In 1982-83, I was exiled to the wilds of Cleveland in pursuit of a masters degree in Library Science. When I arrived, I discovered, that, while there was a public TV station, which I quickly called to support-they were in the midst of a pledge drive-there was no public radio, except for a station at Kent State, which, while it carried "A Prairie Home Companion," was practically impossible to receive from my location near the campus of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. There, the airwaves were dominated by the local campus station and WCLV, which, while a classical station, was also a commercial station. And, after years of being spoiled by MPR, I found WCLV's commercial interruptions hard to take.

Luckily, I was still getting my subscription to "Minnesota Monthly," which I quickly devoured each month. But sometimes, late at night, I would get homesick for a familiar voice from my favorite station. At that time, there was something called the "Happenings Line," a phone number you could dial anytime, day or night, and listen to a recording of the mellow tones of Arthur Hoehn reading announcements of upcoming events in the Twin Cities. I must now confess that there were times when I would call the "Happenings Line" long distance just to hear Arthur's familiar voice!

Cynthia Henry

I attended the sold out performance of A Prairie Home Companion in Memphis, Tennessee a few weeks ago and it was TERRIFIC. My husband and I had tickets to see a performance in Birmingham, AL in March 1993. It snowed about 15 inches the night before and being 9 months pregnant, I couldn't make the hike to the theater. But the show in Memphis was worth the wait.

Jamie Baker

Jim Ed and Dale:

In 1984 I taped your Valentine's Day show as a Valentine for my then- fiance. (We just celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary.) He lived in Vancouver, Washington at the time and was unable to listen to The Morning Show. On the show, Jim Ed used the term "uggy buggy sweetcakes" which became our mutual pet name for each other--at least for a while. That tape was around for years and was played often until it, unfortunately, was eaten by the machine.

Elizabeth (and Scott) Danielson, Fargo, North Dakota

Six years ago, I investigated the possibility of relocating out of the Twin Cities. (The Twin Cities area is not where I grew up.) An important part of my decision to remain here was KSJN. My car radio is set for your station, and my radios at home are nearly always on, and are always set at your location, providing the perfect background for me. Thanks so much for being there! You are a very important part of my day!

Sunny Floum

Get ready - this has got to be the best 30th anniversary story!!!!! My friend Grant is a small farmer in Austin, Minnesota where he raises pigs. While performing chores Grant would listen to the radio. During periods where Grant was listening to rock and roll music or country music the pigs became restless, and agitated. But...lo and behold... When Grant tuned into MPR the pigs experienced bliss. They were calm, relaxed, happy, contented, and slept peacefully through the night. Grant's pigs are now dedicated listeners and deserve recognition during your 30th anniversary.

Thank you,

Kari Rise, Dean Westberg, and Grant Ault
Pages at the Sergeants Office, Minnesota House of Representatives

P.S. Grant is going to make a recording of the pigs listening to MPR!!!!