Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Random Modern

Did you know that the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport now features iPod vending machines? Really, now, how often have you said to yourself, “Shoot! I forgot to buy an iPod! Thank goodness this here machine will take my $150 (or whatever they cost) now in exchange!”

In the interest of full disclosure, I must say that I do now own a small white iPod, (NOT purchased from said vending machine) and am tentatively joining this world of “modern” that I glimpse on the Boston “T” system. (I know, it’s not very “simple” of me, hmmm).

It's planned uses are running “companionship” and aerobic workout inspiration. After the first test run on the rather grey, dull gravel roads near our house, I pronounce that a success.

But what I’m really impressed with is the world of podcasts. I had NO IDEA one could download and listen to things like Italian lessons, Nat’l Geographic News, Grammar Girl and knitting shows, for free! I would have killed for such listening diversity years ago while living in the middle of nowhere, far from public radio.

Now, I feel vaguely disloyal to my trusty Minnesota Public Radio, and almost like it’s cheating if I listen to other shows “by myself” when the rest of the listening public is obediently listening to the currently broadcasted show. Is that weird? I’ve been such a public radio junkie for a long time, but I suspect that this podcast thing can be truly democratic “public radio,” i.e. anyone can make a podcast which can find it’s way to my ears.

But I also find that my life does not easily lend itself to diligent iPod listening (ie no subway rides for me) unless I invest in more “stuff” like speakers or radio transmitters. Sigh...

I’m also a month late in sharing Miss Lutsen’s fame on a hilarious (yet gloomy) Canadian blog. Over 40 people voted in the Lutsen poll, which really did capture her personality quite well. Ha!

4 comments:

Lori said...

An ipod vending machine??!!??? Insane.
If you think about it, the idea of an ipod can be a good addition to a simple life - think of all the cds and cd cases that are eliminated from your life (and, eventually, from the garbage) and the money saved by being able to buy ONE song rather than a whole album.
But yeah, when you add in all the other stuff you "have to have," it can seem kind of superfluous...

El said...

Go ahead and feel disloyal to MPR, really. Once I moved I realized what I was missing, like, news from outside Minnesota! Diane Rehm! And more!

Podcasts are great, though, aren't they? And you can get the Current over the internet, which I do, just to fix my Minnesota jones :)

BurdockBoy said...

wisconsin public radio is better anyhow :)

Anonymous said...

Hey, all: (new commenters, too; love it!). Thanks for the thoughts. I'm sure I will still listen to plenty of MPR, and just this morning I went and got my free coffee and 40th anniversary cookie; mmmm!

But, Burdockboy, I am trying to remember WPR is a good option. We're really lucky and get both MPR and WPR over here.

And el; do you ever listen to the morning show on the current? Love that show....