Arts

Arts
Books

In defense of fan fiction, and ignoring the 'pretensions of polish'

3:15pm March 23, 2023

by Patrick Wood

Fan fiction may not command the same respect as other literary pursuits, but it's a rich mode of expression, says one author who mounts a passionate case for the style.

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Arts

Netflix's political thriller 'The Night Agent' sticks to the formula

2:13pm March 23, 2023

by John Powers

An FBI agent in a dead-end job suddenly finds himself in the middle of a huge conspiracy. This new 10-part series is a cross between a paranoid thriller from the '70s and a twisty TV show like 24.

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NYC drag queen Linda Simpson reflects on the scene that set the stage for RuPaul

2:13pm March 23, 2023

by Terry Gross

Linda Simpson performed in and chronicled the drag scene in the '80s and '90s, taking some 5,000 photos of performers. She calls Tennessee's anti-drag legislation "ridiculous."

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Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey was initially approved by Chinese officials to screen at more than 30 cinemas in Hong Kong and Macau on Thursday. But days ahead of the screening, the film's distribution company was told it was no longer allowed to show the slasher film starring a murderous Winnie the Pooh.

Why a horror film starring Winnie the Pooh has run into trouble in Hong Kong

1:40pm March 23, 2023

by Vanessa Romo

The film featuring a murderous Pooh bear has been pulled from theaters in Hong Kong and Macau without explanation. Some say it's a result of China's censorship of memes related to leader Xi Jinping.

A painting of a dog dressed as a Tudor gentleman.

Arts

We asked to see your pet artwork — you unleashed your creativity

8:45am March 23, 2023

by Beth Novey

A pug beagle dressed as a Tudor gentleman. A colorfully rendered cockatoo. Sculpture. Stained glass. Cross stitch. We asked you to share artwork inspired by your pets, and you all outdid yourselves.

All felony domestic violence charges against Justin Roiland, co-creator of Rick and Morty as well as Solar Opposites, were dropped by prosecutors.

The prosecutor drops charges against 'Rick and Morty' co-creator Justin Roiland

8:07pm March 22, 2023

by Jaclyn Diaz

The district attorney's office told NPR charges were dropped against Roiland "as a result of having insufficient evidence" to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Kind words from a stranger helped Laura Holmes-Haddad While undergoing chemo

7:14pm March 22, 2023

In this week's My Unsung Hero, Laura Holmes-Haddad got some much-needed kind words from a stranger.

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TikTok has become baked into the culture.

The U.S. is threatening to ban TikTok? Good luck

6:24pm March 22, 2023

by Manuela López Restrepo

TikTok is on trial as U.S. authorities consider a ban. There's just one problem: it's not only an app for silly videos anymore, it is now entwined with our culture.

Ari Shapiro became a host on NPR's All Things Considered in 2015. In addition to working as a journalist, he sings with the band Pink Martini and performs in a cabaret act with actor Alan Cumming.

Books
Arts

It's impossible to fit 'All Things' Ari Shapiro does into this headline

2:35pm March 22, 2023

by Terry Gross

Shapiro co-hosts All Things Considered, co-stars in a cabaret act with Alan Cumming, and sings with the band Pink Martini. Now, he's written a book, a memoir called The Best Strangers in the World.

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Bob Odenkirk as Hank on AMC's Lucky Hank.

Arts

'Better Call Saul' star's new series 'Lucky Hank' makes a midlife crisis compelling

9:19am March 22, 2023

by Eric Deggans

Bob Odenkirk strikes gold again in his latest TV series, Lucky Hank. Playing to type, he makes the laconic, dissatisfied and restless title character likable and relatable.