Philipp Blom tells Anne Strainchamps about some of history's great pack-rats, and what purposes their collections served.
Intelligent. Optimistic. Curious.
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Are we alone in the universe? Almost certainly not. The young science of astrobiology is closing in on a discovery that will rock our world: there IS life beyond earth. New telescopes, new missions, and new discoveries in outer space and in the most remote areas of our own planet all point to one conclusion. Extra terrestrial life exists, and we're very close to finding it. Science writer Marc Kaufman explains what's changed.
Lupe Fiasco is a rap star and a devout Muslim. His debut album is called "Food and Liquor" and was nominated for 3 Grammy Awards.
Michael Perry is proud to be a Wisconsin writer. He writes with humor and grace about his life there in the books, "Population: 485," and "Truck: A Love Story." So, what's life like, as a writer from the Midwest?
When you think about the accomplishments of the Civil Rights Movement and the last 50 years, it's tempting to think we've become a post-racial society. But University of Pennsylvania professor John Jackson Jr. believes we're seeing a new type of racial divide, characterized by distrust and paranoia.
Alan Dale says laughing at slapstick is - at its heart - an expression of our sympathy with TV and film characters who get hurt. He says it's also relief that, for once, it's not us in pain.
Mark Helprin's got a new book out. "In Sunlight and in Shadow" lands on shelves this week. The novel is his first return to New York City since "Winter's Tale." In this UNCUT interview, Helprin talks with Jim Fleming about the story and the city.
Mary Karr's latest memoir is called "Lit" and chronicles her alcoholism and alcoholic family.
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