A tow truck operator checks on a car he is pulling out of a flooded road in Exeter, R.I., on Wednesday, March 31, 2010. Joe Giblin/AP hide caption

New United Motor Manufacturing Inc., also known as NUMMI, was a unique joint venture between Toyota and General Motors in Fremont, Calif. Jennifer Baires/KQED hide caption

Zebra finches have complex songs that are learned throughout adolescence. Scientists who recently sequenced the finch's genome say that their research may lead to a clearer understanding of human speech-related disorders like those caused by autism, strokes and Parkinson's disease. iStockphoto.com hide caption

Hissa Hilal recites her poetry on Million's Poet, on the satellite channel Abu Dhabi TV. Screengrab (NPR) hide caption

Yes, even in the straight-laced world of classical music, one can find all manner of hoodwinking and horseplay. iStockphoto.com hide caption