When i got my Mac, it came with an iPod for a few extra dollars (ah, student discounts). Since my computer two computers ago crashed with all of my MP3s, i haven’t bothered to re-rip them. I listen almost exclusively to online radio when i’m listening to music off of my computer. Thus, i couldn’t think of a reason for why i might want an iPod, but for $30, why not?

So, i scratched the darn thing before i even figured out how to use it. I didn’t have a single MP3 to put on it and i certainly didn’t want to go through the process of ripping my CDs again. So i procrastinated. Eventually, someone was telling me of an amazing Infected Mushroom live set. This finally motivated me to download Limewire and track down a bunch of live DJ sets from Israel. Thus, my iPod quickly turned into my little reminder of when i had enough of a life to go dancing.

Well, i was reading a friend’s blog today and s/he mentioned listening to NPR recordings via Audible.com. Having missed every “This American Life” for god only knows how long, i was curious. In i wandered, where i found the perfect little gift for my iPod. Not only did they have copies of NPR reels, but they have tons and tons of books on tape. And not the kind of books on tape that i’ve grown accustomed to renting at trucker stops (how much Louis L’Amour must one read.. i’m still damning my 5th grade history teacher for that one). No, they had a copy of most of the “to be read soon” books on my for fun bookshelf. What finally convinced me was realizing that Eric Schlosser is reading his own books! Since “Reefer Madness” is high on that list, i decided it was a must do.

I’ve found my iPod killer app…