MikeLigalig.com

An Unusual Friendship, Forged Over Thanksgiving

Larry Rolf and Denny Daniels share an uncommon bond: They're best friends and they were both married to the same woman ? though not at the same time. Their friendship, which started over Thanksgiving years ago, has continued through thick and thin.

Source: An Unusual Friendship, Forged Over Thanksgiving

Video: The Last Sunday Supper At Rocco's

For 18 years, Rocco Galasso was the owner and superintendent of a New York City apartment building where much of his family resided ? until the day they were given notice that their building faced demolition. As his grandson remembers, that's when everything changed. See an animated video from StoryCorps.

Source: Video: The Last Sunday Supper At Rocco's

Letters: Taxes, Revenues And The Rolling Stones

Audie Cornish and Melissa Block read emails from listeners about President Obama's meetings with union and business leaders, and the Rolling Stones.

Source: Letters: Taxes, Revenues And The Rolling Stones

Letters: Alton Brown And 'Spatchcocking'

Audie Cornish and Melissa Block read emails from listeners about celebrity chef Alton Brown's tips on cooking the perfect Thanksgiving turkey.

Source: Letters: Alton Brown And 'Spatchcocking'

A Vengeful Virgin In 'The Testament Of Mary'

Colm Toibin's latest novel reimagines the life and death of Jesus through the eyes of his mother. Elegantly subversive, The Testament of Mary examines the nature of truth and storytelling from the point of view of the world's most famous virgin.

Source: A Vengeful Virgin In 'The Testament Of Mary'

Death At The Lighthouse: Witless Bay Comes Alive

The Bird Artist, Howard Norman's 1994 novel about the murder of a lighthouse keeper, is set in Witless Bay. Author Da Chen writes that the distinctive setting makes this novel a success. What is your favorite book with an unforgettable setting? Tell us in the comments.

Source: Death At The Lighthouse: Witless Bay Comes Alive

Coconut Conservationist Seeks Pacific Islands For Fun And Palm Preservation

Are the sources for your trendy coconut water and oil in danger? Not yet, says a French scientist, but he has an elaborate vision for how to overcome the coconut's biological challenges and ensure that the plant's dozens of varieties stick around for a long time.

Source: Coconut Conservationist Seeks Pacific Islands For Fun And Palm Preservation

The Big Apple's Mayor Makes A Very Scary Video

The mayor of New York City wants you to see what an hour's, a day's, a year's worth of NYC's carbon dioxide emissions would look like ? if you could see them. The gas is normally invisible. So he's made a video, and it ain't pretty. Why would the mayor do this? What's it look like? See for yourself.

Source: The Big Apple's Mayor Makes A Very Scary Video

This Is How Diabetes Swept The Nation

Back in 1995, about 4.5 percent of adults in the U.S. had been diagnosed with diabetes. By 2010, the prevalence had zoomed to 8.2 percent. An interactive map shows how much worse diabetes has become in less than a generation.

Source: This Is How Diabetes Swept The Nation

EPA Says Its Ethanol Rules Aren't Driving Up Food Prices

The Environmental Protection Agency says it won't waive a law that requires much of the nation's corn to be refined into ethanol and blended into gasoline. Meat producers say this will drive up food prices, but the EPA says the "ethanol mandate" isn't at fault.

Source: EPA Says Its Ethanol Rules Aren't Driving Up Food Prices

Pig Genome Project May Pave The Way For Better Bacon

Scientists have sequenced all of the DNA in the cells of a female pig. While this information will likely be used to create happier pigs that get sick less often, it could be used to create tastier pork products.

Source: Pig Genome Project May Pave The Way For Better Bacon

Mental Disorders And Evolution: What Would Darwin Say About Schizophrenia?

Given the pressure of evolution, why have genes behind schizophrenia, autism and others disorders persisted? A study that looks at the likelihood someone is to have kids tries to figure it out.

Source: Mental Disorders And Evolution: What Would Darwin Say About Schizophrenia?

