Nov 21st, 2008 · Filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles' breakout hit Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song rattled the Hollywood status quo when it was released in 1971 with an "X" rating for adult content. Since then, Van Peebles has gone on to write, direct and act in many other projects, which has earned him upcoming tribute by the Gotham Indepedent Film Awards. Van Peebles discusses highlights of his career and addresses criticism of his work.
Sep 22nd, 2008 · NBC's 30 Rock cleaned up the major comedy prizes, but the big drama awards went to basic-cable breakouts like AMC's Mad Men and FX's Damages. TV critic David Bianculli recaps the evening.
Jul 16th, 2008 · The Ting Tings' infectious dance rhythms (and a coveted spot in an iPod commercial) have made the English pop duo one of the year's most exciting and hyped new bands. The group is currently on tour for its breakout debut album, We Started Nothing. It visits Washington, D.C.'s 9:30 Club on Tuesday, July 22 for a live concert, webcast on NPR.org. The performance begins online at approximately 9:30 p.m. ET.
Jul 1st, 2008 · The members of Fleet Foxes like to say they're not much of a rock band, but they are one of the year's breakout acts. The group's self-titled debut, released earlier this year on the Sub Pop label, has earned universal acclaim for its timeless mix of folk, choral and rock. Hear Fleet Foxes give a full concert, webcast live on NPR.org, on July 7. The performance, from the Black Cat in Washington, D.C., will begin online at approximately 10 p.m. ET.
Jan 2nd, 2008 · New research brings the old wives' tale -- that eating sugar causes breakouts -- back to life. Dr. Sydney Spiesel discusses the findings and the other major factors determining the appearance of our skin.
Dec 22nd, 2007 · A breakout from the Union County jail in New Jersey is straight out of the movies. Two inmates loosen the mortar around a 16-inch cinderblock and wriggle through the wall. They left a note reading: "Thank you. You're a pal. Happy Holidays." They signed it with a smiley face.
Nov 23rd, 2007 · Dustin Hoffman's turn as Benjamin Braddock in The Graduate was a breakout role, and he was nominated for an Oscar. Hoffman won two Oscars later in his career.
Feb 26th, 2007 · The Sisters Love wasn't a disco act, but it laid down the sound and rhythm that would influence the style's breakout success in the mid-'70s. The group's members were innovators, but they were also survivors, created by and from former members of The Raelets, Ray Charles' backup singers.