Fred, You and the Little Mermaid Can Both go “BLEEP” Yourselves…
My all-time favorite thing to do on the weekends is brunch.
Since I kinda have a propensity to eat, that shouldn’t surprise any of you.
2nd favorite thing to do on the weekends? After brunch? Sit down with a nice cafe latte with the radio tuned in to a lil’ Chicago Public Radio and a little “This American Life”
Hilarious. Moving. Inspiring. Thought-provoking. Hilarious. Did I mention that it’s pretty freakin’ funny? Usually in one complete episode, I will be laughing my ass off during one act and then crying uncontrollably the next. Every episode is based on a theme and most stories are real-life, featuring everyday people telling their stories.
Take a listen to Act One of this episode: Recordings for Someone. Involves one pissed-off mom’s voice mail for her son, a Columbia undergrad student, Fred. The voice mail was forwarded to just about every single Columbia undergrad student in the early 90’s. I remember the first time I heard this episode, it was in 2002 and Craig and I were painting the walls of our brand new home in Austin. I still remember- I was painting the mantle in our living room, practically convulsing with laughter. It’s good stuff. It’s long. But it’s worth it! I was telling someone about this episode the other day and thought I’d post it for the “masses” (or for like all 3 of you who are reading this blog!) 
Listen-This American Life Lil’ Mermaid Story
Wow, all I can say is that I hope they found those damn books in Lahoya!
hi shannon!
the little mermaid story is pretty much the greatest thing i’ve ever heard. i love that they call other columbia students to see if they remember the message. cracks me up every time!
there’s an event here in portland that is like a live version of ‘this american life’ - 7 or 8 people from the community come together for one night and each tell a story based on one theme. it’s a pretty amazing evening, and they’ve asked me to be a guest at the June show! the theme is ‘caught red handed’ - it should be interesting!
anyways, you and the little mermaid can go bleep yourselves. i can’t find the books!
j
La Jolla. La Jolla. Not Lahoya.