Lilac & Ivy

So my friend Julie just introduced me to Radiolab and I’m obsessed. Obsessed I tell you.

You see, This American Life only publishes one new podcast a week and it just isn’t cutting it for me. I workout 4-5 times a week and need more than 1 hour of podcast to keep my head focused when I’m sweatin’ it up!

Enter Radiolab. I’ve only listened to five or six podcasts (which range in length from 10 minutes to an hour) and I have not been disappointed by any of them. So far my two favorites–that had me beyond fixated–were Limits which explores human limits and how much the body and mind can handle and Famous Tumors, where among others, we get to know the woman who unknowingly held the key to unlocking modern medical advancements (from polio vaccines to chemotherapy drugs) in her tumor cells. It sounds kind of crazy, but it’s just fascinating. I can’t even explain how much I love this podcast.

I highly recommend you check it out. I dare to say you won’t be disappointed at all.

I heard this on Pandora yesterday. Her voice is like crystal to my ears. Gorgeous.

I’ve had this song on repeat for days and days. I absolutely love it; just wish it was longer than two and a half minutes.

This is my new favorite song. I could listen to it over and over again.

I’m not a huge fan of John Mayer, especially his fluffy, top 40 radio hits. But, I must admit, he can play the blues. I’m obsessed with this song.

Yesterday while out on a walk I was listening to public radio and heard a fun little piece about the private chefs who serve the world’s presidents, prime ministers and kings. It’s a 25-member exclusive club called the “Club of Leaders’ Chefs.” and they’re meeting in Italy this week for their annual meeting. Take a listen to find out out what’s on the agenda…and on the menu.
Image: flickr

As a child, wearing sunscreen wasn’t all that important. Which is too bad, because I grew up in Arizona, land of the sun. Twenty years ago there wasn’t the knowledge and warnings out there that exist today. And yet sometimes, when I listen to what people say, I realize that the facts about sunscreen are either ignored or more likely misunderstood.

Now that I’m older, I slather the stuff on my face everyday {it’s not mixed in my makeup- the dermatologist says that won’t do}, and when I’m going to be outside for an extended period of time, I put it on all over my body. So today when I heard a piece about sunscreen explaining the facts and debunking myths, I listened with interest. It’s really educational so I’ll hope you’ll listen too. It really could save your life.
Image: flickr

I really love Coldplay. Their music consistently puts me in a good mood and I really like the outlook on life I see from the band members {or at least what I see publicly}. Anyway, if you aren’t aware, they have a free live album, Left Right Left Right Left, available for download on their website. Check it out, there are some goodies.
Image via Colplay

Have you listened to Raising Sand, the collaboration between Robert Plant and Alison Krauss? It’s my new favorite album. Here’s my four favorite songs, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them.

P.S. Again, sorry for the lame graphics with the music.

Have you heard Coldplay play Clocks with Buena Vista Social Club? It’s from the Rhythms del Munda benefit CD and it’s amazing. It takes me away to a tropical island getaway.

P.S. Sorry for the lame graphic, it’s the You Tube link with the best sound.

What are hedges?
What’s the credit swap market?
These terms have been thrown around left and right over the last month and it left me feeling like an idiot when I tried to understand the credit meltdown, the housing market collapse and the federal government bailout. So when Jordan introduced me to these AMAZING segments on This American Life-that put it all in layman’s terms-I listened carefully. If you really want to understand what’s going on with the bailout listen to this one. If you really want to learn what’s going on with the housing market listen to this one. I recommend both. {image via briemarie}

Last night we saw Dave Matthews Band. Without fail every time I see them they give it their all and have such emotion when then play. I know a lot of people say they’re past their prime or have sold out. But I beg to differ. I think they just get better and better– especially when I hear lesser known songs from older albums. Such a fun night and a great way to send off the hubby to the family reunion that I’m unable to attend.