MEMETERIA by Thomas May

Arts & Culture Stories from NPR

• The 'Schitt's Creek' Finale Gave David A Happy Ending
  The gentle Canadian sitcom with the rabid international fanbase came to an end last night after six seasons. Included: A tearful wedding, many tearful goodbyes and one last weird Moira pronunciation.
• Hal Willner, 'SNL' Staple And Acclaimed Music Producer, Has Died
  The multi-faceted and musically voracious producer died one day after his 64th birthday, which was Monday, at home in New York City. He had symptoms consistent with those caused by COVID-19.
• Newest Nintendo 'Animal Crossing' Arrives
  Nintendo's Animal Crossing changed the idea of gaming from having a final end goal to more of a peaceful, relaxing experience. After 7 years, the newest version is out now and has fans swooning.
• Cooking During COVID-19: Family Meals And Fantasies Of Future Dinner Parties
  Food writer Sam Sifton says the resurgence of family meals is one of the "precious few good things" to come of the pandemic. He says his family is eating a lot of tinned fish and cabbage these days.
• You'll Want To Stop The Car For This 'Redhead By The Side Of The Road'
  Anne Tyler's latest novel — about a man who discovers that his calm, routine life may not be the one he really wants — is a balm for jangled nerves.
• 'Godshot' Author Explains How Fiction Helps Us Face Real-World Adversity
  "Art can help me ask the difficult questions of myself," says Chelsea Bieker. In her debut novel, a devastating drought in a California town has led residents to put their faith in a cult leader.
• Need An Escape? Try 'Unorthodox,' 'Baghdad Central' And 'Abigail'
  Critic John Powers recommends three stories to break up the monotony of coronavirus lockdown: Unorthodox on Netflix; Baghdad Central on Hulu and a new translation of Magda Szabó's 1970 novel Abigail.
• Facing The Coronavirus Crisis, Musicians Take To Teaching Online
  They can't tour. Their regular income streams dried up instantly. So many performers — from newcomers to world-famous artists — are hoping that virtual students will help them bridge the gap.
• 'She Wrote Her Own Rules': Kerry Washington's 'Little Fires' Role Reminds Her Of Mom
  Washington plays an enigmatic artist adjusting to life in the suburbs in the Hulu series Little Fires Everywhere. "My mom is not somebody who has ever really fit into anybody else's box," she says.
• Short Attention Span Theater: A Quick Look At Quibi's Launch Titles
  The streaming service "designed specifically for your phone" launches with 50 shows — and over 100 more on the way. Here are our highlights from the opening batch.