Lesley, who hears us on KUOW, writes…
“The repackaged archival episode broadcast [the Back 9 #10] included a segment about classic TV commercials. ‘Mother, I’d rather do it myself!’ was misidentified as an Excedrin ad. BUT, in the 1960’s, I was such an independent child, and I was given the nickname ‘Anacin Kid’ – not because I gave my mother headaches!”
Janet, a loyal podcast listener, writes…
“…How could you mention James Doohan without noting that he lost his finger during the D-day invasion at Juno beach? Despite the omission, I still love your show!”
We never meant to count him out – a digital error, if you will!
John, who hears us from KQED, writes…
“Thank you for reconfiguring archival shows for rebroadcasting at a time when you cannot schedule new live shows. My wife and I celebrate weekly by listening while drinking a nice bottle of champagne–perfect, synchronous timing. That’s real champagne, not some ‘sparkling imitation.’
Jordan, who listens on KUHF, writes…
“I listened to the repeat that was released this morning and it just occurred to me – were the songs featured in Round Five of SY-2207 all first performed by one artist and made more famous by other artists? E.g. “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” was first performed by The Miracles and Marvin Gaye made it more famous, and “Respect” was first performed by Otis Redding but became more famous with Aretha Franklin’s rendition?”
Clever guess! It’s not entirely correct and not exactly the answer we were looking for, but thanks for taking the time to craft and send a response. We were looking for: “All the lyrics come from the second verse of the song” (hence, the title of the round: Verse Comes Two-Verse.)
Ron, a NEPR listener, writes…
On one of the recent composite shows, a round was introduced as having been submitted by Larry Blamire. By any chance was this the same Larry Blamire who wrote, directed, and starred in the hilarious sci-fi spoof “The Lost Skeleton of Cadavra”?
Says You! attracts all kinds of listeners – sometimes its almost scary to find out who we resonate with… Proud to have Larry and Ron as listeners. Here’s the trailer to Larry’s sci-fi classic!
Lauren, who listens in on WGBH in Rhode Island, writes:
I just wanted to thank you all so much! I am listening to new and old shows when the virus news just becomes too stressful. You make me laugh, and I always learn something useful. I hope you are all healthy and safe!
Susanne, who listens in on KLDN in Texas, writes:
On Says You! 4/18/20 and 4/25/20, at 0900 music was played while contestants figured out definitions, which included covers of songs like “Moon River” and “Annie’s Song” in a voice that sounded like an opera singer. I would like SO much to know how to obtain that music as a gift to a friend. Could you tell me the source? If it was mentioned I missed it. Thank you. I really like your show!
That lovely soprano (NOT “alto” – we couldn’t resist the pun) voice belongs to Ronit Widmann-Levy. …as we always say, it’s not over til the blonde lady sings!
David, who hears us ON KUOW Radio in Seattle, writes to us about our recent new show from Sacramento (SY 2412), Round 1 at “What’s the Difference?” in “Exploring Science”:
“I hope no one attempts to complain about oversimplification of theoretical physics. As an editor who had much to do with the preparation of the manuscript that became The Elegant Universe (by Brian Greene, the first pop science book to explain string theory), I’m delighted to chirp up that I wish we’d ever digested it so succinctly as you folks did. And that I especially loved hearing it described as a “universe of Nothing But Music” because that’s what I wanted the book to be called: Nothing But Music. That ended up the title of a section-starting chapter, the best three words of it that I was responsible for.”
Tim, who listens in on VPR in Northfield, VT, writes in:
“Hi! Listening to podcasts is getting me through the quarantine isolation — Actually podcasts are my favorite distraction while doing other things, from exercise to raking the lawn to cooking and dish-washing. “99% Invisible” is one of my favorites; you may well know it.”
Cricket, who listens on KTOO Radio in Juneau, Alaska, writes:
I am sitting here listening to Says You! on my computer, on KTOO radio, wishing that you could prevail upon the people at WAMU radio to ditch Here and Now or As It Happens (two shows with way-too-nosy-and-intrusive questioners) or Ask Me Another (LAME) and put on Says You! in this time of trouble and angst.
“Until the pebbles grow into boulders covered with moss—the haiku of national anthems.” (Japan)
Anthems are an aspiration and so is wishing you’d get on with it!
PLEASE! We need it now.