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We feature a 1999 interview with singer/Hollywood legend Rosemary Clooney. She starred in the 1954 film White Christmas. She talks about her life as a singer and performer. We will also listen to songs from throughout her career. Her 1999 autobiography, Girl Singer, reads like a who's who from the golden age of Hollywood. She also released a CD companion to the book. Its called Songs from the Girl Singer. (ORIGINAL BROADCAST: 12

Morning Edition's listeners share memories of their favorite Christmas gifts. Film projectors, escaping pianos, flying girlfriends, and shiny bicycles top the list.

News analyst Daniel Schorr says the latest attempt at renewing middle east peace talks faces many hazards. President Clinton called Wednesday the deadline for the two sides to demonstrate enough potential to work towards another summit. Prime Minister Barak faces a deadline of February 6 when Israelis vote on whether or not to keep him in office---and Yasser Arafat faces the prospect of having to deal with Ariel Sharon, should Barak lose the election.

Robert Siegel talks with BBC Southeast Asia correspondent Jonathan Head about the numerous bombings of churches in Indonesia on Christmas Eve. Eighteen different bombs, which killed more than a dozen people and injured over a hundred, exploded within minutes of one another. Most of the bombs were planted in cars parked in front of the churches, and others were delivered to clergymen as wrapped gifts. The police defused 13 devices. No one claimed responsibility for the bombings.

Commentator Lee Stringer tells about being homeless at Christmas. Stringer was homeless for ten years, and says it made him grateful for small things. One Christmas in particular taught him to count his blessings. He wrote about it in his book Grand Central Winter: Stories from the Street. (3:30) Washington Square Press ISBN: 0671036548.

Each year, a different state is responsible for selecting and decorating the Christmas tree displayed on the West Lawn of the Nation's Capitol building. NPR's Tom Goldman reports on Oregon's search for the perfect tree for the year 2002.

Our piece continues.

Ravaged diva, Marianne Faithful, who's made her name in recent years interpreting the songs of Brecht and Weil in her trademark rasp has released her first rock record in more than five years. Vagabond Ways tells tales of desperation and debauchery. Karen Michel files this profile. (7:46) Vagabond Ways is on the Instinct label. ASIN: B00004SBMI

Neda Ullaby reports on the recent history of Anti-Christmas tunes. From Bananarama to Dr. Demento, many musicians have had it with the traditional carol and are ready to express their Christmas angst.

Commentator and poet Christine Hemp recalls a recent move to a strange place, and the gift that helped make it a new home. (3:50) Hemp's website is http://laplaza.org/~hemprope.