Day to Day

Pitching As a Metaphor for Life

Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005

Teachings: Big-League Pitching Skills
In the second of a series of reports on mentoring, Eric Liu talks with Major League Baseball pitching coach Bryan Price of the Seattle Mariners about how to throw balls that make batters miss. Listen to the segment. Explainer: Prisoners and Natural Disasters
Andy Bowers looks at the practice of using prison inmates to assist in the aftermath of natural disasters, like the mudslide that has so far claimed 10 lives in La Conchita, Calif. Listen to the segment.

Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005

Jurisprudence: Fed Sentencing Ruling
NPR’s Alex Chadwick talks with Dahlia Lithwick about the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision Wednesday that potentially invalidates the prison sentences of many federal inmates and changes the rules for mandatory sentencing. The court ruled in United States v. Booker that the practice of federal judges adding time to sentences outside of the jury process is unconstitutional. Listen to the segment.

Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005

Explainer: National Guard vs. Reserve
Andy Bowers outlines the differences between National Guard and Reserve forces. Listen to the segment.

Jurisprudence: Challenges to Public Prayer
NPR’s Madeleine Brand speaks with Dahlia Lithwick about two new lawsuits regarding public prayer. The California man who filed both suits, Michael Newdow, is challenging prayer in public schools and also at the presidential inauguration. Listen to the segment.

Monday, Jan. 10, 2005

How They Do It: Paper or Plastic Money?
NPR’s Eric Weiner reports on the somewhat difficult decision for some countries whether to make their currency out of plastic instead of paper. Plastic lasts longer, is harder to counterfeit, and carries fewer germs—but does it carry the same psychological weight as paper money? Listen to the segment.Ballot Box: The Gingrich Book Tour
NPR’s Madeleine Brand talks with Chris Suellentrop about former U.S. Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich’s tour to promote his new book, Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America. Gingrich shares his thoughts on the current debate over the future of Social Security and the other political voices weighing in on reform options for the program. Listen to the segment.