All Things Considered for November 16, 2009 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Monday, November 16, 2009

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Mondale's role in saving 'boat people' recalled, 30 years later
In the years following the end of the Vietnam War, thousands of Vietnamese risked the dangers of the South China Sea instead of facing communism. This year marks 30 years since then-Vice President Walter Mondale convinced world leaders to come to the rescue of more than 1 million "boat people" -- many of whom settled in Minnesota.4:50 p.m.
Pawlenty's power to cut state budget lands in court
A Minnesota judge is weighing whether to temporarily reverse budget cuts made by Gov. Tim Pawlenty at the request of those who say he exceeded his authority.5:20 p.m.
Non-profit giving gets a middleman
If you support Minnesota arts or other non-profit organizations regularly, you've probably gotten at least one e-mail message about "Give to the Max Day." MPR arts reporter Marianne Combs talked about what exactly GiveMN.org is.5:24 p.m.
Commuters give Northstar passing grades
Hundreds of commuters from the northwestern Twin Cities suburbs made their first trip to work Monday on the new Northstar commuter rail, the latest Minnesota transit project that could lead to fewer people driving to their jobs.5:35 p.m.
Road vs. Rail -- from Big Lake to Minneapolis
Some commuters will ride the Northstar train to save time on their trip to downtown Minneapolis each day. But will they really get there any faster? MPR News sent two teams to document their trip from Big Lake to Minneapolis this morning to answer that question.5:51 p.m.
Slideshow: First day on the Northstar
Photos from the first official day of operation of the new Northstar commuter rail line.5:52 p.m.
Mondale's role in saving 'boat people' recalled, 30 years later
In the years following the end of the Vietnam War, thousands of Vietnamese risked the dangers of the South China Sea instead of facing communism. This year marks 30 years since then-Vice President Walter Mondale convinced world leaders to come to the rescue of more than 1 million "boat people" -- many of whom settled in Minnesota.6:20 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Why This Wisconsin City Is The Best Place To Die
Joe Hauser lives in La Crosse, Wis., where nearly all older adults have signed a directive outlining their end-of life plans. Hauser's kidneys are failing and he doesn't want to live on a machine, but he's keeping his options open. Talking about end-of-life care helps people make informed choices and have their wishes heard, hospital staff says.
Lower Tuna Limit Still Too High, Researchers Say
The international commission that regulates fishing of tuna and other large migratory fish in the Atlantic voted to sharply reduce the fishing quota for bluefin tuna at their latest meeting. But some scientists say the new quota is too high to sustain the species.
Fun? In Baghdad? A Theme Park Seeks A Comeback
During the time of Saddam Hussein, Iraqi families flocked to Baghdad Island, a sprawling, once-popular Baghdad amusement park. Destroyed by looting after the 2003 U.S. invasion, the park is now undergoing revitalization, with the help of the U.S. Army.
China's Newest Export: Punk Rock
America is used to exporting its culture. It's called soft power, this ability to dominate the tastes of people in other countries. So it's not such a big deal for an American band to tour in China. But a Chinese rock band taking the stage in New York? That's new.
Obama Meets Chinese Leader
President Obama sat down for an informal dinner Monday with his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao. Serious discussions were put off until Tuesday when the two leaders will hold a more formal meeting in China's Great Hall of the People. Earlier, Obama told a group of college students in Shanghai that the U.S. welcomes China's growing influence in the world.
In China, Obama Backs Open Internet
President Obama told Chinese students Monday that open Internet access strengthens a society. Qian Jin, a former news assistant at NPR's Shanghai Bureau who was in the audience, says Internet access in China is improving, and broader now than it was a few years ago.
Letters: Afghanistan
Listeners respond to the story from Afghanistan. Melissa Block and Robert Siegel read from listeners' e-mails.
Watching TV On Your Computer
Omar Gallaga, technology culture for the Austin American-Statesman, explores the latest technology options for watching television on your computer and vice versa. Gallaga says there is more aggregation of television content on the Internet in the form of search engines and new Web sites.
Can IPhone App Interpret A Baby's Cry?
A new iPhone application, called Cry Translator, claims that it can help parents interpret the many subtleties in their babies' cries — from hungry to tired to needs a diaper change. Melissa Block puts the app to the test with the help of All Things Considered producer — and new mom — Melissa Gray.
Australia Apologizes For Kids Shipped To Colonies
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd issued a formal apology Monday for his country's role in Britain's colonial history. Over the course of three centuries, Britain sent tens of thousands of children involuntarily to the colonies. Although they were promised a better life, many were the victims of abuse and neglect. British historian Stephen Constantine says the essence of the policy was to boost Australia's white population.