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To welcome the Year of the Dragon, China's postal service plans to release commemorative postage stamps featuring the fabled beast. But many customers are finding the image to be a little over the top.

Japan is firing three top nuclear energy officials, nearly five months after the country's Fukushima nuclear disaster. And Banri Kaieda, the industry minister in charge of energy policy, said that he will resign after he replaces the officials.

JOHNNY OTIS is a pioneer of rhythm and blues music. He has been a R&B musician, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for his 1945 big band hit "Harlem Nocturne," and his 1958 his record "Willie and Hand Jive," which was in the top ten on R&B charts. Otis is back on the road and in the recording studio now. In January he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in February, he was inducted into the Rhythm &Blues Hall of Fame. His latest CD, "The Black Territory Bands," was nominated for a Grammy in the Big Band category for 1994. Capitol records reissued OTIS's sessions from the 1950's. OTIS has also just written his memoirs, "Upside Your Head! Rhythm and Blues on Central Avenue." (University Press of New England) (REBROADCAST from 11/21/89).

Author LORENZO CARCATERRA (Car-CA-terra). He is managing editor of the CBS weekly series "Top Cops." He's written a memoir, "A Safe Place," (Villard Books) about growing up, the son of a violent, loving, murderous, and generous father. They lived in New York's Hell's Kitchen during the 50s and 60s. Lorenzo found out at the age of 14 that his father had murdered his first wife when she threatened to leave him. Lorenzo's father went on to terrorize his second wife, beating her and Lorenzo. Yet his father also could be warm and affectionate, taking Lorenzo to the ballpark, or showering him with kisses. His father would cry at the sound of a beautiful aria, but he could also be extremely violent at even the midest affront to his ego.

Soul Musician ISAAC HAYES. He is a renowned soul musician, who rose to the top of the charts in the 1970's on the Stax label, a soul record label. HAYES released his first solo album, "Presenting Isaac Hayes," in 1968. His next album, "Hot Buttered Soul," became a gold record in the 1970's. His 1972 soundtrack to the movie "Shaft," went platinum and won an Oscar for "Theme From Shaft." HAYES is also an actor, who has held roles in the movies "Robin Hood: Men in Tights," "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka," and "Posse." He was in the Nicholas Cage movie, "It Could Happen to You." It's been seven years since he's released any new albums. Now he has two new releases: "Branded," (a vocal album) and "Raw & Refined" (an instrumental.) (REBROADCAST from

Before Hurricane Katrina hit land, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, FEMA Director Michael Brown and other top agency officials received e-mails warning that Katrina posed a dire threat to New Orleans and other areas. Yet one FEMA official tells NPR little was done.

More than 2,500 champion show dogs have descended upon Madison Square Garden for the 129th Westminster Kennel Club's dog show. One of the top African-American handlers in the sport is there, hoping to make history. Allison Keyes reports.

The investigation, prompted by the discovery of top-secret papers found at Mar-a-Lago, is at an early stage, a source told NPR.

Retired Gen. Anthony Zinni says Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and his top aides should be held responsible for failing to plan for Iraq's reconstruction after the U.S.-led war. Hear NPR's Steve Inkseep's extended interview with the former U.S. Central Command chief.

Actor Jack Palance, known for his haltingly intense speaking style and dozens of roles in Western and noir films, has died. After years of playing the heavy in Hollywood, Palance became a hit in comedy films late in life. At 70, he won an Oscar for his over-the-top role in the Billy Crystal film City Slickers.