All Things Considered for September 15, 2009 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Author Pete Hautman on 'How to Steal a Car'
Twin Cities novelist Pete Hautman's new book for teens examines life through the eyes of a 15-year-old girl who's an expert at stealing cars.4:45 p.m.
Local companies embrace social media to bond with customers
The prospect of being able to reach so many people has many companies all atwitter about using social media, somehow, to bond with customers.5:23 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Shoe-Throwing Reporter Tells Tale Of Torture
Muntadhar al-Zeidi was released from prison Tuesday. The Iraqi journalist, who served only nine months of a three-year sentence, was imprisoned for hurling his shoes at then-President Bush at a news conference last December.
There's No Market For GOP Health Care Bills
Republicans have been criticized for denouncing Democratic legislation without offering alternatives in the health care debate, but many say their proposals are simply not being heard because Democrats control both houses of Congress.
Moscow Battles Muslim Insurgency In South
Russia faces nearly daily attacks from Islamic extremists seeking to create an independent Muslim state in the country's Caucasus regions, and Moscow is cracking down. Ingushetia, a Russian republic racked by corruption and poverty, is at the center of the violence.
More Symbols, Mysteries In Dan Brown's New Novel
At their core, novelist Dan Brown's best-selling books are treasure hunts, much the like the ones his father, a math teacher, arranged for him and his siblings. The Lost Symbol continues the tale of Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, who is plunged into the secretive world of Freemasons.
Marine's Family Awaits Word From The War Zone
Lance Cpl. Josh Apsey is serving in southern Afghanistan with the Marines of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment — known as "America's Battalion." Back home, his parents wait for any word from him. They must rely on old-fashioned letters and the occasional phone call to stay in touch.
Obama, Race And 'Growing Pains'
Some criticism of President Obama may have racial overtones, but commentator John McWhorter says we can't know for sure — and suggests that it's probably not helpful to argue about it.
A Familiar Comfort: Remembering Patrick Swayze
Commentator Linda Holmes was a teenager when she first saw Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing. Like most 16-year-old girls of her time, she fell in love. Holmes says Swayze delivered the easy familiarity of a good movie star in both Dirty Dancing and Ghost. Swayze kept her company. Holmes says he'll be missed.
Mullen Calls For More Troops In Afghanistan
The nation's top military officer says more U.S. troops will likely be needed to win the war in Afghanistan. Adm. Mike Mullen's comments before the Senate Armed Services committee came as Democratic Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan underscored his opposition to additional forces, and Sen. John McCain, the committee's ranking Republican, shot back that any delay in sending troop reinforcements would have catastrophic consequences.
The Bailout And Fallout: Adding Up The Costs
The U.S. government committed trillions of dollars to fight the financial crisis — propping up ailing banks, rescuing U.S. automakers and providing credit for everything from mortgages to small-business loans. But totaling up the cost of the government's rescue effort is daunting.
Would-Be Nun Seeks Funds To Erase College Debt
Alicia Torres, a Loyola graduate, cannot start her career until she clears her $94,000 of debt, only to take a vow of poverty. Torres wants to be a nun, but first she must be debt-free. Not to be hindered in her commitment to Christ, she's trying to raise the money, even participating in a half-marathon this week to raise the funds. Torres tells her story.