a loving same-sex relationship for 17 years, and be treated with less respect than married heterosexuals, who sometimes take their marriages for granted.

So, even when sitting in the Director's chair (which certainly has its stressful moments), there are some stories that compel your ear to listen.

Until next time ...

-- Argin Hutchins

If you're busy today and don't have time for the whole program, I'd like to ask you to listen to Teshima Walker's remembrance of our dear friend and colleague Sheryl Flowers, who died yesterday at 42. She was the executive producer of Tavis Smiley's radio program and the communications director of The Smiley Group. She had been fighting cancer for the last two years, and the last few months were not going well. Teshima and I had just seen her in Denver at the Democratic National Convention, and I think we all convinced ourselves that she had won the fight and was going to pull through.

Some of you may remember, I wrote about losing my dear friend Sandee a few months back, also to cancer, also too soon.

I was raised not to question these things. I was raised to believe some things are beyond our comprehension. In a way, I guess that's true on some basic level. After all, why does a wonderful, productive, lovely, smart, healthy living woman die at 42 -- or even 53 -- who has never smoked, always exercised, didn't do any of the things we're all taught not to do? Who can really explain that? We won't try, but we will renew the call I made earlier this year after Sandee passed away: What can we do to pay tribute to them and to the others we miss?

In the meantime, here are a few tributes to Sheryl from some of our extended family ...

Tell Me More producer Teshima Walker (left) shares a happy moment at NPR with former News and Notes host Tony Cox and producer Sheryl Flowers (far right). Courtesy of Tony Cox

 

I really don't remember exactly when, or how Sheryl Flowers and I met, although I suspect it was during some Black Journalists Association function in California back in the 80's. I just know we've been friends and colleagues for a long time. And even though we saw less of each other in the last year, I always felt her presence.

That's how Sheryl was -- ever present even when she wasn't there. She had a look, a tiny half-smile/half-grunt that let you know she was paying attention to whatever was happening, but wasn't going to let you know her true feelings until, and unless, she was ready.

Continue reading "Saying Farewell To Another Friend" >

Lee Hill, here ...

One of the more challenging aspects of producing a daily news/talk program is that you seldom get a moment to sit down, at the end of a long work week, and just ... take it all in. By that, I'm saying that the discovery of new information -- or how old information affects people in new ways -- and the process of presenting that information, is one that can often be overpowering. I'm learning how easy it can be sometimes to overlook (or simply forget) the wisdom gained from looking back ...

We sometimes joke in this business about shining moments of great reporting or teamwork as lasting as long as, well, that moment. With each day's end, the slate is wiped clean for us to move full speed ahead at telling you more (although it can be frustrating, sort of like that "masterpiece" sand castle that you spent hours making on the beach, only to have it flattened to its surface by the next wave headed to shore).

One might say that we could stand to spend more time smelling the roses -- and feeling the pain -- of people, places and circumstances affected by the times in which we live.

We're trying. And we know there's never truly "enough" time for that.

But I've also learned to look at it this way: we work in a universe of second chances. Everyday is yet another opportunity to start over. ... Because there's always something new to tell and (we hope we're effective at presenting) a new perspective to consider, right?

At any rate, speaking of a fresh start, check out a brief look ahead to Monday. I'm handing the virtual mic over to Teshima Walker, senior supervising producer, for TMM.

Teshima, what's the word?

Thanks, Lee.

For starters, it's raining here in Washington, D.C., today. Some folks might catch the blues from looking at these overcast skies, but I like this weather.

And speaking of the blues, you have to tune in Monday to hear legendary blues musician, Lonnie Brooks, and his son Wayne perform on Tell Me More. Get ready to tap your feet and snap your fingers.

(Can I just tell you? I ran into the studio to get "my sing" on when Mr. Brooks performed the song "Sweet Home Chicago." That's my jam! I loved it.)

Have a great weekend. Now you know where to come to cure your Monday blues.

Tag! You're it, Lee.

Thanks, Teshima... Looking forward to a happy (and blue) Monday!

A major focus of our program today will be President's address in Cairo, as well you might expect. Highly anticipated, heavily covered, we'll have two segments on the speech.We're speaking with three young Muslims from three different countries who are studying and working in the US about their reaction to the speech and we'll talk with two Muslim writers and intellectuals about just what IS this Muslim world that we keep talking about? it's sort of a cousin to the conversation we had yesterday with Gregory Rodriguez about "the Latino community." And we close the program with a visit with the director and one of the stars of Joe Turner's Come and Gone, that August Wilson play that the Obama's visited last weekend. ( and now he's in Cairo...that's a head snapper for you ).

And now a followup to my Can I Just Tell You? column from Monday: A couple of conservative bloggers have put me in their sights. Actually, I don't think most of them listened to or read what I actually said...because why really bother? SO much more amusing to trash people based on what suits your ideological interests I know..BUT..the stated source of their angina are some comments I made six years ago about Miguel Estrada whom President Bush had nominated to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals and which a significant number of Democrats opposed and threatened to filibuster. There's a long background to this as you might know...Democrats were angry about the way the Republican dominated Senate had treated Clinton judicial nominees, Republicans were still mad about Robert Bork some years before that, all that...anyway Estrada eventually withdrew and there was some personal tragedy attached to that. But that all came later...anyway. Some of the bloggers have their knickers in a twist because I called Miguel Estrada "an affirmative action candidate." Natually they took what I said completely out of context (what fun!) but since we're here, let me set the record straight for those rs who care. Here is what I actually said. This comes from February 9 2003:

Miguel Estrada is a very promising young lawyer who went to some excellent schools, had excellent clerkships, has a good work record. What he lacks in judicial background he makes up with a compelling life story. He was born in Honduras, came here speaking very little English and has done some important and impressive things. And you know what's that is called, George? Affirmative action. He is an affirmative action candidate as practiced by the Republican party and the conservative movement, and what it also indicates is that the Democrats haven't succeeded in making judicial nominations as an important grass roots issue as the Republicans and the Conservatives have.

Continue reading "Can I Just Tell You: Follow-Up" >

Planning Editor Luis Clemens joined 'Tell Me More' in December 2008. Monika Evstatieva/NPR

Thanks, Michel. Luis Clemens, here ...

As Michel suggested, I have the pleasure/burden of being the editor who takes first crack at selecting which book authors to interview for Tell Me More. There are no hard and fast rules about which titles get airtime and which don't - but, we do observe a few self-imposed guidelines.

1) The book has to matter.

This does not mean the book has to be written by a president or a Nobel prizewinner. It can be a light-hearted summer read that speaks to our audience.

2) Two chapters and out.

The book has to prove its worth by the end of the second chapter. If it hasn't grabbed me by then, well, I am not going to bother reading the rest of it. Every now and then, all I have to do is read the first page. I keep waiting and hoping to fall in love with a freshly published book after only the first paragraph.

It has happened to me before and it is like instantly falling in love:

"She was Lo, plain Lo, in the morning, standing four feet ten in one sock. She was Lola in slacks. She was Dolly at school. She was Dolores on the dotted line. But in my arms, she was always Lolita." - Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

And ...

"In Africa, you want more, I think." - Mating by Norman Rush

And ...

"Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buend??a was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice." - One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

3) Timing helps.

If the subject of the book happens to coincide with or complement a story that is hot in the news right now, then its chances of getting on air are much improved. Right now, for instance, I would kill for a good biography of Judge Sonia Sotomayor.

Continue reading "Want Us To Feature Your Book? Here Are 5 Tips: " >

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Now, I'd like to have a word about books, and I am going to ask our planning editor Luis Clemens to join me for this.

(Hi, Luis!)

I took a few days off last week (to be honest, I was furloughed but that's another story ... ) and when I got back, I had no fewer than six unsolicited books on my chair. I spent the last hour of the work day culling through four stacks of books that were literally waist-high against the wall (don't tell the fire marshals). A few of them were duplicates, a bunch were obvious rejects that don't fit the mission of the program (like some quasi-porn chick lit and some crazy self-help books that don't address any problems of anybody I know), and a lot of them were ... were what? Books that were interesting, important, about something important but, for whatever reason, we just are not going to get to.

And I put the ones that we obviously won't use onto a cart that goes around the building to other programs and reporters for this purpose. We hope somebody will find exactly what he or she is looking for. But I was still left with a couple of knee high and thigh high stacks. What to do, what to do?

It pains me and it thrills me at the same time. On the one hand -- because I have many friends who have written books -- I know how much time, effort and how many sleepless nights go into each one. And I appreciate the intentions of the people who send us their books. They want attention for them but, more importantly, I think, they are just proud of themselves and want the world to see what they have done. So every time I put one of those books on the reject cart I know I'm putting months or years of someone else's life on the shelf and saying, no thanks.

On the other hand, to be brutally honest, sometimes I am thinking, what the hell was this person or his or her publicist thinking when they sent me this? Some of these books are just lousy, poorly written, and/or have nothing to do with the interests (as we understand them) of the people who listen to this program.

I think you are getting the idea that we can only review or talk about a tiny fraction of the books that come to us. For more on how we do decide, here's Luis ...

My thanks to NPR's Lynn Neary and Jennifer Ludden for sitting-in last week while I was focusing on my other job (moms, you know what I'm talking about).

Can you believe it's June? The year is half over? And even more terrifying for us parents, school is almost over for the year.

