When I listened to this commentary, I found the depth and rhythm of Adam's voice so entrancing that I lost comprehension of the piece; and I found I had to begin again. His tone colors the message with a note of urgency that we all must see the bigger picture of our smaller moments. It is delivered more powerfully than if it had been screamed.
I very much like quiet personal pieces describing everyday events, particularly when they reflect thoughts similar to those I have had and forgotten about in the past. This piece evokes those with its easy pace and honest, sincere tone. The author does not really try to make a political statement but instead gives a personal angle on how he would like to see the technology gap bridged in the place where he lives.
The Editorial Board review from Goldstein prompted me to listen to this piece. His praise is deserved. I'm just a normal average NPR listener, and I really enjoyed this piece. I think my favorite moment was when 'what's-his-name's' invisibility was compared to the phone lines strung above our heads. That line begins a well-metered, marching, thrust toward the end of the piece. It's very well done. I agree with others that this piece doesn't force any grand point, but it spawned a lot of reflection for me - which is kind of a big point in itself. Mostly, it knocked me down a few notches and made me feel a bit smaller. I appreciated the reminder.
I really related to this piece. I've always wanted to reach out to understand what it's like to be a non-English speaking immigrant in the US, but I know even less Spanish than the author. I can only smile and say hello. I thought about those encounters as I listened to this. Here the author learns a little about this man, just a little, as I would if I had the language skills.
I found this piece very striking. The pure and simple delivery (undecorated straight narration) was surprisingly effective in relaying complex concepts and emotions. The steady tone and poignant imagery completed the piece's ability to completely engage the listener. This is definatly a work that draws discussion of global development trends back to the very tangible, human realm.
It’s a window onto such a small, mundane moment, but still, within it, there is a feeling of an abyss being crossed. The reading style is quiet. It doesn’t over dramatize and over-reach. It is personal in the best sense, in that it communicates a sense of Adam’s personality. I hope I’m not spoiling anything by quoting to you the last line of the piece. I don’t think that I am: “He was a nice man but if I saw him again I probably wouldn’t have recognized him or his wife.” How often does a story on the radio end that way? I’d say not often, but stories end like that all the time in real life. It’s nice to hear something like that owed up to. It is honest and well written with echoes of Scott Carrier. It isn't newsy and there is no grand point, but it does make you feel less alone in the city.
I really like the personal commentary in this piece. I think the producer makes some valid points (Selling nick-nacks via FedEx) and tells a good narrative.
Somehwere along the 4 or so minutes however it just seems to go a little flat, and then ends with no real point being made. Also the hushed tones and dreamy music don't help it in my opinion.
I would like to hear this on the radio in a slightly version.
Comments for No Email from Oaxaca
Produced by Adam Thorsen
Other pieces by Adam Thorsen
Rating Summary
7 comments
Christine Hajek
Posted on October 02, 2005 at 07:59 AM | Permalink
Review of No Email from Oaxaca
When I listened to this commentary, I found the depth and rhythm of Adam's voice so entrancing that I lost comprehension of the piece; and I found I had to begin again. His tone colors the message with a note of urgency that we all must see the bigger picture of our smaller moments. It is delivered more powerfully than if it had been screamed.
Gareth Cronin
Posted on June 14, 2004 at 01:35 PM | Permalink
Review of No Email from Oaxaca
I very much like quiet personal pieces describing everyday events, particularly when they reflect thoughts similar to those I have had and forgotten about in the past. This piece evokes those with its easy pace and honest, sincere tone. The author does not really try to make a political statement but instead gives a personal angle on how he would like to see the technology gap bridged in the place where he lives.
Joshua Kilpatrick
Posted on June 04, 2004 at 12:52 PM | Permalink
Review of No Email from Oaxaca
The Editorial Board review from Goldstein prompted me to listen to this piece. His praise is deserved. I'm just a normal average NPR listener, and I really enjoyed this piece. I think my favorite moment was when 'what's-his-name's' invisibility was compared to the phone lines strung above our heads. That line begins a well-metered, marching, thrust toward the end of the piece. It's very well done. I agree with others that this piece doesn't force any grand point, but it spawned a lot of reflection for me - which is kind of a big point in itself. Mostly, it knocked me down a few notches and made me feel a bit smaller. I appreciated the reminder.
Ed Neely
Posted on June 04, 2004 at 07:21 AM | Permalink
Review of No Email from Oaxaca
I really related to this piece. I've always wanted to reach out to understand what it's like to be a non-English speaking immigrant in the US, but I know even less Spanish than the author. I can only smile and say hello. I thought about those encounters as I listened to this. Here the author learns a little about this man, just a little, as I would if I had the language skills.
Jennifer Dunn
Posted on March 10, 2004 at 11:13 PM | Permalink
Review of No Email from Oaxaca
I found this piece very striking. The pure and simple delivery (undecorated straight narration) was surprisingly effective in relaying complex concepts and emotions. The steady tone and poignant imagery completed the piece's ability to completely engage the listener. This is definatly a work that draws discussion of global development trends back to the very tangible, human realm.
Jonathan Goldstein
Posted on March 07, 2004 at 09:50 AM | Permalink
Review of No Email from Oaxaca
It’s a window onto such a small, mundane moment, but still, within it, there is a feeling of an abyss being crossed. The reading style is quiet. It doesn’t over dramatize and over-reach. It is personal in the best sense, in that it communicates a sense of Adam’s personality. I hope I’m not spoiling anything by quoting to you the last line of the piece. I don’t think that I am: “He was a nice man but if I saw him again I probably wouldn’t have recognized him or his wife.” How often does a story on the radio end that way? I’d say not often, but stories end like that all the time in real life. It’s nice to hear something like that owed up to. It is honest and well written with echoes of Scott Carrier. It isn't newsy and there is no grand point, but it does make you feel less alone in the city.
Adam Allington
Posted on March 06, 2004 at 05:46 AM | Permalink
Review of Change
I really like the personal commentary in this piece. I think the producer makes some valid points (Selling nick-nacks via FedEx) and tells a good narrative.
Somehwere along the 4 or so minutes however it just seems to go a little flat, and then ends with no real point being made. Also the hushed tones and dreamy music don't help it in my opinion.
I would like to hear this on the radio in a slightly version.