RACHEL MARTIN, HOST:
Now to some of your letters about last week's broadcast.
In time for the Academy Awards last Sunday, WEEKEND EDITION food commentator Bonny Wolf told us about the resurgence of a movie theater favorite, popcorn.
BONNY WOLF, BYLINE: Gourmet popcorn was named one of the top five trends to watch. There's popcorn covered in chocolate, infused with bourbon, seasoned with curry...
MARTIN: Some of you weighed in with your personal popcorn preferences. Claire Adas writes on NPR.org: My favorite is simple; popped on the stove with olive oil seasoned with salt and ground black pepper. But I've put spices right into the oil, or spice mixes on top after popping.
Jenifer Reinhardt says: Glad to see that so many are still making their own on the stove. Microwave popcorn just isn't the same.
I am with you, Jenifer.
Last week, we talked with author Alexander Masters about his book, "The Genius In My Basement." In it, Masters tells the story of Simon Norton, a quirky recluse who just happened to be his downstairs neighbor and one of the greatest mathematical prodigies of the 20th century.
ALEXANDER MASTERS: When I listen to Simon, I just listen in awe. You know, it's a pleasure just to listen to him try and attempt to, you know, attempt to describe this stuff to me. And it was - he never made me feel small, that I couldn't understand the elements of his subject. And it was just a joy to have such a person be prepared to spend the time with me.
MARTIN: Debi Pfitzenmaier writes on our website: As the mom of a mathematical prodigy, this story stops me in my tracks. What strikes me is not so much the story of Norton, but the kindheartedness of Masters and the way in which he not only has adopted Norton, but accepts him in all his genius quirkiness.
Trena Gravem says: What is normal? In every culture there seems to be some unwritten code for it, which everyone there understands and fears, and with which most comply, denying parts of themselves, repressing individual traits, gifts, talents, inclinations, even beliefs. What a wonderful, interesting, diverse and exciting world it would be if everyone would be themselves.
We like hearing from you. We're on Facebook and Twitter at NPRWeekend. I'm @RachelNPR. You can email or post your comments at NPR.org. Click on the link that says Contact Us. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.