December 2005

The best downloads of 2005 By Thomas Bartlett
Twenty fantastic free tunes that made our year, including songs from Dwight Yoakam, Animal Collective and M. Ward that you can't download anywhere else. (12/31/2005)

Beyond the Multiplex: The best of 2005 By Andrew O'Hehir
It was the year of the penguin and the gay cowboy -- but don't forget the Chinese theme park and Syrian bride. Here are 10 brilliant but forgotten films you won't want to miss. (12/30/2005)

In South Africa, ritual and legislation collide Hillary Frey
A new South African law puts new prohibitions on girls' vaginal inspections. (12/30/2005)

"Men want facts, women seek relations on Web," take two Lynn Harris
It's not as Mars/Venus as the press makes it look. (12/30/2005)

Are you there, God? Can you put off my period? Lynn Harris
Hormonal implants may help delay early-onset puberty. (12/30/2005)

Women look into the future (of the media) Hillary Frey
Rachel Sklar at Fishbowl NY gets some smart ladies to talk about the media in 2006 (12/30/2005)

The CIA's dirty war Farhad Manjoo
The government's covert war on terrorists is immense and ugly, which is just the way Bush likes it. (12/30/2005)

Another federal leak case, but this one isn't like Plame Farhad Manjoo
The government launches an investigation into who tipped off the papers to the NSA's secret eavesdropping plan. But let's keep in mind who the good guys are here. (12/30/2005)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
Introducing the new Louis Maltby (12/29/2005)

Ethiopian girls run for their lives Hillary Frey
For girls in the African country, running provides a means to escape poverty, and control their own destinies. (12/29/2005)

Hello, sailor! (Kapow!) Lynn Harris
Navy trainees learn that the "damsel in distress" can take care of herself. (12/29/2005)

"Men want facts, women seek relations on Web" Lynn Harris
Study of Internet use shows gender difference in surfing styles. (12/29/2005)

The year in politics By Sidney Blumenthal
Bush began 2005 celebrating his electoral victory and proclaiming a "turning point" in Iraq. But in every crisis he faced this year -- from Terri Schiavo to Hurricane Katrina to Iraq -- the tide turned against him (12/29/2005)

Bush's New Year's resolution: Pretend to care Farhad Manjoo
The White House adopts a new strategy to increase Bush's standing with the public. Its policies will stay the same. (12/29/2005)

DeLay's spokesman makes a convenient mistake Farhad Manjoo
Tom DeLay's spokesman insists he didn't intentionally mislead reporters when he fed them misinformation about the congressman's money-laundering case. (12/29/2005)

The 10 best movies of 2005 By Stephanie Zacharek
Salon critic Stephanie Zacharek picks her favorite films of the year, from the complicated, fascinating French film "Kings and Queen" to the rousing crowd-pleaser "King Kong." (12/28/2005)

Fox hunt K.L.
Olbermann nails Fox's Gibson (12/28/2005)

The K Chronicles By Keith Knight
A moving feast. (12/28/2005)

Special delivery for mail-order brides Lynn Harris
Violence Against Women Act now aims to prevent abuse by their American husbands-to-be. (12/28/2005)

Mississippi: last clinic standing under attack Lynn Harris
When it comes to abortion rights, activists see the state as the "canary dying in the mine." (12/28/2005)

Prostitute patrons fight sex trafficking in Turkey Hillary Frey
A hotline for women sold into sexual slavery draws a surprising number of calls from men (12/28/2005)

The Abramoff scandal hits Montana Farhad Manjoo
Republican Senator Conrad Burns' close ties to a disgraced lobbyist dim his chances for reelection. (12/28/2005)

The NSA wiretapping program may face its day in court Farhad Manjoo
Attorneys defending terrorism suspects say they plan to challenge the Bush adminstration's NSA eavesdropping program in court. (12/28/2005)

Ahmed Chalabi's bad showing Farhad Manjoo
The former Iraqi exile fails to win a seat in the Iraqi Assembly. (12/28/2005)

The best and worst in television By Heather Havrilesky
Use the holidays to give your TiVo new marching orders! Here's an overview of what to watch, and what to banish from your TV forever. (12/27/2005)

WayLay By Carol Lay
Calendar Girl (12/27/2005)

The last clinic standing in South Dakota Hillary Frey
This rural state has one abortion provider -- as long as Roe is upheld (12/27/2005)

Straight, no chaser Hillary Frey
A British woman experiments with binge drinking -- and the results aren't pretty. (12/27/2005)

Santorum's intelligent design flip-flop Michelle Goldberg
The Christian right learns what the rest of us knew -- Santorum can't be trusted. (12/27/2005)

