NPR News

After sharp words on the debate stage Tuesday and after weeks of tough talk about each other on the campaign trail, President Obama and Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney face a different kind of challenge tonight:

They have to be funny about each other and about themselves.

Chihiro Yamanaka is big in Japan — of course, it helps that the pianist was born and grew up there. Now, she's based in New York City and making strides in the stateside jazz world. Her 2012 album Reminiscence features two trios: one is her working band, while the other features special guests Larry Grenadier (bass) and session artist Bernard "Pretty" Purdie (drums). An imaginative virtuoso on the piano bench, she's enjoyed a recent itinerary which has seen her play in many of the East Coast's most prominent jazz clubs and concert halls.

"Eres tan moderno, que mis caricias ya son anticuadas," Mexican singer Carla Morrison croons to an indifferent lover in "Falta De Respeto" ("Disrespect"). That beautiful line — which translates as "You are so modern that my caresses are antiquated" — captures Morrison's essence. Part tragic heroine, part bold feminist, she's always a pining romantic, yet she won't sit pretty in a corner and wait to be swept off her feet. She'll get in your face and tell you just how much she loves you.

I don't know when we decided to start celebrating the 161^st anniversaries of things, but it's the 161^st anniversary of the publication of Moby-Dick, and there's a Google Doodle to celebrate. [The Telegraph]