'Truth, Lies And Afghanistan'
Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Davis ignited a controversy when he wrote that after serving in Afghanistan, "What I saw bore no resemblance to rosy official statements by U.S. military leaders about conditions on the ground." In a piece he wrote for the Armed Forces Journal, Lt. Col. Davis states that there's an "absence of success on virtually every level" in Afghanistan and that "the American people deserve better than what they've gotten from their senior uninformed leaders". This criticism comes just as the Pentagon announced plans to wind down combat operations in Afghanistan by the end of 2013 and raises questions about the realities of the war in Afghanistan. Host Neal Conan speaks with Representative Jim McGovern of Massachusetts and defense analyst Tom Donnelly about Lt. Col. Davis' concerns and what — if anything — to do about them. Johnathan Landay, correspondent for the McClatchy Newspapers, also joins the conversation to talk about the current state of affairs in Afghanistan.

Searching For Abraham Lincoln
Historian Andy Trudeau needs your help. He's working on a book about Abraham Lincoln at the end of the Civil War. Interestingly, it's a period of Lincoln's life that remains relatively unexamined. Trudeau believes this was the period where the President transformed from a war president to a reconstruction president. Lincoln visited Generals William Tecumseh Sherman and Ulysses S. Grant, traveled to the Confederate capital of Richmond, and shook hands with many soldiers, sailors, and civilians. He then returned to Washington the same day General Robert Lee surrendered at Appomattox. Trudeau's looking for stories of people who encountered Lincoln at that time. These stories could be diary entries, letters home, or post war recollections. Neal Conan talks with Trudeau about Lincoln's movements during the last week week of the Civil War.

OWS: The Evolution Of The Movement
On September 17, 2011, hundreds of people gathered in Lower Manhattan to protest the growing disparity between the rich and poor and Wall Street's involvement in the economic crisis. Protesters camped out in Zuccotti and sparked similar protests in other cities under the banner of Occupy Wall Street. Five months later, most of the Occupy encampments across the country have been disbanded by police and the future of the movement remains uncertain. Host Neal Conan traces the history of the Occupy movement with one of the men who helped spark the original protests, Kalle Lasn (KAH-luh LAH-zun) of the activist magazine Adbusters, and with occupiers Sandy Nurse in New York and Nichola Torbett in Oakland.

Can You Review Music In 140 Characters?
Last month, SPIN Magazine's senior editor Christopher Weingarten announced a new experiment. In 2012, SPIN is hoping to review 1,500 albums, mixtapes and EPs exclusively on the @SPINReviews Twitter feed. Weingarten believes that this new format is a response to the evolution of music criticism and how music lovers find new bands. Critics believe the limit of 140 characters is killing the art of the music review. Host Neal Conan speaks with Spin Senior Editor Christopher Weingarten about the project.

The Political Junkie
Rick Santorum swept Tuesday's caucuses in Minnesota and Colorado, though the results are non-binding. The contests weren't a major attraction for the candidates, but it's certainly a momentum swing for the former senator. He also won the Missouri primary, though the state will not allocate its delegates till a caucus in March. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, who won Saturday's Nevada contest, was expected to win Colorado. Political Junkie Ken Rudin joins guest host Lynn Neary to discuss the results and the rest of the week in politics. They'll also speak with Sheila Krumholz, executive director of the Center for Responsive Politics, who will explain the role of super PACS in this cycle, and President Obama's decision to embrace one.

Your Resume Vs. Oblivion
Many mid- and large-sized companies are now relying on computerized applicant tracking systems that scan resumes for the proper skills and experience in order to narrow the field of potential candidates. Yet experts say tracking software isn't foolproof — it may overlook highly qualified candidates who haven't used the right keywords on their resumes. Guest host Lynn Neary talks with Lauren Weber of the Wall Street Journal about how companies handle resumes and what you can do to get the attention of potential employers.

Conservatives
In the wake of Rick Santorum's sweep of Tuesday's primary and caucuses, voters and pundits are re-evaluating what it means to be a conservative. Reihan Salam, author of Grand New Party, tells us about young conservatives, while Sal Russo, co-founder of the Tea Party Express, shares the Tea Party perspective. And political scientist Jack Pitney explains how conservatives have become what they are today.

Digital Mourning
When we lose a loved one, it's becoming more common to offer condolences through a Facebook post or an email. But as less communication is done face to face, less grieving is done through religious rituals like shiva or Catholic mass. Guest host Lynn Neary talks with New York Times Style contributor Bruce Feiler about how we mourn in the digital age.

