Television
After 23 Years, 'Simpsons' Hits 500th Episode
[3 min 20 sec]
Pop Culture
Oscars 2012: The 84th Academy Awards
()With nine films up for Best Picture — and Billy Crystal returning as host — the movie industry's most glamorous gala is Feb. 26. Here's a collection of reviews, interviews, commentary and more from NPR.
New & Notable
- Hardcover Nonfiction: 'Goodnight iPad'
- Hardcover Fiction: 'Explosive Eighteen'
- Paperback Nonfiction: 'Awkward Family Pet Photos'
- Paperback Fiction: 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo'
The Salt
Dining After 'Downton Abbey': Why British Food Was So Bad For So Long()
February 19, 2012 Dining was a very, very big deal in Edwardian England — and the food, it turns out, was pretty sophisticated. So why was British food derided as boring, tasteless fare for much of the 20th century? Here's the story.
Media
Careful With That Fire, Drinking And Litter: 70 Years Of The Ad Council's Advice()
February 18, 2012 Created during World War II, the Ad Council has launched one iconic public service announcement after another, from Rosie the Riveter to Smokey Bear. The nonprofit organization turns 70 on Saturday; what better way to celebrate than to take a stroll down memory lane?
Around the Nation
Whitney Houston's Family, Friends Say Goodbye()
February 18, 2012 Clapping hands and swaying to gospel hymns in the church where Whitney Houston's powerful voice once wowed her congregation, the biggest names in entertainment sang along with the choir to remember the pop superstar at her hometown funeral Saturday.
Asia
Wife Of Chinese VP Shows Off Vocal Pipes, Military Stripes()
February 18, 2012 "Peng Liyuan has been touted now as sort of the Carla Bruni of China," says one music critic. She's regularly featured on Chinese television's blockbuster Spring Festival Gala, and she's also a major general in China's People's Liberation Army.
Monkey See
Is There Hope In Friday Night Television's 'Time Slot Of Death'?()
February 17, 2012 For years, Friday nights have carried a grisly reputation — where shows on broadcast networks are sent to die. But a certain kind of cable show has recently performed well — even really well — on Friday nights. And even broadcast networks are finding flickers of life.
