It Wouldn't Be Christmas Without The Herring, Big Macs And Perogies

A few weeks ago, we asked listeners to tell us what they ate for Christmas, even if they didn't celebrate the holiday. Robert Siegel shares a round-up of some of their responses, which include a Big Mac and fries, herring salad, and two cans of soup.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/24/167983095/it-wouldnt-be-christmas-without-the-herring-big-macs-and-perogies?ft=1&f=1057

Kites Kite Boarding Airsofting Acting Aeromodeling

The Story Behind A Striking Image Of The Scene At Sandy Hook

Moments after a brutal attack began at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., Friday, Newtown Bee associate editor Shannon Hicks sped to the scene. Before the day was over, she would act in two capacities: as a journalist, and as a volunteer firefighter.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/16/167395779/the-story-behind-a-striking-image-of-the-scene-at-sandy-hook?ft=1&f=1020

Blacksmithing Blogging BoardGames Boating Body Building

After Fruitless Weekend, Congress Still Seeks Fiscal Deal

Both the House and the Senate were in session Sunday evening, but a bipartisan push by Senate leaders fell short. Monday is the last day to avoid the tax hikes and spending cuts, though Congress may still reach a deal over the next few days.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/31/168322294/after-fruitless-weekend-congress-still-seeks-fiscal-deal?ft=1&f=1006

Cave Diving Cheerleading Chess Church/church activities Cigar Smoking

Fiscal Cliff Debate: Why The (Very) Few Rule The Many In Congress

Even if the Senate were to approve a compromise package and a majority of the House (Republicans and Democrats) were prepared to accept it, the deal likely won't even be brought to the House floor for debate and a vote. How can this be? Because of the de facto "majority of the majority" rule.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2012/12/30/168309508/fiscal-cliff-debate-why-the-very-few-rule-the-many-in-congress?ft=1&f=100

Church/church activities Cigar Smoking Cloud Watching Coin Collecting Collecting

Headlines That Got More Attention Than They Deserved

Morning Edition commentator John Ridley shares some of his top "non-troversies" of the year. All those news stories that seemed so important at the time but that now make you say "really?"

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/31/168329118/headlines-that-got-more-attention-than-they-deserved?ft=1&f=1020

Horse riding Hot air ballooning Hula Hooping Hunting Illusion

Peace Tops Sporting Wish List For 2013

At Christmastime, it's long been the fashion for sports columnists to write an annual column about what various people in sports want to find under their tree. Let's celebrate some of the peace and goodwill we'd like to find in sport in the year ahead.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/26/168051634/peace-tops-sporting-wish-list-for-2013?ft=1&f=1057

Crochet Crocheting Cross-Stitch Crossword Puzzles Dancing

Is Our Economy Better Than Theirs?

The countdown is on to a new year ? and the fiscal changes that are on the other side of midnight. But what else is on the cards economically for 2013, both here and overseas? Guest host Celeste Headlee puts the question to the Wall Street Journal's Sudeep Reddy.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/31/168351122/is-our-economy-better-than-theirs?ft=1&f=1014

Hiking Home Brewing Home Repair Home Theater Horse riding

'Tabu': Virtuoso Style Heightens Romance

Writer-director Miguel Gomes writes a love letter to old films in the Portugese film Tabu. A man's reminiscence about lost love, told by using film techniques of days past, lends itself to the charm critic Ian Buckwalter sees throughout the movie. (Recommended)

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/22/167866927/tabu-virtuoso-style-heightens-romance?ft=1&f=1045

finance economy Aircraft Spotting Airbrushing Airsofting

New NFL Record Holders Could Be Crowned This Season

Weekend Edition Sunday host Rachel Martin talks with NPR's Mike Pesca about the sports news of the week, including some NFL records that could be topped this season.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/23/167904008/new-nfl-record-holders-could-be-crowned-this-season?ft=1&f=1055

Crochet Crocheting Cross-Stitch Crossword Puzzles Dancing

Death Of The (Predatory) Salesman: These Days, It's A Buyer's Market

In his new book, To Sell Is Human, Daniel H. Pink describes how access to information has empowered buyers and dramatically changed the sales landscape. Caveat emptor ? buyer beware ? is still good advice, Pink says, but so is caveat venditor ? seller beware.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/31/168132488/death-of-the-predatory-salesman-these-days-its-a-buyers-market?ft=1&f=1008

politics business marketing world news top news

Caught On Tape: Words That Haunted In 2012

Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon talks to Esquire Magazine's A.J. Jacobs about some of the people who got caught on tape in 2012 saying things that came back to haunt them.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/22/167861449/caught-on-tape-words-that-haunted-in-2012?ft=1&f=1020

Arts Astrology Astronomy Backgammon Badminton

Matt Damon On His Promising New Film

Linda Wertheimer talks with Matt Damon, who co-wrote and stars in the new film Promised Land. The movie tells the story of a salesman for a natural gas company who seeks drilling rights in a small Pennsylvania farming town.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/29/167983989/matt-damon-on-his-promising-new-film?ft=1&f=1008

Crochet Crocheting Cross-Stitch Crossword Puzzles Dancing

The Renaissance Man Who Got It All Wrong

In A Man of Misconceptions: The Life of an Eccentric in an Age of Change, John Glassie writes of 17th-century Jesuit priest and scientist Athanasius Kircher, a renaissance man who studied magnetism, Mount Vesuvius, even the blood of plague victims. The only problem? His theories were often wrong.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/28/168203193/the-renaissance-man-who-got-it-all-wrong?ft=1&f=1007

