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Culture

Monday

Review

In 2007, 'Top 10' Doesn't Do Hollywood Justice

It was a bonanza year for blockbusters — four topped the $300 million mark — but there was a trove of art-house gems, too. Herewith, Bob Mondello's 10 favorite films of 2007, plus an additional baker's dozen that deserve another mention at year's end.

In 2007, 'Top 10' Doesn't Do Hollywood Justice

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In Character

Our Characters, Ourselves: 'In Character' From NPR

From Darth Vader to Scarlett O'Hara, the best fictional characters reflect something about who we are and how we got here. In Character, a six-month series from NPR, explores indelible American characters from fiction, folklore and pop culture.

Our Characters, Ourselves: 'In Character' From NPR

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Election 2008

Iowa Songwriter: 'Get Outta Our Town'

Kyle Munson of the Des Moines Register and songwriter Jason Walsmith discuss their song which begs politicians to leave them alone. The pair is fed up with political ads, but admits to enjoying the attention on their state.

Iowa Songwriter: 'Get Outta Our Town'

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National

Grandson Tells of 'Debaters' Coach Tolson's Legacy

Ken Tolson is the real-life grandson of Melvin B. Tolson, whose work as an educator, mentor and poet is highlighted in the new film The Great Debaters. The story gives moviegoers a look at the life of Tolson, and the all-black debate team that historically defeated an all-white team in the 1930s.

Grandson Tells of 'Debaters' Coach Tolson's Legacy

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Analysis

The Long View

Eartha Kitt Still Sizzling

Entertainment legend Eartha Kitt's career follows a challenging childhood that included picking cotton in her native South Carolina and joining the Katherine Dunham Dance Troupe. At 80 she still enjoys performing and goes to the gym regularly, but beyond that she's a homebody.

Listen Now: Hear A 2007 Interview

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Sunday

Books

Author Attempts to Make Speaking Latin Hip

Author Harry Mount thinks that a little Latin does a body (and mind) good. Jacki Lyden speaks with the writer about his new book, Carpe Diem: Put a Little Latin in Your Life and why he wants to breathe new life into the dead language on Angelina Jolie's belly.

Author Attempts to Make Speaking Latin Hip

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Saturday

Art & Design

Artist Mary Frank Mingles the Real with the Mythical

Frank's vision hovers between the natural world and the world of imagination. Every major museum in New York has collected her works, which include sculptures, drawings, paintings and works on wax.

Artist Mary Frank Mingles the Real with the Mythical

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New Space Promotes Intersection of Art, Science

A new creative space dedicated to experimental collaboration between artists and scientists opens in Paris. Le Laboratoire is the brainchild of Harvard bio-medical technology professor David Edwards. Besides teaching, Edwards writes fiction and works in theater.

New Space Promotes Intersection of Art, Science

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World

Egypt Seeks to Copyright Pyramids

Egypt is considering a bill that would copyright its antiquities, from the pyramids to scarab beetles, in an attempt to get paid from the sale of replicas. Under the law, anyone seeking to make an exact replica of a copyrighted Pharaonic artifact would have to seek permission and pay a fee.

Egypt Seeks to Copyright Pyramids

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Friday

Performing Arts

Family Discord a Hit in 'August: Osage County'

The hit Broadway show August: Osage County is a comic-tragic take on family. It's set in the county where playwright Tracy Letts grew up. His father, Dennis Letts, plays the patriarch of a large dysfunctional family. But the Lettses say it's not about their own family.

Family Discord a Hit in 'August: Osage County'

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Faith Matters

'Matchmakers' Help Jewish Singles Find Love

Saw You at Sinai is a Web site that uses a unique form of matchmaking to help Jewish singles meet potential mates. Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld of the National Synagogue is joined by Refael Hileman, a matchmaker with the Web site, to discuss the concept and how it supports common cultural traditions of marrying within one's faith.

'Matchmakers' Help Jewish Singles Find Love

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Review

Music Reviews

Nils Lofgren, On the Side and Out in Front

Fresh Air

Nils Lofgren, best known as guitarist with Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, also played for Neil Young and Crazy Horse early in that band's career. He's also had a notable solo career — and he founded the mid-1970s band Grin. Critic Milo Miles surveys his work.

Nils Lofgren, On the Side and Out in Front

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