What The Movies Taught Us About Teaching
As part of the 50 Great Teachers series, NPR's Bob Mondello looks at what Hollywood has taught us about teachers.
Arts
The Annie Of Tomorrow Has The Same Hard Knocks, But Different Hair
The famously redheaded orphan is played this time by African-American actress Quvenzhané Wallis. "The original Annie had a red Afro," points out Indiana University scholar Terri Francis.
'El Deafo': How A Girl Turned Her Disability Into A Superpower
Navigating elementary school is already hard enough — try adding in a bulky metal hearing aid. Cece Bell's new young adult graphic memoir captures the experience in a poignant and humorous way.
A Pop-Up Cafe Caters To Hikers Along The Pacific Crest Trail
The 2,650-mile trail is grueling. But for a few weekends each season, hikers on the stretch near California's Sonora Pass encounter a hiker's dream: fresh fruit, cakes and other goodies for the weary.
Watts Going On: The Gaudy Excess Of 'The Great Christmas Light Fight'
If you've never seen hundreds of thousands of lights used to do things like animate wire-frame animals, you're going to love this bonkers piece of television.
From Potatoes To Salty Fries In School: Congress Tweaks Food Rules
The giant federal spending bill that's expected to go to a vote Thursday will give schools some flexibility in implementing nutrition standards. Also a winner: the potato lobby.
Your #NPRUglySweaters: The Joy Of Knitwear We Ought Not Wear
A bright, blinking, tinsel-covered, delightfully tacky peek inside of NPR listeners' closets — check out some of our favorite photos of your favorite Christmas attire.
It's Ugly Christmas Sweater Season — Share Your Best (Bad) Attire
The themed party trend is on us again, and holiday garb bedecked with bells, lights and way too much tinsel is selling fast. Show us your best holiday monstrosity — use the hashtag #NPRuglysweaters.
'Pippin' Performs The Final Ballad Of 'The Hobbit'
Billy Boyd was the hobbit Pippin in The Lord of the Rings films, and he's a musician, too. He talks to NPR's Rachel Martin about writing the last song for the new movie, The Battle of the Five Armies.