The top ten myths about Iraq in 2005 Michelle Goldberg
Professor Juan Cole cuts through the conventional wisdom on both sides. (12/27/2005)

This Modern World By Tom Tomorrow
The Year in Review 2005, Part 2: The center cannot hold. (12/26/2005)

George W. Bush, America's editor in chief Michelle Goldberg
The president pressures editors to kill negative stories. (12/26/2005)

"To call this an imperial presidency is unfair to emperors" Michelle Goldberg
Another honest conservative speaks out against Bush. (12/26/2005)

A Democratic Senator from Mississippi? Michelle Goldberg
If Trent Lott retires, Bob Novak says the GOP could lose his seat. (12/26/2005)

The year in sports By King Kaufman
In a no-nonsense 2005, Terrell Owens and BALCO fizzled, while the hard-working Pats, Spurs, White Sox and Colts sizzled. (12/26/2005)

Christmas past By Ann Patchett
My parents divorced and we moved across the country. My sister told me Santa was a fake, and a plague of mice destroyed our tree. No wonder I longed to return to sunny California. (12/25/2005)

Christmas with the Wilsons By Cintra Wilson
For one day each year, my mixed-up family of Jews, Muslims, Christians and New Agers gathers to sing karaoke carols, munch on jello mold and get wasted at church. (12/24/2005)

Daily Download: "Christmas Time Is Here," the Silent League
(12/23/2005)

"Munich" By Stephanie Zacharek
Steven Spielberg tries to untangle the knotty Palestinian-Israeli problem. Does he succeed? And should he be commended just for trying? (12/23/2005)

"Match Point" By Stephanie Zacharek
This drizzly dramatic thriller may be a return to form for Woody Allen, but is it a form worth returning to? (12/23/2005)

"The New World" By Stephanie Zacharek
Colin Farrell and Christian Bale are totally wasted in this superstatic triangular love story. (12/23/2005)

"The Intruder" By Stephanie Zacharek
This gripping French film may sneak into your soul and affect you profoundly, even if you haven't a clue what it's about. (12/23/2005)

"Casanova" By Stephanie Zacharek
This frivolous, fluffy farce about the famed sensualist is one of the few wholly enjoyable releases of the Christmas season. (12/23/2005)

The Fix
Kate Moss still wanted by U.K. police. "Lost" cast lauded. Plus: Jude Law's Christmas plans. (12/23/2005)

Aw Eds.
Scout Tapper and bear. (12/23/2005)

Wake up, kids! K.L.
A Christmas message from the Letterman show. (12/23/2005)

That's F*** Dub! K.L.
When TV censors fail. (12/23/2005)

My wife left me for a woman -- could I please have my divorce now? By Cary Tennis
I've been through hell for two and a half years, and I'd really like this marriage to be officially over! (12/23/2005)

Ralph Reed gets stuck with smut Sarah Karnasiewicz
While the former Christian Coalition director polices "indecent" content on the Web, his spokeswoman writes a weekly Internet column about her sex-capades! (12/23/2005)

American Girl bums us out Page Rockwell
Kirsten, Samantha, Molly and the rest of the gang bow to right-wing pressure to end their association with Girls Inc. (12/23/2005)

2005's biggest stories for women Page Rockwell
Ms. magazine's roundup of women's news is sobering stuff. (12/23/2005)

Acting dumb to woo Prince Charming Katharine Mieszkowski
"Dear Abby" takes up Maureen Dowd's "Are Men Necessary?" debate. (12/23/2005)

"To Kill a Mockingbird" in New Jersey Katharine Mieszkowski
A dying lesbian cop still can't leave her pension benefits to her partner. (12/23/2005)

How to help African girls? Build toilets. Page Rockwell
Poor sanitation makes it harder for girls in sub-Saharan Africa to stay in school. (12/23/2005)

Have an Angry Black Bitch Christmas Page Rockwell
This ain't your Ladies' Home Journal shopping list. (12/23/2005)

Ladies love John Travolta Juliana Bunim
A new study shows that women like a man who can boogie. (12/23/2005)

A little year-end outrage Katharine Mieszkowski
Hurricane Katrina victims should prostitute themselves, and other bon mots from our nation's finest pundits in 2005. (12/23/2005)

The Whiskey Robber talks! By Julian Rubinstein
He made bank tellers swoon. He was madly pursued by the Mound of Asshead. In a rare prison interview, the Robin Hood of Hungary looks back at his wild ride through the ruins of the Soviet bloc. (12/23/2005)

Crypto man By Michael Scherer
After reporting on America's spying operations for 25 years, James Bamford is speaking out against Bush's FISA runaround. He says the wiretapping is illegal. (12/23/2005)

Lawsuit against Bush? By Michael Scherer
The attorney for the only known target of NSA eavesdropping says his client would be happy to sue the president. (12/23/2005)

