Arts

Alfredo Castro (left) and Luis Silva star in From Afar, a thriller from Caracas that blends social and sexual politics.

Arts

'From Afar' Draws You In By Holding You At Arm's Length

6:29pm June 08, 2016

by Bob Mondello

A relationship drama with societal implications marks a striking debut for first-time writer director Lorenzo Vigas. Like the film's leading man, he'll draw you in by holding you at a slight remove.

Actors Theresa Saldana and Joe Pesci in the 1980 film Raging Bull. Saldana died at the age of 61.

Arts

Actress, Victims Advocate Theresa Saldana Dies At 61

5:06pm June 08, 2016

by Andrew Limbong

Saldana was in films such as Raging Bull. In 1982, she was stabbed 10 times by an obsessed fan. She survived the attack and later helped start support groups for other victims of violent crimes.

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Books
Arts

'Infomocracy' Is A Sci-Fi Thriller With Election-Year Chills

4:15pm June 08, 2016

by Jason Heller

Malka Older's new book takes place at the end of the 21st century, in a future where the game of politics has become more streamlined — but infinitely more complex and terrifying.

Beyonce inked a $50 million endorsement deal with Pepsi in 2012.

This Is How Much Celebrities Get Paid To Endorse Soda And Unhealthy Food

3:49pm June 08, 2016

by Allison Aubrey

Beyonce got $50 million to push Pepsi. Justin Timberlake: $6 million in a deal with McDonald's. A study describes the lucrative deals celebs popular with teens and young adults inked to sell food.

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Alejandra Cartagena's photograph Fragmented Cities, Juarez #2 was the inspiration for Freeman's Cartagena vanilla ice cream and sorbet trio.

Copycake: When Food Art Ideas Get Swiped

2:29pm June 08, 2016

by Heidi Glenn

Caitlin Freeman made a name for herself selling modern art-inspired pastries at the SFMOMA. The museum's cafe just reopened with a new caterer — whose desserts look suspiciously familiar.

They May Not Mean To But They Do by Cathleen Schine

Books
Arts

'They May Not Mean To' Is A Wry, Warm Look At The Indignities Of Aging

10:24am June 08, 2016

by Heller McAlpin

Cathleen Schine's new novel stars that literary rarity: a functional family. But matriarch Joy is struggling; her husband is ailing and her worried children don't like seeing their parents' decline.

John Hetlinger, 82, unleashed his version of the heavy metal song "Bodies" on a karaoke audience two years ago. Tuesday, he rocked America's Got Talent.

Unlikely Headbanger, 82, Goes From Singing Karaoke To 'America's Got Talent'

10:05pm June 07, 2016

by Bill Chappell

An octogenarian delivers a face-melting version of a song that's been a hallmark of pro wrestling and action movies.

'The Fractured Republic' Explores How Nostalgia Led To Polarized Politics

4:41pm June 07, 2016

NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Yuval Levin about his latest book, The Fractured Republic: Renewing America's Social Contract in the Age of Individualism. He argues both liberal and conservative Americans' nostalgia for the past has led to today's polarized national life.

Books
Arts

'Such A Magical Time': Harry Potter Fans Recall Growing Up Alongside Wizard

4:41pm June 07, 2016

by Neda Ulaby

A new play about Harry Potter, written by J.K. Rowling, begins previews this week with Harry as a grown up. Grown, too, is the "Potter Generation," the kids who were the first to read the books when they came out. Their experience — maturing alongside Harry — was unique.

Books
Arts

In 'Homegoing,' A Saga Of A Family United By Blood, Separated By Slavery

1:55pm June 07, 2016

by Maureen Corrigan

Yaa Gyasi's debut short story collection begins in 18th century Ghana, where the slave trade separates two half sisters. Critic Maureen Corrigan calls Homegoing a strong work with versatile language.

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