A podcast posted every Sunday featuring extended interviews and discussions from Bookwaves, Art-Waves, and Bookwaves Artwaves Hour programs on KPFA, and newly digitized and edited archive interviews from the pre-digital Probabilities series dating back to 1977. Literature, theater, film, the visual arts: in-depth interviews from a progressive and artistic viewpoint, with long-time KPFA/Pacifica host Richard Wolinsky.
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GAMETHING is an audio book-club about videogames. Each episode, experimental game designer Pippin Barr and oral historian David Wolinsky choose a game to play separately and exchange answering machine messages about it until the tape runs out. The result is a conversation about anything and everything (mostly everything) they find interesting about videogames.
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There are universal laws or “truths” that when applied will yield amazing health results. Without alignment to these basic tenets, health will always be out of reach. It is my vision to empower people of their true human potential. LifeForce Radio is about restoring the foundation for personal freedom and reconnecting all people to their innate life-force, maximizing their human potential and returning the power back to the people. You have been granted the Divine Spark by your creator and i ...
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Josh Costello, Aurora Theatre Artistic Director
1:31:56
1:31:56
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1:31:56
Josh Costello, the Artistic Director of Aurora Theatre in Berkeley since 2019, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky. Before taking on the role of Artistic Director at Aurora, Josh Costello was the founding Artistic Director of Impact Theatre and Artistic Director of Explanded Programs at Marin Theatre Company. He directed several plays at Aur…
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In which we capture Fatal Frame (2002), and photowalk into a 1986 abyss. David tries to liven up the ol' Himuro Mansion with a splash of color. Pippin curses the scraps. These, and other GAMETHINGS. Fatal Frame was developed and published by Tecmo.By Pippin Barr, David Wolinsky, and Mark Chains
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Erik Larson, “The Demon of Unrest,” 2024
1:57:34
1:57:34
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Erik Larson, author of “The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky, recorded at Book Passage Bookstre on May 31, 2024. Erik Larson is the author of several bestsellers of non-fiction narrative, including The Devil in the White City, The Splendid and the Vil…
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In which we capture Beyond Good & Evil (2003), join the resistance as a photojournalist, and then lose sight of what we're fighting for. Pippin finds Christina’s World on Hillys. David squints at the subtitles. These, and other GAMETHINGS. Beyond Good & Evil was developed and published by Ubisoft.By Pippin Barr, David Wolinsky, and Mark Chains
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Edna O’Brien (1930-2024), Rebel Daughter of Ireland
1:26:42
1:26:42
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The great Irish novelist and playwright Edna O’Brien died at the age of 93 on July 27, 2024 after a long illness. A controversial figure from the start, her first novel from 1960, The Country Girls, which dealt with sexual and social issues in Ireland following World War II, was banned in Ireland and denounced on the pulpit, and while she move…
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In which we capture Pokémon Snap (1999), and keep our hands inside the important science vehicle at all times. David ponders systems of fruit. Pippin sings the Jigglypuff song. These, and other GAMETHINGS. Pokémon Snap was developed by HAL Laboratory and published by Nintendo.By Pippin Barr, David Wolinsky, and Mark Chains
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John Barth (1930-2024), Master of Metafiction
1:32:46
1:32:46
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John Barth (1930-2024), who died on April 2, 2024 at the age of 93, was America’s leading writer of metafictional and post-modern fiction. This interview was conducted by Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff on November 12, 2001 in the KPFA studios, while on the book tour for the novel Coming Soon. John Barth began to receive notice for his two e…
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In which we introduce Season 8 of GAMETHING. Say "cheese."By Pippin Barr, David Wolinsky, and Mark Chains
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In which we capture Red Dead Online (2018), a West far Wilder than expected. Pippin is run over by a piano. David sells his soul for a nicer camera. These, and other GAMETHINGS. Red Dead Online was developed and published by Rockstar Games.By Pippin Barr, David Wolinsky, and Mark Chains
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Jonathan and Faye Kellerman, “Double Homicide,” 2004
1:19:49
1:19:49
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Jonathan Kellerman and Faye Kellerman discuss their careers as mystery writers with host Richard Wolinsky, recorded October 28, 2004 while they were on tour for their stand-alone book, Double Homicide: Boston and Santa Fe. Jonathan Kellerman, as of summer 2024, has written 39 novels in the Alex Delaware series, the most recent of which is The Ghost…
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Adam Gopnik, “At the Stranger’s Gate,” 2017
