Talk of the Nation

Topics from the Most Recent Show

• When Is A Favor Really Coercion?
  After the Blagojevich scandal broke, EbonyJet.com writer Eric Easter started thinking about the role of favors in his own life. Making a connection, granting access and providing information could all be considered simple favors, or could cross the line into corruption.
• 'Silent Echo Chamber' Captures Private Moments
  Harry Shearer is best known for voicing Mr. Burns and Ned Flanders on <em>The Simpsons</em>. For years, he has also caught politicians on video just moments before they go on live TV. The clips are compiled in his installation, "Silent Echo Chamber."
• Political Junkie: Senate Seat Scramble
  Al Franken has claimed victory in the Senate race in Minnesota, but opponent Norm Coleman is challenging the result. Roland Burris went to Washington to be seated in the Senate, and was turned away. Also, Gov. Bill Richardson (D-NM) declines appointment to Obama's cabinet.
• Dossier Reveals Details Of Mumbai Attacks
  Indian authorities have shared a new report with Pakistani officials. The dossier contains what the Indian government hopes is convincing evidence that the terrorists came from Pakistan, and that they had some official support from the Pakistani government.
• Letters: 'Voluntary Madness' And Getting Drunk
  Some <em>Talk of the Nation</em> listeners were offended by the way author Norah Vincent characterized the effectiveness of medication for treating mental illness. Also, a bartender and a medical toxicologist weigh in on where responsibility lies when someone gets drunk.
• No, You Can't: Turning Down Inauguration Guests
  Washington, D.C. residents like Veronica Miller have had a shared experience lately &mdash; calls from folks they haven't seen in ages, looking for places to stay for the Inauguration. Fortunately, advice columnist Amy Dickinson has tips on how to turn down unwanted houseguests.
• The U.S. Government's Influence Over Israel
  The U.S. has consistently supported Israel in its conflict with Hamas, while other countries decry Israel's response as disproportionate. Israel also gets financial, diplomatic and military support from Washington. How and when might the U.S. government leverage influence on Israel?
• Blue Note Records Celebrates 70 Years Of Jazz
  From before bebop to the present day, some of the best jazz albums of all time have been issued by Blue Note Records. The label celebrates its 70th anniversary this week, and to honor the occasion, pianist Bill Charlap has chosen five of his all-time favorite Blue Note songs.
• Op-Ed: Backing Burris For Being Black?
  Before Gov. Rod Blagojevich appointed Roland Burris, an African-American, to the open Senate seat, Illinois Congressman Bobby Rush promised not to back <em>anyone</em> Blagojevich appointed. Clarence Page says Rush has changed his mind and decided to back Burris because he is black.
• Building A Better Economic Stimulus Plan
  President-elect Barack Obama is meeting with congressional leaders to discuss his plan to create jobs and provide tax relief. Economists Russell Roberts and Robert Reich have different takes on how best to design the plan and keep the country out of a longer, deeper recession.
• Suspected Anthrax Killer Was Deeply Troubled
  <em>New York Times</em> reporter Scott Shane has written a new profile of Bruce Ivins, the sole suspect in the 2001 anthrax mailings. In his article, Shane describes Ivins as an "amateur juggler" with "mental illness, alcoholism and secret obsessions with hints of violence."
• 'Voluntary Madness' Details Life In 'Loony Bin'
  Norah Vincent spent 18 months living disguised as a man. The experience led to deep depression and a stay at a mental institution. Once she left, Vincent decided to check back into institutions across the country. She tells her story in <em>Voluntary Madness.</em>
• Looking Forward To A Year of Science
  2009 marks 150 years since the publication of Darwin's <em>On The Origin of Species</em>, and the 400th anniversary of Galileo's first use of a telescope to study the skies. M. Lee Allison is an organizer of a "Year of Science 2009," a celebration of scientific methods and discoveries.
• Controlling Mosquitoes With Bacteria
  Biologists identified bacteria that shorten the lifespan of disease-carrying mosquitoes. Shorter lives mean less time for the mosquitoes to incubate and transmit diseases like dengue and malaria. Biologist Andrew Read of The Pennsylvania State University explains the findings.
• 'Tis The Season For Cold And Flu
  Both bring wintertime suffering, but how different is the common cold from influenza, scientifically speaking? Ira Flatow talks with cold and flu experts about how these viruses are transmitted, how best to dodge them, and why hand sanitizer may not be of much help.