Around the Nation
2:37 pm
Mon January 16, 2012

Botox Tax Goes Under The Knife In New Jersey

Credit Win McNamee / Getty Images
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is considering a bill that would eliminate the state's 6 percent tax on cosmetic medical procedures like Botox by July 2013.

If you watch much TV, you probably know that the Real Housewives of New Jersey are no strangers to the surgeon's knife. And if the state's plastic surgeons get their way, those housewives may be able to save a few dollars on their next procedure.

New Jersey's legislature has voted to phase out the so-called "Botax" — a 6 percent tax on cosmetic surgery and elective procedures like Botox — and the bill is currently on Gov. Chris Christie's desk for approval.

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Multimedia
2:01 pm
Mon January 16, 2012

Photos: Sunk Cruise Ship In Italy

Originally published on Wed May 23, 2012 10:06 am

A luxury cruise liner went aground off Italy's coast on Friday.

Deceptive Cadence
1:53 pm
Mon January 16, 2012

Violinist Joshua Bell: 'French Impressions,' Yesterday And Today

When Joshua Bell was 21, he recorded an iconic piece of chamber music for piano and violin — the Sonata in A major by Cesar Franck. Today, Bell is 44 and he's recorded it again. It's on his new album, French Impressions, with pianist Jeremy Denk.

All Things Considered host Robert Siegel invited Bell to listen to his old recording for a little session of compare-and-contrast.

"Do you hear the same violinist?" Siegel asks, after playing for Bell the opening bars of his 1989 recording.

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History
12:00 pm
Mon January 16, 2012

Revisiting King's 'I Have A Dream' Speech

The nation celebrates the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday. As millions honor his legacy with a national day of service, we take a moment to reflect on his legacy with the original "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered on August 28, 1963, on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

NPR Story
12:00 pm
Mon January 16, 2012

Deciphering Mixed Messages On Drinking And Health

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that binge drinking, usually associated with young people, seems to be an issue among adults as well. And the University of Connecticut recently found Dr. Dipak Das, who studied on an ingredient in red wine, had falsified data on its benefits.

NPR Story
12:00 pm
Mon January 16, 2012

Op-Ed: With Iran, Give Diplomacy A Chance

As nations tighten economic sanctions and Iran threatens to close the Strait of Hormuz, tensions between U.S. and Iran are mounting. Former Ambassador and trustee of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy Thomas Pickering argues that military action isn't the solution in Iran.

NPR Story
12:00 pm
Mon January 16, 2012

Super PACS Alter Nation's Campaign Landscape

The Supreme Court's 2010 Citizen's United ruling loosened campaign finance restrictions, enabling corporations to spend unlimited amounts of money on elections. As a result, super PACs — political action committees — can solicit large corporate contributions and produce a plethora of attack ad campaigns.

Presidential Race
10:23 am
Mon January 16, 2012

Unable To Gain Traction, Jon Huntsman Drops Out

Credit Win McNamee / Getty Images
Republican presidential candidate Jon Huntsman, pictured here speaking to students in October, announced Monday at an event in Myrtle Beach, S.C., that he was dropping out of the race.

Jon Huntsman billed himself as the Harley-riding, mild-mannered candidate of civility. But his moderate positions never registered with Republican primary voters and left him languishing in the polls.

Huntsman, 51, ended his bid for the Republican presidential nomination Monday after struggling to keep pace in a largely conservative field. He also failed to distinguish himself as the Mitt Romney alternative, unable to escape the shadow of the other millionaire former governor and Mormon in the race.

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Deceptive Cadence
9:19 am
Mon January 16, 2012

Attention, Teenage Orchestral Musicians: Here's Your Big Chance

Originally published on Mon January 16, 2012 8:00 am

Are you an extremely talented orchestral player? Looking for something to do summer after next? Are you a teenager? If the answer to all three is yes, here's a chance to meet other kids who love Bach and Brahms as much as you do and to learn from some of America's finest musicians. Many of your expenses will be paid, you'll have the honor of being associated with one of the world's foremost presenters, and — oh yeah, one last thing — you'll get to tour the world with Valery Gergiev.

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Deceptive Cadence
9:18 am
Mon January 16, 2012

Around The Classical Internet: January 13, 2011

Credit courtesy of New York City Opera
In better days, a New York City Opera attendee takes in a display about the beleagured company's rich history.

Originally published on Fri January 13, 2012 6:15 pm

  • As of Monday, New York City Opera had locked out orchestra and chorus members though the company's first production of the 2011-12 season, a weeklong run of La Traviata at the Brooklyn Academy of Music scheduled to begin Feb. 12. Risa Heller, a spokeswoman for the opera, says City Opera is taking things 'one day at a time.' But with a first performance scheduled for Feb. 12 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, time is running out.
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