1:48:18
1:48:18
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Adam Gopnik discusses his book “At the Strangers’ Gate with host Richard Wolinsky, recorded September 12, 2017. First posted October 19, 2017. Adam Gopnik has been a staff writer for the New Yorker magazine for over three decades. Among his best-selling books are “Paris to the Moon,” “At the Children’s Gate,” and “The Table Comes First.” He is curr…
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[Beeping]By Pippin Barr, David Wolinsky, and Mark Chains
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Aya de Leon, “That Dangerous Energy”
1:00:14
1:00:14
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Aya de Leon in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky. Aya de Leon is the Poet Laureate of the City of Berkeley. She is a novelist and poet who currently teaches creative writing at U.C. Berkeley. She is the author of ten books, the most recent of which are the adult novel, “That Dangerous Energy,” and the young adult novel, “Untraceable.” Origina…
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Nancy MacLean: How the Right-Wing Took Over the Courts
1:55:23
1:55:23
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Nancy MacLean, author of “Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right’s Stealth Plan for America” in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. Nancy MacLean’s 2017 book, “Democracy in Chains,” deals with the long game of the Koch brothers and their ilk, which may now have finally come to fruition with the Supreme Court legalizing bribery a…
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In which we explore the observer effect.By Pippin Barr, David Wolinsky, and Mark Chains
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Pam MacKinnon, Artistic Director, American Conservatory Theatre (A.C.T.), 2024
1:24:48
1:24:48
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Pam MacKinnon, Artistic Director of American Conservatory Theatre (ACT) in San Francisco, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky. Pam McKinnon, has been Artistic Director of ACT — American Conservatory Theatre, since January 2018. A leading interpreter of the works of Edward Albee, she won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a play for a Reviv…
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David Sedaris, “When You Are Engulfed in Flames,” 2008
1:14:23
1:14:23
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David Sedaris, noted humorist, comedian, diarist and radio contributor, discusses his collection of essays, “When You Are Engulfed in Flames” and how his career originated in this interview recorded in the KPFA studios on June 28, 2008. (First time podcast). Hosted by Richard Wolinsky. Pride Month Special. The post David Sedaris, “When You Are Engu…
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In which we respond to a voicemail from Zach.By Pippin Barr, David Wolinsky, and Mark Chains
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Ayodele Nzinga, Director, “Pac and Biggie Are Dead”
1:20:43
1:20:43
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1:20:43
Ayodele Nzinga, the Poet Laureate of Oakland and the director of the play “Pac and Biggie Are Dead” by Biko Eisen-Martin, which is running at BAM House in Oakland through June 30, 2024, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky Ayodele Nzinga, known as “Wordslinger,” is the lead curator of BAM House (formerly the Flight Deck and Piano Fight Oaklan…
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Colm Tóibín discusses his latest novel, “Long Island,” which follows characters from his earlier best-seller, “Brooklyn” twenty years later. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky. Colm Tóibín was born in Enniscorthy, Ireland, in 1955. He is the author of 11 novels including The Master, Brooklyn, The Testament of Mary, Nora Webster, House of Names and The Magi…
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In which we respond to a voicemail from Dave.By Pippin Barr, David Wolinsky, and Mark Chains
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Maureen Gosling: The Films of Les Blank
1:30:55
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Maureen Gosling, filmmaker and film editor, discusses the films of noted documentary director Les Blank (1935-2013), which whom she collaborated for several years, along with her own career, in this interview with host Richard Wolinsky. A Retrospective of the films of Les Blank can be seen at Pacific Film Archive June 7 to July 27, 2024. Les Blank …
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Aya de Leon, The Bay Area Book Festival 2024
49:02
49:02
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Aya de Leon, the Interim Program Director of the Tenth Annual Bay Area Book Festival, June 1-2 in various locations in Berkeley, talks about this year’s festival with host Richard Wolinsky. Aya de Leon is the Poet Laureate of the City of Berkeley. She is a novelist and poet who currently teaches creative writing at U.C. Berkeley. She is the author …
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David’s Dial-in Radio Stream: Ecco the Dolphin (1993)
15:16
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David plays Ecco the Dolphin, and other GAMETHINGS.By Pippin Barr, David Wolinsky, and Mark Chains
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Paul Auster (1947-2024), “The Book of Illusions,” 2002
1:30:38
1:30:38
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1:30:38
