Rising Postal Rates Squeeze Small Record Labels
When postal rates went up this week, labels who ship CDs and LPs saw rates jump. They say the costs will make their way to music fans.
News
Tunisia's Salafis: 'A Danger' Or Preachers Of God's Law?
Critics call the country's Salafis a threat to the ideals of economic prosperity, civil liberties and gender equality. The Salafis insist that only their rigid interpretation of Islamic law can govern Muslims. Their stand puts Tunisia's moderate Islamist leaders in a difficult position.
Bird, Plane, Bacteria? Microbes Thrive In Storm Clouds
Microbes can thrive in extreme environments, from inside fiery volcanoes to down on the bottom of the ocean. Now scientists have found a surprising number of them living in storm clouds tens of thousands of feet above the Earth. And those airborne microbes could play a role in global climate.
Women In Combat: What Do Troops In Afghanistan Think?
Opinions are mixed. Women are already in dangerous places handling difficult assignments. But some troops, both men and women, say they think few women will want to take combat positions, and they question whether women will be able to meet the current physical standards.
As Developing World Goes Mobile, Can Apple Make The Sale?
Up to 1 billion people in emerging markets will buy mobile phones in the coming years, and many will use them in lieu of a computer. While this might seem a natural opportunity for Apple, it may be a struggle for the tech giant to land these new customers.
New Gold Rush Has Little Luster For Some In The Golden State
More than 150 years ago, prospectors moved to California hoping to strike it rich. Now, companies are reopening hard rock mines that have been shut down for decades, but past experiences with environmental damage have made some communities leery of gold diggers.
The Silver Lining In Drought: 5 Upsides To Rain-Free Weather
Drought is mostly seen as a bad thing — and for good reason. But the upsides include fewer mosquitoes, less polluted runoff and greater awareness of climate change.
Unbridled Kentuckians Decide It's Time For A Kick-Ass New Slogan
A couple of advertising professionals want to spruce up their home state's image by ditching the slogan Unbridled Spirit for a new one: Kentucky Kicks Ass. The new slogan has garnered fans as far away as Japan and England, but will state officials sign off on it?
'Anything That Moves': Civilians And The Vietnam War
In a new book, Nick Turse says the pressure on U.S. forces to produce a body count during the Vietnam War led to mass civilian deaths. "The idea," he says, "was that the Vietnamese, they weren't really people."
Beyond Portlandia: Subaru Drives For America's Heartland
The Japanese carmaker aims to expand its markets to other states after much success in the Pacific Northwest and the Northeast. "They don't have to be everything to everyone; they have to be something to someone," says Jake Fisher, director of auto testing at Consumer Reports.