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Sunday, May 19, 2013

You Must Read This

Ghost Ships, Murders, Bird Attacks: Stories To Keep You Awake

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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.

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NPR Double Take

Double Take 'Toons: Graduated Pain?

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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.

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The Changing Lives Of Women

She Works: Standing Up And Speaking Out

Rachel Martin, host of Weekend Edition Sunday.

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.

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Saturday, May 18, 2013

Astronaut Chris Hadfield's Most Excellent Adventure

After a half-year mission at the International Space Station, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield lands in central Kazakhstan on Tuesday.

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.

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Books

Author Elliott Holt Says: 'Go West, Young Woman'

Elliott Holt's short fiction has been published in the The Pushcart Prize XXXV, among other publications.

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.

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NPR Double Take

Double Take 'Toons: A Hillary Too Far?

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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.

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Friday, May 17, 2013

13.7: Cosmos And Culture

The Mutable Meanings Of Music

Drummer Roger Taylor and singer Freddie Mercury (1946 - 1991) of the British rock band Queen perform at the Playhouse in Edinburgh, Scotland, 1st September 1976.

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.

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NPR Double Take

Double Take 'Toons: Trouble, Trouble, Trouble?

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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.

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Thursday, May 16, 2013

Book Reviews

The Rich And Furious Inner Life Of 'The Woman Upstairs'

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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.

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13.7: Cosmos And Culture

Facing Cancer, With A Robot Surgeon By My Side

Many arms, one robot: the business end of the da Vinci system is seen in this media handout image from the manufacturer.

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.

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NPR Double Take

Double Take 'Toons: Abortion Rights On Trial?

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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.

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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

13.7: Cosmos And Culture

For The Love Of Science: A Call To Action

Mountains in the area where Marcelo first explored the wonders of the natural world.

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.

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NPR Double Take

Double Take 'Toons: Carbon Bootprint?

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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.

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