archive
You Must Read This
Ghost Ships, Murders, Bird Attacks: Stories To Keep You Awake
May 19, 2013 Author Ethan Rutherford started reading Daphne du Maurier's collection of stories, Don't Look Now, while it was still light out and didn't move from his chair until dark. Each one features characters who endure the strange and the extreme, and who are forever changed by the events that befall them.
NPR Double Take
Double Take 'Toons: Graduated Pain?
May 19, 2013 As the Class of 2013 enters the "real world," they'll be shouldering their share of $1 trillion in student loan debt. Nate Beeler wonders how diplomates will remain afloat, while Joel Pett points to the salaries of college presidents as one reason why the cost of higher education is so high.
The Changing Lives Of Women
She Works: Standing Up And Speaking Out
May 19, 2013 For our series on the Changing Lives of Women, we're asking NPR women about their careers — and inviting you to join the conversation. We asked Weekend Edition host Rachel Martin to recall an instance where she stood up to stand out.
Astronaut Chris Hadfield's Most Excellent Adventure
May 18, 2013 Hadfield just spent 146 days up at the International Space Station, during which time he performed rock concerts and shared his dazzling photographs with nearly a million Twitter followers.
Books
Author Elliott Holt Says: 'Go West, Young Woman'
May 18, 2013 In this Q&A, author Elliott Holt discusses her six favorite novels about expatriates. She also talks about what it's like to be in your 20s, and the importance of travel and exploration.
NPR Double Take
Double Take 'Toons: A Hillary Too Far?
May 18, 2013 Has the controversy over Benghazi damaged Hillary Clinton's reputation? Bob Englehart believes the former secretary of state's image is headed for a fall, while Mike Smith thinks the issue is much more about Nov. 8, 2016, than what happened in Libya on Sept. 11, 2012.
13.7: Cosmos And Culture
The Mutable Meanings Of Music
May 17, 2013 Songs, like all art, can take on a life of their own once they are thrust into the public domain. Their meanings can shift substantially, something commentator Alva Noë experienced recently during a school music recital.
NPR Double Take
Double Take 'Toons: Trouble, Trouble, Trouble?
May 17, 2013 Whether they're mountains or molehills, the Benghazi-IRS-Associated Press controversies have made President Obama fodder for the nation's cartoonists. John Cole thinks Obama's goal of a "transformative presidency" has taken an unfortunate turn. Jeff Parker sees a president at the mercy of events.
Book Reviews
The Rich And Furious Inner Life Of 'The Woman Upstairs'
May 16, 2013 Claire Messud's The Woman Upstairs is about a lonely third-grade teacher who falls in love with the family of one of her students. Reviewer Lionel Shriver says the book so bursts with rage and desire that it barely squeezes between hard covers.
13.7: Cosmos And Culture
Facing Cancer, With A Robot Surgeon By My Side
May 16, 2013 Robot-assisted surgeries have changed the medical landscape for patients with certain diagnoses, including some types of cancer. Commentator Barbara J. King looks forward to meeting her robot surgeon next week and getting the job done.
NPR Double Take
Double Take 'Toons: Abortion Rights On Trial?
May 16, 2013 The conviction and plea agreement of Dr. Kermit Gosnell in Philadelphia has pushed the abortion debate into the criminal arena. Rick McKee believes that's where it belongs, while Clay Bennett fears the consequences.
13.7: Cosmos And Culture
For The Love Of Science: A Call To Action
May 15, 2013 Improvements in science education can take many forms. Commentator Marcelo Gleiser says that one of the easiest and most rewarding is to simply put real research scientists in front of students. A few volunteer hours from a scientist can change how a student sees the world forever.
NPR Double Take
Double Take 'Toons: Carbon Bootprint?
May 15, 2013 Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has reached 400 parts-per-million, which one scientist calls "dangerous territory." Jen Sorensen expects carbon dioxide emissions to increase, while Gustavo Rodriguez sees little chance that Congress will do anything about it.