Dec 19th, 2008 · The anticipated biopic about slain rapper Biggie Smalls opens in January, but how did they find the right actor to play the larger-than-life figure? Also, RuPaul's holiday card features a picture of him dressed as both Barack and Michelle Obama. For the lowdown, Farai Chideya speaks with Newsweek correspondent Allison Samuels.
Aug 8th, 2008 · Slate.com's Mark Jordan Legan has the lowdown on three new films: Elegy, an art house adaptation of Philip Roth's novel Dying Animal, starring Ben Kingsley and Penelope Cruz; The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, starring America Ferrera; and Pineapple Express starring Seth Rogan, which combines two great American genres, the stoner flick and the action movie.
May 19th, 2007 · Have you ever heard of a mother-in-law sandwich? It's a tamale wrapped into a bun. Culinary commentator John T. Edge offers the lowdown on a high-carb treat.
Jan 25th, 2007 · The movie, nominated for eight Oscars, is a thinly veiled account of Berry Gordy's empire and his banner group, the Supremes. But many Motown stars say the film doesn't reflect the real story.
Oct 31st, 2006 · This live version of "Lowdown," a gem from My Morning Jacket's At Dawn, serves as a great way to bring the uninitiated into the band's chiming majesty. At times, the screaming-arrow lead guitars thoroughly overshadow Jim James' voice. Somehow, though, the unassuming and beautiful melody prevails.
Jan 12th, 2006 · The poetry and lyricism in songs by George Gershwin have universal appeal. The Lark Quartet plays three songs by Gershwin, arranged for string quartet by Stanley Silverman. "He Loves and She Loves," "Do It Again," and "Sweet and Lowdown," with a touch of Ella Fitzgerald.
Nov 18th, 2005 · Major League Baseball officials have chastised New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez for frequenting "underground" card rooms. Mike Pesca gets the lowdown on these semi-legal gambling lairs from the people who frequent them.
Dec 23rd, 2004 · Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead gives the lowdown on new jazz releases that are perfect for the music lover on your last-minute shopping list. He says that this year, there is something for every budget, from affordable classics to handsome box sets.