WBUR Newsroom Election 2008 CommonHealth Blog Radio Boston Blog Boston Weather Climate Connections BBC World News NPR Top Stories NPR's Morning Edition NPR Topics: Books NPR Topics: Movies Fresh Air All Things Considered Marketplace Submit a News Tip RSS Feeds Podcasts "Leviathan," a Whale of a Tale By Bob Oakes Listen to story (Real Audio) "Leviathan: The History of Whaling in America" by Eric Dolin comes out today. NEW BEDFORD, Mass. - July 02, 2007 - It's impossible to think about New England's past without recounting the history of one of its most perilous professions: whaling. For centuries, whales were mined for their fat, meat, and bone. Whales kept generations of people alive and literally fueled the region's economy. Today, a new book on whaling is coming out. It's called "Leviathan: The History of Whaling in America." We'll hear from its author today but first, WBUR's Bob Oakes recalls a classic "whale's tale" and visits the Whaling Museum in New Bedford. RELATED LINKS The official web site of "Leviathan" author, Eric Jay Dolin New Bedford Whaling Museum    From The WBUR Newsroom Comparing Jobless Benefits BOSTON, Mass. (July 25, 2008) As jobless claims rise, people get more unemployment benefits in Massachusetts than in most other states. We compare what it's like for someone in Lawrence with their counterpart across the border in Salem, New Hampshire. From Pump to Pew BOSTON, Mass. (July 25, 2008) A church in West Bridgewater is giving out free raffle tickets to parishioners. The prize: a 50-dollar gas card...and more people in the pews. Strain of Stressful Finances BOSTON, Mass. (July 25, 2008) The faltering economy puts stress on individuals and families, and may lead to a rise in people with mental health issues. We talk with one doctor from Mass. General about the trend and what to do about it. The Bard is Back in Boston BOSTON, Mass. (July 25, 2008) The Bard is back: Shakespeare on the Common returns to the outdoor stage with a full schedule of free shows this summer.