NPR: Hi, I'm Rob

Hi, I'm Rob

Hi. Rob here. I'm the guy feigning The Thinker pose at the top of the page.

So you may be asking yourself, who is this dude? And why do I really care what the heck he would do? Well first, who am I? I'm just a guy like anyone else; I have my triumphs, my foibles, and yes, my guilty pleasures. And over the years I've found myself in more than my fair share of embarrassing situations. So I've learned some stuff along the way.

I created What Would Rob Do? (WWRD) not just to open old wounds, but in the hope that I might prevent some of you from having to suffer as I did -- or, at the very least, give you a good laugh. WWRD takes a look at common problems we all face. Stuff like mega zits, bonehead dating moves, or stepping in dog doody. I also explore lessons in manhood: ordering a drink like a man, getting past a bouncer, or properly eating a hot pepper.

So what can you expect from WWRD? Well, I'll be blogging three times a week and posting a podcast every other Friday. In each of my podcasts, I'll examine one of the common dilemmas (like stepping in a dog's business) that we all face and talk to an expert to get some outside advice.

So, where do you fit into all of this?

I invite you to join in and share your thoughts, experiences, and opinions. Tell me what you think of the expert advice. Do you agree with me, or do you have something better to suggest? Have a dilemma that's bugging you? Let me know about it and it might be the next feature.

Let's begin by talking about the three topics I'm working on now for WWRD:

1) How to make a great mix tape. What songs to include. What to leave off. One of my favorite bands to put on mixed tapes in the '80s was Brit-pop sensation, Squeeze. They're in town this week so I'm asking them what they think. In the meantime, tell me your faves.

2) How to choose a romantic date movie. Any really score with you? What are the ones not to go near?

3) And, of course, I'm wrestling with the most trying of all dilemmas: flatulence. Stay tuned for my next podcast and you'll hear tips from my interview with the makers of this little device. Has anyone actually tried this? Does it work? Anything else work for you?

That's it for now. More later ...

3:01 PM ET | 08-21-2008 | permalink

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I think this is a great idea. I am always getting into trouble.

Sent by herb | 11:36 PM ET | 08-21-2008

It looked like you were sharing water and milk bottles as well as biting from the same pepper. Good thing you were testing the scovilles, because you were probably sharing germs too. Which would be a good protocol question...how safe is it when you share spit?

Sent by Anthony Hunt | 9:40 AM ET | 08-22-2008

I think the fact that you actually swallowed the oil is even more disgusting than the eating of the peppers.

I think the tip about keeping your mouth cold with icecream is probably the best one: the cold deadens your nerves, and the dairy in the icecream will alter the chemistry that goes into the capsacin bonding to your taste buds. But, really the only sure way to avoid pain from eating lots of hot peppers is to eat them on a regular basis. Basically, the capsacin chemically burns away your taste receptors, and it takes a couple of weeks for them to come back.

Bear in mind, though, that many peppers have symmetrical effects on both ends of the digestive process (trust me on this from hard won experience)....

Sent by Mike Czaplinski | 1:47 PM ET | 08-22-2008

I am excited to see what is to come with your blog. I think you should do more of the u-tube stuff - I could only find one thing. Can't wait to see what is next...

Sent by Andrea Otto | 9:43 PM ET | 08-22-2008

I've been listening to your podcasts and am now very excited that you have a blog. I'm looking forward to all your help with life's dilemmas!

Sent by Alice Snyder | 8:32 PM ET | 08-23-2008

I find your show very entertaining. Thanks for always taking one for the team! I would like to hear "What Would Rob Do" to cure a hangover.

Sent by Brock Landers | 12:03 PM ET | 08-25-2008

Definitely great to see you with your own blog, finally. I have enjoyed your show and am always interested in "What Would Rob Do".

Sent by Linda | 10:19 AM ET | 08-28-2008

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Rob Sachs

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What is WWRD?

It's a guide to life's most trying dilemmas, but not those life-or-death dilemmas, more the quandaries we face every day. Rob Sachs leads the way into personal territory others fear to tread.