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Here and Now Transcript #000401    Airdate: 07/01/2005
[Captioning made possible by U.S. Department of Education]
  Special Edition of 'Here and Now'
Viewers asked for it, so this week "Here and Now" offers a special edition featuring our popular End Insight commentators, singer/songwriter Peter Leidy and video essayist Michael Perry. From political satire that will have you chuckling to moving accounts of days-gone-by in the Wisconsin countryside, we've compiled our favorite selections from both contributors. It's our tribute--"The Best of Perry and Leidy"--to the guys who offer their insight and entertain viewers week after week.

  Leidy Gives His Comic Beat On State Affairs
Whatever is happening around Wisconsin, you can count on Peter Leidy to make light of the Badger State's state of public affairs. His songs often remind viewers how great it is to live in Wisconsin. He honors our beloved Packer-extraordinaire Brett Favre after his 200th consecutive pro-football start in "Ode to Brett Favre." He highlights the attention our state received during the 2004 presidential election in his "Battleground State" song. Leidy, however, also sings about those activities in our state that may well justify the pejorative (depending on whom you ask) nickname 'cheesehead.' It didn't slip under Leidy's radar when the songwriter hired by the State to write a new state tourism song allegedly plagiarized the tune. Leidy took the opportunity to compose his own version of a new tourism song. And when Gov. Jim Doyle began taking heat for his spending practices, Leidy satirically imagined himself in the governor's shoes as "King of the Dough." This week, we pay tribute to Leidy by sharing our favorite moments with him, whether they happen to honor Wisconsin or not.

related links
Peter Leidy's Web site
  Perry Combines Wit and Wistfulness To Tell Tales 'North of Highway 64'
How would we know what goes on "North of Highway 64" if not for our essayist Michael Perry? Perry combines nostalgia and humor to tell stories of life, today and long-ago, in Chippewa County. He pokes fun at his rural upbringing in narratives describing the time-honored farm tradition of 'picking rock' every summer in preparation for the planting season and by sharing his yearly ritual to confirm the security of the tree stand he nestles in come deer hunting season. Perry also brings a sensitive retrospection to tales reflecting on the farms-that-were in his area and revisiting a culvert that served as the backdrop for a childhood friendship. We thank Perry this week for bringing his insight to our show.

related links
Michael Perry's Sneezing Cow



 
Wisconsin PBS Kids