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NPR's Adam Hochberg reports that, after a bitter and hard-fought election campaign that left the Virginia Senate divided evenly between Republicans and Democrats, the parties have come up with a unique power-sharing arrangement. Legislators say they are trying to avoid the kind of gridlock they see in Washington so they can deal with the issues facing the state.

NPR's Renee Montaigne visits the International Banana Club, the world's only banana museum. The creator and proprietor, Ken Bannister, boasts that the Altadena, California museum houses 17-thousand banana-related items.

A profile of Karl Anderson, an actor and storyteller who is an nnual hit as Santa at Dallas' Northpark Center Shopping Mall. (The profile was repared by reporter Bill Zeeble in Dallas.)

Daniel talks with political analyst David Frum and historian Todd Gitlin about why the political left hasn't reacted more to Republican proposals calling for cuts in social welfare programs. They also discuss the tensions within the Republican party that have resulted from the struggle to balance the budget. David Frum is contributing editor of "The Weekly Standard." Todd Gitlin is author of the new book, "The Twilight of Common Dreams: Why America is Wracked by Culture Wars" (Metropolitan Books). Gitlin also teaches at New York University.

SCOTT COMMENTS ABOUT REVELATIONS THIS WEEK THAT OUR UNIVERSE IS MUCH LARGER THAN WE ORIGINALLY THOUGHT

Puzzle master Will Shortz quizzes one of our listeners, and has a hallenge for everyone at home. (This week's on-air player is Jack Huberman from ew York, NY. His public radio station is WNYC, also out of New York.)

Liane Hansen speaks with record producer Phil Ramone, who as departed from pop music to produce a new CD by the symphony orchestra f the renowned Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia (EMI Classics). amone has worked with Billy Joel, Paul Simon and Frank Sinatra, among thers, and is acknowledged for both his technical skills and creativity.

exploring what Americans want in their political leaders during the 1990's. Lifson talks to people in the Chicago area about the kind of leadership they think the country needs and what they consider to be strong leadership qualities.

there is no hell after all.

PHONE BUTLER: Liane Hansen speaks with Ken Jursinski, inventor of he "Phone Butler." This little device can help ward off pesty phone solicitors y politely asking callers to remove the number from the company's marketing ist, and then disconnecting the call.

Joe Richman reports from New York City on how movies have helped immigrants in the United States learn to speak English. Going as far back as the Great Depression newly arrived foreigners, while seeking entertainment, also received a lesson the English language and American culture.

Host Liane Hansen speaks with Peter Shrag, ditorial page editor for the Sacramento (California) Bee newspaper, Richard ard, editor of the Miami Herald's Sunday Viewpoint Section and Mike hristiansen, Washington correspondent for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution bout the top stories in the news for the past year. Topics include the budget attle on Capitol Hill, the Oklahoma City bombing and the Simpson trial.