Arts

Revamped San Francisco Museum Merges Modern Art With Interactive Tech

4:24pm May 16, 2016

by Laura Sydell

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art re-opened this weekend with groundbreaking interactive technology meant to enhance the experience of looking at art. But can there be too much tech in a museum?

'Geek Love' Author Katherine Dunn Dies At 70

4:24pm May 16, 2016

Author Katherine Dunn, who wrote the cult comic novel, Geek Love, has died at age 70. NPR's Kelly McEvers talks with Dunn's son, Eli Dapolonia, about his mother's life and work.

A Bigger Splash features Ralph Fiennes as an old lover whose expected visit interrupts the life of rock star Marianne (played by Tilda Swinton).

Arts

An Emotional Storm Breaks In Paradise In 'A Bigger Splash'

2:04pm May 16, 2016

by John Powers

An aging rock star's respite in the Mediterranean is interrupted by an old lover in A Bigger Splash. John Powers calls the film, which stars Tilda Swinton and Ralph Fiennes, a "gripping slow-burn."

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Mendez stands in his bedroom recording studio.

Arts

How The Narrator Of 'Jane The Virgin' Found His Voice

10:41am May 16, 2016

by Kat Chow

Anthony Mendez's role as Jane's unseen narrator has garnered him critical acclaim. But before Mendez was able to turn his voice into a career, he was selling tombstones for the family business.

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Which TV Shows Will Be Back Next Year?

6:51pm May 15, 2016

It's that time of year when TV networks decide which shows to cancel and which to renew for the 2016-2017 season. NPR TV critic Eric Deggans gives an update on the new and canceled shows.

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Arts

How A Poison Pill Worded As 'Sex' Gave Birth To Transgender Rights

4:37pm May 15, 2016

by NPR Staff

Author of a book on the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Tom Purdam tells NPR's Linda Wertheimer how that bill came to shape today's transgender rights and comments on the current battle in North Carolina.

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"King of Sting" Justin O. Schmidt is a biologist at the Southwestern Biological Institute. A "connoisseur of pain," he has ranked 83 different insect stings on a pain index based on his own experience.

Books
Arts

Stung By 83 Different Insects, Biologist Rates His Pain On A Scale Of 1 To — OW!

2:51pm May 15, 2016

by NPR Staff

Biologist Justin Schmidt has traveled all over the world looking for bugs ... and getting stung by them. He documents his travels/travails in his new book The Sting of the Wild.

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Quail in dandelion's nest — one of Pascal Baudar's wild-crafted culinary creations. "So many wild plants, so little time," says Baudar. He leads foraging expeditions in the forests of Los Angeles and works with chefs to create meals based on wild foods.

Urban Foraging: Unearthing The Wildcrafted Flavors Of Los Angeles

2:10pm May 15, 2016

by Jonaki Mehta

For Pascal Baudar, LA is a treasure trove of edible plants and insects that he uses in unusual culinary creations. He helps some of the city's top chefs put wild foods on menus and has a new cookbook.

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Bobby Ellerbee, sporting his graduation get-up.

After A 40-Year Detour, 'Squidbillies' Star Takes Home His Diploma

1:59pm May 15, 2016

by NPR Staff

Bobby Ellerbee left his studies to host a radio show, voice a beloved cartoon character, even party with Etta James. Lately, though, he returned to do the one thing he hadn't done yet: graduate.

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Library Of Congress Opens 'Jazz Singers' Exhibition

7:58am May 15, 2016

by Susan Stamberg

The new exhibition features the likes of Billie Holiday and other jazz greats, from the 1920s to today. Photos, papers, video and scores are on display and will travel to Los Angeles later this year.

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