Decision On Gay Marriage In California
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will issue its opinion today on whether Proposition 8, a ballot measure that outlawed same-sex marriage in California, is constitutional. The decision is the latest development in the debate surrounding same-sex marriage in America. Regardless of the court's ruling, the decision could be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, where a decision could have far-reaching implications for same-sex marriage around the country. Guest host Lynn Neary speaks with NPR's legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg about the decision, what it says, and what happens next. And Rob Dillard, a reporter with Iowa Public Radio, talks about how the politics of same-sex marriage have changed since the Iowa Supreme Court legalized it nearly three years ago.

One Patient's View Of A Clinical Trial
A year after recovering from malignant melanoma, Mary Elizabeth Williams found out it had resurfaced on her back, this time in the form of metastatic, Stage 4 cancer. The news was devastating. But one glimmer of good news was that the first new melanoma drug in decades was undergoing its earliest clinical trials. Williams is in the midst of a series for Salon.com about her experiences with the clinical trial, and she joins guest host Lynn Neary to talk about it.

Parades, Or Low-Key Welcome for Iraq Vets?
The city of St. Louis held a big parade in January for veterans of the Iraq War. The grassroots effort drew an estimated 100,000 spectators and 20,000 participants. Now, 15 other cities, including Chicago and Los Angeles, are considering similar parades. Host Lynn Neary talks to historian Douglas Brinkley about how the U.S. has dealt with soldiers' returns from past wars, and Craig Schneider, who organized the parade in St. Louis.

Myths Of Air Travel
The claims airline passengers make about the altitudes, speeds, and durations of their flights are often embellished. Some claim planes plummet hundreds of feet at a time. Others say pilots steered planes toward the skies at a 45-degree angle. And when talking about flight times, passengers are wont to complain a trip from New York to Syndey feels like it took 35 hours. In a column for Salon.com, airline pilot Patrick Smith argues that our perceptions are definitely wrong. Guest host Lynn Neary talks with Smith about some myths of air travel.

Syria And The 'Responsibility To Protect'
When the United Nations authorized "all necessary measures" to protect civilians in Libya, many invoked the principle of the Responsibility to Protect. After the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, world leaders vowed that such mass atrocities could never be allowed to happen again. As a result, the U.N. adopted the Responsibility to Protect in 2005. The set of principles states that governments must protect their populations and, in cases when they don't, the international community has a responsibility to intervene. It's a guiding principle rather than a rule, and leaves room for interpretation. After Libya, some now argue the Responsibility to Protect requires intervention in Syria. Others argue the principle applies in other countries with human rights issues, including Congo and Sudan. Neal Conan talks with David Bosco of American University and Ambassador Nancy Soderberg about the history, goals, and limits of the Responsibility to Protect.

The Opinion Page
The Susan G. Komen Foundation stirred up controversy last week when it announced it would stop funding Planned Parenthood. The Foundation ultimately reversed its decision after a furious backlash from supporters on one side of the issue. That reversal, though, angered many supporters on the other side. In an op-ed in the Dallas Morning Star, editorial writer Rodger Jones says that the Komen Foundation "needs a new approach, like fund-raising drives for research only, or public awareness only." Jones believes that "there are plenty of alternatives to Komen for those of us whose families have been touched by breast cancer... but want to keep clear of Planned Parenthood." Host Neal Conan speaks to Jones about his decision to stop supporting the Komen Foundation and how he thinks the Komen Foundation could have better handled their decisions.

Finding Hope, Concern In Jobless Numbers
The strong jobs report on Friday surprised almost everyone. The unemployment rate fell to 8.3 percent as the economy added 243,000 jobs in January. It's good news, to be sure, in an often gloomy economic picture. Some economists, however, warn that the latest numbers shroud the bigger picture. While the economy is creating jobs again, it will take years to return to full employment. As those workers remain sidelined for many months, their chances of finding new jobs decrease. And housing remains a drag on the overall economy, as prices continue to drop. Host Neal Conan and guests talk about what the latest jobless numbers reveal and the health of the U.S. economy.

Where Your Bike Goes After It's Stolen
When Patrick Symmes' commuter bike was stolen, he set out to catch a bike thief — any bike thief. He documents his story of revenge, GPS trackers and undercover stings in a new piece called Who Pinched My Ride? in February's Outside Magazine. Symmes joins host Neal Conan to discuss his story. He'll also explain the rise in bicycle thefts — by some estimates more than one million per year — and why some police departments aren't following up on the crimes.

