Weekend Edition

Moderate Wins Iran's Presidential Election

editor — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 20:40:00 +0000

Transcript

SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

This is WEEKEND EDITION from NPR News. I'm Scott Simon. The Iranian interior minister has announced on state TV that Hasan Rowhani has won that country's presidential election. Mr. Rowhani reportedly won 53 percent of the vote. He's considered a moderate on Iran's political spectrum. Karim Sadjadpour is a senior associate at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and joins us.

Hoops, Hockey Championships Still Undecided

editor — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 20:40:00 +0000

Transcript

SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

This is WEEKEND EDITION from NPR News. I'm Scott Simon. And I wait all week to say: time for sports.

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

SIMON: Finals time - on ice and the hardwood. The Heat and the Spurs are tied at two games each in the NBA Finals. And tonight, the Chicago Blackhawks take on the Boston Bruins in game two of hockey's Stanley Cup. Howard Bryant of ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine joins us from the studios of New England Public Radio in Amherst.

Will The Court's Gene Ruling Stifle Bio Innovatioon?

editor — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:01:00 +0000

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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

This is WEEKEND EDITION from NPR News. I'm Scott Simon. The Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Thursday that patenting natural human genetic material must stop. But the court also ruled that synthetically produced DNA is fair. The decision was prompted by patents on a gene test for breast cancer which was issued to Myriad Genetics of Salt Lake City. We're joined now in our studio by Arthur Caplan, who's head of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU's Langone Medical Center.

Turkish Protesters Refuse To Leave Gezi Park

Peter Kenyon — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0000

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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

Protesters who were camped out in Istanbul's Gezi Park say they won't pack up and go home despite a government offer to avoid bulldozing the park without court approval and a public referendum. Protest organizers say that other demands such as releasing detained protesters have not been met.

And meanwhile, officials have warned that if demonstrators don't leave the park, police may be sent in to clear them out. Turkey's response to more than two weeks of unrest has involved more than riot police and teargas.

Are The Protests In Turkey Really About A Park?

editor — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0000

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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

We have to remind ourselves now, the nationwide protests in Turkey began with a small group of people who were protesting the government's plans to pave over a small park in Istanbul. Elif Shafak, an award-winning writer who divides her time between Istanbul and London. We spoke with her yesterday and asked her how what began as a kind of modest stand to protect a city park broadened into nationwide protests.

ELIF SHAFAK: It started as a peaceful sit-in.

How U.S. Arms Will Reach Syrian Rebels

editor — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Transcript

SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

This is WEEKEND EDITION from NPR News. I'm Scott Simon. The Russians and their ally Syria have lashed out at the White House's claim that Syria has used the nerve gas sarin against rebels and civilians. The Obama administration announced this week it will arm the rebels after warning the Syrian president he had crossed a red line by using chemical weapons. The White House shared evidence with the Russians, but Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov told his U.S. counterpart, John Kerry, that the evidence is not convincing.

Istanbul Reservoir Cools Pakistanis

Philip Reeves — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0000

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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

Most people look forward to summer, but perhaps not in Pakistan. NPR's Philip Reeves has been out and about in its capitol city and sent us this letter from Islamabad.

PHILIP REEVES, BYLINE: I often wonder how Pakistanis manage to keep up their spirits. Every day brings fresh reports of militant attacks, murders or kidnappings. And even after the monsoon rains roll in, as they are now, it can be unbearably hot. This year's worse than ever thanks to constant power outages.

Rain, Cooler Weather Slow Colorado Fire

Kirk Siegler — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0000

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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

This is WEEKEND EDITION from NPR News. I'm Scott Simon. In Colorado, cooler weather and some rain has helped crews begin to get a handle on the Black Forest fire that's burning just north of Colorado Springs. Yesterday, several thousand people were allowed back into their homes, but an estimated 30,000 people remain evacuated from the area.

The blaze has claimed two lives and it has destroyed at least 470 homes.

What Whitey Bulger Means To Boston

editor — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0000

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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

Whitey Bulger is finally on trial after 16 years on the run. The Boston mobster who was once on the FBI's Most Wanted List is accused of murdering 19 people as well as extortion and racketeering. Prosecution alleges he worked as an FBI informant in exchange for protection. Dick Lehr is the co-author with Gerard O'Neil of "Whitey: The Life of America's Most Notorious Mobster." He joins us from member station WBUR in Boston.

Dick, thanks for being with us.

DICK LEHR: Good to be with you, Scott.

SIMON: So this was the first week of the trial.

Flocking To The Fudge Capital

editor — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0000

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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

Tomorrow isn't just Father's Day. It's also National Fudge Day if that didn't come up on your calendar. By most accounts, the first batch of fudge was cooked up in Baltimore in the 1880s, but Mackinac Island in northern Michigan is considered the modern day fudge capital of America.

Michigan Public Radio's Rick Pluta reports.

RICK PLUTA, BYLINE: There aren't many ways to get to Mackinac Island but most people take the ferry. Once they get to the island, there are no cars or trucks allowed. People get around on foot, bicycle or horse-drawn taxis.

