A Sunday Morning Down To The Wire Sitting In Suspense Avoiding Doing Dishes Poll

1. How do you feel today?

I feel like getting into the shower with my clothes on and drinkin' a cold one.

2. How do you tink you will you react if you win tomorrow?

Disbelief.

3. How about if you don't?

Tomorrow Is Another Goddam Day.

4. Do you plan to continue on the message board even if you don't win?

What, so you can put up more of these damn polls for me to answer?

5. Does anyone have any constructive criticism about the whole contest?

I don't believe in constructive criticism. I believe in meta-solutions: If you're losing the chess game, knock over the board. Didn't like the last call by the referee? Kidnap his wife and kids and hold them for ransom.

6. Is there anything you want to get off your chest?

I dunno. Think I oughta shave it?

7. Is there anyone in particular you want to thank?

Yeah, actually there is. My sister Jill told me about the contest, and my buddy Ray had the technical smarts to make a good recording.

8. Is there anyone you want to ask to marry you (isthisthingon)?

Yeah, there are a few, but I can't say because my wife might read this.

9. Are you going to be home or at work tomorrow morning?

It's Monday afternoon and I'm home from work and tomorrow is my day off. Livin' large!

10. Say something really nice about three other contestants.

I've greatly enjoyed corresponding with Jane DeNeefe. She oughta have a national show.

Samantha Clemens. talks about kissing in a most wonderful way, and thought I'd be good company at dinner. OF COURSE I think she's great! Besides, she's in Boston, my old hometown.

Steve Stokes is much funnier than I am, and is far more deserving of a radio job.

It is way down at the bottom, because it was first:

http://www.publicradioquest.com/node/2236#comment-23860

that's if anyone cares...

Steve

I’ve come to see that the ultimate source of all human anguish is that we are finite beings sentient of infinity.

1) Its cold and rainy here in Boston, but it hasn't dampened my hopes; just yet.
2) I think that there are a lot of incredible entries. Great premises’ for shows, amazing storytellers, and all around intelligent, well spoken, and funny people out there who have entered. I would probably feel very humbled by the experience of being one of the chosen few... then I would call my old roommate and thank her immensely for pushing me into entering the quest!

3) see answer #1 & 2.

4) Time permitting; I would be interested in helping choose the new voice of public radio.

5)It would be nice to know what our individual stats were; if it were able to be posted on our accounts.

6) The positive feedback that I have already received has really rejuvenated my interest in writing, and the flow of free thoughts.
SO THANK YOU to all my fellow contestants that took the time out of the countless entries to give me positive feedback and encouragement.

7)I want to thank my old roommate Melissa and My Husband Keith. You've both always been in my corner believing in me and my writing. Thanks for giving me the courage to put it out there for the world to hear.

8) I'm already married but why not...
Keith: despite my eternal love for a several fictional characters on lost
WILL You Marry Me again?

9)I am currently on the clock; taking care of patients and their insurance issues.

10)I Loved the Punk Knitter's premise(Carinbrat).
I thought Keeme(Daddy Gato) was funny as hell!
I was mesmerized by nurmihusa voice and lovely comments!
My parting comment would be to the creators of this "quest"
Thanks for providing a wonderful site for exchange of new ideas!
Zayda

1. How do you feel today?
-I'm here. :)

2. How do you tink you will you react if you win tomorrow?
- How in the world did I do that? I never win anything. Hehe, actually... probably in a state of shock, so thinking would be out of the question.

3. How about if you don't?
- I'd congrats everyone who won. :)

4. Do you plan to continue on the message board even if you don't win?
- Sure I'd peek in every now and then.. that's all I can be able to do now.

5. Does anyone have any constructive criticism about the whole contest?
- Honestly, it was well done. :)

6. Is there anything you want to get off your chest?
- Not exactly... I had fun doing it, and everyone was nice.

7. Is there anyone in particular you want to thank?
- Tattoo Todd, he left me probably the best comment I had ever gotten. Steve Stokes, for making me think, and Jeffery Adams (Just cause!)

