tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post739428837564772181..comments2008-12-31T14:55:59.945-08:00THE SCOOP:http://www.blogger.com/profile/08966394240450203381noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-62121612450903953602008-12-31T14:55:00.000-08:002008-12-31T14:55:00.000-08:00Ketzel, call me. Don't you think there's a place for a Moxie Gal like you on Portland's classical station? John Dodge/All Classical FMJohnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08943878332841025308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-77206384885788626192008-12-31T06:32:00.000-08:002008-12-31T06:32:00.000-08:00You will be missed from NPR! I've felt a special affinity to your name since one of my mother's endearments for me is Ketzel and my dad is one of the Levite's in our congregation.<BR/><BR/>All the best with your blog and future endeavors!chayadinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16295681667182284105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-59092191845299727602008-12-30T13:22:00.000-08:002008-12-30T13:22:00.000-08:00I'm so sorry to hear about your layoff! I am a high school principal at a boarding school for at-risk teens, in an extremely isolated rural area, and I got my hours and pay cut in half several months ago. <BR/><BR/>Besides keeping my half-job at the school, I am doing private tutoring and substitute teaching in other schools to make ends meet. Yesterday I was instructed to choose which teacher and classroom assistant to lay off. I know darn well there aren't any jobs around here, nor are there likely to be anytime soon. These fine, talented, giving, intelligent professionals will be sorely missed and the school will not be as good without them, just like NPR will not be as good as it was with you. May this parting open the door to an even happier and more prosperous future for you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-59425063937222449532008-12-30T08:19:00.000-08:002008-12-30T08:19:00.000-08:00I have enjoyed your work, and hope that your next great thing is soon.<BR/><BR/>While being talented is no guarantee for good things to happen (esp. in this awful econ.), at least you are talented!<BR/><BR/>Best of luck to you!oolitichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04111720515175198185noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-22115527579706795682008-12-29T18:47:00.000-08:002008-12-29T18:47:00.000-08:00Dear Ketzel,<BR/>My hope is (at minimum) that you'll be back on NPR as a special correspondent or (even better) you'll have your own successful syndicated show that has everyone lining up to hear. :)<BR/><BR/>I look forward to reading (and hopefully hearing) about your new adventures. <BR/><BR/>Best wishes,<BR/>Lyn Dunagan<BR/>Berkeley, CAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-908777525979213812008-12-29T17:52:00.000-08:002008-12-29T17:52:00.000-08:00if ever there was a voice born for podcasting, you've got it. you're great to read, but greater to listen to. hope you will consider adding a podcastAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-10835638137408954602008-12-29T11:09:00.000-08:002008-12-29T11:09:00.000-08:00Thanks for your work, past, present and future. Looking forward to hearing you on the radio again soon.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-62336664026714297192008-12-29T09:37:00.000-08:002008-12-29T09:37:00.000-08:00My father was just laid off. He was NAFTAed (when a company closes up shop and sends the work to Mexico). This lay off is an ironic twist since my father came here 40 years ago as an illegal alien looking for work. His identity which was once driven by his labor is now one where he can enjoy the fruits of all his sacrifices. His children and grandchildren are more than capable of providing for this household and now he can enjoy time with his 7 grandchildren who adore him and their grandmother. <BR/><BR/>Nonetheless, you will be missed on NPR!El Aguilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06818701314652670844noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-63942908802207086092008-12-29T08:49:00.000-08:002008-12-29T08:49:00.000-08:00Hello,<BR/><BR/>I am so sorry for what really is, as you know, a loss. I learned shortly before Thanksgiving that I was being laid off from my position as a senior attorney at a large law firm because of the economic crisis. I am the sole breadwinner, as my husband is in grad school, and we were about to start trying for kids this month. All of our plans are on hold while I try to find new employment. We're moving to a smaller apartment to save money and make our savings last (thank god we HAVE savings!) and I'm investigating alternative careers I can consider with a law degree, given the thousands of attorneys being laid off from firms around the country. <BR/><BR/>I know how scary it feels to believe you are secure in your career, only to have that career disappear as if it never existed. I do my best to embrace the mantra that this is really an opportunity, another door will open, etc. But it is a challenge to do so, every day.<BR/><BR/>I am excited to see that you are embracing the chance to travel and try something new with the Turkey trip -- if I weren't married and my husband unable to leave school, I would do something similar! Enjoy your adventure, and look forward to the new ones still to come.