Segments by Date

Sylvia Thomson-Smith is a chief author and the editor of a report on sexuality recently presented to the national convention of the Presbyterian Church. That report urged the Church to relax its strictures against homosexuality and premarital sex. The Presbyterian Church overwhelmingly rejected the report.

Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Mighty Like A Rose," the new album from Elvis Costello.

Athlete and journalist Mariah Burton Nelson. After the passage of Title IX, Nelson played women's basketball in college and in the Women's Pro Basketball League. Her new book, "Are We Winning Yet?" examines the state of women's sports in America today.

Book critic John Leonard reviews the author's latest book, which he says doesn't live up to DeLillo's excellent novels from last decade.

Jordan's best known movie was the 1986 film, "Mona Lisa," starring Bob Hoskins. After several Hollywood films, Jordan has returned to his native Ireland to make his new, smaller scale film, "The Miracle."

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead checks out new records from the bands Curlew and Doctor Nerve, which stretch the definition of jazz with the incorporation of rock attitudes, atonality, and computer-generated music.

Williams' new book, "The Alchemy of Race and Rights," is her personal reflection on racism in American life and society.

Commentator Maureen Corrigan discusses one aspect of married life that still causes controversy: a bride's decision whether or not to change her name.

Tan's debut novel, "The Joy Luck Club," was a huge critical and commercial success, earning Tan a nomination for the National Book Award. She has a new novel, called "The Kitchen God's Wife," which draws explicitly from her mother's experiences as a Chinese immigrant and survivor of an abusive relationship.

Clasical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new, comprehensive CD box set of the pianist's interpretations of Beethoven.

Writers Lindsy Van Gelder and Pamala Robin Brandt. They're the co-authors of "Are You Two...Together?" It's a gay and lesbian travel guide to Europe.

Investigative journalist Marc Reisner's new book, "Game Wars," chronicles the work of undercover agents trying to stop the illegal hunting and sale of endangered species. According to Reisner's research, this work is more dangerous than being a city cop.

Television critic David Bianculli reviews the season premiere of public television's documentary series, "P.O.V." It debuts this Tuesday night with "Absolutely Positive," Peter Adair's film about 11 people who have tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS.

Vasquez's new movie, "Hangin' With The Homeboys," is a semi-autobiographical movie about growing up in the South Bronx. He talks to Terry Gross about relations between Latinos and African Americans in his neighborhood; Vasquez is biracial, and is part of both traditions.

Rock historian Ed Ward tells the story of "Sally Go Round the Roses," a strange, enigmatic song that was a hit in 1963, recorded by The Jaynetts.

Film critic Stephen Schiff reviews "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves," starring Kevin Costner.

Adair's new documentary, "Absolutely Positive," profiles 11 people, including Adair himself, who are HIV positive. It airs this week on PBS.

On the eve of the 7th International Conference on AIDS, we talk with the man in charge of the previous conference, Doctor Robert Wachter. Wachter's new book, "The Fragile Coalition," chronicles Wachter's struggle to make the conference a forum for both scientists and AIDS activists.

Book critic John Leonard reviews "Bully for Brontosaurus," the new collection of popular science essays from biologist Stephen Jay Gould.

Book critic John Leonard reviews "Open Letters," the new collection of writings by the playwright and former President of Czechoslovakia.