Ben's First Post

I've struggled a little over decision on whether or not to contribute to this blog. The main excuse I give to Amanda is that I don't think it's a great idea to put every detail about your life up on the internet. The real reason, however, is that I really don't think I have anything very exciting to share with the six people who will read this blog.

Luckily for you, that all changed today. I am officially a celebrity, and I have to tell the world about it!!! But before I get into specifics, let me share a little bit of background...

I am a little bit of a nerd. I know what you're thinking - "How could such an incredibly good-looking, athletic and charismatic young man say that he's even slightly nerdy?" Well, I say it because it's true. One of the many reasons it's true is that I love to listen to NPR. Even worse, since I don't drive much (Amanda drives the car to work, and I walk to school every day), I listen to NPR on the INTERNET!!!

Some of my favorite programs are "The Kojo Nnamdi Show", "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me", and "All Things Considered" (But don't get me started on "Whad'ya Know?" - Yuck). Of all the shows on NPR though, my favorite is easily "This American Life." It is one of the few things on television or radio that is consistently interesting, thought-provoking and emotionally moving (well, PTI fits in there too). Recently, I've been downloading the podcast and forcing Amanda to listen to it on long car trips. She seems to enjoy it too, but always makes sure to acknowledge that the host's voice is incredibly irritating.

Well, that host with the incredibly irritating voice is named Ira Glass. It turns out that "This American Life" now has a TV show on Showtime (which I do not and will likely never get), and Mr. Glass was online on washingtonpost.com answering questions about his radio show and the move to television.

Now we've finally arrived to the point of this whole post. I sent in question, Ira himself answered, and tens - if not hundreds - of people read it. I even made a screen capture to prove it:


I'm a little angry with myself that I left out a question mark, but that's what happens when you're confronted with celebrity.

For any of you who have a free hour, HERE is a link to the episode (you can also download it on iTunes for a buck). I (and Ira Glass himself) highly recommend it. It is one of the most powerful radio programs I have ever listened to (besides that one episode of "A Prairie Home Companion" where Garrison Keillor told that hilarious and heartwarming story about Lake Wobegon). It tells the story of inmates in a high-security prison who put on a stage production of Hamlet. Murderers putting on a play about a would-be murderer. It give an insight into the lives of people that most of us would rather not think about at all. It especially reminds me of Christ's words in Matthew 25, "in prison, and ye visited me not."

Well, that's enough nerdy stuff from me for now. If I ever decide to post again, get ready for an exciting post about the Washington Wizards' chances of making a run to the NBA Championship (Hint: Not very likely) or why 2% is the ONLY type of milk that you should use to make a satisfying glass of chocolate milk.

Oh, and if any of you happen to get Showtime, tivo "This American Life" for me.