Which is one reason we are going to dig into education issues as much as we can this month, starting with a moms conversation tomorrow about that pay-for-grades idea being advanced in various school districts around the country. The idea is to pay kids for attendance and achievement. It targets, as you might guess, kids from low-income backgrounds and middle schoolers, and those who are having trouble staying motivated. We talked with the moms in our weekly parenting segment about this earlier in the school year, but tomorrow we hear from two students who recently debated this among themselves, so we were excited to hear from them.

We also plan to dig into stories about charter schools, single-sex education and all the issues you (and we) have been hearing about.

Let us know if there's something you really want us to dig into.

And, now, let me find something for the kids to do in August.

Sigh ...

Marie Nelson, here ...

It's the Friday before the memorial holiday weekend, and we are excited about the program that we have in store for you. So, here is a quick preview.

As the nation pays homage to fallen service members, we tell you what you need to know about the ongoing war in Afghanistan and why President Obama has put this conflict on the front burner. Michel talks with Amin Tarzi, the director of Middle East Studies at the Marine Corps University. We also post a "web exclusive" interview, as part of our Afghanistan primer conversation, with Clare Lockhart, of The Institute for State Effectiveness, who takes us inside the Taliban and explains why they are still a force to be reckoned with.

We also bring you the story of fallen soldier, Army 1st Sgt. Charles Monroe King. He died in Baghdad in 2006, but not before leaving behind a 200-page journal for his infant son Jordan. King's surviving partner and mother of his son, Dana Canedy, an editor at The New York Times, turned the journal into a book "A Journal for Jordan." It's a story of love and loss and one that you don't want to miss.

Finally, we had to recognize that many of you will spend the day enjoying the requisite barbeques and may want to listen to something that makes you stomp your feet and clap your hands. Country chart-topper Cleve Francis fits the bill. He was one of the first African-American country artists to sign a major record deal after music legend Charley Pride.

Oh, and by the way, music isn't his day job. Francis is a cardiologist. Healing hearts and soothing our savage souls, he visits our studio with his band to preview his new album "Story Time" with a special performance chat.

From all of us at Tell Me More, we wish you a happy Memorial Day. And to our service members and their families, we say thank you.

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Monika Evstatieva here...

Happy Friday, everybody! Hope you all had a good week. On Friday, we usually air Backtalk - our weekly segment, where we get to hear from you - our listeners and bloggers. This Friday, though, we are shifting the conversation to the blog.

This week, we spoke to writer and social critic Barbara Ehrenrich. And she said it's time for Americans to get a little more angry and a lot more politically involved, when it comes to the economic recession and the large number of lay-offs.

The discussion prompted us to ask whether you think unemployment is a chance for personal growth, or an opportunity for political empowerment. And if you've lost your job, do you think retraining programs are a solution, or a waste of time?

Randy from Chesepeake, VA says he is currently undergoing retraining, but this is a good thing.

"I believe it is a good idea to re-train, because it does help a person re-educate and re-think about what they want to do."

But, Joe from New Jersey does not completely agree with that.

"The job market is designed for retraining, for one job after the other, after the other. I've been through myself and it does keep you busy while you are unemployed, looking for a job and trying to get re-trained for a job that you do not know how long it will last for and what the demand is going to be."

Janet Carpenter says she has been laid off many a times, but advises we should remain optimistic, even when we get laid off.

"Give yourself some time to mourn. Get up. Move on. And find something new, because you never know where that door will leave you."

I second that Janet.

This, week we also had a discussion about the role of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). We spoke with the new president of Howard University Sidney Ribeau and Michael Lomax, the President and CEO of the United Negro College Fund.

We've asked you whether you think that Historically Black Colleges and Universities still have a role to play in the future of higher education? And if you attended an H-B-C-U, what did you find valuable about that experience?

Many of you said HBCUs are not only still needed, but there is a pride derived from such an education.

Jabari, a senior at Morehouse College says he is glad he is attending an HBCU, although he was also accepted at the University of California, Berkeley.

"That instruction as an African American male, not just as a regular student is something that is essential and is something that is usually overlooked and something that when you have black students that go to predominantly white institutions they don't gain that, you know messes someone with their confidence."

Listener Snyder George attended Prairie View A&M University and thinks HBCU's serve an important purpose:

"It is not always that easy for us to get into major universities...Not everybody is good at taking exams. And a lot of people have connections at these universities (HBCUs) because different people's parents may have attended there and they are more equal opportunity."

Mr. George, however, says attitude is a problem at HBCUs.

And finally, on Monday Reverend Miguel Rivera, Chairman of the National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders and Reverend Luis Cortes, president and CEO of Esperanza, a network of Hispanic churches in the United States shared their opposing views on should illegal immigrants be counted in the upcoming 2010 census.

Reverend Rivera wants the undocumented to boycott the census, unless Congress passes comprehensive immigration reform. But, Raul E. Cisneros from the U.S. Census Bureau stated that no organization should urge their members not to participate.

Here is the official statement: "Our job is to count every single person. We are disappointed that any organization would urge anyone to not participate in the 2010 Census."

Annette Lynn blogs: "As a health care professional I spend much of my time wrestling with an under funded indigent-care provider system in efforts "extend the net" for many children of immigrants. Does Rev. Rivera not realize that funds will not be allocated, for health care or education, to cover presumptive populations? In his effort to make a stand he is excluding and dooming those who most need to be counted."

Thank you, Annette.

And let me tell you, before I sign off how grateful we are for all your comments...we read them all (it's true). So, stay tuned for more and as we always like to say here: PLEASE, TELL US MORE.

Blog to you soon.

Lee Hill, here ...

This week has been hectic around here, to say the least. Special thanks to fellow TMM producers Monika Evstatieva and Douglas Hopper for stepping up to the plate while I was out. Monika even prepared a special "web-i-fied" version of BackTalk for today, just for the blogosphere. So, check her out -- and check yourselves out -- when you get a moment.

Looking ahead ...

On Monday, we go behind closed doors to take on an issue that human rights advocates and public health leaders in this country have long wrestled with: how to get (and keep) prostitutes, or sex workers, off the streets. For some, providing sexual favors is not so much a choice, as it is a way of life.

You'll hear from two women, both of whom formerly worked as prostitutes. Listen on Monday as they describe their journey of self-discovery and tell how transitioning from a life off the streets hasn't been an easy one.

We'll meet you back here on Monday.

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I am back from St. Louis, and off to ... jury duty.

Wish me luck. (You know what that means in this context, right?)

And, if you haven't already, check out today's Can I Just Tell You? commentary. On my mind this week: a few thoughts about Mother's Day, the idea of becoming the "perfect mom," and notes about how much of the judgment and ridicule directed at women and mothers comes from other women and mothers.

You can also learn more by reading a recent article, published by The New York Times (which I referenced today in my piece).

Lee Hill, here ...

So, little did folks know that, after yesterday's program, Michel Martin and Producer Arwa Gunja rushed out of here to catch a plane. They headed off to St. Louis to take a piece of Tell Me More to Missouri and learn more about the public radio community, as well as our listeners, there.

Here's Arwa, with notes and pictures of the road ...

TMM Producer Arwa Gunja (right) and Michel Martin pose for a photo at St. Louis public radio member station KWMU. Mary Edwards/KWMU

 

Thanks, Lee.

Now it's time to head home. In the meantime, enjoy more pics below ...

Michel Martin and NPR newscaster Lakshmi Singh (left) were the guests of honor for "Talk, Toast, Taste," sponsored by KWMU. Arwa Gunja/NPR

 

A sizeable audience gathered for a chance to see the people behind the radio. Arwa Gunja/NPR

 

Thanks, Arwa. Safe travels to you and Michel. See you back on this end.

And enjoy your weekend...

Can you believe it's almost the end of April? How crazy is that? Does it seem as though the year is flying by? (Oh, man. I shouldn't admit that. It's the kind of thing my mother would say. Guess it happens to all of us, doesn't it?)

Anyway, we are planning for coverage of President Obama's first 100 days in office and our second anniversary program. We're not making as big a deal about this show anniversary as we did the first. Life is so unfair, isn't it? The staff who joined us before year one get this nice party and special in-studio performance by Marcus Johnson. The ones who came this year get ... ice cream. Isn't that the way it goes?

(I'm a second child, I have issues.)

But I digress.

I'm still interested in your comments about the program.

And we're still interested in your BOOK ideas for our summer reading series. We have tentatively decided to focus on fiction because the first book in our series is from Colson Whitehead, of the MacArthur Fellowship fame. We think you'll find it compelling and, if not the novel, the conversation. But we want to hear from you. At the very least want the final book in the series to be a listeners' choice.

Let us know, we'd love it to be a book that you want to read in summer. Or, it could be ABOUT summer. It could be ... anything. But preferably, a book you might not get to during the rest of the year.

Let us know.

The famous ball atop Times Square in New York City has been refitted with energy-efficient LED lights and has been re-dubbed the 'Earth Ball' in honor of Earth Day and in anticipation of the 40th anniversary of the environmental holiday in 2010. Chris Hondros/Getty Images

 

Lee Hill, here ...

In case you didn't know, today is Earth Day. On the program, we talked about how this day means different things to different people ... and to some, not much at all.

Some think the commemoration is more of a cultural phenomenon, namely that Earth Day is somehow more popular among white environmentalists (although I think we dispelled that a bit today -- check out our interviews with White House adviser Van Jones and with essayists from theRoot.com), while others think everyday should be a day for everyone to be more environmentally conscious.

So, what does Earth Day mean to you?

