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As part of an NPR series called "What's in a Song," composer Gene Scheer gives his view of what makes his piece "American Anthem" a great patriotic tune.

The MacArthur Foundation announces this year's winners of "genius grants," $500,000 awards — with no strings attached — that recognize exceptional creativity. The 23 recipients include a ragtime pianist and a human rights activist. NPR's Robert Siegel and NPR's Michele Norris speak with five of the winners.

The latest edition of "What Are You Listening To?" features some of the favorite music of composer Steve Escoffery. The 26-year-old from Seattle's picks range from abstract German strings to American indie rock.

Nicole Miller's business is a rare success in the fashion industry -- her boutiques are turning a profit instead of just promoting a brand. NPR's Elizabeth Blair reports on the designer as part of Morning Edition's Fashion Week series.

Branford Marsalis releases a new album dedicated to the beauty of the ballad. It's called Eternal. NPR's Tavis Smiley talks with the sax man about that new work and about his brand new record label, Marsalis Music.

The new film The Motorcycle Diaries focuses on the life of revolutionary Che Guevara before he became a revolutionary. Commentator Marcelo Ballve -- whose family was close to Guevara's in Argentina -- says the communist icon's eccentric parents played an important role in shaping their son's fate, which included a prominent role in the Fidel Castro revolution in Cuba.

The director of The Kid Stays in the Picture, Nanette Burstein, has a new reality series on the Independent Film Channel. Film School tracks four NYU students as they struggle to make their films -- and a career. Hear Burstein and NPR's Jennifer Ludden.

For listeners who want to see a movie this weekend but don't want to scour the film reviews to make up their minds, Slate contributor Ben Williams offers this roundup of critical comment on this weekend's new releases. Premiering this Friday: Shark Tale, Ladder 49 and I Heart Huckabees.

Renowned for its large, iconic photographs, LIFE magazine returned to U.S. newstands this week as an insert in local newspapers. NPR's John Ydstie speaks with LIFE managing editor Bill Shapiro and former LIFE photo editor John Loengard.

Designed more than 100 years ago, New York's subway has been upgraded over the years. But it continues to rely on a complicated blend of old and new technology to move thousands of riders each day. Beth Fertig of member station WNYC reports.