by Alison Stewart

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Credit: Getty Images

Ira Glass: Video billboard aficionado.

The other evening I pulled up to a stoplight in downtown New York City around 9:20pm, about a block from my home. As I focused on the man walking his dog in front of my car, I realized — that's Ira Glass!

I've only met Ira once, but we went to the same college and he is kind of legendary. I've always admired him. So what did I do? Honk? Yell? No, I just watched him.

He stopped across the street and became fascinated with a video billboard perched right above the entrance to the subway. He stood there for a good long time watching a glossy, produced commercial for a new CBS drama called "Cane". It's about a family that runs a sugar/rum empire. He just stared at it. He was still staring at it when the light changed and I had to get a move on or be subjected to some serious angry New York honking.

So, if you hear any references on This American Life to video billboards, Jimmy Smits as a Cuban kingpin or things that happen while you walk your dog ... you'll know why.