National

Music News

Shaw Recalled as Giant of the Dance Band Era

December 31, 2004 • Clarinetist, composer, and orchestra leader Artie Shaw died Thursday at his home in Thousand Oaks, Calif. He was 94. Shaw was one of the great musicians of the dance band era. NPR's Steve Inskeep has a remembrance.

A Chat with Jazz Man Von Freeman

December 31, 2004 • In a special holiday rebroadcast, NPR's Tony Cox sits down for a conversation with Chicago's treasured jazz man, Von Freeman.

Obituaries

A Tribute to Fats Waller

Fresh Air

December 31, 2004 • We rebroadcast a tribute to the great vocalist and composer Thomas "Fats" Waller from May 19, 2004. Guitarist and singer Marty Grosz and cornet player Randy Reinhart join us for a special in-studio performance in honor of Waller's 100th birthday. Waller wrote many hit songs, appeared in films in the 1930s and '40s, and wrote Broadway musicals.

News

NASA's Oldest Active Astronaut Retires

December 31, 2004 • After 42 years of exploring the stars, NASA's longest-serving astronaut, John Young, is retiring at the age of 74. Young was a pilot on the first Gemini mission, has walked on the moon and helped design the space shuttle. He discusses his career in space flight with NPR's Steve Inskeep.

World

A Look at One U.S. Aid Group's Tsunami Relief Efforts

December 31, 2004 • Direct Relief International, a medical relief agency in Santa Barbara, Calif., is working overtime to get millions of dollars in drug and health care donations to the victims of the Indian Ocean tsunami as quickly as possible. NPR's Carrie Kahn reports.

Reid Prepares to Lead Senate Democrats

December 31, 2004 • When the 109th Congress convenes next week, Nevada's Harry Reid will take over as the new minority leader of his fellow Democratic senators. The former minority whip, Reid is a Mormon convert. He's pro-gun, anti-abortion and a strong ally of the mining industry. NPR's David Welna profiles Reid.

Obituaries

In Arts and Politics, 2004 Saw Notable Passings

December 31, 2004 • Melissa Block commemorates notable deaths in 2004, highlighting in sound and voice the lives of Marlon Brando, Ronald Reagan and Ray Charles.

Business

US Airways Tries to Make Up for Christmas Debacle

December 31, 2004 • US Air attempts to make up for its dismal performance over the Christmas holiday by providing VIP treatment to travelers this weekend. The troubled airline cancelled flights and misplaced thousands of bags during the holiday. Now it is asking its workers to volunteer -- handing out potato chips and cocoa to passengers in Philadelphia in hopes of getting back in their good graces. NPR's Frank Langfitt reports.

Federal Agencies Investigate Airline Laser Incidents

December 31, 2004 • Federal agencies are investigating a series of incidents involving lasers shined into the eyes of pilots during commercial flights. The lasers can cause eye injury and disorientation. All the flights landed safely. NPR's Luke Burbank reports.

World

U.S. Boosts Tsunami Aid

December 31, 2004 • The White House announces the U.S. will boost its aid contribution to tsunami victims from $35 million to $350 million. Secretary of State Colin Powell said the increase came after discussions with disaster officials made clear the size of the tragedy. Hear NPR's Larry Abramson.

U.S. Boosts Tsunami Aid

Audio for this story is unavailable.

Religion

Sri Lankan Monk on Dealing with Tsunami Disaster

December 31, 2004 • Walpola Piyananda, a Buddhist monk, shares his experience as a Sri Lankan spiritual leader in the United States, in the wake of the tsunami that devastated his native country.

Last Laughs 2004: Dan Aykroyd

Fresh Air

December 31, 2004 • As one of the original stars of Saturday Night Live, Dan Aykroyd brought to life several classic sketches: the Coneheads, the Wild and Crazy Guys, and the Blues Brothers. He went on to star in a number of films, including Trading Places and The Blues Brothers, and was Oscar-nominated for his role in Driving Miss Daisy. We rebroadcast an interview from Nov. 22, 2004.

Your Money

Paying for College Without Going Broke

December 31, 2004 • As many high school seniors consider which colleges to attend, their families are trying to figure out how to pay for it. Jonathon Clements of The Wall Street Journal has some advice for parents on how to pay for college -- and still save for your own retirement.

Education

Florida's Pre-Kindergarten Program Draws Critics

December 31, 2004 • Florida legislatures this month approved pre-kindergarten classes for children across the state, in response to a constitutional amendment approved by the state's voters in 2002. But now that the program has become law, some fear it will not deliver quality education. Hear Amy Tardif of member station WGCU.

Congressman-Elect Emanuel Cleaver

December 31, 2004 • NPR's Tony Cox chats with Emanuel Cleaver, the freshman representative from Missouri's Fifth Congressional District. He's one of five new African-American members of Congress, and next week he'll be sworn into the 109th Congress.