archive
All Tech Considered
In Eye Control, A Promise To Let Your Tablet Go Hands-Free
December 3, 2012 Forget touch screens and voice recognition. What if you could control your computer just by looking at it? Gaze-based interaction has been around for 20 years, but it may be poised to become more widely available — and affordable.
Television
The NFL's New Target Demographic: Kids
November 30, 2012 The National Football League could coast nicely on its colossal audience. But as NPR's Elizabeth Blair reports, execs have turned their attention to the nation's children, targeting them with NFL Rush Zone: Season of the Guardians, an animated TV show co-produced with Nickelodeon.
The Salt
For Restaurants, Food Waste Is Seen As Low Priority
November 27, 2012 Food waste is a big problem — for public health, the environment and consumers. Chefs and restaurant owners seem like they'd be the least likely to waste food, and yet 15 percent of all the food that ends up in landfills comes from restaurants. Some restaurants are starting to take action.
Business
An Entrepreneur Expands The Lego Universe
November 26, 2012 Each year, Lego turns out 19 billion plastic bricks, figures and gears for building things. But sometimes it seems even 19 billion isn't enough. Seattle-area resident Will Chapman wanted more, so he started making Lego-compatible parts — including World War II weapons.
Middle East
Burst Of Protest In Egypt But No Revolution, Yet
November 24, 2012 President Mohammed Morsi's decision to neutralize the judiciary this week brought into sharp focus just how politically polarized this nation-in-transition is. But despite the protests, there are few signs that the country is in the throes of a new uprising.
Business
Cyprus, Turkey At Odds Over Natural Gas Drilling
November 23, 2012 The small island nation of Cyprus is drilling under the Mediterranean Sea for natural gas. It is facing opposition from Turkey, which has occupied part of the island since 1974.
All Tech Considered
For Holiday Road Trips, Apps That Promise Diversions For Kids
November 21, 2012 For many parents, Thanksgiving means it's time to entertain the kids during a road trip. With that in mind, NPR spoke with 9-year-old Jane Frauenfelder, who hosts the podcast Apps for Kids with her father, Mark.
Business
Tempted By Holiday Discounts, Consumers 'Self-Gift'
November 20, 2012 This year American consumers are expected to take advantage of retailers' holiday promotions and spend big on gifts for themselves. Fifty-nine percent of shoppers polled plan to "self-gift" — the highest number in a retail industry survey's 10-year history.
Business
The Past And Future Of America's Biggest Retailers
November 19, 2012 Wal-Mart, Target and Kmart all celebrate their 50th year of business this year. They were born after prohibitions against volume discounts and set prices broke down. Now the giant chains face one of their biggest challenges — evolving in the Internet age.