Sunday, January 12, 2020

More Drinks, More Deaths; Parrots Show Some Love; Fed Up With Facebook Fundraisers?

Plus, paint and draw your way to happiness

Stories And Podcasts You May Have Missed

Have you ever had a memory, but you aren't sure whether you dreamed it or read it or saw it in a movie?
Atieh Sohrabi for NPR

After federal agents searched 12-year-old Farnoush Amiri's home, fear caused her family to tone down their Iranian identity. They no longer spoke Farsi in public, Farnoush straightened her hair and her brother, Sohrab, began to go by "Rob."

Getting tired of looking at a Facebook feed flooded with fundraising appeals? You are not alone. Some Facebook users think it's getting to be too much of a good thing.

More Americans are ordering more rounds of drinks, and that's leading to more funerals. A new report says deaths from alcohol-related problems have more than doubled over the last 20 years.

For three decades, Georgia and Florida have been battling over how to share a precious resource: water. Georgia has it, and Florida, which is downstream, says it's not getting its fair share. It's a problem likely to intensify in other areas as the climate warms.

A new NPR poll finds what most people suspect: The wealthier you are, the happier you are. But the findings also highlight a few surprising similarities and differences between the richest and poorest Americans about what it takes to succeed in this country.

Newsletter continues after sponsor message


U.S.-Iran Tensions

Seeking to justify President Trump's decision to have Iran's top general killed in a drone strike, Trump's allies favor the same adjective to describe the danger that prompted that attack: imminent. 
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
Seeking to justify President Trump's decision to have Iran's top general killed in a drone strike, Trump's allies favor the same adjective to describe the danger that prompted that attack: imminent. 

Satellite photos taken last week show that an Iranian missile strike caused extensive damage at an air base in Iraq that hosts U.S. and coalition troops.

In a "terrible catastrophe," Iran says it mistakenly shot missiles at a Ukrainian civilian jetliner minutes after takeoff on Wednesday. The plane crashed on the outskirts of Tehran, killing 176 people.

This Week's Best Listens

Recent research has explored "helping" behavior in species ranging from nonhuman primates to rats and bats. To see whether intelligent birds might help out a feathered pal, scientists did an experiment using African grey parrots like these.
Henry Lok/EyeEm/Getty Images

Polly, share a cracker? Parrots can perform impressive feats of intelligence. A new study suggests that some of these "feathered apes" may also practice acts of unconditional kindness. (Listening time, 1:49 or read the story)

The recent hiring of three white NFL head coaches has stirred up talk about the league's lack of diversity in its coaching ranks. Only three of 32 teams have an African American head coach. (Listening time, 3:23 or read the transcript)

High expectations and little support are sending Gen X women into a state of angst when they hit middle age. (Listening time, 7:16 or read interview highlights)

Here's To Better Health

What is going on in my brain when I draw? Why does it feel so nice?
Credit: Meredith Rizzo/NPR

Whether it's woodworking, sewing or sculpting teeny cupcakes out of bright purple clay, art is good for your mind and body. It activates the reward centers in the brain, lowers stress and lets you think more deeply. Here is how to get started (even if you don't consider yourself an artist). 

Want to quit your job? Life Kit helps you leave your job in a way that could actually help build your reputation and set you up for success in your next role. Think building bridges, not burning them.
— By Suzette Lohmeyer
 
Listen to your favorite NPR Member station live on your Alexa or Google Home device. Just tell your smart speaker to, “Play NPR.”

What do you think of today's email? We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions and feedback: bestofnpr@npr.org
Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can sign up here.
Looking for more great content? Check out all of our newsletter offerings — including Daily News, Politics, Health and more!
You received this message because you're subscribed to Best of NPR emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy

No comments:

Post a Comment