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City planner Jeff Speck says walking will remain a choice in most American cities for years to come, but that it's important to incentivize pedestrians. In his book, Walkable City, Speck says urban walks have to be useful, safe, comfortable and interesting.

As violence intensifies between Israelis and Palestinians, politics is playing a big role in how governments in the region are reacting. Israel has an election coming up, while Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood is navigating new territory and Syria is hoping for a distraction. Host Scott Simon talks with Rob Malley of the International Crisis Group.

At the age of 97, bestselling author Herman Wouk has written a novel that's told by the most contemporary storytelling technology, including emails and transcripts of Skype conversations. Host Scott Simon talks with Wouk about The Lawgiver.

Andrew Solomon's new book is about families with children who are profoundly different or likely to be stigmatized. Writer Tony Dokoupil discusses what's next now that voters in two states have approved recreational marijuana use.

Former Bears Coach Mike Ditka was hospitalized after suffering a minor stroke on Friday. He's telling fans not to worry, but he will be taking the weekend off from his job as analyst at ESPN.

For those who want to buy bling with bling, a bank in Kazakhastan plans to offer a Visa card made of gold plus a couple of dozen diamonds and mother of pearl. It will require $100,000 upfront, and an annual fee of $2,000 — but there are no late frees and you get a free iPhone.

Also: During trip, the president uses name "Myanmar;" stocks look to move higher on hope for budget deal; Hostess CEO says there may be a buyer for Twinkies; biographer of Gen. Petraeus is said to be devastated; post-Sandy rebuilding continues

President Obama wraps up his Asia tour in Cambodia tomorrow. His trip included a historic visit to Myanmar, also known as Burma, making him the first sitting American president to visit that country. Guest host Celeste Headlee speaks with freelance reporter Michael Sullivan, about the significance of the president's trip.

Federal lawmakers and the White House are looking for solutions to the problem of the looming fiscal cliff. Meanwhile, many federal workers are worried about their future. Guest host Celeste Headlee talks with Joe Davidson, the Federal Diary columnist for The Washington Post, about potential consequences for the federal workforce.

Look at this rocket ship. It is big. It is complicated. We could use long words to describe what's in it, or we could use short words. The author, cartoonist Randall Munroe, chooses short words. Ridiculously short words. Some will sneer. I cheer.