Searching For 'The Particle At The End Of The Universe'

In July, physicists at CERN's Large Hadron Collider announced finding signs of a Higgs boson-like particle ? a key clue to questions about the basic makeup of the cosmos. In his new book The Particle at the End of the Universe, physicist Sean Carroll of Caltech talks about the building of the LHC, what it has found so far, and what researchers hope to investigate in the coming years.

Source: Searching For 'The Particle At The End Of The Universe'

James Watson: The Double Helix and Beyond

In 1953, James Watson and Francis Crick pieced together the structure of DNA ? "the now-famous double helix. To celebrate the release of a new annotated and illustrated edition of his 1968 book, The Double Helix, James Watson reflects on the groundbreaking discovery.

Source: James Watson: The Double Helix and Beyond

Desktop Diaries: Temple Grandin

"I'm pure geek, pure logic," says Temple Grandin, an animal scientist and professor at Colorado State University. Science Friday visited Grandin, author of Animals Make Us Human and many other books on livestock and on autism, in her office to hear about her life and work.

Source: Desktop Diaries: Temple Grandin

Looking Back On 2012 Election Technology

The country knew who its next president would be late in the evening of Election Day. But despite a nationwide push to electronic voting, some municipalities took days longer to finish counting their votes. Larry Norden of the Brennan Center for Justice looks at technologies and systems that worked during this year's election, and at voting processes that fell short of the mark in counting the vote.

Source: Looking Back On 2012 Election Technology

Are We Getting Dumber? Maybe, Scientist Says

A provocative new study published in Trends in Genetics suggests that human intelligence has been slowly deteriorating since societies moved away from hunter-gatherer lifestyles. Study author Gerald Crabtree, of Stanford University, discusses the controversial work.

Source: Are We Getting Dumber? Maybe, Scientist Says

Thousands to Take Part in Macy?s Thanksgiving Day Parade



Source: Thousands to Take Part in Macy?s Thanksgiving Day Parade

Obama Hopes to Break 2nd Term Jinx



Source: Obama Hopes to Break 2nd Term Jinx

US Housing Construction Surges

U.S. housing construction surged in October to its highest level in more than four years.

 The American housing market has perhaps been the weakest link in the country's sluggish, but steady recovery from its worst economic downturn since the Great Depression in the 1930s. Millions of homeowners lost their homes to bank foreclosures, often after they lost their jobs and were unable to make monthly payments on their housing loans.

 But the U.S. government said Tuesday that housing starts ...

Source: US Housing Construction Surges

Millions Hungry as US Dumps 40% of its Food



Source: Millions Hungry as US Dumps 40% of its Food

US Charges 4 Men in Alleged Terror Plot



Source: US Charges 4 Men in Alleged Terror Plot

Clinton, Netanyahu Meet in Jerusalem

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton meets Wednesday with Palestinian and Egyptian leaders as she works to bring calm to the violence between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.

 Clinton held two hours of talks late Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israel officials.

 The prime minister said before the meeting that he prefers diplomacy to halt cross-border airstrikes between Israel and the Hamas militants. But he again pledged that Israel ...

Source: Clinton, Netanyahu Meet in Jerusalem

Obama Meets Chinese, Japanese Leaders at East Asia Summit



Source: Obama Meets Chinese, Japanese Leaders at East Asia Summit

Author Celebrates Los Angeles Chinatown



Source: Author Celebrates Los Angeles Chinatown

Obama to Host Mexican President-elect November 27

U.S. President Barack Obama will host Mexico's President-elect Enrique Pena Nieto at the White House next week.

 The administration said Monday that the two leaders plan to discuss "a broad range of bilateral and regional issues" during their Oval Office meeting November 27.

 It said the United States remains committed to work with Mexico to increase economic competitiveness, promote regional development, and advance efforts to develop a secure and efficient 21st century ...

Source: Obama to Host Mexican President-elect November 27

Holiday Season Features Latest, Hottest Electronic Gadgets

From tablet computers to smart cameras, the holiday season is a time when shoppers are on the lookout for the newest and coolest electronic devices on the market.

 When it comes to electronic devices, consumers have more choices than ever before.

