Arts & Life

Books
Arts

'Sweetbitter' Sings With Innocence And Experience

7:00am May 28, 2016

by Annalisa Quinn

Stephanie Danler's new novel follows a young woman finding herself in the New York City restaurant world. It's voluptuous, ripeness on the verge of rot — but anything more tasteful wouldn't do.

Arts

Military Veterans Take On Zombies In 'Range 15'

11:21pm May 27, 2016

by Elizabeth Blair

Range 15 is a new zombie movie made by war veterans for veterans. It's a dark comedy with a cast that includes a Navy Cross recipient, amputees and William Shatner.

Queue Listen Now

Chef Eddie Huang On Cultural Identity And 'Intestine Sticky Rice Hot Dog'

7:01pm May 27, 2016

by NPR Staff

Huang and his brothers, Evan and Emery, headed to China to reconnect with their culture, to eat lots and lots of food — and to cook. He's documented his travels in his new book, Double Cup Love.

Queue Listen Now

Taylor Swift, a pop star who is extraordinary for reasons entirely unrelated to white nationalism.

Taylor Swift, Aryan Goddess?

3:19pm May 27, 2016

by Leah Donnella

Haters (of a multicultural society) gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate. Meanwhile, Swift will continue to bask in her utterly unremarkable whiteness.

Arts

'Weiner' Offers A Riveting, Close-Up View Of A Scandal In Progress

1:33pm May 27, 2016

by David Edelstein

In 2013, a documentary team followed former Congressman Anthony Weiner in his bid to become mayor of New York. When a scandal hit, the cameras kept rolling. Film critic David Edelstein reviews Weiner.

Queue Listen Now

The London Vegetable Orchestra strikes up a tune at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Check Out These Musicians Who Literally Play With Their Food

11:20am May 27, 2016

by Maanvi Singh

It turns out beans aren't the only musical fruit. The London Vegetable Orchestra is one of many musical acts that uses all sorts of fruit and veg to produce sweet (and savory) sounds.

Alexander, a former kickboxing champ, came to the U.S. about 20 years ago to work as a stuntwoman. She has also worked with Marines and women in domestic violence shelters.

Arts

Kickboxing Director Lexi Alexander Uses Activism To Bust Out Of 'Movie Jail'

6:49pm May 26, 2016

by Neda Ulaby

After her 2008 movie, Punisher: War Zone, flopped, Alexander had a hard time getting new projects. She was in what's known as Hollywood's "movie jail," a common experience for female directors.

Queue Listen Now

Arts

Cult Survivor Documents 2 Decades Inside 'Holy Hell'

6:49pm May 26, 2016

Will Allen directed the documentary Holy Hell, which depicts his experience as a videographer and member of The Buddhafield cult. Allen used his own footage, as well as his interviews with other former members, to make this documentary.

Queue Listen Now

The Idol recounts the true-life story of Mohammed Assaf, winner of "Arab Idol".

Arts

In 'The Idol,' A Singer Faces More Than Just Harsh Judges

5:00pm May 26, 2016

by Mark Jenkins

Based on the real story of Mohammed Assaf's run on Arab Idol, the film follows a boy whose dreams as a singer eventually lead him into a tricky journey toward his big moment.

Johnny Depp in Alice Through The Looking Glass.

Arts

There's No Wonder Left For 'Alice'

5:00pm May 26, 2016

by Andrew Lapin

Other than brand extension, there seems to be no reason at all for Alice Through The Looking Glass to exist. And it shows in the final product.