NPR Topics: Pop Culture

NPR Topics: Pop Culture http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1048&ft=1&f=1048 News and commentary on popular culture trends. Download the Pop Culture podcast. Copyright 2009 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.93 Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:00 -0500 http://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/thumbnail/npr_generic_image_75.jpg Pop Culture http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1048&ft=1&f=1048 yes James Franco Checks In To 'General Hospital' The star of <em>Milk</em> and <em>Pineapple Express</em> — and a little movie franchise called <em>Spider-Man</em> — will be spending some time in Port Charles over the next couple of months. His guest-starring stint may help "freshen the image of daytime," says the soap opera's executive producer. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120566505&ft=1&f=1048 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120566505&ft=1&f=1048 The star of <em>Milk</em> and <em>Pineapple Express</em> — and a little movie franchise called <em>Spider-Man</em> — will be spending some time in Port Charles over the next couple of months. His guest-starring stint may help "freshen the image of daytime," says the soap opera's executive producer. 204 no The star of Milk and Pineapple Express — and a little movie franchise called Spider-Man — will be spending some time in Port Charles over the next couple of months. His guest-starring stint may help "freshen the image of daytime," says the soap opera's executive producer.

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]]> Real-Life Physics Problems Star On TV The stars of <em>The Big Bang Theory</em> are two fictional Caltech physicists, but the physics problems they study are real. Bill Prady, the program's co-creator and executive producer, talks about including real-world science in the script, from dark matter to magnetic monopoles. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120613274&ft=1&f=1048 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120613274&ft=1&f=1048 The stars of <em>The Big Bang Theory</em> are two fictional Caltech physicists, but the physics problems they study are real. Bill Prady, the program's co-creator and executive producer, talks about including real-world science in the script, from dark matter to magnetic monopoles. 384 no The stars of The Big Bang Theory are two fictional Caltech physicists, but the physics problems they study are real. Bill Prady, the program's co-creator and executive producer, talks about including real-world science in the script, from dark matter to magnetic monopoles.

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]]> Palin Does Oprah, Oprah Calls It Quits ... For Now Freelance journalist Jimi Izrael, civil rights attorney Arsalan Iftikhar, syndicated columnist Ruben Navarrette and NPR Political Editor Ken Rudin give their take on the latest headlines. This week, the guys discuss former GOP vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin's return to the national stage, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder's decision to try 9/11 co-conspirators in civilian court and Oprah's big announcement that "The Oprah Winfrey Show" will end In 2011. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120608140&ft=1&f=1048 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120608140&ft=1&f=1048 Freelance journalist Jimi Izrael, civil rights attorney Arsalan Iftikhar, syndicated columnist Ruben Navarrette and NPR Political Editor Ken Rudin give their take on the latest headlines. This week, the guys discuss former GOP vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin's return to the national stage, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder's decision to try 9/11 co-conspirators in civilian court and Oprah's big announcement that "The Oprah Winfrey Show" will end In 2011. 1069 no Freelance journalist Jimi Izrael, civil rights attorney Arsalan Iftikhar, syndicated columnist Ruben Navarrette and NPR Political Editor Ken Rudin give their take on the latest headlines. This week, the guys discuss former GOP vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin's return to the national stage, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder's decision to try 9/11 co-conspirators in civilian court and Oprah's big announcement that "The Oprah Winfrey Show" will end In 2011.

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]]> Without Further Ado, Sarah Palin Returns Cultural and political phenomenon Sarah Palin returned to the national spotlight this week to promote her memoir "Going Rogue" and fielded questions about a possible run for the White House in 2012. Host Michel Martin talks with Mary Kate Cary, a columnist with U.S. News and World Report, and Matt Continetti, author of "The Persecution of Sarah Palin: How the Elite Media Tried to Bring Down a Rising Star" about what might be next for the former Alaska governor. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:11:01 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120609997&ft=1&f=1048 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120609997&ft=1&f=1048 Cultural and political phenomenon Sarah Palin returned to the national spotlight this week to promote her memoir "Going Rogue" and fielded questions about a possible run for the White House in 2012. Host Michel Martin talks with Mary Kate Cary, a columnist with U.S. News and World Report, and Matt Continetti, author of "The Persecution of Sarah Palin: How the Elite Media Tried to Bring Down a Rising Star" about what might be next for the former Alaska governor. 1040 no Cultural and political phenomenon Sarah Palin returned to the national spotlight this week to promote her memoir "Going Rogue" and fielded questions about a possible run for the White House in 2012. Host Michel Martin talks with Mary Kate Cary, a columnist with U.S. News and World Report, and Matt Continetti, author of "The Persecution of Sarah Palin: How the Elite Media Tried to Bring Down a Rising Star" about what might be next for the former Alaska governor.

