Arts

Letters preserve a history that often doesn't show up in official accounts, says writer K. Tempest Bradford.

Books
Arts

For Black History Month, Letters To Reveal And Inspire

10:03am February 07, 2015

February is Black History Month — but it's also a month to celebrate the lost art of letter writing. K. Tempest Bradford examines the overlap, and recommends some good historical letter collections.

On Better Call Saul, Bob Odenkirk plays Jimmy McGill, a fast-talking, struggling public defender who decides to remake himself as Saul Goodman, a lawyer specializing in representing unabashed criminals.

Arts

'Better Call Saul,' The Prequel To 'Breaking Bad,' Stands On Its Own

4:35pm February 06, 2015

by David Bianculli

The new AMC show is about public defender Jimmy McGill, who adopts a sleazy new persona as Saul Goodman. The show has the same tight plots, rich characters and delicious twists as its parent series.

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Chef David Iott explains the perfect way to prepare risotto to Stanford students.

Cooking 101: Stanford Adds Healthful Eating Skills To The Curriculum

4:13pm February 06, 2015

by Maanvi Singh

With help from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, Stanford University is launching a cooking program to teach students the basics of choosing groceries, cooking and eating healthfully.

Books
Arts

Harper Lee's Friend Says Author Is Hard Of Hearing, Sound Of Mind

3:12pm February 06, 2015

by Lynn Neary

News of a second novel has raised concerns that the To Kill a Mockingbird author is being taken advantage of in her old age. But friend Wayne Flynt says Lee, 88, can "understand what's going on."

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First Book President and CEO Kyle Zimmer reads to children during a book distribution event.

Nonprofit Fights Illiteracy By Getting Books To Kids Who Need Them

3:09pm February 06, 2015

by Lynn Neary

For kids to be exposed to reading, families have to have books to read to them, which isn't a given — especially in low-income areas. First Book works to get quality literature into those communities.

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Arts

Bob Odenkirk Brings Some Laughs To 'Breaking Bad'

1:43pm February 06, 2015

Lawyer Saul Goodman knows how to bend the law, or break it, depending on his clients' needs. Odenkirk talks about playing the comedic character, and the origins of Saul's comb-over.

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Arts

Second 'SpongeBob' Movie Is A Nonsensical, Loud, Choppy Triumph

1:43pm February 06, 2015

by David Edelstein

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water is visually an eyesore — a kaleidoscope of bright, mismatched colors, and in 3-D to make your headache stronger. The movie makers hit the bull's-eye.

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Arts

Visual Artist Mariyah Sultan, Paul Brown and His Piedmont Pals, Faith in Films, and More

1:34pm February 06, 2015

by David Ford

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In 2007, Asali Solomon was named one of the National Book Foundation's "5 Under 35." Her previous book, Get Down, is a collection of short stories. She teaches English literature and creative writing at Haverford College.

Books
Arts

Novelist's 'Disgruntled' Heroine Is Drawn From Her Own Childhood

1:18pm February 06, 2015

Asali Solomon's novel is about a girl growing up in West Philadelphia whose parents were black nationalists. "My parents taught us to revere Africa — people at school made fun of Africa," she says.

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A drawing of two clinking martini glasses.

Arts

Pop Culture Happy Hour: 'Empire' And The Importance Of Different Voices

9:56am February 06, 2015

by Linda Holmes

This week, our friends Tanya Ballard Brown and Gene Demby join us to talk about Fox's hit show Empire and to follow up on a recent public discussion of the need for diverse radio voices.

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