NPR: Public Radio Star Sighting: Ira Glass After Hours

Public Radio Star Sighting: Ira Glass After Hours

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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.

Alison Stewart

7:33 AM ET | 08-17-2007 | permalink

Comments (Send a comment)

I had a close encounter with Diane Rehm at the Tenleytown Whole Foods here in DC once. Although I awkwardly stood around trying to confirm if it was indeed her, I didn't say anything...

Also, the second and last time I had ever visited NPR HQ, I opened a door for Susan Stamberg and greeted her by name. She then turned to me and said, "And who are you?" It was a friendly question, but she caught me off guard. I was too star struck and fumbling on how I could respond. When I told my friend who works there about it later, he laughed. I actually knew what she looks like. He works for NPR and once stood in a cafeteria line next to Steve Inskeep while not recognizing him.

Sent by Steve Petersen | 9:25 AM ET | 08-17-2007

I used to volunteer for the pledge drives at WBUR here in Boston. Tom and Ray from Car Talk always made a point of coming in and chatting with the volunteers. However, Tom Ashbrook of On Point ate our pizza. The nerve.

Sent by Stewart | 1:51 PM ET | 08-17-2007

The theme for this show: Strolling with the Pooch

Sent by Sean Powers | 1:52 PM ET | 08-17-2007

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