"Music Man" Finds A Home For His Vinyl

editor — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 12:00:00 +0000

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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

Last year, we brought you the story of Music Man Murray. Murray Gershenz was looking for a buyer for the enormous record collection that was shelved in his store in Los Angeles. Now, notice I said record. Most of his music was indeed on old vinyl. Murray was turning 90 and his overstuffed store was becoming more than he could handle.

(SOUNDBITE OF DOCUMENTARY, "MUSIC MAN MURRAY")

MURRAY GERSHENZ: I love this place. If I had nothing else to do, I would just be here and listen to the records all the time.

Songwriters' Group Calls Pandora's Radio Station Buy A Stunt

Laura Sydell — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 09:28:00 +0000

This week, the Internet radio broadcaster Pandora made what seems like a backward move — technologically speaking. Pandora purchased a local radio station in Rapid City, S.D. The company says it's aiming to get the more favorable royalty rates given to terrestrial broadcasters, but the move has songwriters and composers up in arms.

Blake Morgan is an independent musician whose "Better Angels" was among a number of his songs that got some 28,000 plays on Pandora.

'I'm Not The Only One': Transgender Youth Battle The Odds

editor — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 09:27:00 +0000

Despite a number of victories for gay rights and national polls reflecting a growing acceptance of gay men and women, there is a population within the LGBT community that often feels left out of the national debate.

They are the "T": transgender men and women who still face many obstacles, including employment discrimination and homelessness.

High-Tech Surveillance Targets Evolving Terrorist Tactics

Tom Gjelten — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 09:25:00 +0000

Since public revelations that the National Security Agency is collecting telephone records and reviewing Internet communications in the U.S. and abroad, officials have been making the case that the programs are vital. They argue that the tactics match the new ways terrorists are planning and communicating.

There was a time when America's enemies conspired face-to-face, or communicated through couriers, or by leaving messages for each other somewhere.

Week In Sports: Spurs Take First Game Of NBA Finals

editor — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 17:02:00 +0000

Transcript

SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

Now strike up the band. Time for sports.

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

SIMON: From the red clay courts of Roland Garros to the hardwood courts of Miami and San Antonio. They're playing for championships this weekend. NPR's Tom Goldman joins us. Morning, Tom.

TOM GOLDMAN, BYLINE: How are you, Scott?

SIMON: I'm just fine thank you. And let's begin with tennis and Les French Open. Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova are playing at the very moment, as we're speaking, at the women's singles finals.

Thank you. And let's begin with tennis and Les French Open.

The Time Esther Williams Taught Scott Simon To Swim

editor — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 17:02:00 +0000

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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

It's not often that you get to take a swimming lesson from a box office idol.

ESTHER WILLIAMS: See if you can lift your elbow until you stretch that arm out straight. Oh, you're going to improve your stroke so much just this afternoon. You'll see.

SIMON: In 1999, we profiled Esther Williams, a former Southern California swim champ who looked so sensational in a bathing suit that studios invented a whole new movie genre for her, the aqua musical. Esther Williams died this week in Beverly Hills. She was 91.

Just In Time: The New Agency Responsible For Keeping The NSA In Check

Martin Kaste — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 15:30:00 +0000

On Friday, President Obama defended the two NSA surveillance programs that were leaked to the news media this week.

One program collects the general public's phone records, the other allegedly gives the government backdoor access to Internet services such as Google and Facebook.

Obama said the programs "strike the right balance," but that's done little to reassure those who think government surveillance has become too broad.

The 9/11 Commission saw this coming.

Questions Remain After Shooting In Santa Monica

editor — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 14:43:00 +0000

Transcript

SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

This is WEEKEND EDITION from NPR News. I'm Scott Simon. We're going to get the latest now on that horrifying scene that unfolded yesterday morning in Santa Monica, California. A gunman killed four people in a house, on the streets and at Santa Monica College before authorities shot him in the college's library.

Authorities have identified one of the victims - 68-year-old Carlos Navarro Franco, of West Los Angeles. We're joined now by NPR's Sam Sanders, who was in Santa Monica reporting the story yesterday.

Civil Liberties Group Concerned Over NSA Programs

Dina Temple-Raston — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 10:32:00 +0000

Transcript

SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

This is WEEKEND EDITION, from NPR News. I'm Scott Simon. The news that the National Security Agency is collecting reams of telephone data and tracking Internet behavior has alarmed civil liberties groups. President Obama believes U.S.

Conflict In Syria Continues To Degrade

editor — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 10:32:00 +0000

Transcript

SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

This is WEEKEND EDITION from NPR News. I'm Scott Simon. This week, United Nations investigators released a bleak report on Syria's two-year conflict, including information on the use of chemical weapons and indiscriminate bombing. It is just the latest international outcry as the situation in Syria and the region seems to worsen every day. Ambassador Frederic Hof spent months inside the administration's debate on Syria. He was the former U.S. Department of State special advisor for transition in Syria.