Now that Facebook has filed to go public, there's a lot of reflection on how the social media site became the mammoth it is today. The site has gone through a lot of changes in its eight years. Remember when you had to have a college email address to join? Remember when you had to type "thefacebook.com"?

The Associated Press put together a timeline of "milestones in Facebook's history" that highlights the introduction of the Wall in 2004 (taking the graffiti connotation away from the concept of writing on one), the News Feed in 2006 (I can't believe it's been around that long), the "Like" feature in 2009 (how did humanity express approval before this?), and other big moments up to the roll out of the Timeline last fall.

But there's another feature that Facebook launched over a year ago, that you likely don't know about. Did you know that there is an "Other" folder in your Facebook inbox? Accessing this folder requires using the sidebar on your home page to access messages, rather than clicking on the red notifications at the top. (See photo).

It's essentially a spam folder. Most of the things in yours will be messages about events you weren't planning to go to, or musings that you'd prefer not to see. For example, a message in my inbox from a stranger, "Hello Pretty Lady How are you tonight?" But some of the messages will be from real people, who aren't your Facebook friends, but are actually trying to contact you.

Now if you haven't already closed this post and hightailed it over to Facebook to explore this previously unknown vortex, here's some information about why and when this actually happened. And for those of you who've made the switch Timeline, it's still real there.

In a post on the company's blog from November 25, 2010, they explain "The Social Inbox":

It seems wrong that an email message from your best friend gets sandwiched between a bill and a bank statement. It's not that those other messages aren't important, but one of them is more meaningful. With new Messages, your Inbox will only contain messages from your friends and their friends. All other messages will go into an Other folder where you can look at them separately.

If someone you know isn't on Facebook, that person's email will initially go into the Other folder. You can easily move that conversation into the Inbox, and all the future conversations with that friend will show up there.

I first found out about this folder from a piece on Slate. Elizabeth Weingarten told a kind of heartbreaking story of how a man who tried for weeks to contact her and return the laptop she'd left in a cab, but his messages were banished to her Other folder.

You never know what you'll find in there. The wonders of the Other folder were fully realized for me just a few days ago. About a year ago, I wrote a ridiculous love song to condiments, a class of foods with which I am obsessed and on which I am completely dependent. I filmed a music video for it and posted it in the fall. I checked my folder last week and found a month-old note from a seventh grade teacher in Illinois who was taking her class on a trip to see the inner workings of a condiment factory. (Facebook should know that any note mentioning condiments is not spam for Priska Neely). She found my song online, and it became the class' "theme for the week."

Needless to say, I am ecstatic that I discovered that message. Knowing about this folder makes me feel a lot better (not only because I discovered a small fan club of seventh-graders many miles away), but because I now know that the people I've tried to contact over the years weren't ignoring me. My messages just went to some Other place they don't know about.

Note: If you can muster the energy to navigate your settings (Privacy Settings —> How You Connect —> Edit Settings —> Learn More —> Privacy Controls by Feature —> Messages —> How do I control who can send me messages?), you will find an explanation that "mail from friends and their friends goes directly to your main Messages folder, and everything else goes to the Other folder within your Messages." This is all very simple, once you know that it's actually happening.

Jobs That May Never Return
Numbers released this week show that manufacturing in the United States increased in January 2012. Economic activity in the manufacturing sector rose one percentage point over December's number, which reflects, in part, increased production and ordering from U.S. manufacturers. In this month's Atlantic magazine cover story, NPR's Adam Davidson explores the manufacturing industry through the eyes of factory workers. He finds that not only is more and more factory work being done by machines, but that the industry is relying more on educated, skilled workers and less on hands-on, "unskilled" labor, which used to make up a sizeable portion of the manufacturing workforce. Host Neal Conan speaks with Davidson and Tim Aeppel of the Wall Street Journal about the current state of manufacturing in America, how the industry is changing and what that means for the U.S. economy.

Your Guide to Super Bowl XLVI
This Sunday the New York Giants will face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI. This is not the first time these two teams have faced off in the biggest sporting event in the country. In 2008, the underdog New York Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14. Host Neal Conan talks with NPR Correspondent Mike Pesca about what to expect this Sunday.

Happy 110th Birthday, Langston Hughes
The poet Langston Hughes would have celebrated his 110th birthday this month. Born in Missouri, Hughes traveled to Mexico, France and Africa. His poems speak of the life and struggles of African Americans, and celebrate the richness of the culture. He also wrote plays and music. Host Neal Conan discusses the relevance of Hughes' works with Nikky Finney, winner of the 2011 National Book Award for Poetry, as well as Arnold Rampersad, author of The Life of Langston Hughes, and Emery Wimbish, Jr., former dean of the Langston Hughes Library at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, Hughes' alma mater.

