Deployment at Twentynine Palms
More marines from Twentynine Palms, California are being deployed to Iraq this weekend. The community has learned to cope with the coming and going of troops over the years. As part of an ongoing series, Weekend America's Pat Loeb discovered, it's a situation the soldier's families never get used to.

Hamas, Palestine and Democracy
President Bush likes democracy, but in the case of this week's Palestinian elections, he's not pleased with its outcome. Hamas, listed by the State Department as a foreign terrorist organization, won the election. It raises an important question about foreign policy: If the results of an election are not in America's self interest, can democracy be trumped? Weekend America host Barbara Bogaev put that question to Edward Peck, a former ambassador to Baghdad and the deputy director of the White House Task Force on terrorism in the Reagan Administration.

The Universal Constant
If there has been one unifying factor throughout American history, what would it be? Author James P. Moore argues that it's prayer. That's the subject of his book, One Nation under God: The History of Prayer in America, and he talks to host Barbara Bogaev about what he discovered.

No Respect for Cross-Country
With their lightning speed and flashy moves, downhill skiers and snowboarders enjoy a lot of glory on the slopes. But as Olympian Carl Swenson tells reporter Jason Paur, getting recognition and support as a cross-country skier is an uphill battle.

Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year is observed by many cultures this weekend. Weekend America host Bill Radke checks in with people in cities across America to learn about the differences in the Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese-based celebrations.

Happy Birthday Amadeus
The 250th anniversary of Mozart's birthday is being celebrated this weekend. To mark the occasion, producer Melody Ng of Minnesota Public Radio talked to Mozart fans to learn how the composer and his music have touched their lives.

Weekend Weather
Weekend America's John Moe takes a look at the weather and Saturday happenings all across the country.

Pop Music: Jenny Lewis
There' a new solo CD out this weekend from Jenny Lewis, the singer with the band Rilo Kiley. The band is a favorite of Elvis Costello. But will her new recording a favorite of yours? Pop music critic Alan Light joins host Barbara Bogaev to give us a sample.

Guests of Honor
President Bush delivers his State of the Union Address next week. For many years now, selected Americans have been invited to attend the speech and be recognized by the President. What Americans would you select to appear this year? Weekend America's Bill Radke puts that question to a group of individuals President Reagan recognized 20 years ago.

Born to Lose
Gambling has long been part of Chinese New Years celebrations around the world. Weekend America host Bill Radke talks to author Bill Lee about the tradition of gambling in his culture and its consequences for his family.

Pop Music: Cat Power
On her new CD, The Greatest, Cat Power has solicited the help of Al Green's horn section to give her music a hint of southern soul. Will it make her fans happy? Pop Critic Alan Light shares his thoughts with Weekend America's Barbara Bogaev.

Waste of Time
Earlier this week, Oprah Winfrey took author James Frey to task this week for lying in his memoir, A Million Little Pieces. And the best-selling author is still feeling the heat. Two angry readers are suing Frey for wasting their time. Weekend America host Bill Radke explores who he would like to go after for his wasted time.

Winter Caretaker
If you visit most New England wilderness campsites in the winter, you tend to be on your own. But there is still a brave and freezing ranger left to take care of them. The job of wilderness caretaker is often lonely in any season, and is especially lonely and desolate in the heart of a cold New Hampshire winter. Independent producer Jesse Dukes introduces us to caretaker Peter Mattox.

Weekend Weather
Weekend America's John Moe takes a look at the weather and Saturday happenings all across the country.

Bring Your Own Voice
Halsey Burgund of Cambridge, Massachusetts has a recording booth and an unusual pastime. He asks people questions, records their answers in his portable plywood studio, and then sets them to music. Independent producer Shannon Mullen put him to work by having him ask people about the meaning of weekends.