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The way Texans speak, from using words like "y'all" to that old Texas twang, is iconic in American culture. But linguists say the twang is fading — and that, in a few decades, "talking Texan" may sound quite different than it does today.

TV personality Julie Chen's recent revelation about getting plastic surgery to make her eyes look "less Chinese" has renewed a long-running discussion about how to describe an Asian person's eyes.

Author Kij Johnson's first short story collection mixes straightforward realism with lyrical science fiction and fantasy. Reviewer Alan Cheuse says the stories bring to mind the work of Ursula Le Guin, and have the power to highlight the marvelous aspects of everyday life.

President Obama heads home from the Middle East Saturday, after a mixed reception to his four-day visit. Obama spent much of that time in Israel, trying to lay the groundwork to revive the long-stalled peace process with the Palestinians. He also traveled to the West Bank and met with Jordan's King Abdullah. NPR's Scott Horsley has a recap from Amman, Jordan.

Until recently, if you ordered Japanese beer, there weren't many to choose from. But the domination by brewers such as Asahi, Sapporo and Kirin is ebbing. And some longtime sake makers are now devoting part of their breweries to beer.

Rolling Stone's Tim Dickinson says that the ongoing search to replace Rep. John Boehner as speaker of the House reveals the influence that 40 conservative Republicans hold in the House.

Mann has been making music since the 1980s; first, with the group 'Til Tuesday, and since then as an accomplished solo artist. Her new album, Charmer, is a series of character sketches exploring loyalty and exploitation.

It is increasingly likely that someone or something has recently taken a picture of your car's license plate. License plate readers are used in almost every state. They allow police to quickly spot everything from expired registrations to car owners who may be wanted for more serious offenses.

Peony Pavilion is one of China's most famous operas, but uncut performances of this romantic 16th century work can take more than 22 hours. An adapted version of the dream-like opera will take place at the Metropolitan Museum.

Louisiana holds its Republican primary Saturday. Guest host Laura Sullivan talks with NPR's Don Gonyea about the state of play in the race for the GOP presidential nomination.

If books float your boat, we've got just the thing: magical barge battles, the search for the Northwest Passage and a trans-Atlantic cruise that follows in Geoffrey Chaucer's footsteps. Also pirates!

Despite good intentions, tracking food waste with a high-tech software system just didn't work for one of Mario Batali's exclusive restaurants. Restaurants waste about 10 percent of the food they buy, but getting that to change will require winning hearts and minds.