Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Finer Things?

Today on my solo lunch trip to Whole Foods part deux, I picked up a copy of the Economist. Now there are some things out there that I would agree are "finer" or more cultured, but I have just never been able to fully endorse them. One such item is the Economist. Another is NPR.

In all honestly, the Economist is really difficult to read from cover to cover. Call me a bad person, but I just can't get excited about articles on soaring food prices in Egypt or Venezuelan illiteracy. Perhaps if I were dating a Venezuelan migrant worker or was planning to move to the KPMG Egypt office (either one of which are sounding kind of appealing right now), I would be more inclined to know about Egyptian economics or my illeterate Venezuelan paramour's reading problems. Papa T definitely thinks highly of the Economist, and I used to bring him my unread/barely- read back issues from my subscription, and he would be mighty pleased and actually devour them cover to cover. But I'm probably just a bad person.

NPR is another one of those media sources widely regarded by intellectuals. I most certainly consider myself an intellectual, and I have tried to listen to Fresh Air with Terry Gross, believe me, I've tried. But does anyone else think she sounds inexplicably patronizing (and her questions sometimes silly)?? Fifty Cent, please tell us why you believe it is moral to be "popping them th[i]ngs"? Did you listen to your parents' records growing up?

All I know is: Every hood we go through, All the gangstas around know my whole crew.

1 comment:

  1. Terri Gross is one of my (many) idols. I especially enjoyed reading her compilation of past interviews, "All I did was ask"

    She asks great questions, and interviews intriguing people. I save her podcasts for last, because they're the best. Perhaps you should listen to her legendary interview with Bill O'Reilly.

    She has a calming voice, and a wonderful laugh.

    You should reconsider this post.

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