8. Is there anyone you want to ask to marry you (isthisthingon)?
- Not yet. :P

9. Are you going to be home or at work tomorrow morning?
- As of now, I'll be home.

10. Say something really nice about three other contestants.
- Look at my "Thanks" list. :D

---
Shameless Promotion -
My Entry

1. How do you feel today?
Crappy. Pepto Bismal is my friend... Oh you mean emotionally?

2. How do you think you will you react if you win tomorrow?
Refuse to let myself think about that.

3. How about if you don't?
I know tomorrow I will make sure to be around a phone or check email frequently. I will not get any messages, so I will go to rehearsal early tomorrow evening a little down. By midday Tuesday I will know for sure I'm not "one of the chosen" and admit the sad reality, probably shedding a tear. Then I'll focus on my musicals show for the week (on the Sherman Brothers). After that's done, I'll brace myself to look at the PRTQ site and read the winners/listen to their entries again.

4. Do you plan to continue on the message board even if you don't win?
YES.

5. Does anyone have any constructive criticism about the whole contest?
I'm sure the PRTQ team has a list of suggestions from their own staff already. My only real suggestion would have been continually revising the FAQ based on the questions asked in the forums.

6. Is there anything you want to get off your chest?
About 5 pounds... Oh, about the contest? As I wrote elsewhere, there's nothing less interesting than an entry saying "Friends say I'm really funny and I have a unique perspective...."

7. Is there anyone in particular you want to thank?
The list is long and varied. Thanks to Izzi for being the public face of the contest, Matt for working hard on all technical aspects of the PRTQ site, all the early Questers who gave the boards a real reason to hang around BEFORE the contest even started, everyone who I've emailed and emailed me with ideas and conversations, and everybody who entered with amazing audio.
Some of my posts have been a bit depressing about the challenges those on the perceived "inside" of public radio face in keeping a program going, even on a local level. The energy and enthusiasm from so many people is really inspiring, even on a little local level.
Oh, and BIG thanks to my hubby, for letting me use him in my entry AND for not saying a thing when I was on the PRTQ site... AGAIN...

8. Is there anyone you want to ask to marry you (isthisthingon)?
Already taken (celebrated 9 years last week)

9. Are you going to be home or at work tomorrow morning?
'Morning' PRTQ time or 'Morning' local time? Home asleep, thank goodness.

10. Say something really nice about three other contestants.
Only three?!?! Can't narrow it down to just three. As I said above, special thanks for the great email conversations, let's keep it going...

************************************************
Life is a matinee. BroadwayMatinee.com
Judge my hostiness in the PRTQ

1. Feeling: Optimistic, hopeful, and realistic

2. Win reaction: Galvanized into action to make it to the next round

3. Lose reaction: Like life has lost just a little bit of it's verve and color.

4. Stay on message board: Yes.

5. Criticism: I think it's shocking just how intelligently well-run this has been.

6. Off my chest: I just hope that when the finalists are announced, they'll be truly skilled, motivated, talented people. I expect they will be. If they're not, it will be a knife in my brain to listen to the contest proceed. I might have to switch to Top 40 radio. (But I won't.)

7. I'll thank WBEZ in Chicago for having such an exciting, motivating station.

8. Marriage proposal: I expect I'll meet her if I become a public radio superstar.

9. I'll be at work all day, but my manager's out of town, which means I can seethe and hope and stew to my heart's content, unmolested.

10. I am proud to have been counted a contestant along with so many other amazing contributors. I can't imagine being one of the judges and making this Solomonic decision.

http://www.publicradioquest.com/user/6383

1. How do you feel today?
Like a wistful sigh at the end of a sweet love affair. We knew at the start it was likely just one of those things. Such delicious temptation: Who could resist? Into the whirlwind we willingly go, each connection more perfect than the moment before. Though it may come to nothing, we feel so alive; to be with each other- we seek nothing more. One day (was that twelve strikes I heard from the clock?) we notice "our time" at an end. A last kiss, "I'll call you" "We'll always be friends". Promises may be kept or forgotten in time. On reflection, there's one thing I sensed from the start: I knew you would leave me... sweet memories that will flavor all future affairs.

2. How do you think you will you react if you win tomorrow?
"Who is this really? Moira, quit goofing around!"

3. How about if you don't?
I've already told you I already won. I put paid to my pity party the day I signed on. (Okay, so maybe I'll have another short one just for old times' sake.)"And now...to Plan B!"

4. Do you plan to continue on the message board even if you don't win?
Beep! Beep! Bus to Round 3 loading now!
Yes, but probably not all day every day.

