Don’t miss This American Life this week.

The first half: an ordinary American decides to try to make a difference in Iraq. Remarkable tale.

The second half: my old Trebekistan buddy, novelist Arthur Phillips, reads a condensed version of his short story "Wenceslas Square." Arthur’s ability to be both jaded and romantic, simultaneously, is unparalleled.

The free mp3 version is here, but only for the rest of this week.