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In January 1940, Irving Berlin, the most popular songwriter in America, raced into his office and asked his musical secretary to take down a new song. NPR's Susan Stamberg reports on the history of "White Christmas," a song Berlin said was the best he — or anyone — ever wrote.

As the terms of NAFTA gradually reduce protective tariffs on agricultural goods sent to Mexico, small farmers south of the border feel the effects. Many say NAFTA is destroying their livelihood. NPR's Gerry Hadden reports.

Berlin's top playboy -- one Rolf Eden -- is finally ready to retire at age 72. Eden has been a fixture on the German party scene since he opened Berlin's first post-World War II night club. NPR's Guy Raz reports.

The new Todd Haynes film Far from Heaven pays tribute to the 1950s melodramas of Douglas Sirk, who gave the world All That Heaven Allows and Imitation of Life. Julianne Moore, Dennis Quaid and Dennis Haysbert star in Haynes' homage. David D'Arcy reports.

NPR's Claudio Sanchez reports on a program intended to help teachers regain a passion for their profession. The North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching takes groups into the Great Smoky Mountains, away from the clamor and stress of the classroom and school politics, to encourage them to remember why they started teaching in the first place.

The book of Deuteronomy mentions seven holy foods that Tom Ciola thought might make a good snack bar. He tried it, and with a couple additional ingredients, made it work. Now Ciola's "Bible Bar" has become a hit at Christian bookstores, and his company, House of David, is distributing a number of religious health foods, including Bible Granola and a "Back to the Garden" meal replacement. Lynn Neary talks with Tom Ciola about the products. Ciola has also published a guide called "Moses Wasn't Fat."

In Central America, most of the best musicians around wind up in cover bands, because it pays better than trying to do original material. But Prueba de Sonido refuses to do that. This Salvadoran band hopes its style of rock propels it onto the international stage. Reporter Clark Boyd reports from San Salvador.

"We're not being revisionist. We're not waging a war on history," council member Inez Barron said. "We're saying that we want to make sure that the total story is told."

Progressive Democrats acknowledged that many of their priorities would have to be scaled back, but called the White House meeting "productive."

Host John Ydstie reflects on the decision by the U.S. military to discharge several soldiers who are gay, but are able to speak Arabic and could help with the war on terror.