In the meantime, here are some perspectives from two of our own -- TMM producers Monika Evstatieva and Douglas Hopper:

Today is Earth Day and I've just realized that I've never acknowledged it in past years. Do not get me wrong, I've heard about it but it just never meant anything to me. Why? Maybe because, where I come from in the Balkans, we have always had fresh and tasty produce. Maybe because environmental preservation was something only rich people talk about. Or, maybe because the country I grew up in really did not generate a large carbon footprint, because it was too underdeveloped and small in size to do so. I am not exactly sure why. ... What I know for sure is that no matter where you come from, the problem of green preservation will hit you one way or the other. The piles and piles of garbage on the streets of Sofia (my home city and the capital of Bulgaria) that are not recycled -- and sometimes not even collected -- bother all residents. I know that in the U.S., I have to try to be less wasteful. It is so easy to be wasteful here. And I know from the reporting we have done on the topic at "Tell Me More" over the last two years, it will become the world's number one problem -- no matter what discussions and policy revisions occur in the meantime. ... And when even Walmart, with its scores of customers, begins pushing a "green" agenda (which it has), I have to remember that Earth Day is, not only today, but everyday

Thanks, Monika. Douglas, how do you think about Earth Day?

Lee, I've been thinking about Majora Carter's comment today -- in theRoot.com roundtable conversation -- about minorities feeling like it's not their planet, not their land -- a kind of learned separation from the environment. It's something I've pondered lately as it relates to not knowing my ancestry -- which I think perpetuated a sense that this is not MY world; that because I'm not connected to any history, I'm not connected to any FUTURE. This, coupled with the marginilization of being gay, I've often felt like being green is artificial. Even though I have participated, it has often been for social reasons for, at the very least, immediate results. Now, I'm considering the longterm results and feeling like I could/should have some influence. But at the same time, I'm troubled by my sense of disconnection. There's something deep about this notion of 'it's not my world' - on a political and spiritual level.

Thanks, D. Interesting reflections.

Now, it's your turn ...

Happy Friday, everybody...

Our friend Gary Smith, who sat at the NPR front desk used to greet us every morning, saying that simple phrase. And just hearing him say it would make you feel good, and if you already felt good it would make you feel better. As you may remember he died last year and certain things just make us think of him -- the Pittsburgh Steelers (he was a crazy football fan), spring (he loved spring). He loved ... everything.

You can't replace a guy like that, but we can try to remember him. Miss you, Gary!

So Many Stories, So Little Time

Monday is the 10th anniversary of the Columbine shooting; we're still sorting ourselves out.

Are anniversaries inherently newsworthy?

I really am not sure about that. But I do think, as humans, our minds gravitate to anniversaries. I know I find myself experiencing certain feelings around dates that are significant in my family -- births, deaths, and other significant events in the life of our family, such as when we got engaged, for example.

On Monday, we know we are going to tell you about a new film starring Alfre Woodard and Nicole Beharie. American Violet takes on an issue we talk a lot about in this program -- the criminal justice system and the way it affects people of color and poor people.

We're also going to try to follow up on some issues that surfaced in interviews this week that we feel could use more attention and reporting, like the extent of homelessness or the increase in homelessness nationwide due to the recession.

House (Of Worship) Hunting

And I am curious to know, if you attend a house of worship on a regular (or semi-regular) basis, how did you go about choosing where you now attend?

Was it an easy decision, or a hard one? Let us know ...

And have a good weekend.

We got a lot of comments about our segment on swimming and why black kids (and Latino kids) are far less likely to swim than white kids and are, as a consequence, far more likely to drown. We did a segment yesterday about a new Aquatics concentration at Hampton University and the instructor there Jodi Jensen, who is white, told us about her adventures not only in the pool but in cross cultural understanding.

I am reminded of a really interesting book we covered last year that goes into some of the historical reasons why this disparity in swimming competence exists. It's called Contested Waters: A Social History of the Swimming Pool in America.

Check out the piece we did last year about the book. It's academic (sorry, Jeff, It's true), but still very readable

And here's one piece I didn't get to explore: the study by USA swimming that documents disparity in swimming competence is nearly the same for both black kids and Latino kids -- 58 percent of black kids and 56 percent of Latino kids, compared to 31 percent of white kids, can't swim. But, twice as many Latino kids as Black kids are now involved in competitive swimming.

Why might that be? Is it that middle class Latino kids are more likely to live in the suburbs and thus more likely to have access to a pool? Or, is it that black kids have more thoroughly internalized the stereotype that black kids can't or don't, or have no reason to, swim?

We're still working on our contribution to the pirate story, which is to say we're looking for something to add or say that would offer a different perspective. Until then, here is a piece. It's blog commnentary, but it quotes an interview with K'Naan, a Somali rap artist. He has a provocative take on this story.

Lee Hill, here ...

I'm stepping in for Michel. One of her dear friends recently lost his father; she left here to go offer support to the bereaved family.

Speaking of loss (ironically), on today's program you heard the work of Hope Anita Smith. The author and poet is out with a new book titled Mother Poems, which attempts to translate the pain of losing a parent into words through poetry.

Click here to listen to today's piece, read an excerpt from Smith's writings and to see a photo of her, pictured with her late mother, Ms. Nedroe Lee Crews.

Smith's work is an example of how beauty can be found in just about everything ... even in loss.

Michel is back tomorrow.

Cherry blossoms bloom alongside the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival runs April 4- 12. KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images

Spring is sprung,
De grass is riz,
I wonder where dem birdies is?
De little birds is on de wing,
Ain't dat absurd?
De little wing is on de bird!

I have no idea who came up with this little ditty, but when we were kids growing up in New York I guarantee you it would send us into breathless gulps of laughter. We thought it was the most hilarious thing in the world -- a "poem" we could recite in our native language, Brooklynese.

But I thought about it because spring finally came to our neck of the woods this weekend. Cherry blossoms were out, the tulips were up and that, in turn, made me think ahead to ... Summer. And, more specifically, our summer reading series.

This summer we want to give focus to the books we feature and we want to hear from you as we plan. We have already heard from some of you; we'd like to hear from more of you. We, of course, are also pressuring (I mean, uh, elicting) suggestions from the TMM staff.

I want to make sure you know that we are particularly open to fiction at this time of year; we cover very little fiction during the rest of the year, but summer seems, logically, to lead us to want to crack open a good novel.

Some of the ideas we're tossing around are:

1) New fiction from Africa

2) Memoirs (of who? women, men ... from around the world?)

3) History: America revisited (some incredible new scholarship to which we offer just a glance)

4) Urban literature (some call it "ghetto lit"). Is it more than trash?

5) Your suggestion here.

You see what I mean? So many possibilities. Let us know ...

We thought we'd end up the week with a bang, the Gov. of New York, David Paterson. We wanted to talk to him because he is on the horns of a dilemma.

On the one hand, some of the Wall Street titans who are being handed a share of blame for the financial mess are his constituents. On the other hand, New York is feeling a very large share of pain.

How does he address both perspectives? Can he?

We ask him. Plus, he talks about changing the Rockefeller Drug Laws. New York has some of the most stringent drug laws in the country, requiring mandatory minimum sentences for many low-level, non violent drug offenses. Advocates have been trying to change the mandatory minimums for years arguing that it is too expensive and socially destructive to keep locking up so many people and that it would be far better to steer people into drug treatment. We talk about that, too.

Then to Faith Matters, where we talk about the ongoing relationship between conservative evangelicals and the White House. Concerned Women for America president Wendy Wright asked for and got a meeting with the head of the White House Office on Faith Based and Neighborhood Initiatives. We heard from her and Kevin Ecstrom, editor of Religion News Service.

And a special collaboration with theRoot.com. I am excited. We hope to have one of these collaborations about once a month, where we showcase some of their provocative reporting and commentary. I have an essay in the package, too, but you heard it before. It's adapted from a commentary I did last summer when I cut off my hair and the excessive (I think) reaction I received to same.

In case you are wondering, I grew the hair back. My daughter requested it.

She said, "Mommy, everybody in the family has hair like daddy now and nobody has hair like me!"

So what could I say? I am back to the twists. It's all good.

HAPPY FRIDAY, EVERYONE.

On today's show, we are pleased to join forces again with the daily online magazine theRoot.com. When we learned they were planning to publish a series of essays on the relationship between black women and their hair, through the prism of the current economic downturn, we had to get in the mix. So, this week we sidelined the guys in the Barbershop for the ladies of the Beauty Shop. Since Barbershop regular Jimi Izrael has more hair than many women, Michel invited him to join the conversation. Tune in for a "hair raising" exchange. Sorry, I could not help myself.

I did not have the opportunity to post an essay, but since I've been thinking about this a lot I'd thought I'd share ...

Most of the time, I wear my hair in a short natural, but I've been known to mix it up -- from twists, to braids, to wigs. My wigs even have names, since they are often styled after celebrity hairstyles. Michel's favorite is what she refers to as my "Mary J" - a short asymmetrical cut with some urban edge.

But I digress.

Since the recent "troubles" I have put a complete stop to my salon visits. Suddenly, the thought of spending close to $300 to get my hair braided seems ridiculous, and I have had to literally go back to my roots. I am trying to love the skin I'm in and enjoy rocking my 'fro -- but there is a part of me that feels denied.

For so many women, our hair is our crown -- it signals so much more than style. It's a harbinger of possibility, but right now, all that seems possible is that the world will learn that I have a Miss Clairol secret (since my roots are growing out).

Once I get over myself and stop the pity party, I will see that it really is not the end of the world and there are far more important sacrifices that are being made by many. Until then, I confess that whenever I run into the drugstore I head straight to the magazine aisle and thumb through the latest issue of Hype Hair.

