All Things Considered for February 8, 2006 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Wednesday, February 8, 2006

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

More questions for doctors in new age of health care
The combination of consumer-driven health care, the Internet, and drug advertisements, has many patients asking many more questions of their doctors. But increasingly, doctors are being asked to ask more questions of their patients. Insurance companies are among the parties interested in the answers. But some of those answers may also provide valuable information for the doctors, too. Tom Crann talked about the issue with Dr. Jon Hallberg.4:48 p.m.
Peace in the House
Modern news headlines are a constant reminder of religious conflict; Jews and Muslims battling over land in Israel and Palestine, Hindus and Muslims fighting over territory in Kashmir, and riots across the Muslim world in response to drawings of the prophet Mohammed. But a concert in Minneapolis suggests there's another side to the story.5:15 p.m.
Local Muslim reaction to cartoon controversy
A Pakistani cleric announced a $1 million bounty for killing a cartoonist who drew the Prophet Muhammad as thousands joined street protests after Friday prayers. Denmark, which first published the cartoons, temporarily closed its embassy and advised its citizens to leave Pakistan. In Minnesota, we've asked members of the Muslim community to reflect on the controversy.5:23 p.m.
Hatch keeping low profile as competitors score points at business forum
A candidate forum on business issues was the latest in which Attorney General Mike Hatch chose not to participate. Some Democrats are wondering why Hatch is keeping a low profile on the campaign trail.5:48 p.m.
Sky ride
It's not exactly winding roads thru the French Alps, but tonight some 50 cyclists will take on the tough terrain of the St. Paul Skyway system an the first ever "Skyride." The course is a mile long, and includes such treacherous obstacles as doorways, stairwells, and even carpeting, not to mention the narrow glass-enclosed raceway. Tom Crann talked with Steve Nilsen, sports-marketing manager for Red Bull, which sponsors the event.5:53 p.m.
Coping with loss
It's a natural part of the human experience to grieve when dealing with loss, especially the loss of a loved one through death. But what about the loss of a loved one through a prolonged illness, such as Alzheimers? Or through violence or war, where the loss may be sudden and there may not even be a traditional funeral or a body to bury? The quality of grief in those cases is different. Pauline Boss, a professor of therapy at the University of Minnesota, is known for the pioneering work in this field of "ambiguous loss." Her new book is called "Loss, Trauma and Resilience: Therapeutic Work with Ambiguous Loss."6:19 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

Avian Flu Confirmed in Nigerian Birds
Scientists confirm that potentially deadly bird flu has infected poultry in Nigeria. The H5N1 virus already has killed more than 80 people in Asia and Turkey, along with millions of birds. Now, scientists worry that bird flu has gained a toehold on a continent ill prepared to deal with the disease.
Top General Sees Troop Cuts Coming in Iraq
The top U.S. commander in Iraq says American troop strength in the country could be significantly cut in 2006 if a stable government is formed and training of Iraqi forces continues at its current pace. Gen. George Casey says local police and military have made considerable progress in recent months.
U.S. Man Held in Iraq Fights Move to Iraqi Custody
Lawyers for a naturalized U.S. citizen who is being held as an enemy combatant in Iraq are asking a federal court to block his transfer to Iraqi custody. The U.S. government says the man is linked to al Qaeda in Iraq and should be moved.
Series Looks at Notable 'African American Lives'
Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr.'s new PBS miniseries African American Lives takes an in-depth look at his own family tree, along with the histories of such luminaries as Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Mae Jemison and Bishop T.D. Jakes. He talks to Robert Siegel with about the project.
Understanding New Findings on Low-Fat Diets
After the recent news that a low-fat diet does little to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease or stroke for older woman, many people are understandable confused about the benefits of giving up the foods they loved. Dr. Walter Willett of Harvard School of Public Health talks to Michele Norris about what the findings mean.
Funding for Wide-Ranging Kids' Health Study Axed
The Bush administration has canceled funding for the most ambitious study of children's health ever designed -- prompting outrage among scientists and public health officials. The study was to investigate the causes of widespread obesity and asthma, among other childrens' health problems.
Polish Role in Secret CIA Prisons Under Probe
Poland's new President Lech Kaczynski meets President Bush in Washington, D.C., Thursday. Cooperation between the two countries in the fight against terrorism has been under investigation in Europe. Poland is at the center of allegations that the CIA was operating secret prisons there and using Polish airports to transport terrorist detainees.
'Twilight of the Superheroes' Explores the Senses
Critic Alan Cheuse reviews Twilight of the Superheroes by Deborah Eisenberg, a collection of stories that offers new ways of seeing and feeling.
Critic's Picks for Classical Music Grammys
The music industry's stars will gather in Los Angeles Wednesday night for the 48th annual Grammy Awards. Music reviewer Tom Manoff shares his favorites among the classical music nominees.
Bush Urges Muslim Leaders to Calm Cartoon Furor
President Bush asks Muslim leaders around the world to help stop the violence that has erupted in several countries over cartoons depicting Muhammad. At the same time, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice suggests that Syria and Iran are using the cartoons to further inflame tensions.