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Arts & Life

Pop Culture

A Visit to 'Animal Precinct'

The TV show Animal Precinct on the Animal Planet cable network follows a team of 18 humane law enforcement officers around New York City. They crack down on animal abuse, and keep close watch on potential hoarding situations. Officer Annemarie Lucas tells Scott Simon how she decides when to make an arrest.

A Visit to 'Animal Precinct'

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Games & Humor

The Ancient Origins of Modern Board Games

At the Smithsonian's Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, the exhibit "Asian Games" reveals that many of today's board games were conceived centuries earlier. For instance, Chutes and Ladders began long ago in India as Snakes and Ladders. Curator Ann Gunter gives a tour of the show.

The Ancient Origins of Modern Board Games

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'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' Hits Movie Screens

A movie adaptation of Douglas Adams' science-fiction spoof The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy arrives in theaters this weekend. Bob Mondello says it's a mildly amusing movie.

'Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' Hits Movie Screens

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Review

Slate's Summary Judgment: 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,' 'XXX,' 'Ladies in Lavender'

Slate contributor Mark Jordan Legan looks at what movie critics are saying about this weekend's major movie releases, including The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, XXX: State of the Union and Ladies in Lavender.

Slate's Summary Judgment: 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy,' 'XXX,' 'Ladies in Lavender'

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On Television

Wallenstein on TV: 'The Family Guy' Comeback

Television critic Andrew Wallenstein talks to The Family Guy creator Seth McFarlane about the program's recent return and how rabid fans of the show helped to bring it back to the Fox Network, after suffering cancellation.

Wallenstein on TV: 'The Family Guy' Comeback

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Review

Movies

David Bianculli on 'The Hitchhiker's Guide'

Fresh Air

David Bianculli, usually Fresh Air's small-screen critic, takes a look at the long-awaited big screen adaptation of Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

David Bianculli on 'The Hitchhiker's Guide'

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Review

An Inside Look at Enron

Los Angeles Times film critic Kenneth Turan reviews Alex Gibney's award-winning documentary, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room. Gibney adapted a book that chronicles the fantastic rise and demise of the company that was engulfed in scandal when its outrageous accounting practices were exposed.

An Inside Look at Enron

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Obituaries

Mason Adams Lent a Distinctive Voice to His Work

Voiceover artist and actor Mason Adams, best known for his roles on TV's Lou Grant and the Smucker's commercials, died this week at age 86. We speak with Vietnam-era DJ Adrian Cronauer about Adams' professional legacy.

Mason Adams Lent a Distinctive Voice to His Work

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The Brothers Who Made Mary Poppins Sing

Generations of children have grown up singing the music and lyrics of Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman. Their hugely popular film musicals, Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang have now been adapted for the stage.

The Brothers Who Made Mary Poppins Sing

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