A woman can still dream.

I am running because we have a full schedule of interviews coming up and I have to prepare.

Are you interested in any comments about the President's press conference last night? What are your reactions? What you would like to have heard more about?

Did you find the President's remarks persuasive, credible, interesting?

And, I am interested in the media angle. How did you think our colleagues handled themselves with the questioning?

Please don't for get our book series for the summer. We're looking for suggestions. How shall we organize it, and with what themes? What genre? What part of the world?

We tend to be more open to fiction in the summer (mainly because we believe that people have more time on their hands and also, it has to be said, because we largely ignore it the rest of the year), but we are open to any suggestions. Well just about any.

Cheers ...

TMM Executive Producer Marie Nelson, left, Host Michel Martin, Barbershop guest and Duke University Prof. Mark Anthony Neal and TMM Producer Argin Hutchins share a moment at public radio station WNCU-FM in Durham, NC. Kimberly Pierce-Cartwright, WNCU

 

Marie Nelson, here. I'm the Executive Producer for "Tell Me More"

Today, we are broadcasting from the mighty WNCU-FM, on the campus of North Carolina Central University in Durham.

Michel is getting ready to go on the air and then she heads across town to Duke University, where she will participate in the panel discussion "Press, Politics and Policy making in the Obama Era." So, I am stepping in to write today's posting.

This is a homecoming for me. I am a proud graduate of Duke, and I called Durham home for a few years after graduation. As I headed down I-85 South into town, I was gripped by a sense of nostalgia, passing by all of my old haunts. In my case, this translates into all of the all-night diners that I frequented to get my fill of biscuits and grits. (What can I say, it was the 80s and we were still eating carbs then.)

There is no better month to be in North Carolina than March --- to celebrate the madness that is NC basketball. Did I mention that I was here in Duke's hey day? Each year that I was on campus, we were in the Final Four and we won the NCAA championship back-to-back during my last two years.

Alright, before you begin throwing stones at me, I'll turn my attention to other matters of interest. ...

As a former field producer, it is always a pleasure getting the show out of the studio and on the road. It gives you an opportunity to touch stories and communities more directly, and to meet the people behind the voices.

Today, we focus on the economic challenges faced by North Carolina with two local journalists -- Jim Morrill, of The Charlotte Observer, and Glenn Burkins, of the African American-centered online news source Qcitymetro. With the state facing high levels of unemployment, a proposed budget that involves significant cuts in spending, and looming concerns about available support in the President's stimulus package -- there is a lot to talk about.

Michel also talks with a group of scholars, who are participants in the Duke conference on race in America. And, we convene a special North Carolina edition of the Barbershop.

Of course, we would not be allowed to leave the state without talking basketball. So, we checked in with Joanne P. McCallie, head coach of the Duke Women's Basketball team about their trip to the tournament.

Farewell To True Pioneers

Before we run off to make radio magic, we'd like to recognize the team that produces NPR's News & Notes. Today marks their final broadcast, and we want to thank them for paving the way for us. They were pioneers, working to diversify public radio's airwaves, and we know that without them there would be no us.

For many of us journalists of color and those who focus on covering diverse communities, who know what it means to be the only one, the loss of a program like News & Notes will be deeply felt.

To our colleagues, we say thank you for the strength of your reporting, the powerful stories you brought to life and the passion that made you a force to be reckoned with.

Until we meet again.

TMM Executive Producer Marie Nelson, left, Host Michel Martin, Barbershop guest and Duke University Prof. Mark Anthony Neal and TMM Producer Argin Hutchins share a moment at public radio station WNCU-FM in Durham, NC. Kimberly Pierce-Cartwright, WNCU

 

Marie Nelson, here. I'm the Executive Producer for "Tell Me More"

Today, we are broadcasting from the mighty WNCU-FM, on the campus of North Carolina Central University in Durham.

Michel is getting ready to go on the air and then she heads across town to Duke University, where she will participate in the panel discussion "Press, Politics and Policy making in the Obama Era." So, I am stepping in to write today's posting.

This is a homecoming for me. I am a proud graduate of Duke, and I called Durham home for a few years after graduation. As I headed down I-85 South into town, I was gripped by a sense of nostalgia, passing by all of my old haunts. In my case, this translates into all of the all-night diners that I frequented to get my fill of biscuits and grits. (What can I say, it was the 80s and we were still eating carbs then.)

There is no better month to be in North Carolina than March --- to celebrate the madness that is NC basketball. Did I mention that I was here in Duke's hey day? Each year that I was on campus, we were in the Final Four and we won the NCAA championship back-to-back during my last two years.

Alright, before you begin throwing stones at me, I'll turn my attention to other matters of interest. ...

As a former field producer, it is always a pleasure getting the show out of the studio and on the road. It gives you an opportunity to touch stories and communities more directly, and to meet the people behind the voices.

Today, we focus on the economic challenges faced by North Carolina with two local journalists -- Jim Morrill, of The Charlotte Observer, and Glenn Burkins, of the African American-centered online news source Qcitymetro. With the state facing high levels of unemployment, a proposed budget that involves significant cuts in spending, and looming concerns about available support in the President's stimulus package -- there is a lot to talk about.

Michel also talks with a group of scholars, who are participants in the Duke conference on race in America. And, we convene a special North Carolina edition of the Barbershop.

Of course, we would not be allowed to leave the state without talking basketball. So, we checked in with Joanne P. McCallie, head coach of the Duke Women's Basketball team about their trip to the tournament.

Farewell To True Pioneers

Before we run off to make radio magic, we'd like to recognize the team that produces NPR's News & Notes. Today marks their final broadcast, and we want to thank them for paving the way for us. They were pioneers, working to diversify public radio's airwaves, and we know that without them there would be no us.

For many of us journalists of color and those who focus on covering diverse communities, who know what it means to be the only one, the loss of a program like News & Notes will be deeply felt.

To our colleagues, we say thank you for the strength of your reporting, the powerful stories you brought to life and the passion that made you a force to be reckoned with.

Until we meet again.

Lee Hill, here ...

I guess you can say we're exploring our music sensibilities.

Today, our interview with the "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin brought music and fun to our ears. If you haven't already had a listen to her interview with Michel, check it out here.

I have to say, I was left scratching my head a bit about this notion that Franklin's performance on Inauguration Day was so bad that it required a retake.

Really?

It makes me think of a wordsmith being accused of "making up" a word. I've always wondered, is that possible? One might argue that, for a true master wordsmith (which I so am not), a word spoken from his or her lips legitimized by default.

Could the late Liberace really hit a "bad note" on the piano? ... Can Vera Wang design a "bad dress"? Or, can Michael Jackson dance a "bad move" (okay, well, he may be a little rusty now and in need of some oil ... but I seriously the "King of Pop" could ever really 'lose it' -- rhythmically speaking, that is).

Anyway, you get my point. But I guess the larger point really is, what the queen wants, the queen gets. Perfection is in the eye, or ear, of ... the artist.

And more soul for your musical pallet, up and coming R&B crooner Corneille is in the house tomorrow. And this one, you definitely won't want to miss. He belts out songs from the heart, marked with a texture of soul no amount of money or professional training can buy -- more like organic vs. "produced." I can tell you his lyrical expression is anchored by extraordinary circumstances.

Sounds deep? Wait until you hear this guy ... and watch the TMM exclusive video.

Meet you back here tomorrow ...

The fountain in front of the White House flows with green water, Tuesday, March 17, 2009, in honor of St. Patrick's Day.AP

Happy St. Pat's (or as my friend Will calls it, amateur drinker's day).

We were trying to figure out a way to acknowledge the day. I wanted to do a piece exploring Obama's Irish roots, but everybody else shouted me down. They were all, "so what?! ... don''t you realize we have a recession going on here?" So I received no love.

I then tried to find something multicultural and spicy, like a Latin band that plays Irish folk music, or an African band that plays Irish folk, or an Irish ban that plays African music, or something like that.

Again, no love from my people here.

What can I say? You'd think I'd have some say around here, and I do, but it's not a dictatorship. ... And it's not like they just come out and say no.

They just kind of star at me ... like I'm a patient.

One DAY I will be QUEEN!

But you know what? We did have THE QUEEN (of soul) in the house. And, yes, you can hear more from Aretha Franklin tomorrow.

What We Did Do

I think the most useful thing I can do here is give you some more information about the programs we told you about, so you can think about it and absorb the information yourselves, and decide what you think about it. So here it is:

Read White House talking points (pdf) regarding the president's mortgage/foreclosure proposal.

And here's more information about the Nurse-Family Partnership discussed in today's parenting segment.

Just for grins, read the actual transcript of the president's speech yesterday, where he bawled out the AIG executives. And here's his speech to the Joint Session of Congress where he mentioned a number of these ideas, including his idea for home visits to support new, low income mothers.

Cheers. Hoist a green something for me ...

Our Planning Editor Luis Clemens has some news about elections in Antigua and El Salvador that we reported on last week, so I'm going to step off and let him take over in a moment.

I want to point out that the loyal opposition conversations we had today -- focusing on both liberal and conservative perspectives -- were very interesting for us, in and of themselves. But, we wanted to recommend that, if you have time, you consider listening to them back-to-back, as we did. We think you'll find them both more interesting that way. And the contrast makes it even more crunchy.

Also, I want to share more information about teen dating violence as a follow-up to the personal stories heard on today's program. We're not making it up. Check out the stats by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which tracks epidemics.

Luis, tell the people what you know ...

Lee Hill, here ...

