The National Academy of Engineering in Washington, D.C., once asked its members to pick the greatest engineering achievement ever.

Their choice? The electrification of the country through what's known as "the grid."

Ernest Moniz, director of the Energy Institute at MIT, says they were right on the money.

"That reflects what an amazing machine this is, spread out geographically, always having to balance demand and supply because electricity is not stored," he says.

Here's another good reason to lose weight: It might benefit your friends, family and co-workers. Such altruism might be just the final "nudge" some of us need.

Researchers are finding that the friends and family of obese and overweight individuals who lose weight lost weight themselves, and sometimes a lot of it. Dr. John Morton, who directs Bariatric Surgery at Stanford Hospital & Clinics, calls obesity a "family disease."

No need to be stingy with spices. Research from Penn State finds heavily spiced meals — think chicken curry with lots of turmeric, or desserts rich in cinnamon and cloves — may do the heart good.

"Elevated triglycerides are a risk factor for heart disease," explains researcher Sheila West.

Her study found that a spicy meal helps cut levels of triglycerides, a type of fat, in the blood — even when the meal is rich in oily sauces and high in fat.

Tune in Friday between 2 and 3pm as Joe Kendrick plays tunes selected by -- and maybe even performed by -- our guest Martin Sexton.  He's in the area for shows in Asheville & Charlotte. 

There's a man in Phoenix with a political playbook that has become valuable. So valuable, the Obama campaign believes it could help clinch the president's re-election.

Phoenix City Council Member Daniel Valenzuela is a fourth-generation Mexican-American. Last year, he won a seat on the Phoenix City Council in a traditionally Republican district, and he did it by increasing Latino voter turnout by 488 percent.

WNCW is a Media Sponsor of MerleFest.  Get details here.

John and I thank all of our listeners for their overwhelming show of support, keeping 'This Old Porch' alive and well. We're in this together:)

Today, on Sunday's show we'll explore the contributions of Andy Cohen in Western North Carolina, listen to the music of Blind Boy Paxton, the new Carolina Chocolate Drops CD and other new releases from the 'in box' and continue to discover newly added music in the WNCW library from the "Music Shed."