Excuses, excuses By Joe Conason
In trying to justify Bush's warrantless spying, his defenders are distorting the facts about Clinton and due process of the law. (12/23/2005)

Patriot games, Part 2: Pettiness and personal pique Tim Grieve
James Sensenbrenner goes one more round and leaves Bill Frist and George W. Bush looking even weaker in the process. (12/23/2005)

So much for Ahmed Chalabi Tim Grieve
The Bush administration's one-time favorite is humiliated at the polls. (12/23/2005)

Daschle: We didn't give Bush the power to spy on Americans Tim Grieve
The former Senate majority leader says the White House asked for use-of-force authority in the United States, and he declined. (12/23/2005)

The press turns, again Tim Grieve
What happened to "Democrats in disarray"? (12/23/2005)

Satin sheets, a feather boa and ... bin Laden? Tim Grieve
OK, it's his niece. But GQ sure seems smitten. (12/23/2005)

What "war on Christmas"?
Whether it's a letter to Santa, a voice chip or some boozy eggnog, TTers tell us what makes the season bright. (12/23/2005)

Ask the Pilot By Patrick Smith
Who's to blame when a 737 goes skidding off a snowy runway? (12/23/2005)

Daily Download: "River," James Taylor
(12/22/2005)

Work, work, work, young man! K.L.
Introducing Mr. Happy Feet! (12/22/2005)

Beyond the Multiplex By Andrew O'Hehir
The perfect cinematic antidote to holiday cheer, and a batch of DVD gift ideas for last-minute shoppers. Plus: Do Brosnan and Kinnear really go gay in "The Matador"? (12/22/2005)

The Fix
Violence rocks Diddy party. Letterman, stealth mental harasser? Plus: Pitt banned! (12/22/2005)

Aw Eds.
Burr, the mythical flying dog. (12/22/2005)

Merry and not-so bright K.L.
A shirtless cowboy impresses the fashionistas. (12/22/2005)

The real war on Christmas By Wil Wheaton
It's actually being waged by Bill O'Reilly and other right-wingers. I should know: It almost ruined my family's holiday dinner. (12/22/2005)

Cautionary wail K.L.
The greatest condom ad ever. (12/22/2005)

Reading "Lolita" in Alabama By Allen Barra
Fifty years after its publication, and 20 after my first reading, Nabokov's masterpiece is still dangerous -- but not for the reasons you might think. (12/22/2005)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
(12/22/2005)

Delta, Delta, Delta, Feminist, Feminist, Feminist? By Lynn Harris
A sorority at Trinity College aims to redefine sisterhood. (12/22/2005)

My mother sends me useless junk for Christmas By Cary Tennis
She shops all year for "bargains" and then boxes up all this weird, inappropriate merchandise. (12/22/2005)

Wanted, unwanted babies? Juliana Bunim
Abortion rates are down and unwanted pregnancies are up. What gives? (12/22/2005)

"Girls Gone Wild" creator gets his comeuppance in court Sarah Karnasiewicz
The man who asked millions of women to strip for his camera gets a taste of his own medicine. (12/22/2005)

Look who's talking! Hillary Frey
Just what we need -- cellphones for kids! (12/22/2005)

A new and improved Miss America? Hardly Sarah Karnasiewicz
Ball gowns, baton twirling, satin sashes: America's favorite pageant goes retro. (12/22/2005)

Plastic surgery, with pixels Sarah Karnasiewicz
An interactive tutorial produced by the Swedish government exposes rampant retouching in media representations of beauty. (12/22/2005)

Sharia law means more suffering for female tsunami victims Sarah Karnasiewicz
Extremist clerics say the South Asian tidal wave was God's punishment for wanton women. (12/22/2005)

The "Girls Gone Wild" creator's comeuppance, Take 2 Sarah Karnasiewicz
Broadsheet responds to criticism about an earlier post about video king Joe Francis. (12/22/2005)

Bush's impeachable offense By Michelle Goldberg
Yes, the president committed a federal crime by wiretapping Americans, say constitutional scholars, former intelligence officers and politicians. What's missing is the political will to impeach him. (12/22/2005)

Prying open the Times By Farhad Manjoo
Once again, the paper's lack of transparency has put it on shaky ground with readers. (12/22/2005)

"The law is king" By Sidney Blumenthal
The notion of absolute executive power has a venerable history, but it lacks an American pedigree. (12/22/2005)

On the Patriot Act, Bush and Frist lose a game of chicken Tim Grieve
The Senate approves a six-month extension of expiring Patriot Act provisions. (12/22/2005)

A conservative court tells Bush: Enough Tim Grieve
The 4th Circuit says it's time to stop playing games in an "enemy combatant" case. (12/22/2005)