We're wrapping things up on this end. Here's a look ahead to Monday. As always, you can expect to hear more on ...

The loyal opposition - We'll revisit our ongoing conversation with thinkers who are pretty strong critics of their own political party. On Monday, our plan is to check in once again with liberals who take issue with President Obama's agenda on issues such as education, healthcare and the economy.

Women in leadership - Hear about a group that embraces as its mission an aggressive game plan to get more women seated in key positions of political power.

Teens and domestic abuse - R&B icon Chris Brown, 19, is charged with two felonies after he allegedly battered his girlfriend, popular songstress Rihanna, 21. We'll talk to a group of young people who say they've been in similar situations. You'll also hear from a dad who lost his daughter to domestic violence.

Meet us back here on Monday.

Enjoy the weekend!

Lee Hill, here ...

I think I speak for all of us here when I say we're glad to put this week to rest ... And I mean that in a good way, of course. Let's just say there was a lot of heavy lifting at work to find the right voices and add new textures -- and, quite simply, more -- to stories shaping the way people live in many different parts of the world (be sure to check out this week's Wednesday and Thursday editions).

We think we succeeded. ... I know we tried.

Before taking off, a few updates to recent Tell Me More stories:

Gandhi's Things
Last week, we reported on plans to sell items once-belonging to Mahatma Gandhi. We told how news of the auction sparked controversy among many Indians who were quick to point out that Gandhi advocated against capitalism and materialism.

Update: Yesterday, while bidding was taking place, the current owner of the items, James Otis, announced he was calling off the auction.

Oakland Shooting
Also, last month we reported on the case out of Oakland involving Oscar Grant, an unarmed black man, who was allegedly shot and killed by a white police officer. The shooting ignited racial tensions in the area. The officer later resigned from his post and has since been charged with murder.

Update: The family of Oscar Grant has filed a $50 million wrongful death lawsuit against officers allegedly involved.

R&B Stars Chris Brown and Rihanna
Both on the program and here on the blog, we've been following news about Chris Brown, 19, and his girlfriend, R&B singer Rihanna, 21. Brown was arrested last month because he allegedly assaulted Rihanna in Los Angeles during an argument that unraveled just hours before the Grammy Awards.

Update: Yesterday, Brown was charged with two felonies in connection with the incident: assault and making criminal threats. We still have our eye on this, and the larger theme of domestic violence, particularly among younger couples. Stay tuned for more conversations.

And special thanks to NPR's Cheryl Corley from the staff here for being a great TMM captain this week, and for taking the show and seasoning it with her own spice. And to Korva Coleman, who guided us through the latter part of last week. It's a big perk to rub shoulders with such pros.

Speaking of pros, Michel Martin is back next week ... I know, we missed her, too!

Enjoy the weekend.

Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D., is the first woman and first African American to serve as President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Hi. Cheryl Corley, here ... sitting in for Michel.

Ever watch the TV show "Jeopardy"? It's one of my favorites, and a recent show I watched was a clear indication of why we still need to set aside months to celebrate the history of African-Americans and women -- until, of course, that history is fully incorporated in school lessons.

... Okay, I'm not going to go there. I'll just say we profiled two fascinating women on Tell Me More today.

One woman made her mark during the last century, and another continues to make history today.

Ida B. Wells-Barnett was a crusading journalist who ran an anti-lynching campaign and helped co-found the NAACP. Shirley Ann Jackson, a physicist, is now the President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Jackson is the first woman and the first African-American woman to hold that post. She's also been a trailblazer in the world of science, and she has definite ideas about how to tackle what she calls a "quiet crisis" in science -- a dearth of young people studying engineering and science as current scientists and engineers retire.

Crisis, or at least trying to get through it, was a thread that ran throughout the program today. Hence, our conversation about New Orleans. After three and a half years, that city is still trying to recover from the wrath of Hurricane Katrina. We checked in with one of our New Orleans regulars, Gralen Banks, and also with his Congressman, Rep. Anh "Joseph" Cao, the country's first Vietnamese-American Member of Congress. Cao is a Republican but represents a mostly Democratic district. Many residents have criticized him because he voted against the Obama stimulus package, but Cao isn't backing down. He says it wasn't about politics, but serving the best interest of his district (Louisiana's 2nd Congressional District).

He knows he has some convincing to do at home.

Meanwhile, leaders in California's farming community say they're trying to work through the "perfect economic bomb." The ongoing drought has brought an unemployment rate of nearly 40 percent in some areas, according to local officials. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has also declared a state of emergency in the wake of the water crisis, asking residents to cut back on water, which has made it even more difficult for farmers.

Tomorrow, the Obama administration grapples with another pressing problem by holding a day long summit on health care. We checked in with former Surgeon General David Satcher to get his take on the Obama administration's proposed health care reforms.

We'll talk more tomorrow.

-- Cheryl Corley

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If you've listened to the show the last couple of days, you might have detected the increasing raspiness in my voice. No, I am not trying extra hard to be sexy.

It seems I have a sinus infection that I haven't been able to shake, so I am finally going to act like I have the sense I was born with and take a few days off to see if I can get over it. Sometimes being macho is not the best course of action. As much as I pride myself on my work ethic, sometimes the better part of valor is to step aside and let the body heal.

NPR's Korva Coleman is going to be with us for the next few days, and then Cheryl Corley will step in. So, thanks for your patience.

Sorry if I offended your ears these last couple of days.

Before I go, I hope you will, if you have not already, read Lee Hill's moving blog post about the Chris Brown-Rihanna story. I think we need to talk more about this, and not in a cheesy tabloid look at what those celebrities are doing-type of way. But there is more to say about the reality that too many young folk are living in abusive relationships.

More on that when I come back. ...

Singers Rihanna and Chris Brown perform on stage during Z100's Jingle Ball at Madison Square Garden on December 12, 2008 in New York City. Scott Gries/Getty Images

Lee Hill, here ...

After leaving work yesterday, I boarded the bus home from the subway station. I took a seat in front of two young people -- a guy and a girl. They were friendly and seemed to know each other well, although not intimately (possibly neighborhood friends, or old high school buddies). Both appeared to be no older than 20.

Not long into the bus ride, the girl began to tell the guy how she had become upset with her boyfriend (and father of her child) after he grabbed and pulled her by her long, braided hair. She was so upset with him that she ... "stopped calling him for a few days."

"That's all?," he replied. "You were upset with him for that?"

Of course (and this is when I officially begin eavesdropping), I'm thinking, what does this kid mean by, "that's all?"

He then tells the female friend that the two of them could've never been successful in a relationship. Why? Because the guy pal believes that getting a little "rough" with his own girlfriend -- as in more than just a tug of the hair -- is sometimes necessary.

She responds by telling the male pal that her boyfriend, too, likes to occasionally hit her a "couple of times ... just to get his anger out."

But, she always has the last word.

"After he's finished, he'll let me get in one good hit [on him]," she boasted.

He tells her that's ridiculous, and that's just not how it should work.

"She just has to take that s---," describing his very different rules of engagement.

Fast-Forward ...

Not so coincidentally, today we aired a conversation with our panel of Moms on domestic violence among teens. It largely focused on the alleged fight between R&B superstar couple Chris Brown, 19, and Rihanna, 21, two weeks ago. Unauthorized police photos of what appears to be a battered and bruised Rihanna have since been leaked to the public and are making their rounds on the Web as investigators look into Brown's role in the incident.

Given today's chat, Michel Martin all but insisted that I write about this. And, I have to admit, I was conflicted about doing so ... Just as I was conflicted about exactly what my role should have been as a witness to, although not a participant in, the conversation between the two youngsters on the bus.

Was it my place to interrupt and, by doing so, intervene?

"Excuse me ... but both of you have issues and need serious help ..."

These conversations seem easier to have one-on-one, but taking on two individuals in the same setting -- both with two distinct sets of troubles -- can be touchy.

What would you have done?

And, as the TMM piece touched on today, how is it that an act that outrages some can be so passe to others?

(Interesting tidbit The two bus mates made no mention of the alleged Chris Brown-Rihanna incident; their chat didn't at all seem to be driven by the story, which currently dominates pop culture news. They were merely exchanging thoughts, and somewhat lightly, based on their own experiences.)

You might remember that this show was launched as a "safe place to have difficult conversations." If nothing else, it affirms that Tell Me More is far from being finished with this subject. We're taking suggestions on where to step next with this. We have a few ideas, but we want to hear from you...

So, feel free to tell us your thoughts and experiences. You can leave them in the comment thread below, or if you feel lead to share something sensitive and would not leave it in this public space, which we understand, you can also call our comment line at 202.842.3522.

And, of course, if you or someone you know needs help, please consider the following resources:

The National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline: (866) 331-9474

The National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE (7233)

In December 2008, Facebook attracted more than 200 million unique visitors, making it the most visited social network site in the world, according to a recent report by TechCrunch. Facebook.com

Tell Me More Producer Douglas Hopper has been away spending a few weeks learning about multimedia and social media tools. It's an ongoing learning program here at NPR, our own baptism by fire, of sorts (I, too, made the "journey" last year). Douglas has offered to share some insights along the way. Douglas, how's it going? ...

Thanks, Lee. Douglas Hopper, here ...

I have some questions about the promise of "social media," one of the key concepts on the table during our training.

Here's how Social Media is defined on Wikipedia: "... primarily Internet and mobile-based tools for sharing and discussing information among human beings."

