Personally, I liked being able to learn some ''inside things'' about the program's host, and I'll use that to overlook the fact that a show usually comes across best when the host puts the focus on the subject more than himself. Again, in this case, with Jacksonville being the hometown of the host, the host's in part self-focus helped me to get to know the heartbeat of the host just a little better.

The greatest revelation in this program was an outstanding one. I enjoyed learning about the revolutionary and successful Operation New Hope out of Jacksonville, Florida. I liked this especially since I personally have some involvement with prison ministries and to learn of a remarkable program that helps a former prisoner once he's out of prison to be helped to be able to secure and function well in a good job is more than a little commendable. What a great program!

What I hoped to hear and found missing in this program was something related to bassist Alfred Wesley ''Al'' Hall who was born in Jacksonville, Florida, almost a century ago -- in 1915. Among his achievements was not only being the first black to play in an orchestra on Broadway, but more importantly Al Hall founded the Wax Records label in 1946 and just three years later sold it to the big Atlantic Records for some big bucks in 1949. In recordings, besides leads on his own label, Al Hall led four numbers on Columbia Records Europe in 1959. He played with Benny Goodman in 1966 and then later after 1970 with the incredible Doc Cheatham. And, that's just the tip of the iceberg on the success of Jacksonville born Al Hall (sadly missing from this episode.) Al Hall -- legendary musician and musical entrepreneur -- who hails from Jacksonville.

Still, this piece on Jacksonville is informative and the country can benefit and learn something about the city that annexed almost the whole county of Duval into its ''city limits'' making it, since 1968, the largest city in America. Jacksonville may or may not be the ''Bold New City of the South'' (and in the show one interviewee would say it is while another would say it is not) but one thing for certain. Jacksonville is certainly the ''BIG City of the South.''

Did this episode fulfill the series' overall goals of how this area creates a community, of capturing the challenges and the culture that make it both unique and in unison with the national values and goals of our founding fathers, what about the cornerstone or resonating fragments of the community, and were the music, sounds and styles that the area gave birth to present in this episode? I provided the answers to some of those goal questions for you above, but for the rest, it will be worth your time in my opinion to listen and answer those for yourself.

The episode is missing a few things -- but still, it'll get a big five from yours truly! The program's public will I'm sure be looking for more in the future.

I love Jazz -- so your interview at Bakers' Jazz Club of Detroit grabbed me good. Where clubs exist for Blacks to play any form of Jazz there is usually some outstanding history with it! And it's something that's very UPLIFTING -- so whenever you bring in a little Jazz, it's going to sweeten whatever else went before (the good, the bad or the ugly, if you get my drift, of whatever was in a story about this city or that) and it can make it come off with a thumbs up as this one did.

I'd like to hear this aired all across America -- coast-to-coast -- and although there were certain parts I would like to have seen edited down as being to negative or too one-sided, it's OK overall and I'll give it five stars here.

There are two full one-minute breaks at 19 and 35 plus full 5-minute newshole. I would recommend offering an optional 5-minute piece insert for stations that don't cutaway for news.

Good timing on the release of this piece -- just following President Obama's ''Conference'' for selling his take-over attempt of the health care / medical insurance industry. This one caught my attention especially because I am very interested right now in things related to the history of this subject -- and because this related well to a piece I just worked on entitled ''Health Care - Obama vs. Reality'' (piece number 38392, if you might care to listen to another piece on the same subject -- thought from another viewpoint).

Your subject and your timing on it is a big five to me!

I tend to like informative, informational programming and this piece was not only very informative but the content appealed to me because I celebrate the day which this hour presentation honors.

The presentation of this program was done in a way that I believe others who do not celebrate or worship on this day would also appreciate. I would like to hear aired each year on Rosh Hashanah or even some time during the week before.

And, I would say that it should be considered for airing in every public radio domain so that people of no or other religious beliefs can become cognizant with what God initially and originally instituted as days of annual worship. He gave this day and others to us through a people He called a peculiar and particular treasure to Himself. God does, nonetheless, explain how we have often fallen very short of the special calling, and yet Christ Himself still said while here on earth that ''Salvation IS of the Jews'' -- it being necessary as shown in Romans 11 that Gentiles, pictured as a wild olive tree, must be graffed into the Root and fatness of THE olive tree of CHRIST, called ''the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David'' in Revelation 5:5 -- the return of Whom and of His Kingdom being set up is pictured by this day -- in the depth of what this day means.

SLG

PS: In personal celebration of this day, I have to tell you that although I have never solely practiced the Jewish religion -- and did not know until very recently that my mother, who died in 2004, may have Jewish ancestry through a Duke of Kent going back to King David -- I have nonetheless celebrated and worshiped our Creator on this day for some thirty+plus years -- as (what some might call) a ''Jewish-Christian.''

REVEALS ESSENTIAL NEED-TO-KNOW INFORMATION for family decision makers.