The Many Roles Of Anthony Mackie
Rising star Anthony Mackie is no stranger to off-Broadway plays, independent movies, and feature films. The Julliard grad is best known for playing an uptight sergeant in the Academy Award-winning movie The Hurt Locker, yet was discovered while portraying Tupac Shakur in a stage production of Up Against the Wind. He's also taken on the role of a disillusioned former Black Panther in Night Catches Us, and a a mysterious agent in The Adjustment Bureau. And in Man on a Ledge, Mackie plays a cop caught up in a diamond heist. Neal Conan talks to Mackie about his latest film and his acting career.

The Political Junkie
Mitt Romney bounced back from his second place South Carolina finish with a sizable win in the Florida primary Tuesday. His closest rival, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, is vowing he'll stay in the campaign until the convention. Political Junkie Ken Rudin joins host Neal Conan to discuss the Florida primary results, and for a look ahead. They'll speak with Maine Public Broadcasting's Jay Field about the Caucus that begins there Saturday. They'll also hear from Steve Sebelius, who writes the SlashPolitics blog for the Las Vegas Review-Journal, about the votes in Nevada on Saturday, plus the role of Latinos in the West.

Governor Christine Gregoire
While campaigning for a second term, Washington Governor Christine Gregoire publicly stated that she believed the issue of same-sex marriage should be decided by the church. In January, Gregoire announced her support of same-sex marriage. She proceeded to file a bill legalizing same-sex marriage that is currently working its way through the state legislature. Gregoire has promised to sign the bill if its passed. Host Neal Conan talks with outgoing Washington Governor Christine Gregoire about her change of heart.

The Future Of Segregation
According to a new report from the Manhattan Institute, U.S. metropolitan areas now more integrated now than they have been at any time since 1910. Many African Americans have moved from industrial cities to the Sunbelt states. Due to a rise in gentrification and immigration, neighborhoods with all-white residents are nearly obsolete. And while ghettos still exist, most are dwindling. Yet the decline of segregation does not mean racial inequality is a thing of the past. Neal Conan talks with Jacob Vigdor of the Manhattan Institute about the report and Sheryll Cashin of Georgetown University about what the data means about the future of segregation.

SPIN Tweets
Last month, SPIN magazine's senior editor Christopher Weingarten announced a new experiment. In 2012, SPIN is hoping to review 1,500 albums, mixtapes and EPs exclusively on the @SPINReviews Twitter feed. Weingarten believes that this new format is a response to the evolution of music criticism and how music lovers find new bands. Critics believe the limit of 140 characters is killing the music review. Host Neal Conan speaks with Spin Senior Editor Christopher Weingarten about the project.

Remembering Don Cornelius

Don Cornelius, the host and creator of 'Soul Train,' has died of an apparent suicide. Adolfo Quinones, also known as Shabba Doo, was one of the program's original dancers. He joins NPR's Neal Conan to remember Cornelius.

Depression Drugs
Medications like Prozac are widely used to treat depression. These more traditional antidepressants work by boosting serotonin levels, which researchers believe are at the root of depression. But the drugs can take weeks to take effect and, in some cases, don't work at all. Recent medical research shows that ketamine — also know by its street name, Special K — might work better. Some research suggests that ketamine is an effective antidepressant because it increases communication among neurons, increasing brain circuit activity. Some medical centers have even begun experimenting with the drug on patients dealing with severe depression. NPR science correspondent Jon Hamilton explores the effects of and science behind ketamine in a series that airs on Morning Edition this week. Host Neal Conan speaks with Hamilton about what he found, and Dr. Gerard Sanacora, a psychiatrist, about the latest research involving ketamine and how the medical community and patients are dealing with depression.

Seeking The Other Side In Political Commentary
With the rapid growth of online news, blogs and social media tools, it has become easier to read only those sources that support one's own political views. And in the current partisan political climate — and with a presidential election looming — media consumers might be particularly tempted to stay within their media "echo chambers." If that's your habit, columnist and author Danny Heitman urges you to reconsider. Heitman has been reading and watching political commentators with whom he might disagree for three decades, and he argues that well-informed citizens have "nothing to fear from civil debate." Host Neal Conan talks with Heitman about why he feels reading outside your political comfort zone can be not only enlightening, but enjoyable.

