Today we find out the true meaning of hospitality with Jacob Tomsky, who spent more than a decade working in the hotel industry and reveals some insider secrets about the passive-aggressive techniques that might be used during your stay. Actors Brian D’Arcy James and Kate Baldwin and composer and lyricist Michael John LaChiusa talk about the new musical “Giant.” Michael Feinstein, who knew Ira Gershwin well, looks back at the lives and legacies of the Gershwin brothers through 12 of their songs. And a new look at ancient Roman politician Cato, and how his principled stand against Caesar has been remembered through the ages.

Morning Edition is your perfect morning companion: gentle, but straightforward, explaining the vagaries of international diplomacy, reporting weather and even recommending the best film in town.

As they debate how to avoid going over the 'fiscal cliff" in Washington, New York Times columnist and Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman talks about what he thinks they should do to resolve it. Plus: charitable giving post-election and post-Sandy; journalist and author Pete Hamill on his new book of stories; why Intrade is shutting its doors to U.S. customers; the Mexican president-elect visits Washington; and the danger of consuming energy drinks.

Fresh Air is one of the most popular programs on public radio, breaking the "talk show" mold, and Gross is known for her fearless and insightful interviews with prominent figures in American arts, politics, and popular culture.

Reporters scour the globe for the most direct and compelling information, from the spread of AIDS in India to the inexplicable fluctuations of the Brazilian economy.

Reporters scour the globe for the most direct and compelling information, from the spread of AIDS in India to the inexplicable fluctuations of the Brazilian economy.

The Ghetto Brothers' once-rare album Power Fuerza is getting a reissue 40 years after its 1972 release. And Pinback performs songs from it's new album Information Retrieved in the studio.

We hope you won't need to be convinced, but for this New Sounds, we will listen to "107 Reasons Why" by Do Make Say Think, and more instrumental music, perhaps even some that could be called "post-rock."  There's something from the ambient drone band Labradford, who were out of Richmond, VA, along with music from Angelo Badalamenti.