This is a piece that would be good for every radio stations' listeners to hear more than once. It contains little-know help-your-neighbor kind of information that the producer did well for her listners to go out and dig up.

What more does this piece need? It should be part of a number of other little-known, need-to-know information pieces in a larger overall series. Opportunity knocking.

What You are Saying and Playing Makes Sense -- especially in our Current Mad and Senseless World!

I love classical musical when I want to peace out and relax -- and when I want to tap my foot or dance, I love some good jazz. What you are providing in music here is just plain upbeat and uplifting. Excellent!

And your introduction and information about the masters is very appealing to me because I want to understand more about the people who make this great music -- and you've not only got my attention from what you are saying, but the way you are saying it keeps me listening and wanting to hear more.

You guys are making the ''airwaves fresh'' -- the way public airwaves should be! The only problem I potentially see right now is that you might stop putting out this informative talk and great music! Keep it coming!

When and what should stations air this? As to when, I would say every weekday morning and early evenings, and Saturday and Sunday nights. And, what stations should carry this? To that I would say EVERY public station should carry these programs -- especially those stations that carry classical music. Play the classical during driving times and play this great music from sundown to bed time and then back to classical for the early sleep hours. That would be balanced programming that many of us would WELCOME! It's time for some changes in this direction!

Outstanding ReCount of the Count Basie's Life!

I tend to like Big Band Swing so an account of the Count Basie's life and music really appeals to me.

The recorded voice of Band Leader Pucho Brown who played opposite the Count in the late 50's added credibility and icing to a piece where a full scan of the details of the Count's life were presented succinctly.

The music selection (well mixed in) complements the dialogue. The whole effect of this piece deserves more than five stars so the suggestions for potential improvements in future pieces I will post privately in the notes to producer area.

I would like to hear this great little ditty aired every time a Count Basie tune is played (which is great music that should be played often -- even mixed in on so-called ''classical stations'' to perk up and add spice to our short lives in the flesh on this earth).

Wonderful tribute to the Count! -- who deserves the kind of accolade this production presents on his behalf!

The host of this program brings together two conversant experts from the field of astronomy. The disucssion in this program sparked this listener's interest in what's in the sky -- especially when the host asked questions related to the age of the earth and the universe as believed by religionists and scientists.

That later part really caught my attention. Both men stated they believe that the earth and its universe has been here for billions of years -- and the host's questioning also showed that at least one of the experts also believes it God -- but he said he doesn't take the Bible literally because he believes that the Bible says that the earth is less than 7,000 years old.

Dr. Segars cited only the Catholic Church as his source for that opine. Yes, Dr. Segars made some allowance for a possible different opinion to come in the future citing how Popes of the past erred with Galileo.

It was very intersting to hear religion brought into the subject but should a host allow a guest to present only one side of a religious argument especially when by doing so it paints religion in some people's mind as only having one source -- a source that some other religionists, though maybe smaller in number, would dispute.

What am I saying specifically on that? Thanks for asking. Just this.

There are experts who could be cited who can show that the Bible does not say that the earth and this universe were created less than 7,000 years ago -- as some who claim to be God's spokesmen misrepresent.

If one really looks into it, he can see that the Bible not only allows for billions of years to have passed between verses one and two of Genesis One, but Job 38:4-7, Isa. 45:18 and other places in the Bible provide evidence, in harmony with science, that the earth was created long before the recreation work that God had to do beginning at verse two of Genesis One. I appreciate the cerebration this programme promotes.

Brave Expose!

I appreciate this kind of revealing reporting! The conclusion has a great punch!

Now what I would like to see is a lot of stations carry and produce more of this kind of real public-radio reporting. Too much of today's politics is done behind closed doors against the public interests!

Probably only the more saavy will read between the lines of those interviewed in this report who said that a meal will not buy or influence a vote. I am very happy the producer of this report had the courage to run that man's comment in his own voice and words -- his publicly-shared deception gave me a good laugh and encouraged my hope in your conclusion that the closed-door voting and back-room dealings will eventually have to be reported -- along with all lobbying expenses, not just those under $250.

Thanks for this. Be careful you don't get yourself shot by some of these ''good folk'' from the lobbying and political arena.

Several Rib-Splitting Moments! The Humor was Great! The voice carried a PRPD core value of being conversational -- and yet the humor came through very well. The pacing was perfecto!

There was one routine that I found not only to not be funny but offensive. I have recommended that the producer remove (and if he does I will remove this comment) the routine where the boy dreams of killing his father. I recommend to station managers or PRPDs that you edit out that disgraceful routine. It's short and could be replaced with a song or support message or other announcement for the duration of that poorly devised excuse for humor. Honoring one's parents is a PRPD core value under the fullest meaning of Civility and the Quality of Respect.

This kind of variety from the norm would probably be a welcome relief for a Saturday night or Sunday airing.

A very precious piece of American culture is preserved by this interview. It's a first person interview with another American legend -- and that gives it top billing right off the bat.

