Humor & Fun

Sunday July 31, 2005

Weekend Edition Sunday

For the Birds

July 31, 2005 • NPR's Puzzlemaster Will Shortz quizzes one of our listeners, and has a challenge for everyone at home. (This week's winner is Robert Reiser from Tallahassee, Fla.He listens to Weekend Edition on member station WFSU in Tallahassee.)

For the Birds

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Thursday July 28, 2005

Movies

'The Aristocrats': Anatomy of a Dirty Joke

July 28, 2005 • The Aristocrats, a documentary by magician/comic Penn Gillette and comedian Paul Provenza, follows the genesis of "the filthiest joke ever told." The real joke is, it's not a joke -- the "humor" comes in how the joke is told, and the dirtier the better.

'The Aristocrats': Anatomy of a Dirty Joke

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Wednesday July 27, 2005

Piano Puzzler

Puzzle for July 27, 2005

July 27, 2005 • Pianist Bruce Adolphe offers a new puzzle for classical music fans. He rewrites a popular melody in the style of a classical composer and challenges listeners to identify both. This week's contestant is Bill Pittman of Schenectady, N.Y.

Puzzle for July 27, 2005

Audio will be available later today.

Technology

Taking a 'Talking Street' Cell Phone Tour of Boston

July 27, 2005 • Reporter Audie Cornish of member station WBUR tours the city of Boston with a cell phone guide directing her steps. The "Talking Street" tour incorporates the voice of famous Bostonian and Aerosmith rock 'n' roll frontman Steven Tyler, who gives a guided journey through famous city spots.

Taking a 'Talking Street' Cell Phone Tour of Boston

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Monday July 25, 2005

Sports

Taking Stock of the Armstrong Legacy

July 25, 2005 • Lance Armstrong's influence goes far beyond the sport of professional cycling. Among his many endeavors, he inspired cancer survivors and kick started the cycling economy. But Armstrong also found himself fighting skeptics who maintained he won seven tours with the help of performance-enhancing substances.

Taking Stock of the Armstrong Legacy

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Sunday July 24, 2005

Sunday Puzzle

Blank Rhymes with Blank

July 24, 2005 • NPR's Puzzlemaster Will Shortz quizzes one of our listeners, and has a challenge for everyone at home. (This week's winner is Carol Nolan from New Paltz, N.Y. She listens to Weekend Edition on NPR station WAMC in Albany, N.Y.)

Blank Rhymes with Blank

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Saturday July 23, 2005

Performing Arts

Phyllis Diller: Still Out for a Laugh

July 23, 2005 • At 88, Phyllis Diller has published a memoir, appears in the film The Aristocrats and has a documentary out about her retirement from stand-up comedy.

Phyllis Diller: Still Out for a Laugh

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Pop Culture

Yo-Yo Fun, Some Strings Attached

July 23, 2005 • As some of the world's best yo-yo performers stop by the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, we take a look at an enduring toy and talk to the curator of the museum's collection.

Yo-Yo Fun, Some Strings Attached

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Friday July 22, 2005

Media

Jon Stewart, Faking It and Making It

Fresh Air

July 22, 2005 • As host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central, the funnyman with a serious message has won an Emmy and a Peabody, and most recently the Television Critics Association award.

Jon Stewart, Faking It and Making It

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Wednesday July 20, 2005

Culture

Bob Newhart, an Unbuttoned 'American Master'

July 20, 2005 • Alex Chadwick chats with legendary comedian, writer and actor Bob Newhart, who will be profiled in a career retrospective airing Wednesday night on PBS.

Bob Newhart, an Unbuttoned 'American Master'

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Monday July 18, 2005

Books

Harry Potter Fans Slug Down Pages of 'Prince'

July 18, 2005 • The highly anticipated sixth installment of J.K. Rowling's novel about a child wizard was released Saturday. NPR's Neva Grant followed two youngsters who spent the weekend immersed in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Harry Potter Fans Slug Down Pages of 'Prince'

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Sunday July 17, 2005

Sunday Puzzle

Taking Two

July 17, 2005 • NPR's Puzzlemaster Will Shortz quizzes one of our listeners, and has a challenge for everyone at home. (This week's winner is Peter Caplan from Detroit, Mich. He listens to Weekend Edition on member station WDET in Detroit.)

Taking Two

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Friday July 15, 2005

Celebrating Disney's 50th with a 6-Year-Old Guide

July 15, 2005 • During his career, Alex Chadwick has been on numerous expeditions to exotic places -- but never to Disneyland. He visits the California amusement park to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a well-qualified guide: Will Abbott, who at just 6 years old is already a Disneyland veteran.

Celebrating Disney's 50th with a 6-Year-Old Guide

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Thursday July 14, 2005

Pop Culture

Find Your House at Hogwarts via Web Site

July 14, 2005 • Which Hogwarts' House would the sorting hat choose for you? There's a Web site that can figure out if you'd be a Gryffindor like Harry Potter, or a Slytherin like Draco Malfoy. Web site creator Noah Reese joins Neal Conan.

Find Your House at Hogwarts via Web Site

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Wednesday July 13, 2005

Piano Puzzler

Puzzler for July 13, 2005

July 13, 2005 • Pianist Bruce Adolphe offers a new puzzle for classical music fans. He rewrites a popular melody in the style of a classical composer and challenges listeners to identify both. This week's contestant is Claire Kuhl of Greenwood, S.C.

Puzzler for July 13, 2005

Audio will be available later today.