Search results for

Bob Garfield, co-host of NPR's On The Media, examines why the news media are so smitten with Federal Reserve chief Alan Greenspan.

Mona Simpson is the author of three, large sprawling novels, one of which, Anywhere But Here, found its way to the movie screen. Her new book, Off Keck Road, is a slender novel that our reviewer Alan Cheuse says has reach beyond its length. (1:45) Off Keck Road, is published by Knopf.

Music critic Meredith Ochs listens to 40 years of recordings by Chris Strachwitz. Forty years ago Strachwitz started on a journey to record great American music. His focus was on roots music; folk, blues, cajun, and zydeco. He liked to record the artists in their homes, beneath pine trees, and in other natural settings. Meredith Ochs says that this five CD collection tells the story of a great American journey. (6:00) The five CD set is Arhoolie Records 40th Anniversary Collection, The Journey of Chris Strachwitz. See http://www.arhoolie.com.

Environmental groups opposed to the nomination of Gale Norton as Interior secretary joined their voices in protest today. They say Norton, the former attorney general of Colorado, expounds theories of land use well outside the mainstream of contemporary legal thinking. But Norton has the backing of conservatives who say she simply follows a strict interpretation of the Constitution and the intent of the founding fathers. NPR's David Welna reports.

Robert talks to Adam Eidinger, an organizer with the Justice Action Movement, which will be taking part in protests against the inauguration of George W. Bush. Justice Action Network has been a part of large protests around the country against the World Trade Organization and World Bank and International Monetary Fund. Eidinger supported Ralph Nader in the November presidential election, and believes Bush's presidency is illegitimate.

President-elect George W. Bush will be inaugurated a week from tomorrow, and the city of Washington is getting ready for a larger number of protests than is usual. Robert speaks with Terrence Gainer, Deputy Chief of Police for Washington D.C. about the preparations.

Host Bob Edwards talks to NPR's Peter Overby about the Justice Department announcement last night that Indonesian financier James Riady will plead guilty to making illegal contributions to the Democratic Party and pay an eight-point-six million dollar fine. Riady will admit to a felony charge that he used corporate funds from his foreign company to reimburse contributors to the 1992 Clinton presidential campaign. Foreign campaign contributions are illegal under US law.

Commentator Kelly Beatty says we all should look to the skies for one last glimpse of the Russian Space Station, Mir which is being retired after over a decade in space.

Bob Edwards talks with Andy Kohut, director of the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, about a new survey on American attitudes as a new president takes office.

NPR's Shirley Jahad reports on the hopeful reaction of the religious right to the latest cabinet nominations of President-elect George W. Bush.