There are several reasons I would rate this piece so highly, besides the fact that the particular special guest is like having an Ace of Spades in your hands from the get-go, but the host is doing a couple of things, no three things, very, very well.

One, the host has spent time with the guest prior to the interview building good rapport to make the guest feel very much at home during the interview. This can be heard in the guest's voice and the in the interaction between the guest and the host.

Two, the host apparently has some good questions planned ahead and at the ready -- but is in no rush to push the questions but to wait and use those that fit the context of the guest's delivery.

Three, picking up on a point in two, the host exhibits good patience and poise -- never interrupting or rushing the guest, listening attentively, and interacting in a way that shows great respect for a senior guest. This is a very good example, too, for kids who seem to not understand today the virtue of showing respect for one's elders.

There are probably some other good things about this interview that could be brought out, but I'll stop with those points and just say, this kind of guest finding and presentation is truly a service to the public. And, because of the age of some of the legendary guests being interviewed in this KUOW series, this is a thoughtful preservation of something that can only be acquired during the lifetime of the legend.

Your station should find a spot and run the few piece in this top-of-the-line series featuring first-choice, first-run, legendary American culture!

Great April 15 Anniversary Piece! With the 94th anniversary of the sinking of the Titantic coming up in the days ahead, here's a short segment that very well fits the day with historical facts and voices.

I respectfully disagree with an earlier evaluation. I felt the transitions all worked fine for what this piece has to say about the history of the music and the musicians aboard the Titanic's fatal voyage. The interview with the Captain who obviously knew his history well really grabs ear. This one just whet my appetite to hear a little more on this subject. -- a good way to leave an audience (wanting more!). Come again, my dear!

GREAT FIND! TOUCHING STORY! WONDERFUL CONTRIBUTION!

This senior's story not only sends several messages that are good for the public to hear. (And, the tie in of contritubutions at pledge time was done with great finesse.) Here are some of the messages I heard between the lines that are good for people to be inspired to think about.

One, that Hitler will be accountable for so many lives -- young and old, and even his own wonderful young people like the one that the senior American mentioned in your featured that he had to kill.

Two, there are senior Americans still living in this country who not only risked their lives in WW2 so that the rest of us might continue to have a free country in which to live. And, more. The price that some of these people paid did not end when the war ended in 1945. Some of them continue to be haunted even today, and night after night, by the real horrors of war.

I have to close this with a question or two in regard to the senior who spoke and provided such a rare and priceless contribution that helped to make this a most-distinguished promotional piece. My questions (rhetorical) are these.

How many of us are paying our contribution in the form of appreciation and thanks to these elder, senior citizens of our country who are sometimes suffering loneliness in their older years now -- who are rarely given a hug or a thank you for what they did so that we could have the freedom in our lives that we are so blessed to have today. Do we not owe them at least a showing of some real gratitude and great respect! -- not to mention some empathy and understanding of the costly sacrifices many of them made without complaint for us.

HITS THE PULSE OF A GROWING YOUTH MARKET. This piece is in tune with a growing trend among the young toward the music being played live by more and more bands today that makes for great Lindy Hop and Swing dancing.

Stations that feature a weekly program in this genre should do very well. To check the pulse on what's currently happening -- kids looking for places to go for this music and dancing to it, look up the clubs dedicated to it on Yahoo.

This piece relates well to a current trend -- noting the fact that in YahooGroups there are over 2,000 Lindy Hop, Swing Dancing clubs -- covering every major city and then some -- with membership in the clubs ranging from highs of 5,000 in several clubs to many with 2,000-plus members and a few with membership above 500. And, there are other clubs on MSN and Excite, too.

This piece should help program directors and station managers to tune in to the pulse out there and to encourage good positioning in this to provide something each week (if only on weekends -- or nightly during evening drive-home from work time) along the lines of the interests to which this piece by Amber gives some good insight.

Very professionally done technically, too!

Good Look Back and Forward. Your mention of your 45 RPMs on the shelf makes me think of a few 78's I still have with nothing to play them on. Even one of the modern radio stations where I have been recently asked to do some work, no longer even has a turntable -- not to mention a reel-to-reel recorder (what's that? some may ask) but does have a couple of cart machines in Studio Z on the back lot.

I hope that a lot of stations in the United States will air your series. It seems to be not only good nostalgia for those who have been around for awhile, but good background, a good history for those born in the digital era to hear something of the progression of how audio was and is now captured.

You call your program, interestingly, "The Wire." I remember as a child actually seeing and hearing (faintly -- it wasn't that great but it did work) an old wire recorder. It was an analog recording device that actually recorded on, and played back from, a moving wire that wound from reel to reel much the way magnetic tape was later used moving past a recording/playback head. The wire was standard old thin-guage wire like you would see at many a farm (not the barbed kind -- the smooth, round single-strand steel wire). Very good job you're doing here!