All Things Considered for November 22, 2010 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Monday, November 22, 2010

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Minnesota's Red Bulls training for spring deployment to Iraq
Between now and late May, 2,700 men and women of Minnesota's Red Bull infantry division will train at for the largest deployment of Minnesota National Guard troops since World War II.3:51 p.m.
Joan Fabian retiring after more than 40-year career in Minn. corrections
The woman who runs Minnesota's prison system -- and one of the longest-serving cabinet members of the Pawlenty administration -- will leave the department in January after more than 40 years in the field.4:44 p.m.
Supreme Court won't intervene in election case
The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled late this afternoon that it would not intervene the likely recount of the votes in the state's still-undecided governor's race. Republican Tom Emmer had asked the court to force county elections officials to reconcile the number of ballots cast on November second with the signatures of people as they signed in to vote. The court heard arguments on the issue earlier this afternoon and issued its decision denying Emmer's petition just a few minutes ago.5:19 p.m.
Vikings relieve Childress of coaching duties
Brad Childress is out as head coach of the 3-7 Minnesota Vikings. A day after being dropped by the Green Bay Packers 31-3, team owner Ziggy Wilf announced the change during a news conference this afternoon at the team's practice facility in Eden Prairie. Reporter Tom Weber talked with Steven John about the team's move.5:24 p.m.
Minnesota's Red Bulls training for spring deployment to Iraq
Between now and late May, 2,700 men and women of Minnesota's Red Bull infantry division will train at for the largest deployment of Minnesota National Guard troops since World War II.5:51 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Born In The U.S.A.? Some Chinese Plan It That Way
An increasing number of mainland Chinese women are traveling to the United States to give birth. Anyone born on U.S. soil has the right to U.S. citizenship, according to the 14th Amendment. And for about $15,000, that trip is a bargain for wealthy Chinese.
TSA Critics Call For Day Of Protest
The head of the TSA says he will reconsider the passenger screening procedures that have created a public backlash, but he warned the public not to expect changes anytime soon. Critics of the new procedures are planning a protest on Wednesday that could lengthen lines and disrupt holiday travel schedules.
TSA Is 'Far Behind The Curve' On Security, Lawmaker Says
Pat-downs and body scans of travelers might catch some of the would-be bombers of past years, says Rep. John Mica (R-FL), but won't stop terrorists intent on putting bombs on cargo planes.
'Kryptos' Sculptor Drops New Clue In 20-Year Mystery
A statue on the grounds of the CIA is an icon of cryptography, or encoded messages. Kryptos -- created two decades ago by artist Jim Sanborn -- defies even the best code-breakers at the CIA and the National Security Agency. But now, the artist is starting to crack.
China's 'Technology Transfer' Draws Ire
Host Melissa Block talks to Wall Street Journal reporter Norihiko Shirouzu about his story on high-speed rail in China, and the practice of "technology transfer," which China requires of companies that do business in China. Shirouzu reports that four foreign companies helped China build high-speed trains, and in the few years since, China has taken that technology, "re-innovated" or built on it, and are now calling it their own, creating tensions with the companies who fear they're now having to compete with China.
For Some Ohio Students, Less Play On Snow Days
Modern technology is dashing students' hopes for the beloved snow day this winter in western Ohio. The Mississinawa Valley School District is testing electronic days, or e-days, where students will go online for lessons when school is closed because of inclement weather. Students will now have to learn something more than how to make a snowman.
Al-Qaida Magazine Details Parcel Bomb Attempt
Host Melissa Block talks to Ben Venzke about the latest issue of al-Qaida's English-language magazine, Inspire, which contains a detailed account of the failed parcel bomb last month. Venzke has been studying the publication. He runs Intel Center, a private intelligence firm specializing in counterterrorism.
In Malaysia, Web's Popularity Breaks A Grip On Power
More than half of the country has access to the Internet, and the government has pledged not to censor the Web. The result: Use of the Internet has been essential in breaking a half-century-old monopoly on power by the ruling coalition.
Jimmie Johnson Makes History With 5th Title
At the Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday, Jimmie Johnson won his fifth NASCAR Sprint Cup championship. For more on Johnson, NPR's Mary Louise Kelly talks to Lee Spencer, senior NASCAR writer for FoxSports.com.
Wipeout: When Your Company Kills Your iPhone
Configuring a personal phone or tablet to receive company e-mail opens the door to purging all of its content if an IT department remotely wipes the device. The phone's Web browser and camera can also be disabled from afar.