Paul Auster (1947-2024), in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky, recorded October 2, 2002 while on tour for his novel “The Book of Illusions.” Paul Auster, who died on April 30th, 2024 was a world-renowned novelist, memoirist, and film-maker whose works were translated into forty languages. His career as a writer began with a well-received memo…
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Helen Benedict, “The Good Deed,” 2024
1:25:29
1:25:29
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Helen Benedict, author of the novel “The Good Deed,” in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky. Helen Benedict is the author of eight novels, including “Wolf Season” and “Sand Queen,” and five books of non-fiction.Her previous book, “Map of Hope and Sorrow,” co-written by Eyad Awwadawnon, is partly an oral history of refugees coming to Greece afte…
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In which we have a Hallmark moment.By Pippin Barr, David Wolinsky, and Mark Chains
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Trina Robbins (1936-2024), “Last Girl Standing,” 2019
1:28:48
1:28:48
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Trina Robbins (1938-2024) who died following a stroke on April 10, 2024, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky, recorded at her home in San Francisco on February 6, 2018. Trina Robbins was a legend in comic book circles, an artist at a time when hardly any women drew comics. In this interview, she discusses her 2017 memoir, “Last Girl Standing…
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Joan Baez, “When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance,” 2024
1:02:40
1:02:40
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Joan Baez, legendary singer, songwriter and activist, in conversation with host Richard Wolinsky, recorded while on remote tour for her book of poetry, “When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance.” Recorded April 26, 2024 via zencastr. Joan Baez is an internationally renowned singer, songwriter and activist who burst on the folk music scene as a teen…
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Pippin’s Dial-in Radio Stream: Ecco the Dolphin (1993)
15:19
15:19
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In which Pippin revisits preseason pick Ecco the Dolphin (1993) in a live radio-stream. Pippin stares into the interstitial water, reads the poetry, and makes it to the right hand side. These, and other GAMETHINGS. Ecco the Dolphin was developed by Appaloosa Interactive and published by Sega.By Pippin Barr, David Wolinsky, and Mark Chains
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Viet Thanh Nguyen, “The Sympathizer,” 2016
1:21:34
1:21:34
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A conversation with Viet Thanh Nguyen, winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for fiction for his novel, The Sympathizer, which has now been adapted into a television miniseries. The interview was recorded in the KPFA studios, May 5, 2016. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky Viet Thanh Nguyen came over from Vietnam with his family at the time of the fall of Saig…
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Don Winslow, author of “City in Ruins,” in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded via zencastr on April 10, 2024 Don Winslow is the author of 22 novels, many of which focus on crime and the criminal underworld, including The Cartel, The Force, Savages (which became an Oliver Stone film), and The Border. His latest novel, “City in Ruins”, conc…
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In which we respond to a voicemail from Geraint.By Pippin Barr, David Wolinsky, and Mark Chains
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Margot Livesey, “The Road from Belhaven,” 2024
1:43:37
1:43:37
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Margot Livesey, author of the novel, “The Road from Belhaven,” in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. Recorded March 19, 2024 at Book Passage Bookstore in Corte Madera, California. Margot Livesey is the author of ten novels, including “The Missing World,” “Mercury” and “The Boy in the Field,” which range from literary novels to psychological thrill…
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Susan Oxtoby, The Films of Agnes Varda, 2024
1:21:46
1:21:46
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Susan Oxtoby, Director of Film and Senior Film Curator at Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA), discusses the current retrospective of the films of the great Belgian-French film maker Agnes Varda (1928-2019) with host Richard Wolinsky. Agnes Varda began her career as a stills photographer and became a director with La Point Courte …
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In which we finally hit the wall. Pippin falls from a great height. David gets tangled in the curtains. These, and other GAMETHINGS.By Pippin Barr, David Wolinsky, and Mark Chains
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Roz Chast, New Yorker Cartoonist, 2017
1:08:14
1:08:14
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Roz Chast, New Yorker cartoonist, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky. One of the joys of leafing through the New Yorker is coming across the work of the brilliant cartoonist Roz Chast. In this interview from 2017, while she was on tour for her book Going Into Town a Love Letter to New York, she discusses not only the book but also her history as…
