Stories about the kinds of chase games that just never end. From the high California desert to a high-end furniture showroom.
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Act One
El Gato Y El Ratoncito
Just near the US-Mexico border, a group of self described "pissed off patriots" called the Minutemen stake out illegal immigrants trying to cross the border. They've got call-signs and walkie-talkies and guns. But not long after they've set up their observation posts, another group shows up to cause trouble. In the dark of night, in the high desert of California, the chase begins. James Spring embeds himself for the night. (21 minutes)
Act Two
Hello Kitty
A story by David Sedaris about what happens when natural enemies meet, in an Alcoholics Anonymous program, in prison. This story appears in David's collection of animal fables Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk. (9 minutes)
Act Three
Looking For Loveseats In All The Wrong Places
It's been well over a decade, so why can't Eric, who is in many other respects a measured and reasonable person, select a simple piece of furniture? David Segal attempts to explain why the man can't just buy himself a couch, already. David works at The New York Times. (8 minutes)
Act Four
Spray My Name, Spray My Name
In a way, it's the most classic cat-and-mouse game of all: A nimble graffiti writer dashes out into the night to leave his mark. Watching and waiting for him are the stronger—if less agile—NYPD Vandal Squad, whose sole mission is their arrest. Brian Thomas Gallagher reports. (8 minutes)
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Act Three: Man Without A Country
What happens if the immigration service wants to deport you, but the country you came from won't take you back? Under current law, usually, you stay in jail...indefinitely.
Act Four: Resurrection
Writer Brady Udall with another story about what animals can take the place of, in our lives and in our homes—this one involving an armadillo.
Act Three: Ariel Sharon, Shimon Peres, David Ben Gurion, And Me!
Host Ira Glass talks with contributor Adam Davidson about how Adam's teenage diaries are filled with his dream of someday becoming the prime minister of a country where he does not even reside.
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