Elkin was called "one of the most entertaining stylists in contemporary American fiction." His use of metaphor, "transforms grotesque situations and the drab vulgarity of popular consumer culture into comic affirmations of human existence." (from Contemporary Literary Criticism). His novels included, The MacGuffin, The Magic Kingdom, and others. Elkin was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis twenty years ago and died of heart failure on Wednesday, May 31, 1995. We replay our 1993 interview with him. (Rebroadcast)
Mull became known for his performance as the anchor man on "Weekend Update," the news parody on Saturday Night Live," and as talk show host for late night show "Fernwood Tonight." He recently released his book Paintings, Drawings and Words. It provides not only a generous survey of his enigmatic art works, but the process by which he creates them. Mull is presently a regular on the TV sitcom "Roseanne."
Margolick is the former author of the New York Times "At The Bar" column. He was recently promoted from the national legal affairs correspondent to San Francisco bureau chief for the New York Times. Margolick is presently covering the O.J. Simpson trial for the Times. His legal columns have been collected into a new book, At the Bar: The Passions and Peccadilloes of American Lawyers.
Journalist Laurie Garrett has recently returned from Zaire, where many people have died due to the spread of the Ebola virus. She is the author of the new book, The Coming Plague: Newly Emerging Diseases in a World Out of Balance. She talks about how people in Zaire changed their behaviors in order to curtail the spread of the Ebola virus.
We speak with two guests about the practice of religion vis-a-vis the Constitution: Keith Fournier, Head of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ). The ACLJ helped draft the Christian Coalition's Contract with the American Family, which calls on Congress to allow prayer in public places, curb pornography, and restrict abortion. On the other side of the debate, activist and preacher Jim Wallis, editor of Sojourners magazine, has started a new coalition called "Cry for Renewal." It's his alternative to the conservative agenda of the Christian Coalition.
The Philadelphia native is the son of early kiddy show star, Uncle Pete. Boyle has made a name for himself in both the TV and film industry. He has been featured in films such as Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein," "Taxi Driver," "The Dream Team," and more. Boyle recently played a regular character in the TV show "NYPD Blue." He is currently featured in the movie "While You Were Sleeping."
Member of the Exile Tibetans' Parliament, the Assembly of the Tibetan People's Deputies, Tendzin Choegyal. He is the youngest brother of the His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He talks about the selection of the Panchen lama -- the second highest leader in Buddhism -- and China's efforts to interfere with the process.
Commentator Gerald Early remembers one of the most amazing events in professional boxing's history: when Mohammed Ali knocked out former champion Sonny Liston.
Journalist Osha Gray Davidson. His book Under Fire: The NRA and The Battle For Gun Control is now available in paperback. He talks about the recent NRA convention and what it says about the direction of the group.
Television critic David Bianculli gives his take on the dismissal of Connie Chung as the co-anchor of the CBS Evening News, and the role of the sole remaining host, Dan Rather.
Executive Director of the Institute for Legislative Action, the NRA's Lobbying Arm, Tanya Metaksa. She responds to criticism of the letter sent to NRA members calling federal agents "jackbooted Government thugs." Metaksa denies that the group has any association with paramilitary groups. The organization has suffered image problems since the Oklahoma City Bombing. The group recently ended their national convention.
This nationally acclaimed comedian has recently released his book Pryor Convictions and Other Life Sentences. Pryor's memoir takes readers on a journey through his successful yet struggle-filled life. A strong man who has overcome such ordeals as a drug addiction, self immolation, and six marriages, Pryor is determined to overcome his most recent battle with multiple sclerosis.
Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews The First Recordings of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, on the BSO classic label. It features conductor Karl Muck.
Dickey is the author of the report What Every Policy Maker Should Know About Imprisonment and the Crime Rate. Professor Dickey of the University of Wisconsin Law School, has a new way of viewing crime in our society. Based on his recent report issued by the Campaign for an Effective Crime Policy, he and officials have concluded that incarceration has little effect on crime rates. They believe that there are number of factors which limit the impact of prison on crime.