5. Does anyone have any constructive criticism about the whole contest?
It was unclear how the categories would come into play (will there be 3 from each, with people's choice the wild card?). But I (did a "but I" just come out of my mouth? EE-yew!)...I think that's a minor thing when you consider how complex and bold this whole enterprise is. They'll make that more clear next time. There WILL be a next time...I hope-a hope-a hope.

6. Is there anything you want to get off your chest?
I was quite surprised by the depth of feeling being expressed in some of Friday's/ Saturday's exchanges. Angst and ambiguity are a dangerous combination. (and blah blah blah)
My point being I think no less of anyone who expressed views on either side of any topic. I see it as a sign of a healthy community to be able to disagree-vigorously- and then go have a beer. Draw one!
Now, on to the kudos!

7. Is there anyone in particular you want to thank?
Izzi, Jake, and the gang for all the opportunities this Quest has made available.
Moira for being a good pal and for helping me overcome my irrational fear of success.
The Firefighters: (especially the Q, the Elizabeths, Moira, Jennifer B., and others) who always quickly arrived on the scene to spray waters of kindness at anyone who tried to torch this thing.
Wendy Allyn for her valuable feedback pre-submission, and for beating Steve to be my first comment.
Steve Stokes for taking this and any other ribbing very philosophically.
Stephi "Holy crap!" Brooks for coming late to the party and bringing a fresh bag of chips.
Nurmihusa for his knowledge of literature and language and showing us how a haiku should be writ.
Sally Franz for bombarding the contestants with thoughtful, caring comments; incessant wit; and demonstrating how the courage to overcome challenges need not be a chore. And for replacing the horrific image of Garrison Keillor in drag she implanted in my brain with a much more soothing one of Venus and the crescent moon.
Jennifer Bangley for distilling our thoughts, and her (slyly backhanded) defense of my name.
Elizabeth Z. for bravely representing an entire state and letting everyone be her favorite.
Rindah Rowen for retting us into her home (the cookies were delish, by the way.).
The entire contingent from Alaska who showed us how good radio can be.
The 1452 who took up the challenge to make this bird fly!
And of course, the everpresent Q, without whose incessant and irresistable distractions I might have been able to hear every entry before the stars went out.
8. Is there anyone you want to ask to marry you (isthisthingon)?
??? Aw, shucks. I wouldn't have the noive...
9. Are you going to be home or at work tomorrow morning?
At home reading the want ads. I really do need to get a job.

10. Say something really nice about three other contestants.
1. Mavis, Mavis, Mavis! (I know. That still only counts as one. I just wanted to say it.) Mavis J. was one of the first contestants I ran across. Witty, self-effacing, and real. Her bio showed me how bios should be done. (The fine print DOES say your bio is one of the considerations, grayfaces.) If you haven't read hers yet, you should. I want her at my party.
2. Lee from KC (Lee Speaks) adds an effortless fluency to the rich tone of his voice. A friendly intelligence comes through that makes me want to get a cup of tea and listen to whatever he has to say. I'd even want to hear the latest Anna Nichole news if Lee was reporting it.
3. Richard Arum's entry makes such a convincing case for him and his show, if SOMEONE doesn't see fit to give it a go, we will ALL be the less for it.
Jim Barfuss
http://www.publicradioquest.com/user/2824

“The Hubble telescope now lets us view the distant past. If we turned it around, could we see into the future?" Seymour B. Moore

1. Feel? Peaceful- It be what it be.
2. Win? I will sit out under my favorite tree with a Cheshire cat grin eating starwberries and cream
3. Don't win? I will sit out under my favorite tree and eat strawberries and cream (hey they're in season)
4.Continue on message board? Si como no
5. Constructive criticism? More categories--entertainment is pretty broad.
6. Off my chest? A few freckles
7. Thanks? Rick Meitin who but a bee in my bonnet (which I was sitting on) so I made deadline. My producer Dave Sommers who could make Howard Cossell sound like Nate King Cole.
8. Marry? Capt. Jack Sparrow
9. Home or at work? Out and about and home
10. Something nice about 3 others?
If I said in my comments that it was hysterical...it means I am still laughing. If I said you were fastinating I am still thinking about what you said and if I said you had a hosty voice, I can still hear it like a laughing child or a raging river.

Ok you three, you know who you are.

Thanks for the post, Q, and pardon me for using it as a place to express a simple frustration: My home internet connection (DSL) went down for the count Saturday afternoon. Of all things! A technician from "The New AT&T" is coming in the morning to fix the problem (which was diagnosed from a call center in India, naturally).

