Arts & Life http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1008&ft=1&f=1008 Art and entertainment commentary plus interviews, book reviews, movie reviews, music reviews, comedy, and visual art. Subscribe to podcasts and follow trends in music, painting, art, architecture, photography, and design. en Copyright 2013 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.94 Thu, 20 Jun 2013 02:56:00 -0400 http://media.npr.org/images/npr_news_123x20.gif Arts & Life http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1008&ft=1&f=1008 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. Thu, 20 Jun 2013 02:56:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/06/20/193583621/gourmands-through-the-ages-a-history-of-food-in-100-recipes?ft=1&f=1008 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/06/20/193583621/gourmands-through-the-ages-a-history-of-food-in-100-recipes?ft=1&f=1008 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.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> James Gandolfini Dies; 'Sopranos' Actor Was 51 Actor James Gandolfini, 51, has reportedly died. <em>Variety</em> 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. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:45:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/06/19/193639558/james-gandolfini-dies-at-51-according-to-reports?ft=1&f=1008 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/06/19/193639558/james-gandolfini-dies-at-51-according-to-reports?ft=1&f=1008 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.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> 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. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:02:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2013/06/19/193514522/from-classic-toys-to-new-twists-kids-go-back-to-blocks?ft=1&f=1008 http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2013/06/19/193514522/from-classic-toys-to-new-twists-kids-go-back-to-blocks?ft=1&f=1008 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.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> 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. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:28:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/06/18/193198710/martini-s-muddled-history-may-have-international-ties?ft=1&f=1008 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2013/06/18/193198710/martini-s-muddled-history-may-have-international-ties?ft=1&f=1008 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.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> 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. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:51:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/19/193146719/the-art-of-life-claes-oldenburg-at-moma?ft=1&f=1008 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/19/193146719/the-art-of-life-claes-oldenburg-at-moma?ft=1&f=1008 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.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> '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. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:07:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/19/192770397/the-watchers-have-had-their-eyes-on-us-for-years?ft=1&f=1008 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/19/192770397/the-watchers-have-had-their-eyes-on-us-for-years?ft=1&f=1008 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.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> The 25 Movies To Which 'World War Z' Is A Sequel, Probably How did we get all the way to <em>World War Z</em>? Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:03:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2013/06/19/193456244/the-25-movies-to-which-world-war-z-is-a-sequel-probably?ft=1&f=1008 http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2013/06/19/193456244/the-25-movies-to-which-world-war-z-is-a-sequel-probably?ft=1&f=1008 How did we get all the way to World War Z?

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> 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? Wed, 19 Jun 2013 08:43:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2013/06/19/193424141/bait-and-twitch-vice-magazine-suicide-glamour-and-not-staying-quiet?ft=1&f=1008 http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2013/06/19/193424141/bait-and-twitch-vice-magazine-suicide-glamour-and-not-staying-quiet?ft=1&f=1008 What do you do with something that seems designed only to offend? Ignore it, or say something?

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Book News: Kim Jong Un Reportedly Gave 'Mein Kampf' As Gifts Also: The folly of marathon readings; Tom Wolfe has a new book; <em>VICE</em> apologizes for tasteless photo spread. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:56:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/06/19/193406485/book-news-kim-jong-un-reportedly-gave-mein-kampf-as-gifts?ft=1&f=1008 http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/06/19/193406485/book-news-kim-jong-un-reportedly-gave-mein-kampf-as-gifts?ft=1&f=1008 Also: The folly of marathon readings; Tom Wolfe has a new book; VICE apologizes for tasteless photo spread.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> A Family's Secrets And Sorrows Surface In 'Heatwave' Maggie O'Farrell's new novel, <em>Instructions for a Heatwave</em>, follows a troubled Irish Catholic family in London over the course of four scorching July days in 1976. Reviewer Heller McAlpin says <em>Heatwave</em> is a beautiful book about "the importance of forgiving those you love." Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/19/192682824/a-familys-secrets-and-sorrows-surface-in-heatwave?ft=1&f=1008 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/19/192682824/a-familys-secrets-and-sorrows-surface-in-heatwave?ft=1&f=1008 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."

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> 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? Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:17:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/19/191675947/the-art-of-investing-the-rewards-arent-always-financial?ft=1&f=1008 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/19/191675947/the-art-of-investing-the-rewards-arent-always-financial?ft=1&f=1008 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?

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> 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. Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:10:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/19/192729957/stalking-the-elusive-worthy-apricot?ft=1&f=1008 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/19/192729957/stalking-the-elusive-worthy-apricot?ft=1&f=1008 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.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> 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. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:41:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/18/193101066/in-nyc-a-play-festival-spotlights-stories-of-disability?ft=1&f=1008 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/18/193101066/in-nyc-a-play-festival-spotlights-stories-of-disability?ft=1&f=1008 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.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> 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. Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:38:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/18/193158102/change-is-on-the-horizon-for-londons-famous-skyline?ft=1&f=1008 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/18/193158102/change-is-on-the-horizon-for-londons-famous-skyline?ft=1&f=1008 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.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]> Reader Advisory: 'Shining Girls' Is Gruesome But Gripping Lauren Beukes' new thriller <em>The Shining Girls</em> traces a time-traveling serial killer as he jumps through the decades, pursued by the only one of his victims to survive. Critic Alan Cheuse calls the book "a frightening journey in time and punishment." Thu, 13 Jun 2013 07:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/18/188897284/reader-advisory-shining-girls-is-gruesome-but-gripping?ft=1&f=1008 http://www.npr.org/2013/06/18/188897284/reader-advisory-shining-girls-is-gruesome-but-gripping?ft=1&f=1008 Lauren Beukes' new thriller The Shining Girls traces a time-traveling serial killer as he jumps through the decades, pursued by the only one of his victims to survive. Critic Alan Cheuse calls the book "a frightening journey in time and punishment."

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

]]>