Alright, as a journalist -- and someone who simply appreciates all things which help us communicate -- I am all about it! Social media-like public comment spaces and blogs are transforming the way we connect, the way we communicate, and the way we understand each other. Platforms like Facebook and MySpace are giving people the means to express themselves ... and potentially draw attention to their work in a way most would have thought impossible in years past. These new technologies have the power to democratize the domain of opinion. But will they?

I'm wondering if the Web is equal, or even anywhere close to it.

Or, does the Web reflect the same divisions of class and race and religion evident in non-cyber society? (By the way, what do you call the world we live in outside of the Web?)

Is there a class divide between Facebook and Myspace? Do people of color and minorities find it easier to find relevant news on the web? Is the political blogosphere more diverse than the op-ed pages?

Do you feel more equal online?

I am only beginning to answer these questions myself. Hoping some of you out there will want to chime in and offer your insights. I'll be checking in.

See you in the comment thread.

-- Douglas Hopper

Sandra "Sandee" Gregg The Family of Sandra Gregg

I see no reason to lie about this:

If I did not have an office full of people relying on me and two kids at home doing the same, today is a day I would much rather have stayed in my bed with the covers pulled over my head.

I may have mentioned that a dear friend of mine lost her battle with cancer last week. Sandra Gregg was "put to rest" yesterday. I trust and hope she is indeed at rest, but yesterday was one of the saddest days of my life, and that is saying something.

She was one of the most luminous people you'd ever want to meet, really a blessing to everyone around her, and I know people always say that when someone they love dies before his or her "time," but you'll have to trust me when I tell you this is true. At a website set up to update her friends on news of her struggle with cancer and then the arrangements made for her, there were messages from all over the country. I was floored.

Her dad was a military officer, so she did have experience in honing that gift of ease in making new friendships, but I'm talking about people she met on a cafeteria line while she was on a graduate fellowship who she was in touch with years later. Our friend Gwen, who gave one of the most amazing eulogies you will ever want to hear (and I still can't believe how she was able to speak so beautifully and so eloquently, despite the pain -- those two were so so close; thank you, Gwen) said "Sandee" collected friends like a black jacket collects lint. She couldn't have put it better.

One day, Sandee was wearing a pair of earrings I had brought back for her from a trip to Israel I had made years before. I was so tickled to see her wearing them, I mentioned it. And she looked at me like I was crazy.

Why wouldn't she be wearing them?

In a world in which people and things are so easily disposed of, Sandee was a person who saw value in everything, gave away nothing that meant something to her.

And, yes, I know what I am supposed to say: "she's in a better place," "her suffering is over."

But can you blame me for asking why she had to suffer so much in the first place?

And yes, many people are suffering in other ways. Many, many people are out of work right now in this country and around the world and they are scared and I bet angry. President Obama spoke to this nation through the press corps and his Treasury Secretary later spoke about how the additional funds in the bank bailout started by the Bush administration should be spent.

We decided to turn most of the day's program over to, well, you. We called back some voters whom we've met before and we asked them how things are going in their communities, and we asked Alvin Hall to answer some questions folk sent us.

We'd like to be useful to you. You can call it my gift to Sandee, if you want, but I think I can speak for everyone on this program when I say we want to be useful in these times of trouble. We wish we could fix troubled mortgages, find jobs and ease suffering.

We can't. We're just a little radio program.

But please, let us know if there's anything what we can do to make your lives better ...

iStock

Lee Hill, here ...

How is the nation's massive money crisis specifically affecting you?

Tuesday, our money coach, Alvin Hall, will try to answer listener/blogger questions on the program. So, if you're experiencing a personal money crisis -- job loss, lost investments, bankruptcy, etc -- and need advice because of the larger economic downturn, let us know in the space below.

Still watching movies and frantically finishing books to get ready for interviews.

I'm also deeply grieving the loss of a dear friend, Sandra Gregg (scroll to the bottom of the linked page for more).

I have to jump off because -- get this -- I have to screen two movies back-to-back so I can do interviews this afternoon and know what I'm talking about. Oh, the burdens!

Actually, you know, it's not as fun as you might think. It's kind of like having to wolf down a great meal -- you'd really rather have time to savor it. But you know what? It's like I tell my kids when they don't want to do something: it's not like you're picking cotton in the hot sun, so get to it ...

A little-known newspaper takes note of Monday's interview with former U.S. Attorney Gen. Alberto Gonzales.

Read the editorial here.

Aretha Franklin arrives for the inauguration of Barack Obama on January 20 in Washington, D.C.

PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images

Interesting tidbit:

Apparently, Barack Obama's speech and Michelle Obama's fine garments aren't the only topics still generating post-inauguration buzz. According to the Associated Press, the designer hat worn by Aretha Franklin, aka the "Queen of Soul," is in high demand.

DETROIT (AP) - The calls began to flood Luke Song's hat shop not long after Aretha Franklin finished belting out "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" at President Barack Obama's inauguration.

"She walked through the shop and said 'I want that bow (put) on that hat,"' he said. "She had the coat already, but she needed the hat to set it off."

Witnesses to Tuesday's swearing-in might also be surprised to know that the queen was not pleased with her performance of "My Country Tis of Thee." At least, that's what she told CNN's Larry King.

TMM producer Brakkton Booker, pictured yesterday on the National Mall, expresses his frustration.

Cory Howard

Cory Howard

TMM producer Brakkton Booker explains why yesterday's happenings will always be remembered ... perhaps, for slightly different reasons.

Thanks, Lee. Brakkton Booker, here ...

I wake up hearing trumpets playing "America the Beautiful" outside my window on the morning of the inauguration for Barack Obama. It was my first sign that Jan.20, 2009, was no ordinary day. The music came from an ensemble playing five stories below my fiance's tightly cramped office overlooking the National Mall. We used her office to save time in getting to our spot amongst the one to two million people expected to descend upon the National Mall and surrounding historic areas in Washington, D.C. and to share this historic moment first hand -- the swearing in of Barack Obama as America's first black President.

The time is 8:00am. It's a pretty late start on this day. But we're in no rush. We're members of a most fortunate group -- we have passes to the Inauguration Ceremony, one of the most coveted possessions in the world right now.

We hit the streets where Obama-mania is already in full swing. Hustlers peddling pins, t-shirts, neckties, sweaters, hats -- everything imaginable with Barack Obama's face on it. The mood is cheerful and excitement is in the air.

I'm standing with people who are in special lines snaking along perimeters for as far as the eye can see. They're all trying to get past the heavily guarded checkpoints and into the promised land -- the "standing room only area" in front of the inaugural stage.

We scout out a spot to tactlessly cut the line where so many others had been standing in for hours. If anyone gave a fuss, we had our press badges handy. My cockiness was delivered a swift smackdown, though. Come to find out, today especially, my trusty press badge gets me nowhere. And neither will our so-called "coveted" passes to the Inauguration Ceremony.

"We're not accepting those passes here" a policeman says to me about 100 feet from the entry way to the promise land.

"What? Are you serious?" I ask. My pass reads: "The 56th Swearing-In Ceremony."

"The pass is yellow," I tell the officer," ...the sign overhead says 'Yellow Passes Here.'"

"No. I'm sorry sir, that's not the right pass."

My first stirring to those trumpets earlier and the pleasant feelings I carried into this day give way to disbelief and rage.

My dreams of having a front row seat to history are gone!

My anger causes me to overheat. The three layers of clothing I wear to insulate my body from the frigid temperatures are now working against me. Beads of sweat begin to sprinkle down my forehead. We walk for blocks, and never find another way in.

It's too late. The time is now 10 minutes to noon.

The new President will be sworn in just minutes from now. I'm taking it much harder than my fiance. She anticipated this might happen and seems happy that we are together for this historic moment.

We make one more desperate attempt to get inside the perimeter but failed. Right then, I hear thunderous cheers and applause. Mr.Obama must have made it to the stage by now. I begin to sulk and take a rest alongside one of the thousands of street barricades set up to keep traffic from getting this close to where Barack Obama takes the oath of office.

I see people running towards the gates. Their smiles and eyes fill with exhilaration. This is the moment they've been waiting on too. Just hearing Barack Obama's voice though loudspeakers was all they needed. It didn't matter that they didn't have a bird's eye view. They could feel the magnitude of this moment.

And then I sat there, still sulking, I realized I was being how shallow and selfish I was being. This was a first in the nation's history. I let my anger fade and started to take in the moment.

Chills ran down my back. I look up at my fiance and give her a kiss. I'm happy I could share this moment with her, too. We were there, maybe not exactly where we wanted to be, but we were there. We were witnesses to history.

-- Brakkton Booker

So, is this the day after, or the first day?

We'll have reflections on the day's events. I am going to turn the virtual mic over to some of our folks who were out and about yesterday, beginning with TMM producer Brakkton Booker.

Take it away, Brakkton ...

Rescue crews secure US Airways flight 1549, pictured floating in the water after it crashed into the Hudson River yesterday in New York City.

Chris McGrath/Getty Images

So we're pulling our hair out trying to figure out how to make sure all of our guests get through the security screening and settled where we need them for our inauguration day program.

Actually, let me put it this way: I'm watching my staff pull their hair out trying to figure out how to get our guests to our inauguration location (team, I love you guys!). And I will not lie, we're feeling a little bit frazzled and maybe a teeny tiny bit sorry for ourselves because it is so much work.

... And then in the middle of all that, a US Airways Airbus A320 plane lands into the Hudson River.

Everything stops.

Word is everyone is off the plane and, more or less, without injury. Amazing.

