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January 16, 2013 President Obama asked Congress to raise the debt limit to cover past spending commitments, stating, "We are not a deadbeat nation." Jimmy Margulies wonders if the president can stand his ground, while David Fitzsimmons offers a dismal diagnosis.

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January 16, 2013 Enthusiasm for sport can be a convenient cover to excuse the worst in us, says Frank Deford, because concussions for young men are the price of our love for football.

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

January 16, 2013 It may not be as sexy as farro, as healthy as quinoa or as versatile as oats. But barley has a lot more going for it than being malted for beer or being dumped in a soup. Its versatility shines in salads, soup — even risotto.

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January 15, 2013 In a breathtaking video, astronauts talk of the Overview Effect: how their vision of the Earth — and our role in its future — changed once they saw it from space. It's high time we take their views seriously and act as a species to preserve our future.

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January 15, 2013 President Obama continues to roll out his cabinet picks for his second administration. Jeff Darcy wonders whether Jack Lew, nominee for Secretary of the Treasury, is too prepared to follow the President's lead, while Mike Luckovich thinks the president is heading pale-male into his second term.

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January 14, 2013 For this week's Sandwich Monday, we try something they said couldn't be done: an unhealthier version of bacon. The restaurant Wiener And Still Champion just north of Chicago serves it breaded and deep-fried.

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January 14, 2013 Just when we were patting ourselves on the back for avoiding the end of the world, the folks at The Edge offer more than 150 reasons to worry this year. Commentator Tania Lombrozo identifies some common areas of concern.

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January 14, 2013 There are many theories about where the expression comes from — among them square-riggers with three masts, the amount of cloth in the queen's bridal train, the Shroud of Turin, and a prodigiously well-endowed Scotsman who gets his kilt caught in a door.

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On Fresh Air from WHYYPlaylist

January 14, 2013 Though former MI5 director Stella Rimington knows better than anyone that Ian Fleming's From Russia With Love is not a realistic portrayal of life in the intelligence services, she still loves this tale of sex and violence. Which is your favorite Bond book? Tell us in the comments.

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January 14, 2013 Vice President Joe Biden has promised to deliver recommendations on limiting gun violence to President Obama this week. Steve Kelley questions whether new laws are necessary, while Clay Bennett sees one unintended result: increased gun sales.

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January 14, 2013 President Obama had a lot of great things to say about Chuck Hagel when he nominated him to become secretary of defense. But a lot of other folks — including Jewish groups, Senate Republicans and veterans of the Bush White House — are far more critical. Is it political? Or personal?

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ListenPlaylist

January 13, 2013 As yet another deadline looms, no one so far has offered a politically viable answer to America's debt problem. Steve Sack faults Republicans for making the situation worse, while Nate Beeler blames President Obama for failing to make things better.

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