Aug 12th, 2008 · Japanese fruit is big business. You may recall the square watermelon — it won't roll around in the fridge — and can cost close to $100. A new premium fruit has made its debut in Japan: the Ruby Roman grape. Each tomato-colored grape is a little smaller than a pingpong ball — and costs about $26.
Aug 11th, 2008 · As the Olympics claim center stage in Beijing, elderly Chinese gather in local parks to dance, play pingpong and exercise. Many say the outdoor activities have improved their health.
Aug 5th, 2008 · All four members of the U.S. Table Tennis team are Chinese. One of the players spends 11 months of the year practicing in China because she says pingpong in the U.S. "is really no good."
Jun 13th, 2008 · David Russell visits the NPR studio, classical guitar in hand, to talk about his music, the influence of Segovia and his approach to playing Bach. He also performs "Alms for the Love of God," the last piece composed by Agustin Barrios.
Jun 12th, 2008 · The Nixon Presidential Library in California hosts a "pingpong diplomacy" rematch between Chinese and American players in honor of the historic 1971 and '72 matches. Those games helped to open relations between the United States and China and pave the way for President Nixon's visit to the communist nation. Co-host Renee Montagne talks with Margaret MacMillan, author of Nixon and Mao: The Week That Changed the World.
Apr 1st, 2006 · Nine U.S. table tennis players made history in 1971, becoming the first Americans to visit China in more than two decades. It was a step toward U.S.-Chinese diplomatic ties. Five members of the original team recently went back for exhibition matches.