The Little Free Library Movement Comes to Winston-Salem
At the end of last month, Winston-Salem resident Sarah Maxey asked for $175 through Kickstarter, a digital funding platform for creative projects, in order to start a Little Free Library. These libraries are freestanding structures placed, well, anywhere: a local Y, a park, greenway, neighborhood, coffee shop,
and stocked with special books that are free to the public. The hope is that those who take, will eventually return either the same book, or another meaningful one.
UNCSA and Cirque Du Soleil Collaboration Sparks New Performances
For years the UNC School of the Arts Department of Design and Production has enjoyed a relationship with Cirque Du Soleil. Cirque visits the campus regularly and it currently employs dozens of highly skilled UNCSA alumni. Today, through sponsorship by the Kenan Institute, UNCSA and Cirque, that relationship is extending to virtually the entire school through a fascinating new collaboration project.
Relying On Old Artisan Ways, French Brand Makes Itself Anew
Founded in the mid-19th century, luxury leather goods maker Moynat won renown for its traveling trunks for the moneyed set. But it fell on hard times and closed in the 1970s. Now, it's undergoing a rebirth, turning out limited quantities of luxurious, handmade bags that utilize centuries-old craftsmanship.
'Lawrence' Of Arabia: From Archaeologist To War Hero
T.E. Lawrence, the British officer who played a key role in the Middle East during World War I, served as one of that war's few romantic champions. Scott Anderson's Lawrence in Arabia explains how Lawrence used his knowledge of Arab culture and medieval history to advance British causes.
In 'A World,' All Voice-Overs Are Not Created Equal
Lake Bell's comedy In a World ... tracks a vocal coach's efforts to break into the male-dominated world of voice-overs. She and actor/voice-over artist Fred Melamed tell Terry Gross about what drew them to voice-over work, and the origins of the "sexy baby vocal virus" trend.
For You To Borrow, Some Libraries Have To Go Begging
Most Americans say public libraries are important to the community — but eight states don't actually support them. Texas has cut budgets drastically; in Vermont, local librarians must go hand in hand to town meetings every year. Neda Ulaby reports on the landscape of library funding across the U.S.
Fans Are Like Friends To 'Reigning Queen' Of Women's Fiction
Debbie Macomber's books don't get a lot of critical attention, but they've sold in the hundreds of millions. Her fans feel like they know and love the woman behind the words, so her publisher threw a party for them.
A Dystopian View Of America's 'Fallen' Suburbs
Patrick Flanery's taut new novel, Fallen Land, delves into the housing crisis, creeping corporate surveillance and a "crisis of neighborliness" in American life. The backdrop: a half-built and crumbling subdivision outside of an unnamed American city.
The Words Vivien Leigh Left Behind
An upcoming exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London celebrates the life of the actress, including diary entries, film scripts and personal letters to Leigh from Winston Churchill, Graham Green and the Queen Mother. Host Scott Simon speaks with exhibit curator Keith Lodwick.