Dec 1st, 2008 · Ann Patchett first read The Ambassadors — that notoriously opaque Henry James novel — at the suggestion of a good friend. Little did she know she was about to discover "the literary equivalent of a religious text."
Nov 27th, 2008 · Japanese zookeepers brought a male polar bear to spend time with a female polar bear. They often played together. But they didn't get along in the way that the zoo was hoping. Only later did the breeders notice a problem. Polar bears of both sexes have relatively long hair. Which is why it took the zoo several months to realize that the male polar bear is actually a female.
Nov 14th, 2008 · Two independent research teams have detected exoplanets through unconventional methods — by taking snapshots using visible and infrared light. Astronomer James Graham discusses the findings — including what the exoplanets might tell us about the formation of planets and solar systems.
Nov 4th, 2008 · Research at Montana State University has found a plant fungus that produces Diesel fuel. Dr. Gary Strobel calls the discovery Mycodiesel. Alex Chadwick talks to Strobel, who is a plant scientist at Montana State University, about how long it will take until Mycodiesel is available at your gas station.
Oct 15th, 2008 · Jazz pianist Jason Moran has been praised for his eclectic and distinctive sound. But sometimes, Moran says, he's in danger of becoming inhabited by the brilliant jazz innovator of another time, Thelonious Monk. Here, Moran talks about discovering one of his biggest musical influences.
Oct 14th, 2008 · The Dow Jones industrial average rose 936 points Monday, the biggest single-day stock rally since the Great Depression. Investors wonder if the dramatic run-up can be sustained. David Wessel, economics editor of The Wall Street Journal, and Renee Montagne discuss whether the financial markets are recovering.
Oct 13th, 2008 · So much to hear. So little time. You can spend your entire life devouring music, both new and old, and barely scratch the surface of all there is to discover. NPR reviewer and author Tom Moon is trying to make it a little easier for music fans with his new book: 1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die: A Listener's Life List. On this edition of All Songs Considered, we talk with Tom about his new book and listen to some of the incredible music he select, as well as some of the ones we think he missed.
Oct 13th, 2008 · Columbus Day is traditionally marked by going to parades that honor the man credited with "discovering" America. But for Native Americans, whose ancestors were displaced and marginalized by the European journey to this continent, it's a day of somber reflection or even mourning.