by Gwen Outen

In our first hour today, we'll look at tensions between Russia and the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. After five days of fighting, talks of a ceasefire appear to have turned into a war of words between Russian president Dmitry Medvedev and Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili. Guests will explain how the conflict began and what the conflict could mean for the European Union and the United States. At the end of the hour, Adam Davidson, NPR's economics correspondent and Talk of the Nation's economics translator, explains how the shrinking trade deficit could affect you.

There are two things that are unique about bass-baritone opera singer Thomas Quasthoff. One of them is that he stands at just about four feet tall. The other? He is recognized as one of the most remarkable singers of our day. Quasthoff's new memoir is simply titled, "The Voice" and we'll hear from The Voice in our second hour. Our producers are still working on a topic to follow Quasthoff, and we will squeeze in your letters and blog comments at the end of the hour.