We review a record of achievement for the man working in President Bush's shadow and for a world-famous sheep in New Zealand.

Also this week — three songs on three banjos from musician Tony Trischka; a fourth song, this one from John Linnell of They Might Be Giants; "phantom limbs" in history and literature; and one-minute vacations from around the world.

A Sheep in Sheep's Clothing
Last April, Shrek, a merino sheep, made headlines when he was discovered after "going native" in the New Zealand alps for six years. His coat at the time of capture was thick enough that, once shorn, it could suit twenty men. We bring you this update on Shrek and his wool.

My Inauguration
As the nation pays its respects to President Bush at the start of his second term, The Next Big Thing honors Bush impersonator Charlie Schroeder, whose journey has paralleled the President's in so many ways. Narrated by Bob Wiltfong. Produced by Amanda Aronczyk.

Three Banjos
Dean visits this week's musical guest, banjoist Tony Trischka, at his home in suburban New Jersey. Trischka is known as one of the world's most versatile banjo players, and he's played with everyone from John Denver to Ornette Coleman. For today's show, he's set for himself the task of composing three new songs for three individual banjos. Produced by Matt Lieber.

Use It or Lose It, Part II
Activist lexicographer Erin McKean checks up on John Linnell of the band "They Might Be Giants," to see if he's delivered on his promise to promote three under-appreciated words. Produced by Julie Subrin.

Phantom Limbs
This week in London, Goldsmith's College hosts a conference titled "Phantom Limb Phenomena." The term "phantom limb" was coined here in the United States during the Civil War, but the concept dates back much further. Host Dean Olsher speaks with two conference attendees who have very different relationships to phantom limbs - Professor of Visual Psychology Nicholas Wade and writer Janet Sternburg. Produced by Emily Botein.

Vicarious Vacation
Audio postcards from places as disparate as Angkor Wat, in the Cambodian jungle, to La Farge, in southwest Wisconsin — brought to us by sound artist Aaron Ximm, creator of the "One-Minute Vacations" project. Produced by Pejk Malinovski.

The Third Banjo
The third of three new banjo compositions by Tony Trischka, this one played on his Stelling Sunflower.

WNYC archives id: 42366