Search results for

The U.S. trade imbalance with the rest of the world, especially China, is forcing American manufacturers to find ways to boost their exports in order to stay afloat. NPR's Adam Davidson visited two factories in Erie, Pa., that are focusing on niches that cheap labor in China cannot easily fill.

Bandleader, clarinetist and arranger Artie Shaw has died at home in Los Angeles. His health had declined since Thanksgiving. He was 94. Shaw's recording of "Begin the Beguine" became so popular in 1938 that it brought him to an even footing with the other so-called "King of Swing" -- Benny Goodman. NPR's Robert Siegel has a remembrance.

On Jan. 1, the global agreement that has capped garment industry exports for decades will expire. China is among the countries poised to benefit from the change, and some U.S. companies are making changes to compete. NPR's Kathleen Schalch reports.

In the second of a year-end series of reflections, commentator and philosopher Alain de Botton explains why having an idealized view of the world can be appealing and helpful.

NPR's Robert Siegel talks to Theodore Sizer, a former high school principal and the founder of the Coalition of Essential Schools. Sizer talks about what's wrong with American high schools and how they might be improved. Sizer is also the author of The Red Pencil: Convictions from Experience in Education.

NPR writers and critics pick the best albums of 2004. Included is music by Modest Mouse, Tinariwen, The Hilliard Ensemble, Brian Wilson, Guy Davis and Wilco.

Among the nominees for best new artist at this Sunday's Grammy Awards are Tex-Mex artists Los Lonely Boys, the Los Angeles band Maroon 5, young British soul singer Joss Stone, producer-turned-rapper Kanye West and the hot country artist Gretchen Wilson. Michele Norris talks with music critic Tom Moon about the category.

President Bush is getting a brand new cowboy hat, just in time for his second inauguration. The hat, the second to be made for Bush by Trent Johnson, is a gift from the National Cattleman's Beef Association. Brian Larson of member station KUMC in Greeley, Colo. reports.

Secretary of state nominee Condoleezza Rice addresses tough questions from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee about the justification for the war in Iraq and an exit strategy. She returned Wednesday to the Capitol for a second round of questioning.

Research published in this week's New England Journal of Medicine examines alcohol's effect on memory and mental function in older people, and suggests that moderate drinking may help prevent memory loss and mental decline.