A Journalist Delves Deep Inside 'Putin Country'
Steve Inskeep talks with former NPR foreign correspondent Anne Garrels about her new book Putin Country: A Journey into the Real Russia.
Arts
'Caped Crusade' Peeks Under Batman's Iconic Cowl
Glen Weldon's new book lays out the history of Batman — from pow-biff-zap camp icon to dour Dark Knight — with the witty, informed perspective of a diehard fan. To the Batcave, readers!
The Many Masks Of Batman In 'Caped Crusade'
Glen Weldon's book The Caped Crusade traces the evolution of Batman, and argues that his anger and obsession are only part of the character; his childhood anti-crime oath makes him a hopeful figure.
Ceci N'Est Pas Ice Cream (Actually It's Lard And Food Coloring)
A photo series exposes the cheats food stylists use to make dishes look so scrumptious in glossy magazines and cookbooks. Roast meats are glazed with motor oil, and milk is replaced with glue.
Whither Bridget Jones? Britain's 'Independent' Newspaper Goes Digital
Helen Fielding's memorable comic creation started as a series of columns in the Independent some 20 years ago; as the paper goes digital-only, Fielding says the next Bridget could come from a blog.
Mysterious Keys Unlock Surreal Landscapes In 'What Is Yours Is Not Yours'
Book critic Maureen Corrigan says each of the "nouveau Gothic" stories in Helen Oyeyemi's new collection leaves a deep impression — like a scar that stubbornly refuses to fade.
Rare Tape Of Wilt Chamberlain's 100-Point Game To Be Archived
The Library of Congress names 25 recordings to be added to its National Recording Registry annually. This rare recording — there is no film of the game — is one of this year's selections.
Bubble Tea Is Back — With A Vengeance
Boba is the Taiwanese beverage that allows you to chew your drink. In its latest incarnations (think horchata and cocktail bobas), it's playing ambassador to a whole host of other foods and trends.
From Reagan's Cyber Plan To Apple Vs. FBI: 'Everything Is Up For Grabs'
Fred Kaplan, author of Dark Territory, traces the history of cyber defense into the current heated debate between the FBI and Apple over the encryption of the iPhone.
When Chefs Become Famous Cooking Other Cultures' Food
Rick Bayless is a master of Mexican fare. He's also a white guy from Oklahoma. Over the years, that's made him the target of criticism. Who gets to be the ambassador of a cuisine?