All Things Considered for November 13, 2009 | Minnesota Public Radio News

Friday, November 13, 2009

Minnesota Public Radio Stories

Hunting season not bringing in as many bucks to merchants
The deer hunting season is underway in Minnesota, but the northern Minnesota economy isn't getting as much of a boost as it often does. Stricter bag limits, combined with a weak economy, mean hunters are spending fewer dollars on the sport.5:19 p.m.
The Boondock Saints return in sequel
The latest chapter in one of the stranger stories in film history unfolds in the Twin Cities this weekend. It's the opening of the sequel to "Boondock Saints," a cult movie released a decade ago.5:24 p.m.
Minneapolis' Solid Gold poised to take band to the next level
Following the release of its latest cd, "Bodies of Water," Minneapolis buzz band Solid Gold has spent the year mesmerizing critics and fans with its electronic pop. The band will cap off a breakthrough year tonight with a show at First Avenue.5:53 p.m.
Who are the Ritchie Boys?
Guy Stern and Walter Schwarz are Jewish World War II veterans who served in a special and unusual Army unit, and the pair was reunited in St. Paul last night for the first time since their wartime service.6:20 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

One Man's 'Polar Obsession,' In Pictures
A book out this month by photographer Paul Nicklen, Polar Obsession, documents the wildlife of the Arctic and Antarctic. Nicklen, who was raised in an Inuit community in Canada's Arctic and whose work has been published in hundreds of magazines around the world, including National Geographic, talks with Melissa Block about the roots of his preoccupation with frigid regions.
Obama's Half-Brother Recasts Story Of Their Father
One person who plans to meet with President Obama during his trip to China is his half-brother, Mark Obama Ndesandjo, who lives in China. Ndesandjo has recently released a semi-autobiographical novel, revealing the abusive nature of their father.
Water Ice Hides In Moon's Dark Craters
A rocket set on a collision course with the moon reveals it's not just a dull, dry satellite. Water lurking in its craters could someday provide everything from drinking water to rocket fuel for astronauts exploring the moon.
Ramen Noodles Serve Up A Bowl Of Nostalgia
Last week, NPR asked listeners to send in ramen noodle stories. And they flooded in. Those cheap little packages of instant noodles with the silver foil flavor packets served up a big bowl of nostalgia.
Halftime Is A Warm-Up Act For Marching Bands
For Sunset High School's band, Friday night games help prepare for Saturday competitions. That's when band parents and friends cheer for these champions from Portland, Ore., as lustily as football fans and when judges rate musicianship and movement.
The Real Story Behind Britain's Rock 'N' Roll Pirates
In the '60s, the British airwaves were largely controlled by the BBC — which had all but barred rock 'n' roll from the radio. Then a small flotilla of ships dropped anchor off the coast of England and began broadcasting the illicit tunes of The Hollies and The Rolling Stones. The film Pirate Radio takes its inspiration from a time when Britannia's rock ruled the waves.
'2012': Disaster Strikes (And Strikes, And Strikes)
Roland Emmerich's latest cinematic apocalypse posits that the end of the world is due in a little over three years from now. Critic Bob Mondello says it's surprisingly convincing — at least in the sense that by the time it's over, you'll feel like it is 2012 already, and you'll have such a headache that it'd be kind of nice if the whole world went away.
Sept. 11 Cases Move From Military To Civilian Courts
The Justice Department has decided to try the alleged mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in New York. Until now, military commissions at the Guantanamo Naval Base have been handling the legal case against Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who has admitted to planning the attacks. Now, the Obama administration will hand the case to the federal criminal courts.
Terrorism Cases To Bring New Scrutiny To N.Y. Court
The federal courthouse in Manhattan has seen a series of high-profile terrorism cases before now, but the trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and the other Guantanamo detainees will be the most scrutinized by far. Melissa Block talks about some of the legal obstacles to come with Joshua Dratel, a consultant with the ACLU's John Adams Project, which fought on behalf of Guantanamo detainees to get their cases transferred out of military court.
Price Disparities Common In Health Care System
Prices for identical goods and services are usually the same or very close at competing businesses. That's not the case when it comes to health care — not by a long shot. For example, in Pensacola, Fla., there are huge price disparities for MRI tests. It's not a matter of greed or poor decision-making by MRI providers or a lack of consumer awareness. For better or worse, it's the way our insurance-based health care system works.