Search results for

There was a time when many potions and cures were mostly alcohol, and had names that claimed to do specific things, such as "Dr. Chaise's Nerve and Brain Pills" or "The Great Stomach Remedy." Now drug names are semi-scientific, like Paxil, Vivelle, Celebrex. Commentator Carol Selman wonders if the new secret to selling drugs may be using letters at the end of the alphabet.

NPR's Brian Naylor reports that while Attorney General-designate John Ashcroft was the subject of a relatively civil confirmation hearing inside the Dirksen Senate Office Building, special-interest groups from the right and left held noisy rallies outside the capitol regarding the nomination.

Noah talks with Deborah Caldwell, Religion Producer of the BeliefNet Website about how Pentacostal Christians might view a role in politics, and how that might relate to the approach of former senator John Ashcroft to the role of attorney general. (4:00) http://www.beliefnet.com or http://www.beliefnet.org

The audio diaries of Matthew and Judge Jeremiah continue.

NPR's Peter Kenyon reports on today's first day of hearings on former Senator John Ashcroft's nomination to be Attorney General. Senators promised a full and fair hearing. Several Democrats said they need reassurance that Ashcroft can put aside long and deeply held beliefs that conflict with the law. Republicans emphasized Ashcroft's extensive experience in law and public service, and the usual deference to a president in his cabinet choices.

NPR's Jon Hamilton reports on a new study, which shows no differences along racial lines in the outcome of medical or surgical treatments among veterans. Other studies have shown wide disparities in health care between African-Americans and Caucasians, in particular. These studies often suggest that socioeconomic differences and access to health care are the main causes for higher disease and death rates among the black population as a whole. The new study suggests that when all things are equal, African-American men actually have a lower rate of disease and death, relative to whites.

NPR's Kathleen Schalch reports the Clinton Administration has announced new measures aimed at combating child labor and sweatshops around the world. The administration made several new grants totaling 3-point-9-million dollars to five non-governmental and international organizations. The new grants are small compared to overall federal spending to combat child labor.

Southern California Edison, one of California's cash-strapped electric utilities, defaulted to some of its creditors today. It failed to repay, at least temporarily, a 596-million-dollar wholesale electricity bill. The move brings the company a step closer to bankruptcy. The utility said the action was necessary to allow it to continue operations while state and federal officials seek a regulatory solution to California's power crisis. The state, meanwhile, declared another top level power emergency today, citing a shortage of natural gas needed to generate electricity. Scott Horsley reports.

NPR's Michelle Trudeau reports that a new study is finding a link between violent behavior in children and the amount of television they watch. She talks to a researcher who successfully helped schoolchildren cut back on the amount of time they spend watching TV.

NPR's Emily Harris reports Salvadorans living in the U.S. have begun relief efforts to help earthquake victims in their homeland. Churches, Spanish-language radio stations and community groups are collecting donations of money, food and medical supplies. Some groups have set up internet sites with news from El Salvador and information about the fate of relatives and friends.

Linda talks with Ron Chapman, Band Director for Crawford High School in the town of Crawford, Texas, his bands upcoming performance in the inaugural parade. The band won't march, but will be stationed near the White House, to perform one hour before the parade and one hour after. The band will make its way to Washington by bus.

NPR's Nina Totenberg reports on day one of the Senate confirmation hearings for Attorney General nominee John Ashcroft. The former US Senator underwent tough questioning from members of the Senate Judiciary Committee over his views on civil rights, abortion, and school desegregation.

Last week's kidnapping of "Doctors Without Borders" aid worker Kenny Gluck highlights the lawlessness that persists in Chechnya, even though Russian troops claim to have retaken the republic. There is evidence that both pro- and anti-Russian forces are active in the kidnapping business. Natasha Yefimova reports.

Commentator Ellen Charry says spirituality is "in" and religion seems to be "out" these days. But spirituality can fall short without the ritual, history and discipline religion provides.

Linda talks with Mike Lanchin, a freelance reporter in El Salvador, about recovery efforts after Saturday's earthquake. Hundreds of people were killed and thousands injured.

Maura Farrelly of Georgia Public Reports that the U.S. Army is opening a new school tomorrow at Ft. Benning, Georgia to train Latin American soldiers. The new school, called the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation is replacing the School of Americas, which has been subject of controversy for over a decade. The School of Americas existed for over 50 years but has been the target of protestors since the late 1980's because over many of its graduates have been linked to human rights abuses in Latin America.

The Presidentially-appointed Commission on Holocaust Assets in the United States released its final report today. It says, in part, that U.S. forces did not do enough to track art, gold, and other assets looted by the Nazis because they were consumed with the effort to rebuild Europe after the war. The commission is recommending legislation that will create a foundation to carry on its' work. But some are already criticizing the commission's work as inadequate. David D'Arcy reports.

The troupe from Rewind satirizes the Antiques Road Show.

Iraq is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the start of the Gulf War. Barbara Plett reports for the BBC.

A California entrepreneur has given a large donation to the University of Colorado-- to help develop technology to make life easier for people with mental disabilities. NPR's Chris Arnold reports.

NPR's Anne Garrels reports on the legacy of President Clinton's efforts to foster democracy in Russia. This is the third in a series of Morning Edition reports reviewing the President's foreign policy initiatives.

NPR's Gerry Hadden reports on rescue and recovery efforts underway in El Salvador following Saturday's earthquake.

NPR's Phillip Davis reports that the Air Force has decided to keep a Florida runway to itself and to turn the rest of a controversial base over to surrounding Miami-Dade county. The Air Force set one condition upon granting the land: that it not be developed into a county airport.

Cheryl Corley looks at what's hot and why at the International Housewares Showcase in Chicago.

NPR's Nina Totenberg reports on a Supreme Court case brought by pro golfer Casey Martin, who says the Professional Golfers Association must change its regulations in order to conform with the Americans with Disabilities Act.