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In popstrological terms, Britney Spears is a "daughter" of Olivia Newton-John, born under the 1981 hit song "Let's Get Physical." Ian Van Tuyl's Popstrology: The Art and Science of Reading the Popstars shows how pop music's powerful forces affect us all from the day we're born.

Some recording industry observers say the Internet is reviving the sale of hit singles. Others say the future of hit singles depends on whether the music industry can convince fans to pay for what they download.

During a decades-long struggle to stay alive, America's regional theaters have produced some of the country's most innovative productions. As the fringe becomes mainstream, increased success carries its own threat.

In his 30-year career, musician Fred Hersch has performed in solo, duo, trio and quintet settings. In 2003 he received the prestigious Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship, which he used to work on his latest project, Leaves of Grass. For it, Hersch leads a 10-piece ensemble, which includes vocalists singing the words of Walt Whitman set to compositions by Hersch. He is touring the ensemble this month.

For many years, arts advocates have argued for the link between well-funded museums, theaters and other arts outlets and the health of local economies. They tout the impact that the arts can have on cultural tourism and urban revitalization. But a new study from the RAND Corp. questions these assertions.

Once a bastion of Western culture, many comics now feature Mideast heroes. The art is familiar, but names and super-powers may not be. Among the characters: Jalila, Defender of City of All the Faiths; Rakan the Lone Warrior; and Zein the Last Pharaoh.

Actor and playwright Ruben Santiago-Hudson talks about his longtime friendship with Halle Berry, his co-star in the upcoming ABC film Their Eyes Were Watching God, based on the novel by Harlem Renaissance author Zora Neale Hurston.

As music director of Weekend Edition Sunday, NPR's Ned Wharton supervises music continuity for the show and keeps tabs on what's new and noteworthy in the music world. He looks at a pair of CDs designed to be appreciated with visual components.

The cult of the TV celebrity chef has created multimedia empires, but it has also helped transform the way Americans think about food.

Music critic Ashley Kahn presents an appreciation of Bob Wills, "The King of Texas Swing." This weekend, fans are celebrating what would have been the singer's 100th birthday.