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Culture

Saturday

Review

In a Paris Kitchen, a Comedy that Genuinely Cooks

Critic Bob Mondello says Brad Bird's animated kitchen comedy, about a Paris rat who longs to be a haute-cuisine chef, "isn't just amusing, it's downright mouth-watering" — even as it's "engagingly down-to-earth" and temptingly funny about everything from critics to romantic mishaps.

In a Paris Kitchen, a Comedy that Genuinely Cooks

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Friday

Review

Music Reviews

Anat Fort's 'Long Story' from New York

Israeli-born pianist and composer Anat Fort spent the last seven years in New York, much of it working on her first album for ECM Records. She says that though some of the music was written quickly, it took time to discover how to perform it.

Anat Fort's 'Long Story' from New York

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Music Interviews

Paul Simon, Essential Then and Now

Fresh Air

Singer-songwriter Paul Simon, recipient of the first Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, began his career in 1964 as half of the '60s folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, delivering classics like "The Sound of Silence" and "Mrs. Robinson." He went on to a successful solo career, wrote film soundtracks and Broadway shows, and has even done some acting. This interview first aired on Dec. 11, 2000.

Paul Simon, Essential Then and Now

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Performing Arts

Araboolies Go from 'Liberty Street' to the Stage

In The Araboolies of Liberty Street, Sam Swope introduced readers to the tyrannical General Pinch and Mrs. Pinch, and their "enemies," the fun-loving and free-wheeling Araboolies. A new musical based on the book debuts Saturday.

Araboolies Go from 'Liberty Street' to the Stage

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Review

Eeew, Sick: Health Care, a Rat Chef and 'Die Hard'

Fresh Air

David Edelstein says Sicko is Michael Moore's best film yet, Ratatouille towers like an Eiffel among animated comedies and the latest Die Hard doesn't make you want to — quite.

Eeew, Sick: Health Care, a Rat Chef and 'Die Hard'

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Snapshots: Favorite Hip-Hop Memories

Despite hip-hop's international popularity, it's a very personal music for many rap fans. We wrap up News & Notes' Hip-Hop Series with listener blog entries and rap artists' reflections about their favorite hip-hop memories.

Snapshots: Favorite Hip-Hop Memories

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Eddie Levert on Fatherhood, Loss

R&B singer Eddie Levert, founding member of The O'Jays, talks about his new book, "I Got Your Back." It's a collaboration with his son, singer Gerald Levert, who died soon after they finished the project.

Eddie Levert on Fatherhood, Loss

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Review

'Ratatouille:' Nervy, Funny and Thoroughly Tasty

Kenneth Turan says director Brad Bird did something audacious — made a major motion picture with a rat for a star. The comedy they've created is imaginative, good-spirited, funny — and brave enough to let the rats be ratlike, even as they charm the audience.

'Ratatouille:' Nervy, Funny and Thoroughly Tasty

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Thursday

Brad Bird and Patton Oswalt, Telling a Rat's Tale

Ratatouille director Brad Bird (left) with Patton Oswalt, who plays the leading rat. Disney/Pixar hide caption

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Disney/Pixar

Brad Bird and Patton Oswalt, Telling a Rat's Tale

Fresh Air

Director Brad Bird and actor Patton Oswalt talk about their film Ratatouille. The animated feature tells the story of a foodie rat who becomes a chef in a top Paris kitchen. Bird previously directed and wrote The Incredibles and The Iron Giant. Oswalt is a writer and stand-up comedian.

Brad Bird and Patton Oswalt, Telling a Rat's Tale

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Review

Music Reviews

The Sweet Sound of Ruby Elzy

Fresh Air

New tracks from 1930s Broadway and radio star Ruby Elzy have been released in a CD called Ruby Elzy in Song: Rare Recordings (1935-1942). Elzy's vocal talents brought her wide acclaim until her tragic death at the age of 35.

The Sweet Sound of Ruby Elzy

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Books

What Makes the TV Industry Tick?

Writer Lee Siegel has watched years worth of dramas, sitcoms, reality shows and news as the television critic for The New Republic. In a collection of essays, Siegel discusses the evolving television landscape.

What Makes the TV Industry Tick?

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