Dec 17th, 2008 · The Holocaust provides the backdrop for a spate of new movies. While The Boy in the Striped Pajamas and The Reader just premiered, they're closely followed by three others. Can we chalk up this trend to an artistic need? Critic Andrew Wallenstein says no — the timing indicates the real reason: the Holocaust is Oscar bait.
Aug 6th, 2008 · To the Chinese, Friday's date could not be more auspicious. When the Olympics begin — precisely at 8:08 — so too will thousands of first dances at weddings. Weddingchannel.com reports a 200 percent jump in Aug. 8 weddings over last year.
Jul 23rd, 2008 · The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, which steps in to manage banks that are seized by the federal government, is hiring. With the recent spate of bank failures, it is finding itself short-staffed.
Jul 16th, 2008 · Batman returns to the big screen Friday with the release of The Dark Knight. It's the latest in a spate of recent movies about superheroes. It's also the latest round in the contest between two giants of the comic book industry: DC and Marvel.
Jul 5th, 2008 · The spate of bad economic news has changed the way we make economic decisions. NPR's Yuki Noguchi visits a used car dealership where drivers are trying to unload their gas guzzlers. Then, economist Dan Ariely discusses why so many of us make economic decisions that are so wrong.
Jul 3rd, 2008 · It used to be a kids' prank, but manhole cover theft has become an expensive problem for cities such as Long Beach, Calif. Each lid weighs more than 200 pounds, but thieves anxious to capitalize upon the rising cost of scrap metal aren't deterred.
Jun 13th, 2008 · From The Cosby Show to The Bernie Mac Show to today's spate of reality shows starring famous rap stars, NPR's Tony Cox examines the images of black fathers on television with Mark Anthony Neal, professor of African-American studies at Duke University.
May 31st, 2008 · There has been a swell of anti-immigrant sentiment in Italy, including attacks on the Roma population. Italy's politicians and Rome's new mayor, a former neo-fascist, are helping fuel anti-immigrant feelings.