NPR News: 05-19-2012 4PM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 4PM ET

John Mayer: Restoring An Image, And An Instrument

Two years after a media controversy that sent him retreating from the spotlight, Mayer has a new album and is beginning to resurface. But a new obstacle has arisen in the meantime — a health condition that may keep him from performing for months to come.

NPR News: 05-19-2012 3PM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 3PM ET

Teaching Kids Balance Can Be A Lesson For Parents

To be a parent is to be constantly reminded that almost everything you thought you were doing right for your children will one day turn out to be wrong. The latest revised revelation may be: Training wheels don't help kids achieve a sense of balance.

NPR News: 05-19-2012 2PM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 2PM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 1PM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 1PM ET

NPR: 05-19-2012 Shuffle

NPR Shuffle mixes it up every day, offering an unpredictable sampler from 'Morning Edition', 'All Things Considered' and other award-winning NPR programs. Enjoy listening to this podcast just as you would enjoy listening to NPR - ready to be surprised by the next great story!

NPR News: 05-19-2012 12PM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 12PM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 11AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 11AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 10AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 10AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 9AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 9AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 8AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 8AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 7AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 7AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 6AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 6AM ET

Idina Menzel: From Broadway To The Symphony

The star of Rent and Wicked is making standards and pop songs her own — with the help of symphonies around the country.

NPR News: 05-19-2012 5AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 5AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 4AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 4AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 3AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 3AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 2AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 2AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 1AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 1AM ET

Bike To Work Day: Your Photos, And Riding Advice From Grant Petersen

For many people, Bike to Work Day is a reason to put air in their bike's tires and see if the chain is too rusty to get them to work. For Grant Petersen, it's just another day — he's been riding his bike to work for three decades.

NPR News: 05-19-2012 12AM ET

NPR News: 05-19-2012 12AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 11PM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 11PM ET

France's Unmarried First Lady Comes To America

Newly elected French President Francois Hollande is meeting with President Obama at the White House and bringing along his companion, Valerie Trierweiler. The idea of a ringless first lady may have raised some eyebrows, but a friend of Trierweiler's says she's someone the average French woman can identify with.

NPR News: 05-18-2012 10PM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 10PM ET

Fresh Air Remembers Donna Summer, Queen Of Disco

In 2003, Donna Summer appeared on Fresh Air to talk about her memoir, Ordinary Girl, her hit Love to Love You Baby and her collaborator, record producer Giorgio Moroder. We remember Summer — who died Thursday at the age of 63 — with excerpts from that interview.

Remembering Vidal Sassoon, An Iconic Hairdresser

The British hairdresser Vidal Sassoon, who created some of the most iconic hairstyles of the 20th century, died on May 9 at his home in Los Angeles. He was 84. Fresh Air remembers the trendsetter with excerpts from a 2011 interview.

A Conversation With Author Carlos Fuentes

Carlos Fuentes, one of the most influential writers in the Latin American world, died Tuesday at a hospital in Mexico City. He was 83. Fresh Air remembers the prolific author with excerpts from a 1987 interview.

May 18, 2012-- Dispatches from Lebanon, South Sudan and Australia

Thsi week, we hear about UN observers caught in the violence in Syria, more conflict between North and South Sudan, and trying to restrict the pokies in Australia.

NPR News: 05-18-2012 9PM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 9PM ET

StoryCorps 272: The Fellas

This episode of the podcast features two stories.First, Van Harris and his wife, Shirley, remember being young in Brooklyn during the 1940s.Next, Studs Terkel, the late oral historian, from a 2005 interview recorded when a StoryCorps MobileBooth visited his home. Studs would have turned 100 years old this week.To hear more stories visit http://storycorps.org/listen. If you'd like to write to pa...

NPR News: 05-18-2012 8PM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 8PM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 7PM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 7PM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 6PM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 6PM ET

#372: How Do You Decide Who Gets Lungs?

Ashley Dias is 26 years old. She has cystic fibrosis. About six weeks ago, her lungs gave out. She was rushed to the Cleveland Clinic and told she'd need a lung transplant to survive.Lungs are a scarce resource. But unlike many scarce resources, lungs aren't for sale. So doctors have had to develop a system to allocate them.Ashley's life depends on that system.

