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Whether a Congress can be defined as do-something or do-nothing is really in the eye of the beholder. If you judge Congress by its ability to pass landmark legislation or bills that address the real needs of the U.S. population, then you likely won't be giving Congress over the next year high marks for accomplishing much.

NPR's Deborah Amos, who covers the Middle East, ponders the question, "Is a story worth dying for?"

U.S. bobsled racers triumphed at the 2010 Winter Olympics, but it's been tough sledding ever since. The American team has lost big sponsors and struggled to win big races. This weekend, the world's top sled teams face off in Lake Placid, N.Y., for the world championships. North Country Public Radio's Brian Mann reports that American athletes hope the home-track advantage will give them a shot at a medal.

Goats bleat, but a new study says they don't all do it with the same accent. Host Scott Simon talks to Professor Alan McElligott from Queen Mary University of London, who co-authored a study showing that goats' voices change as they move from different environments.

Kyle Killen, the man who wrote the new drama Awake, was also behind the Mel Gibson flop The Beaver and the critically hailed but quickly cancelled Lone Star. Can he change his luck?

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

Ahead of Senegal's presidential elections this coming weekend, rock-throwing youth have been pouring into the streets of the capital Dakar to protest the president's desire for a third term. They say they will make Senegal ungovernable unless Abdoulaye Wade, 85, steps down.

South Korea conducts live-fire military drills Monday near its disputed sea boundary with North Korea, despite Pyongyang's threat to respond with a "merciless" attack. The exercise took place in the same area of the Yellow Sea that was the targeted by a North Korean artillery attack in 2010.

The Colbert Report is set to resume production Monday, after a hiatus last week that was brought on by concerns over the health of Stephen Colbert's mother. Lorna Colbert, 91, lives in Charleston, S.C., where the Comedy Central star grew up.

Major League Baseball's spring training has begun, as catchers and pitchers have made their way to Florida and Arizona to prepare for the 2012 season. Stories so far include young stars Buster Posey and Stephen Strasburg returning to the Giants and Nationals, respectively.