Search results for

The Commerce Department released figures today showing a sharp drop in industrial production during January. Jim Zarroli reports the government data is just one more sign that the economy has slowed considerably over the past year. But some economists say the picture may not be as bad as today's numbers suggest.

Noah talks to Tod Marks, Senior Editor at Consumer Reports Magazine, who writes the monthly Recalls column. They discuss the process of recalling consumer products. He says the number of people who respond to a recall tends to rise with the price of the item. He also says automobiles are the easiest item to recall, because there are records of who bought them.

Reporter Alex van Oss reports on a theater production in Arlington, Virginia that shines the spotlight on one of Dostoyevsky's lesser known qualities, his sense of humor. The play is called Someone Else's Wife and the Husband Under the Bed and is brought to life under the guidance of Russian director Yuri Kordonsky.

NPR's Martin Kaste from Caracas reports on the end of the OPEC summit. The meeting finished with the release of a statement reassuring the world that OPEC nations would continue to provide a steady, dependable supply of oil. But also maintained they would continue to adjust production to keep price within a "fair" range.

NPR's Martin Kaste reports on the OPEC summit in Caracas, Venezuela -- where Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is relishing his country's newfound importance in global energy policy and the high price per barrel of oil. Leaders of OPEC nations are making plans at the meeting for future oil production strategies.

Wireless phone and data service providers are in need of more "airwave real estate." As the number of customers for their products increases, wireless companies are ready to pay big money for use of the public airwaves. NPR's Larry Abramson reports the government is preparing to auction more frequencies. But there's a catch -- they're being used.

BBC's Charles Scanlon reports on the resurgence of Japan's economy. During the April-to-June quarter Japan's economy expanded one percent. According to the Economic Planning Agency the inflation adjusted increase in gross domestic product from the previous quarter translated into a four point two percent annual growth.

Liane Hansen speaks with Ralph Bronner, the son of Rabbi Dr. manuel H. Bronner who made a name for himself as a maker of soap products. Most ften found in alternative and health shops, Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Soap ecame famous not only for the soap itself, but for the label, which is am-packed with religious and philosophical precepts.

NPR's John Ydstie reports the economy showed signs of renewed strength in the first three months of the year. The Commerce Department says the nation's gross domestic product grew 2.8% in the first quarter, a faster rate of growth than most analysts expected. Healthy levels of cnsumer spending and business investment.

their image of manufacturing low-quality products by sending care packages to the East during the holiday season.

The participating countries agreed to endorse free trade goals on computers and other high-tech products.

Commentator Patt Morrison says Los Angeles has recently approved wine-making within the city limits. Despite any doubts food lovers might have about a gourmet product coming out of a city better known for smog and freeways, wine has been a part of the city for a long time.

NPR's Snigdha Prakash reports on lifestyle options of those who've made a fortune in high-tech. With the resources to retire at very early ages, some former employees of AOL are finding ways to enjoy some of life simple pleasures while remaining productive.

From Minnesota Public Radio, reporter Euan Kerr reports on an unusual new production that emphasizes the comedic qualities of Shakespeare's Hamlet. It's being mounted by an innovative Franco-American troupe called Theater de la Jeune Lune.

In an agreement that is likely to end a lengthy transatlantic banana war, the United States said it would lift $191 million in sanctions on European Union products. In return, the E.U. agreed to abandon a system of banana import licenses that Washington strongly opposed. NPR's John Ydstie reports.

Linda Wertheimer talks with Washington Post reporter Mary Pat Flaherty about a report indicating design flaws in the Osprey aircraft. Marine Corps pilots say that the flaws were known about before recent accidents but were ignored, because the corps wanted to win Pentagon funding for full production of the plane.

The costumes onstage in Washington, D.C. might look a bit brighter this opera season. All Things Considered senior host Robert Siegel talks with Alberto Spiazzi, costume designer for Washington Opera's production of Aida, about luminex, a self-illuminating fabric. View the fabric in action.

The Biden administration is encouraging U.S. oil companies to increase their production to help curb record high gasoline prices. But boosting output is easier said than done.

Over the past two years, no fewer than four scripts about Alexander the Great have been in pre-production at four different studios. This example of the duplication of story ideas leads to frequent battles in Hollywood. Host Liane Hansen speaks with Peter Bart, editor of Variety magazine.

Productions Peter Pan have reflected changing social attitudes toward children over the years. The result is that until recently, Peter, the boy who wouldn't grow up, was played by a woman. NPR's Pat Dowell explores the history of the character.