STUFF: Jackson’s biographer Ian Halperin told US gossip magazine In Touch Jackson is suffering from a rare genetic illness called Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, as well as emphysema and gastrointestinal bleeding. The 50-year-old former King of Pop is also reportedly 95 percent blind in his left eye and can barely speak. “He’s had it for years, but it’s gotten worse,” Halperin told In Touch. “He needs a lung transplant but may be too weak to go through with it.” Halperin said the gastrointestinal bleeding was Jackson’s most dangerous ailment: “It could kill him.” Jermaine Jackson has not denied reports of his brother’s suspected ailment. “He’s not doing so well right now. This isn’t a good time,” UK newspaper The Sun is reporting him as saying. Jackson was also seen earlier this year being wheeled around in a wheelchair. His official spokesperson has not commented on the reports. MORE
THE JACKSON 5: I Want You Back
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NPR FOR THE DEAF: We Hear It Even When You Can’t
FRESH AIR
In his new book Remix, law professor Lawrence Lessig explores the changing landscape of intellectual property in the digital age — and argues that antiquated copyright laws should be updated. Lessing is a columnist for Wired and the chair of Creative Commons, a nonprofit organization that promotes the legal sharing, repurposing and remixing of creative work.
RADIO TIMES
Hour 1
Meet John Nagl, a retired US Army officer and one of the authors of the Army’s counterinsurgency field manual. He joins Marty to talk about the choices we need to make in regard to our military strategy in Afghanistan. Listen to this show via Real Audio | mp3
Hour 2
Why is it so difficult for many of us to change our spending habits – to save more money and buy less stuff on credit? We talk with psychologist STUART VYSE, author of “Going Broke: Why Americans Can’t Hold on to Their Money.” Listen to this show via Real Audio | mp3