Amateur Astronomy Amateur Radio Animals/pets/dogs Arts Astrology

Conservatives Invoke NAACP Case In Fight For Secret Donors

As a new class of million-dollar political donors rises, conservatives are fighting for continued secrecy around their contributions. Strategist Karl Rove is citing a 1950s Supreme Court case that protected NAACP members, arguing that conservative donors are also being subjected to intimidation.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2012/12/30/168216783/conservatives-invoke-naacp-case-in-fight-for-secret-donors?ft=1&f=1014

Collecting Collecting Antiques Collecting Artwork Collecting Music Albums Compose Music

The Story Behind A Striking Image Of The Scene At Sandy Hook

Moments after a brutal attack began at an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., Friday, Newtown Bee associate editor Shannon Hicks sped to the scene. Before the day was over, she would act in two capacities: as a journalist, and as a volunteer firefighter.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/16/167395779/the-story-behind-a-striking-image-of-the-scene-at-sandy-hook?ft=1&f=1020

Football Four Wheeling Freshwater Aquariums Frisbee Golf - Frolf Games

Random Acts Of Kindness Can Make Kids More Popular

Children can easily become kinder and more helpful. And that behavior makes them more positive, more accepting and more popular with other children, a study of Canadian kids finds.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/12/27/168128084/random-acts-of-kindness-can-make-kids-more-popular?ft=1&f=100

Amateur Astronomy Amateur Radio Animals/pets/dogs Arts Astrology

Years Delayed, Detroit Starts Testing Rape Kits For Evidence

In 2009, thousands of boxes of potential evidence were discovered untested. Wayne County prosecutor Kym Worthy is leading the effort to handle the backlog. While the city still lacks sufficient funding to test all of the 11,000 kits, it has made two convictions and discovered a pattern of serial rapists.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/29/168268490/years-delayed-detroit-starts-testing-rape-kits-for-evidence?ft=1&f=1003

Birding BMX Blacksmithing Blogging BoardGames

True Originals: Biographies That Defy Expectations

Our list of this year's best biographies focuses on books about individuals who lived their lives off the beaten path. From the story of a spy turned chef to the story of the real Count of Monte Cristo, these books chronicle subjects who refused to conform to the expectations of others.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/28/166899101/true-originals-biographies-that-defy-expectations?ft=1&f=1008

Fishing Football Four Wheeling Freshwater Aquariums Frisbee Golf - Frolf

Cautious Optimism For Behind-The-Scenes Fiscal Dealing

The deadline for the so-called "fiscal cliff" is fast-approaching. The combination of automatic spending cuts and tax hikes go into effect in just three days. NPR's Ari Shapiro talks with host Jacki Lyden about where congressional leaders are on a deal.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/29/168269588/cautious-optimism-for-behind-the-scenes-fiscal-dealing?ft=1&f=1014

Belly Dancing Bicycling Bird watching Birding BMX

Out Of Desperation, North Korean Women Become Breadwinners

In North Korea, profound social change is happening beyond the view of the outside world. The pressure of national ideology has forced women to become the primary breadwinners in many households ? dramatically redrawing gender roles in the process.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/28/168193827/out-of-desperation-north-korean-women-become-breadwinners?ft=1&f=100

Cave Diving Cheerleading Chess Church/church activities Cigar Smoking

Kenyan Women Create Their Own 'Geek Culture'

Say the words "high-tech startup" and chances are you picture a world that's mostly white, male and set in Silicon Valley. Now, a group in Nairobi, Kenya, is working to get more female entrepreneurs into the male-dominated world of tech.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2012/12/24/167961947/kenyan-women-create-their-own-geek-cuture?ft=1&f=1019

Cheerleading Chess Church/church activities Cigar Smoking Cloud Watching

Smartphone Apps Offer Few Shortcuts For Those With Food Allergies

Plenty of apps promise to make life easier for people with life-threatening allergies to nuts and other foods. One scientist even invented a smartphone-based lab to detect potential allergens. But asking "Does that have nuts in it?" may actually be a better and safer option than pulling out your phone.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/12/26/168082266/smarphone-apps-offer-few-shortcuts-for-those-with-food-allergies?ft=1&f=1019

Drawing Dumpster Diving Eating out Educational Courses Electronics

Random Acts Of Kindness Can Make Kids More Popular

Children can easily become kinder and more helpful. And that behavior makes them more positive, more accepting and more popular with other children, a study of Canadian kids finds.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/12/27/168128084/random-acts-of-kindness-can-make-kids-more-popular?ft=1&f=100

Building Dollhouses Butterfly Watching Button Collecting Cake Decorating Calligraphy

FAA Pressured To Give E-Readers A Pass During Takeoff, Landing

Passengers can currently use devices such as Kindles, iPads and Nooks while in flight, but not during takeoffs and landings. The FAA says it is studying the matter, but the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission and a U.S. senator say it's time to act.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2012/12/20/167639095/faa-pressured-to-give-e-readers-a-pass-during-takeoff-landing?ft=1&f=1019

Button Collecting Cake Decorating Calligraphy Camping Candle Making

What The Media Got Wrong In The Newtown Story

In the hours following the Newtown, Conn. shooting, several initial media reports provided false information. For example, the gunman's brother was originally identified as the shooter. NPR's media correspondent David Folkenflik explains how and why the media falsely reported key details.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/19/167627013/what-the-media-got-wrong-in-the-newtown-story?ft=1&f=1020

