NPR: Stories from NPR http://www.npr.org Assorted stories from NPR en Copyright 2012 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.94 Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:25:00 -0500 http://media.npr.org/images/npr_news_123x20.gif NPR: Stories from NPR http://www.npr.org On 'Fiscal Cliff,' Majority Of Public Sides With Democrats, Pew Poll Says Fifty-five percent of those surveyed said President Obama is making a "serious effort" to work with Republicans. Just 32 percent said Republicans are making a serious effort to work with the Democratic president. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:25:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/13/167159547/on-fiscal-cliff-majority-of-public-sides-with-democrats-pew-poll-says?ft=1&f= http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/13/167159547/on-fiscal-cliff-majority-of-public-sides-with-democrats-pew-poll-says?ft=1&f= Fifty-five percent of those surveyed said President Obama is making a "serious effort" to work with Republicans. Just 32 percent said Republicans are making a serious effort to work with the Democratic president.

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]]> President Obama, with House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) behind him, delivering his State of the Union address last January. President Obama, with House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) behind him, delivering his State of the Union address last January. Saul Loeb Getty Images It's ScuttleButton Time! This is the last ScuttleButton puzzle for 2012 — and your last chance to win a Political Junkie t-shirt and Official No-Prize button! (until next year, of course) Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:48:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/blogs/politicaljunkie/2012/12/13/167177687/its-scuttlebutton-time?ft=1&f= http://www.npr.org/blogs/politicaljunkie/2012/12/13/167177687/its-scuttlebutton-time?ft=1&f= This is the last ScuttleButton puzzle for 2012 — and your last chance to win a Political Junkie t-shirt and Official No-Prize button! (until next year, of course)

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]]> scuttle Ken Rudin collection Sales Soar In Gaza Of Fragrance Named For Rocket Fired At Israel M75 fragrances for men and women get their name from rockets fired from Gaza into Israel in November. Sales have been soaring, shopkeepers say. No, they don't smell like rocket fuel. They're citrus-scented. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:15:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/13/167171524/sales-soar-in-gaza-of-fragrance-named-for-rocket-fired-at-israel?ft=1&f= http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/13/167171524/sales-soar-in-gaza-of-fragrance-named-for-rocket-fired-at-israel?ft=1&f= M75 fragrances for men and women get their name from rockets fired from Gaza into Israel in November. Sales have been soaring, shopkeepers say. No, they don't smell like rocket fuel. They're citrus-scented.

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]]> Bottles of M75 on sale at a shop in Gaza City. The fragrance is named for the rockets fired from Gaza into Israel. Bottles of M75 on sale at a shop in Gaza City. The fragrance is named for the rockets fired from Gaza into Israel. Ashraf Amra APA /Landov One Photo, 126 Frames, 2 Billion Leaves, 247 Feet Those numbers represent one giant sequoia. Oh, also: The "President," as it's called, is more than 3,000 years old. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:01:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2012/12/13/167163801/one-photo-126-frames-2-billion-leaves-247-feet?ft=1&f= http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2012/12/13/167163801/one-photo-126-frames-2-billion-leaves-247-feet?ft=1&f= Those numbers represent one giant sequoia. Oh, also: The "President," as it's called, is more than 3,000 years old.

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]]> The giant sequoia is a snow tree, says scientist Steve Sillett, adapted for long winters in the Sierra Nevada. But it's a fire tree, too. Thick bark protects it from burning in lightning-caused fires, which open cones and clear the understory, allowing saplings to find light and prosper. The giant sequoia is a snow tree, says scientist Steve Sillett, adapted for long winters in the Sierra Nevada. But it's a fire tree, too. Thick bark protects it from burning in lightning-caused fires, which open cones and clear the understory, allowing saplings to find light and prosper. Michael Nichols National Geographic Cloaked in the snows of California's Sierra Nevada, the 3,200-year-old giant sequoia called the President rises 247 feet. Two other sequoias have wider trunks, but none has a larger crown, say the scientists who climbed it. The figure at top seems taller than the other climbers because he's standing forward on one of the great limbs. Cloaked in the snows of California's Sierra Nevada, the 3,200-year-old giant sequoia called the President rises 247 feet. Two other sequoias have wider trunks, but none has a larger crown, say the scientists who climbed it. The figure at top seems taller than the other climbers because he's standing forward on one of the great limbs. Michael Nichols National Geographic National Geographic   NCAA Shake-Up: The Future Of College Athletics In 2013 and 2014, there will be a number of substantial realignments in the NCAA conferences. Some believe that the realignment process will ultimately result in the creation of four "super conferences." NPR's Mike Pesca talks about how conference shifts could effect the future of college athletics. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2012/12/13/167180401/ncaa-shake-up-the-future-of-college-athletics?ft=1&f= http://www.npr.org/2012/12/13/167180401/ncaa-shake-up-the-future-of-college-athletics?ft=1&f= In 2013 and 2014, there will be a number of substantial realignments in the NCAA conferences. Some believe that the realignment process will ultimately result in the creation of four "super conferences." NPR's Mike Pesca talks about how conference shifts could effect the future of college athletics.

