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More and more TV shows now rely on scientists to keep their facts straight. NPR's Scott Simon talks to astroparticle physicist David Saltzberg, who is a consultant to the CBS sitcom, "The Big Bang Theory."

In 1959, Robert Frank's The Americans dramatically altered how photographers looked through viewfinders and how Americans saw themselves.

Lighting, props, sets and costumes all contribute to the "look" of a movie — and production designer J. Michael Riva, the grandson of Marlene Dietrich, makes sure all those elements integrate seamlessly for a film. He has worked on blockbusters such as The Goonies and A Few Good Men.

Disney has worked its magic on young girls for decades. Now, it looks at the other side of the playground with Disney XD, a channel aimed at boys.

The conflict in the Gaza Strip may not seem like rich material for jokes, but a bunch of comedians are giving it their best shot. The group Seeds for Peace sponsored a night of Israeli and Palestinian humor.

The Screen Actors Guild plans to send strike authorization ballots to more than 100,000 union members Jan. 2. Votes will be counted on Jan. 23. That is nearly two weeks after the Golden Globe Awards ceremony, but ahead of the Feb. 22 Academy Awards show, which is the most important date on the Hollywood calendar.

Joss Whedon's new Fox series has babes, bullets and rocket bikes. It even has a tough female lead. But Buffy fans beware: She's no slayer.

The Food Network draws more viewers than any of the cable news channels, but Americans are actually cooking less than ever. Food-culture writer Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma) ponders the phenomenon.

The National Theatre on the South Bank in London is broadcasting its first live play out to the world from Iceland to South Africa. Academy Award-winner Helen Mirren stars in the 17th century play Phedre, written in Alexandrine verse. At an ordinary movie theatre in the London suburb of Brixton, locals give their thoughts on the play.

Michael Kimball has been writing people's life stories in 600 words or less since April 2008. The writer, who lives in Baltimore, says he was inspired to start the postcard project on his blog by a friend who was curating a performance art festival. Kimball tells NPR the exercise has changed him.