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November 30, 2012 Astrophysicist Adam Frank doesn't usually read self-help books, but something about Walker Percy's existential optimism in Lost In The Cosmos actually changed his outlook on life. Do you have a favorite self-help book? Tell us in the comments below.

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On All Things ConsideredPlaylist

November 30, 2012 Will machines over take us, as futurists and writers of science fiction like to think? Not to worry, says commentator Alva Noë. They already have. We are the singularity.

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November 30, 2012 Of the revenue increases and program cuts that have been suggested during fiscal cliff negotiations, Jimmy Margulies thinks going after the mortgage interest deduction is a fairy tale, while Chip Bok argues you can't even get started at looking to Medicare for savings.

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November 29, 2012 Outrage by animal activists has altered plans for a pair of working oxen on the campus of Green Mountain College. Commentator Barbara J. King reviews the now-famous case of Bill and Lou, questioning the wisdom of the animal-rights outrage surrounding the pair.

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November 29, 2012 Susan Rice's closed-door meeting with sens. McCain, Graham and Ayotte failed to resolve their concerns about her role in explaining the Benghazi attack. Mike Lester thinks Rice has herself to blame for the explosive situation, while John Deering sees the senators' disappointment as pre-ordained.

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November 28, 2012 As science advances, what we call "God" may be in need of serious revision. Especially if we do away with the supernatural when we think of deities.

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November 28, 2012 Obama believes that ending tax cuts for the wealthy is important to avoid the fiscal cliff. Grover Norquist says ending the cuts violates his no tax increase pledge. Matt Wuerker sees Norquist as an obstructionist, while Chris Weyant thinks he doesn't enjoy the same kind of backing he's used to.

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November 28, 2012 College sports fans can be distinctively different from the pro variety, no matter where they are. And that might complicate the growth plans of athletic conferences such as as the Big Ten, says Frank Deford.

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

November 27, 2012 If you're the kind who secretly obsesses about the fundamental nature of reality but wouldn't know a boson if it was delivering roses at your doorstep, I have good news for you.

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ListenPlaylist

November 27, 2012 Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi has issued a decree granting himself extraordinary powers. Hajo De Reijger sees things in Egypt going back to what they used to be, while Gustavo Rodriguez is fearful of the endgame.

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November 27, 2012 Commentator Sandip Roy tells the story of classical dancer Alokananda Roy, who was inspired to teach dance to convicted murderers and rapists after a visit to a Calcutta prison.

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On Morning EditionPlaylist

November 26, 2012 Do vegetarians and vegans think they are better than everyone else? Do omnivores wrongly think they are being judged by their meatless friends and relatives? Commentator Tania Lombrozo says that, while some on both sides are just self-righteous and annoying, many people are ready to put aside their misconceptions and sit down at the table to feast as equals.

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November 26, 2012 The fate of Twinkies and other Hostess snacks remains unknown. John Darkow wonders where the dough went, while Steve Kelley has high hopes for a profitable future.

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November 26, 2012 The Battlefield Where The Moon Says I Love You may be more than 15,000 lines of almost entirely unpunctuated poetry, but author Steve Stern says this Southern gothic fun house is so bewitching you'll have to finish it. Do you have a favorite impossible book? Tell us in the comments.

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