To the Point
Avatar: Science Fiction Channels the Culture Wars
James Cameron's Avatar is more than a 3-D blockbuster. The New York Times says it has "burrowed into the cultural consciousness" from the US to China. It's even accused of causing a heart attack in Taiwan. We hear from critics and fans. Also, a possible power shift at the Treasury Department and Federal Reserve, and the Winter Olympics are scheduled to open three weeks from today. Where’s the snow?
By Warren Olney • • 50m ListenJames Cameron's Avatar is more than a 3-D blockbuster. The New York Times says it has "burrowed into the cultural consciousness" from the US to China. It's even accused of causing a heart attack in Taiwan. We hear from critics and fans. Also, a possible power shift at the Treasury Department and Federal Reserve. On Reporter's Notebook, will there be snow in Vancouver for the Winter Olympics?
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3 storiesObama Picks a Fight with the Big Banks
Former chair of the Federal Reserve, Paul Volker, is gaining clout with the Obama Administration, pushing a crackdown on Wall Street. Meantime the current chair, Ben Bernanke , may not have the votes to be reconfirmed when his term runs out in a little over a week. David Cho reports for the Washington Post .
Read the story8 minAvatar: Science Fiction Channels the Culture Wars
On its way to becoming the top grossing film of all time, James Cameron's Avatar is already famous for more than its mind-boggling 3-D special effects. It's causing arguments about war and peace, religion, the environment and technology, race relations, patriotism and chain smoking.
Read the story36 minWinter Olympics without All the Snow
Canada has poured big money into the 2010 Winter Olympics , with high hopes of winning its first gold medal on home soil. But with competition scheduled to begin three weeks from today, it may take what amounts to a military effort to get enough snow to Cypress Mountain, a major venue 30 minutes from Vancouver.
Read the story7 min
