Arts

Peter Simonischek and Sandra Hüller in the German-Austrian film Toni Erdmann.

Arts

'Toni Erdmann': A Practical-Joking Dad And His Too-Practical Daughter

5:00pm December 28, 2016

by Andrew Lapin

Shadow of a Doubtfire: In this "silly yet profoundly moving" German-Austrian comedy, a father uses disguises, a false identity and a whoopie cushion to get his corporate-minded daughter to loosen up.

Arts

Remembering 'Star Wars' Actress Carrie Fisher

3:14pm December 28, 2016

In addition to playing Princess Leia in the original Star Wars movies, Fisher was also the author of Postcards from the Edge and The Princess Diarist. Originally broadcast in 1990, 2004 and 2016.

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George Michael, seen here performing in September 2012, died this week. Among other things, the man could wear a suit.

The Individualism And Fist-Pumping Of George Michael's 'Freedom '90'

11:46am December 28, 2016

by Linda Holmes

In the wake of the death of George Michael, we take a moment to appreciate "Freedom '90," not his biggest hit, but an irresistible mix of independence and vulnerability.

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Arts

A Brief History Of Food Emoji: Why You Won't Find Hummus On Your Phone

7:00am December 28, 2016

by Laura Oliver

There are burgers and sushi, and even the salacious eggplant, but where are the dumplings and salad? Creating a more culturally diverse menu of food emoji is harder than you think.

Homelessness, Blues, And The Power Of Spoken Words

1:00am December 28, 2016

by David Ford

A new album is giving voice to the homeless living in the Triad.

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People celebrate New Year's in Madrid's Puerta del Sol square, on Jan. 1, 2011. Traditionally, the drinking doesn't begin until after midnight, when people eat 12 grapes for good luck.

In Spain, New Year's Eve Is All About The Grapes — Save The Bubbly For Later

7:18pm December 27, 2016

by Lauren Frayer

As the clock strikes midnight, people in Spain gobble 12 grapes in quick succession, with wishes for the new year. Then, they go out to party all night long with cava, a Spanish sparkling white wine.

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In Paterson, Adam Driver's character does the same thing every day. "Routine is very liberating and nurturing for him," says director Jim Jarmusch.

Books
Arts

'Paterson': A Love Poem To Poetry, From Director Jim Jarmusch

4:10pm December 27, 2016

by Joel Rose

Paterson's main character is a bus driver who writes poetry on his lunch breaks. It was inspired, in part, by an epic William Carlos Williams poem.

Arts

Carrie Fisher, Princess Leia Of Star Wars Fame, Dies At 60

4:10pm December 27, 2016

by Andrew Limbong

Fisher suffered a massive heart attack on a flight from London to Los Angeles last week. A spokeswoman for Fisher's daughter said the actress died Tuesday morning.

Gary the dog and Carrie Fisher attend Tribeca Tune In: Catastrophe at SVA Theatre 2 in April in New York City.

Arts

LISTEN: Carrie Fisher, Terry Gross — And Gary The Dog

4:01pm December 27, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

In an interview with Fisher last month, the Fresh Air host couldn't believe the turn it took when she asked about Fisher's beloved French bulldog. Turns out Gary was right there in the studio.

Carrie Fisher stars in Wishful Drinking, a one-woman show (and title of her best-selling memoir) in New York in 2009.

Arts

Carrie Fisher, Actress Beloved For Playing Princess Leia, Dies At 60

3:18pm December 27, 2016

by Camila Domonoske

She suffered a massive heart attack on a flight from London to Los Angeles last week. A spokeswoman for Fisher's daughter said the actress died Tuesday morning.