Podcast obsession

I took a little hiatus from blogging last week. No reason really, just a small shot of apathy. I started to write last Monday on the joys of strappy sandals (which I will never wear), a treasured sunset, a racous bachelorette party and 11 half clad running Adonises. But for some reason I could not bring myself to finish it. Maybe because I have been distracted by my newest obsession: the podcast.

Yes, I know I am a little behind the times. Podcasts have existed for awhile now, but I feel there has been a lot more material, that have recently cropped up, worth listening to. I listen to the NPR regulars such as: "This American Life," "Fresh Air," and "A Prarie Home Companion."

However, my favorites are audio versions of "Real Time with Bill Maher,""The Jim Leher News Hour," and "Bill Moyer's Journal."

And although I do have a iPod, I prefer to listen to these podcasts over my computer. I plug in my speakers and listen while doing experiments, cleaning my room, or even as background noise to do mindless paperwork.

My podcast obsession has grown out of an older obsession of comedy tapes, audiobooks, and talk radio. Back when I had a job and a commute, I used to listen to Howard Stern , Imus or Monday morning Quarterback, a local sports show. On our cross country trip, I made my sister listen audiobooks when it was my turn to drive, which she still insists caused her to deep drowsiness. Even as a little kid, I listened to Bob Newhart on an old cassette, over and over again.

These new podcasts even provide a nice alternative to television. News and poltical commentary is a little more palatable without the constant stream of images. A reduction of sensory stumulations. Now, I have this strange habit of sleeping with my computer. Instead of leaving the TV on sleep, I listen to a podcast. Bill Moyer's soothing southern drawl is perfect companion to my Temazapam/Ambien.

We will see how long this obsession lasts and how crazy I can drive V, by listening to all these podcasts in the lab. So until next week this is Evil Twin #1 signing off....