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World
7:00 am
Sun December 11, 2011

Youngest South-Pole Skier In Family Of Firsts

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Last week, a 16-year-old British schoolgirl became the youngest person to ski to the South Pole. Amelia Hempleman-Adams was part of a nine-person party that slogged 97 miles to the bottom of the world. Host Audie Cornish takes note of Hempleman-Adams' feat.

Sports
7:00 am
Sun December 11, 2011

What's Major League Soccer Without Beckham?

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David Beckham's contract with LA Galaxy ends Dec. 31. Beckham's star power has helped make soccer more popular in America. Host Audie Cornish speaks with football critic David Henry Sterry about the impact Beckham has had on Major League Soccer.

Media
6:55 am
Sun December 11, 2011

In Time Of Need, Romney Turns To Media

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Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney has a newfound eagerness to talk to reporters — some of them, at least.

To hear Romney tell it, you'd think he had always welcomed the press corps.

"You're going to see me all over the country, particularly in early primary states," Romney said last week to Fox News host Neil Cavuto. "I'll be on TV — I'll be on Fox a lot because you guys matter when it comes to Republican primary voters. I want them to hear my message and have an opportunity to make their choice."

Off Mic, On Script

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Living Large: Obesity In America
5:04 am
Sun December 11, 2011

Spandex Has Stretched With U.S. Waistlines

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Credit Marisa Penaloza / NPR
Ed Gribbin, head of Alvanon, says spandex is a "democratic" fiber because it morphs to the body as opposed to limiting it.
Credit Getty Images
The Swedish musical group ABBA performs onstage in 1979, all wearing blue and lavender spandex outfits.
Credit Courtesy of Alvanon
Alvanon, a clothing size and fit consulting firm in Manhattan, uses a device called AlvaScan to create model forms — which are then used to create clothing sizes.
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Originally published on Wed August 1, 2012 5:44 pm

Part of an ongoing series on obesity in America

When you think of spandex, 1970s disco mania may come to mind. Spandex came off the dance floor and into everyone's closet — stretchy leggings, jumpsuits and leg warmers were the rage. But spandex had a life before disco. It was invented by two DuPont chemists. It made its debut in 1959, first used in bras and jockstraps, as well as in workout gear.

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Living Large: Obesity In America
5:04 am
Sun December 11, 2011

From Body Scan To Body Form: Sizing A Clothing Line

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Credit Courtesy of Alvanon
Alvanon is the largest maker of mannequin body forms in the world. The Manhattan-based company uses a device called AlvaScan to create these forms — which are then used to create clothing sizes. "We are so diverse that in any given size, there are probably four or six different body types that are represented," says the company's president, Ed Gribbin.
Credit Courtesy of Alvanon
A model's measurements are scanned. Then, after adjustments are made, a 3-D body is created, followed by the final mannequin form.
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Originally published on Wed August 1, 2012 5:44 pm

Are you size 4? A 6? An 8? Often women shoppers don't know. And they can actually be all those sizes without gaining or losing an ounce.

Ed Gribbin, president of Alvanon, a clothing size and fit consulting firm in New York City, says everyone has a number in their head. When you go shopping, you instinctively look for your size, but more often than not, the item doesn't fit.

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