August Archives
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Pay up, Beardo! and the "Rasputin"
This week in 1698, Tsar Peter the Great tried to change the face of Russia... by instituting a beard tax. Fight the power - and put some hair on your chest - with a classic cocktail from America's most famous Russian-themed restaurant. Read more...
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Episode 164: Marjane Satrapi, Fran Lebowitz, and Pizza Brains
This Week: "Persepolis" author/filmmaker Marjane Satrapi laughs in the face of death... satirist Fran Lebowitz plays Nanny to America... author Emma Straub narrates a Hollywood fable... multi-Oscar-winner Ve Neill makes up a Makeup list... and Brendan inhales info about air. Plus, a visit to Philly's Pizza Museum, the high-cost of Tsarist-era beards, how to lose *yourself*, and indierockers Nude Beach expose their dinner party playlist. Read more...
The Birth of Swing and the "Hep Benny"
Turns out, "swing" wasn't always the thing. When legendary bandleader Benny Goodman played it on his band's first tour, audiences threw bottles at him. But that all changed on the last stop of his tour, at L.A.'s Palomar Ballroom on Aug 21, 1935. Hear why the City of Angels thought the new sound was the bomb, and then take a swig of this ultra-cool cocktail. Read more...
Episode 163: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Molly Ringwald, and Takis
This Week: Actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt gets physical and speaks French... Molly Ringwald offers etiquette advice for misfits and moms...The birth of swing music... Novelist Jonathan Evison updates Facebook's profiles... David Wax Museum shares a list that cuts to the bone... We hear from a young reporter who was on the cutting edge of the Takis craze... and Rico drinks bees. Plus: The latest in sleep science, and a dreamy new track from rocker Ariel Pink. Read more...
David Wax Museum Live on The Dinner Party
David Wax Museum caps their visit to The Dinner Party with an in-studio performance. Read more...
Episode 162: Gary Oldman, Top Chef: Etiquette, and Instant History
This week: We revisit one of our favorite episodes, from December 2011...Gary Oldman reflects on his Oscar-nominated role as iconic spy George Smiley... Top Chef's Gail Simmons spills some sweet and saucy etiquette tips... Artist/Musician Terry Allen uncovers 3 lost gems... We toast the instant replay (twice)... Brendan seeks gluten-free-free food... and author Lou Beach tells 6 stories with 420 characters. Plus, a crash course in video games, a joke from Brit-com phenom Stephen Merchant, and a tune from Chairlift. Read more...
The Rise of the Escalator and "the Iron Pier Swizzle"
This week back in 1859, a Massachusetts man Nathan Ames patented the idea of a "revolving stairway." Let us walk you through the ensuing history of the escalator... then ascend to giddy heights with this custom cocktail. Read more...
Episode 161: Gustavo Dudamel, Rob Corddry, and Terms of Service
This week: Classical music superstar Gustavo Dudamel conducts an interview... "Children's Hospital" creator/star Rob Corddry prescribes etiquette advice... "Schott's Miscellany" author Ben Schott on food service slang... author John Brandon perks up his wolf ears... "Darth Vader and Son" cartoonist Jeffrey Brown lists some soulful sci-fi... and rocker King Tuff suggests a party playlist. Plus: Debbie Millman on design, Madeleine Brand gets dreamy, and the uplifting history of the escalator. Read more...
Episode 160: Rashida Jones, LeVar Burton, and Parody Picks
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This Week: Actress Rashida Jones plays matchmaker... "Reading Rainbow"'s LeVar Burton wields a knife - with discernment... Comic Paul Scheer's parody picks... Les Savy Fav bassist Syd Butler talks hockey, Joy division and secret identities... We speak -- and drink -- Esperanto... author Ariel S. Winter channels 3 crime-lit legends... and Rico eats the best Pop Tart ever. Plus: the death of chivalry and a pop lullaby from The Babies. Read more...
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Latest Episode
Episode 164: Marjane Satrapi, Fran Lebowitz, and Pizza Brains
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About The Show
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The Dinner Party Download is a fast and funny ‘booster shot’ of news and culture designed to help you dazzle your friends and family at this weekend’s dinner party. Hosts Rico Gagliano and Brendan Francis Newnam set the table every Friday. Hear what our guests are saying about us inside... more
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