So You Think You Can Pitch?
The iPhone and the Prius, the Hula Hoop and 'Survivor' — all started out with an idea. When creative thinkers develop a concept, they've got to convince a person or a group to sign off on it with funding. So what makes a good pitch? Host Neal Conan finds out from Lori Greiner, known as the Queen of QVC and a judge from ABC's 'Shark Tank.' She has 110 patents under her name. And Bridget Whalen Hunnicutt weighs in as senior vice president at National Geographic Channel, where she develops programs.

Reparations For Japanese-Americans
After Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt signed an executive order that incarcerated more than 100,000 people of Japanese descent. Fred Korematsu, son of Japanese immigrants and born in California, fought the order, citing its violation of his rights as an American citizen. The Supreme Court ruled against him in 1944. But in 1983, a federal court overturned his conviction, and in 1988, the U.S. government formally apologized for the internment. Later, thousands of surviving internees and heirs received payments through a redress program.. Host Neal Conan talks to Karen Korematsu, daughter of Fred Korematsu, about her father's legacy.

Dangerous New Phase In Syria
Violence persists around Damascus as protesters continue to call for President Bashar al-Assad to step down. Citing continued violence, the Arab League has suspended its monitoring mission. The United Nations Security Council is preparing to consider a resolution condemning al-Assad's regime. Host Neal Conan talks with NPR Correspondent Kelly McEvers, activist Wissam Tarif, and former State Department Official Anne-Marie Slaughter about the ongoing crisis in Syria.

Freddie Mac Bet Against Homeowners
An investigation by ProPublica and NPR finds that Freddie Mac has invested billions of dollars betting against homeowners' ability to refinance their mortgages. Public documents show that the taxpayer-owned government agency sought to make gains when homeowners with high-interest rate loans couldn't qualify for refinancing. Analysts say this raises concerns about a conflict of interest: Freddie Mac's financial standing improves as homeowners struggle to refinance their homes. Host Neal Conan speaks with NPR's Chris Arnold and Marilyn Geewax about the report and what it means for homeowners.

Are You Ready to Pay For Online News?
Online media advocate Clay Shirky has reversed his staunch opposition to newspaper paywalls. He owes his conversion to industry leaders making two distinct choices: Allowing readers to access some content for free, and to stop treating readers as merely customers. In a recent column titled "The Year of the Newspaper Paywall" Shirky says this could be the year news papers identify the way for long-term financial support from readers. Host Neal Conan speaks with Clay Shirky about how paywalls are changing news. Denise Warren, the general manager for NYTimes.com, will explain how the Times decided on its current model, and whether it's been successful.

Not If Israel Attacks, But When
Earlier this month, the assassination of an Iranian nuclear scientist in Tehran — just the most recent in a string of killings of such scientists in Iran in recent years — ratcheted up tensions between Iran and the U.S. and Israel. As the international community struggles to determine the best way to slow Iran's nuclear weapons capability, Israeli journalist Ronen Bergman says the Israeli political leadership has ordered military preparations for an attack that he predicts will happen this year. Host Neal Conan talks with Bergman about his New York Times Magazine cover story, why he feels Israel will strike Iran in 2012, and why there are divergent views within the Israeli military and political leadership about the wisdom of such an approach.

Crises In Nigeria
Police in Nigeria arrested nearly 200 people after last week's coordinated bomb attacks in Kano, Nigeria's second-largest city. The radical Islamist group Boko Haram took responsibility for the series of blasts near police stations and government buildings that killed between 150 and 200 people. The increased violence threatens to ignite a wider Muslim-Christian conflict in Africa's most populous country. The nation also continues to face persistent problems with the economy, corruption and other issues. Host Jennifer Ludden talks to NPR correspondent Ofeibea Quist-Arcton, who's in Kano, and to former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria John Campbell as well as Nigerian human rights activist Shehu Sani about the ongoing crises in Nigeria.

'A Practical Wedding'
December's a big month for engagements, which means there are lots of newly-betrothed couples emerging from the celebratory haze this month, and dipping a toe into wedding planning waters. There are scores of important decisions to make — from whom to invite to how to pay for it — and a quick scan of the bookstore magazine rack and 'wedding' results on Google seems to make one thing clear: Big or small, your wedding better be a showstopper. Even the hardiest of partners can feel a little lost. Meg Keene joins guest host Jennifer Ludden to help. She's the author of the new book, A Practical Wedding, which sprang from her website of the same name. She's passionate about an "insanity-free wedding experience" that focuses on the meaning of marriage, at least as much as flowers and cake.

