Negative capability

I used to be a big radio listener, not so much anymore. For a public radio listener, reception in Iron Harbor is still not so good. I have trouble picking up a clear signal at my home - just a few blocks from the campus; and in my office, which is on campus itself, all I get is static. And I'm not a big fan of streaming radio on the internet. It can be nice for a while, but the connection has a tendency to break off just at the dramatic conclusion of the opera, or in the middle of a great story about Iceland on "All Things Considered," or right before the announcer reveals the name of the singer who has given new meaning to "Satin Doll."

I do listen to the radio in my car - the reception there tends to be good, especially when I leave the city limits. When I drive to Chicago, I tune into Wisconsin Public Radio quite often. I love the way that in Wisconsin they have one statewide public radio network for music, and one statewide public radio network for "talk."

As far as my fave radio programs: well, of course "All Things Considered." But I don't listen to the news programs in the morning. I just can't process the news first thing in the morning. If I'm driving, I love to tune in to the Metropolitan Opera Broadcasts on Saturday afternoons. "This American Life" - unfortunately we don't get that program here in the U.P. "What d'ya know with Michael Feldman" - another program not picked up by our local station. "Music from the hearts of Space" - a good program of electronica. Guess what? We don't get that program here either! One program that the local affiliate does carry to my satisfaction is Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz. She just sounds like such a nice and enthusiastic person.

Late at night I like "Jazz with Bob Parlocha," even though sometimes he doesn't know when to shut up and play the song.

My least favorite NPR radio program is probably "Radio Reader" with Dick Estelle. I think it's just a Michigan thing. Sorry, that guy's voice just grates on my nerves