January 1, 2000

Weekly Edition
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An index of this week's stories:

INDIA PARTITION - India and Pakistan have spent the past 52 years in an almost constant state of aggression. Relations between the two nations have been strained since the British partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947. None of its architects anticipated the bloodbath it would inspire. NPR's Mike Shuster recorded memories of Indian partition from those who had witnessed the horror firsthand. (7:00)

JACKIE PFLUG - In November of 1985, the world watched helplessly as terrorists held Egypt Air flight 648 hostage. A botched rescue mission resulted in an increasing pile of bodies cast upon the tarmac below. One of those hostages who was shot and left for dead was Jackie Pflug. NPR's Daniel Zwerdling asks her to recall that harrowing experience. (13:30)

JACKIE ROBINSON - Jackie Robinson became the first black man to play major league baseball, after signing a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers. NPR listeners recall their memories of watching Robinson play at Ebbets Field, how his aggressive play intensified the game, and what his presence on the team meant to them. Count Basie chimes in with his thoughts as well. (11:00)

JOHN LENNON - Commentator Verta Mae Grosvenor remembers the days after the assassination of John Lennon and his widow's call for his fans to join in ten minutes of silence. She found herself in New York City on the day the world seemed to come to a halt. (2:45)

DELANEY SISTERS - NPR's Liane Hansen visits with Bessie and Sadie Delaney at their home in Mt. Vernon, New York. Both born before the turn of the twentieth century, the Delaney Sisters provide perspective about the century they witnessed and where we go from here. (12:00)

Some stories do not link to audio files because of Internet rights issues.

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