Jan 29th, 2010 · Author Curtis Sittenfeld's novel Prep drew heated criticism and acclaim for its similarities to J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. In light of Salinger's death, Sittenfeld is realizing that despite the awkward comparisons, sometimes the best thing to do is accept the sentiment.
Jan 28th, 2010 · Awards, schmawards. The most compelling reason to watch the annual Grammy Awards ceremony is the parade of live performances by the music industry's incomparable greats and top-selling artists. Sure, there can be awkward tributes, forced collaborations and not-so-live performances. But NPR Music's staff has compiled a list of standout moments that capture the energy and unexpected greatness often found in Grammy's live telecast.
Jan 8th, 2010 · These days, adolescence isn't just awkward, it's surreal. Youth In Revolt may not show you anything you haven't seen before, but critic David Edelstein says, who cares? If you've ever been through puberty, or if you have a thing for the French, you'll find something to laugh (or wince) at here.
Nov 20th, 2009 · Albert Perkins lost his wallet. He took it out at the bank, and that's the last time he saw it. What makes it awkward is that authorities say Perkins was robbing the bank at the time. Perkins left his wallet on the counter of the First Federal Bank in Kansas City, Mo. Police used the driver's license to identify the robber, leading to Perkin's guilty plea.
Oct 4th, 2009 · As President Obama and his top advisers consider their options in Afghanistan, the president's Democratic allies on Capitol Hill are in an awkward position. They say Obama needs time for that review. At the same time, the Senate is approving funding for the war without knowing troop levels, the strategy or the end game. And lawmakers' spending dilemmas are not limited to foreign policy. Last week they missed a deadline to pass a dozen annual spending bills. But they did manage to pass one — the one that funds Congress. Guest host Jacki Lyden talks with NPR congressional correspondent David Welna about what's ahead in Congress.
Oct 4th, 2009 · As President Obama and his top advisers consider their options in Afghanistan, the president's Democratic allies on Capitol Hill are in an awkward position. They say Obama needs time for that review. At the same time, the Senate is approving funding for the war without knowing troop levels, the strategy or the end game. And lawmakers' spending dilemmas are not limited to foreign policy. Last week they missed a deadline to pass a dozen annual spending bills. But they did manage to pass one — the one that funds Congress. Guest host Jacki Lyden talks with NPR congressional correspondent David Welna about what's ahead in Congress.
Sep 26th, 2009 · The massive state budget cutbacks in California and other hard-hit states are about to leave hundreds of thousands of children uninsured for the first time. Parents who have uninsured kids often have awkward and painful conversations with their children about "being careful" on the monkey bars or the soccer field. As part of a collaboration with Youth Radio for KQED's Digital Natives project, we hear what one uninsured teen thinks of her lack of health coverage.
Sep 7th, 2009 · With a bombardment of sexually-charged messages in pop culture, some parents find it difficult — and even awkward — having a discussion youngsters about sex, even with the prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In this week's parenting roundtable, regular contributing moms Dani Tucker and Jolene Ivey — both of whom have teenaged children — discuss the challenges of such conversations and share their approach.