NPR's Ultimate Podcast Wish List For The Holidays
Sitting in traffic? Stuck on a plane? Here's a podcast playlist for all your holiday needs, delivered in poem form.
Arts
Impeccable 'Phantom Thread' Doesn't Drop A Stitch
Paul Thomas Anderson's film about a London dressmaker in the 1950s is "a rare combination of audacity and precision, impeccably tailored yet full of mystery and magic," says critic Scott Tobias.
The Art Of Gift Wrapping
Professional gift wrapper Mia Canada says she used to be a gift bag person. But that all changed after a seasonal job opportunity allowed her to explore the creative side of wrapping presents.
The 25th Anniversary Of David Sedaris Reading 'Santaland Diaries'
Before he became a best-selling writer and humorist, David Sedaris worked as a department store elf. We bring you the 25th anniversary of David Sedaris reading from his essay "Santaland Diaries."
Rounding Up Reindeer: Zoo Prepares To Evacuate As Fire Burns Close
As the massive Thomas Fire burs in California, the Santa Barbara Zoo's elaborate evacuation plan involves 150 species, tranquilizers and maybe even throwing a towel over an alligator's head.
Will Smith Plays Cops-And-Monsters In Unremarkable 'Bright'
Smith is a police officer paired with an orc (Joel Edgerton) in this fantasy-inflected buddy-cop movie that's "lazy but not boring" and "perfectly, stubbornly mediocre."
'Downsizing': A Tone-Deaf, Less-Than-Incredible Shrinking Satire
Director/co-writer Alexander Payne's film is "the rare movie that seems to execute every part of its concept absolutely wrong; a narrative, tonal, visual and sociopolitical fiasco."
'All The Money In The World' And Worth Every Penny
The sudden de-Spaceying of a lead role is the least interesting thing about Ridley Scott's propulsive thriller that features a standout performance by Michelle Williams.
How To Host A Hygge Holiday Party: Get Cozy, Embrace Imperfection
The Nordic concept of hygge loosely translates to a feeling of coziness, and for many hosts, it's the perfect antidote to a high-stress year and the typical fussiness associated with holiday parties.
For Many Caribbean Immigrants, It Wouldn't Be Christmas Without Black Cake
Many in New York's large Caribbean diaspora cling to the rich, molasses-spiced cake filled with drunken dried fruits. It takes months to prepare and is central to festivities throughout the islands.