 Brian Tong is Senior Editor of CNET.com, a website that reports tech news and trends and reviews the latest electronic products. He said tablet computers are one of the hottest items this year. With a starting price of $329, the Apple Mini is one of ...

Source: Holiday Season Features Latest, Hottest Electronic Gadgets

Scandals Highlight Ethics Lapses in Military

Several recent scandals involving members and former members of the U.S. military have prompted Defense Secretary Leon Panetta to order a review of ethics-training programs. Concern continues to grow about poor behavior by some senior officers.

 Military training continues at San Antonio-Lackland Air Force Base in Texas - still reeling from one of the military's worst sexual abuse scandals. An Air Force investigation found at least 48 female students were sexually assaulted by instructors ...

Source: Scandals Highlight Ethics Lapses in Military

Gaza Crisis Strains US-Turkey Relations

The deepening crisis over Gaza is straining Turkish-U.S. relations, with Ankara calling on Washington to rein in Israel.

 While addressing a conference in Istanbul Monday, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan launched a strong attack against Israel for its ongoing military operation in Gaza.

 He says those who associate Islam with terrorism close their eyes in the face of mass killing of Muslims, and turn their heads from the massacre of children in Gaza. The prime minister went on to ...

Source: Gaza Crisis Strains US-Turkey Relations

Obama Presses Cambodia PM on Human Rights

U.S. President Barack Obama has voiced concerns about Cambodia's human rights record in what U.S. officials describe as a "tense" meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.

 Obama, who arrived in the capital, Phnom Penh, Monday, raised the issue of free and fair elections and the detention of political prisoners.

 U.S Deputy National Security Adviser Ben Rhodes said Obama told the prime minister those issues are an "impediment" to the United States and Cambodia ...

Source: Obama Presses Cambodia PM on Human Rights

Obama to Promote US Interests at ASEAN Summit

U.S. President Barack Obama is using his first trip abroad since winning re-election to push for renewed U.S. interests on trade and economic development in Asia.

 But some critics are urging the president to press Asian countries on human-rights abuses.

 In Phnom Penh, where Obama arrived late Monday to meet with leaders from the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations, demonstrators staged a rally urging the U.S. president to press the government to end land grabs, which rights ...

Source: Obama to Promote US Interests at ASEAN Summit

Obama's Historic Burma Speech Mostly Well Received



Source: Obama's Historic Burma Speech Mostly Well Received

Stranded Pets Complicate Disaster Preparation



Source: Stranded Pets Complicate Disaster Preparation

China Watching Obama's Burma Visit

Barack Obama is the first U.S. president to visit Burma. It is part of a trip to Asia meant to reinforce Washington's so-called "Asia pivot" which has raised concerns in Beijing about greater U.S. influence in the region.

 U.S. officials say the president's visit recognizes the decision by Burmese leaders to embark on a path of reform and democratization after decades of repression.

 Tom Donilon, Obama's national security advisor, says the president believes engagement ...

Source: China Watching Obama's Burma Visit

Justin Bieber Wins Top Prize at American Music Awards

An 18-year-old has won the top prize at the American Music Awards.

 Canadian Justin Bieber won artist of the year Sunday in Los Angeles at the 40th anniversary show, beating out Rihanna, Maroon 5, Drake, and Katy Perry.

 The teenager said when he accepted his award that it was "hard growing up with everyone watching me" and he thanked his mother for "always believing in me."

 Bieber also won in the pop/rock album category for this album Believe, and he won the pop/rock ...

Source: Justin Bieber Wins Top Prize at American Music Awards

Obama: Burma's Journey an Example for Asia, World

In a historic visit to Burma, U.S. President Barack Obama has acknowledged the beginning of reforms, saying the United States will support democracy efforts, economic development and efforts at national reconciliation.

 In a speech at the University of Rangoon, Obama referred to a pledge he made at his presidential inauguration in 2009 to "extend a hand" to governments that ruled by fear if they are ready to "unclench their fist."

 He reviewed a long history of U.S. - ...