Cheerleading Chess Church/church activities Cigar Smoking Cloud Watching

International Adoptions On Downward Trend

President Vladimir Putin on Friday signed a bill banning Americans from adopting Russian children. U.S. adoptions from Russia had already been on the decline over the last several years ? reflecting a broader downward trend in international adoptions. For more on adoption trends, host Audie Cornish talks with Adam Pertman, executive director of the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/28/168219991/international-adoptions-on-downward-trend?ft=1&f=1004

Compose Music Computer activities Cooking Cosplay Crafts

Peace Tops Sporting Wish List For 2013

At Christmastime, it's long been the fashion for sports columnists to write an annual column about what various people in sports want to find under their tree. Let's celebrate some of the peace and goodwill we'd like to find in sport in the year ahead.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/26/168051634/peace-tops-sporting-wish-list-for-2013?ft=1&f=1055

Boomerangs Bowling Brewing Beer Bridge Building Bringing Food To The Disabled

'Watch Nights,' A New Year's Celebration Of Emancipation

On Dec. 31, 1862, African-Americans and abolitionists waited for word ? via telegraph, newspaper or word of mouth ? that the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. A New Year's Eve tradition marks the anniversary of President Lincoln's actions to end slavery.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/29/167905308/watch-nights-honor-emancipation-proclamations-anniversary?ft=1&f=100

Church/church activities Cigar Smoking Cloud Watching Coin Collecting Collecting

David Edelstein's Top 12 Movies of 2012

Fresh Air's movie critic does not think any masterpieces were made this year, but he does compare Daniel Day-Lewis to Julius Caesar and have some choice thoughts on the movie version of Les Mis.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/24/167800058/david-edelsteins-top-12-movies-of-2012?ft=1&f=100

Body Building Bonsai Tree Boomerangs Bowling Brewing Beer

Who Could Be Watching You Watching Your Figure? Your Boss

Those of us trying to get in shape after overindulging this holiday season can get help from a slew of new devices that monitor steps climbed, calories burned and heart rate. But companies and venture capitalists in new startups hope to make money in a new way: by selling the data right back to the people tracking their activity ? and to their employers.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2012/12/26/167970303/who-could-be-watching-you-watching-your-figure-your-boss?ft=1&f=1019

Cave Diving Cheerleading Chess Church/church activities Cigar Smoking

What's In Store For The Airline Industry In 2013?

Events in the new year could include the biggest airline merger ever. For months, a deal between American Airlines and U.S. Airways has been talked about. The new year is also likely to bring slightly higher domestic ticket prices and some new planes.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/28/168179069/whats-in-store-for-the-airline-industry-in-2013?ft=1&f=1006

Cloud Watching Coin Collecting Collecting Collecting Antiques Collecting Artwork

Ruiz Part Of The New Class Of A Diverse Congress

The freshman class of the 113th Congress is the most diverse in congressional history. As part of a series on who the newbies are, NPR's Karen Grigsby Bates profiles Representative-elect Raul Ruiz, who gave up a career as an emergency room physician to improve life in his California desert community of the Coachella Valley.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/29/168248975/ruiz-part-of-the-new-class-of-a-diverse-congress?ft=1&f=1014

Bonsai Tree Boomerangs Bowling Brewing Beer Bridge Building

Get The Most Bang From Your Bubbly

In time for New Year's Eve, Science Friday examines the chemical reactions that transpire in fluted glassware. Ira Flatow and Richard Zare, a chemist at Stanford University, pore over the science of bubbles ? from how to keep that open champagne fizzy (forget the cork) to why beer tastes better from a glass rather than a bottle.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/28/168203189/get-the-most-bang-from-your-bubbly?ft=1&f=1007

Collecting Music Albums Compose Music Computer activities Cooking Cosplay

'Hyde Park': An FDR Portrait That's More Fiction Than Fact

Hyde Park on Hudson tells the story of a love affair between Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his distant cousin Margaret "Daisy" Suckley. Historian Geoffrey Ward evaluates the accuracy of the new film and finds it lacking. "It's a very odd film," he says.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/26/167537602/hyde-park-an-fdr-portrait-thats-more-fiction-than-fact?ft=1&f=1045

Cave Diving Cheerleading Chess Church/church activities Cigar Smoking

Caught On Tape: Words That Haunted In 2012

Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon talks to Esquire Magazine's A.J. Jacobs about some of the people who got caught on tape in 2012 saying things that came back to haunt them.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/22/167861449/caught-on-tape-words-that-haunted-in-2012?ft=1&f=1020

Dancing Darts Diecast Collectibles Digital Photography Dolls

College Football's 'Coaching Carousel' In Full Effect

Weekend Edition Sunday host Rachel Martin talks with NPR's Mike Pesca about college football coaches and the wisdom of the Washington Redskins' backup quarterback.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/16/167374520/college-footballs-coaching-carousel-in-full-effect?ft=1&f=1055

Chess Church/church activities Cigar Smoking Cloud Watching Coin Collecting

Let's Double Down On A Superstorm Of Malarkey: Picking 2012's Word Of The Year

The American Dialect Society is about to make a major decision: What will be the Word of the Year for 2012? Since we only live once, will it be YOLO? Or perhaps superstorm, in memory of Hurricane Sandy? Language columnist Ben Zimmer says there's no clear front-runner.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/28/167719016/lets-double-down-on-a-superstorm-of-malarkey-picking-2012s-word-of-the-year?ft=1&f=100

