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Protesters In Brazil Claim Victory, Fare Hikes Rescinded
Two cities in Brazil have canceled bus and subway fare hikes after massive demonstrations. Anger over poor public services and government spending on sports arenas brought thousands of protesters into the streets.
Lax Education In Humanities, Social Sciences Spark Outcry
A new report argues that humanities and social sciences are as essential to the country's economic and civic future as science and technology. The study by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences was commissioned in 2010 by a bipartisan group of members of Congress. It comes at a time when the value of the liberal arts is being challenged by economic and political forces.
Parisians Encouraged To Be Kinder To Tourists
A new campaign will distribute 30,000 pamphlets called "do you speak touriste?" It includes among other things, greetings in eight languages and cultural clues.
Hopeful Week In Afghanistan Turns Sour
The Obama administration sounded a hopeful note on Afghanistan earlier this week. It was announced that Afghan forces had taken the lead on security and that the Taliban was opening an office in Qatar, giving hope for renewed peace talks. Within hours, a Taliban attack killed four Americans and Afghan officials called off their talks with the U.S. Renee Montagne talks Alissa Rubin, Kabul bureau chief for The New York Times, for details.
Baby Saved By Daughter Of Baseball Great Joe Torre
A one-year-old boy fell out of a window in New York. He was dangling from an awning then he dropped. Waiting below with open arms was Cristina Torre. Her dad, a former catcher, told the New York Post his daughter always had quick hands.
What Makes Rituals Special? Join Us For A Google+ Conversation
From savoring a morning coffee to lighting a candle each night, people employ rituals all over the world. NPR science correspondent Shankar Vedantam speaks with behavior scientist Francesca Gino and Slate columnist William Saletan about the role of rituals in human life.