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John McWhorter's newest book is called The Power of Babel: A Natural History of Language. He has written on Ebonics, language and African Americans, and the origins of the Creole Language. His other books include Losing the Race: Self-Sabotage in Black America and Word on the Street: Debunking the Myth of 'Pure' Standard English. McWhorter is a professor at the University of California at Berkeley.

On Sept. 11, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police force lost 37 officers at Ground Zero -- more than any police force in a single incident in U.S. history. Six months later, NPR's Chris Arnold reports for All Things Considered that some officers are still struggling -- both at home and on the job -- to put their lives back together.

In the latest of a series of reports on New Yorkers keeping alive the legacy of jobs from a bygone era, Radio Diaries and All Things Considered profile Pasquale Spensieri, one of the last grinders still going door-to-door sharpening knives and scissors.

Beige. Not turquoise. Researchers made a splash earlier this year with the announcement that they had determined the average color of the universe. They've recalculated, and it turns out they were wrong. NPR's Richard Harris reports for All Things Considered.

Photographer Todd Hido specializes in creating evocative, moody images of lonely suburban homes. He has a new book, House Hunting, and recently he took commentator Louise Rafkin along on an outing to the suburbs. All Things Considered has the story. (4:15) House Hunting, is published by Nazraeli Press, 2001.

Fuel cell technology isn't new, but the notion of automobiles running on hydrogen powered fuel cells has always been more wishful thinking than reality. Now, several of the major car companies are spending serious money to develop fuel cell vehicles. NPR's John Ydstie reports in Part Four of All Things Considered's oil series.

In the last of a three-part series on Islam and the Internet, NPR's Duncan Moon explores the benefits and risks posed by the explosion of online Muslim sermons and debates. Hear the words of online muftis on Weekend All Things Considered. (8:26)

The Bush administration announced a new, $345-trillion proposal to extend universal health care to pets — causing the fur to fly on Capitol Hill as fiscal conservatives, animal rights groups and pro-human advocates joined the heated debate. NPR's Julie Rovner reports for All Things Considered.

Some were world famous, some were anonymous, but all performed hush-hush duties for their country. Female spies are the subject of a new exhibition: Clandestine Women: The Untold Stories of Women in Espionage. NPR's Susan Stamberg reports on Morning Edition.

Harold Parrott was present for most of the Brooklyn Dodgers' golden moments -- and some of the most disappointing. Morning Edition host Bob Edwards interviews son Brian Parrott about Harold Parrott's 1976 book The Lords of Baseball, a refreshing look at the national pastime.