Arts News

Portrait hed here
teaser
Devotion's Double-Edged Sword: 'Chuck' Vs. The Entitled Fan Base
An episode of Chuck provides an interesting lesson in the dark side of fandom.
How 'Soul Train' Got America Dancing
The hourlong dance variety show Soul Train was the longest-running syndicated show in history when it signed off in 2006. Adolfo "Shabba Doo" Quinones, one of the program's original dancers, celebrates Soul Train's 40th anniversary with a look back at the show's impact on fashion, dance and culture.
What We're Reading, Feb. 9 - 15, 2010
Three novels of past and present: Lynn Neary reviews the "perfect" novel for our down economy — written before the banks failed. Steve Inskeep reads a tale of political infighting resonant of today, but that follows events in Cicero's Rome. And Alan Cheuse celebrates The Lost Books of the Odyssey, a novel both timeless and very contemporary.
Doctor Works To Get Young Men Out Of 'Wrong Place'
When young African-American men showed up at Boston City Hospital with knife and gunshot wounds, most were thought to be thugs or drug dealers. But Dr. John Rich took time to interview these victims and found out what was really behind their injuries.
Imagining 'The Next Hundred Million' Americans
The U.S. population is expected to reach 400 million by mid-century. In his book, The Next Hundred Million: America in 2050, Joel Kotkin argues that future will be green, diverse and suburban. Kotkin explains how the nation's changing demographics will transform American life and communities.
20 Years Of Defending Death Row Inmates
Attorney David Dow has spent his career representing inmates who have been sentenced to death. Despite his efforts, many of his clients have been executed — and most of them were guilty. In his new memoir, The Autobiography of an Execution, Dow details what it's like to become emotionally involved with the people living on death row.
Jazz Ensemble Empirical Recalls Eric Dolphy
Out 'n' In, the latest album from Empirical, is a tribute to the late musician Eric Dolphy. The record contains six original pieces that adopt Dolphy's style and adaptations of two songs from his album Out to Lunch!
Notable And Dubious Super Bowl Achievements
Now that the big trophy has been handed out, Monkey See distributes some of its own. Linda Holmes chooses between Snickers, Letterman-Leno and Google for Best Ad. Other honors include: best example of turning on a dime and most surprising movie resemblance.
DeLillo's Man In The Desert, Up Against The Wall
The author's latest novel is Point Omega, the story of a man who aided in the planning of the Iraq war. Like many of the books in DeLillo's 40-year career, it connects real-life events with themes of isolation and inevitability.
First Black Woman POW 'Still Standing'
Shoshana Johnson was one of seven American POWs rescued alive 22 days after the 507th Maintenance Company was ambushed in An Nasiriyah, Iraq, in March of 2003. Her capture made her the first African-American female prisoner of war in U.S. history. Host Liane Hansen talks to Johnson about her new memoir I'm Still Standing: From Captive U.S. Soldier to Free Citizen, My Journey Home.
'Birthright': The Astonishing Story Behind 'Kidnapped'
In his new book, Birthright, author A. Roger Ekirch gives a historical account of the 18th-century kidnapping of 12-year-old British aristocrat James Annesley. The story captivated public attention and inspired at least five novels, including Robert Louis Stevenson's classic adventure tale Kidnapped.
Meet The Backwards-Speaking Girl
Meghan Shea is a college student with an odd talent: she can read and speak backwards. Host Liane Hansen talks to Shea about her unusual linguistic ability, and picks up a few pointers.
From Erdrich, A Page Turner With Deceit At Heart
Louise Erdrich's new novel, Shadow Tag, is the story of a woman who writes two diaries — one that she knows her husband is reading, and one that she keeps secret. As she manipulates her husband, their marriage falls apart.
Legendary Pasadena Playhouse Closes
Southern California's Pasadena Playhouse, a training ground for actors such as Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman, brings down the curtain for the last time this weekend. The theater is deep in debt and, barring a last-minute reprieve from supporters, will close after Sunday's performance of Camelot.