Pres. Obama Makes Final Pitch For Health Care
President Barack Obama delivers remarks on health insurance reform during his event at George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., Friday, March 19, 2010. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Even as Democratic leaders in Washington, D.C. are inching closer to passage of the president’s health care reform plan, reaction from opponents is taking shape in states like Idaho, which just passed a law against federally-mandated health care. Gail Chaddock, Capitol Hill correspondent for the Christian Science Monitor, tells us how votes are stacking up. Jill Kuraitis, Idaho editor for NewWest.net, reports on opposition in Idaho. Catherine Candisky of the Columbia Dispatch in Ohio has reaction there. And Julian Zelizer, professor of history and public affairs at Princeton University gives us an historical perspective.
Ordinary Citizens Are Honored For Extraordinary Acts
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Twenty-six year old Chilan Ta and her partner, 29 year old Michelle Kleisath of Seattle, share one of 20 nominations for the Citizen Service Above Self Award for rescuing a disabled woman who had fallen onto the Washington D.C. Metro tracks. The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, which usually honors military personnel, will announce the winners on Monday. We speak with the couple about their experience.
London Finches Play Guitar
A new exhibit at the Barbican Arts Centre in London is wildly popular. Word has spread via You Tube and Twitter about the exhibit featuring 40 finches who fly through a space in the center and perch on electric guitars. We’ll get a listen from the BBC’s Vincent Dowd.
Postpartum Depression Story Draws Strong Listener Response
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Our story on proposals to require all new moms to undergo postpartum depression screening triggered strong reactions from many listeners. We’ll hear from those in favor and opposed to mandatory screening. Also, our story about the growth of niche managzines led listeners to send comments about some of their favorite publications.
‘Breaking Bad’ Falls Deeper Into Drug Underworld
The critically acclaimed program, “Breaking Bad” on AMC, returns for its third season on Sunday. The show follows the exploits of chemistry teacher turned crystal meth manufacturer, Walt White. The show has garnered two Emmy awards for Bryan Cranston, who plays Walt, and one Emmy nomination for co-star Aaron Paul, who plays Cranston partner in crime. The pair join us for a look at the new season.
Music From The Show
- Peter Dixon, “Nagog Woods”
- Freddie Hubbard, “Little Sunflower”
- Charles Mingus, “Pedal Point Blues”
- Fred Hersch, “Desafinado”
- Fernest Areneaux, “Zydeco Stomp”
- Pantera, “Cemetary Gates”
- Dave Porter, “Breaking Bad Theme”
- Calexico, “Banderilla”
As I was listening to the letter written by the parent and son about Pantera, I couldn’t help but think that I used to be that 15 year old kid, listening to the same music, and, back then wondering how nerdy and out of touch my parents were to listen to NPR. Now, 15 years later, I find myself listening to a snipet of that music on NPR. Thanks for making me feel old, but in the best way possible. What I found odd was how little the parent knew about his son and what he liked, considering it was literally written right in front of him. I don’t know what that means but I love the show, keep up the good work!
Posted by Stuart Shanks, on March 19th, 2010 at 4:40 pmI listen to NPR all the time while driving. As I was on my way to work today (about 1:00 p.m.) you were discussing my favorite show, Breaking Bad, which starts up again this Sunday. Had I known the plot of the upcoming season was going to be revealed, I wouldn’t have listened to your broadcast. I don’t understand why you did not wait until after Sunday to do your radio show. I think the acting and producing is great but now there is no need for me to watch the show this season. Breaking Bad will have at least one less fan watching this year and I hope the Nielson ratings don’t crash and burn. I do think you could have used a little more common sense and waited until after the TV show had aired.
Posted by Kathy Jordan, on March 19th, 2010 at 5:57 pmindescribable honor, better than almost anything—
“Ordinary Citizens Are Honored For Extraordinary Acts”
Ordinary awesome she-roes doing extraordinary awesome “get busy” things—
Posted by M daigle-kleisath, on March 19th, 2010 at 6:26 pmjust so very very proud! —msmonica