NPR News: 05-18-2012 5PM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 5PM ET

From Rooftops And Abandoned Lots, An Urban Harvest

From rooftop apiaries in Paris to a vegetable-and-chicken farm in Philadelphia, agriculture has come to the city. Urban farmer Mary Seton Corboy and food writer Jennifer Cockrall-King talk about the future of food in the city. Plus, Tama Matsuoka Wong gives tasty tips for eating garden weeds.

The Itching Question That's More Than Skin Deep

Studies show that the power of suggestion can induce itchiness — but scientists don't know what this irritation is, what causes it, or why it feels so good to cure. Marc Abrahams, editor of the Annals of Improbable Research, talks about how talking about the science of itches might have you scratching right now.

JD McPherson: When A Punk Goes Vintage

A set of Buddy Holly recordings scratched an itch for McPherson as a kid raised on a cattle ranch.

NPR News: 05-18-2012 4PM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 4PM ET

On Eve Of Launch, SpaceX Head Talks About Mission

SpaceX is set to launch its Dragon spacecraft to rendezvous with the International Space Station this weekend. If successful, it will be the first commercially developed, launched and operated craft to meet the ISS. SpaceX head Elon Musk talks about the launch, and his other project, Tesla Motors.

Stroke Victims Think, Robotic Arm Acts

Reporting in Nature, researchers write that two individuals, both paralyzed by stroke, made reach-and-grasp movements using a thought-controlled robotic arm. One participant was even able to a sip a drink by herself. Neuroengineer Dr. Leigh Hochberg discusses the paper and the ongoing trial.

Planning For A Solar Sky Show

On May 20th, skywatchers in the western third of the United States will be treated to an annular solar eclipse, a sight not seen here in 18 years. Dean Regas of the Cincinnati Observatory shares tips for viewing the eclipse, and tells how solar observers can safely get a peek at the elusive 'ring of fire.'

Rerouting Working Nerves To Restore Hand Function

A paralyzed man with a spinal cord injury to the C7 vertebrae is able to move his fingers again. Surgeons at Washington University School of Medicine rerouted working nerves in the patient's upper arms to restore some hand function. Dr. Ida Fox discusses the procedure described in the Journal of Neurosurgery.

Snap Judgment #312 - Teacher, Teacher

We’ve all had a teacher we’ve loved, who changed our lives and believed in us. God bless ‘em.  And we’ve all had teachers we can’t stand, that made us pretend to be sick in the morning so we didn’t have to go to school. Today, we’re bringing you stories from the hallowed halls of learning where, while kids stuff each other in lockers and pass notes between desks, America’s heroes are trying to ...

NPR News: 05-18-2012 3PM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 3PM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 2PM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 2PM ET

NPR: 05-18-2012 Tell Me More

Stories: 1) Romney Says No To Super PAC Smear Campaign 2) Trayvon Martin Case Evidence Raises More Questions 3) Why Does Hunger Still Exist In Africa? 4) Donna Summer Defined Disco Culture Of 1970s 5) Is Obama's Same-Sex Statement All Talk, No Action?

#1220 - The Viva Factor: Arizona

In this week’s show, we begin a series looking at how political ads aim to attract Latino voters. A new era of outreach, or old-fashioned pandering? We examine one ad from the Democrats in Arizona that asked young Latinos to express their political outrage by texting for a chance to win concert tickets. We also speak with Dr. America Bracho, a health hero battling diabetes and obesity in Orange...

Pop Culture Happy Hour: TV Season Postmortem, Old People, Young People

This week on Pop Culture Happy Hour, NPR Monkey See's Linda Holmes, Trey Graham, Stephen Thompson and Glen Weldon talk about how the recently concluded TV season went — what was picked up, what was cancelled and who knew Revenge would turn out to last so long? Then the gang touches on pop culture portrayals of older and younger people. Then as always, What's Making Us Happy this week.

NPR News: 05-18-2012 1PM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 1PM ET

NPR: 05-18-2012 Shuffle

NPR Shuffle mixes it up every day, offering an unpredictable sampler from 'Morning Edition', 'All Things Considered' and other award-winning NPR programs. Enjoy listening to this podcast just as you would enjoy listening to NPR - ready to be surprised by the next great story!

