Best Show multitasking

[yesno]

Anyone here able to listen to the Best Show (or other talking related entertainment fun) while also reading or writing?

My work involves a lot of reading and a lot of writing.  In fact, pretty much only reading and writing.  I have sadly realized that my place in life is turning one kind of piece of paper into another kind of piece of paper.  I am pretty much useless, work-wise, when listening to the archives.  I end up just sort of laying on the couch.

Not only that, for the archives (since I stream them -- WireTap or Audio Hijack seem like a lot of work), I can't even clean the house and walk the dog while listening to the history of Tom.  Have to stay near the computer.

But, I know a lot of people who are able to read and write and also listen to NPR.  It baffles me.  Are these people able to somehow split their minds in two?

[bruce]

I can write while listening to Best Show, but no reading. Actually any talk radio I can write to just can't read while it plays and I'm paying attention. Unless I'm in a situation where a TV is on and having no interest such as a laundromat I can zone out and read.

[Sarah]

I can't read or write and listen to the show and do one well without neglecting the other.  I can edit and listen if the work is not too demanding.  Listening while doing kitchen chores is perfect, since I mostly don't enjoy those chores and the show takes my mind of them.  The only problem is that I have to have the volume up really high so that I can hear over the sound of running water.

[Martin]

I can't do any reading or writing while listening to it (also, that would be insulting to The Show). Uncomplicated emailing and editing, maybe. Casual web browsing, yes. But I usually just put on my cordless Sennheisers (I know about cans!) and wander around the apartment, doing chores.

[Pat K]

Are these people able to somehow split their minds in two?

They must be. If I'm trying to formulate words and sentences coherently, I can't be listening to any talking, or it completely short circuits my thought process. And certainly not any talking as interesting as the Best Show.

I used to have a data entry job that involved punching numbers into computers all day and had a blast listening to archives all day long while I was working. For some reason, I'm fine listening to talk radio while dealing with math and numbers. Then I got a job that involved complicated writing and sending emails all day, and my archive days were over. I would zone out in mid-paragraph and catch myself transcribing a Philly Boy Roy monologue.

But yeah, I am really jealous of people who can divide their attention like that.

[Andy]

I have to mute the computer in order to be able to type a coherent sentence on a message board.  I'm not a multi-thinker.

[<<<<<]

The grain on my orange crate isn't very good for writing.  Makes it all bumpy.   

[God Stewart]

I started listening to the Best Show because I liked having talk/chatter going on while I'm working on drawings and comics. I used to play movies in the background of my studio but the Best Show is way more fun.

I also enjoy listening to the podcast on my ipod while doing the dishes. It helps distract from the drudgery.

When I listen live I can sort of barely keep up with the chat, but I mostly just listen to the show. I definitely can't draw while listening live.

[boost ventilator]

Dishes, sweep, take out the trash...nothing too mentally taxing. It makes house work fun (<- not a great slogan).

[Sarah]

I disagree:  "The Best Show:  Making housework fun" would be a fine slogan.

[Denim Gremlin]

I can't believe I'm admitting this but I used to listen to the archives while playing World of Warcraft.

It made me feel better about spending hours playing an MMORPG if I could tell myself what I was really doing was catching up on old Best Shows.

[Andy]

I did the same thing, except I was playing Counterstrike.

[God Stewart]

Were you constantly IMing/yelling, "Now you're a ghost!" ?

[dania]

While listening I:
1) Continue writing my manifesto
2) Practice my librettos
3) Recite memorized passages from various plays
4) Write letters to large corporations about how they could better society
5) Catch up on the New Yorker

...all at once.  Actually, I switch between the two writing parts and the two vocal parts. 

Ha, actually I just cook, wash dishes, work on art stuff, and occasionally check out the chat.  I have a small apartment so I manage to hear it. 

[bobby.]

I just got my friend Daniel listening to the Best Show and he told me that it's great to listen to while writing essays, which was shocking to me. I have to be walking or transporting or eating or in bed.