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With a penchant for constantly reinventing his sound, Andrew Bird is an unusual combination of songwriter, violinist, guitarist, vocalist and professional whistler. On his new CD, The Mysterious Production of Eggs, he plays virtually every instrument.

The soldier who asked Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld about the shortage of armored Humvees is a national guardsman from Nashville. Tennessee residents talk about Army Spc. Thomas Wilson, and what people there think about his audacity. Hear NPR's John Ydstie.

Only 25 percent of the medium and heavy military trucks hauling fuel, supplies, etc. along Iraq's dangerous highways have armor protection. The military is working to remedy this using steel plates, but the weight of the plating can slow down trucks, making them an easier target. NPR's Vicky O'Hara reports.

Historian and theologian Arthur Green has long studied Jewish religion and culture. Author of many books, his latest is A Guide to the Zohar, an overview of modern studies of kabbalah's origins.

Daniel Serwer, vice president and director of Peace and Stability Operations for the U.S. Institute of Peace, explains the complex process of electing a 275-member national assembly for Iraq. The assembly's first job will be to write a constitution by Aug. 15, 2005.

Jesse Sheidlower, editor the Oxford English Dictionary and a Slate contributing writer, discusses the history of the word "hip." He challenges an assertion made in a new book by author John Leland, Hip: The History, that the word "hip" comes from Africa.

Workers are preparing New York's Central Park for an ambitious art project. The artists Christo and his wife Jeanne-Claude are planning to install 7,500 gates -- free-hanging colored panels -- along 23 miles of paths. But they will remain up for only 16 days.

David Cherwien conducts the Twin Cities-based National Lutheran Choir in its annual concert for the Advent season. Performing in the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis, the 60-voice ensemble offers a program of a cappella singing.

Pieces of Chicago's history and cultural experiences go on sale Thursday to raise money for city cultural programs. The eBay offerings include an authentic Playboy Bunny costume from the 1960s. NPR's David Schaper reports.

Secretary of State Colin Powell has resigned from President Bush's Cabinet, according to State Department officials. Powell is said to be planning to stay at the agency until his successor is confirmed.