I can't stop watching the news coverage because it is pushing all my mommy buttons. I have flown with my children at least a couple of times a year since they were born, and the thought of having to figure out how to keep them safe through something like that is more than I can take at the moment, especially having spent a part of yesterday combing through competing pictures of what we are told are mutilated Palestinian children and Israeli children cowering from rocket attacks. (There are also pictures of what we are told are Palestinian kids being indoctrinated as suicide bombers. I interviewed a woman who happened to be in town, who was one of the key activists who helped bring about peace in Liberia. Her stories of watching children swept off the street to be used as child soldiers and sex slaves come to mind.)

It's all too much.

When will it stop? When can mothers get up in the morning and their biggest problem be getting their kids to school wearing matching socks?

I am thankful that my biggest problem today is getting our fabulous guests to sit on our chair.

Here's what we're balancing this week:

There's a euphoria in the air. You can feel it. People I have not heard from in years are writing to tell me they are headed this way for the inauguration and ask do I have time for coffee, brunch, lunch, tea (um, sorry, no I don't!) and if can they see the kids. (Sure, if they'll babysit them ... kidding, just kidding.)

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a story.

It would be wrong to ignore it, in my view. Some media writers are on the watch for excessive Obama exuberance. Well, they can be snarks if they want but you have to cover what is, and if what is is that there is this feeling in the air, then you have to cover it. Just like you would cover a forest fire.

On the other hand, not everyone is feeling that love. And why should they be? This was a hard fought election and, yes, Obama won in an electoral college landslide, but it was not by acclamation (and we are glad it was not because the only countries where one candidate gets 100 percent of the vote, are ones where they'll kill you if you vote wrong). So those voices deserve attention, too, as well as those who feel the whole thing has nothing to do with them and wake them when it's over.

Plus, people are still dying -- in Gaza, in Zimbabwe.

Attention must be paid, but how much and when?

We're working on it.

I have no opinions today, so I'm going to ask Lee Hill to take the blog. Seriously, I'm out, I'm done. I've got nothing.

(I'm mad because I want a new dress and I don't have time to get one. I'm pouting.)

Thanks, Michel. Lee, here ... As I mentioned in an earlier post, we're cracking away at targets for TMM's inaugural coverage (thanks to those who wrote to us with suggestions.) I can't spill all the beans here, but I think folks will appreciate what we're putting together. Trust me. Also, looking ahead ... meet Myron Rolle. Myron, if you're out there and reading this, expect a call from us!

Thanks, Lee.

More tomorrow ...

The Mommy Bloggers who visited with us earlier this week advised us the best blog postings are short, advice which I routinely ignore of course.

But today I am going to try, so here's a sort of Haiku about Friday's show:

The fighting continues -- in Gaza, in Oakland and on Capitol Hill.

Yet we hope and sometimes, laugh.

Happy Friday!

In our discussion about Mommy bloggers today, I asked one of the bloggers to offer any advice for people who might want to get started in regularly posting online. She said, "Keep it short."

Oh, great, now they tell me.

OK, here. So today:

Illinois Senate appointee Roland Burris is rejected today on Capitol Hill. What now? And ... Franken? Senator Al Franken? He says yes, GOP says no.

Bailout, what happened?

A new Frontline documentary, about Katrina. Check out The Old Man And the Storm:

And, mommies who blog ... how fun is that?

Tomorrow we are working on: more about Congress...a story about gay marriage...is Gay Marriage the right fight for right now?

We got started on this idea by some opinion writers who were critical of the gay political leadership for putting so much emphasis on gay marriage to the exclusion of other issues. The columns questioned whether the gay marriage fight is helping or hurting the efforts to achieve full civil rights and social acceptance for same sex-loving men and women. So we invited a roundtable of folks who've been having this discussion/debate to have it with us.

Too long already? Sorry.

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We're looking for those New Year's resolutions that, this year, you promise to keep.

Resolving to start a business? ... Get in shape? Will you finally take that dream vacation ... or maybe find love (especially if you plan to find love while on your dream vacation ... but we know that's a stretch).

Tell us what you're aiming for in 2009, and how high you're aiming.

Happy New Year!

It's the last few days of the year. My thanks as always to those who worked over the holiday break so I and others could take that break -- and I don't just mean in this newsroom, but also patrolling the streets and keeping watch in the fire houses and command centers and air traffic control towers and diplomatic posts and military bases around the world; not to mention standing by in the emergency rooms, and the emergency hotlines, and even the grocery store and gas stations, doing everything that needs to be done while the rest of us enjoy our families.

So, whether you wear a uniform or not, whatever you do, thank you for doing it, and thank you for being there.

And that made me think about what we're doing, and it even made me look ahead to the next year. For some reason, instead of making a list of the resolutions we all say we're going to make (we'll have more on that later this week), I keep coming back to stories I think we missed -- not because I want to pick at old sores or embarrass anybody (least of all me), but because maybe in a way this is a resolution.

It's a way of saying I was listening, even if it didn't always seem like it.

First of all, I wish we had covered Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday celebration in London on July 18. Not because I wasn't invited but because of the occasion, which he used to mark the formation of a group called The Elders. That group has already lent its moral authority to bringing attention to the ongoing disaster that is Zimbabwe.

I can tell you why we didn't cover Mandela's birthday: we couldn't find a great guest who was invited to the festivities, and who was available when we are on the air. But I still regret it. Mandela is one of the great men of the age and, indeed, with so much appalling news coming out of Africa, might it have been .

Continue reading "What We Missed in '08" >

From time to time, we like to introduce members of our staff. Here's someone we'd like you to meet: our new Planning Editor Luis Clemens. Now if that name sounds familiar it should -- he has been a frequent guest on the program throughout the presidential campaign year. He had been editing Candidato USA, an online publication that focused on issues of particular concern to Latinos. He is a veteran producer. And not to gloat about stealing him away, that would be wrong, but we're pretty glad to have him with us.

Luis, say hello to the people.

Hola, and thanks to Michel for the introduction. It is odd, but deeply satisfying to move from being an on-air guest to a behind-the-scenes editor. This is a return to my roots in journalism. My first job in news (aside from being a paperboy) was working as an assignment editor at a local television station in Miami. I later took a similar job at CNN in Atlanta. But it wasn't until I was the network's bureau chief in Buenos Aires that I caught the reporting bug. And reporting is what I have done for the last several years. Mostly, I have written about Latino issues. It is very good to be back working as an editor. The only thing I miss about being a correspondent is having a ready excuse to talk to strangers. That may sound weird but working as a reporter gives you carte blanche to constantly talk to new people. ... Soooooooo, drop me a line here on the blog and introduce yourself. Tell me what topics you'd like to hear about. And please mention if there are people you think should be talking to. Talk to me. Please.

Thanks, Luis.

Lee Hill, here ...

In case you didn't know, we love hearing from our audience. Regardless of the subject -- whether you agree or disagree with what you hear on-air or read online -- we're not playing around when we ask you to tell us more!

And neither is Dave.

Yesterday, in our weekly moms segment, we had a conversation about parenting that included two male perspectives. Authors Brett Berk and Steve Doocy joined moms Jolene Ivey and Dia Michels to talk about their books, The Gay Uncle's Guide to Parenting and Tales from the Dad Side, respectively.

Well, not so surprisingly, we received feedback to that conversation -- some of which was not posted publicly in this blog space.

But I want to point out a critical observation we received in a listener e-mail from Dave, who is also a father:

I was so excited to hear that there would be an interview/discussion about the issues related to being a dad, and that men would be interviewed about their observations and perspectives on the importance of parenting. But, I was deeply offended and troubled that your "mocha moms" were to be a part of the discussion, as if the men's perspectives were not strong enough to stand on their own and needed the validation of a woman in order to be considered true. When moms are asked about parenting/being a mom, do DADs get to weigh in on the usefulness of the women's perspective? ... Please give us the same respect afforded moms.

Well, that note from Dave began a spirited bank-and-forth between him and our host, Michel. But it also touched off a larger thought process among producers here about giving Dads more of a discussion platform when it comes to parenting ... not just moms and moms paired with dads.

Dave felt compelled to share a very heartfelt philosophy of fatherhood and how he's come to recognize how the important role of Dad naturally relates to tenets of manhood. Well, his words were so thoughtful that we asked him if we could share it with you. He agreed.

So, here's food for thought ... from Dave:

When my wife and I were expecting our first child, other parents felt an odd permission to give advice to us. However, most of the comments would be something almost arrogant and not-all-that-encouraging like, "Oh, you better get your sleep now, because you're not going to get any for about 2 years!" or "Enjoy your freedom now, 'cause everything's about to change forever!" There would be smirks and elbow nudges, as if to say, "You thought being a parent was a good idea... but just you wait..." I found those types of comments very draining. Expecting couples need encouragement; they need positive comments that show while everything is changing, a wonderful new world is about to open up to them. Two weeks before our oldest son was born. A male friend who was already the parent of 2 children, pulled me aside at church and said, "Remember, Dave, you are going to be a DAD. You are NOT an 'assistant mom.'" That's all he said. And he walked away. I can still remember where I was standing when he said it. It was the simplest comment, but the most profound. I still think about it every day. I am not an assistant mom. I am a DAD. That is a lofty title. A sacred role. A position of influence. It means more than bringing home a paycheck or providing a place to live. It means more than 'helping with the kids' as so many men are wont to say when they are active with their children. "No!" I want to scream when I hear that, "You're not 'helping with the kids.' You are being a dad!" Being a father means being an active participant in my children's emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual development. I know men who have never bathed their children, leaving that to their wives. I know dads who have never been with their children alone for more than a couple of hours because they feel like they don't know what they're doing. I know men who can broker million dollar deals for a company, but they can't have an honest, emotional conversation with their son or daughter. And I know moms who will go along with such behavior, shouldering the bulk of the parenting duties, tacitly buying into the notion of men's parenting incompetence. It saddens me. In fact, it sickens me. Being a father is way cooler than any paying job. A man's success is determined not by his pension or portfolio, but by the strength of his family. ... It's time for like-minded dads to unite and encourage and strengthen one another giving voice to the privilege of being an active, influential, positive-impact parent. Men need to call other men out to greatness... not merely in business, politics, or sport, but in fatherhood. I suspect a lot of social struggles would be tremendously positively impacted if we did so. Can you imagine? ... Thanks for giving me a forum in which to share my perspectives. Obviously, I feel passionately about the subject! I look forward to your future programs on the topic.