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]]> 'The Onion': Mocking All Who Deserve It Since 1988 America's Finest News Source has released a book celebrating its 21 years of satire (with a wink). <em>Onion</em> editors Joe Randazzo and Joe Garden talk with Renee Montagne about the serious business of being funny. Also: See the fun <em>The Onion</em> has had at NPR's expense. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114206357&ft=1&f=1048 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114206357&ft=1&f=1048 America's Finest News Source has released a book celebrating its 21 years of satire (with a wink). <em>Onion</em> editors Joe Randazzo and Joe Garden talk with Renee Montagne about the serious business of being funny. Also: See the fun <em>The Onion</em> has had at NPR's expense. 439 no America's Finest News Source has released a book celebrating its 21 years of satire (with a wink). Onion editors Joe Randazzo and Joe Garden talk with Renee Montagne about the serious business of being funny. Also: See the fun The Onion has had at NPR's expense.

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]]> Oprah To End Talk Show After 25th Season Oprah Winfrey's production company says she plans to end her talk show in 2011, after 25 seasons on the air. Winfrey plans to announce the final date for her show during a live broadcast Friday. Matt Belloni, an editor at the <em>Hollywood Reporter,</em> talks with Renee Montagne about Oprah's decision. Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120602692&ft=1&f=1048 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120602692&ft=1&f=1048 Oprah Winfrey's production company says she plans to end her talk show in 2011, after 25 seasons on the air. Winfrey plans to announce the final date for her show during a live broadcast Friday. Matt Belloni, an editor at the <em>Hollywood Reporter,</em> talks with Renee Montagne about Oprah's decision. 238 no Oprah Winfrey's production company says she plans to end her talk show in 2011, after 25 seasons on the air. Winfrey plans to announce the final date for her show during a live broadcast Friday. Matt Belloni, an editor at the Hollywood Reporter, talks with Renee Montagne about Oprah's decision.

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]]> Under A 'New Moon,' A Surprising Lack Of Passion If you have teenage girls in your life, you don't need to be told that <em>New Moon,</em> the second part of <em>The Twilight Saga</em>, hits movie theaters this weekend. Even though the world may have had enough of star-crossed sweethearts Edward and Bella by the series' end, critic Kenneth Turan says there's not enough of them in this installment. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:15:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120451967&ft=1&f=1048 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120451967&ft=1&f=1048 If you have teenage girls in your life, you don't need to be told that <em>New Moon,</em> the second part of <em>The Twilight Saga</em>, hits movie theaters this weekend. Even though the world may have had enough of star-crossed sweethearts Edward and Bella by the series' end, critic Kenneth Turan says there's not enough of them in this installment. 172 no If you have teenage girls in your life, you don't need to be told that New Moon, the second part of The Twilight Saga, hits movie theaters this weekend. Even though the world may have had enough of star-crossed sweethearts Edward and Bella by the series' end, critic Kenneth Turan says there's not enough of them in this installment.

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]]> Oprah To End Show In 2011 Oprah Winfrey is expected to announce Friday that her talk show will end in 2011. Winfrey's production company, Harpo Productions Inc., said she would provide more details on Friday's <em>Oprah Winfrey Show</em>. Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:50:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120595141&ft=1&f=1048 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120595141&ft=1&f=1048 Oprah Winfrey is expected to announce Friday that her talk show will end in 2011. Winfrey's production company, Harpo Productions Inc., said she would provide more details on Friday's <em>Oprah Winfrey Show</em>. 206 no Oprah Winfrey is expected to announce Friday that her talk show will end in 2011. Winfrey's production company, Harpo Productions Inc., said she would provide more details on Friday's Oprah Winfrey Show.

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]]> Marketers Sink Teeth Into 'New Moon' <em>New Moon</em>, the latest movie in Stephenie Meyer's <em>Twilight</em> vampire saga, is sucking in marketers, who are using the franchise's characters to sell everything from bottled water to late-model luxury cars. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:20:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120501924&ft=1&f=1048 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120501924&ft=1&f=1048 <em>New Moon</em>, the latest movie in Stephenie Meyer's <em>Twilight</em> vampire saga, is sucking in marketers, who are using the franchise's characters to sell everything from bottled water to late-model luxury cars. 220 no New Moon, the latest movie in Stephenie Meyer's Twilight vampire saga, is sucking in marketers, who are using the franchise's characters to sell everything from bottled water to late-model luxury cars.

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]]> Comedian George Carlin's 'Last Words' Before his death in June 2008, comedian George Carlin spent 10 years working on a memoir, <em>Last Words,</em> with his longtime friend Tony Hendra. Hendra, a writer and comedian, talks with Rebecca Roberts about Carlin's life and legacy. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120502583&ft=1&f=1048 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120502583&ft=1&f=1048 Before his death in June 2008, comedian George Carlin spent 10 years working on a memoir, <em>Last Words,</em> with his longtime friend Tony Hendra. Hendra, a writer and comedian, talks with Rebecca Roberts about Carlin's life and legacy. 1819 no Before his death in June 2008, comedian George Carlin spent 10 years working on a memoir, Last Words, with his longtime friend Tony Hendra. Hendra, a writer and comedian, talks with Rebecca Roberts about Carlin's life and legacy.

