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Scientists report in the journal Nature Geoscience that they've uncovered the largest volcano on Earth in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 miles east of Japan. In fact it's one of the largest in the solar system, second only to Olympus Mons on Mars. Scientists have been studying the massive structure for decades, but now are confirming it's a single volcano about the size of New Mexico. It rises about four miles off the sea floor, but doesn't break through the ocean surface. Called Tamu Massif, it hasn't erupted in more than 130 million years, helping to keep its true nature secret.

Commentator Andrei Codrescu reflects on the text message written by poet Seamus Heaney just before he died. In Latin he wrote to his wife "do not be afraid." The 74-year-old Heaney died in a Dublin hospital last week. Codrescu says no great meaning should be implied — it was just a personal message to his wife.

Emotions are running high in some Illinois Congressional districts over potential U.S. military action against Syria.

Carl reads three news-related limericks: The Angry Skyscraper, A Grocery Cart Filled With Self-Loathing and Beyoncephobia.

Writer and illustrator Sandra Boynton recruited some of rock and country music's finest to create an eclectic collection of tunes for her new album and songbook, Frog Trouble.

Though it may be considered an adolescent rite of passage in some places, journalist Jake Swearingen insists it can't be done. Swearingen talks to host Scott Simon about the science of cow tipping, and why it's mathematically impossible.

Same-sex marriage is legal in Minnesota, but not in Illinois. That has Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak on a mission to attract gays and lesbians to spend their wedding dollars in his city.

Olympic wrestling fans have been anxious the last few months. The sport had been dropped from the games. Then the International Olympic Committee reversed course and decided to keep the sport as part of the summer Olympics. Weekends on All Things Considered host Jacki Lyden speaks with NPR's Mike Pesca from Buenos Aires.

Risking failure is part of the job for explorers. Salomon August Andrée's failed attempt to reach the North Pole in 1897 motivated others to try. National Geographic examines why failure matters.

The White House is pursuing a major effort to persuade members of Congress to support a military strike in Syria. Estimates show the number of House members publicly against a strike near an outright majority. Renee Montagne talks to Republican Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma who is opposed to military action.