Candle Making Canoeing Car Racing Casino Gambling Cave Diving

With Two Weeks Left In Regular Season, NFL Playoff Chatter Begins

Robert Siegel talks to sportswriter Stefan Fatsis about playoffs in the National Football League.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/21/167824774/with-two-weeks-left-in-regular-season-nfl-playoff-chatter-begins?ft=1&f=1055

Garage Saleing Genealogy Geocaching Ghost Hunting Glowsticking

Week In Politics: Newtown, Fiscal Cliff, John Kerry

Robert Siegel speaks with political commentators, E.J. Dionne of The Washington Post and Brookings Institution and Matthew Continetti, editor of the Washington Free Beacon. They discuss the Newtown, Conn., shootings, the fiscal cliff, and Sen. John Kerry's nomination to Secretary of State.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/21/167824768/week-in-politics-newtown-fiscal-cliff-john-kerry?ft=1&f=1057

Home Repair Home Theater Horse riding Hot air ballooning Hula Hooping

Making Resolutions That Stick

Vowing to stop smoking, curb spending or exercise more this January 1? Nearly half of U.S. adults will make year-end resolutions to change for the better in the coming year. Clinical psychologist John Norcross talks about how to increase the odds of success.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/28/168203195/making-resolutions-that-stick?ft=1&f=1007

Jet Engines Jewelry Making Jigsaw Puzzles Juggling Keep A Journal

More Allegations Emerge Against BBC In Jimmy Savile Scandal

A celebrity who was a serial rapist and molester operated at the BBC for years, was revered, and knighted. After he died, the BBC bungled its own efforts to investigate and expose him.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/19/167649319/more-allegations-emerge-against-bbc-in-jimmy-savile-scandal?ft=1&f=1020

Camping Candle Making Canoeing Car Racing Casino Gambling

Tamari Greens, Miso Yams: Chef Gives Vegans Multicultural Flavor

Chef and author Bryant Terry is on a quest to popularize the plant-based, vegan diet. Inspired by his own family's roots, his latest project involves blending African- and Asian-American cuisines.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/28/167528801/tamari-greens-miso-yams-chef-gives-vegans-multicultural-flavor?ft=1&f=1008

Baseball Basketball Beach/Sun tanning Beachcombing Beadwork

'Fiscal Cliff' Countdown: 4 Days Until The Plunge

So far there are no signs of a breakthrough in talks between Democrats and Republicans in Washington to stave off the tax hikes and spending cuts set to take effect on New Year's Day. President Obama has summoned top congressional leaders for talks at the White House on Friday.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/28/168179176/fiscal-cliff-countdown-4-days-until-the-plunge?ft=1&f=1014

Chess Church/church activities Cigar Smoking Cloud Watching Coin Collecting

Traded Mets Pitcher Sends Holiday Greetings

Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey captures the spirit of the holidays. The National League Cy Young winner was recently traded to the Toronto Blue Jays after negotiations with the Mets failed. Rather sulk off to the great North, Dickey wrote a holiday card to his fans and team that was published in the New York Daily News.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/25/168014366/traded-mets-pitcher-sends-holiday-greetings?ft=1&f=1055

Darts Diecast Collectibles Digital Photography Dolls Dominoes

E-Books Destroying Traditional Publishing? The Story's Not That Simple

Conventional wisdom says e-books are destroying the traditional publishing business model. But the story's not that simple. For one thing, flexible pricing allows publishers to hold what amount to one-day-only sales on any given title ? which means more people will discover that book.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/27/168068655/e-books-destroying-traditional-publishing-the-storys-not-that-simple?ft=1&f=1006

Badminton Baseball Basketball Beach/Sun tanning Beachcombing

Is Wall Street's Love Affair With Apple Over?

From the maps debacle to blistering competition from Android in the smartphone market, it has been an unusually tough few months for Apple. The company's stock price has fallen more than 20 percent from its all-time high in September. As a new year approaches, Apple's biggest challenge will be satisfying expectations for another blockbuster product.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/25/168014342/is-wall-streets-love-affair-with-apple-over?ft=1&f=1019

Embroidery Entertaining Exercise (aerobics, weights) Fast cars Fencing

Let's Double Down On A Superstorm Of Malarkey: Picking 2012's Word Of The Year

The American Dialect Society is about to make a major decision: what will be the Word of the Year for 2012? Since we only live once, will it be YOLO? Or perhaps Frankenstorm, in memory of Hurricane Sandy? Language columnist Ben Zimmer says there's no clear front-runner.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/20/167719016/lets-double-down-on-a-superstorm-of-malarkey-picking-2012s-word-of-the-year?ft=1&f=1008

Hunting Illusion Internet Jet Engines Jewelry Making

Federal Government Prepares For Uncertain Landing After 'Fiscal Cliff'

If Congress and the president can't reach a deal, budget cuts will go into effect next week. But most agencies won't be hit right away. The biggest planning headaches seem to be for payroll companies and others who deal with taxes ? as they wait to see if automatic increases happen Jan. 1.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2012/12/27/168150645/federal-government-prepares-for-uncertain-landing-after-fiscal-cliff?ft=1&f=1014

Going to movies Golf Go Kart Racing Grip Strength Guitar

When Someone You Know Loses A Child

Nothing is enough to ease a parent's pain in losing a child, but simple gestures of kindness and concern are still welcome even in the depths of grief.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/21/167518956/when-someone-you-know-loses-a-child?ft=1&f=1057

Arts Astrology Astronomy Backgammon Badminton

John Mayer On World Cafe

A self-described "control freak," Mayer opens up about how time off allowed him to lose himself in the songwriting process, and plays songs from his new album, Born and Raised.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/26/153634845/john-mayer-on-world-cafe?ft=1&f=1039

Dolls Dominoes Drawing Dumpster Diving Eating out

What Does Your Desk Drawer Reveal About You?

