Letters: Johnston, Rihanna, Ickes

ROBERT SIEGEL, host:

Time now for your letters. Yesterday, I talked with Brendan Joel Kelley of the Anchorage Press about Levi Johnston. He's the ex-boyfriend of Sarah Palin's daughter Bristol and the father of their child.

NOAH ADAMS, host:

And we had a feeling that some of you wouldn't like the subject matter. It turns out we were right. Glenn Ross(ph) of Peoria, Illinois, made it particularly clear. He writes: you were absolutely correct in suggesting that we are not interested in any information about his new work, family, or his personal business. This is not news or newsworthy. Please do not air this type of article again. We do not care about this subject. It is not our business or concern and we do not want to know.

SIEGEL: We also received a correction to last night's program from listener Matthew Gaskin(ph) of Charleston, South Carolina. In our commentary about R and B singer Rihanna and her former boyfriend Chris Brown, commentator Yolanda Young referred to "Silly Boy" as a song by Rihanna.

(Soundbite of song, "Silly Boy")

Ms. EVA SIMONS (Singer): (Singing) So silly boy get out my face, my face…

ADAMS: That in fact is not a Rihanna song. The song "Silly Boy" leaked online earlier this summer. It was credited across the Web to the R and B star, but as it turns out, it is the debut single by Dutch pop star Eva Simons. Thank you Mr. Gaskin for bringing that to our attention.

SIEGEL: And finally, we received several letters of praise for our piece about the new Jazz CD by dobro player Rob Ickes and pianist Michael Alvey, who teaches music in elementary school.

(Soundbite of music)

ADAMS: Kenneth Shifronco(ph) of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, wanted to thank us for the piece. He writes: I purchased my copy of the CD earlier this summer, when Rob was performing at a nearby festival. It's a worthy addition to anyone's collection. It demonstrates how versatile and expressive the dobro can be. And Mr. Shifronco concluded his letter with this musical lament. He writes: sad that the distribution of talent in life is so patently unfair that they should have so much and I so little.

SIEGEL: Anthony DeRosa(ph) of Columbia, Maryland appreciated the story for it's message of mentorship and collaboration. He writes: your story was not only touching because of the rich music they produce together, it was also a reminder that our children deserve the very best in education. Michael Alvey is an unsung hero for using his incredible musical talent to impact the lives of young children.

(Soundbite of music)

ADAMS: Keep writing to us at npr.org. Click Contact Us at the bottom of the page. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright National Public Radio.