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A gang is demanding millions of dollars in ransom for 17 kidnapped missionaries. Faith-based humanitarian groups say their work demands balancing risk with the need to serve the most vulnerable.

A truly global economy and the ever-expanding reach of the Internet are compelling us all to "think globally." Yet the results of a new National Geographic-Roper study reveals young people aged 18 to 24 remain woefully ignorant about geography and world affairs. In fact, 83 percent of Americans quizzed couldn't find Afghanistan on a map. All Things Considered guest host Lynn Neary talks with National Geographic Society President John Fahey about the quiz results -- test your knowledge, and take the quiz online.

NPR's Sarah McCammon speaks with Georgia State Senator Butch Miller about the recent voting bill he co-sponsored.

In January 1940, Irving Berlin, the most popular songwriter in America, raced into his office and asked his musical secretary to take down a new song. NPR's Susan Stamberg reports on the history of "White Christmas," a song Berlin said was the best he — or anyone — ever wrote.

On Weekend Edition Saturday, Bryan Gruley, colleague of slain reporter Daniel Pearl, talks with John Ydstie and plays a song he wrote with Pearl's son in mind for a planned benefit concert.

In 1937, Bradford Washburn and partner Robert Bates climbed Mt. Lucania, a 17,000-foot peak in the Yukon Territory. They very nearly failed to return. The book Escape from Lucania chronicles the expedition. NPR's John Ydstie speaks with Washburn, 92, and author David Roberts.

The book of Deuteronomy mentions seven holy foods that Tom Ciola thought might make a good snack bar. He tried it, and with a couple additional ingredients, made it work. Now Ciola's "Bible Bar" has become a hit at Christian bookstores, and his company, House of David, is distributing a number of religious health foods, including Bible Granola and a "Back to the Garden" meal replacement. Lynn Neary talks with Tom Ciola about the products. Ciola has also published a guide called "Moses Wasn't Fat."

John Dillon reports Vermonters are worried the results of last week's election might be felt in the Green Mountain State. Vermont enjoyed significant power while Democrats controlled the United States Senate. Now the GOP's on top, and Sens. Jim Jeffords and Patrick Leahy may be out in the cold.

In Central America, most of the best musicians around wind up in cover bands, because it pays better than trying to do original material. But Prueba de Sonido refuses to do that. This Salvadoran band hopes its style of rock propels it onto the international stage. Reporter Clark Boyd reports from San Salvador.

Many people do not understand the difference between debit and credit cards. That was exemplified when we took an unscientific survey of people on the street in Washington, D.C. So, Lynn Neary turns to Ronnie Roha, associate editor of Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine, to answer the question at hand.