Ronan Farrow

The news this week was dominated by geopolitical tensions, specifically the US-Iran conflict. President Trump's decision to attack Iranian General Soleimani led to widespread confusion and concern, with many questioning the reasoning behind the move. The aftermath saw Iraq's parliament voting to expel US forces from their country. Meanwhile, comedian Adam Burke and journalists Roxanne Roberts and Luke Burbank provided some levity on the NPR quiz show Wait Wait Don't Tell Me. Planet Oat was also mentioned as a sponsor, promoting their rich, creamy oat milk that is an excellent source of calcium and vitamins A and D, with unsweetened varieties having zero grams of sugar.

Technology continues to shape our lives in unexpected ways, from mistaken draft letters leading to career consequences, to robots delivering toilet paper. The royal family experienced a shocking departure, with Meghan and Harry announcing their decision to step back and become financially independent. This news caused a stir, leading to debates about their decision and the potential consequences. Meanwhile, at the Consumer Electronics Show, a robot designed to deliver toilet paper was unveiled, showcasing the latest innovation aimed at making our lives more convenient. Despite the advancements, some argue that we still need human connection, as evidenced by the fallout from the royal family's departure. Overall, these stories highlight the intersection of technology, human relationships, and the unexpected twists and turns of life.

Technology is making it easier for teenagers to order takeout instead of sitting down for a home-cooked meal with their families. Services like Grubhub and DoorDash allow kids to order food directly to the house, even when their parents have gone to the effort of preparing a meal. This can lead to frustration and even financial consequences for parents, as they may end up tipping the delivery person for their child's unexpected order. The Wall Street Journal shared stories of parents who had spent hours making dinner, only to have their kids order takeout right under their noses. It's a modern twist on the classic "dog ate my homework" excuse, but in this case, it's not a dog, it's a smartphone and a food delivery app.

Excuses for not completing homework are as old as the dinosaurs and just as creative. From Adam Burke's story, we learned that even an intelligent ape like Mimi can outsmart a graduate student and steal their laptop and paper. In Roxanne Roberts' tale, two boys in British Columbia survived a snowstorm by burning their homework to keep warm. And from Luke Burbank, we heard about Snoop Dogg accidentally using his son's biology final as rolling paper for a joint. Despite these amusing anecdotes, it's clear that losing or damaging homework can be a major setback for students. These stories remind us to be vigilant about keeping our work safe and to be understanding when unexpected events occur. So next time you're feeling frustrated about a missing or damaged assignment, remember the T. Rex, the orangutan, the snowboarders, and Snoop Dogg - and take a deep breath.

People, even those with impressive accomplishments, can still find humor in trivial questions. This was evident during an episode of "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me" when Ronan Farrow, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, was asked about his unconventional college experience starting at the age of 11. Despite his achievements, Farrow embraced his awkwardness and shared stories about his college experience with a bowl haircut and round glasses. Another takeaway is that determination and perseverance can lead to groundbreaking investigative journalism, as seen in Farrow's reporting on Harvey Weinstein's crimes, which began when his story was initially dismissed by NBC News. Despite facing threats and intimidation, Farrow continued his investigation and ultimately brought the truth to light.

Despite their attempts, Ronan Farrow and the speaker share a common struggle with foreign accents. During their conversation, they jokingly discussed Farrow's accents in his book and podcast, and the speaker's own failed attempts at Ukrainian and other accents. They also poked fun at Farrow's fiance, John Lovett, who is a podcasting legend, and the friendly rivalry between them. In a game segment of their conversation, they answered questions about ancient Egyptian pharaohs, with Farrow correctly answering that Sesostris would construct a giant vagina statue in defeated cities to shame the soldiers, and that Pepi II covered his servants in honey to attract flies instead of them. The conversation showcased their friendly banter and shared sense of humor.

Ancient Egyptian pharaohs had to prove their continued strength and fitness to maintain their throne by performing a ceremony involving running a fast lap around a courtyard while wearing an animal tail. This ritual, known from history, was a requirement even after ruling for 30 years. Ronan Farrow, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and creator of the Catch and Kill podcast, was a recent guest on the quiz show "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me." He correctly answered all three questions, impressing the hosts and audience. The show also discussed an unusual trend of audiences getting high before watching the movie "Cats," with some reporting enhanced enjoyment of the film despite its negative reviews.

The unexpected appearance of Ian McKellen in a film can add an unexpected charm and make it a cult classic for some viewers. Additionally, the BBC is broadcasting a 2-hour figure drawing session featuring naked models for art students, a service that provides people with something to draw and learn from. This event is generating buzz and controversy, with some seeing it as a new form of entertainment and others criticizing it for being explicit. The unexpected and unconventional elements in both the film and the BBC broadcast demonstrate how creativity and spontaneity can captivate audiences and spark discussion.

Innovation and progress can come in unexpected forms, such as a tank with a built-in toilet or a museum dedicated to hangovers. The tank's new feature may bring convenience for its users, but it also raises questions about the robot's role and the added responsibility for it. Meanwhile, the upcoming museum in Zagreb offers a unique and humorous approach to sharing relatable experiences and international perspectives on hangovers. Additionally, research suggests that whining, when done strategically, can be a healthy way to process emotions and bond with others. It's important to remember that everyone experiences stress and frustration, and finding effective ways to cope can lead to stronger connections with those around us.

This week brought a mix of significant news and unexpected quirks. The Ohio State Medical Board considered adding "being a Cleveland Browns fan" as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, while federal prosecutors recommended jail time for former national security adviser Flynn. Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg revealed she was cancer-free, and lottery officials in Mississippi were suspicious of men trying to cash in a winning ticket with the numbers glued on an old one. Disgraced Hollywood producer Weinstein was charged in LA, and NASA unveiled the completed core of their new rocket that will put a woman on the moon. Bumble banned someone claiming to be Sharon Stone, and former National Security Advisor Bolton said he would provide impeachment testimony if subpoenaed. GOP representative Hunter resigned after pleading guilty to misusing campaign funds, and former Nissan head Ghosn defended his decision to flee house arrest in Japan. Julian Castro endorsed Warren for president, and actor Phoenix pledged to reduce his carbon footprint by wearing the same clothes to every award show. The US saw a 2% drop in greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, and the Oscars announced they would once again be hostless. A woman in Florida was arrested for threatening to get extra dipping sauce at McDonald's "by any means necessary." Despite the challenges, Roxanne came close but didn't quite win the quiz. The panelists predicted gadgets for next year's CES convention.

Technology continues to evolve and surprise us, from a dating app for robotic vacuums to lifelike robots and digital millennial assistants. Meanwhile, in the real world, it's important to look beyond surface-level perceptions and gain a deeper understanding of ongoing issues, such as the pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses, which are often portrayed as violent but in reality, are mostly peaceful. These are just a few of the intriguing topics discussed on recent episodes of NPR shows like Wait Wait Don't Tell Me and It's Been a Minute. So, whether you're interested in technology, pop culture, or current events, NPR has got you covered.