We hear from people who have lost, or given up, a sense — including Herman Melville's "Bartleby, the Scrivener," famous for abandoning what most of us take to be common sense. Also this week, accordion music in translation, and silly musings on celebrity worship from writer and actor Mark O'Donnell.

Walking Blind
Steve Kuusisto takes Dean on a different kind of walk through the city — a walk that relies heavily on well-honed instincts, a seeing-eye dog, and the kindness of strangers.

Silence
He was a monk, and had taken a one-year vow of silence. She met him on a mountain top, and decided to join him. They spent the year together. And then it was time to start talking. Here's their story, as documented and choreographed by audio artist Joan Schuman.

Diary of a Fan
Next Big Thing contributor Mark O'Donnell has gained notoriety recently, as author of the book for "Hairspray," the splashy musical now on Broadway. But even as he enjoys the limelight, he's still able to sympathize with those on the other side of celebrity.

Accordion Lesson
Dean takes tips from French accordion master Richard Galliano. Lesson One: A little shuffle goes a long way.

Bartleby the Scrivener
Herman Melville's Wall Street tale explores the murky territory of habit, inclination, peculiarity, incivility and cruelty. We could tell you more, but we would prefer not to. The play's adaptation is by playwright David Ives and is narrated by Barnard Hughes.

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