NPR; Fresh Air; On Point

I have a long commute to my job and find the radio monotonous. A friend suggested I buy an i-Pod, download podcasts, many for free, and listen during my commutes. I did and am amazed at the quality of some of the programs. My favorite is NPR's "Fresh Air" with Terry Gross. Another is "On Point," with Tom Ashbrook. They're always educational and entertaining. To me, they are the best things on the air.

The Web; an appreciation

In an instant, as quick as a network connection allows, an individual with a computer can read a spectrum of opinions on anything, everything, what's on one's mind, whether it's a current event, a scientific or historical fact, a medication side effect or interaction, a medical or psychological concern. Blogging allows people who would normally not connect, to interact, to speak freely to another, to support one another. Though, with the good, there is the bad: factual distortions, pernicious opinions. But by sifting through the mud to find quality sites, by getting involved in the dialogues of the day, checking out different ideas, sharing ones thoughts and being open to being wrong, we remain lifelong learners. This alone demonstrates the gem that is the Web.