Multigenerational Households
As baby boomers age and more young people struggle to break into the workplace, more families are choosing to pool resources by moving in together. The economic downturn accelerated this already growing national trend toward multiple generations, all living under the same roof. And while there are many challenges, the benefits, many families say, go well beyond the pocketbook. Guest host Jennifer Ludden speaks with Katherine Newman about what's behind the growing number of multigenerational households in America. Greg McGuff of national homebuilder Lennar Homes also joins the conversation to discuss the company's homes designed specifically for multigenerational families.

'All I Did Was Shoot My Man'
In his latest crime novel, All I Did Was Shoot My Man, best-selling author Walter Mosley tells the story of Zella Grisham, a woman trying to get her life back on track after serving an eight-year prison term for grand larceny. Leonid McGill, a private investigator, knows Zella's innocent. He played a central role in her arrest and tries to help her get her life back on track. The novel takes us on a journey with Leonid to atone for his own corrupt past as he navigates his complicated personal life and an even more complex city full of vibrant, unforgettable characters. Guest host Jennifer Ludden talks with Mosley about his latest novel, his career as a crime fiction writer, and what his novels say about society.

A Florida Edition Of The Political Junkie
Four Republican presidential hopefuls are left standing, less than a week before the suddenly all-important Florida primary. The state is significantly larger in size and population than other early primary states, and only registered Republicans can vote in the GOP primary. The state also has several costly media markets and TV advertising is expected to play its largest role so far in the campaign. In this hour-long Political Junkie, host Neal Conan and Ken Rudin broadcast from member station WMFE in Orlando, and look ahead to the Florida primary. University of Central Florida political scientist Aubrey Jewett and Tampa Bay Times senior correspondent Lucy Morgan will explain the Florida GOP and how the four candidates are campaigning. Florida Republican chairman Leonard Curry will give his take on the primary, too. Ken and Neal will also recap the week in politics, from Rick Perry ending his bid, to the president's State of the Union address.

The Future Of Space
Six months after the end of NASA's shuttle program, America's future in space remains uncertain. Roughly 9,000 workers at the Kennedy Space Center lost their jobs. The fallout rippled throughout the local economy, affecting families and local businesses. But many people around Cape Canaveral hope that the private space industry will blossom, and lead the way back into space, and back to work. Neal Conan talks with Nicole Creston of member station WMFE about the future of U.S. space exploration and Florida's Space Coast.

The Persistent Problem Of Prescription Drug Abuse
Seven people die every day in Florida from prescription drug overdoses, by one estimate. Many of those deaths have been linked to pill mills — clinics and other medical establishments often run by doctors who prescribe or dispense powerful narcotics illegally. Years of weak regulation and a lack of a program to monitor prescription drugs lead to an epidemic in the state. Florida lawmakers responded to the crisis last year with legislation aimed at shutting down pill mills. Law enforcement agencies are attempting to crack down on dealers, abusers, and doctors who prescribe the drugs. Neal Conan talks with Amy Pavuk of the Orlando Sentinel about Florida's persistent prescription drug abuse problem and the state's renewed efforts to stop it.

Has The Catholic Church Changed?
Ten years ago this month, the Boston Globe broke the story of ongoing sex abuse occurring within the Boston diocese of the Catholic church. The Globe reported on a number of priests accused of molestation and abuse, and how the Church continually covered up the complaints, rarely pressing charges against the priests for their actions. Since the story broke, hundreds of victims of abuse have come out and pressed charges against the church. Similar scandals have arisen in other dioceses, raising questions about what changes the Catholic church has made over the past decade and whether they are any better in dealing with abuse charges. Host Neal Conan speaks with Boston Globe reporter Michael Rezendes, who was part of the reporting team that broke the story in 2002. Neal also speaks with Suzin Bartley, executive director of the Children's Trust Fund, who worked with the Catholic church's Oversight and Implementation Committee, and Mitchell Garabedian, an attorney who represents several victims of sex abuse within the Catholic church.

Climate Change
California is the only state in the country to pass a law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to prevent costly damage from climate change. Naomi Oreskes, professor of history and science studies at University of California in San Diego, thinks the verdict is in on climate change, and the rest of the nation should follow California's lead. Host Neal Conan talk to Naomi Oreskes about her op-ed piece in the Los Angeles Times that compares climate change efforts with the case of U.S. tobacco use.