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]]> Sacha Baron Cohen And Larry Charles Talk 'Bruno' When Sacha Baron Cohen grants an interview, it's usually in character — as Borat, the clueless faux-Kazakh journalist; or as Bruno, the outrageously shallow, ostentatiously gay Austrian fashionista at the center of Cohen's most recent film. Today, though, Cohen joins <em>Fresh Air</em> as himself, for a conversation with Terry Gross and <em>Bruno</em> director Larry Charles. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:59:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120464037&ft=1&f=1048 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120464037&ft=1&f=1048 When Sacha Baron Cohen grants an interview, it's usually in character — as Borat, the clueless faux-Kazakh journalist; or as Bruno, the outrageously shallow, ostentatiously gay Austrian fashionista at the center of Cohen's most recent film. Today, though, Cohen joins <em>Fresh Air</em> as himself, for a conversation with Terry Gross and <em>Bruno</em> director Larry Charles. 2338 no When Sacha Baron Cohen grants an interview, it's usually in character — as Borat, the clueless faux-Kazakh journalist; or as Bruno, the outrageously shallow, ostentatiously gay Austrian fashionista at the center of Cohen's most recent film. Today, though, Cohen joins Fresh Air as himself, for a conversation with Terry Gross and Bruno director Larry Charles.

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]]> Scared Of Planet Nibiru? NASA Would Like To Help According to numerous sources on the Internet, three years from now a planet called Nibiru will collide with Earth, resulting in the extinction of the human race. This and other apocalyptic myths have NASA stepping up to soothe our fears. Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:40:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120436493&ft=1&f=1048 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120436493&ft=1&f=1048 According to numerous sources on the Internet, three years from now a planet called Nibiru will collide with Earth, resulting in the extinction of the human race. This and other apocalyptic myths have NASA stepping up to soothe our fears. 251 no According to numerous sources on the Internet, three years from now a planet called Nibiru will collide with Earth, resulting in the extinction of the human race. This and other apocalyptic myths have NASA stepping up to soothe our fears.

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]]> 'Twilight' Craze Inspires Manuals For Toothy Teens The latest film in the teen supernatural romance series <em>Twilight</em> opens Friday. This installment, <em>New Moon</em>, pits dreamy vampires against hunky werewolves in a battle for the hearts of teenage girls across America. Meanwhile, two humorists — Joe Garden and Bob Powers — have authored self-help books for new members of the vampire and werewolf communities. The authors talk with Guy Raz about the misconceptions and challenges facing the vampire and werewolf communities. Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120422652&ft=1&f=1048 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120422652&ft=1&f=1048 The latest film in the teen supernatural romance series <em>Twilight</em> opens Friday. This installment, <em>New Moon</em>, pits dreamy vampires against hunky werewolves in a battle for the hearts of teenage girls across America. Meanwhile, two humorists — Joe Garden and Bob Powers — have authored self-help books for new members of the vampire and werewolf communities. The authors talk with Guy Raz about the misconceptions and challenges facing the vampire and werewolf communities. 298 no The latest film in the teen supernatural romance series Twilight opens Friday. This installment, New Moon, pits dreamy vampires against hunky werewolves in a battle for the hearts of teenage girls across America. Meanwhile, two humorists — Joe Garden and Bob Powers — have authored self-help books for new members of the vampire and werewolf communities. The authors talk with Guy Raz about the misconceptions and challenges facing the vampire and werewolf communities.

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]]> Principal Tells Students 'Meep' Is Off-Limits The principal at Danvers High School, in Danvers, Mass., has asked students to stop using the word "meep" because of the frustration and confusion it caused among the faculty. Mike Spiewak, a senior at the high school, helped to popularize the word. NPR's Guy Raz talks with Spiewak about what exactly "meep" means, and what the future of the word at the school may be. Sat, 14 Nov 2009 16:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120422662&ft=1&f=1048 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120422662&ft=1&f=1048 The principal at Danvers High School, in Danvers, Mass., has asked students to stop using the word "meep" because of the frustration and confusion it caused among the faculty. Mike Spiewak, a senior at the high school, helped to popularize the word. NPR's Guy Raz talks with Spiewak about what exactly "meep" means, and what the future of the word at the school may be. 183 no The principal at Danvers High School, in Danvers, Mass., has asked students to stop using the word "meep" because of the frustration and confusion it caused among the faculty. Mike Spiewak, a senior at the high school, helped to popularize the word. NPR's Guy Raz talks with Spiewak about what exactly "meep" means, and what the future of the word at the school may be.

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]]> Facebook's 'Farmville' Gets Users To Pay For Play More than 63 million people play the Facebook game called "Farmville" every month, and some even shell out real money to get ahead in the virtual reality. Host Scott Simon speaks to Dean Takahashi, who writes about gaming for the technology news blog VentureBeat, about why the game is so popular. Sat, 14 Nov 2009 08:48:08 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120416321&ft=1&f=1048 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120416321&ft=1&f=1048 More than 63 million people play the Facebook game called "Farmville" every month, and some even shell out real money to get ahead in the virtual reality. Host Scott Simon speaks to Dean Takahashi, who writes about gaming for the technology news blog VentureBeat, about why the game is so popular. 179 no More than 63 million people play the Facebook game called "Farmville" every month, and some even shell out real money to get ahead in the virtual reality. Host Scott Simon speaks to Dean Takahashi, who writes about gaming for the technology news blog VentureBeat, about why the game is so popular.

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