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Sunday, December 02, 2012

NPR Double Take

Double Take 'Toons: Fili-Bluster?

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December 2, 2012 Senate Democrats are considering altering filibuster rules to make it harder for Republicans to impede legislation. Jeff Danziger does not have high regard for how Republicans have used the parliamentary maneuver, while R.J. Matson wonders if the Democrats are really willing to make a change.

Summary

Saturday, December 01, 2012

Simon Says

Sexiest Man Alive Gets 'The Onion' Taken Seriously

The satirical news source The Onion named North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un 2012's Sexiest Man Alive.

December 1, 2012 The satirical news source announced that its Sexiest Man Alive for 2012 is Kim Jong Un, North Korea's supreme leader. In some parts of the world, there may be little room to argue.

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NPR Double Take

Double Take 'Toons: In It To Win It?

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December 1, 2012 This week's Powerball jackpot captivated the nation. Gary Varvel saw a better chance of winning the half-billion dollar prize than avoiding the fiscal cliff, while Clay Bennett acknowledged the harsh reality that only two lucky ticket-buyers can ignore.

Summary

Friday, November 30, 2012

You Must Read This

An Existential Guide For When You're Really 'Lost'

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November 30, 2012 Astrophysicist Adam Frank doesn't usually read self-help books, but something about Walker Percy's existential optimism in Lost In The Cosmos actually changed his outlook on life. Do you have a favorite self-help book? Tell us in the comments below.

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On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

13.7: Cosmos And Culture

The Singularity Is Already Here

The human machine in action.

November 30, 2012 Will machines over take us, as futurists and writers of science fiction like to think? Not to worry, says commentator Alva Noƫ. They already have. We are the singularity.

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NPR Double Take

Double Take 'Toons: Fiscal Trims And Fits?

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November 30, 2012 Of the revenue increases and program cuts that have been suggested during fiscal cliff negotiations, Jimmy Margulies thinks going after the mortgage interest deduction is a fairy tale, while Chip Bok argues you can't even get started at looking to Medicare for savings.

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Thursday, November 29, 2012

13.7: Cosmos And Culture

The Story Of Bill And Lou: A Life And Death Animal Rights Controversy

Michael Sharry visits with Bill, front, and Lou (now deceased) on Nov. 8, 2012, at Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vermont.

November 29, 2012 Outrage by animal activists has altered plans for a pair of working oxen on the campus of Green Mountain College. Commentator Barbara J. King reviews the now-famous case of Bill and Lou, questioning the wisdom of the animal-rights outrage surrounding the pair.

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NPR Double Take

Double Take 'Toons: Escape From Benghazi?

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November 29, 2012 Susan Rice's closed-door meeting with sens. McCain, Graham and Ayotte failed to resolve their concerns about her role in explaining the Benghazi attack. Mike Lester thinks Rice has herself to blame for the explosive situation, while John Deering sees the senators' disappointment as pre-ordained.

Summary

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

13.7: Cosmos And Culture

Astrotheology: Do Gods Need To Be Supernatural?

A foreign tourist prays to god during a solar eclipse in Galo, Libya in March 2006.

November 28, 2012 As science advances, what we call "God" may be in need of serious revision. Especially if we do away with the supernatural when we think of deities.

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NPR Double Take

Double Take 'Toons: The Pledge And The Ledge

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November 28, 2012 Obama believes that ending tax cuts for the wealthy is important to avoid the fiscal cliff. Grover Norquist says ending the cuts violates his no tax increase pledge. Matt Wuerker sees Norquist as an obstructionist, while Chris Weyant thinks he doesn't enjoy the same kind of backing he's used to.

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Sweetness And Light

College Football: Pro and Con(servative) Views

Despite the Big Ten's expansion, Frank Deford says the conference will struggle to compete with pro football in the Northeast. The conference announced the addition of Maryland and Rutgers earlier this month.

November 28, 2012 College sports fans can be distinctively different from the pro variety, no matter where they are. And that might complicate the growth plans of athletic conferences such as as the Big Ten, says Frank Deford.

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Tuesday, November 27, 2012

13.7: Cosmos And Culture

Sean Carroll Tells A Story Of Humanity In The Hunt For The Higgs Boson

A worker walks past a giant photograph of the CMS detector of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at a 2008 science exhibition in Berlin, Germany.

November 27, 2012 If you're the kind who secretly obsesses about the fundamental nature of reality but wouldn't know a boson if it was delivering roses at your doorstep, I have good news for you.

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NPR Double Take

Double Take 'Toons: Morsi Morsi Me

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November 27, 2012 Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi has issued a decree granting himself extraordinary powers. Hajo De Reijger sees things in Egypt going back to what they used to be, while Gustavo Rodriguez is fearful of the endgame.

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Opinion

From A Calcutta Prison To The Classical Stage

Nigel Akkara plays Ratnakar the Bandit in the dance drama Valmiki Pratibha.

November 27, 2012 Commentator Sandip Roy tells the story of classical dancer Alokananda Roy, who was inspired to teach dance to convicted murderers and rapists after a visit to a Calcutta prison.

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