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Harsh austerity measures, new taxes and the specter of a deep recession are keeping even wealthy Italians from indulging on Christmas this holiday season. Not only are high-end stores empty, but even fruit vendors and trinket stalls are desperate for customers.

Birds and wasps do it. So do octopuses, otters, polar bears and dolphins. A surprising number of animals use tools, and scientists say there are some widespread misconceptions. Among them: Using tools isn't a sign of intelligence, and animals don't need fingers to be crafty with tools.

On the 150th anniversary of the nation's highest military honor, two recipients share their stories. While badly wounded and under heavy fire, recalls one Vietnam War veteran, "what goes through your mind is the understanding that if you don't do something ... then everything is lost."

A StateImpact Florida/Miami Herald investigation shows that despite state and federal laws requiring charter schools to give equal access to students with severe disabilities, most charter schools in Florida have few of these students on their roster.

Black Friday sales for Apple's iPad were up 70 percent from last year, and the newly introduced Kindle Fire has shot to the top of Amazon's sales charts. And with more than 30 different tablets on the market at varying prices this holiday season, the barrier to entry to the tablet market has been considerably lowered.

Sure, kids have been playing with tops forever. But Beyblades are battling tops, and they come with their own fighting arena. They're a hit, and if you haven't been nagged for one this year, there's still time.

Here's a little Christmas secret: Dusting desserts with powdered sugar makes them look more expensive. Chef Nigella Lawson talks with NPR's Steve Inskeep about her tricks for economical holiday hosting.

These character-driven novels featuring fracturing families, intrepid scientists and one very plucky early American heroine will spark lively debate on everything from the unreliability of memory to scientific ethics.

In Eric Weiner's newest book, Man Seeks God, the former NPR foreign correspondent heads around the world on a humorous and thoughtful quest for spirituality.

In 1982 — long before she had her own TV show or magazine or brand — a young caterer named Martha Stewart wrote a book on entertaining in other people's homes. Now, nearly 30 years later, Stewart's 75th book invites readers into her own house.