Arts Aug 17 Ann Patchett on the inspirations for her latest novel, ‘Tom Lake’ Amid the pandemic, a woman tells her three now-grown daughters a story of her youth, a love affair, a path she might have taken but didn’t. While they, in turn, tell her of their hopes and fears for the future.
Arts Aug 08 James McBride discusses the themes in his new novel, ‘The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store’ The National Book Award-winning author James McBride has a new novel out, "The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store." Like much of McBride’s work, it’s rooted in race, religion and personal history. Jeffrey Brown turns the page for our arts and…
Arts Aug 04 Studios and writers return to contract negotiations for first time in 3 months Major studios and producers are sitting down with the Writers Guild of America for the first time in three months. The writers strike began before the summer then actors joined in after contract negotiations broke down over similar issues. The…
Arts Aug 02 Why Sinéad O’Connor’s legacy is deeper than her music In the days since Sinéad O’Connor’s death at age 56, there’s been an outpouring of appreciation for the Irish singer-songwriter’s music and her legacy. Jeffrey Brown talks with Una Mullally of The Irish Times about what made O’Connor both a…
Arts Jul 31 How Jason Aldean’s controversial hit song became a cultural flashpoint One of the most popular country music hits of the summer is Jason Aldean's "Try That In A Small Town." But the song has ignited controversy and faced backlash from fans who say the lyrics encourage racism and violence. The…
Arts Jul 24 Success of ‘Barbie’ film adds to doll’s cultural legacy Barbie. The one name conjures up feelings for many generations of women and men across the world. The plastic wonder is now featured in a new film raking in about $155 million this past weekend, making it the highest opening…
Arts Jul 21 Christopher Nolan on ‘Oppenheimer’ and the responsibility of technology creators Robert Oppenheimer was one of this country’s greatest scientists, the father of the atomic bomb and a victim of the McCarthy witch hunts. Now the complicated and fascinating man is the subject of a new film by director Christopher Nolan.
Arts Jul 21 Remembering the life and legendary career of Tony Bennett Tony Bennett, one of the greatest singers of American standards, died Friday at the age of 96. A combat infantryman who helped liberate a concentration camp during World War II, he came back to New York in 1946 and was…
Arts Jul 18 First Latino head of Academy of American Poets on bringing poetry to more people Founded in 1934, the Academy of American Poets is one of the nation’s leading literary organizations and the largest funder of poets. Its new leader wants to emphasize and expand the linguistic diversity of poetry and boost interest in poetry…
Arts Jul 14 Carpenter Mark Ellison’s new book ‘Building’ offers lessons on life and good work Mark Ellison, the author of the new book “Building,” is a carpenter who knows his way around tools. But rather than a how-to book, this is about developing any kind of craft and skill, along with a few hard-earned lessons…