The 7th Avenue Project

Over the last two decades, Joe Sacco has helped invent a new genre: comic-book journalism. He's reported from Sarajevo during the Bosnian War and from the Palestinian Territories during the two Intifadas. His latest book is "Footnotes in Gaza." In today's show, he talks about his career, his experiences in the Palestinian Territories and the roots of conflict in Gaza.

What Mark Twain's writing tells us about him and about America. Twain scholar Forrest Robinson looks behind the mask of America's favorite humorist and finds a troubled conscience, haunted by history.

In this end-of-the-year musical special, we put 2009 to bed with some exquisite, ethereal lullabies and other songs from the famed Armenian singer Hasmik Harutyunyan and the Kitka women's vocal ensemble. Along with the music, Hasmik and Shira Cion of Kitka discuss the tragic history and haunting music of Armenia with host Robert Pollie.

Rick Walker spent 12 years in California prisons for a murder he didn't commit. In part 2 of this 2-part series, Walker talks about his life after prison, and film makers Gwen Essegian and Mark Ligon discuss their new documentary about Walker's fight to get restitution for the years he lost. Also, Lola Vollen, director of the Life After Exoneration project, on the plight of exonerees nationwide.

Rick Walker spent 12 years in California prisons for a murder he didn't commit. In part I of a multipart series he talks about his conviction, his years behind bars and his release.

Two interviews from the archives: Tracy Kidder discusses his 2006 memoir, "My Detachment," about the year he spent as a young army lieutenant in Vietnam. Novelist Andrew Sean Greer from 2008, on his most recent work: "The Story of A Marriage."

The stuff the universe is made of. Nobel Prize-winning physicist Frank Wilczek talks to Robert about the fundamental ingredients of physical reality. Where mass comes from, why empty space isn't, and other marvels of modern physics explained.

Building the genome zoo. In the most ambitious effort of its type ever attempted, scientists are hoping to map the genes of 10,000 different animals. Proponents say the "Genome 10K project" will provide vast new insights into the biology, evolution and preservation of species. KUSP's Robert Pollie talks to project coordinator David Haussler of UC Santa Cruz.

Physician and human rights activist Ashis Brahma of the Phoenix Global Health Foundation talks about practicing medicine in conflict zones and refugee camps.

A theoretical physicist searches for the universal laws of life. Geoffrey West explains some simple mathematical rules that he says may explain everything from the length of our lives to the health of our cities.

Comics artist Art Spiegelman discusses "Breakdowns," the recent book collecting his work from the 1970's, and looks back on his life in cartooning and comics, from skin mags and Garbage Pail Kids to Maus and the New Yorker.

How people cope with calamity. Pulitzer prizewinner Tracy Kidder discusses his new book, "Strength in What Remains," about an African refugee fleeing ethnic violence. And social critic Rebecca Solnit talks about the response of ordinary people to the Loma Prieta earthquake, hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters.

Art, authenticity, race and identity mix it up in the music of the acclaimed singer-songwriter known as Stew. He discusses his musical "Passing Strange," now out in a screen version from Spike Lee.

Film maker Curt Worden discusses his documentary about Jack Kerouac's novel"Big Sur." Also, writer Robert Sullivan reflects on cross-country car trips.

Two American heirs who grew up wealthy question their good fortune and now advocate greater economic equality. They discuss their own experiences of wealth and the distribution of wealth in the country.