Source: Obama: Burma's Journey an Example for Asia, World

Stereotypes Deter Women From Becoming Scientists



Source: Stereotypes Deter Women From Becoming Scientists

US Lawmakers Rally Behind Israel

U.S. lawmakers are rallying behind Israel, reaffirming its right to self-defense in the face of Palestinian rocket attacks. Some legislators? backing of Israel extends to the possible use of ground forces in Hamas-run Gaza Strip.

 Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss of Georgia said Israel cannot ignore rocket attacks, but faces tough decisions on how best to respond.

 ?The problem the Israelis have is [that] these rockets are being fired on them from places that they cannot reach by flying ...

Source: US Lawmakers Rally Behind Israel

Obama: Gaza Crisis Poses More Damage to Mideast Peace Efforts

President Barack Obama says he continues to work to achieve a negotiated solution to the crisis between Israel, and Hamas in Gaza.

 Before the president arrived in Southeast Asia, White House officials said he was working the phones with leaders in the region in search of a solution to end Hamas rocket attacks on Israel.

 During a news conference in the Thai capital, he was asked if an Israeli military ground operation into Gaza would constitute an escalation of the crisis.

 The president ...

Source: Obama: Gaza Crisis Poses More Damage to Mideast Peace Efforts

Obama: Burma Trip Not Endorsement of Government



Source: Obama: Burma Trip Not Endorsement of Government

Obama's Next Campaign: More Taxes for Rich Americans



Source: Obama's Next Campaign: More Taxes for Rich Americans

Obama, Congress to Continue Negotiations on 'Fiscal Cliff'

U.S. President Barack Obama will resume negotiations with congressional leaders later this month to try to resolve crucial government financial issues before the end of the year.

 Obama is on a three-nation trip to Asia beginning Sunday in Bangkok. Aboard the president's plane Saturday, White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters Obama is expected to meet again with lawmakers during the week beginning November 26 for further discussions on resolving the looming debt crisis known as ...

Source: Obama, Congress to Continue Negotiations on 'Fiscal Cliff'

The 2012 Drought - 'A Dry Season'



Source: The 2012 Drought - 'A Dry Season'

Rights Issues High on Obama's Agenda in Asia



Source: Rights Issues High on Obama's Agenda in Asia

Traditional Turkeys Are Disappearing Breed

On November 22, Americans observe Thanksgiving, an iconic harvest festival with roots in the nation's 17th-century settlement by European colonists.

 Roasted turkey is the traditional centerpiece. But the breeds of turkey which were on the table in early America have nearly disappeared, replaced by a domesticated bird that is bigger, faster-growing and cheaper to raise.

 Disappearing breed

 Around the world, many traditional livestock breeds are disappearing as industrial meat production ...

Source: Traditional Turkeys Are Disappearing Breed

Clinton: US Wants to Promote Economic Interests



Source: Clinton: US Wants to Promote Economic Interests

Obama Urges Congress to Approve No Tax Hike Bill



Source: Obama Urges Congress to Approve No Tax Hike Bill

House Passes Bill Normalizing Trade Relations With Russia

The U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed legislation - by a vote of 365 to 43 - allowing permanent, normal trade relations with Russia.

 The legislation, which now goes to the U.S. Senate, provides American businesses access to Russia?s newly-opened markets as a result of Moscow?s recent membership in the World Trade Organization.

 Representative Dan Burton [a Republican from Indiana] told his colleagues this law will help U.S. companies that have been at a disadvantage in ...

Source: House Passes Bill Normalizing Trade Relations With Russia

US Working With Egypt, Turkey to Stop Israeli/Hamas Violence



Source: US Working With Egypt, Turkey to Stop Israeli/Hamas Violence

Historic Marijuana Vote Pits States Against US Government

Federal officials have been mostly mute on ballot initiatives legalizing marijuana in the election on November 6. Laws passed in Colorado and Washington will take time to implement. State legislatures must determine the rules for sales, distribution and taxation. Former federal drug officials say the ballot initiatives, which contradict federal law, will be short lived.

 A historic moment for supporters of marijuana legalization in the U.S. The states of Colorado and Washington have legalized ...

