Since today is traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year, we asked Robin Becker to read her poem Shopping. It’s about some of the darker reasons we head to the stores. She teaches poetry writing at Pennsylvania State University.
Larry McMurtry is considered one of Texas most prominent fiction writers even though he has not lived in that state for nearly two decades. Over his career, he has written 19 novels...including the 1986 Pulitzer Prize winning book Lonesome Dove.. His newest Dead Man’s Walk (Simon & Schuster 1995) takes readers to the early days of his Lonesome Dove heroes Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call. Other books by McMurtry include: Streets of Laredo (sequel to Lonesome Dove), Terms of Endearment and The Last Picture Show.
Corby Kummer has been called the Dean of food writers in America. As one of the most respected food journalists, he writes for The New York Times Magazine, New York and Food and Wine. In addition he also a senior editor at The Atlantic Monthly. Kummer talks about his newest book The Joy of Coffee: The Essential Guide to Buying, Brewing and Enjoying (Chapters Publishing Ltd 1995) He talks about the reasons behind America’s love affair with gourmet coffees and some tips on how to make a good cup. Kummer lives in Boston, Mass.
Book Critic Maureen Corrigan reviews two re-issues from novelist Angela Thirkell, The Headmistress and Growing Up. The publishing company is Moyer Bell. Both books were originally published in the 1940s in Great Britain. Thirkell had a loyal following of readers who in the late 1930s and 40s would set up reading groups called "Thirkell Circles." Thirkell wrote nearly 40 novels.
American folk singer Rosalie Sorrels may not be wildly famous but since the 1960s she's developed a near cult like following. Her admirers describe Sorrels as someone who has lived the life she now sings about. In fact, she was immortalized in a song by Nanci Griffith describing Sorrels as "Salt of the earth.....with a voice like wine." .Her newest CD is "Borderline Heart" by Green Linnet Records Inc. The book "Way Out in Idaho" is a collection of her poems, songs and recipes.
New York Times Reporter Roger Cohen updates us on today's announced peace agreement between the warring factions in the former Yugoslavia. Cohen has extensively covered the war from Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia. President Clinton announced today that the three sides have agreed to preserve Bosnia within its current borders -- but divide it into two republics under one national government.
Writer Joe Kane talks about his new book Savages (Knopf 1995) It’s his first hand account on the confrontations between Amazonian warriors and multi-national oil companies, environmentalists and missionaries. Kane writes about the Huaorani tribe’s fight for its culture and environment. Kane’s earlier book Running the Amazon was a 1989 New York Times best-seller. (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane).
An inside account of the world of high-fashion. Nina Blanchard is founder of Nina Blanchard Agency which is considered one of nation’s most prestigious modeling agencies. Blanchard herself discovered supermodel Cheryl Tiegs. She’s been called The Beauty Broker. She has written a novel based on the fashion world The Look, (Dutton 1995) Blanchard talks about what it takes to be a model, the pressures they’re under and why she herself finally had enough.
Composer and Lyricist Ralph Blane died Monday at the age of 81 at his home in Oklahoma. He is best known for his work with Hugh Martin. Together they wrote songs for Broadway and Hollywood. They are best known for songs in the MGM classic, "Meet Me in St. Louis." That starred Judy Garland and featured the songs "The Trolley Song," "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," and "The Boy Next Door." (Originally aired 10/31/89)
Film Critic Stephen Schiff reviews the new movie "The American President." It was produced and directed by Rob Reiner and stars Michael Douglas and Annette Bening. Also featured are Martin Sheen, Richard Dreyfuss and Michael J. Fox.
TV Critic David Bianculli previews next week's Beatles documentary. The six hour series features new music by the Beatles. The recordings use archive tape of John Lennon.
Associate Counsel for Human Rights Watch, Richard Dicker. He'll discuss the situation in Nigeria. Last week poet, playwright and minority rights activist Ken Saro-Wiwa was sentenced to death and killed, along with eight other men. Saro-Wiwa lead the "Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People," a movement to help the impoverished Ogoni. They had been fighting for rights to petroleum reserves and compensation for environmental damage by Shell Oil Company, a lead oil operator in the country. The deaths have been condemned by many world leaders.
Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Co., Brian Anderson. In 1993, Shell pulled out of Ogoniland, the oil rich part of Nigeria, after it's pipelines were sabotaged. But they still operate in other parts of Nigeria. Human Rights Watch is calling on them, and other oil companies to close down their operations in Nigeria. (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)
Choreographer Elizabeth Streb. Her troupe, "The Ringside Company" is currently on national tour, with "PopAction." Streb's works combine dance, athletics, daring and precision. Her dancers work on and around such props as scaffolding towers, trampolines, and walls. One reviewer described it as "dazzling speed, wit and daring." (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)
