Broadway Producer to Head NEA

Part of 'frivolous things' government shouldn't be supporting, she says

(NEWSER) - Don't expect any big boost in funding for the arts if Sarah Palin ever becomes president. In fact, don't expect any arts funding at all. "NPR, National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, all those kind of frivolous things that government shouldn't be in the business of funding with tax dollars—those should all be on the chopping block," Palin spilled recently on Fox to Sean Hannity. More»

Creators say the tech behind APL Concept 1 is for real

(NEWSER) - Two Los Angeles-based entrepreneurs have created an heir to Reebok’s famous “Pump” basketball shoes—and say their APL Concept 1 actually increases players’ vertical leap. It’s in the top-secret Load ‘N Launch technology, which, Ryan Goldston tells CounterKicks , compresses as the player puts weight on the front of the foot as he prepares to jump, then expands to add to the explosive jump itself. More»

Hip-hop's first couple get tour, meet Obama

(NEWSER) - Hip-hop’s first couple got a look at the DC digs of the nation’s first family this week, with Jay-Z and wife Beyoncé getting cozy in the White House Situation Room as they waited to meet President Obama. The rapper, who’s bragged in lyrics about close relations with Obama, was in Washington for a concert Wednesday. Wonders MTV’s Rahman Dukes of the photos, “Is that Obama’s seat? Doesn’t Jigga sort of look right in that spot?” More»

Looking to break into the biz? Use one of these pseudonyms.

(NEWSER) - With Diddy constantly changing his rap name, you might think all the good ones have already been used. But no: There are an awful lot of awesome pseudonyms still left, and Jesse Gissen lists his favorites on XXL :

• Sirius Black: “This bad ass dude from the Harry Potter series is known for practicing black magic, breaking out of prison and being able to turn into a werewolf. Seriously, it doesn’t get any better than this.”

She wins three awards, dedicates opener to late designer

(NEWSER) - Lady Gaga scored three awards at tonight’s Brit Awards—the across-the-pond version of the Grammys—and won over the London audience by dedicating her show-opening performance to a late friend and favorite fashion designer. “This is for Alexander McQueen,” Gaga said before launching into an acoustic version of Telephone. More»