Dec 23rd, 2008 · Bird is a classically trained violinist and former swing-jazz musician whose sonic palette includes a quirky mix of Gypsy ballads, jazz, folk and whistled melodies. It's a sound that leaves critics swooning and fans giddy with the kind of devotion normally reserved for pop idols. On Jan. 20, 2009, the singer will release his fifth full-length studio album. Hear Noble Beast in its entirety here, exclusively on NPR Music.
Dec 16th, 2008 · Sen. Ken Salazar (D-CO) is apparently President-elect Barack Obama's choice to be Interior secretary, a position usually reserved for Westerners. But Salazar is getting mixed reviews at best from environmentalists and public lands advocates, while agricultural and mining interests are relieved.
Dec 16th, 2008 · Sally and Stephen Kern read to their kids pretty much every night, but one box of books is special, reserved for this time of year only. Filled with stories about Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and the winter solstice, the books in this box are part of a cherished tradition.
Nov 28th, 2008 · Hip hop artist Brutus Baez, better known as Bigg B, blends his culture and passion for music. Bigg B explains the hip hop scene on Native American reservations, and how he incorporates the struggles of his people in his lyrics.
Nov 11th, 2008 · Insurance giant AIG is poised to get a revamped relief package worth $150 billion. That includes funds drawn from the government's $700 billion bailout plan. Previously, the Treasury Department had said the money was reserved for financial companies. Now the Big Three automakers are knocking at the door.
Oct 25th, 2008 · Tough economic times are bringing out the survival — and survivalist — instincts in a number of people. MSNBC.com notes that Web sites and forums usually reserved for more extreme "back-to-the-landers" are receiving interest from people who are usually more moderate, on both the right and the left.
Oct 23rd, 2008 · Perched on a remote Spanish beach, the restaurant elBulli receives 2 million reservation requests for 8,000 spots each year. Now a new book from head chef Ferran Adria lets those people who couldn't get a reservation get a glimpse of elBulli.
Jul 28th, 2008 · The Navajo Nation Council has approved a ban on cigarettes and chewing tobacco in public places across its reservation, which spans Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. The tribe's president has 10 days to either veto or sign the ban into law. Mark Herz reports from member station KNAU.