Here a Pod, There a Pod...MMM Good!

Now this was a topic that I have had considerable experience with. I have been a fan of a couple NPR shows, namely "CarTalk" and "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!" Since I don't always get to listen to the shows on Saturday mornings, I have learned to download several weeks of shows and put them on my iPod for my later listening pleasure. Here is a link to CarTalk's website. It is a very funny show and I always learn something interesting about car maintenance!

"Wait, wait" is a current issues show, with a host, an announcer, and a panel of three celebrities such as journalists, humorists, authors and comedians. Questions are asked of them relating to current issues of the past week. They also invite a guest of even greater celebrity status and ask him/her questions which have nothing to do with his/her job. Hilarity ensues. I mean it! This is a seriously funny show, plus you find out if you've been paying attention to the issues yourself! If you like these shows check out NPR's Podcast page for a comprehensive list of other shows and podcasts they offer - currently at 645!

Downloading these shows is just as easy as importing music to iTunes and then putting them on your iPod. I assume Vodcasts would be just as easy. I had a bit more trouble with My Media Mall, but eventually I figured out that I had to have the reader software on my laptop BEFORE I downloaded the book. Then I could actually FIND the book on my computer and listen to it. I do wish you had the option to return them instead of having to let them sit on your computer taking up space that another downloadable book could use, but I have not gotten so many that I hit the limit. I think it's neat that you can reserve them, just like a book at a library. I was also surprised at how many books were "checked out." I didn't think that many people knew about it. I even downloaded a children's book to read on the computer, just to see how it looks. NOT BAD!