July 04, 2008
Kimberly Peirce
The filmmaker’s Iraq war movie "Stop Loss" is out on DVD this month. She sees a connection between it and her first feature, "Boys Don’t Cry," about a transgendered person. Peirce told Kurt, "I think it was interesting seeing how a woman constructed herself as a man, and how these young men also struggled to figure out what being a good man is."
(Originally aired: March 21, 2008)
Alexis Rockman
He wants his paintings to help people visualize big scientific phenomena like genetic engineering and global warming. But Rockman, who has an exhibition at The Rose Art Museum through July 27th, sticks to real science when it comes to freaking his viewers out. Produced by Trey Kay.
(Originally aired: December 18, 2004)
Bell Labs
In the second half of the 20th century, it was a hotbed of unfettered creativity, churning out inventions, patents, and Nobel Prizes. From the TV to the fax machine, to the telephone itself -- if Bell Labs didn't invent it, they probably perfected it. Michelle Mercer looks back at the little lab from New Jersey that could.
(Originally aired: May 12, 2006)
Aha Moment: Alejandro Escovedo
In 2005, the rock songwriter collapsed after a show and nearly died from complications of Hepatitis C. Ill and depressed, Escovedo put rock and roll behind him. He told us about the gift that got him singing again. His new album is Real Animal. Produced by Michael May.
(Originally aired: September 29, 2006)