Search results for

The Economist, the London-based publication on politics and world affairs, publishes a simplified version of exchange-rate theory with its Big Mac Index, using the price of a hamburger to compare purchasing power worldwide. Economist editor Pam Woodall tells All Things Considered host John Ydstie how the burger can predict economic trends from Argentina to the European Union.

When former President Clinton declared a national monument in Utah six years ago, many politicians and residents said he was abusing presidential power. Now some of those same critics are asking President Bush to take further steps to protect Western land. NPR's Howard Berkes reports on Morning Edition.

Yo-Yo Ma's new album, Silk Road Journeys: When Strangers Meet, celebrates the transcultural music of the ancient trade route that connected East and West. Ma talks with Scott Simon on Weekend Edition Saturday, and plays some music from the album. (17:49) (The CD is on the Sony Classical label).

For years, Amy Borkowsky has been collecting hilarious and embarrassing messages left by her mother on her answering machine. Now she's put them on a CD and wants the world to hear them. On Morning Edition, host Bob Edwards reviews some of the messages with the former ad executive turned standup comedian.

Puzzle master Will Shortz quizzes one of our listeners, and has a challenge for everyone at home. (This week's winner is Dean Corwin from Topeka, Kansas. He listens to Weekend Edition on member station KANU in Lawrence.)

Jockey Jimmy Winkfield was the last African American to win the Kentucky Derby, 100 years ago this year. For Weekend Edition Saturday, NPR's Howard Berkes reports on Winkfield's legacy and the history of African Americans in horseracing.

At 17, Jesse Jean was a failing student in danger of falling victim to Washington, D.C.'s, street crime.

Turns out Ray Magliozzi of Car Talk has a secret passion for bonsai and magnolias in addition to carburetors and exhaust systems. On Morning Edition Ketzel Levine of Talking Plants takes us on a tour of Ray's Massachusetts garden. Hear excerpts of their rainy-day conversation and view a collection of photos online.

In the small border town of Roma, Texas, the award-winning high school band Mariachi Santander is helping keep the traditional music of Mexico alive. The students gain pride and national recognition in the process. For Weekend Edition Sunday, NPR's John Burnett reports.

Science fiction writer Sheri S. Tepper is the author of over a dozen novels including, The Fresco, The Family Tree, Grass and her newest, The Visitor. (Harper Collins).