I freely admit to being a NPR junkie. Despite it's flaws, it's the most evenhanded broadcast news coverage around. My favorite show is the popular "This American Life" and for years I've been  a huge fan of Ira Glass, the host and creator.

This week, they are doing an interesting series of pieces on the Republicans' "Big Tent" or lack thereof. In typical TAL fashion, they get behind the stereotypes, meet with real people and give a glimpse inside a piece of America you may or may not have direct contact with. Some of your preconceptions are confirmed, others are dashed. It's good stuff.

But, while listening to the setup to the hour's worth of stories, I was stunned to hear my hero Ira mouth the shopworn media myth that Pennsylvania Governor Bob Casey was denied a speaking slot at the 1992 convention because he was anti-abortion. He just stated it as fact, and gave the impression that only pro-choice speakers were given the podium in 1992.

If you haven't heard it yet, everyone should give a listen to this week's This American Life on a NPR station near you.

The first story is on the rollercoaster political career of Jerry Springer from his days on the Cincinnati city council through his service as mayor there to his current work on the stump for local the local Democratic party. As always with TAL, it's extremely well done.

Go to http://thislife.org/pages/listen.html to find a station near you.

If you can't find a station, or it has already aired in your market, wait a couple of days and you can hear it via the web at http://thislife.org.

It's definitely worth your time.

Representative Jennifer Dunn of Washington has unexpectedly retired.

Dunn represents the eastside suburbs of Seattle, a traditional Republican stronghold that has grown more and more Democratic in recent years. She easily defeated her Dem challengers due to the power of incumbency, seniority and her leadership positions in the GoP hierarchy. But with Dunn out, it could be a wide open race. This is very good news for WA Dems.

Iowa did its job and winnowed out the esteemed Rep. Richard Gephardt from this year's race. Will New Hampshire do the same?

I'm curious who people think will be the next candidate to exit the race.

(Keep in mind that those running shoestring campaigns may be able to linger on even if their delegate totals aren't rising.)

Today's Tom the Dancing Bug comic in Salon is especially brilliant.