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The Knights Templar, a Crusades-era group of Christian monks turned soldiers, have inspired a trio of current best-selling books. Alex Chadwick discusses the literary fascination with the Knights Templar with Laura Miller, book critic for Salon.com.

A three-part series on the musical scores nominated for the Academy Award wraps up with a look at Pride and Prejudice, a recap of the other nominees and a prediction for which composer will win.

Eef Barzelay knows how to mix humor and heartbreak. As leader of the band Clem Snide, he's sung from the perspective of folk-pop lightweight Jewel and conspiracy theorist David Icke, and he's concocted cello-tinged odes to the music of Nick Drake.

Madea's Family Reunion grossed more than $30 million in its opening weekend at the box office. The movie's writer, director and co-star, Tyler Perry, talks with Ed Gordon about the lure of his main character, an outspoken black woman.

Shades of Praise is an interracial gospel choir in New Orleans that has become locally famous as a symbol of racial harmony. The group was a common sight at stages and churches around town. Then came Hurricane Katrina, and suddenly this choir has found itself thrust into a new role.

Commentator John Moe takes on the word "friend," a big word with a shifting definition. His band, Chicken Starship, has a MySpace page. And among the people listed as their friends are Elvis Costello, The Dixie Chicks, and Lucinda Williams. John knows that They Might Be Giants won't drive him to the airport -- but their friendship has to count for something.

A new CD gathers rare early blues and country records, including some that have never before reached the general public. Richard Nevins, who compiled The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of, tells Debbie Elliott about the collection.

Music journalist Ashley Kahn shares the sounds of New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. In the final report from this series, Kahn reports on how Hurricane Katrina influenced the lyrics and music of this year's Jazz Fest.

Director Paul Weitz's new film, American Dreamz, satirizes American Idol and stars Dennis Quaid as a dimwitted U.S. president who goes on the show in an effort to save his falling approval ratings. Weitz's other films include American Pie and About a Boy.

A loose, fun, freewheeling energy dominates the new Bruce Springsteen CD, from the very first strains of songs like Old Dan Tucker, Jesse James, Erie Canal and others — songs first made popular by folk music icon Pete Seeger.