Pop Culture

Comic Hari Kondabolu's album Waiting for 2042 is a reference to the year the Census Bureau projects whites will be the minority in the U.S. "Don't worry, white people," he says. "You were a minority when you came to this country. Things seemed to have wor

Arts

For Comic Hari Kondabolu, Explaining The Joke IS The Joke

4:23pm April 21, 2014

Many comedians think that explaining jokes ruins jokes, but Hari Kondabolu doesn't mind. Especially when it comes to jokes about race and ethnicity, he's willing to explain until everyone gets it.

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Arts

Why Comedian Hari Kondabolu Is 'Waiting For 2042'

11:44am April 21, 2014

by NPR Staff

The Indian-American performer says he's not obsessed with race, but he uses it frequently in his comedy because it's part of his lived experience and something he can't help but pay attention to.

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Instead of a public service announcement, the FBI has made a movie. Game of Pawns is a docudrama about a college student recruited by the Chinese government. The message is obvious: Don't be a spy.

National

Hey, Kids, Remember You're On Our Side: The FBI Makes A Movie

6:43pm April 20, 2014

by NPR Staff

Instead of a public service announcement, the FBI has made Game of Pawns, a docudrama about a college student recruited by the Chinese government. The message is obvious: Don't be a spy.

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Hundreds of people arrive on the National Mall Friday to try to set a world record for the largest group dressed as comic book characters gathered in one location. The event was organized by Awesome Con 2014, a comic book convention that will take place i

Hey, Superheroes On The National Mall: Any Advice For Congress?

7:13pm April 18, 2014

by Ailsa Chang

Gathered in Washington for a comic book convention, these costumed enthusiasts shared how their favorite characters would run the country.

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Kumail Nanjiani (from left), Martin Starr, Thomas Middleditch, Zach Woods and T.J. Miller star in Silicon Valley, Mike Judge's new sitcom about young programmers trying to hit it rich.

Arts

'Silicon Valley' Asks: Is Your Startup Really Making The World Better?

6:45pm April 17, 2014

Mike Judge's HBO sitcom pokes fun at programmers hoping to hit it rich. It's not the first time Judge has satirized the workplace: His 1999 cult film Office Space explored desk-job-induced ennui.

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Arts

FX's 'Fargo' Is Neither Remake Nor Sequel

5:05pm April 15, 2014

by David Bianculli

The cable network premieres a new drama series tonight. It's called Fargo, and has the same title as the 1996 Coen Brothers movie. Critic David Bianculli says it's very definitely a wonderful show in that same wacky spirit – but it's just as important to note what this new Fargo is not. It's not a remake — and it's not a sequel.

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Don Draper (Jon Hamm) has a lot on his mind as the new season of Mad Men gets underway.

Arts

Don Draper, The Truth Is: You Lied

7:56am April 14, 2014

by Eric Deggans

One of TV's most popular shows kicked off its new — and final — season with some big surprises. Is Mad Men's mesmerizing pitchman still living a lie?

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Colbert Moves Into Letterman's Coveted Late Night Spot

3:41pm April 11, 2014

CBS announced Thursday that the spot held by David Letterman for 21 years will go to Stephen Colbert.

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Mad Men — starring Jon Hamm as Don Draper — returns for its seventh and final season Sunday on AMC.

Arts

Without Giving Too Much Away, Here's What We Can Say About 'Mad Men'

3:38pm April 11, 2014

by David Bianculli

The AMC period drama returns Sunday, with the usual shroud of secrecy that makes it difficult — but not impossible — to review. Fresh Air critic David Bianculli does his best.

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Edie Falco plays ER nurse Jackie Peyton, who is competent at her high-stress job but struggles with addiction. The sixth season of Nurse Jackie starts Sunday on Showtime.

Arts

Edie Falco On Sobriety, The Sopranos, And Nurse Jackie's Self-Medication

5:03pm April 09, 2014

Falco plays ER nurse Jackie Peyton, who is competent at her high-stress job but struggles with addiction. The sixth season of Nurse Jackie begins Sunday on Showtime.

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