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The accordion was invented in the early 19th century and in that relatively short period of time, it has become an integral part of folk music throughout the world. Daniel talks with Michal Shapiro who produced a 3 cd collection of accordion music from across the planet. This compendium is especially interesting because much of the music defies the stereotype of accordion music as only good for polkas and German beer halls. Shapiro says one reason you find accordions in most countries is because missionaries brought them in as a substitute for church organs and though it's popular as a folk instrument, the accordion still struggles to be accepted as a "serious" instrument by the classical music world. The cd collection is called 'Planet Squeezebox' and is on the Ellipsis Arts record label.

Commentator Marion Winik loves Martin Luther Kings birthday-- you get to honor a great human and you don't have to fuss for days and weeks ahead of time like you do for the other major holidays that precede it!

STEVE BUSALACCHI FROM WISCONSIN PUBLIC RADIO ROUNDS UP ANOTHER WEEKEND OF THE WINTER OF '96...WITH ICE STORMS ACROSS THE SOUTH, SNOW ON THE EAST COAST, AND RECORD-SETTING LOWS -- EVEN IN SOME OF THE NATION'S TRADITIONAL COLD SPOTS.

trade minister Ryutaro Hashimoto as the new Japanese Prime Minister.

Workers are protesting cuts proposed in social programs while German trade unions have agreed to a wage freeze.

Computer experts and police in California are trying military technology in troubled neighborhoods to track down gunshots. Too often residents direct police to the sound of gunshots. Reporter Chris Arnold in San Francisco says the experimental system employs an array of microphones to locate the source of a gunshot and immediately relays the information to police.

Daniel talks with Creed Jackson, a former construction contractor and consultant, about the do''s and don''ts when it comes to hiring a contractor for home renovations. Jackson says there''s a couple of things to be wary of - such as does the contractor have references, and a license, and does the customer know exactly what the contractor''s going to do for them?

On the eve of Rene Preval's inauguration as Haiti's next president, David Welna reports from Port-au-Prince on on the legacy of outgoing Jean-Bertrand Aristide. He points to disbanding the military as one of his accomplishments, yet getting at the truth about human rights has been difficult. The U.S. has yet to turn over documents that would further the task.

NPR's Wade Goodwyn reports on a monthly flea market in Dallas, Texas, where hackers and company executive come to find the best bargains in computer hardware and software.

With the campaign for a seven-year balanced federal budget stalled, along with the restructuring of the government it would have enacted, congressional Republicans are mapping a new strategy for their revolution. NPR's Brian Naylor looks at how they are talking about proceeding.