Elizabeth Blair

Elizabeth Blair appears in the following:

Congress Approves 2 New Museums Honoring American Latinos, Women's History

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

The Smithsonian cannot build a new museum without federal legislation but both museums have bipartisan support. The law requires costs be covered by a 50/50 split between public and private dollars.

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Successful, Sentimental And Satirized, 'Love Story' Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

The "unabashedly sentimental" romantic tearjerker was the highest grossing movie of 1970. Since then it's inspired countless ugly cries — and plenty of parodies, too.

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Keep It Classical, Says Trump Order On Federal Architecture

Monday, December 21, 2020

A new executive order from President Trump promotes classical architecture as the official style for new federal buildings. The proposal was originally floated in February.

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'Ugly,' 'Discordant': New Executive Order Takes Aim At Modern Architecture

Monday, December 21, 2020

President Trump upset the architectural world in February when he proposed an executive order mandating traditional, classical architecture for new federal buildings. That order is now a reality.

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Sen. Mike Lee Blocks Legislation For Latino, Women's Museums

Friday, December 11, 2020

In a move that infuriated supporters of museums to be dedicated to Latinos and women on the National Mall, the Republican senator blocked legislation Thursday that would lead to the creation of both.

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4 Teams Head Into Finals Of Collegiate A Cappella Championship

Wednesday, December 09, 2020

Described as Pitch Perfect meets March Madness, the competition received performance videos from hundreds of groups. Groups can win cash prizes for charities.

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'Americans For The Arts' Promises More Racial And Cultural Equity

Thursday, December 03, 2020

The arts advocacy group Americans for the Arts responded to criticism that it's been a roadblock to inclusion by agreeing its efforts "have not been enough."

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New Documentary 'Billie' Explores Mysteries Of Billie Holiday And Her Biographer

Thursday, December 03, 2020

The film continues writer Linda Kuehl's unfinished investigation into Holiday's life through never-before-heard interviews with jazz luminaries, and explores her experiences with institutional racism.

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In 'No One Asked For This,' Cazzie David Writes About Her Afflictions

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

In a new book of essays, No One Asked For This, Cazzie David writes about struggles with depression and anxiety, the perils of social media, and her excruciating breakup with SNL star Pete Davidson.

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Smithsonian, Other Museums Closing Again For Safety

Thursday, November 19, 2020

The Smithsonian is closing its seven museums and the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. because of the recent spike in COVID cases. Other cultural institutions also announced closures.

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Puzzle Business Goes 'Bonkers' As People Seek Pandemic Pastimes At Home

Monday, November 09, 2020

With so many people hunkered down due to the coronavirus pandemic, jigsaw puzzle sales are booming — and retailers are struggling to meet the increased demand.

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Anxious On Election Night? Join Mo Willems For A 'Democracy Doodle'

Monday, November 02, 2020

"Any time we express ourselves, that's a form of patriotism," says writer and artist Mo Willems. He'll lead three drawing exercises, each accompanied by a National Symphony Orchestra musician.

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Landscape Architects Unveil Plans To Save The National Mall's Tidal Basin

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

With increased car and foot traffic, the ground underneath the Tidal Basin — home to memorials to Thomas Jefferson, FDR and MLK Jr. — is sinking. As sea levels rise, the walkways flood daily.

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'Opening Act' Captures The Painful Business Of Making People Laugh

Monday, October 19, 2020

The Movie The Opening Act follows the trials and tribulations of a stand-up comedian. It stars Jimmy O. Yang, Cedric the Entertainer, Alex Moffat along with cameos by comics who've been there.

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Isn't This A Lovely Day For A 'Top Hat' Tribute?

Friday, October 16, 2020

Irving Berlin's classic musical turns 85 this year, and a group of artists are paying tribute with a brand-new video version of one of its songs, "Isn't This A Lovely Day (To Be Caught In The Rain)?"

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20 Artists In Inaugural Class Of Disability Futures Fellows Receive $50,000 Grants

Wednesday, October 14, 2020

A new fund created by the Andrew W. Mellon and Ford Foundations awards unrestricted grants to fellows working in a range of disciplines including architecture, dance, multimedia and journalism.

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Kevin Young Named Director Of National Museum Of African American History And Culture

Wednesday, September 30, 2020

"I am eager to engage further directions in the museum's mission, embracing our digital present and future while furthering conversations around Black history, art, liberation and joy," Young says.

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Disney Lays Off 28,000 Workers, 67% Are Part-Time Employees

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

The Walt Disney Company's theme parks, resorts and cruises have been devastated by COVID-19. Disney announced it is laying off the workers from its Parks, Experiences and Products division.

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Kennedy Center Hosts First In-Person Concert Since Lockdown

Monday, September 28, 2020

After closing its doors in March and laying off hundreds of workers, the Kennedy Center held its first concert Saturday night (9/26). Renee Fleming and Vanessa Williams performed for an audience of about 40 people. NPR's Elizabeth Blair was there.

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'Guess How Much I Love You' Author Sam McBratney Dies At 77

Tuesday, September 22, 2020

"I love you right up to the moon — and back," Big Nutbrown Hare tells Little Nutbrown Hare. Their affections were translated into 57 languages and sold millions of copies worldwide.

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