A Writer Reports on His Own Brain Surgery
Steve Fishman was reporting in Nicaragua when a blood vessel burst in his brain. During his treatment, he researched his condition and its treatment, and interviewed the surgeons who operated on him. The blood vessel was repaired, but Fishman developed epilepsy as a result of the surgery. His book about the experience is called A Bomb in the Brain.
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Other segments from the episode on December 21, 1988
A New Recording of "Show Boat" Revives the Original Arrangements
There has been a spate of new recordings of Broadway musicals. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says that a new CD release of Show Boat is the best of the bunch, in part because of how it addresses race relations in way that's still relevant today.
Jazz Trombonist Ray Anderson
Anderson's music showcases both his technical prowess and sense of humor. As a teenage musician, he never thought he would make a career on trombone; it wasn't until he stopped playing that he realized how central music was to his life. His new album is called Blue Bred in the Bone.
A Lesser-Known Classic for the Christmas Season
Critic Ken Tucker recommends the religious comedy The Bishop's Wife for holiday viewing. The movie stars Cary Grant and Loretta Young. Tucker says it's an ideal choice if you're looking for something different and low-key.
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Patricia Neal Discusses Her Life and Career.
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