NPR: 05-18-2012 Economy

Stories: 1) Debt Ceiling Debate Is Revived In Washington 2) Portugal Looks Back On 1 Year Since Its Bailout 3) Political Limbo May Further Erode Greece's Stability 4) Fed: Sizeable Risk From Capitol Hill Gridlock

NPR News: 05-18-2012 12PM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 12PM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 11AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 11AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 10AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 10AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 9AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 9AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 8AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 8AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 7AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 7AM ET

Sudents Suspended Over Post-It Note Prank

It's not clear what message high school students in Clayton, Ind., were sending with this year's senior prank. They attached 11,000 blank Post-it Notes to various surfaces: Doors, chairs and desks. Six students got suspended. Which led to a student protest, and 50 more suspensions.

NPR News: 05-18-2012 6AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 6AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 5AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 5AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 4AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 4AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 3AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 3AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 2AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 2AM ET

Betting Better Fake Chicken Meat Will Be As Good As The Real Thing

A new Maryland company is betting that its mixture of soy, pea powder, carrot fiber and gluten-free flour tastes a lot like real chicken. Beyond Meat plans to expand into fake pork and ground beef next.

NPR News: 05-18-2012 1AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 1AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 12AM ET

NPR News: 05-18-2012 12AM ET

NPR: 05-17-2012 Environment

Stories: 1) With Gas Boom, Pennsylvania Fears New Toxic Legacy 2) Town's Effort To Link Fracking And Illness Falls Short 3) Medical Records Could Yield Answers On Fracking 4) Sick From Fracking? Doctors, Patients Seek Answers 5) Pennsylvania Doctors Worry Over Fracking 'Gag Rule' 6) 'Close Encounters' With Gas Well Pollution

NPR: 05-17-2012 Food

Stories: 1) Chefs Fight California's Foie Gras Ban 2) Betting Better Fake Chicken Meat Will Be As Good As The Real Thing 3) Bring On The 'Yabbies': Australia Ditches The Bad British Food

After Palestinian Prison Deal, A Push For Nonviolence

Palestinian prisoners ended a mass hunger strike aimed at improving conditions in Israeli prisons after reaching a deal with Israeli authorities this week. The success has some Palestinians calling for a greater emphasis on nonviolence in their opposition to Israeli policies.

It's All Politics May 17, 2012

This week Ron Elving and Ken Rudin discuss the proposal by a conservative super-PAC to use the Reverend Jeremiah Wright in attack ads against President Obama. They also discuss Deb Fischer's surprise victory in the Nebraska GOP Senate primary on Tuesday, plus Ron and Ken read letters from "the listener" to mark the 300th podcast.

NPR News: 05-17-2012 11PM ET

NPR News: 05-17-2012 11PM ET

NPR News: 05-17-2012 10PM ET

NPR News: 05-17-2012 10PM ET

Why The U.S. Is Aggressively Targeting Yemen

Yemen is now considered to be "the greatest external threat facing the U.S. homeland in terms of terrorism," says investigative reporter Jeremy Scahill.

NPR News: 05-17-2012 9PM ET

NPR News: 05-17-2012 9PM ET

NPR News: 05-17-2012 8PM ET

NPR News: 05-17-2012 8PM ET

NPR: 05-17-2012 Education

Stories: 1) In L.A. Pregnancy 'Hot Spot,' An On-Campus Clinic 2) Budget Woes Could Close Philly's Problem Schools 3) Why So Many Ph.D.s Are On Food Stamps 4) Fla. Students Crash After State Raises Bar On Test

NPR News: 05-17-2012 7PM ET

NPR News: 05-17-2012 7PM ET

NPR News: 05-17-2012 6PM ET

NPR News: 05-17-2012 6PM ET

Two Gray Titles, One Sexy Mix-Up

What happens when two books with similar names are out at the same time? Well, when one is historical fiction set in Lithuania and the other an S&M novel that's ripping up the best-sellers list, some interesting teachable moments.

NPR News: 05-17-2012 5PM ET

NPR News: 05-17-2012 5PM ET

If Greece Starts Dominoes Falling, What's Next?