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]]> 10 Artists You Should Have Known In 2012 It's hard to keep track of new artists these days. So we asked our colleagues around the country to recommend recent discoveries from their communities. Download 10 songs that helped put these musicians on the map in 2012. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/blogs/bestmusic2012/2012/12/07/166745766/10-artists-you-should-have-known-in-2012?ft=1&f= http://www.npr.org/blogs/bestmusic2012/2012/12/07/166745766/10-artists-you-should-have-known-in-2012?ft=1&f= It's hard to keep track of new artists these days. So we asked our colleagues around the country to recommend recent discoveries from their communities. Download 10 songs that helped put these musicians on the map in 2012.

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]]> Philadelphia's Aaron Brown. Philadelphia's Aaron Brown. Los Angeles jazz guitarist Graham Dechter. Los Angeles jazz guitarist Graham Dechter. Oklahoma's John Fullbright. Oklahoma's John Fullbright. L.A.'s Ben Schneider. L.A.'s Ben Schneider. Poliça lead singer Channy Leaneagh. Poliça lead singer Channy Leaneagh. From left, Radiation City's Cameron Spies, Lizzy Ellison, Randy Bemrose, Patti King and Matt Rafferty. From left, Radiation City's Cameron Spies, Lizzy Ellison, Randy Bemrose, Patti King and Matt Rafferty. Savoir Adore's Deidre Muro and Paul Hammer. Savoir Adore's Deidre Muro and Paul Hammer. THEESatisfaction's Catherine Harris-White and Stasia Irons. THEESatisfaction's Catherine Harris-White and Stasia Irons. Brazilian guitarist and composer Pedro Moraes. Brazilian guitarist and composer Pedro Moraes. Austin's Alejandro Rose-Garcia Austin's Alejandro Rose-Garcia Kirk Stewart Stasia Irons of THEESatisfaction performs at an All Songs Considered party at KEXP on August 20, 2012. Stasia Irons of THEESatisfaction performs at an All Songs Considered party at KEXP on August 20, 2012. Dave Lichterman KEXP Drought Continues: Farmers, Shippers Feel Pressure The United States is facing its worst drought since the 1950s, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. With little to no signs of relief on the horizon, many analysts expect conditions to worsen well into next year. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2012/12/13/167180403/drought-continues-farmers-shippers-feel-pressure?ft=1&f= http://www.npr.org/2012/12/13/167180403/drought-continues-farmers-shippers-feel-pressure?ft=1&f= The United States is facing its worst drought since the 1950s, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. With little to no signs of relief on the horizon, many analysts expect conditions to worsen well into next year.

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]]> Options For Intervention In Mali's Growing Crisis A military coup brought down Mali's prime minister in March, allowing radical Islamists from Mali and surrounding areas to take hold of an area the size of Texas. As al-Qaida-linked militants take over the northern part of the country, many wonder what the U.S. and other can do to intervene. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2012/12/13/167180399/options-for-intervention-in-malis-growing-crisis?ft=1&f= http://www.npr.org/2012/12/13/167180399/options-for-intervention-in-malis-growing-crisis?ft=1&f= A military coup brought down Mali's prime minister in March, allowing radical Islamists from Mali and surrounding areas to take hold of an area the size of Texas. As al-Qaida-linked militants take over the northern part of the country, many wonder what the U.S. and other can do to intervene.

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]]> Open Or Closed-Book Exams: Which Style Works Best? Afshin Gharib, a psychology professor at Dominican University of California, prefers to give open-book tests. His colleague William Phillips only lets students use cheat sheets. After several arguments about the techniques, they decided to conduct an experiment to find out which method works best. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2012/12/13/167180405/open-or-closed-book-exams-which-style-works-best?ft=1&f= http://www.npr.org/2012/12/13/167180405/open-or-closed-book-exams-which-style-works-best?ft=1&f= Afshin Gharib, a psychology professor at Dominican University of California, prefers to give open-book tests. His colleague William Phillips only lets students use cheat sheets. After several arguments about the techniques, they decided to conduct an experiment to find out which method works best.

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]]> No Alarm Sounded When The West Virginia Pipeline Exploded The NTSB is investigating why no warning sounded in the control center of pipeline operator, Columbia Gas Transmission, when the explosion occurred. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:26:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/13/167169109/no-alarm-sounded-when-the-west-virginia-pipeline-exploded?ft=1&f= http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/13/167169109/no-alarm-sounded-when-the-west-virginia-pipeline-exploded?ft=1&f= The NTSB is investigating why no warning sounded in the control center of pipeline operator, Columbia Gas Transmission, when the explosion occurred.

