Fresh Air

Last Updated: July 04, 2008 02:18 pm

The Word On George Carlin

Linguist Geoff Nunberg reflects on the life and language of the late comedian George Carlin, who died last month. In the 1970s, Carlin observed: "There are 400,000 words in the English language, and there are seven of them you can't say on television. What a ratio that is: 399,993 to seven. They must really be bad." Then he proceeded to say them.

Revisting Carole King's 'Tapestry'

When Carole King's album <em>Tapestry</em> came out in 1971, it became one of the best-selling albums of all time and marked her as one of pop's most talented songwriters. King's masterpiece has been reissued as a 2-disc Legacy Edition by Sony. Music historian Milo Miles takes a look at the landmark work.

A Deeper Sort Of 'Soul'

A new "best of" collection, <em>The Soul Years,</em> showcases the soulful vocals and composing skills of soul and R&B; singer and composer Bobby Womack &mdash; and has become a favorite of many critics.

Of Mobs And Revolution: T.J. English's 'Havana'

Before Tony Montana, there was Meyer Lansky. True-crime writer T.J. English recounts the history of a mob-ruled Havana before the 1959 revolution.

Female Athletes Suffer Pain For Glory

Female athletes suffer a higher rate of injuries than males, particularly to their knees. But some people are reluctant to talk about this "injury epidemic" out of fear of jeopardizing Title IX. <em>Warrior Girls</em> author Michael Sokolove discusses injury risk and prevention.

Elizabeth Warren On The Rising Cost Of Credit Debt

Harvard Law professor returns to <em>Fresh Air</em> to talk about how credit-card debt is becoming more costly due to increased fees and interest rates. Warren is a bankruptcy expert and an outspoken critic of abusive lending practices.

'Netherland' Flirts With Greatness Of 'Gatsby'

With plenty of nods to <em>The Great Gatsby</em> Joseph O'Neill's <em>Netherland</em> explores dreams and ambition in post-Sept. 11 New York City. Maureen Corrigan calls the novel "marvelous."

Theo Bleckmann Goes Back To Berlin Roots

From jazz concerts and cabaret acts to multimedia art installations, Theo Bleckmann has made a name for himself as a New York performer. Now, the vocalist and composer looks back to his native Germany.

Your Credit Report: Know Its Perils, Keep It Clean

Harvard Law professor Elizabeth Warren talks about your credit rating &mdash; how it's compiled, and how it may be used against you. Warren also discusses the errors that may lower your score and how to fix them.

'Wanted': Summer Fun, Assassins Included

An ancient fraternity of assassins, a timid accountant, and Angelina Jolie &mdash; in a summer-movie mishmash from the director of the head-trippy vampire opus <em>Night Watch.</em>