#345 - Ties That Bind

Can a child learn to live with the guilt of receiving another child's heart? Sarah makes a strong case that it is possible. Listen to this show and you will be proud of Sarah like I was.

My childhood was almost lost while listening to the crumbling relationship between Barney and Fred. I understood the relationship was fragile but not this twisted. Dino is a friendly pet but is a pet worth breaking up a friendship?

#84 - Harold

I sorely miss a time in our American history when public figures inspired us. TAL reminds us of one of the last pubic figures who was able to inspire Chicago to come together after turbulent times. Harold Washington flew under my radar during his time as Mayor. I remember hearing about him but now I feel like a know him. Hear what some have to say about him after he was gone. "He was fairer than fair".

#218 - Act V

I never believed in capital punishment. Act V is the reason why.

#341 - How to talk to kids

Any experienced parent would love the highs and lows created by this cleverly produced show. Act 1 opens your eyes with a smile. Look into the mirror as your jaw drops during Act 2. You'll like Alec Baldwin again after Act 3.

What, you don't remember the tape Alec's daughter released in April of this year. You may need some background after hearing the clips.

#118 - Kid Logic

Martin Luther King's birthday prompted a child to ask a question that reminded me of how much hate we live with every day. Listen to Kid logic for this one segment alone. "Daddy, Did they kill him too?" Sometimes it takes a child to remind us that human civilization we're not.

#326 - Quiz Show

ACT I - Game show contestants come from all walks of life. This story is about a shy man who lived with his Mom. He comes out of his shell on Britain's version of "Who Want's to Be a Millionaire". Were you happy or sad when you heard this story? This poor simple man had grand ideals.

#325 - Houses of Ill Repute - thumbs down

Sorry, no favorite this week. I can't say a story, prostitutes taking over an old man's row home in New York did not make my favorites list, heroin needles hanging out of her neck, no running water, rats running through out the second floor and piss pots. Sad yes, but favorite no.

Act II was not much better. Sorry kid, my violin did not feel your pain.

Get the weekly TAL podcast from ITunes

This American Life shows are available from ITunes. The current week's show is free. Archived shows are 99 cents. Follow these steps to configure ITunes to download the weekly show.

Step 1. You will need an RSS aggregator. For podcasts that I play on my IPod, I use ITunes. You don't need an IPod to listen to This American Life (TAL). You can listen to TAL shows on your computer. Goto the ITunes website and download and install the ITunes software. Launch ITunes.

Step 2. Clicking here will take you to the TAL store where you can subscribe to the show. Select subscribe. You may get the an intermediate screen that says I can't find ITunes. Click the "I Have ITunes" button.

Step 3. ITunes will automatically download this weeks show. In ITunes, in the left navigation page click on podcasts. You will see your TAL subscription.

Step 4. After the episode is downloaded, highlight the title of this week's show and hit play on the ITunes toolbar.

Step 5. Launch ITunes once a week to make sure your TAL ITunes library is up to date.

Email me nprlisner if you need help configuring ITunes for TAL shows.

Enjoy!

#342 - My Brilliant Plan

Act II. Listen to a story about a man who devotes his entire life to seeing his dead father again. Ron Mallet, author of Time Traveler, kept his life's work a secret.

#309 - Cat and Mouse

Act I is the story of a pest control guy who grabs a tape recorder and heads for the Mexican border. He spends a few nights hanging with the Minutemen as they patrol for illegal immigrants. Learn about the Minuteman project from the inside and the games they play. This is democracy at work on the front lines. Cheers to those Americans who love both homelands.

As the pressure of our world economy tightens the screws on the U.S, we need our Mexican neighbors as much as they need us. The energy spent on this cat and mouse game at the border is a distraction to much bigger problems at home.

Act II. David Sedaris tells the story of an alcoholic cat who befriends a mink and is confronted by a mouse at the prison AA meeting. David's imagery and wit will put a smile on your face.

#323 - The Super

Act II,
a snowman that can bench 400 lbs.







Drawing created by Jessen.

#320 - What's in a Number

If you think there is still a debate about the number of civilian casualties in the Iraq war, think again. Many more than you think have been killed. Do you think killing civilians in the middle east makes us many friends? Do you really think that makes us more secure?

#304 - Heretics

The story of the life of an evangelist preacher who finally gets it. Carlton Pearson had the strength to leap from a Christian faith which practices exclusion to a life of including all in his New Dimensions church. Learn more about the Doctrine of Inclusion.

I am not a religious person but I can appreciate this wonderful story of the personal growth of one loving human being.

#322 - Shouting Across the Divide

Act 1 presents a story of hatred and ignorance when a community and school district make an American Muslim Family walk the plank after 9/11.

We are not more secure. Security based on violence is a fantasy.