There's an upside to cold, snowless New England days — great skating
Maine Public reporter Ari Snider heads out on a couple of Maine's lakes to explore the burgeoning sport of "wild ice skating." (Story aired on All Things Considered on Jan. 16, 2025.)
50 Years After The Equal Pay Act, Gender Wage Gap Endures
President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act in 1963 in an effort to abolish wage discrimination based on gender. Half a century later, the Obama administration is pushing Congress to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, designed to make wage differences more transparent.
'Internship': A Love Story To Nooglers
The movie, The Internship, tells the story of two 40-year-old, down-on-their-luck watch salesmen, who land an unlikely summer internship at Google. Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson star as the older interns who will have to compete for a full-time gig. Meanwhile, more than a thousand new Google interns — or Nooglers, as they're called — have shown up on the company's campuses across the country.
Rail Project At Los Angeles Port Draws Environmentalists' Ire
In California, activists and environmentalists are seeking to halt construction of a new $500 million rail yard next to the Port of Los Angeles. Activists say the massive project would mean even more pollution for nearby neighborhoods that already have some of the worst air in the country.
Billionaire Saudi Prince Sues 'Forbes'
Saudi prince and conspicuous billionaire Alwaleed bin Talal is suing the magazine in a London court. In its annual list of the world's wealthiest people, Forbes estimates bin Talal's fortune at $20 billion. But the prince says the magazine publicly short changed him by nearly $10 billion.
China Experiences Slow Economic Growth
Chinese exports grew by only 1 percent in May — the lowest rate in almost a year. Weak exports to the U.S. and Europe are the main culprits. And imports of the raw materials that fuel China's economy, such as copper and coal are also down.
Swedish Commuter Rail Engineers Get Around Dress Code
The drivers were told no more shorts, even though the heat in the cabs can top 95 degrees. They are permitted to wear just long pants or skirts. So many of the male engineers are now wearing skirts.
Deputies Help Deer With Doritos Bag Stuck On Its Head
Sheriff's deputies on patrol in the Florida Keys spotted a deer on the side of a road with an empty bag of Doritos stuck on its head. "It must have wanted the last chip in the bottom," a deputy told the South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Confessed NSA Leaker Holed Up In Hong Kong Hotel
The Guardian has identified its source for a series of reports it published in recent days on secret U.S. surveillance activity. The paper says the source is Edward Snowden, a former technical assistant for the CIA who now works for a private-sector defense and technology consulting firm.
City Life Disrupts Daily Rhythm Of Birds
City life can be harsh on people. For example, it pushes people to work longer and sleep less. A new study suggests that city life can have a somewhat similar effect on birds too. It shows urban blackbirds wake up earlier and go to bed later than their forest dwelling cousins.