Commentaries

Commentary: Remembering George McGovern

Brian Clardy, Kala Dunn and Matt Markgraf — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 22:00:00 +0000

Tom Brokaw once called him “one of the country’s most decent and thoughtful public servants.” Senator and Democratic presidential candidate George McGovern passed away at the age of 90 yesterday. Commentator and History Professor Dr. Brian Clardy remembers the time he met Senator McGovern and National Review founder William F. Buckley, Jr. and reflects on McGovern’s life and legacy in politics.

Commentary: Open Letter Candidates on Foreign Policy

Brian Clardy and Matt Markgraf — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 11:40:00 +0000

We’re gearing up to air special live NPR coverage of the Second Presidential Debate, from Hofstra University in New York, tonight. Commentator and History Professor Dr. Brian Clardy writes an open letter to President Obama and Governor Romney about issues to consider before the debate, centered on U.S. foreign policy.

Archives: Commentary - Von Freeman and the Definition of Celebrity

Brian Clardy — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 22:45:15 +0000

RIP Von Freeman, Chicago jazz legend, who passed away at 88 today. (Article from Chicago Tribune). We pulled this commentary from the archives by Cafe Jazz host Brian Clardy, recorded in 2007.

Earl Lavon Freeman, one of Chicago's most influential Jazz elders, has been playing tenor saxophone since the 1930s. Dr. Brian Clardy talks about why Von Freeman defines the meaning of celebrity.

Freedom of the Press and Congressman Yarmuth

Caleb O. Brown and Tracy Ross — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 18:52:49 +0000

A Kentucky Congressman wants to change the Constitution to effectively overturn the Supreme Court on political speech. But is that a good idea? Commentator and researcher Caleb Brown of the Bluegrass Institute says if you care about freedom of the press, everyone’s speech should get equal protection.

The (Not So Smooth) Time Warner Transition

Constance Alexander and Matt Markgraf — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 21:47:55 +0000

What happens when a regional cable service changes hands? Not so much, according to commentator Constance Alexander.

FLW Fishing Report: From So-So to Fairly Good

Scott Ellison and Tracy Ross — Thu, 24 May 2012 16:25:54 +0000

Scott Ellison says fishing ranges from so-so to fairly good depending on what you’re trying to catch.

"Summertime, and the Living is Easy"

Robert Valentine — Fri, 18 May 2012 21:47:19 +0000

At Murray State University, summertime is marked by graduation, and excellent parking in the weeks and months to follow. Elsewhere in the Four Rivers Region, it’s marked by sunny weather, long days, and exciting prospects for all that “free time.” It’s all about time, says commentator Robert Valentine, not summertime – but rather the value of time in the summer and how it is spent.

FLW Fishing Report: Good Fishing Despite Low Lake Levels

Tracy Ross and Scott Ellison — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:17:43 +0000

Scott Ellison here, with the FLW Weekly Fishing Report.

As there hasn’t been enough rain to settle the dust, the lake is about three feet low and there’s no sign that it’s going to go up anytime soon. Still, the air temperature has moderated, the water level is staying fairly stable and the fishing has gotten a lot better for most species.

The Art of Writing and the Value of Grammar

Darlene Mazzone and Darlene Mazzone and Matt Markgraf — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 20:58:14 +0000

If you’ve ever driven down the highway and spotted a sign with a misplaced apostrophe or seen syntax so teeth-grindingly bad you almost ran off the road, then this next commentary will be music to your ears. Darlene Mazzone tells us that, for her, writing is every bit the art form, one all the more beautiful when the grammar is good.

Call me old. NO WAIT, do not call me old.

FLW Fishing Report: Bass and Crappies Lead the Parade

Scott Ellison and Tracy Ross and Scott Ellison — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 01:01:01 +0000

Scott Ellison says fishing is busting out all over, with bass and crappies leading the parade.

This is the time of year when you’re reminded what is so great about living near Kentucky Lake. Fishing is busting out all over, with bass and crappies leading the parade.