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]]> Investigators examine a 20-foot long section of gas pipeline found more than 40 feet from the rupture site north of Charleston, W. Va. Investigators examine a 20-foot long section of gas pipeline found more than 40 feet from the rupture site north of Charleston, W. Va. NTSB AP A fireball over Interstate 77 after a gas line ruptured in Sissonville, W. Va. on Tuesday, Dec. 11. A fireball over Interstate 77 after a gas line ruptured in Sissonville, W. Va. on Tuesday, Dec. 11. West Virginia State Police Associated Press Caution: Walking Under The Influence Of Mobile Devices Nearly a third of pedestrians crossing som of Seattle's most dangerous intersections were were doing something distracting at the same time. People texting were four times more likely to cross the street without looking both ways. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:18:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/12/13/167150785/caution-walking-under-the-influence-of-mobile-devices?ft=1&f= http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/12/13/167150785/caution-walking-under-the-influence-of-mobile-devices?ft=1&f= Nearly a third of pedestrians crossing som of Seattle's most dangerous intersections were were doing something distracting at the same time. People texting were four times more likely to cross the street without looking both ways.

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]]> He better not be talking to his mom. He better not be talking to his mom. iStockphoto.com From A Life Of Crime To Designing Jewelry, All In A Nairobi Slum Zakale Creations is a jewelry-designing operation that employs 30 young people — former thieves and prostitutes. The Nairobi-based operation is the brainchild of John Mucheru, himself a former mugger. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:16:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/12/167120895/from-a-life-of-crime-to-designing-jewelry-all-in-a-nairobi-slum?ft=1&f= http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/12/167120895/from-a-life-of-crime-to-designing-jewelry-all-in-a-nairobi-slum?ft=1&f= Zakale Creations is a jewelry-designing operation that employs 30 young people — former thieves and prostitutes. The Nairobi-based operation is the brainchild of John Mucheru, himself a former mugger.

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]]> Zakale Creations is a jewelry-designing operation that employs 30 young people who were previously involved in crime. The Nairobi-based operation is the brainchild of John Mucheru, himself a former mugger. Zakale Creations is a jewelry-designing operation that employs 30 young people who were previously involved in crime. The Nairobi-based operation is the brainchild of John Mucheru, himself a former mugger. John Burnett/NPR John Mucheru of Zakale Creations poses with his jewelry designs in Nairobi's Huruma slum. John Mucheru of Zakale Creations poses with his jewelry designs in Nairobi's Huruma slum. John Burnett/NPR Here's Some Good News: Volunteering Is On The Rise A holiday reminder of how generous many Americans are: More than 64 million people volunteered through a formal organization in 2011, a new report shows. That was up from the year before and part of a trend. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:09:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/13/167165264/heres-some-good-news-volunteering-is-on-the-rise?ft=1&f= http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/13/167165264/heres-some-good-news-volunteering-is-on-the-rise?ft=1&f= A holiday reminder of how generous many Americans are: More than 64 million people volunteered through a formal organization in 2011, a new report shows. That was up from the year before and part of a trend.

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]]> Nov. 22: Volunteers prepared Thanksgiving dinners for people in the Queens borough of New York City, which was hit hard by Superstorm Sandy. Nov. 22: Volunteers prepared Thanksgiving dinners for people in the Queens borough of New York City, which was hit hard by Superstorm Sandy. Mario Tama Getty Images Promiscuous Males And Choosy Females? Challenging A Classic Experiment We've all heard them: explanations rooted in evolutionary biology for why "promiscuous" males mate with many more partners than "choosy" females. Barbara J. King traces these widespread assumptions to a famous 1948 study on fruitflies — a study that a group of modern-day scientists now say was badly flawed. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:01:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2012/12/13/166953517/promiscuous-males-and-choosy-females-challenging-a-classic-experiment?ft=1&f= http://www.npr.org/blogs/13.7/2012/12/13/166953517/promiscuous-males-and-choosy-females-challenging-a-classic-experiment?ft=1&f= We've all heard them: explanations rooted in evolutionary biology for why "promiscuous" males mate with many more partners than "choosy" females. Barbara J. King traces these widespread assumptions to a famous 1948 study on fruitflies — a study that a group of modern-day scientists now say was badly flawed.

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]]> A male fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) A male fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster) Jan Polabinski iStockphoto The Steamy Inspiration Of Miguel's Music Six-time Grammy nominee Miguel is heating up the airwaves with his newest album, <em>Kaleidoscope Dream</em>. Miguel sat down with host Michel Martin to discuss his musical style and why he wants to challenge stereotypes about R&B. <strong>*Advisory: </strong> This conversation may not be suitable for all listeners. Thu, 13 Dec 2012 14:07:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/2012/12/13/167164055/the-steamy-inspiration-of-miguels-music?ft=1&f= http://www.npr.org/2012/12/13/167164055/the-steamy-inspiration-of-miguels-music?ft=1&f= Six-time Grammy nominee Miguel is heating up the airwaves with his newest album, Kaleidoscope Dream. Miguel sat down with host Michel Martin to discuss his musical style and why he wants to challenge stereotypes about R&B. *Advisory: This conversation may not be suitable for all listeners.

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]]> Miguel in concert Timothy Saccenti The Chamber Group R&B singer Miguel Timothy Saccenti The Chamber Group