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.)
Defense Cuts May No Longer Be Political Sacred Cow
Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has said the looming automatic spending cuts will damage U.S. national security. But the warnings don't appear to be moving the needle with lawmakers or the American public.
Secret Menus Give Restaurants A Not-So-Secret Boost
Secret menus aren't new, but more restaurants are trying them out in order to set themselves apart and increase sales. Panera Bread, for instance, has rolled out a new secret menu with low-carb, health-conscious options to appeal to a new group of customers.
Birds Of Different Feathers Flock Together
A white duck with a limp, a rooster named Cocky and a mallard have settled down at a pond on the grounds of a retirement community in White Rock, South Carolina. The State newspaper reports the avian trio has captured the imagination of residents there.
New Jersey Man Breaks Arcade Record
George Leutz has set a Guinness record, according to published reports. He played Qbert for 84 hours and 48 minutes.
Sony Shows Off Playstation 4 Controller
Sony has sold about 77 million PlayStation 3s since its launch in 2006, starting at $500 each. The new model is expected to be cheaper, and it should be available in time for the holidays. The company says the PlayStation 4 will focus on social networking features and cloud-based games.
Syria's Christians Caught Between Rebels, Regime's Soldiers
Syria's minority Christians are caught in the middle of the country's 23-month conflict. Many members of one of the oldest Christian communities in the Middle East are fleeing Syria. Those who stay say they fear they will be targeted by Islamist militants — a growing force among rebels fighting President Assad's regime.
One Place You May Notice The Sequester: At The Airport
Officials predict that cutbacks at the FAA could lead to takeoff delays and fewer flights. Unless Congress acts, across-the-board spending cuts are scheduled to take effect March 1.