Every Sunday morning en route to church in the Momvan, Team Testosterone and I listen to the Weekend Edition Sunday Puzzle on the Air on NPR. Granted, their answers aren't the most accurate (Mr. G will shout out guesses like "stupid!" and "skeleton" to answer questions like "What President's name is found in the word hairdresser?" and Mr. T and Mr. B get demoralized by how much they don't know sometimes.) But it's good, clean fun and I generally feel intellectually superior to my fellow Americans by the time we pull in the church parking lot.
The prize is always the same each week, but it's presented by the celebrity guest that Liane Hansen has interviewed. Mr. T asked once why the prize is always the same--I tried to explain that the Puzzle on the Air isn't about the prize, it's about getting to play. Another time he asked about the "weekend lapel pin." What is that? Well, a lapel pin is a little pin, like a piece of jewelry, that you wear on your collar. Why do they only get to wear it for a weekend? There's much to be learned from that Sunday morning program!
Team Testosterone encourages me to get on the show every week after we finish our audience participation, they think their mom is pretty smart. Trouble is, to enter you have to figure out the qualifying puzzle and that's usually wicked tough. I've been able to do it exactly twice--and the second time happened this week. Mr. B helped me figure out the answer and Team Testosterone made me promise (using pinkies) to submit my entry to get on the show. Well, I've done it--and if Will Shortz calls me this Sunday morning, we'll all be over the moon with excitement! (I'm still pretty jacked that I figured out another answer--Will Shortz makes up tough puzzles.)
We love our NPR, we love our PBS. It's the only news source we've found that's based on facts and analysis instead of scandal and slander. It's the only culturally enriching, family friendly and intelligent entertainment we can find with any regularity. When every other station or channel offers up loud, bawdy and divisive, NPR and PBS provides a sanctuary of educational (To the Best of Our Knowledge! Arthur! Sesame Street! Curious George!) and thoughtful (Masterpiece! This American Life! Frontline!).
One of the quality controls for public broadcasting is the funding--it's not dependent on commercials. It's funded by the public, through taxes and donations. If you love your public broadcasting, or even like it a little bit, join the movement to preserve funding by clicking here. The House of Representatives has already voted to eliminate funding--$1.35 per person is the public's support for this national treasure. Contact your state representatives and senators TODAY if NPR and PBS matter to you.
Spill it, reader. Do you love your NPR and PBS?
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