Arts

Moon Witch, Spider King, by Marlon James

Books
Arts

'Moon Witch, Spider King' is a rare sequel that is better than its predecessor

9:52am February 15, 2022

by Alex Brown

Black Leopard, Red Wolf, the first book in Marlon James' Dark Star Trilogy, systematically dismantles the known foundations of epic fantasy. This sequel once again shatters expectations.

Black American Refugee, Tiffanie Drayton

Books
Arts

A damaging love affair with the U.S. ends in heartbreak in 'Black American Refugee'

9:00am February 15, 2022

by Ericka Taylor

Tiffanie Drayton tells the story of coming to the U.S. as an immigrant child and discovering that no level of accomplishment would enable her to shake the burden of Blackness in this nation.

We Need to Talk About Cosby examines the tainted legacy of comedian Bill Cosby.

Arts

Cosby's legacy is a third rail conversation we need to have. W. Kamau Bell is ready

2:43pm February 14, 2022

by Terry Gross

Bell's new Showtime documentary grapples with Bill Cosby's tainted legacy and his larger betrayal of the Black community. "It's just like: Why? Why do you have to be this guy?" Bell says.

Queue Listen Now

West Elm Caleb went from a local Hinge player to dating supervillain, the target of a massive, righteous internet investigation. An audience of millions helped uncover and blow up his personal information.

Arts

What internet outrage reveals about race and TikTok's algorithm

12:59pm February 14, 2022

by Jess Kung

While it's good that many called out the overstep in reaction, it also made us think about the ways that these outrage cycles happen, and often get ignored, when people of color are involved.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Salma Hayek play the Greek gods Zeus and Hera in a Super Bowl ad for BMW.

Sports
Arts

The best (and worst) Super Bowl commercials: Lizzo, cranky Zeus and more

12:53pm February 14, 2022

by Eric Deggans

The commercials during this year's game weren't serious or poignant enough to speak to the modern moment.

NPR's Culture Desk suggests movies, books and songs for Valentine's Day.

For Valentine's Day, a few of our favorite love stories to read, watch and hear

11:47am February 14, 2022

by Miranda Mazariegos

Valentine's Day reminds us we can relearn and redefine what it means to love and be loved. So, we offer some books, songs, and movies about passion, devotion, and relationships to take on the journey.

Ivan Reitman died over the weekend, his family said. The director is seen here last year at the premiere for Ghostbusters: Afterlife, a sequel to his 1984 film.

'Ghostbusters' director and 'Animal House' producer Ivan Reitman has died

10:31am February 14, 2022

by Bill Chappell

Reitman has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His movies often blended elements of comedy, horror and drama — a mix that was tricky to perfect.

Tariq Trotter portrays a scientist who has invented a machine that can turn Black people white in the off-Broadway musical Black No More.

Arts

A machine turns Black people white in the musical 'Black No More'

10:25am February 14, 2022

by Jeff Lunden

An off-Broadway show, based on a 1931 novel, explores the results when a scientist charges Black people $50 each to change their race with his new invention.

Queue Listen Now

The Idaho Potation Commission is giving away a French fry-scented perfume ahead of Valentine's Day.

The French fry lover in your life may go head over peels for this perfume

5:58pm February 13, 2022

by Joe Hernandez

Looking for a last-minute Valentine's Day gift? Idaho's potato commission is giving away French fry-scented perfume for Valentine's Day.

Holley Simmons, owner of the flower shop She Loves Me based in Washington, D.C., displays the grocery store-bought bouquet.

Arts

Don't discount grocery store flowers, florist says, but do keep these tips in mind

8:00am February 13, 2022

Roses are red, violets are blue, you forgot to order Valentine's Day flowers, didn't you? This article can help. A florist breaks down the dos and don'ts of DIY store-bought bouquets.