What do you keep in your desk drawer at work? Financial Times columnist Lucy Kellaway recently investigated what was in her colleagues' desk drawers, and wrote a column about her findings. She talks to Renee Montagne about some of the items people have, and why they hold on to them.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/27/168113568/what-does-your-desk-drawer-reveal-about-you?ft=1&f=1006

Home Repair Home Theater Horse riding Hot air ballooning Hula Hooping

Jobless Claims Fell By 12,000 Last Week

There were 350,000 first-time claims for unemployment benefits last week. That's the lowest level since March 2008. But because of the Christmas holiday, some states had to do more estimating than usual.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/27/168127840/jobless-claims-fell-by-12-000-last-week?ft=1&f=1006

Car Racing Casino Gambling Cave Diving Cheerleading Chess

Top 5 Slept-On R&B Songs Of 2012

Many musicians churned out great R&B away from the mainstream this year. Here are five worth your attention.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/bestmusic2012/2012/12/26/168069343/top-five-slept-on-r-b-songs-of-2012?ft=1&f=1039

Canoeing Car Racing Casino Gambling Cave Diving Cheerleading

Put The Gadgets Down: Finding Time To Leave Technology Behind

Your email box is always full. You're never fully present with your family. And even when you know you should be taking a break, you feel the vibrating phone in your pocket. Ironically, the instinct is to use technology to deal with these problems. But the solution can be as simple as you let it be.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2012/12/21/167800985/putting-your-gadgets-down-finding-time-to-leave-technology-behind?ft=1&f=1019

Astrology Astronomy Backgammon Badminton Baseball

More Allegations Emerge Against BBC In Jimmy Savile Scandal

A celebrity who was a serial rapist and molester operated at the BBC for years, was revered, and knighted. After he died, the BBC bungled its own efforts to investigate and expose him.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/19/167649319/more-allegations-emerge-against-bbc-in-jimmy-savile-scandal?ft=1&f=1020

Bringing Food To The Disabled Building A House For Habitat For Humanity Building Dollhouses Butterfly Watching Button Collecting

A Gluten-Free Holiday Table

Dealing with varied dietary restrictions may seem daunting and can add yet another complication to this glorious yet hectic season. Don't fret. Keep it simple, fresh and real with these gluten-free and vegetarian ? and even some vegan ? options.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/18/167544018/a-gluten-free-holiday-table?ft=1&f=100

Bridge Building Bringing Food To The Disabled Building A House For Habitat For Humanity Building Dollhouses Butterfly Watching

Toyota Moves To Settle 'Sudden Acceleration' Lawsuits For More Than $1 Billion

Owners of Toyota vehicles that experienced sudden and unintended acceleration have reached a settlement requiring the carmaker to pay as much as $1.4 billion in claims. A judge will review the proposal Friday.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/26/168094941/toyota-moves-to-settle-sudden-acceleration-lawsuits-for-more-than-1-billion?ft=1&f=1003

top news music tv human impact photo

Debating The Impact Of An Immigration Crackdown

In 2007, Prince William County, Va., voted to step up police checks aimed at driving out illegal immigrants. The move sparked local outcry and national attention, but five years on, supporters and opponents differ on whether the policy has been a success.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/26/167705271/debating-the-impact-of-an-immigration-crackdown?ft=1&f=1003

BMX Blacksmithing Blogging BoardGames Boating

Labor Force Participation At Lowest Point In 3 Decades

The improvement in the unemployment rate in the last year belies the fact that the rate would be so much higher if the number of people in the labor force didn't shrink.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/26/168091111/labor-force-participation-at-lowest-point-in-3-decades?ft=1&f=1006

Brewing Beer Bridge Building Bringing Food To The Disabled Building A House For Habitat For Humanity Building Dollhouses

What The Media Got Wrong In The Newtown Story

In the hours following the Newtown, Conn. shooting, several initial media reports provided false information. For example, the gunman's brother was originally identified as the shooter. NPR's media correspondent David Folkenflik explains how and why the media falsely reported key details.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/19/167627013/what-the-media-got-wrong-in-the-newtown-story?ft=1&f=1020

Handwriting Analysis Hang gliding Hiking Home Brewing Home Repair

In Memoriam: Musicians We Lost In 2012

NPR Music remembers the singers, instrumentalists, songwriters and personalities who died in 2012. Explore their musical legacies.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/bestmusic2012/2012/12/24/166984946/in-memoriam-musicians-we-lost-in-2012?ft=1&f=100

Cigar Smoking Cloud Watching Coin Collecting Collecting Collecting Antiques

By Showing Ammo Magazine On NBC, Did David Gregory Break The Law?