If the Greek economy collapses, economists fear it could lead to a chain reaction that engulfs Spain, Portugal, Italy and other EU countries with fragile economies. While some experts argue doomsday scenarios are overblown, others believe the consequences would be chaotic and far-reaching.

Facebook Users Should Expect Changes After IPO

Facebook hopes to raise more than $100 billion in its initial public stock offering. In a piece at Slate.com, tech columnist Farhad Manjoo warns that Facebook users can expect to see changes, including lots more ads. But he warns the company must balance profit seeking with the desires of users.

NPR News: 05-17-2012 4PM ET

NPR News: 05-17-2012 4PM ET

Truvada And At-Home Test Join Fight Against HIV

Truvada is a pill that's already used to treat people with HIV. A daily dose can also significantly reduce the risk of new infection. And a panel recommended the FDA approve an over-the-counter HIV test, OraQuick. Users could test and interpret their results at home in as little as 20 minutes.

One 'Last Dance' With Disco Queen Donna Summer

Donna Summer, who sang some of the most memorable anthems of the disco era from "Love to Love You Baby" to "Bad Girls," has died after a long battle with cancer. She had a top 40 hit every year from 1976 to 1984, including the song she once told NPR she'd perform till the very end, "Last Dance."

Non-White Birth Rate May Inspire Policy Changes

The Census Bureau announced that for the first time non-whites now make up the majority of births in the U.S. The demographic shift raises questions about how this trend will affect policy in the country, particularly with regard to education and social programs.

NPR News: 05-17-2012 3PM ET

NPR News: 05-17-2012 3PM ET

NPR News: 05-17-2012 2PM ET

NPR News: 05-17-2012 2PM ET

NPR: 05-17-2012 Tell Me More

Stories: 1) GOP Defends Violence Against Women Act 2) Glenn Close: Mental Illness Shouldn't Be Old News 3) After Tornado Devastates, Joplin High Bounces Back 4) All-Nighters Pay Off For Janitor, Ivy League Grad 5) Go-Go Godfather Created Distinct DC Soundtrack

NPR News: 05-17-2012 1PM ET

NPR News: 05-17-2012 1PM ET

NPR: 05-17-2012 Shuffle

NPR Shuffle mixes it up every day, offering an unpredictable sampler from 'Morning Edition', 'All Things Considered' and other award-winning NPR programs. Enjoy listening to this podcast just as you would enjoy listening to NPR - ready to be surprised by the next great story!

Glenn Close: Mental Illness Shouldn't Be Old News

Glenn Close is known for her acclaimed performances in the films Fatal Attraction and Albert Nobbs, and the TV series Damages. But off-screen, she works hard to reduce stigma and discrimination attached to mental illness, which affects her family. Close talks with host Michel Martin.

Arborea

While clearly rooted in acoustic traditions, the folk music of Arborea stands out for its calm beauty and rough edges. The duo incorporates harmonium, electric guitars played with an EBow, and a Ban-Jammer — a hybrid instrument that's part banjo, part mountain dulcimer.

NPR News: 05-17-2012 12PM ET

NPR News: 05-17-2012 12PM ET

Arborea: Tiny Desk Concert (audio only)

Music from Arborea's Tiny Desk Concert. While clearly rooted in acoustic traditions, the folk music of Arborea stands out for its calm beauty and rough edges. The duo incorporates harmonium, electric guitars played with an EBow, and a Ban-Jammer — a hybrid instrument that's part banjo, part mountain dulcimer. To watch the video and subscribe to the Tiny Desk Concerts video podcast, visit npr.or...

NPR News: 05-17-2012 11AM ET

NPR News: 05-17-2012 11AM ET

How To Make Healthy Eating Easier On The Wallet? Change The Calculation

Legumes, lentils and beans are good for you, and end up costing less than unhealthy food when you calculate the price per average amount consumed. A new USDA study shows eating healthy is not more expensive, people just need to make the right calorie choices.

How To Make Healthy Eating Easier On The Wallet? Change The Calculation

Legumes, lentils and beans are good for you, and end up costing less than unhealthy food when you calculate the price per average amount consumed. A new USDA study shows eating healthy is not more expensive, people just need to make the right calorie choices.