Source: Historic Marijuana Vote Pits States Against US Government

US Pushes Syrian Kurds to Join Rebellion

As the Obama administration pushes to solidify Syria's political opposition, it also is working to improve ties between Syrian Kurds and groups battling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

 Concentrating control in their own areas of northwest Syria, Kurdish leaders have been slow to join the broader rebellion against Assad, preferring to seek greater regional autonomy with Kurds in neighboring Iraq and Turkey.

 Before the rebellion accelerated, Assad granted new political freedoms to ...

Source: US Pushes Syrian Kurds to Join Rebellion

Congressional Leaders Optimistic About Fiscal Talks



Source: Congressional Leaders Optimistic About Fiscal Talks

2 Dead in US Gulf Oil Rig Explosion



Source: 2 Dead in US Gulf Oil Rig Explosion

'Fiscal Cliff' Talks Begin at White House



Source: 'Fiscal Cliff' Talks Begin at White House

NYC Tourism Bounces Back After Super Storm



Source: NYC Tourism Bounces Back After Super Storm

Obama Will Not Shy Away From Human Rights on Asia Tour

White House officials are assuring critics that President Barack Obama will not ignore human rights concerns during his upcoming visit to Southeast Asia.

 President Obama leaves Saturday for a three-day tour of Cambodia, Thailand and Burma. It is his first foreign trip since being re-elected, underscoring the importance of the administration's new focus on the region.

 A highlight of the trip will be Obama's brief stop in Burma, the first ever visit by a U.S. president to the former ...

Source: Obama Will Not Shy Away From Human Rights on Asia Tour

In Cambodia, Panetta Touts Benefits of US Asia 'Pivot'

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has visited Cambodia for talks aimed at expanding military alliances in southeast Asia, in advance of President Barack Obama's trip for a regional summit.

 Panetta, who met with counterparts from 10 southeast Asian nations in Siem Reap on Friday, touted the benefits of Washington's recent strategic shift toward the Asia-Pacific.

 "This is in many ways the new era of U.S. relationship of this region," he said. "It is based on the ...

Source: In Cambodia, Panetta Touts Benefits of US Asia 'Pivot'

Petraeus Testifies on Benghazi Attack



Source: Petraeus Testifies on Benghazi Attack

Panetta Tells VOA He Won't Step Down Right Away

U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta indicated in an interview with VOA that he does not plan to immediately step down following President Barack Obama's re-election.

 Although Panetta has said in the past he did not intend to serve throughout Obama's second term, he said Thursday there are tasks ahead that he wants to tackle, so he will confer with the president later on when he'll resign. He said among other things, he wants to deal with the threat of severe budget cuts, called ...

Source: Panetta Tells VOA He Won't Step Down Right Away

US Hazing Trial Confronts Army's Delicate Race Relations

A military courtroom in North Carolina is not where the Chen family expected to spend time when they immigrated to the United States from China more than 20 years ago. But this week, Su Zhen and Yan Tao Chen traveled from New York?s Chinatown area to Fort Bragg to watch the seventh round of hearings in the death of their son, Private Danny Chen.

 Army officials have said the 19-year-old was driven to suicide after suffering near daily physical abuse and racial taunting at the hands of his ...

Source: US Hazing Trial Confronts Army's Delicate Race Relations

US 'Patriotic Millionaires': 'Tax Us More'



Source: US 'Patriotic Millionaires': 'Tax Us More'

US General Gives Mixed Assessment of Afghanistan War



Source: US General Gives Mixed Assessment of Afghanistan War

US Congress Probes Libya Attack

U.S. intelligence and counterterrorism officials are testifying before Congress about the deadly September attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya.

 The Senate Intelligence Committee is holding a closed hearing on the attack, which resulted in the deaths of U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other Americans. A House panel is hearing testimony from foreign policy experts.

 Many lawmakers have raised concerns about whether there was adequate security at the consulate, and if ...

Source: US Congress Probes Libya Attack

Romney: Obama's Government 'Gifts' to Voters Cost Him Election

Defeated U.S. presidential contender Mitt Romney is telling his campaign donors that he lost last week's national election because President Barack Obama showered "financial gifts" from the government on segments of the American electorate who then voted for him.

