Interviews

The Obit Lady

June 17, 2007 · Host Liane Hansen speaks with Carolyn Gilbert, a.k.a., 'The Obit Lady.' Gilbert founded the International Association of Obituarists.

Non-Fiction

Book: Falling Through the Earth

June 17, 2007 · Host Liane Hansen speaks with author Danielle Trussoni about her book, Falling Through the Earth, a memoir of her relationship with her father, a Vietnam veteran.

General Assesses Security in Northern Iraq

June 17, 2007 · The mosque bombing in Samarra and a series of reprisal attacks which followed raise new questions about Iraqi security forces. Are they complicit in the attacks? Maj. Gen. Benjamin Mixon, the U.S. commander for Northern Iraq, offers his insights.

Barr Shifts Stance on Gays in Military

June 16, 2007 · Former Rep. Bob Barr, who opposed admitting gays into the military when he served in the U.S. Congress, now says that the military can't afford to exclude this group of Americans.

Father's Day 2007

Sen. Webb on Military Sons and Fathers

June 15, 2007 · Jim Webb fought in Vietnam, his father entered the military in World War II and his son has just returned from Iraq. The Virginia senator reflects on his family's tradition of serving in the military, even in conflicts they don't support. Web Extra: Book Excerpt

How Do Shrine Attacks Affect U.S. Strategy in Iraq?

June 13, 2007 · Retired Army Gen. Barry McCaffrey, who went to Iraq earlier this year, explains what the latest bombings of the holy Shiite mosque in Samarra mean for the U.S. military strategy in Iraq and why insurgents continue to target the shrine.

Alabama's Sessions on Bush, Immigration

June 13, 2007 · As President Bush attempts to persuade Republican senators to revive his immigration bill, Republican Sen. Jeff Sessions of Alabama offers his insights.

Professional Dish-Washer Shares Tales From the Pit

June 12, 2007 · Washing dishes was not a stepping stone for Pete Jordan, but a calling that spanned 12 years and 50 states. He takes readers to the heart of the kitchen — the dish pit — in "Dishwasher: One Man's Quest to Wash Dishes in All 50 States.

In Death, Diana Got Through to Royals, Author Says

June 12, 2007 · Ten years after her death, a new book takes another look at the Princess of Wales. Author Tina Brown says Diana wanted the royal family to "reach out more" to the public, and in the aftermath of Diana's death, they finally did.

Jazz

Andre Previn: Musical Polymath Goes Solo

June 11, 2007 · After decades conducting symphony orchestras and composing classical music, Andre Previn records a solo jazz album. The musical polymath has written scores for hit musicals like Gigi and Kiss Me Kate. Web Extra: Hear Both New and Old Recordings

Books

'A Handbook to Luck': A Tale of Chance

June 10, 2007 · The journey of life is made up of a series of choices. But how much do the elements of chance and luck have to play when making those life choices? Author Cristina Garcia explores these ideas in her latest novel, A Handbook to Luck.

Rufus Wainwright's Operatic Period: 'Stars'

June 8, 2007 · Rufus Wainwright's new album, Release the Stars follows on the heels of his re-creation of Judy Garland's 1961 comeback concert, a flamboyant stage performance that played at the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall. Rebecca Roberts talks with Release the Stars, at times huge and operatic, was executive-produced by former Pet Shop Boys member Neil Tennant.