NPR Arts & Culture
Summer Movies: The Sweet, The Light And The Loud Trailer: 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' Trailer: 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' Trailer: 'The Hurt Locker' Trailer: 'Whatever Works' Trailer: 'Julie An
The summer-movie slate looks like a typically airheaded one, from Land of the Lost to the naughty new spoof Bruno. But fear not: We found a few dramas — even some foreign weepies — to help tide you over.
Gourmands Through The Ages: 'A History Of Food In 100 Recipes'
From ancient Egyptian bakers to Gordon Ramsey, every era has its foodies. And without them, the history of food would be pretty darn boring, says William Sitwell. His new book chronicles how these epicures shaped our palates, and the recipes they left behind.
James Gandolfini Dies; 'Sopranos' Actor Was 51
Actor James Gandolfini, 51, has reportedly died. Variety magazine reports that he suffered a "sudden stroke." The cause of death is not yet known with certainty, but HBO says the actor may have suffered a heart attack.
The Art Of Life: Claes Oldenburg At MOMA
Claes Oldenburg is one of the best-known American pop artists. Critic Lloyd Schwartz found himself not alone in enjoying the current Oldenburg exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art, which continues through Aug. 5.
'The Watchers' Have Had Their Eyes On Us For Years
Shane Harris, an author and journalist who covers intelligence, surveillance and cybersecurity for a number of publications, says that the revelations about the NSA from Edward Snowden are nothing new, and that such programs have a significant recent history in the United States.
From Classic Toys To New Twists, Kids Go Back To Blocks
NPR's Neda Ulaby investigates a trend in toys that sounds awfully familiar: Manufacturers are finding new ways to get kids interested in playing with blocks, both real and virtual.
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The Martini: This American Cocktail May Have An International Twist
The martini has been called "the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet." But is this cocktail perfectly American? Maybe not entirely. In honor of National Martini Day, we decided to dig into the drink's muddled past.
The 25 Movies To Which 'World War Z' Is A Sequel, Probably
How did we get all the way to World War Z?
Bait And Twitch: 'Vice' Magazine, Suicide Glamour, And Not Staying Quiet
What do you do with something that seems designed only to offend? Ignore it, or say something?
Book News: Kim Jong Un Reportedly Gave 'Mein Kampf' As Gifts
Also: The folly of marathon readings; Tom Wolfe has a new book; VICE apologizes for tasteless photo spread.
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A Family's Secrets And Sorrows Surface In 'Heatwave'
Maggie O'Farrell's new novel, Instructions for a Heatwave, follows a troubled Irish Catholic family in London over the course of four scorching July days in 1976. Reviewer Heller McAlpin says Heatwave is a beautiful book about "the importance of forgiving those you love."
The Art Of Investing: The Rewards Aren't Always Financial
The Internet makes collecting and even investing in art much more accessible to ordinary people. As part of his adventures in investing, NPR's Uri Berliner pays $450 for an abstract flower study he's only seen online. Is it an investment or a painting he's just happy to have hang on his wall?
Stalking The Elusive, Worthy Apricot
Apricots are the finest of summer's fruits, with dense, juicy flesh and delicate, velvety skins. That's why it is so disheartening when you bite into one, only to find it is mealy and flavorless. To find the best ones, head to your local farmers market.
Change Is On The Horizon For London's Famous Skyline
The city of London boasts centuries of architectural history. But a building boom is threatening the city's traditionally low-rise aesthetic and the views of some of that history. Critics — including UNESCO — are very worried about London's changing skyline.
In NYC, A Play Festival Spotlights Stories Of Disability
Now in its third year, the "... Our Parts" festival at Theater Breaking Through Barriers runs through June 28. Here and across the country, artists with disabilities are making drama (and comedy) in illuminating ways.
Cécile McLorin Salvant: Making Old Songs New Again
The 23-year-old jazz phenom's debut album showcases her takes on vintage jazz and blues numbers by Bessie Smith, Fats Waller and others. You can trace some of her effects back to jazz greats like Sarah Vaughan, Betty Carter and Abbey Lincoln.
Samberg, Taccone And Schaffer: Three's Not A Lonely Island
As the brains behind the hip hop parody group responsible for digital shorts like "D*#! In A Box," Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer have produced some of the funniest material on Saturday Night Live in recent memory. They talk about comedy, Yo! MTV Raps and adolescence.
Death Of A Puppy: An Exclusive Imaginary Excerpt From The 'Man Of Steel' Sequel
We've gotten our hands on an exclusive excerpt from the sequel to the Superman smash (by making it up ourselves).
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Books Your Kid Might Give Up Video Games To Read
It's finally summer and for many kids that means swimming, video games and vacations. But a lot of parents hope their kids will to do some extra reading during the break. Host Michel Martin is joined by three moms in the literary world with summer book suggestions
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Book News: VICE Draws Ire By Staging Female Author Suicides
The anonymous book sculptor of Edinburgh strikes again; the childhood drawings of E.E. Cummings; Jonathan Franzen on literary sexism.
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