Weekend Edition Saturday

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Saturday

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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 18, 2012

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.

John Glenn, A Hero Well Before Orbiting Earth

Fifty years ago, John Glenn was alone on top of a rocket waiting to blast into space and around Earth. In these times, when people can become suddenly famous for doing so little, Glenn's flight is a timeless reminder that the most amazing and marvelous inventions won't work without human skill and daring.

Finally, The Physics Of The Ponytail Explained

Scientists in Britain have been trying to determine whether the shape of a ponytail can be deduced from the properties of a single hair. Host Scott Simon talks with Weekend Edition Math Guy Keith Devlin about a new, soon-to-be-published study that has the answer.

You Say 'Nay,' I Say 'Neigh': Goats Have Accents

Goats bleat, but a new study says they don't all do it with the same accent. Host Scott Simon talks to Professor Alan McElligott from Queen Mary University of London, who co-authored a study showing that goats' voices change as they move from different environments.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

In Honduras, Police Accused Of Corruption, Killings

The Central American nation is the most violent country in the world, according to the United Nations. A mix of drug trafficking, political instability and history adds up to a murder rate that is now four times that of Mexico. Contributing to the volatility are the police themselves.

An Understudy Turned Star Shines On The Met Stage

Jay Hunter Morris has become a surprise hit as Siegfried, the Norse hero in Wagner's Ring Cycle — widely considered one of the most challenging roles in opera.

Religion And Birth Control: Not Just A GOP Fight

Along with Republicans, some Democrats said religious institutions shouldn't have to include birth control in their employees' health coverage. The Obama administration altered its policy Friday, but the issue could still affect which party controls the Senate next year.

New Contraceptive Plan: A Successful Balancing Act?

President Obama announced a change of course Friday regarding religious institutions and birth control coverage. The administration, which seemed caught off guard by the strong opposition to its original policy, hopes to regain Catholic allies and maintain support from the women who put Obama in the White House.

Sports Journalism Is The Goooaal At Argentine School

Argentina is mad for sports — and soccer in particular. There are plenty of opportunities for sportswriters and broadcasters, spawning an education industry that specializes in sports journalism.

A Real Estate Deal That Spans The Earth

For sale: 160 acres of rolling hills in California perfect for a vineyard, cattle ranch or communication with outer space. The Jamesburg Earth Station and its 10-story satellite dish once relayed broadcasts of historical events like the Apollo 11 moon landing. Now it's on the market.

Deconstructing Dengue: How Old Is That Mosquito?

Dengue fever, a nasty disease caused by a virus, is just beginning to show up in the U.S. It's carried from person to person by mosquitoes, and one researcher studying the spread is looking for clues in the age of the insects. But it's not very easy to tell how old a mosquito is.

In A StoryCorps Booth, Love Is 'All There Is'

If Dave Isay has learned one thing from editing his new book of StoryCorps conversations it's this: "No one should ever, ever give up hope on love," he says. "It seems like it's not in the cards for people, and then it just sneaks up behind you."

Ralph Nader's $2,680 Airplane Aisle Seat

When Americans traveled by stagecoach, they had to worry about rocks, rattlesnakes, robbers and other varmints. But I wonder if there weren't fewer passenger complaints.

Pages

Arts & Culture

NPR

A Race Against Time To Find WWI's Last 'Doughboys'

In 2003, Richard Rubin set out to talk to every American veteran of World War I he could find. With help from the French, he tracked down dozens of centenarian vets and recorded their stories in a new book called The Last of the Doughboys.

Food

NPR

The Great Charcoal Debate: Briquettes Or Lumps?

Does the kind of charcoal you use really make a difference when it comes to grilling up a tasty steak or other food on the grill? Yes — but deciding which one to use depends on what you're after. Both briquettes and lump charcoal — aka "natural" hardwood charcoal — have their advantages and disadvantages.

Politics

NPR

Obama's Terrorism Fight Is Colored Gray, Not Black And White

If President Obama's newly recalibrated counterterrorism strategy demonstrates anything, it is his penchant for nuance.

Technology

NPR

Google Reportedly Faces FTC Antitrust Probe Over Display Ads

The Federal Trade Commission is in the early stages of opening an antitrust probe into how Google runs its online display advertising business, according to a report by Bloomberg News, citing sources who want to remain anonymous because the FTC has not announced the probe.

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Weekend Edition Saturday

Arts & Culture

A Race Against Time To Find WWI's Last 'Doughboys'

Food

The Great Charcoal Debate: Briquettes Or Lumps?

Politics

Obama's Terrorism Fight Is Colored Gray, Not Black And White

Technology

Google Reportedly Faces FTC Antitrust Probe Over Display Ads

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