Washington, D.C., city police are investigating whether NBC News' David Gregory broke the district's laws when he displayed what he said was a "magazine for ammunition that carries 30 bullets" on Sunday's edition of Meet the Press.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/26/168064627/by-showing-ammo-magazine-on-nbc-did-david-gregory-break-the-law?ft=1&f=1003

Geocaching Ghost Hunting Glowsticking Going to movies Golf

Forget Fracking: 2012 Was A Powerful Year For Renewables

The boom in fossil fuels hasn't undermined the growth of renewable energy sources. Tax incentives boosted the wind and solar industries this year, but 2013 might blow for wind.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/23/167894458/boom-in-fossil-fuels-in-2012-didnt-stymie-growth-of-renewables?ft=1&f=1007

Hiking Home Brewing Home Repair Home Theater Horse riding

'Hyde Park': An FDR Portrait That's More Fiction Than Fact

Hyde Park on Hudson tells the story of a love affair between Franklin Delano Roosevelt and his distant cousin Margaret "Daisy" Suckley. Historian Geoffrey Ward evaluates the accuracy of the new film and finds it lacking. "It's a very odd film," he says.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/26/167537602/hyde-park-an-fdr-portrait-thats-more-fiction-than-fact?ft=1&f=1045

Cloud Watching Coin Collecting Collecting Collecting Antiques Collecting Artwork

Infuse The Holidays With Spirits

Want a little more kick to your cocktail? Rina Rapuano explains how to infuse your liquor with citrus, spices and more. She shares recipes from some serious spirit-makers ? for Mandarin Tea Vodka, Pecan-Infused Rye and Pineapple-Habanero Tequila.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/24/167965542/infuse-the-holidays-with-spirits?ft=1&f=100

Collecting Music Albums Compose Music Computer activities Cooking Cosplay

Teenage Disconnect And 'The Virgin Suicides'

The Virgin Suicides takes teenage angst to the extreme. Writer, blogger and professional teenager Tavi Gevinson explains why it's a book she can't put down, year after adolescent year.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/26/163570963/teenage-disconnect-and-the-virgin-suicides?ft=1&f=1008

Bonsai Tree Boomerangs Bowling Brewing Beer Bridge Building

Suddenly There's A Meadow In The Ocean With 'Flowers' Everywhere

You are on the cold ocean, staring at a thin sheet of ice, when suddenly, from literally out of the air, beautiful flowerlike objects start growing in front of you. The sea has become a meadow. But those strange "flowers" have a secret.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2012/12/17/167469845/suddenly-theres-a-meadow-in-the-ocean-with-flowers-everywhere?ft=1&f=1057

Building Dollhouses Butterfly Watching Button Collecting Cake Decorating Calligraphy

Online Videos: Not Just Made By Amateurs Anymore

This year has seen an explosion of professional online videos, eclipsing home videos of cats and babies. In 2012, 8 of the top 10 YouTube videos were professional ? and Hulu, Netflix and multichannel networks like MiTu all produced exclusive new programming.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2012/12/26/167723429/online-videos-not-just-made-by-amateurs-anymore?ft=1&f=1019

Chess Church/church activities Cigar Smoking Cloud Watching Coin Collecting

Week In Sports: The Jets, Tebow And An NBA Christmas

Weekend Edition Saturday host Scott Simon talks to Howard Bryant of ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine about the New York Jets, Tim Tebow and the NBA on Christmas Day.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/22/167861465/week-in-sports-the-jets-tebow-and-an-nba-christmas?ft=1&f=1055

Amateur Astronomy Amateur Radio Animals/pets/dogs Arts Astrology

Kenyan Women Create Their Own 'Geek Culture'

Say the words "high-tech startup" and chances are you picture a world that's mostly white, male and set in Silicon Valley. Now, a group in Nairobi, Kenya, is working to get more female entrepreneurs into the male-dominated world of tech.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2012/12/24/167961947/kenyan-women-create-their-own-geek-cuture?ft=1&f=1019

Kite Boarding Airsofting Acting Aeromodeling Amateur Astronomy

Charles Durning, King Of Character Actors, Dies

Charles Durning, the two-time Oscar nominee who was known for his skill in playing everything from a Nazi colonel to the pope, died Monday at his home in New York City. "I never turned down anything and never argued with any producer or director," Durning once said. He was 89.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/25/168015617/charles-durning-king-of-character-actors-dies?ft=1&f=100

Eating out Educational Courses Electronics Embroidery Entertaining

The Movie Guy Raz Has 'Seen A Million Times'

On his last day hosting weekends on All Things Considered, host Guy Raz tells us about the movie he could watch a million times: Richard Linklater's School of Rock. "It's just a perfect movie," he says.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/23/167917845/the-movie-guy-raz-has-seen-a-million-times?ft=1&f=1045

Blacksmithing Blogging BoardGames Boating Body Building

Future Fibers May Be Spun From Slime

The hagfish or "slime eel" shoots out slime containing silk-like fibers of remarkable strength. Douglas Fudge, a biologist at the University of Guelph, says it could be a good substitute for today's synthetic fibers--it's 10 times stronger than nylon, for example--and bacteria can be trained to make it.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/21/167802341/future-fibers-may-be-spun-from-slime?ft=1&f=1019

Body Building Bonsai Tree Boomerangs Bowling Brewing Beer

When Someone You Know Loses A Child

Nothing is enough to ease a parent's pain in losing a child, but simple gestures of kindness and concern are still welcome even in the depths of grief.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/21/167518956/when-someone-you-know-loses-a-child?ft=1&f=1057

Astronomy Backgammon Badminton Baseball Basketball

Back To The Economy Of The '90s? Not So Fast

As the parties wrangle over taxes and the "fiscal cliff," there's been a lot of talk about the golden days of the 1990s ? and each party's role in creating it. Yet economists say a lot was happening outside Washington as well.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/25/167970805/back-to-the-economy-of-the-90s-not-so-fast?ft=1&f=1014

