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Writer JOYCE JOHNSON, talks about her relationship to Beat icon Jack Kerouac, and her new book, –Door Wide Open : A Beat Love Affair in letters— (Viking). In 1957, JOHNSON started a relationship with the then little-known writer Kerouac. 9 months later, Kerouacs Beat classic –On the Road— was published. JOHNSON will talk about her two-year, tumultuous love affair with Kerouac, how the publication of –On the Road— changed Kerouac, and shell talk about what it was like being young and female and part of the Manhattan bohemian scene. –Door Wide Open— contains many letters sent to JOHNSON by Kerouac. In addition to –Doors Wide Open,— JOHNSON is also the author of 3 novels, including –In the Night Cafi.— Her memoir –Minor Characters— won the National Book Critics Circle award, and her work has been published in major magazines including the New Yorker and Harpers. (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW.)12:28:30 FORWARD PROMO (:29)12:29:00 I.D. BREAK (:59)12:

Scott Horsley of member station KPBS reports on aggressive trial lawyers who've sued the tobacco and gun industries and are now considering class action lawsuits against health maintenance organizations, drug makers, and liquor distillers. One such attorney is Dick Scruggs from Mississippi, who led the suit that won a 246-billion-dollar settlement for the states against cigarette makers and a 400-million-dollar fee for himself. Supporters of such lawsuits say they help reduce corporate irresponsibility Some critics say they're motivated by greed; other critics say that legislatures, not courts, should make social policy

NPR's Martin Kaste reports on a toxic oil spill that has poisoned a river in southwest Brazil, threatening wildlife and potentially ruining one of Brazil's most famous natural wonders, the Iguazu Falls.

NPR's Sylvia Poggioli reports the Greek National Theater will perform Oedipus Rex tonight at the Coliseum in Rome. It's the first public performance at the Coliseum in 1,500 years.

NPR's John Ydstie reports Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan gave an upbeat assessment of the U.S. economy today. Greenspan told members of the Senate Banking Committee the economy shows signs of slowing to a more sustainable pace and that reduces the risk of accelerating inflation. Stock and bond markets both rallied on the suggestion that Fed might leave interest rates alone when it meets next in August.

At the World Exposition in Hannover, Germany, organizers are disappointed at the number of visitors. NPR's Guy Raz reports that the failure to draw large crowds could be in part due to globalization and modern technology that makes travel to World's Fairs seem less remarkable. The poor turnout may also be due to bad press and high prices.

Linda talks with Mike Shatzkin, CEO and founder of the Idea Logical Company. Shatzkin acts as a consultant to publishing companies. He talks about the message author Stephen King is sending to publishers by bypassing them, and making his book available online.

Commentator Martha Ann Overland lives in India, and takes her kids to the US Embassy Club swimming pool. She learns that the class and racial divisions that have become taboo on most American soil, are still openly practiced by Americans abroad.

Banning Eyre reviews the CD Gem Tones, Saxophone Supreme South Indian Style, by Kadri Gopalnath. Gopalnath heard a British marching band when he was an teenager, growing up in India. He loved the sound of the saxophone so much that he began to play it. Although the sax was not part of the South Indian classical music tradition, he tried to make the instrument fit in. Now, with a few minor changes in the set up of the sax he plays, he has been able to gain wide acceptance in the tradition for his innovation. (3:45) The CD is Gem Tones: Saxophone Supreme, South Indian Style by Kadri Gopalnath. It's on Globestyle Records, #CDORBD 097. Contact: info@amc.org.uk

During 36 years as a pipeline inspector, Stanley Rychlicki walked an estimated 136,887 miles. He received a certificate this week from Guiness and may be entered into the next Guiness Book of Records as a World Record Holder.