I had to come to work for a few minutes just to check the PRTQ pulse.

Best wishes and best of luck, all!

1. like hell - nervous, cranky, exhausted, sleepless, famished

2. i will believe god exists

3. i will know god does not exist (or realize that if he/she does, he/she does not envision for me what i envision and need and want)

4. don't know. will have to spend time trying to actually make stuff happen and have little time to socialize. i am 45, quite old, after all. unlike you youngsters, the options for me are rather limited.

5. no, just thanks for conducting it and for attracting such a wide pool of groovy people.

6. about 40 pounds of ugly fat

7. my son

8. isthisthingon

9. both

10. how about all of them: YOU ROCK!

Natalie Davis
http://gdreadradio.net
http://www.publicradioquest.com/node/1068

1. Wet - got caught out in the rain. Also feel tis what it is so no breath held re. tomorrow.
2. Call my So and do a Sally Field impression. "They like me, they really like me."
3. A little sad but that's what I expect.
4. I'll check in randomly - this has been too much of a procrastination palce for me.
5. Not really.
6. I'm as mad as hell and I just can't take it anymore.
7. The Academy.
8. Istherewhat!
9. Yes. I work at home.
10. Three other contestants are really nice. It's all the others I worry about.

Good luck all and may the best hosts win!

Deborah

Listen away at: http://www.publicradioquest.com/node/703

1- A bit tired but busy.
2- Joyful shocked disbelief.
3- Saddened shocked disbelief.
4- Probably. I like the folks here.
5- The contest, no. My local NPR affiliate: Stop announcing that people can enter the contest after entry has closed!
6- No. Someone might find the bodies if I did.
7- The folks at Mac computers, for including Garage Band stock on their machines.
8- My wife might get upset if there was.
9- Work. Negotiating a new contract.
10- Elizabeth Z: You have a great presence here, and I like your style. If I'm headed to IDaho for work I'll have to look you up.
Da Bomb: I love Burncast, keep it up, hopefully I see you on the playa this year.
The Q: Nice Poll!

http://www.publicradioquest.com/audio/user/5967

My reaction to winning would be joy and fear. I read the rules and looked at what they are expecting over the next few rounds. This does not end anytime soon. I guess that is the upside, if you win you have at least some time to organize and seek help to make the next entry better.

Going to wait wait the other day, I learned that nothing is perfect and they have to edit after the show. You assume there is editing but I was surprised at the amount. Then you listen to the show and it seems so seamless.

Basically this rambling is for anyone that wins then starts to worry about stepping it up for the next round. Just give yourself more time to edit and you will have less to worry about.

Monday .... just a day away

Grateful to : The Creator for sharing this gift of "creative" with all of us: for people who have been placed in my path, such as Marjorie Van Halteren, who humbles me with her constructive critique, and for encouraging me to enter this contest, my creative friends who give endlessly... Oh, the list! It goes on and on. I will be at my usual place: editing, writing and trying to find that one lost file protools has hidden from me !

I have been very impressed with Jimmy Bear's generousity with his music beds (THANK YOU JIMMY)...with Dani Cutler, the consummate cheerleader (she has more energy than pre-schoolers) and the peacefulness of Linda, of sacred paths.

Feeling glad to be here, a student of you all.

Blessed,

BarbaraAnnKaarina Turning-McCord, R.N.

"Nurse BK has your chart and is on the case"
http://www.publicradioquest.com/user/4165
www.thirdcoastlive.net

Thanks first to my heavenly Father for His grace and blessings.

To my daughter, Alexandrea Marie and her dad, Norris Oneal for all of your unending support.

To my sister, from day one you have been my rock. You still are.

To my producer, Pete Combs, for the magic and for the mojitos.

To Derrick, for listening.

To all of you -- friends, family and strangers -- who have extended encouragement, I am humbled by your support.

Valarie Edwards
THE Voice of Reason
http://www.publicradioquest.com/node/1647#comment

Steve Stokes, Janean and Linda Lowen.

They have worked extra hard from day one all throughout the entire contest to make people feel welcome and important and encouraged. If they hadn't been involved this would have been a far less rich and rewarding experience for *everyone*. We couldn't have done it without them, frankly.

Oh, yes, there are many deserving others - like The Q who keeps asking interesting questions of us (teehee) - but if one is limited to three, them's the three.

*n*

"The only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about" - Oscar Wilde