Extortion Common For Latin American Businesses

Carrie Kahn — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 10:32:00 +0000

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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

Latin America has some of the highest crime rates in the world. And that includes extortion, which doesn't just terrorize but also takes a huge economic toll on ordinary citizens. In many Latin American countries, it's costing billions of dollars and hindering development. As part of our series on violence in Latin America, NPR's Carrie Kahn takes us to Mexico, where some estimates say extortion costs more than $30 billion a year.

Fifty Years Later, 'A Better Chance' Trains Young Scholars

editor — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 09:55:00 +0000

Fifty-five boys — all poor and almost all African-American — were a part of a bold educational experiment in the early 1960s. They were placed in an intensive summer school program. If they finished, the headmasters of 16 prep schools agreed to accept them. Tuition paid.

Planning for that experiment started in 1963 at the height of the civil rights movement, one year before President Lyndon B. Johnson declared his "War on Poverty." Today, what began with 55 students and 16 schools has become an institution celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Aoife O'Donovan: Digging Up Musical 'Fossils'

editor — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 09:26:00 +0000

Alison Krauss recorded "Lay My Burden Down" a couple of years ago for her No. 1 country album Paper Airplane, but the song was written by Aoife O'Donovan.

WWII Vets Have All But Vanished From The Halls Of Congress

Don Gonyea — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 09:25:00 +0000

Sen. Frank Lautenberg was buried with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday. There was a steady rain. Soldiers fired rifle volleys, a bugler played taps and mourners paid their final respects.

The New Jersey Democrat was 89 when he died this week — and his death marked a somber milestone.

For the first time since the end of World War II, there are no veterans of that war in the U.S. Senate. Lautenberg had been the only one remaining.

His military service was a recurring theme in tributes this week.

Charting The Career Of The 'Evocateur' Of Talk

editor — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 12:30:00 +0000

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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

Morton Downey Jr. was the loudest mouth on television. He treated guests like guys on the other side of the wrestling ring - bullying, hectoring and blowing smoke in their faces.

(SOUNDBITE OF TV SHOW, "THE MORTON DOWNEY JR. SHOW")

UNIDENTIFIED MAN #1: Why?

MORTON DOWNEY JR.: Why? What the hell do you mean why? Are you nuts? Get him out of here. Get this guy out...

SIMON: The cigarette smoke, as it happened, that would ultimately kill him of lung cancer in 2001. Morton Downey Jr.

For One Family, A 'Double' Dose Alcoholism

editor — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 12:28:00 +0000

Transcript

SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

This is WEEKEND EDITION from NPR News. I'm Scott Simon. Martha Grimes and her son, Ken Grimes, share memories, love, a skill with ideas and words, and a cruel common curse. Martha Grimes is the best-selling author of the Scotland Yard Inspector Richard Jury mystery series and other mystery novels. She won the 2012 Mystery Writers of America Grand Master Award. Ken Grimes is a noted public relations man.

Sandwich Throwing: Australian For Protest

editor — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 10:39:00 +0000

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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

People might not want to stand near Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard if they want to keep their suit clean, but if they want a snack.... Earlier this month, someone hurled a sandwich slathered in Vegemite, the yeast extract that's Australia's national spread, at the prime minister. It missed by a wide mark.

Peaceful Protest Over Istanbul Park Turns Violent

Scott Simon — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 10:39:00 +0000

Transcript

SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

This is Weekend Edition from NPR News, I'm Scott Simon.

(SOUNDBITE OF RIOTING)

SIMON: Turkish riot police fired tear gas and water cannons on demonstrators in downtown Istanbul during a second day of protests. The clashes were triggered by the government's plan to build a shopping mall in a downtown park. Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan has called for an immediate end to the protest. NPR's Peter Kenyon joins us from Istanbul.

Week In Sports: Who Will Face The Spurs For The NBA Title?

editor — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 10:39:00 +0000

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SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

From politics to sports.

(SOUNDBITE OF THEME MUSIC)

SIMON: We've got conference championships going on in basketball and hockey. Can the Heat burn off the Pacers? Will this be the last rodeo for a great Spurs franchise or another gold ring? And four former champions are on ice in the NHL. Howard Bryant of ESPN The Magazine, the TV network and the website and the virgin cold-pressed olive oil joins us from the studios of New England Public Radio in Amherst. Howard, thank so much for being with us.

HOWARD BRYANT: Good morning Scott.

How To Speak Teen

editor — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 10:39:00 +0000

Transcript

SCOTT SIMON, HOST:

Teenagers can seem sullen, moody and uncommunicative, unless you know how to listen to them. James Harbeck does. He's an editor and linguist in Canada who's analyzed sounds that can be distinctly annoying to adults. James Harbeck joins us from the studios of the CBC in Toronto. Thanks so much for being with us.

JAMES HARBECK: Hi. Nice to be here.

SIMON: First, what made you devote any scholarship to this?

HARBECK: I wouldn't say that this is a grand scholarly work exactly.