Weekend Edition Saturday

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88.5-1

Saturday

8:00 am

88.3

Saturday

8:00 am

From civil wars in Bosnia and El Salvador, to hospital rooms, police stations, and America's backyards, National Public Radio's Peabody Award-winning correspondent Scott Simon brings a well-traveled perspective to his role as host of Weekend Edition Saturday.

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Saturday, February 25, 2012

Syria's Army Withstands International Condemnation

World leaders are becoming sharper in their denunciation of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, calling for him to stop military action against his own people. Host Scott Simon talks with Aram Nerguizian from the Center for Strategic and International Studies about the capabilities of the Syrian army.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Roberta Flack's Long And Winding Road

Flack's new album, the latest in a hit-heavy career, is the Beatles tribute Let It Be Roberta.

U.S. Not Afraid To Say It: China's The Cyber Bad Guy

American officials have long complained about countries that systematically hack into U.S. computer networks to steal valuable data, but until recently they did not name names. In the last few months, that has changed.

6 Miles Of Silver Ribbon: Locals Protest Christo

The artist famous for works measured in miles wants to drape long, billowing panels of silvery fabric over sections of a Colorado canyon. Not everyone is excited; some residents say art is no excuse for the damage it could cause.

In Today's Economy, How Far Can A GED Take You?

Each year, roughly 750,000 high school dropouts try to improve their prospects by taking the General Educational Development test, or GED, long considered the equivalent of a high school diploma. But the latest research shows that people with GEDs are no better off than dropouts when it comes to their chances of getting a good job.

'Made In The USA' Not Enough For Campaign Trail

This week, President Obama touted the success of the government-engineered rescue of GM and Chrysler as evidence of a return of U.S. manufacturing. Despite that success, Republican White House hopefuls Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney say the auto bailout was the wrong move to revive the economy.

Kansas City's Failed Schools Leave Students Behind

On Jan. 1, the Missouri state school board revoked the Kansas City district's accreditation. Now parents have a difficult choice: struggle to afford parochial or private school, move, or keep their children in a system that's been labeled a failure.

At Gates Bar-B-Q, The Ultimate Flavor Lies in Burnt Ends

In Kansas City, burnt ends make the barbecue. Ollie Gates helped transform the food from disreputable wrong-side-of-the-tracks fare to destination food served in a respectable restaurant.

Chinese VP's Wife Shows Off Vocal Pipes, Stripes

"Peng Liyuan has been touted now as sort of the Carla Bruni of China," says one music critic. She's regularly featured on Chinese television's blockbuster Spring Festival Gala, and she's also a major general in China's People's Liberation Army.

Michigan Brakes For Santorum

Michigan holds its presidential primary in just 10 days, and the contest there is turning out to be closer than expected. Mitt Romney grew up in Michigan, where his father, George Romney, ran a car company before becoming governor. Rick Santorum has come on strong, however, and is even ahead in several polls. NPR's Don Gonyea joins host Scott Simon to talk about the state of play in Michigan.

Wary Of Another Greek Bailout, EU Procrastinates

Greece desperately needs a new bailout to avoid a chaotic default and stay in the euro zone, but its EU partners aren't certain the Greeks will follow through on their commitments. EU finance ministers put off approving the bailout last week but meet again on Monday. NPR's Eric Westervelt gives us a status report.

Investor Counting On Ireland's Better Days

Things are still pretty tough for the people of Ireland, but there is one man who thinks things there will start looking up before too long. In fact, he's prepared to put money on it. Host Scott Simon speaks with investor Michael Hasenstab, who's betting more than $2 billion that Ireland's economy will rebound.

Roadblocks That Might Stall China's 'Unstoppable' Rise

There's been much talk, both in Washington and on the campaign trail, about standing up to China and dealing with the trade imbalance. It's all based on the idea that China will continue to grow and become an economic powerhouse, but there are many reasons why that might not be inevitable. Host Scott Simon checks in with NPR's Frank Langfitt from Shanghai.

Troubled U.S. Bobsled Team Races For A Championship

U.S. bobsled racers triumphed at the 2010 Winter Olympics, but it's been tough sledding ever since. The American team has lost big sponsors and struggled to win big races. This weekend, the world's top sled teams face off in Lake Placid, N.Y., for the world championships. North Country Public Radio's Brian Mann reports that American athletes hope the home-track advantage will give them a shot at a medal.

Payroll Tax Cut Brings Other Benefits

In rare form, Congress approved an extension of the payroll tax cut this week, well ahead of its expiration deadline. Also included were extensions of unemployment insurance benefits and money for doctors who accept Medicare patients. NPR's Tamara Keith reports.

Pages

Arts & Culture

NPR

Book News: Newly Found Pearl Buck Novel To Be Published This Fall

Also: shameless book blurbs; new plays from Ayad Ahktar; and a first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone draws a record price at auction.

Food

NPR

Nutrition Group Says Chocolate Milk Is OK, No Need For Aspartame

The nation's largest group of nutritionists is urging the FDA to reject the dairy industry's petition to change the definition of milk. The petition aims to allow aspartame or other alternatives to be used to sweeten milk in an effort to boost consumption in schools.

Politics

NPR

Anthony Weiner Jumps Into Race To Be NYC Mayor

The former congressman's career appeared to be over when he resigned in 2011 because of an extramarital sexting scandal and his lies about it. Now, he tells voters, "I've made some big mistakes. ... I hope I get a second chance to work for you." The Democratic primary is set for Sept. 10.

Technology

NPR

Microsoft Unveils Its new Xbox One

Microsoft has designs on your living room. The software giant's new game console — Xbox One — uses speech-recognition technology and physical commands. Not just to control games, but also your TV, Skype and recorded video. Microsoft demonstrated the new device Tuesday.

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Weekend Edition Saturday

Arts & Culture

Book News: Newly Found Pearl Buck Novel To Be Published This Fall

Food

Nutrition Group Says Chocolate Milk Is OK, No Need For Aspartame

Politics

Anthony Weiner Jumps Into Race To Be NYC Mayor

Technology

Microsoft Unveils Its new Xbox One

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