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Robin Williams: In Looking For Laughs, 'You Have To Be Deeply Honest'

The comedian and actor died Monday at age 63. In 2006, Williams spoke with Fresh Air's Terry Gross about improvising, his training and how people expected him to act crazy.

'Football' Captures Moments Of Grace And Violence

Three great sports writers join NPR's Scott Simon to discuss the new anthology, Football: Great Writing About the National Sport. We hear from John Schulian, Jeanne Marie Laskas, and Frank DeFord.

How Scientists Created A Typhus Vaccine In A 'Fantastic Laboratory'

Arthur Allen's new book, The Fantastic Laboratory of Dr. Weigl,describes how a WWII scientist in Poland smuggled the typhus vaccine to Jews — while his team made a weakened version for the Nazis.

Football rules, uniforms, helmets and protective gear have changed a lot over the years.

Why Do We Love Football So Much? Theater Tackles Tough Questions

A play based on interviews with former NFL players, their families and fans digs deep: What's so fun about a sport that devastates bodies and brains? And what if it can't be made safer?

Col. Michael Kasales stands outside a mock Afghan village at Fort Polk, La., where U.S. Army soldiers are learning how to train Afghan security forces.

In Mock Village, A New Afghan Mission Takes Shape

U.S. forces intend to stay in Afghanistan through 2014. But they are preparing to launch a new approach that would put Afghan troops in the lead when it comes to fighting the Taliban. These American advisers are currently being trained at an Army base in Louisiana.

This Aug. 13, 2004, satellite image provided by DigitalGlobe and the Institute for Science and International Security shows the military complex at Parchin, Iran, about 19 miles southeast of Tehran.

The Debate Over Bombing Nuclear Facilities In Iran

The Israeli government wants America's support and help for any possible attack on Iran. U.S. officials have said this isn't the right time for airstrikes. New York Times Washington correspondent David Sanger explains what's at stake for both sides.

Religious Violence Shakes Up Northern Nigeria

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan fired his defense minister and national security adviser, saying the government needs new tactics to counter the militant Islamist group, Boko Haram. They have been blamed for sparking strife in parts of northern Nigeria last week. Host Michel Martin speaks with Al Jazeera English's Yvonne Ndege.

Remembering Vietnam Through Photographs

Many of the iconic images from the Vietnam War were pictures taken by Associated Press photographers. We take a look at 11 images from a new book of these photos.

On Base And In Town, Shooting Summons A Dread All Too Familiar

From Killeen, Texas, where Fort Hood is based, Melissa Block talks to soldiers who were on base during the shooting, as well as with Killeen's mayor. The mayor explains how the town is trying to cope.

Reed Holway spent 13 months in Iraq. He says PTSD brought on a drinking problem when he returned to the States — and that eventually led to a bad-conduct discharge. Vets with "bad paper" have trouble getting any VA health benefits — even for PTSD.

Other-Than-Honorable Discharge Burdens Like A Scarlet Letter

Since 2001, more than 100,000 troops have left the military with an other-than-honorable discharge. The "bad paper" puts benefits and medical care out of reach, even for those who served in combat. Which raises a simple question: What does America owe those who serve?

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