Segments by Date

Rock historian Ed Ward tells the story of "Sally Go Round the Roses," a strange, enigmatic song that was a hit in 1963, recorded by The Jaynetts.

Book critic John Leonard reviews "Bully for Brontosaurus," the new collection of popular science essays from biologist Stephen Jay Gould.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," starring Kevin Costner.

Adair's new documentary, "Absolutely Positive," profiles 11 people, including Adair himself, who are HIV positive. It airs this week on PBS.

On the eve of the 7th International Conference on AIDS, we talk with the man in charge of the previous conference, Doctor Robert Wachter. Wachter's new book, "The Fragile Coalition," chronicles Wachter's struggle to make the conference a forum for both scientists and AIDS activists.

Poet and NPR commentator Andrei Codrescu. Codrescu's new book, "A Hole In The Flag," examines how the exuberance in his native Romania after the overthrow of Ceausescu turned to cynicism, and with the realization that Ceausescu's overthrow changed nothing.

Book critic John Leonard reviews "Open Letters," the new collection of writings by the playwright and former President of Czechoslovakia.

We examine the implications of the economic collapse with Washington Post reporter Jerry Knight.

Stern played one of the bungling burglars in the movie, "Home Alone." He's also the voice of the narrator in the TV series, "The Wonder Years." He's co-starring now in the new movie, "City Slickers."

Rock and roll historian Ed Ward plays some of the many 1960s artists who tried to cash in on the Bob Dylan sound.

Perl's new book, "Gallery Going," is a collection of essays about the art world of the late 80s and 90s. He says that museums are succumbing to new pressures to generate income, which is affecting the kind of art curators choose to feature.

Getz recently passed away after a bout with liver cancer. We remember him with a rebroadcast of an interview from last year. Getz talks about dropping out of school and going on the road at 15. He learned while traveling and playing with other musicians.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews "Duke Ellington's Carnegie Hall Concerts," a new series of CD reissues that chronicle the annual performances Ellington gave during the 40s.

Alvarez was born into a prosperous family in the Dominican Republic. When she was ten, her family moved to New York City. Alvarez's new novel, "How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents," is a semi-autobiographical work about the clash of cultures in her early life.

Rock critic Ken Tucker checks out some of the season's hot singles, including songs by Amy Grant, the Divinyls, Hi-FIve, and Enigma.

We examine the state of human rights in post-war Kuwait with Ken Roth, the deputy director of Human Rights Watch. He just returned from a nine day visit to Kuwait.

Deputy Director of Human Rights Watch Ken Roth just spent nine days in Kuwait observing the trials of persons accused of being collaborators with the Iraqis.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews Spike Lee's new film, about the politics of interracial dating.

Lea started singing in the 1950s; she recorded her first album in 1955 to critical acclaim. After a hiatus from music, she made a comeback during the 70s in New York's cabaret world. Today, Lea is accompanied in studio by pianist Tony Tamburello. In honor of Cole Porter's 100th birthday, they perform several of the songwriter's compositions.

Film critic Stephen Schiff says that Ridley Scott's new movie about two women fugitives is complex and funny -- and feels like a small revolution.