Do you ever have this feeling where you want to record what you're feeling and seeing and hearing because you know you won't be able to accurately replay it in your mind? Like you'll lose the feeling because so much amazing stuff is happening? Well that happened tonight. I went to go see This American Life live at UCLA and it was stupendous. It was amazing. I laughed, I "awwwww"ed, I cheered, I found a new appreciation for The OC, yes, the television show. OK Go was there, they were pretty awesome too.

Ira Glass, the host, well, I'll just say when it started off, it wasn't what I expected. I've been listening to this radio program for some time now, on and off. I did listen to it quite a bit and then I'd not listen, but now with the podcast I listen every week. But its weird to see a radio personality in person. I don't know if I could equate this to any other situation. The only other person's voice who I've listened to this much is Vin Scully but I know what he looks like. I've never really had to imagine what he looks like talking. I'm very familiar with his face and his mannerisms. I can imagine Vin telling me a story when I hear his radio broadcasts. (Speaking of which, I've sorely missed Dodger baseball and the sound of Vin's voice, so I'm glad the season will start shortly.) But with Ira Glass, I've never really put a face to his voice. I'd seen his picture before, on the website, but its a black and white close up and fairly small, and I've never had a crush on him so I haven't made it a point to find more pictures of him, I simply loved his radio program a lot. To hear and see at the same time, this guy who I've "known" for so long, its surreal. Like I felt like I should close my eyes because I've never had his voice associated with a visual stimulant too. But the way he talks, its even cooler in person, if thats possible or makes any sort of sense. I appreciate his talking even more, now that I've seen him ... talking.

This American Life is an amazing show. If I had simply heard this episode on a podcast or on KCRW it wouldn't have been my favorite but even still, this one was awesome. John Hodgman was hilarious. Every show of TAL is excellent and I like to think most people can appreciate it, so go listen. Free podcasts, absolutely free.

I love that these people who I admire appear to be so human, despite a whole room, a whole auditorium of people who are geeked out fans. Oh, and Jack Black was in attendance as well. Maybe he didn't feel as giddy over the whole thing. But to illustrate how exciting it is, another short story. After the show, a random lady, Nicola McGee, handed my friend (not a bitch, might I add) and I a white envelope with instructions to goto a reception after-party where we received free beer (yes) and both Ira Glass and John Hodgman were there. I know, amazing. But while we mustered up the courage to talk to them, all I could do was think, "I want to tell Ira that I love The OC too, and his public love for it vindicated my love for that show!" But when I got there, all I could do was get an autograph. He seemed like the coolest guy ever, and I still couldn't talk to him. And my conversation consisted of "Yes, my name is spelled J-O-N-A-T-H-A-N... Well, some people do spell it with an 'O' but they're weird." Augh! And I didn't even get a picture. But with John Hodgman, I got a picture and he spelled my name right, and he was really nice too! There was some debate between the two of us as to whether or not he would want to be approached by crazed fans. (Part of his segment was about his new found fame from being on the Apple Computer ads and how he never got recognized before and now he wishes he were.) So this evening was simply fabulous.

Also, I've recently decided I will travel across country by some combination of bus and train later this year. Details to follow, as warranted.

Oscar Peterson - Tea For Two