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Confusion surrounds reports that Sunni militants have taken more than 100 Shiite hostages in Madaen, south of Baghdad. Searches by Iraqi forces found no evidence of kidnappings. The kidnapping reports -- carried on Iraqi television -- highlight how quickly rumors spread in a country plagued by daily violence and sectarian tensions.

Brian Burrell, author of Postcards from the Brain Museum, discusses efforts to understand Einstein's intellect through the study of his brain.

Some Catholics have called for the immediate canonization of Pope John Paul II. But according to the rules, that can't happen for at least five years. Father Richard McBrien, professor of theology at the University of Notre Dame, describes the road to sainthood.

Iraqi security forces raid the town of Madaen, near Baghdad, seeking to free a large number of Shiite hostages. More than 100 hostages were reportedly taken by Sunni militants.

Amid reports of large-scale kidnappings, Iraqi security forces raid houses believed to house Sunni militants holding Shiite hostages. The sectarian violence prompted Iraqi Interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi to appeal for calm in the region.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Thomas Hammes discusses the Iraqi insurgency and reports about possible rifts among insurgent fighters. Hammes is an expert on guerrilla warfare and the author of The Sling and The Stone: On War in the 21st Century.

Vowell's new book, Assassination Vacation, is about her visits to the gravesites and monuments honoring Presidents Lincoln, Garfield and McKinley. Vowell also voiced the character of Violet in the animated film 'The Incredibles.' This story was originally broadcast on April 20, 2000 and Sept. 16, 2002.

A predictable yet wondrous event has begun around the country: the American dogwood is in bloom. For many, the ancient plant's flowers bring music to mind.

New York Times foreign affairs columnist Thomas Friedman's new book, The World is Flat, explores the effects of outsourcing and globalization. The book, subtitled "a brief history of the 21st century," connects recent business trends with social issues.

Musa Mayer is a breast cancer survivor and is the author of several books about breast cancer, including Advanced Breast Cancer: A Guide to Living with Metastatic Disease and After Breast Cancer: Answers to the Questions You're Afraid to Ask. She has also written Examining Myself: One Woman's Story of Breast Cancer Treatment and Recovery.