Rick critic Ken Tucker reviews “Big Mon,” a new tribute album to Bill Monroe. It was produced by Ricky Scaggs for his own label and includes many big names, such as Dolly Parton, Bruce Hornsby and Joan Osborne. (Skaggs Family Records)
Neurosurgeon Frank Vertosick (ver-TAH-sick) writes about the history and management of chronic pain in the new book “Why We Hurt: The Natural History of Pain.” (Harcourt Inc.) (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW)
Book critic Maureen Corrigan reviews two new collections of essays: “Red Smith on Baseball” (Ivan R. Dee), and “The Secret Parts of Fortune” by Ron Rosenbaum (Random House)
Rock critic Ken Tucker considers what pop music Al Gore and vice presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman might use tonight at the conclusion of their convention.
Journalists Monica Yant Kinney and Tom Ginsberg of the Philadelphia Inquirer. The two covered the protests during the Republican National Convention two weeks ago. They’ll pick up the story since the convention, and discuss the lawsuits filed against the city on behalf of the protesters. (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW)
Founder of the American Film Institute, George Stevens Jr. The 1952 classic western “Shane”, directed by his father George Stevens has been reissued on DVD, with new special production features. George Stevens Jr. was a production assistant on the film.
Journalist Naomi Klein is the author of “No Logo: Taking Aim at the Brand Bullies” (Picador USA), a look at the global reach of multinational corporations, their pervasive use of branding to sell a concept, the impact on culture and society, and the protest movement that’s resulted.
Horror writer Peter Straub. He has 14 books to his credit, including “Mr. X,” “Ghost Story,” and “The Talisman” which he wrote in collaboration with Steven King. The two of them are currently working on a sequel. Straub’s newest work is a book of short fiction “Magic Terror.” (Random House)
Singer Emmylou Harris. She’s been making records for over 30 years with music that transcends the country-genre she started with, encompassing folk, rock, and pop. After decades of performing others’ songs, she has a new album of her own songs “Red Dirt Girl” (Nonesuch). She wrote 11 of the 12 songs on the CD. “Red Dirt Girl” will be released September 12. It’s her first solo album since her 1995 “Wrecking Ball” record. (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW).
British actress Brenda Blethyn (like “Beth” – ‘BLETH-in’). She’s starring in the new comedy “Saving Grace” about a middle aged widow whose irresponsible husband left her in huge debt. She decides to start growing marijuana in her greenhouse instead of orchids. Blethyn’s other films include Mike Leigh’s “Secrets and Lies” (she was nominated for an Oscar) and “Little Voice.”
Actor, singer and drag queen Ru Paul. The six-foot seven entertainer is even taller in heels and has fashioned for himself a supermodel persona. He attributes his mainstream appeal to his non-threatening sexuality and his “non-bitchy” drag queen personality. Ru Paul is appearing out of drag in the new comedy “But I’m A Cheerleader.” He plays an ex-gay rehab counselor. Ru Paul’s other films include “Crooklyn,” “The Brady Bunch Movie,” and “Wigstock the Movie.” (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW).
Creator and executive producer of “The Powerpuff Girls” the hit cartoon series on the Cartoon Network, Craig McCracken. The show follows the adventures of three super-powered superheros, the cute but tough sisters Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup. There’s also a new CD of music inspired by the girls, “The Powerpuff Girls: Heroes and Villains” (Rhino. The cartoon airs on Wednesday nights 8 PM (PT/ET) and Fridays at 9 PM.
Volcanologist and resident geologist for the U.S. Geological Survey Dan Miller. He also heads the Survey’s Volcano Disaster Assistance program which helps developing countries in the event of volcanic eruption. Miller was part of the team of geologists who studied Mt. St. Helens and predicted a blast before the turn of this last century. Mt. St. Helens blew May 18th, 1980. His team studied the frequency and past characteristics of eruption in Mt. St. Helens and put together hazard assessments for local officials.
Roger Ebert interviews Willem Dafoe. This is a special broadcast of a live event that took place at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Ebert explores Dafoe’s 17-year career of more than 40 films, including his upcoming film, “Shadow of the Vampire.” Dafoe’s films include “The Last Temptation of Christ,” “Affliction,” “The English Patient,” and “Platoon.”
