Arts
David Sedaris Reads From 'Santaland Diaries'
The holiday tradition continues. Writer David Sedaris reads from his "Santaland Diaries," recounting his time spent working as a Macy's department store elf named Crumpet.
France Blocks Export Of $27 Million Medieval Painting Found In French Woman's Kitchen
The Italian painting by the artist Cimabue sold for nearly $27 million at auction. But now, government officials in France are intervening in order to stop the art from leaving the country.
Why Certain Poor Shepherds In Nativity Scenes Have Huge, Misshapen Throats
In some historical Nativity scenes, the shepherds have grossly enlarged thyroid glands — also known today as goiter. It's an apparent symbol of their poverty and iodine-deficient diet.
Saoirse Ronan: Playing Jo March In 'Little Women' Was A Confidence Boost
Ronan relished her role in the new adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's novel. "I really am a perfectionist," Ronan says, and playing messy, expressive Jo helped counteract that.
'1917' Is Gripping, Visceral And Strangely Beautiful
Sam Mendes' technique — stringing together a series of long takes to seem continuous, as if the story's events unfold in real time — makes for a "wholly absorbing cinematic experience."
Ram Dass, Spiritual Teacher And Psychedelics Pioneer, Dies At 88
His name meant "servant of God," a title given to him by a Hindu mystic he met in India in the '60s. Ram Dass wrote books popularizing New Age thinking and toured the U.S. lecturing about mindfulness.
In Austria's Alps, 'A Hidden Life' Of World War II Resistance
Director Terrence Malick is known for dream-like movies. His latest tells a more direct story: one of a family, and how it is affected by the father's decision not to swear allegiance to Hitler.
Double Feature: Critic Justin Chang Pairs His Favorite Films Of 2019
In a year where wealth, inequality and class rage were hot movie topics, few had more to say than Parasite and Knives Out — two films that seemed to be in conversation with each other.
Nothing Beats 'The Good Place': David Bianculli Picks The Best TV Of 2019
There were a lot of great shows to watch on television this year — many of them on streaming services. At the top of the list is NBC's comedy about life after death.