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Scott Simon talks with Mickey Rapkin about his new book, "Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory," which weaves together the drama of three groups trying to claim glory without instruments.

In the last century, Basque people fleeing Francisco Franco's dictatorship flocked to America. "Hidden Kitchens" explores their world of outdoor, below-the-ground, Dutch oven cooking traditions.

What's a day in the life like for a young Hare Krishna monk? If you think it's spent meditating all day, think again. Gadadhara Pandit Dasa does chant and pray at his urban temple in New York City. But he also talks on his cell phone, drives and uses Facebook.

The soaring price of oil is hitting the airline industry. American Airlines announced Wednesday that it would eliminate about 12 percent of its flights by the end of the year and added a $15 surcharge for each checked bag.

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's Capitol Hill colleagues react to news of his malignant brain tumor with sadness, prayers and disbelief. Some are contemplating what Congress might look like without one of the Senate's most prolific legislators.

Recovery efforts in Dujiangyan, China are also focused on hydropower dams around the ancient city. The epicenter of last week's massive earthquake was near the huge Zipingpu dam, cracking its walls. Officials say Zipingpu is structurally safe and are releasing water to decrease pressure. Scientists warn that if the dam fails, the destruction would be even greater than the quake. NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with NPR's Melissa Block.

After nearly 50 years in the music business, Neil Diamond is on top of the world. The singer has topped the U.S. and British album charts with his new release, Home Before Dark.

In his debut novel, Aravind Adiga exposes India's social and economic divides through the eyes of an ambitious killer who works India's corrupt system to get to the top.

Research shows that sleep deprivation makes people emotionally volatile and temperamental — a fact that hasn't escaped the notice of some reality TV producers, who deny contestants sleep in an effort to kick up televised drama.

Co-host Steve Inskeep talks to NPR's Frank Langfitt about Monday's earthquake in China. Langfitt has covered China and spent more than five years in the country as a correspondent for the Baltimore Sun.