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Culture

Saturday

Author Interviews

The Case of the Horrifying Mystery Writer

Harry Stephen Keeler wrote stupefyingly bad mystery novels in the first half of the 20th century. Now he's something of a literary cult figure. Hear "Keeler-head" Paul Collins and NPR's Scott Simon.

The Case of the Horrifying Mystery Writer

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Friday

Analysis

Slate's Summary Judgment: 'The Manchurian Candidate,' 'The Village,' 'Garden State'

Slate contributor Ben Williams sums up what the nation's critics are saying about the weekend's major film premieres -- The Manchurian Candidate, The Village and Garden State.

Slate's Summary Judgment: 'The Manchurian Candidate,' 'The Village,' 'Garden State'

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Books

Calvin Trillin's Poem: DNC Highs and Lows

Writer Calvin Trillin has contributed one poem each day this week, based on events occurring at the Democratic National Convention. In his last poem of the week, he reviews the high points and low points of the affair from the perspective of a native Bostonian delegate. Calvin Trillin's most recent book is Obliviously On He Sails: The Bush Administration in Rhyme.

Calvin Trillin's Poem: DNC Highs and Lows

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Thursday

Analysis

Slate's Books: The Worst Book Ever?

Slate book reviewer Aleksandar Hemon reviews what he calls the worst book he ever read voluntarily -- A Movie...and a Book, by first-time novelist Daniel Wagner. Hemon talks to NPR's Madeleine Brand about how the book reveals unfortunate trends in publishing.

Slate's Books: The Worst Book Ever?

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Movies

Demme Questions Politics in 'Manchurian Candidate'

NPR's Michele Norris talks with director Jonathan Demme, whose remake of The Manchurian Candidate opens Friday. Demme says the film is partly a surreal thriller, and partly an effort to make viewers question the modern political process.

Demme Questions Politics in 'Manchurian Candidate'

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Wednesday

Books

Calvin Trillin's Poem: Teresa Heinz Kerry

Writer Calvin Trillin is crafting small poems about the proceedings of the Democratic National Convention each day this week. Today, he takes stock of Teresa Heinz Kerry, John Kerry's wife. Trillin's latest book is Obliviously On He Sails: The Bush Administration in Rhyme, published by Random House.

Calvin Trillin's Poem: Teresa Heinz Kerry

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Music Interviews

Patti Scialfa: From E Street to '23rd Street'

Singer Patti Scialfa's new CD was a long time coming — her previous solo release was in 1993. But she says husband Bruce Springsteen offered this encouragement: "The record will tell you when it's complete."

Patti Scialfa: From E Street to '23rd Street'

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'Garden State,' a Wry Look at Life in the 20s

Zach Braff, of Scrubs fame, wrote directed and stars (with Natalie Portman) in Garden State, a film about 20-somethings in 2004. NPR's Michele Norris talks with Braff, who wrote, directed and stars in the film. And NPR's Bob Mondello offers a review.

'Garden State,' a Wry Look at Life in the 20s

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Tuesday

Architect Frank Gehry

Fresh Air

Time magazine calls Gehry the world's most famous architect. Gehry just designed an outdoor music pavilion for Chicago's new Millennium Park, a former rail yard that's been transformed into a destination for the arts. He designed the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.

Architect Frank Gehry

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Art & Design

Creative Spaces: Artist James Prosek's Studio

Author James Prosek is known for detailed watercolors, of trout in particular, that capture nature in all its vibrance. NPR's Michele Norris visited Prosek's home in Connecticut to disscuss the space he's designed.

Creative Spaces: Artist James Prosek's Studio

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