 In a post-election call to the donors Wednesday, the Republican challenger said the Democratic incumbent had handed key voting blocs - African Americans, Hispanics and young people - significant aid. He cited passage of ...

Source: Romney: Obama's Government 'Gifts' to Voters Cost Him Election

Superstorm Sandy Spikes US Jobless Claims

Superstorm Sandy jolted the U.S. labor market last week, with claims for jobless benefits surging to their highest level in 18 months.

 The U.S. government said Thursday that 439,000 workers filed claims for unemployment benefits, up 78,000 from the week before. Several states said the October 29 storm wreaked havoc on businesses along the country's northeastern seaboard, with the worst damage in the heavily developed New York-New Jersey metropolitan area.

 With some jobless benefit ...

Source: Superstorm Sandy Spikes US Jobless Claims

BP to Pay $4.5 Billion in Fines for 2010 Oil Spill



Source: BP to Pay $4.5 Billion in Fines for 2010 Oil Spill

Ask A  Banker: Are The Banks Still Too Big To Fail?

Short answer: Of course! Long answer: Here's what it's costing taxpayers, what people are doing about it, and what might happen if we broke up the banks.

Source: Ask A  Banker: Are The Banks Still Too Big To Fail?

Ex-Hedge Fund Trader Charged In $276M Insider Ploy

A former hedge fund portfolio manager was arrested Tuesday on charges that he helped deliver what a prosecutor said "what might be the most lucrative inside tip of all time," enabling investment advisers and their hedge funds to make more than $276 million in illegal profits. Martoma allegedly used information about an Alzheimer's drug trial, allowing his firm to reap a hefty profit.

Source: Ex-Hedge Fund Trader Charged In $276M Insider Ploy

Are Stocks Threatened By 'Generation Sell'?

Fewer than 20 percent of Americans now say they're interested in buying stocks. That's according to a survey conducted by the site Bankrate.com. Guest host Celeste Headlee talks to Roben Farzad, contributor for Bloomberg BusinessWeek about what this could mean for the market's future.

Source: Are Stocks Threatened By 'Generation Sell'?

Future Of Cash-Strapped Historic Black Colleges

Many of the nation's historically black colleges and universities are facing financial problems, and some have had to shut down altogether. Guest host Celeste Headlee discusses the issue with Dillard University President Walter Kimbrough and Professor Marybeth Gasman of the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.

Source: Future Of Cash-Strapped Historic Black Colleges

Housing Starts At Fastest Pace In 4 Years

U.S. builders started construction last month on the most homes and apartments since July 2008, more evidence that the housing recovery is gaining momentum. Builders broke ground on homes at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 894,000.

Source: Housing Starts At Fastest Pace In 4 Years

HP Takes $8.8 Billion Hit From 'Misrepresentations' By Company It Bought

Hewlett-Packard wiped that huge amount of money off its books last quarter, it says, because of problems with the finances of a British software company it bought last year.

Source: HP Takes $8.8 Billion Hit From 'Misrepresentations' By Company It Bought

Drought Hurts U.S. Grain Exporters, Market Share

In the coming year, the USDA predicts that American corn exports will be at a 40-year low. That's because the U.S. drought has led to a corn shortage and high domestic corn prices. To adapt, grain exporters have had to change their business models.

Source: Drought Hurts U.S. Grain Exporters, Market Share

Black Friday Fast Becoming Black Thursday

With stores opening earlier and earlier, it's not just Black Friday anymore. Then it's on to Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and Mobile Tuesday.

Source: Black Friday Fast Becoming Black Thursday

The Origin Of The Term: Fiscal Cliff

The fiscal cliff has economists and politicians in a tailspin. The term is used to describe what will happen if Congress fails to come to an agreement on budget cuts or tax increases by the end of the year. Some say the term is inaccurate, and somewhat alarmist. Linda Wertheimer talks to linguist and Boston Globe language columnist Ben Zimmer about the origin of the term fiscal cliff.