Car Racing Casino Gambling Cave Diving Cheerleading Chess

The 2012 Economy Brought Glad Tidings To Many

A combination of greater job security, fewer bills and rising wealth sent shoppers heading off to car dealerships, malls and restaurants. "Job growth was not great, but it was good enough to make people feel like things are getting better," said Nariman Behravesh of IHS Global Insight. NPR's Marilyn Geewax covers 2012's economic good news.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/24/167198605/the-2012-economy-brought-glad-tidings-to-many?ft=1&f=1006

Embroidery Entertaining Exercise (aerobics, weights) Fast cars Fencing

A Showdown In Italy Over A Polluting Steel Plant

The city of Taranto is heavily dependent on a steel plant, the largest in Europe, which provides some 20,000 jobs. A court has ordered a partial shutdown because the factory spews carcinogens into the air, but the government has rejected the court's ruling, saying the economy needs the jobs.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/24/167964697/a-showdown-in-italy-over-a-polluting-steel-plant?ft=1&f=1004

Aircraft Spotting Airbrushing Airsofting Acting Aeromodeling

Another Year, Another 'Christmas With The Chipmunks'

Like egg nog and advent calendars, Christmas songs pop up everywhere for a month and then disappear, only to be repackaged and resold 11 months later. Some of the biggest-selling and most frequently reissued holiday music of all time comes from three animated rodents.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/24/167981039/hail-to-the-chipmunks-a-holiday-classic-re-revisited?ft=1&f=1039

Acting Aeromodeling Amateur Astronomy Amateur Radio Animals/pets/dogs

Idaho Senator Charged With Driving Under The Influence

Michael Crapo was arrested early Sunday in a Washington, D.C., suburb, authorities say. Police say he was pulled over after running a red light and then failed a sobriety test. "I am deeply sorry for the actions that resulted in this circumstance," Crapo said in a statement Sunday night.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/23/167936926/idaho-senator-charged-with-driving-under-the-influence?ft=1&f=1014

Bonsai Tree Boomerangs Bowling Brewing Beer Bridge Building

Obama Administration Deported Record 1.5 Million People

Although President Obama supports setting a path to citizenship for many illegal immigrants, his administration deported a record 1.5 million of them in his first term. With immigration advocates calling for the new Congress to address the issue, the administration says it will now focus on "serious offenders."

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2012/12/24/167970002/obama-administration-deported-record-1-5-million-people?ft=1&f=100

Collecting Artwork Collecting Music Albums Compose Music Computer activities Cooking

Week In Politics: Newtown, Fiscal Cliff, John Kerry

Robert Siegel speaks with political commentators, E.J. Dionne of The Washington Post and Brookings Institution and Matthew Continetti, editor of the Washington Free Beacon. They discuss the Newtown, Conn., shootings, the fiscal cliff, and Sen. John Kerry's nomination to Secretary of State.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/21/167824768/week-in-politics-newtown-fiscal-cliff-john-kerry?ft=1&f=1057

Grip Strength Guitar Handwriting Analysis Hang gliding Hiking

Self-Publishing: No Longer Just A Vanity Project

It used to be called the "vanity press," a name that carried a sniff of derision. But Lynn Neary reports that self-publishing has become a booming business, spawning best-sellers, and attracting the interest of Amazon and the major publishing houses.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/19/167448748/self-publishing-no-longer-just-a-vanity-project?ft=1&f=100

Body Building Bonsai Tree Boomerangs Bowling Brewing Beer

President Obama Is 'Time' Magazine's 'Person Of The Year'

Others on the "short list" included Pakistani teenager Malala Yousafzai and Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi. Do you agree with Time's choice or would you have chosen someone else?

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/19/167607099/president-obama-is-time-magazines-person-of-the-year?ft=1&f=1020

Kayaking Kitchen Chemistry Kites Kite Boarding Airsofting

With 88 Goals, Lionel Messi Celebrates A Record Year

The Barcelona star has broken several records this year ? and many say the 25-year-old still hasn't peaked.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/13/167174051/with-88-goals-lionel-messi-celebrates-a-record-year?ft=1&f=1055

Crafts (unspecified) Crochet Crocheting Cross-Stitch politics

Put The Gadgets Down: Finding Time To Leave Technology Behind

Your email box is always full. You're never fully present with your family. And even when you know you should be taking a break, you feel the vibrating phone in your pocket. Ironically, the instinct is to use technology to deal with these problems. But the solution can be as simple as you let it be.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2012/12/21/167800985/putting-your-gadgets-down-finding-time-to-leave-technology-behind?ft=1&f=1019

Belly Dancing Bicycling Bird watching Birding BMX

Jakarta's New Governor Seen As A Rising Star

Most Indonesian leaders have been generals or bureaucrats who came to power by building patronage networks, not by providing services to citizens. But Jakarta's new governor, who has been in office only a few months, has already won widespread popular support.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/20/167707764/jakartas-new-governor-seen-as-a-rising-star?ft=1&f=1004

Chess Church/church activities Cigar Smoking Cloud Watching Coin Collecting

Christmas A Busy Season For Tamale-Makers

Tamales are a holiday tradition for many Latinos. Some families will make their own. But others turn to tamaleros, tamale-makers who can churn out hundreds of tamales a week that taste even better than homemade.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/12/24/167960027/christmas-a-busy-season-for-tamale-makers?ft=1&f=1008

Basketball Beach/Sun tanning Beachcombing Beadwork Beatboxing

After 126 Years, 'The Sporting News' Stops The Presses

After 126 years, The Sporting News, the wise old man of sports journalism, will cease publishing as of Jan. 1, 2013. The longtime sports newspaper will continue as a digital-only brand.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/11/167001870/after-126-years-the-sporting-news-stops-the-presses?ft=1&f=1020

