Search results for

Somebody calling MTV "trash television" isn't exactly news. This time it's the Italian-American group UNICO, talking about the reality series Jersey Shore. Commentator Andrew Wallenstein says there's a reason we find stereotypes on TV.

Anyone who has taken a high school geometry class has at least a dim recollection of the number called pi. But in his new book The Golden Ratio, author Mario Livio examines the mysteries of pi's lesser-known cousin, phi -- a number that has both counfounded and amazed mathematicians since antiquity.

Ten years ago, award-winning producer Dave Isay teamed up with LeAlan Jones and Lloyd Newman to create two gritty, groundbreaking portraits of urban life. Today, Isay presents the story of Yanier "Blak" Moore, a former drug dealer turned author who was first discovered by Jones and Newman during their reporting in the Chicago housing projects.

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright's new memoir is simply called Madam Secretary. In an interview with NPR's Juan Williams, Albright discusses what it was like to be the first female secretary of state, her opinion about the timing of the recent war in Iraq and the lessons of the U.S.-led war in Kosovo. Hear the extended interview.

Orchestras are looking for ways to attract new and younger audiences to the concert hall. One solution may be "CoCo" -- the Concert Companion. It's a handheld digital device that displays program notes that are synched with the music. NPR's Fred Child reports on tests of the device at this summer's Aspen Music Festival.

Former President Bill Clinton says he tried to separate his "personal mistakes" in the Monica Lewinsky scandal from his battle to fight an "illegitimate" impeachment over efforts to conceal his affair with the White House intern. Clinton's remarks come in part two an interview with NPR's Juan Williams in conjunction with the release of his new autobiography, My Life.

From his hit television sitcoms to 'Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids' cartoons, children have played a major role in Bill Cosby's career. In his latest project, Cosby has written 'Friends of a Feather', a book he hopes will appeal as much to adults as to their kids.

David Printis remembers how much fun learning was while watching Saturday morning television's Schoolhouse Rock (remember "Zero, My Hero" and "Conjunction Junction?"). Now with three kids of his own, "and lots of homework," the music producer has introduced Multiplication Hip Hop, educational sing-along music for a new generation. Hear the "One Tables" and other selections.

For nearly three decades, Kim Wilson has been the voice and soul of the Texas band The Fabulous Thunderbirds. He's also an accomplished solo recording artist, and in the minds of many people, the greatest harmonica player performing today. His new CD is entitled Lookin' for Trouble. Wilson recently joined NPR's Scott Simon for a chat about his craft.

Molly Ivins has often poked fun at President Bush for his manner of speaking, or "Bushisms." In her new book, Bushwhacked: Life in George W. Bush's America, the syndicated columnist, fellow Texan and long-time Bush critic takes on his dealings and policies, and what she says are their underreported effects on average Americans. Hear Bob Edwards' extended interview with Ivins.