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Fighting fires on the northern rim of the Grand Canyon.

Writer and ecological historian STEPHEN PYNE. His latest book, Fire on the Rim, A Firefighter's Season at the Grand Canyon, explores the intricacies of fire management, man's relation to the rural western environment, and the summer ritual that changes the canyon and the people who try to protect it. Pyne worked as a firefighter for 15 season's on the northern rim of the Grand Canyon. Pyne describes a life where the firefighter lives in isolation for four months, defined by the fires and the capriciousness of lightning. Pyne, who received a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship for his work in the field of ecological history, has also written about Antartica.

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Other segments from the episode on May 1, 1989

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, May 1, 1989: Interview with Alice Walker; Review of the soundtrack to the film "Ascenseur pour l'échafaud;" Interview with Stephen Pyne; Review of the television show …
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27:33

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker

Writer ALICE WALKER. She's best known for the novel The Color Purple, a seminal account of the life of poor, rural blacks in the south as experienced by the women. The novel revolves around letters that Celie, the principal character, addesses to God after her father has impregnated her for the second time. The Color Purple won the American Book Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and was later adapted for the screen by Steven Speilberg.

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03:23

The Fox show "Cops" follows real police at work.

Television critic DAVID BIANCULLI reviews "Cops," a new Fox Network show. Filmed on location in Broward County, Florida, the episodes follow real cops as they orchestrate drug stings, investigate car crashes and try to resolve domestic disputes.

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06:55

Traveling To The Corners Of Our 'Frozen Planet'

The team behind the documentary Planet Earth have teamed up again to explore the coldest, most isolated places on Earth. TV critic David Bianculli says watching Frozen Plant "captures images of so much majesty, artistry, and clarity, it's almost ridiculous."

Review
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05:15

'Happy Feet'

Film critic David Edelstein reviews the new animated feature Happy Feet. As the film's domestic earnings approach $100 million, the musical has started to pop up on lists of prospective Best Picture nominees.

Review

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Paperwork, lines, hours on hold: There's a 'Time Tax' on Americans who need help most

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