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In which we pass through The Talos Principle 2 (2023), a robotic Jerusalem. Pippin is stopped by the golden doors. David wanders in the empty pyramids. These, and other GAMETHINGS. The Talos Principle 2 was developed by Croteam and published by Devolver Digital.By Pippin Barr, David Wolinsky, and Mark Chains
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The Gershwin Project V: Burton Lane, 1992
2:18:05
2:18:05
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Burton Lane, Broadway and Hollywood composer and sometime lyricist, in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, August 17, 1992 in New York. Burton Lane, who died at the age of 84 in 1997, was best known for composing the scores for the hit Broadway shows Finian’s Rainbow (with E.Y. (Yip) Harburg) and On A Clear Day You Can See Forever (with Alan J…
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In which we pass through Doom (1993), and deploy into both the first and the most recent community-made maps. Pippin is a neighbour from hell. David tries to find an outlet. These, and other GAMETHINGS. Doom was developed and published by id Software.By Pippin Barr, David Wolinsky, and Mark Chains
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David Thomson, “The Fatal Alliance,” 2024
1:52:44
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David Thomson, film critic and historian, discusses his latest book, “The Fatal Alliance: A Century of War on Film” with host Richard Wolinsky. Author of over forty books, most of which deal with film and film history, David Thomson here discusses how movies have influenced how our society sees and understands war. He is hosting war films at Pacifi…
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In which we pass through Sweet Home (1989), and act like ghosts in a haunted house. Pippin is still looking for his tour guide. David hugs the walls. These, and other GAMETHINGS. Sweet Home was developed and published by Capcom.By Pippin Barr, David Wolinsky, and Mark Chains
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Otessa Moshfegh, “Homesick for Another World,” 2017
1:16:26
1:16:26
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Otessa Moshfegh, recorded while on tour for the acclaimed short story collection, “Homesick for Another World, in the KPFA studios on February 2, 2017. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky. First posted March 28, 2017. The author of the highly acclaimed novel, short-listed for the 2016 Man Booker Prize, “Eileen,” Otessa Moshfegh is the daughter of an Iranian…
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In which we pass through Antichamber (2013), never quite sure if we’re solving its Magic Eye puzzles or simply ghosting them. Pippin tones down the hyperbolic geometry. David 86's the parade. These, and other GAMETHINGS. Antichamber was developed and published by Demruth.By Pippin Barr, David Wolinsky, and Mark Chains
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Robert Stone (1937-2015) II, “Prime Green: Remembering the Sixties,” 2007
1:18:29
1:18:29
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Robert Stone (1937-2015), author of “Dog Soldiers,” “A Flag for Sunrise” and “Damascus Gate,” in conversation with Richard Wolinsky, recorded in the KPFA studios on January 25, 2007 during the book tour for his memoir, “Prime Green: Remembering the Sixties.” Robert Stone, who died on January 10th, 2015 at the age of 77, won the National Book Award …
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In which we pass through The Legend of Zelda (1987), and produce amateur cartography. Pippin prays to Galoob. David rearranges the cheese. These, and other GAMETHINGS. The Legend of Zelda was developed by Nintendo R&D4 and published by Nintendo.By Pippin Barr, David Wolinsky, and Mark Chains
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The Probabilities Archive: Tony Hillerman (1925-2008) II, “Sacred Clowns,” 1993
1:19:41
1:19:41
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Tony Hillerman (1925-2008) in conversation with Richard Wolinsky and Richard A. Lupoff, recorded November 8, 1993 while on tour for the novel “Sacred Clowns.” This is the second of four interviews.Digitized, remastered and edited in February 2024 by Richard Wolinsky. This interview has not been heard in three decades. Tony Hillerman, who died in 20…
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In which we pass through Fallout 3 (2008), and enjoy a life of peace and quiet deep inside the wasteland walls. Pippin discovers the shortest distance between two points. David escapes Schrödinger's vault. These, and other GAMETHINGS. Fallout 3 was developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks.…
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Walter Mosley, “White Butterfly,” 1992
1:16:57
1:16:57
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Walter Mosley in conversation with Richard Woinsky and Richard A. Lupoff, recorded October 25, 1992 in the KPFA studios while on tour for the novel, “White Butterfly.” Today, Walter Mosley is one of America’s leading authors. He is best known for his series of mystery novels featuring the characters of Easy Rawlins and Mouse, now numbering fifteen,…
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In which we pass through Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004), but never leave the city limits. Pippin feels the speed without the danger. David tries to find where the bodies are buried. These, and other GAMETHINGS. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas was developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games.…
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