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After a record-setting Christmas, Hollywood wraps up the year with more than $9 billion in the till -- the second biggest box office total in its history. Film critic NPR's Bob Mondello says a large part of that money was well-earned: some of 2003's most popular movies were also among the year's best. He offers a list of his top movie picks for the year.

Astronomer Ian Griffin of Baltimore, Md., is the guest on a new edition of "What Are You Listening To?" His musical selections range from Bruce Springsteen to themes from 1960s British TV shows. NPR's Steve Inskeep listens along.

NPR's Scott Simon talks with New York Times critic Elvis Mitchell about the quirky television sitcoms Scrubs and Arrested Development. Mitchell talks about what makes their brand of comedy so refreshing.

Mom and pop bookstores vie for your literary dollar this season, hoping you'll shop sooner rather than later. NPR Special Correspondent Susan Stamberg talks to three independent booksellers about their best bets to expand the mind and open the wallet.

A new version of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf is now available in the United States. The music comes in a boxed set with a storybook illustrated by Bono. The rendition does away with the orchestra and instead brings the story to life with a mandolin, banjo, accordion, and percussion of all kinds. NPR's Melissa Block talks with musician Gavin Friday. (Publisher: Bloomsbury USA)

When they aren't seeing patients, many doctors moonlight as musicians. Doctors' orchestras exist in a handful of cities around the country. Many doctors say these groups help them unwind. Some think it makes them better physicians, too. Joel Rose of member station WHYY reports.

Composer Phil Kline saw lyrics in the engravings made on cigarette lighters owned by U.S. soldiers in Vietnam. Veteran William Crapser saw memories of a hell on earth. Jeff Lunden reports.

In the 19th and early 20th century, cosmetics entrepreneur and self-made millionaire C.J. Walker helped redefine ideals of beauty for African-American women. In the third part of her series on beauty, NPR's Susan Stamberg talks with A'Lelia Bundles, Walker's great-great-granddaughter and author of On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker.

While the statewide mask mandate will end for vaccinated residents, that doesn't mean everyone in the state will be able to remove their masks indoors — even if they've gotten the shots.

Normal native Adam Larson's "With Love, From Chicago" is a nod to the city that embraced him after he moved to New York City.