Source: The Origin Of The Term: Fiscal Cliff

Banks Rush To Hire To Meet Home Loan Demands

Low interest rates have sparked a record wave of mortgage activity, and the need for more people to process the paperwork. Mortgage employment rose by 9 percent this year, to its highest level since the financial crisis in 2008.

Source: Banks Rush To Hire To Meet Home Loan Demands

Tempted By Holiday Discounts, Consumers 'Self-Gift'

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.

Source: Tempted By Holiday Discounts, Consumers 'Self-Gift'

Hostess Delays Liquidation, Will Meet With Union

Hostess Brands and its second-largest have agreed to a day of mediation to see if they can end a strike by bakers and prevent the company from shutting down. The parties will meet Tuesday with a bankruptcy judge. He announced on Monday that he wasn't ready to approve a liquidation.

Source: Hostess Delays Liquidation, Will Meet With Union

Maybe Twinkies Do Last Forever: Union, Hostess Headed To Mediation

According to a bankruptcy judge, Hostess and the major union representing its workers need to try to mediate their differences before the company can be liquidated. So maybe the company's taste treats won't disappear anytime soon.

Source: Maybe Twinkies Do Last Forever: Union, Hostess Headed To Mediation

Fiscal Cliff Siren: Meet The Man Behind The Curtain

Debate over the so-called fiscal cliff has dominated the post-election agenda. But the challenge of dealing with long-term debt and the annual deficit has been brewing for years. And one man who has kept his focus and money on that target is the billionaire Peter G. Peterson.

Source: Fiscal Cliff Siren: Meet The Man Behind The Curtain

A Remake That Will Leave Fans Seeing 'Red'

Dan Bradley's remake of 1984's Red Dawn retells a story of high schoolers fighting off communist invaders. Critic Mark Jenkins says the new version suffers the same fate as many reboots, lacking weight and coming off as an inadvertently comic misfire.

Source: A Remake That Will Leave Fans Seeing 'Red'

For Pi, A Wonderful 'Life' Finds Its Way To Film

Ang Lee's adaptation of Yann Martel's 2001 best-seller employs cinema's most advanced digital techniques in the service of an adventure yarn that's gloriously old-fashioned ? and often just glorious. (Recommended)

Source: For Pi, A Wonderful 'Life' Finds Its Way To Film

Making The Comedy Podcast: Julie Klausner's Life Of Conversation

Julie Klausner talks about what makes the comedy podcast such an appealing form for comedians. Is it the connection with the audience? The creative freedom? The loose conversations? (Spoiler alert: Yes.)

Source: Making The Comedy Podcast: Julie Klausner's Life Of Conversation

A Model Career: 'Grace' Goes From Runway To 'Vogue'

In a new memoir, Grace Coddington explains how she grew up on a remote island off the coast of Wales, started modeling as a young woman and ended up as creative director at Vogue magazine. Coddington speaks with Fresh Air's Terry Gross about her life in the fashion industry.

Source: A Model Career: 'Grace' Goes From Runway To 'Vogue'

Hungry Hearts And Family Matters In 'Middlesteins'

Jami Attenberg's black comedy about the fallout of one woman's food addiction is a tough but affecting story about family members putting up with each other. Critic Maureen Corrigan says the novel's fragmented narration and jumpy timeline add to its emotional punch.

Source: Hungry Hearts And Family Matters In 'Middlesteins'

Famous Father Had Highest 'Expectations'

The latest book by former New Yorker editor Robert Gottlieb, Great Expectations: The Sons and Daughters of Charles Dickens, reads more like scintillating gossip about the famous writer and his family than literary scholarship. NPR's Heller McAlpin is fine with that.

Source: Famous Father Had Highest 'Expectations'

Bradley Cooper On Getting Back To His Roots

Bradley Cooper has been a comedy star ? and People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive." In Silver Linings Playbook, he plays an emotionally damaged schoolteacher trying to get his life together after being institutionalized. He speaks with Linda Wertheimer about the film.