Runaways
In December of 2010, eight squatters died in a a New Orleans warehouse fire. The victims did not consider themselves homeless. The squatters were part of a tribe of disaffected transients who ride the rails and scrounge for food. Journalist Danelle Morton gained access to this community through an unlikely source — her daughter, Marissa. She published her experiences in the Boston Review. Neal Conan talks with Danelle Morton about what it's like to have a runaway daughter, and National Runaway Switchboard Executive Director Maureen Blaha about resources for parents of young runaways.

Turkey
Turkey's image in the Arab world has drastically improved in recent years, and many states that ousted leaders during the Arab Spring now look to Turkey as an example of what works. The country has seen a robust economy and a growing middle class under the leadership of Sunni Muslim prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Early on in his presidency, Barack Obama paid special attention to Turkey and has worked to cultivate a personal relationship with Erdogan. In a recent column, Washington Post deputy editorial page editor Jackson Diehl argues that while Turkey is not an ideal ally for the U.S., Obama's diplomatic approach in that country "may stand as one of his best accomplishments." Host Neal Conan talks with Diehl about the government model in Turkey that he foresees as the new normal in the Middle East.

State Of The Union Preview

When President Barack Obama delivers his State of the Union speech in the House chambers on Tuesday night, he will speak to a country deeply divided by political rivalries and still struggling with an uncertain economy. His third State of the Union address comes as he begins his re-election campaign, and the president is expected to focus on jobs and the government's role in boosting the economy and reducing economic inequality. Polls continue to show that most voters hold a negative view of the president's handling of the economy, and he's expected to portray Republicans in congress as standing in the way of his populist proposals. Host Neal Conan talks to NPR's senior Washington editor Ron Elving and two former speech writers about what President Obama should say in what may be one of the most important addresses of his term.

Op-Ed: Canadians And The Keystone XL Pipeline

Last week, President Obama rejected a controversial proposal to build the Keystone XL pipeline from oil sands in Canada to refineries in Texas. The decision — and the debate that preceded it — pitted environmentalists against union labor and many pro-business Republicans in the United States, with many people arguing about the potential environmental hazards and possible economic benefits of building the pipeline. It also generated intense debate in Canada. In an op-ed in the Regina Leader-Post, columnist Murray Mandryk writes that Canadians need to move beyond talking points to more "thoughtful dialogue on better addressing oil policy issues." Host Neal Conan speaks with Mandryk about how Canadians are responding to the Obama administration's pipeline decision and how he thinks the public debate on this topic needs to change.

Sharing Your Passwords

Sharing website passwords has become an increasingly common practice, especially in romantic relationships. In a recent piece in Gizmodo, staff writer Sam Biddle called password sharing "a lynchpin of intimacy in the 21st century." He draws a distinction, though, between sharing a password to watch movies on Netflix, and giving someone access to every bit of personal information in your Facebook or email account. While some may view it as a symbol of love and trust, sharing passwords carries any number of risks, especially if a relationship sours. Host Neal Conan talks with Biddle about the social risks of password sharing and with privacy law professor Woodrow Hartzog about the legal repercussions when password sharing goes awry.

Remembering Joe Paterno

Former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno built his legacy over nearly five decades as head coach. The Hall of Famer won more games than anyone in major college football. He developed a plan to graduate more players while maintaining success on the field. His legacy with the Nittany Lions was deeply tarnished, however, when Paterno was fired after allegations of sex abuse against a former assistant coach rocked the campus and raised questions about whether Paterno should have done more to intervene. Writers and fans continue to debate Paterno's legacy. Some argue he should not be defined by the scandal. Others insist he should not be seen as a victim or a martyr. Host Neal Conan rounds-up a selection of opinion pieces, and asks listeners to weigh in on how we should remember the life and legacy of Joe Paterno.

Venture Capitalist, Vulture Capitalist: What Does It All Mean?

Rick Perry and other GOP candidates attacked Mitt Romney in recent weeks as a "vulture capitalist" who destroyed jobs. The charges center on his work at Bain Capital, prior to entering politics. During the 1990s, Bain Capital, a firm Romney co-founded, grew into one of the nation's largest and most profitable private equity funds, firms that use cash from wealthy investors and institutions to buy up companies and turn a profit. Romney says he created 100,000 jobs while at the firm, but his opponents argue that figure excludes the many workers who were laid off after their companies were acquired by Bain Capital. Guest host John Donvan talks with NPR's Marilyn Geewax, Eileen Appelbaum of the Center for Economic Policy Research and Steven Davis of the University of Chicago about how private equity firms work and why this form of capitalism can help or hurt companies.

