Arts & Life

In researching their book, Caren Zucker and John Donvan tracked down Donald Gray Triplett (center), the first person officially diagnosed with autism. Now in his 80s, Triplett has had a long, happy life, Donvan says, maybe partly because his hometown embr

'In A Different Key' Traces History And Politics Of Autism

2:13pm January 20, 2016

by NPR Staff

Authors John Donvan and Caren Zucker say parents have been "unsung heroes" in spurring more research on autism, and in getting many more kids out of institutions and into schools.

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If you rooted for Washington's NFL team because of Robert Griffin III, you'll almost certainly root for a new team this fall.

Sports
Arts

The Giant Foam Finger: How Do You Choose Your Favorite Team?

12:44pm January 20, 2016

by Stephen Thompson

Sometimes, sports fandom comes naturally: We grew up immersed in it, or we get swept up in local fervor. But there's more than one way to become a fan.

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'Hidden History' Of Koch Brothers Traces Their Childhood And Political Rise

8:28am January 20, 2016

Jane Mayer, author of Dark Money, says the Kochs didn't grow up in "the usual cozy, all-American family." Their parents were away much of the time, and competition between the brothers was fierce.

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Books
Arts

'Medusa's Web' Tangles The Occult And Old Hollywood

7:00am January 20, 2016

by Jason Heller

Tim Powers — best known for his time-travel classic The Anubis Gates — mixes up the decades again in Medusa's Web, a tale of an eerie estate in Hollywood and a family unmoored in time.

Persian men kneel on the floor to enjoy breakfast in an illustration by James Morier, published in 1818. Because of Iran's strategic position on the ancient Silk Road, Persian culture was disseminated far and wide. There's no better evidence of this than

From Candy To Juleps, Persians Left Imprint On Many Edible Delights

8:30pm January 19, 2016

by Nina Martyris

With sanctions lifting, Iran is open for trade again. You might not realize we've been consuming the fruits of trade with Persians for centuries — in the names used for many common foods.

Science
Arts

Aztec Gold: Watch The History And Science Of Popcorn

5:11pm January 19, 2016

by Adam Cole

Popcorn has been around at least 4,000 years. The Aztecs even had a word for the sound of kernels popping — totopoca. On National Popcorn Day, ponder the story of this beloved snack.

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Books
Arts

Childhood Resentments Mix With Tragedy In 'The Past'

4:30pm January 19, 2016

by Maureen Corrigan

Four adult siblings agree to spend one final summer vacation together in Tessa Hadley's new novel. Reviewer Maureen Corrigan says The Past is "as disturbing as it is diverting."

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'Academy Has A Problem,' David Oyelowo Says At MLK Event Honoring Academy President

2:28pm January 19, 2016

by Bill Chappell

"I am an academy member and it doesn't reflect me, and it doesn't reflect this nation," the actor said Monday, in a speech that cited black performers' prominent roles in successful films.

Books
Arts

'The Portable Veblen' Goes Enjoyably Nuts

1:34pm January 19, 2016

by Heller McAlpin

Elizabeth McKenzie's novel inverts the traditional romantic comedy formula — for her odd, brainy lovers, the engagement is only the beginning of their troubles. And did we mention the squirrel?

Matthew Secich's wife, Crystal, behind the sausage counter at the deli they opened in Unity, Maine.

Chef Trades Toque For Amish Beard, Opens Off-The-Grid Deli In Maine

6:25pm January 18, 2016

by Jennifer Mitchell

A Chicago chef tired of the kitchen grind moved his family to join an Amish community in Maine. He's now selling charcuterie and cheese from a cabin in the woods.

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