Weekly Edition
August 19, 2001

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An index of this week's stories:

Bush Vacation(14.4 | 28.8) -- Host David Kestenbaum talks with Bruce Drake, NPR's Vice President for News and Information, about the media's preoccupation with President Bush's month-long break at his Texas ranch. The White House says it's a "working vacation" but some journalists have criticized the length of the break. Drake says such criticism is nothing new - past presidents also have been taken to task when they took time off. (3:00)

Weiner-Japan Death(14.4 | 28.8) -- NPR's Eric Weiner reports from Tokyo on how hi-tech innovations a shortage of land are changing the rituals surrounding death and burial in Japan. This week, tens of millions of Japanese observe the festival of the Dead - or Obon. (4:30)

Fame Essay(14.4 | 28.8) -- Host David Kestenbaum offers a short essay on the the nature of fame and the eternal quest for it. (1:00)

Ridley-Talent Agent(14.4 | 28.8) -- Los Angeles-based novelist and screenwriter John Ridley a vital element for success in Hollywood is an agent. He visits the Endeavor Talent Agency in Los Angeles, which represents him. Staff there tell Ridley about what they do and why they chose to do it. (7:30)

Ridley 2 Way(14.4 | 28.8) -- Host David Kestenbaum asks John Ridley what it's like to be famous in Hollywood. Ridley tells him about the protocols of fame and reveals a few of the perks. (4:00)

Renee Montagne 2 Way(14.4 | 28.8) -- David Kestenbaum talks with NPR host Renee Montagne about the kind of fame she enjoys. Millions know her voice and name, but what's it like to have the "faceless fame" of a radio broadcaster? (3:30)

Stamberg - Ed Asner(14.4 | 28.8) -- NPR's Susan Stamberg talks with veteran actor Ed Asner about his acting career and his recollections of auditions. Asner is best-known for his portrayal of gruff but lovable newsman Lou Grant in the television series of the same name. (8:00)



Lucksmiths(14.4 | 28.8) -- Host David Kestenbaum reviews the pop music of the Lucksmiths. The three-man Australian band has not yet made it big. But the band's upbeat, pithy and short songs are what some people consider perfect pop. (5:00)

Rock Star 2 Way(14.4 | 28.8) -- David Kestenbaum talks with Joe Levy,Music Editor of Rolling Stone magazine about the reality of the rock star's life and how it differs from the dream. (5:00)

Semisonic Diary(14.4 | 28.8) -- Jacob Slichter, drummer for the up-and-coming rock band Semi-Sonic, shares his diary of life on the road. The band is on tour this summer and their latest CD is called All About Chemistry. (4:00)

Some stories do not link to audio files because of Internet rights issues.

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