The design economy: We are what we buy As consumers, we tend to express who we are -- and who we want to be -- through the things we buy. Our clothes, our cars and our homes all reflect an identity we've chosen for ourselves. We have increasingly emotional relationships with objects. And now designers are playing with those emotions.7:50 a.m.
National Public Radio Stories
What's Behind the NBA's Age Rule?
Top high school prospects must now wait at least a year after graduating before entering the NBA draft. The league says players benefit from the experience. But it may be more about marketing.
Seale Could Be Among Last of Klan 'Cold Cases'
The trial of 71-year-old James Seale on kidnapping charges related to the 1964 murder of two black Mississippi teens might be among the last of a flurry of trials involving civil-rights era cases.
Amazon, TiVo Join for Film-to-TV Downloads
As Wal-Mart launches an online service allowing consumers to download movies onto PCs or portable video devices, Amazon.com counters by working with TiVo to allow consumers to download films directly into their TVs.
NBC's Russert to Take Stand at Libby Trial
As prosecutors wrap up their perjury case against Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief-of-staff, journalist Tim Russert is expected to support a claim that Lewis "Scooter" Libby lied to a grand jury investigating the exposure of a CIA operative's identity.
Pentagon Creates Military Command for Africa
The Pentagon is establishing a new military command for Africa, scheduled to begin operating by September 2008. The action addresses Africa's potential as a breeding ground for terrorism as well as its complex humanitarian needs.
Bald Eagle May Leave Endangered List
The bald eagle could be officially remove from the federal endangered species list as early as next week. The Bush administration says that another law can protect the eagles just as well, but environmentalists have their doubts.
U.S. Envoy Prepares for New N. Korea Talks
Six-nation talks aimed at persuading North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program will resume Thursday in Beijing. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, leader of the U.S. delegation, offers his insights.
Skiing Through an Ohio Cold Snap
Cold weather is skiing weather — to a degree. But can you really have fun on the slopes when it's three below zero? At a ski resort outside Cleveland, Ohioans of all ages ignored the frigid weather. Mark Urycki of member station WCPN reports.
Apple's Jobs: Open Up the Online Music Market
Apple CEO Steve Jobs urges four big labels to sell songs online without using software that prevents consumers from making multiple copies. Jobs says the technology isn't working, and that selling music without restrictions would boost the market.
Cold Toes, Old Cheese
Some pastimes are more dangerous than others. During halftime of the Super Bowl, one Minnesota family's tradition is to run outside. Barefoot. In the snow, when available. This year it was 17 degrees below zero and one teen is being treated for frostbite. A new Web site offers a less dramatic option: Cheddarvision, run by an English cheesemaker, provides a Webcam shot of mold growing on maturing cheddar cheese.
'Friendly Fire' Cockpit Tape Released
The Pentagon is releasing cockpit video of a "friendly fire" incident nearly four years ago in Iraq. It records an air controller advising a U.S. pilot that he had just hit British vehicles on the ground.
Fed Chief Issues Warning on Income Gap
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke says a widening U.S. income gap threatens economic progress. But he urges policymakers to avoid actions that could limit international trade or the flexibility of labor markets.
Firings of U.S. Attorneys Draw Senate's Attention
The Senate Judiciary Committee hears testimony on the firings of several U.S. attorneys. Critics say they were political victims. The Justice Department says some appointees did not reflect the president's crime-fighting priorities.
Lending Sonoran Desert Bats an Ear
Researchers who record sounds made by bats in Arizona's Sonoran desert are creating a catalog to identify which species are in decline from habitat loss. Bats are major pollinators, so a drop in population has a wider impact on plants, too.
Study Looks at Longer Day for Public Schools
There are many approaches to improving education in urban districts. But maybe students just need to spend more time in school? A new study examines the trend toward extending the public-school day.
Looking for ways to ensure your students are doing quality research from credible sources? Sound Learning is a launching point to Minnesota Public Radio's content on the Web.