Weekend America

Coming Back, Fitting In

Unlike the Civil War veteran, who had to trudge across muddy fields and back roads for weeks or even months before getting home, today's soldiers are put on a jet in Baghdad one day and are back home at Wal-Mart the next. Some military experts say the transition from combat to civilian life is too fast. And veterans say when they do get back they're strangers in their own country.

Immigration: One Thing

From Iraq to Detroit

The Augustin family fled Iraq and now they live in Detroit. Producers Ann Heppermann and Kara Oehler talk with them about the one thing they managed to hold on to: their home movies.

Another Great Moment in Small Talk

Around this time last year, Charlie Schroeder couldn't stop imitating the faux Kazakhstani journalist, Borat. His addiction peaked over Thanksgiving while at a friend's wedding in Mexico. He only knew a few people there, but he figured he'd charm the others with his humor and spot-on impersonation. Schroeder tells the story with help from the groom, Jay Reiss.

Beyond the Silk Road With Yo-Yo Ma

Yo-Yo Ma has worked for nearly a decade and educate people about the culture of the Silk Road. Weekend America's Bill Radke speaks with the renowned cellist about his latest collaboration with the Silk Road Ensemble.

Song & Memory

Song and Memory: "Let's Get Together"

Harley Hansen was finishing his first year of college in 1970. The Weathermen Underground were threatening to blow up buildings, anti-war demonstrations were happening on college campuses and students like Hansen were inspired by the peace-minded music of the time.

Tightening Belts on the Weekend

As the stock market wobbles and credit tightens, American consumers are cutting back, or taking on second or third jobs. Often weekend fun is the first to go when times get tough. We hear from listeners on how the economy is cutting into their weekends.

Life-Changing House

Seven years ago, Karen Tips of Winston-Salem, N.C., bought a house for herself and her daughter Katie Rose. Prior to that, they'd been living in a worn-down shack, a life made all the more difficult by the fact that Katie Rose has cerebral palsy. It turned out that the new house changed their life completely. We'll hear their story.

The Sound of Cancer, and Golf

Although Jonathan Berger, a composer and professor of music at Stanford University, has only been on a golf course once in his life, a certain aspect of the sport has played an interesting role in his research. What fascinates him about golf is the same as in cancer cells and oil spills -- their sound.

Weekend Soundtrack

Weekend Soundtrack: "Leave Them All Behind"

We've been asking listeners about the soundtrack to their weekends. This week, we hear from Tim Scanlin, of Pasadena, Calif. Tim listens to us on KPCC in Los Angeles, and his weekend soundtrack is "Leave Them All Behind," by the British band Ride

Back Home: Reflections on Iraq

From December 2003 to October 2004, Sandi Austin, Dylan Tete and Brian Turner completed a tour of duty in Iraq with the U.S. Army. Now they reflect on their very first and very last days on the ground in combat zones.

America at War

Making Violins in the Midst of War

In the year-and-a-half that her husband was in Iraq, Korinthia Klein kept busy by building string instruments. Sarah Lemanczyk spent a Saturday in the busy life of this mother and artisan to bring us her story.