Nov 14th, 2006 · Jewell Parker Rhodes talks about her new book Porch Stories: A Grandmother's Guide to Happiness. The book is a tribute to Rhodes' beloved grandmother Ernestine, who taught her many invaluable lessons about life. Rhodes is also a professor of creative writing and American Literature at Arizona State University.
Aug 14th, 2006 · A preponderance of porch ceilings are painted blue, but why? Is it just popular? Is it to ward off spirits, or even pesky bugs? The assistant manager of a paint store, a tour guide in Charleston, S.C., and an expert on insects look at theories on why so many porch ceilings are painted this color.
Aug 8th, 2006 · A part of American architecture, porches also play an important role in America's literary landscape. In To Kill a Mockingbird and many other works, the space between indoor and out has been the scene of drama, conflict and nostalgia.
Aug 4th, 2006 · The front porch of New Orleans Times-Picayune columnist Chris Rose became an unofficial town hall and community center after Hurricane Katrina. Neighbors congregated to vent, cry and laugh; he likens it to a "24-hour therapy session."
Aug 1st, 2006 · New Urbanism advocates communities with small-town-like layouts that encourage walking and decrease reliance on cars. The front porch, which had gone out of vogue after World War II, has played a key role in fostering community in such developments.
Jul 28th, 2006 · All Things Considered asks you to sit down a spell as it examines an important place in summertime mythology, the front porch: its history, its role in American life and literature and its rich symbolism.
Sep 10th, 2005 · Jack Mudurian loves to sing. He once claimed that he knew more songs than Frank Sinatra. So David Greenberger challenged him, and recorded the results on the back porch of the Duplex Nursing Home in Boston.
Jun 16th, 2005 · Alex Chadwick introduces Jennifer and Mal Sharpe, a father-daughter radio team who've been documenting what they call "photo walls" -- pictorial histories that many small businesses collect and display.