The Next Big Thing

A boy named Saddam

Not That One, the Other One

Show #447

Friday, July 23, 2004

We go to the convention, we visit with Saddam, and we reflect on the little-noticed passing of a Boston chef. No, not the convention, or Saddam, or chef you might be thinking of. The other one. Also this week, musician and composer Roy Nathanson stops by to tell stories and play music – at the same time. And word lobbyist Erin McKean is back to try to seal the deal with writer Simon Winchester.

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What's the Next Big Thing?

Food writers Matt and Ted Lee familiarize us with emerging restaurant trends.

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Small Notice

Among the 85 paid death notices that appeared in the Boston Globe not too long ago was one that read, “Ila B. Moore, late chef at the Commonwealth School in Boston for over twenty-two years.” Next Big Thing’s Emily Botein joins others in reminiscing about Miss Moore, a woman both ordinary and remarkable.

» Click here for Ida B. Moore’s chicken recipe

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Story Songs, Part I

Roy Lately, Roy Nathanson (composer of our theme song) has been workshopping what he calls "story-songs" in his performances with the group the Jazz Passengers. In these pieces Roy tells stories he’s composed, set to music performed by his three-piece band. Here’s his "London Story."

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That Convention

JFK campaign It’s convention time. We begin our team coverage with Next Big Thing contributor Steve Almond in Boston. Then we go to contributor Alice Furlaud, who regales us with tales of the 1960 Democratic National Convention, at which John F. Kennedy accepted the nomination. Produced by Amanda Aronczyk.

» Read and listen to JFK's 1960 acceptance speech

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Saddam in the Desert

Deep in the desert of Baja California, in the tiny village of San Jose Magdalena, Next Big Thing contributor Marianne McCune discovered Saddam. He’s twelve years old, and he’s got a lot of explaining to do.

» Click here for pictures of Saddam

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Heard on the Street

Lakeside, in Duluth, MN – sounds of a passing cargo vessel and of those who watch it go by. Produced by Amanda Aronczyk.

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Word Lobby, cont'd

Last week, activist lexicographer Erin McKean foisted upon writer Simon Winchester a batch of nearly-forgotten words that she’s hoping he can save from obsolescence. This week, we find out if he’s up to the task. Produced by Julie Subrin.

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Story Songs, Part II

Another one of Roy Nathanson’s "story-songs," performed with his trio the Jazz Passengers. This one, "It’s All Right," is about Roy’s uncle, an unlikely optimist waiting for "one word spoke true."