It's Academic Host Mac McGarry Puts Down The Grab Bag

For 51 seasons, the TV quiz show It's Academic has given smart high school students in the Washington, D.C. area a place to shine. The show first aired in D.C. in 1961 and lead to similar programs in several other cities. It pits three teams of competing students against each other in the atmosphere of a sports game, complete with cheerleaders and all. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, New York Sen. Charles Schumer and political commentator George Stephanopoulos are among the notable contestants on various versions of the show. The Washington, D.C. program is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest-running quiz program in television history and was hosted since the beginning by quizmaster Mac McGarry. McGarry stepped down last year, and will officially pass the baton to the show's new host this weekend. Guest host John Donvan talks with McGarry about the show's evolution and talks with listeners who competed on high school quiz shows in their towns.

Seeking A Second Opinion

Dawna Harwell's doctors saw a number of tumors in her pelvis and told her it might be ovarian cancer. She found a second opinion and, after a series of tests, learned it was not ovarian cancer, but a rare form of lymphoma. Six-months after chemotherapy, she got a clean bill of health. Doctors sometimes misdiagnose medical conditions and patients can benefit from a second opinion. It can be difficult for patients to determine when — and how — to ask for one. For doctors who are asked to give a second opinion, it can be an opportunity to provide the patient with new information though, in some cases, it may be a waste of time and resources. Guest host John Donvan speaks with Dawna Harwell about her experience getting a second opinion, and with Laura Landro of the Wall Street Journal and Dr. Leonard Lichtenfeld, chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society, about when and why people seek second opinions.

Elmore Leonard On 'Justified'
Elmore Leonard has a massive list of successful crime novels. Many have been made into movies. These days, the 86-year-old writer stays busy still writing and taking on the role of executive producer of the FX series "Justified," which is based on one of his short stories, "Fire in the Hole." The TV show has garnered solid reviews and been recognized with a number of awards. Season 3 premiered this week and Elmore Leonard joins guest host John Donvan to talk about how he crafts his stories and characters and appeals to both viewers and readers.

The Political Junkie
A few seats could determine which party controls the Senate. Democrats have 51 seats, plus two Independents who caucus with them. Of the seats in play, three races are gaining more national attention than others. Sen. Scott Brown will face Elizabeth Warren in Massachusetts; a race that could be the most expensive in the country. Former Democratic National Committee chief Tim Kaine is facing off against former governor and senator George Allen in Virginia, a state the Democratic Party hopes to win in the presidential race as well. And in Montana, two popular figures, Sen. Jon Tester and Rep. Denny Rehberg, are squaring off in what is expected to a nasty race. Political Junkie Ken Rudin joins guest host John Donvan to look at these Senate races. They'll hear from reporters in all three states. The two will also recap the week in politics, from Jon Huntsman's decision to end his campaign, to Congress' less-than-welcome return to Washington.

'Paradise Lost' And The 'West Memphis Three'
In 1994, three teenagers were tried and convicted of the murder of three boys in West Memphis, Arkansas. The three teenagers — Damien Echols, Jessie Misskelley Jr., and Jason Baldwin — became known as the "West Memphis Three." Echols was sentenced to death, while Baldwin and Misskelley were sentenced to life in prison. They maintained their innocence and appealed their convictions for years. The trial garnered national attention, and is the subject of a series of documentaries entitled Paradise Lost. The latest installment is currently playing on HBO,and documents the lives of the West Memphis Three, the latest developments on their appeals, and how the they were released from prison last August by taking an Alford plea. Guest host John Donvan speaks with filmmaker and director Joe Berlinger about the documentary series and Jason Baldwin, one of the West Memphis Three who was released from prison last August.

Relationships, Love And Autism
In the beginning of any romantic relationship, emotions can be hard to gauge. Determining preferences when it comes to food, physical affection, and settling arguments all takes time. Jack Robison and Kirsten Lindsmith, two college students recently featured in a New York Times piece, faced a unique set of challenges from the start of their relationship. They have Asperger's, a form of autism that makes emotions and social cues hard to read, and they bonded over their shared social awkwardness. People with autism can struggle with concepts like eye contact, recognizing disinterest, and receiving physical contact, and for some the prospect of loving and being loved seems out of reach. Guest host John Donvan talks with Robison and Lindsmith about their relationship, and with Peter Gerhardt, chairperson of the Scientific Council at the Organization for Autism Research, about the role of love, romance, and sex in the lives of autistic adults and adolescents.