This American Life

I am a huge fan of This American Life and look forward to my podcasts every week. Actually, I have a very particular ritual with listening to my podcasts. I listen on the way to work, ONLY if I get on the C train and therefore don't have to transfer AND if I get on a car without the screaming children en route to the AMNH. Otherwise, I listen when I go on a slow long run (at least 6 miles without intervals). And when the podcast is finished, I'm a little sad.

My favorite episode to date has been 361: Fear of Sleep. Probably because I have (well, use to have!) serious sleep problems. All these social commentaries are captivating, but it is always the ones that hit a personal note that become favorites. This past week's episode Break-Up was really good, because who hasn't wallowed in break-up/heartbreak misery (and just as a side-note, the episode didn't examine a break-up from the point of view of the breaker [vs. a breakee]. As someone who hasn't been a breakee, I can only say that being a breaker really hurts and is super sad too). Plus, Starlee Kine got to call Phil Collins!

Anyway, I found this video on TAL's website and couldn't stop laughing. It is so true, and I don't think you need to be married for this to happen to you- it just happens more often when you are in a long term relationship. Plus, the graphics are so fun!

Enjoy.



Courtesy of TAL. If the video doesn't play, then go here.

So you want to get me a present?

Here are some ideas.

Chococlock!
I definitely want this. Chocolates, Skittles, honey roasted peanuts, wasabi peas...the possibilities are endless.

*Escali Estilo Designer Dial Kitchen Scale
My mom has one and I covet it.

*Kitchen Aid Mixer (in Empire Red please)

* Rolling pin and mat

I wish, I wish, I wish.....

* These items will have to wait until we move to an apt with real kitchen space <sigh>.

Watching the Olympics-Women's Marathon

Oh! Deena Kastor! She dropped out of the race within 20min. How sad.

Also, there are water bottles organized by countries at the water station. I think I would be too confused to be on the look out for the right bottle. I can't even do basic math when I am running.

Finally, I had NO idea that North Korea (PRK) had marathon runners (S. Korea has some too, but I was more surprised with N.Korea). 34min in and one of the N.Koreans appears to be in the lead pack. Judo, weightlifting, archery, table tennis, shooting-all these are expected. Marathon? Who knew?