Four Wheeling Freshwater Aquariums Frisbee Golf - Frolf Games Gardening

NBC News' Richard Engel, Two Colleagues Freed From Syrian Captors

They were captured last Thursday. On Monday, as they were being driven to a new location, their captors ran into rebels. The journalists were freed after a firefight. Engel believes the captors were gunman loyal to President Bashar Assad's regime.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/18/167518883/nbc-news-richard-engel-two-colleagues-freed-from-syrian-captors?ft=1&f=1020

Exercise (aerobics, weights) Fast cars Fencing Fishing Football

Shooting Stars: Capturing The Night On Camera

Photographer Colin Legg makes time-lapse movies of celestial scenes, from auroras to eclipses. Photographing mostly in remote parts of Australia, where human-made light doesn't compete with starlight, Legg describes some of the challenges of this type of photography: from babysitting cameras for days and nights on end to running electronics in the backcountry.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/21/167798238/shooting-stars-capturing-the-night-on-camera?ft=1&f=1007

Internet Jet Engines Jewelry Making Jigsaw Puzzles Juggling

2012 In Review: 10 Films Worth Going Out Of Your Way For

This year brought plenty of blockbusters and plenty of small-ish art-house films. But it also brought gems that you might have to go way out of your way to see. From a charming documentary about skateboarding kids to an agonizing story of a family stressed to its limits, here are ten worth finding.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2012/12/17/167449798/2012-in-review-ten-films-worth-going-out-of-your-way-for?ft=1&f=100

Amateur Radio Animals/pets/dogs Arts Astrology Astronomy

Multimillion-Dollar Syrup Heist Puts Quebec In Sticky Spot

Police in Quebec have arrested 18 people in connection with a multimillion-dollar maple syrup heist. The crooks broke into the strategic reserve and made off with 6 million pounds of the sweet stuff this summer. Host Guy Raz talks about it with Canadian Press correspondent Peter Rakobowchuk.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/22/167881733/multimillion-dollar-syrup-heist-puts-quebec-in-sticky-spot?ft=1&f=1004

Animals/pets/dogs Arts Astrology Astronomy Backgammon

Coverage Rapid, And Often Wrong, In Tragedy's Early Hours

Much of what Americans learned from the news media Friday about the events in Newtown was wrong. Journalists know early accounts of crisis events are often misleading and incomplete, but often are compelled to pursue them without waiting for authoritative confirmation.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/18/167466320/coverage-rapid-and-often-wrong-in-tragedys-early-hours?ft=1&f=1020

Coin Collecting Collecting Collecting Antiques Collecting Artwork Collecting Music Albums

Despite Tragedy, Conn. Gun Seizure Law May Have Prevented Others

Since last week's shootings in Newtown, Conn., many people are wondering what could have been done to stop them. Connecticut already has some of the toughest gun laws in the country, including a gun seizure statute that was crafted with the goal of preventing this kind of tragedy.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/23/167896821/tragedy-spotlights-connecticuts-previous-efforts-at-gun-control?ft=1&f=1003

Boating Body Building Bonsai Tree Boomerangs Bowling

Future Fibers May Be Spun From Slime

The hagfish or "slime eel" shoots out slime containing silk-like fibers of remarkable strength. Douglas Fudge, a biologist at the University of Guelph, says it could be a good substitute for today's synthetic fibers--it's 10 times stronger than nylon, for example--and bacteria can be trained to make it.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/21/167802341/future-fibers-may-be-spun-from-slime?ft=1&f=1007

Badminton Baseball Basketball Beach/Sun tanning Beachcombing

It's December. Brrrr. Is My House Shivering?

What if houses were warm-blooded and got cold in December like we do? Then, you'd do to them what we do to ourselves: you bundle them up in something warm.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2012/12/22/167798393/it-s-december-brr-is-my-house-shivering?ft=1&f=1007

Brewing Beer Bridge Building Bringing Food To The Disabled Building A House For Habitat For Humanity Building Dollhouses

FAA Pressured To Give E-Readers A Pass During Takeoff, Landing

Passengers can currently use devices such as Kindles, iPads and Nooks while in flight, but not during takeoffs and landings. The FAA says it is studying the matter, but the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission and a U.S. senator say it's time to act.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2012/12/20/167639095/faa-pressured-to-give-e-readers-a-pass-during-takeoff-landing?ft=1&f=1019

Kayaking Kitchen Chemistry Kites Kite Boarding Airsofting

When Someone You Know Loses A Child

Nothing is enough to ease a parent's pain in losing a child, but simple gestures of kindness and concern are still welcome even in the depths of grief.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/21/167518956/when-someone-you-know-loses-a-child?ft=1&f=1057

photo finance economy Aircraft Spotting Airbrushing

Brian Eno On World Cafe

Eno has left an indelible footprint on the popular-music landscape as a producer, a composer and an early innovator in ambient music. Speaking with World Cafe host David Dye, he looks back on his career and discusses his latest album, Lux.

Source: http://www.npr.org/2012/12/21/167793030/brian-eno-on-world-cafe?ft=1&f=1039

Juggling Keep A Journal Kayaking Kitchen Chemistry Kites

Sen. Daniel Inouye Remembered As Quiet Inspiration

President Obama and others remember the Senate's most senior member for his long public service and dedication during a funeral service Friday in Washington, D.C.

Source: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/12/21/167799676/sen-daniel-inouye-remembered-as-quiet-inspiration?ft=1&f=1014

Boating Body Building Bonsai Tree Boomerangs Bowling