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Fifty years ago, John Glenn was alone on top of a rocket waiting to blast into space and around Earth. In these times, when people can become suddenly famous for doing so little, Glenn's flight is a timeless reminder that the most amazing and marvelous inventions won't work without human skill and daring.

Greece desperately needs a new bailout to avoid a chaotic default and stay in the euro zone, but its EU partners aren't certain the Greeks will follow through on their commitments. EU finance ministers put off approving the bailout last week but meet again on Monday. NPR's Eric Westervelt gives us a status report.

he wild range of roles played by William Shatner over the past half-century goes well beyond Captain Kirk. Host Scott Simon speaks with the pop culture icon, who's returning to Broadway for a one-man show, Shatner's World: We Just Live In It.

There's been much talk, both in Washington and on the campaign trail, about standing up to China and dealing with the trade imbalance. It's all based on the idea that China will continue to grow and become an economic powerhouse, but there are many reasons why that might not be inevitable. Host Scott Simon checks in with NPR's Frank Langfitt from Shanghai.

If a feat is "quantifiable and breakable" and there is media proof of it, RecordSetter's co-founder says, the website will recognize it as a world record. The website accepts submissions for just about anything.

Celebrities joined Whitney Houston's family Saturday at a private funeral service for the pop superstar at her hometown church in Newark, N.J. On the streets outside, hundreds of fans gathered to pay their respects, but police barricades kept them several blocks away from the church.

Researchers have long known that aspirin can be risky for children who have asthma. Now some researchers are pointing to data that suggests acetaminophen could be a problem, too.

Pediatric surgeons often have to improvise the tools of their trade, because surgical instruments are not often designed specifically for children. Some surgeons are teaming up with engineers to try to change this.

McKenzie, half of the New Zealand musical comedy duo Flight of the Conchords, wrote five songs in the recent Muppetsmovie. "Man or Muppet" is nominated for Best Original Song at this year's Academy Awards. [extended cut]

The resolution of the Greek debt crisis will depend, in part, on whether bondholders can be persuaded to take big losses on their holdings. At this point, it appears that most are willing to take their lumps and move on. But if enough of them balk at the settlement, it could tip Greece into default.