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86
December 12, 1997

How to Take Money from Strangers

Two stories of how to get money from strangers. In both stories, the money is made by people who make the strangers feel good about themselves and about their nation.

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  • Transcript
Jeremy Sternberg

NOTE: This episode originally included a story by reporter Stephen Glass, which we have removed because of questions about its truthfulness. This story is included in the transcript only for reference.

Act One

Saint Nick

A con man named Nick Ward who's so good he's thanked. (24 minutes)

By

Nancy Updike
Act Two

What Makes Grammy Run?

Sarah Vowell, on selling the secrets of art dealer Graham Arader. (14 minutes)

By

Sarah Vowell
Act Three

Futures Market

This episode originally included a story by reporter Stephen Glass (no relation to Ira) about working as a telephone psychic. We have removed the story because of questions about its truthfulness. It is included in the transcript for reference.

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13: Love
Feb. 7, 1996

Act One: Yearning

Artist Julie Laffin talks about the inspiration for her "kissing projects." Jessica Yu's film Breathing Lessons is about Mark O'Brien, a man using an "iron lung." In this excerpt, Mark talks about the yearning he tries to quell through the use of sex surrogates.
75: Kindness of Strangers
Sept. 12, 1997

Act One: Tarzan Finds A Mate

New York City locksmith Joel Kostman tells the story of an act of kindness he committed, hoping for a small reward.

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