Rainn Wilson, From 'Office' Drone To 'Rocker' Star

On Wednesday, July 30's Fresh Air, Terry Gross interviewed The Office's Rainn Wilson who's new movie, The Rocker, opens August 20.

From NPR:

While his Office character may take himself seriously, actor Rainn Wilson seems to be all about the laughs. Wilson plays beet-farming, archery-loving middle-management kook Dwight Shrute on the NBC hit television series. Now, Wilson is trading his crossbow for a guitar in the new film The Rocker.

The interview is amazing; I loved it so much. I listened to it about 4 times. I laughed so hard when Gross played a clip of her interview with The Office's Jenna Fischer. In the clip, Fischer talks about how hysterical it is when Wilson pushes out his pelvis and his gut when he gets into the "Dwight" character.

Do not delay any further. Listen to the interview ASAP!


image via NPR

Navigating the Science (and Sociology) of "Traffic"

On Monday, July 28's "Fresh Air," Terry Gross interviewed Tom Vanderbilt, author of Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do (and What it Says about Us). In the interview, Vanderbilt explained why the elimination of traffic lights and the integration of traffic circles would mean safer roads. He also talked about the benefits of the late merge and the confusion that occurs when we get into the "dilemma zone."

The topic and interview are both remarkable. Driving is often such an unconscious activity; I know I am guilty of relying heavily on my ability to drive on autopilot. This subject is something we don't consider nearly enough. Listen to the interview and read an excerpt from the book here; Vanderbilt blogs on the topic here.