Thanks, Dave. We're taking notes ...

Is this one of these days where you want to hear about how the sausage is made? Or not made?

Well how about we summarize it this way. Here's how today's adventure in broadcasting involved:

Icy roads in two cities and a tractor-trailer accident lead to rescheduling one of our guest and sending another back home to a phone line, getting another out of the shower (um, sorry!) and having to pull out an interview originally scheduled for next week.

Yes. Yes. Yes.

This is why nobody around here needs Red Bull.

Moving on ...

Let me tell you what we are thinking about for the next couple of weeks. We're trying to balance a couple of things here ...

Clearly, we want to continue to follow the news: certainly the global economic crisis, developments in the Mumbai investigation and the Obama administration taking shape.

But we also want to recognize the season. The holidays are coming and people deserve to celebrate...we're thinking about how we can be fun and festive and still recognize that many people are hurting.

We'll try to get it right.

Have a good weekend!

iStock

Lee Hill, here ...

This will be quick. We're hard at work here on tomorrow's program. As I type, Michel's recording tomorrow's Barbershop. And I'm here going through clips -- your clips, that is -- for tomorrow's BackTalk segment.

So get ready for another spicy mix tomorrow.

Surprise!

Later this afternoon, we're expecting a very special visit from a huge figure in the literary world.

Hints: Lorain, Chloe, Howard.

Guess who? Tune in next week for the actual interview.

Gotta go. He/she will be here any moment!

Hi. Korva Coleman, here. I'm sitting in the chair for Michel Martin while she takes some time off before the holiday.

Today we discuss what the incoming Obama Administration will need to review when it considers the detainee facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Should detainees stay in the military legal system devised by the Bush Administration, or not? Our guests today suggest we need an alternative legal method. Take a listen and see if you agree. The New York Times editorial pages say our existing federal criminal system is more than sufficient to manage the terrorists. Over the weekend, it published an editorial highlighting recommendations by Human Rights Watch. Take a look.

It was startling to me to come out of a conversation on torture and turn to Slam Poet Gayle Danley who brings her love of words to kids in elementary schools and juvie lockups. We can't seem to leave the topic of detention centers.

I wonder what would happen if we sent Gayle to work with the detainees at Gitmo. I wonder what the detainees would talk to her about. Sheepherding? Darkness? Thugs?

"Run to the school, Run from the thugs, I'm just like you, let this be the day that I say something that's gonna save a life."

I get scared, too, Gayle.

And, what you didn't get to hear after the mics were turned off on our conversation with Dr. Ro, Chef George Stella and Giant Food consumer advisor Andrea Astrachan was the plotting. These guys are really committed to getting the word out about healthy eating. I have no idea what they're up to, only that they want to work some more together. Only Dr. Ro was present with me in the D.C. studio. Andrea was in Boston and George way down in central Florida. There's something ironic about the interviewer leaving the studio so the guests can get down to the real conversation.

Finally, about rapper Q-tip's music selection: I love the Beatles. I am old.

Sasha Obama, left, Malia Obama and Michelle Obama (pictured in June 2008) face their own unique White House transition, as President-elect Barack Obama works to build his administrative cabinet. Many wonder whether the Obama girls will attend public or private schools during their time in Washington.

Getty Images

William "Bill" Ayers' relationship with then-presidential candidate Barack Obama was repeatedly questioned by Obama's opponents during a tense election season.

AP

The U.S. Department of Justice recently weighed in on a growing online discussion about crime statistics based on race, centered around figures referenced last month by David Duke in a TMM interview.

AP

I think back over this week and the word that pops into my head is INTENSE.

We had conversations about public and private school, and especially what it means for middle class minority parents -- like the Obamas -- to have that choice.

We talked about the role of the auto industry in lifting minorities into the middle class.

We talked about what we expect of Michelle Obama and what we see in her and, naturally, what we see of ourselves in her.

... Intense conversations with former Weather Underground leader William "Bill" Ayers, with filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles, with former civil rights attorney-turned Washington, D.C., powerbroker Vernon Jordan, as well as our panel of regulars: Leslie Morgan Steiner, Jolene Ivey, Rebecca Walker, and Anna Perez (who in her other life was former First Lady Barbara Bush's press secretary).

I found my head spinning, especially trying to keep up with all the threads our guests brought to us. I sat up until 1:00 a.m. one night finishing Bill Ayers book, and until 2:00 a.m. a couple nights later reviewing Melvin van Peebles' films.

As we close out this year and think ahead to the next. It all makes me think about that balance between the internal world and the external one, and how one influences the other.

Which matters most?

Writing it down doesn't capture how it felt; the emotion that surfaced, sometimes from surprising quarters. Real life, but concentrated. But these times are bringing out deeply felt experiences. Of course, some people don't want to hear about all that, which is fine. But as I say all the time: just because something does not interest you doesn't mean it has no reason to be heard.

And speaking of what needs to be heard, or what does not ...

Those of you who heard our conversation last month with former Ku Klux Llan leader David Duke may remember that he cited some statistics. The statistics referenced by Duke compared how many white women were raped by black men in the course of a year, versus how many black women were raped by white men. Now, you may ask (as did I) why he doesn't care about how many white women are raped by white men, and how many black women may have been raped by black men.

David Duke is a white supremacist (although he does not think he is). We thought it important to check on his facts, and so we have. We've updated the original Web page for the Duke interview with an audio statement by the Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics. Thanks for your patience.

So, now I can tell the truth.

You really want to know how the working mommy thing goes down? Here it is:

I'm supposed to be here at 6:30 a.m. This morning was especially critical since I was asked to do a quick interview on CNN that would be aired live, just about an hour and fifteen minutes before we ourselves go to air (our first broadcast feed is at 9 a.m.).

Normally, I would never even think of stepping out of the building -- not even for a few minutes -- while we were preparing to go to air. I'd fight you over a fire alarm (but I WOULD go, I would, I swear). But through the miracle of technology (and guest scheduling) all of our guests for today's show were actually recorded yesterday or, in one case, a couple of days before (as he was on the way to London). So, we thought, yes, we can. ... Get to CNN and get back here in time to do right by our show.

Why even bother? Well, they wanted to talk to us about yesterday's special collaboration with the online publication The Root, where we talked about Michelle Obama and what it means to be, and have, the first African American First Lady. We had four great guests who published four essays on The Root, and we talked about the essays in our regular MOMS segment.

So we were excited that CNN wanted to talk to me and TMM regular Jolene Ivey about our contributions. Marie Nelson (our executive producer) and I decided it was worth it to twist ourselves into a pretzel a little bit before our own airtime to make the CNN appearance work.

I picked my outfit the night before. I got the last minute hair lecture from Marie ("put some product in there, don't play no games"). I was ready. I was pumped. I was walking out the door, and ...

Both kids came flying out of their rooms, "Waaahhh!"

"Mommy, can you sit with me?"

"Mommy, where's my drink?" "Mommy, my dolly fell behind he bed."

"Waah."

I tried to take the practical way out. "Mommy is going to be late," I said.

Still, "Waah!!!"

I tried to be a diplomat. "Daddy is still in bed," I said. "Go get in bed with him."

Waaah!

So, yes, I caved.

I took off my shoes and went in their room cuddled with them both for a few minutes. Thankfully, my husband heard something going on, so he came stumbling out, did a quick assessment of the situation, set up the distraction, took up the cuddle position ... and I slipped out.

(Thanks, Billy!)

I raced out the door, tried to obey all laws and came careening into NPR. I dropped my bag and looked at my TMM scripts before CNN started burning up my phone to ask, why wasn't I in the car?

I said, "what do you mean?" (I pretended I already was, sorry CNN!)

But then, in a minute, I was in the car, so ...

I made it.

And that's how it really is.

I know it's not pretty, but it all worked out, right?

Lee Hill, here ...

Wrapping up a long day, so this will be quick.

Tomorrow on the program, a name that probably needs very little introduction: William "Bill" Ayers.

Remember, during the presidential election season, an alleged relationship between Ayres and now President-elect Barack Obama was the source of much contention on the campaign trail.

Well, Ayers has something to say about that whole controversy, and how Obama chose to respond.

Finally, a shout out to the New Media Institute. The annual conference is a brainchild of the National Black Programming Consortium, and they're meeting this week here in Washington, D.C., this week. Today, I was honored to speak to the group -- along with NPR's Andy Carvin and Sarah Handel -- during their visit to our NPR studios. The focus: NPR's travels into the world of multimedia journalism.

(To learn more about NPR's "transformation", check out the recent piece in the American Journalism Review.)

Needless to say, I learned a good deal from them.

More to come, so meet us back here tomorrow.

And in the words of Marie Nelson, our executive producer, onward and upward ...