Source: Bradley Cooper On Getting Back To His Roots

When 'Unfilmable' Books Make Memorable Movies

Life of Pi and Cloud Atlas are two complicated, ambitious novels recently adapted for the big screen. NPR's Elizabeth Blair explores what makes some singular narratives workable on film ? and what makes some fail.

Source: When 'Unfilmable' Books Make Memorable Movies

Football, Fandom and 'Friday Night Lights'

Sports are not for everyone. However, the story of the currently first-ranked Notre Dame football team is one that fans of sports movies and Friday Night Lights might find oddly familiar.

Source: Football, Fandom and 'Friday Night Lights'

Can You Move It And Work It On A Treadmill Desk?

Researchers and companies are bringing movement back into the office with treadmill desks, walking meetings and games. Employees say it has helped them lose weight and be more productive.

Source: Can You Move It And Work It On A Treadmill Desk?

Struggle For Smarts? How Eastern And Western Cultures Tackle Learning

For the most part in American culture, intellectual struggle in school children is seen as an indicator of weakness, while in Eastern cultures it is not only tolerated, it is often used to measure emotional strength.

Source: Struggle For Smarts? How Eastern And Western Cultures Tackle Learning

Why Not Say It Simply? How About Very Simply?

Look at this rocket ship. It is big. It is complicated. We could use long words to describe what's in it, or we could use short words. The author, cartoonist Randall Munroe, chooses short words. Ridiculously short words. Some will sneer. I cheer.

Source: Why Not Say It Simply? How About Very Simply?

The Reality Of Reality May Not Be Reality

According to some very smart people, the odds are overwhelming that you are just self-conscious software in a giant simulation. Sorry. Take a look around; just how real does everything look? Reality, however real, may just not be what you think it is.

Source: The Reality Of Reality May Not Be Reality

Big News From Mars? Rover Scientists Mum For Now

Data from a soil sample on Mars have NASA scientists buzzing with excitement over a finding that could be "one for the history books." But they're not spilling the beans about their discovery just yet.

Source: Big News From Mars? Rover Scientists Mum For Now

In Berlin, A Boar Of A Story

More than just Germany's capital, Berlin is home to an estimated 3,000 wild boar. They have been tearing up green spaces, and recently a 265-pound boar attacked four people. The streetwise swine like the city, where food is plentiful but hunters are not.

Source: In Berlin, A Boar Of A Story

Controversial Casting For A Nina Simone Biopic

The producer of an upcoming Nina Simone biopic has cast Afro-Latina actress Zoe Saldana in the lead role ? a move that's proved controversial. Critics say that while Saldana is a talented actress, she's too close to traditional light-skinned Hollywood beauty standards.

Source: Controversial Casting For A Nina Simone Biopic

Beethoven's Famous 4 Notes: Truly Revolutionary Music

Conductor John Eliot Gardiner and author Matthew Guerrieri explain the incredible resonances, past and present, behind one of the most famous phrases in music: the opening to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

Source: Beethoven's Famous 4 Notes: Truly Revolutionary Music

'Color Of Christ': A Story Of Race And Religion In America

What did Jesus look like? In their new book, The Color of Christ, Edward J. Blum and Paul Harvey explore how different groups have claimed Jesus as their own ? and how depictions of Jesus have both inspired civil rights crusades, and been used to justify the violence of white supremacists.

Source: 'Color Of Christ': A Story Of Race And Religion In America

Anne Lamott Distills Prayer Into 'Help, Thanks, Wow'

As Thanksgiving draws near, many of us are thinking about what we're thankful for. Novelist and memoirist Anne Lamott says she is filled with "wonder at the just sheer beauty of creation." She discusses her new book, Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers.

Source: Anne Lamott Distills Prayer Into 'Help, Thanks, Wow'

What's The Big Idea? Pentagon Agency Backs Student Tinkerers To Find Out

The Pentagon's research agency, DARPA, played key roles in developing the Internet and GPS. Now it's investing money in high school hackerspaces, where students gather to come up with high-tech ideas ? like a bicycle that generates electricity.

Source: What's The Big Idea? Pentagon Agency Backs Student Tinkerers To Find Out