<BR/><BR/>-StacyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-46447706714309012992008-12-27T12:33:00.000-08:002008-12-27T12:33:00.000-08:00Doyenne,<BR/>While living in Portland for all those years I delighted in your frequent contributions on KOPB. Starting with 4-H gardening in the 1950's my appreciation for growing things evolved to realizing how plants thrive on kind words and provide spirituality to us agnostics.<BR/>Knowing you'd put down roots in the Northwest and focused on things familiar there added richness.<BR/>By some rare convergence I heard your Moxie essay here in the Old South (NPR seems less omnipresent here) and join many others in wishing you all good things in your metamorphosis.Tony - New Orleansnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-9162326450825929182008-12-26T18:31:00.000-08:002008-12-26T18:31:00.000-08:00Ketzel, I too am belatedly telling you how much I've appreciated your radio segments over the years. I've always enjoyed the botanical pieces, and the way in which you link plants and people and the magic between them. The botanical names have never really stuck for this dirt garener, but the spirit of the stories always imparted the simple joy of growing things. <BR/><BR/>That said,your latest "Moxie" series has been the human behind the headlines, and the finest in detailing the "true grit" that lies in each of us. Listening on the way to work in the morning, the sements have made me both weep and smile, reminding me of the audacious resiliency of the human spirit. <BR/><BR/>Like all growing things, we have seasons. I am convinced that you, and all uf us, re-bloom and come back stronger.<BR/><BR/>Sheila <BR/>ConnecticutAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-60054918582506162322008-12-26T08:55:00.000-08:002008-12-26T08:55:00.000-08:00Hi Ketzel,<BR/><BR/>I was very sad on Tuesday when I heard your "sign off" after the last Moxie story. Your stories have always, always been the very best things I heard on NPR--sorry I never let you know that until now. To have you out there paying attention to the most important things and directing others' attention there, too, has been a reliable, wonderfully unpredictable nudge back to sanity in a crazy world: Wow, somewhere this plant is blooming! I could grow one, too! So I'm happy I've found your blog. I'll be back. Keep cooking in the kitchen with Dinah, okay?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-62606300544533976392008-12-26T07:10:00.000-08:002008-12-26T07:10:00.000-08:00SFI - who woulda thunk it. I'll look into it today. Thanks, BonnieKetzelhttp://www.ketzel.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-40020166053080897312008-12-26T06:49:00.000-08:002008-12-26T06:49:00.000-08:00Hi Ketzel, It&#39;s a great honor to be in touch with you. &quot;Plant This!&quot; is among my favorite gardening books. About your incontinent doggy, I have to mention SFI. That stands for Spayed Female Incontinence. The good news: I&#39;s so, so easy to treat. Just a pill once a week, of estrogen, will get her bladder toned back up again and it&#39;s a very inexpensive pill too. My dog has SFI and for a long time I thought it was some emotional issue, etc - nope. Just a quick pill and away we went. So, I know you have talked to your vet about the issue, but if it has not been mentioned for some reason, please inquire about SFI. It will make that part of your life easier, and your dog will be happy to not wet herself. My old dog absolutely hated that and was very embarrassed about it happening. OK&lt; thanks for reading this and here&#39;s to a fantastic 2009!!!!Bonnie Storyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500058929186043543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-80962430326130593742008-12-26T06:15:00.000-08:002008-12-26T06:15:00.000-08:00Ketzel, your radio sign-off was classy! I am sorry to see you leaving NPR, but I am delighted to find this blog, and look forward to following it to see what's up next for you. As one door closes, here's to many fabulous new doors opening...jtaylordfwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08862927142831779553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-51152188634627262972008-12-26T00:31:00.000-08:002008-12-26T00:31:00.000-08:00Oh, I would never give any of my animals away (tempting as it may sometimes seem). Given that all my creatures are rescues, I think of myself as part of the solution, not the problem.Ketzel Levine...http://www.blogger.com/profile/08966394240450203381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-12025649545311641652008-12-26T00:06:00.000-08:002008-12-26T00:06:00.000-08:00Try for a weekly column in People Magazine.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-29320686670753844002008-12-26T00:04:00.000-08:002008-12-26T00:04:00.000-08:00P.S. Your dog with the urine problem might be willing to use a (low level, easier to step in and out of) cat box with cedar shavings, or pine shavings (sold at k-mart, Target, Pet food Express, etc. in the isle for guinea pigs, etc.) He might be too cold to go outside to do it. Maybe a doggy coat worn 24 hours (if he likes it) would help him do his business outside, while someone waits at the door to let him back in immediately. Sorry to go on and on about this, I just know the animal shelters are overflowing...