The second episode of TAL speaks directly to my background so I can’t judge it objectively. The bookends of the episode are interviews with hackers that parallel the beginning and end of my hacking (1989 to 1995) and the discussions from these young men are similar to the things I have felt and said. Non-hackers may be interested to hear the attitude of the hacker mind, but generally I think this episode may be too niche even for TAL. Sandwiched in the middle is an absurdist radio play of dubious quality and some excellent poetry from an African-American Jehovah’s Witness who came to recognize the contentious philosophy’s of his JW indoctrination and his participation in the Black Civil Rights movement.

Rating: 3 out of 5

Your Radio Playhouse (which eventually becomes This American Life) starts weak compared against the tapestry of TAL as a whole. In the first episode Ira calls Joe Franklin (who many consider to be the father of the modern talk show format), and his mother and father for advice, which is fairly entertaining in a “look behind the curtain” fashion. The meat of the show is a spiritually touching story of a man who decides to live his life as if he were to die in 6 months, and a man wrongfully imprisoned who brought his dream of being a professional musician to reality when his conviction is overturned — split between these great pieces is a rambling, emotionally disconnected pseudo-script based on the true story of a man finding out his HIV status.

In it’s entirety this episode is lacking, but Act One and Act Four really set the stage for classic TAL content.

Rating: 2 out of 5

Diet Coke Plus includes 10% of one vitamin, and 15% of 2 others. Screw broccoli. Finally, a real alternative to eating fruits and vegetables. OK, I admit, I tried it and I liked it. But I’ve felt kindof dirty ever since.