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Tig Notaro manages to find humor in a cancer diagnosis and Louis C.K. explains why he called Notaro's set "masterful." Statistical analyst Nate Silver says humility is key to making accurate predictions.

John Lavelle was accused of authorizing illegal bombing raids in North Vietnam in 1972 and forced to retire with only two stars instead of four. Several years later, White House tapes revealed that President Nixon had backed the raids. Now Lavelle's family wants to know why his rank hasn't been restored.

In this presidential election, neither candidate is talking much about cleaning up the air or protecting scenic lands. Instead, the debate is about whether and how much environmental regulations hurt businesses.

Jayme Dyer didn't know what to expect when she first tried out the growing theatrical sport of women's arm wrestling. Then she started winning. This summer, Dyer donned her alter-ego, Ze Dirty Butcher, to compete with seven other women in the first national ladies arm wrestling championships.

Researchers have developed a clever new method to detect the chemical that causes the annoying itch. But urushiol isn't all bad. It's also behind the shine of beautiful Japanese lacquerware.

Musician Michael Feinstein chronicles his experience working as an archivist and cataloger for legendary songwriter Ira Gershwin. The book is presented through the stories of 12 of the Gershwin brothers' songs, including "Fascinating Rhythm," "The Man I Love" and "I Got Rhythm."

We may be able to grow enough fruits and vegetables on land we already have if we're smart about how we do it, says World Wildlife Foundation expert Jason Clay. Take the James Beard Foundation's food quiz to see just how literate you are on this and other agriculture matters.

Activists hope a border village recently retaken by rebels can become an example of a secular and democratic local government that will spread to other areas.

Polio is deadly, but so is what's required to stamp it out once and for all in Pakistan: facing down Islamist extremists. The virus thrives in Pakistan's lawless — and largely inaccessible — tribal regions. To stop polio's spread, health workers must be courageous, clever and relentless.

"I certainly feel a strong call of public service," she tells the BBC, after not ruling out a run for office someday. Now 32, she adds that her mother's run for the White House in 2008 got her thinking about a possible future in politics for herself.