<BR/>A good website for your fans: www,freekibble.com <BR/>(only takes 10 seconds to answer the <BR/>(12-year old website developer)<BR/>daily question, a sponsor donates dog and cat food to many shelters. (She was recently interviewed in People Magazine).<BR/>If you have to give the dog away, ask all your neighbors first, then ask all your readers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-15458227226618205492008-12-25T23:49:00.000-08:002008-12-25T23:49:00.000-08:00Your dog's urine problem might be influenced by stress. Maybe...have him sleep on top of a rubber inflated swimming pool "bed" with a blanked both under and over him. Baby talk helps pets relax. Emotional, empathetic (country?) vocal music can help pets relax. Polar-fleece synthetic blankets are much warmer than natural fabrics, unfortunately. Dogs can get a urine problem when stressed out about new people, new pets in their space. Maybe, keep his bed area, and eating area out of bounds for anyone but you. Maybe, ask a local teen or college student to walk your dog daily and in exchange you will make equal daily time to give them academic tutoring. Or if they are not willing to walk your dogs, maybe their parents will pay you, or at least trade for specific meals or specific groceries.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-10946762891849381812008-12-25T11:00:00.000-08:002008-12-25T11:00:00.000-08:00Ketzel, losing a job is big. Especially one for a good and essential group like NPR. So sorry. <BR/><BR/>I'm one in the, oh, countless hordes who was always so glad to hear you. You popped up in the (somewhat) more manicured lawns of NPR like a disruptive but good-natured self-seeder. An unusually-hued nicotiana or verbascum, say. (My own good nature prevents me from listing the more onopordum-like folks.) <BR/><BR/>We can all only hope that the world will continue to inch back into the light, especially after January 20. And meanwhile, you're still, as you say, taking up space at Ketzel.com. That's a relief. Thank you for everything so far, and for all the cool and sui generis stuff you'll be bringing us next.Louis Raymondhttp://dirtonthekeys.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-74268922343718146612008-12-25T09:43:00.000-08:002008-12-25T09:43:00.000-08:00Ketzel, I have so much enjoyed waking up to your episodic comments on NPR, and your knowledge about plants and people. I am sure that you will move onto new and creative activities. If in need, remember the Depression rent parties.bearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03826799258653753191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-64952151253342442992008-12-24T18:47:00.000-08:002008-12-24T18:47:00.000-08:00ketzel,<BR/>warm thoughts from florida to you in cold oregon. i liken you to my lovely &amp; lively lobelia plants that give the world a wide-awake bright blue beauty. thank you for your whimsy &amp; wisdom about everything from plants to people.michelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10946616517923454931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-68706194999313105762008-12-24T16:15:00.000-08:002008-12-24T16:15:00.000-08:00Your voice has been part of my life for years. Hearing of your NPR departure has caused another crack to appear in the fabric of my routine and has diminished my own "moxie" reserve. <BR/><BR/>Thank you for having part of the fabric of my life. A pleasant part moves from an expectation to a memory.<BR/><BR/>Bill<BR/>Blythewood, SCBill Hopkinshttp://yahoo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-12128503719178418242008-12-24T13:29:00.000-08:002008-12-24T13:29:00.000-08:00Ketzel,<BR/><BR/>When I heard about your lay-off a couple of weeks ago as a "news item," I was shocked. I love NPR, but they have dozens of reporters who can describe a war wound or portray a war-related rape with such vividness that I have to turn off the radio. Unfortunately, they really had only one person who gave us stories that were consistently positive and informative. This would be you. NPR needs to not lose site of the better side of human nature (not to mention nature itself) in the midst of all the suffering. The world is a mess right now. Can't we have a little bit of uplift when we wake up?<BR/><BR/>Take care and thanks for all you've done for us,<BR/><BR/>Gaye in Reno, NVAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3079237286551501142.post-9998984999680450762008-12-24T13:00:00.000-08:002008-12-24T13:00:00.000-08:00Dear Ketzel,<BR/>This is the first time I've ever felt compelled to take the time to "blog". I was so very saddened to hear you tell all of us "fans" that you won't be on NPR any longer. With all of that Joan Kroc money, I cannot understand why NPR would let you and Day to Day women go. [So far it sounds like women reporters are taking the brunt of the layoffs! Can you shed any light on that?] In these times we need to hear good news stories to offset the constant bad news. You have always provided uplifting pieces. I remember your first reports from D.C. via Scott Simon on Saturday, your move to Portland to be where the plants are fabulous (I was jealous), and your expanding repertoire that included old growth forests, and midwesterners with "moxie". I'll miss your lovely voice and amazing tales so eloquently told. The best to you now and always.<BR/>Nancy, Omaha, Ne.Nancynoreply@blogger.com