Friday, January 24, 2014

NPR Stories: January 12 - 18, 2014



This week had a few stories from the Middle East. Former prime minister Ariel Sharon was eulogized after spending six or so years in a coma. Egypt prepared its vote on a new constitution following the overthrow of Morsi’s government. For lighter fare than Obama’s speech on the National Security Agency, take a look at the story about the high tech speed skating suit the United States prepared for the Winter Olympics. I hope your internet speed is sufficient enough to read the rest of this article.


Sunday, January 12

World Story of the Day

Ariel Sharon, Whose Life And Career Shaped Israeli History, Dies

The former prime minister, who had been in a coma after suffering a massive stroke in 2006, died on Saturday. Sharon's career spanned the birth of the nation and most of its essential turning points. Israelis had a love-hate relationship with him that was beginning to soften only shortly before his death.

Story of the Day

McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Flies Into Retirement

A Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis to Atlanta on Monday marked the end of an era for the McDonnell Douglas DC-9. The passenger jet first took flight in 1965 and was known for its relatively small size, which let it land on short runways and expand air travel across the nation.

Monday, January 13

Story of the Day

Internet In America: An On Again, Off Again Relationship

For some Americans, getting high-speed Internet can be a challenge. According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index, consumers rate Internet service providers worse than airlines, the postal service and health insurance in terms of satisfaction.

Business Story of the Day

What Does Living In Poverty Really Mean?

Defining poverty is not straightforward, says Tim Harford, author of the new book The Undercover Economist Strikes Back. It's also about how people view themselves and how they're viewed by others.

Tuesday, January 14

World Story of the Day

As Egypt Votes On New Constitution, Space For Dissent Closes





The government is cracking down on the Muslim Brotherhood and youth activists associated with the 2011 revolution in what many analysts say is a full-blown counterrevolution. Egypt's path to democracy is in doubt. Yet for many Egyptians, stability trumps democracy – at least for now.

Business Story of the Day

Security Experts Say Data Thieves Are Getting Harder To Fight

Even retailers that invest heavily in sophisticated security systems are seeing new vulnerabilities from rogue hackers who are buying software tools on the black market.

Wednesday, January 15

World Story of the Day

Some Brits Not Ready To Say 'Ta-Ra' To Iconic Telephone Box

A race is on to save Britain's beloved crimson phone booth, threatened not by habitat loss or climate change, but by the ubiquity of cell phones. The country had 92,000 payphones in 2002; now, it has just 48,000. But devotees are finding new uses for the booths.

Story of the Day

Why The Race Of The New Football Coach At University Of Texas Matters

Charlie Strong will be the first black head coach of any men's sport at the university. Despite having led an impressive career since 1986, he hasn't been a popular hire with some of Texas' billionaire boosters. But others testify to Strong's abilities and professionalism.

Business Story of the Day

Soon To Be Big In Japan, Jim Beam's Roots To Stay In Kentucky

In a deal worth some $16 billion, Japanese beverage giant Suntory is buying Beam Inc., maker of Jim Beam bourbon and owner of well-known American brands such as Maker's Mark. Industry leaders say it's a reflection of bourbon's exploding popularity in Asian markets, but some wonder if the new owners will preserve bourbon’s Kentucky heritage.

Thursday, January 16

World Story of the Day

German Farmers Fear For Europe's Bacon With U.S. Trade Deal

German farmers protested Wednesday against a free trade deal with the U.S. that could lift restrictions on American meat sold in Europe. The farmers say they are worried not just about poor quality meat but about unfair competition.

Story of the Day

Months After 'Blackfish' Release, Controversy Over SeaWorld Grows

An anti-SeaWorld movement has unfolded online and on social media in the wake of the documentary about the death of an orca trainer at the park. Musical acts and schoolchildren have boycotted the theme park — but it's still drawing big crowds.

Business Story of the Day

Jobs Pitchman Takes Labor Department's Show On the Road

Raising the minimum wage, extending unemployment benefits and attacking income inequality are all on the Obama administration's domestic agenda. And they all fall under the purview of Labor Secretary Tom Perez, who has only been on the job since July.

Friday, January 17

An Unusual Twist In Recent West Bank Clash

 





In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, near-daily incidents between Jewish settlers and Palestinians keep tensions at a constant simmer. Olive trees are destroyed, tires are slashed, mosques are defaced. But Palestinians defused further violence in a confrontation last week when they protected Jewish settlers.

Story of the Day

Will Team USA's High-Tech Speedskating Suit Pay Off In Gold?

 





On Thursday, Lockheed Martin and the sporting goods company Under Armour unveiled long-awaited photos of the new U.S. speedskating uniform they're calling "Mach 39." Unlike other suits, it's not made entirely of smooth, slippery fabric to reduce air drag.

Business Story of the Day

The Birth Of The Minimum Wage In America

For decades, the Supreme Court ruled that laws regulating things like wages and working conditions were unconstitutional. That changed during the Great Depression, when one of the justices switched sides, paving the way for the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Saturday, January 18

World Story of the Day

How I Flunked China's Driving Test ... Three Times

NPR's Frank Langfitt recently decided to apply for a driver's license in China. Since he already has a U.S. license, the main requirement was passing a computerized test on the rules of the road in China. He's been driving for decades, and figured it would be a breeze. He was wrong.

Story of the Day

5 Takeaways From The President's NSA Speech

The president's speech Friday offered a revealing look into the nation's phone data collection program and the direction of the surveillance policy debate. But some of biggest controversies have been put off or pushed to Congress.



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