Understatement of the day Tim Grieve
Presidents should be careful when they violate the Constitution. (12/22/2005)

Now starring as the Grinch: Jack Abramoff Tim Grieve
As the lobbyist negotiates with prosecutors, there is fear in a lot of hearts on Capitol Hill. (12/22/2005)

Could warrantless spying backfire on the war on terror? Tim Grieve
Judges on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court want to know more about what the president did. (12/22/2005)

Does the president still want to talk about Iraq? Tim Grieve
With some groups threatening to boycott Iraq's new parliament, a spokesman for a Bush ally declares the voting a "fraud." (12/22/2005)

Daily Download: "Julie-Anne, Patron of Thieves," Skygreen Leopards
(12/21/2005)

Pride and pathetic By Gina Fattore
It's heartwarming! It's romantic! Poor Jane Austen must be rolling in her grave over the new film of her great novel. (12/21/2005)

The Fix
Kathy Griffin goes the way of Star Jones. Elton John gets hitched. Plus: Michael Jackson, child abductor? (12/21/2005)

Aw Eds.
Wally plays a game of Snow Kong. (12/21/2005)

Jimmy Kimmel's TV highlights K.L.
The "dark-sided" year in reality television (12/21/2005)

What is this ad about? K.L.
Hey, who put the gay subtext in the cologne commercial? (12/21/2005)

Slurring Bush K.L.
The president, caught slurring on tape (12/21/2005)

The K Chronicles By Keith Knight
Lovey-dovey cellphone calls while using the can?! Is nothing sacred? (12/21/2005)

My husband's dog is incontinent and I can't stand it By Cary Tennis
His dog lost bladder control when our first child was born; I don't know how I can live with the odor. (12/21/2005)

Missouri lawmaker kind of, sort of gets it, a little Lynn Harris
Antiabortion state rep doesnt hate emergency contraception. (12/21/2005)

Minor concerns about Maj. Duckworth Lynn Harris
Shes not the only lady in the race for Hydes seat. (12/21/2005)

Breast is best in Massachusetts Lynn Harris
Hospitals to stop sending new moms home with formula freebies. (12/21/2005)

A gay cop with six months to live is denied partner benefits Lynn Harris
A New Jersey county board apparently is still able to sleep at night. (12/21/2005)

"This Bad Mom Trusts the Bottle" Lynn Harris
New York Observer readers pump out more letters about breast-feeding. (12/21/2005)

Like a Virgin Page Rockwell
Kate Moss parlays her drug bust into a sweet endorsement deal. (12/21/2005)

Medical community seeks Fred Nightingales Lynn Harris
Nursing shortage spurs recruitment of men to the undervalued profession. (12/21/2005)

Drop the crop top Page Rockwell
British health experts tell young women to put a coat on or they'll catch cold. Wait, when did my grandmother become a British health expert? (12/21/2005)

On a small Croatian island, 2005 is the Year of the Woman Lynn Harris
Men lose all seven seats on local council. (12/21/2005)

Survival of the unfittest By Gordy Slack
A Pennsylvania judge has ruled that intelligent design is not fit for science classes. But I.D. remains rooted in U.S. schools, where science teachers are pressured to address God in the classroom. (12/21/2005)

Muckraker By Amanda Griscom Little
Don't look now, but greens are warming up to coal as part of America's clean-energy future. (12/21/2005)

Decoding Christmas dinner By Garrison Keillor
From Bush politics to iPod playlists, why chatter during the holidays isn't like the old days. (12/21/2005)

"Never have the freedoms we cherish seemed so imperiled"
In an impassioned speech, Sen. Byrd voices his shock and dismay over the Bush administration's practice of spying on U.S. citizens. (12/21/2005)

Warrantless spying reached domestic calls, too Tim Grieve
The attorney general insisted it wasn't so. He was wrong. (12/21/2005)

Federal judge quits to protest warrantless spying Tim Grieve
Did illegal eavesdropping taint the legitimate work of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court? (12/21/2005)

And in other news ... Tim Grieve
Woodward shares, Abramoff deals and Cheney grooves to the tunes. (12/21/2005)

A free ride for Hillary? Tim Grieve
Source say the Republican runing against her in 2006 will bail out of the race this week. (12/21/2005)

Dick Cheney and the rule of law Tim Grieve
For a man with "other priorities," democracy can be such a hassle. (12/21/2005)

Patriot games Tim Grieve
The attorney general warns of dire consequences if the Patriot Act expires at the end of the year. It doesn't have to. (12/21/2005)

Who needs the Patriot Act, anyway? Tim Grieve
If the Bush administraiton can help itself to warrantless wiretapping, why does it need the authority renewal of the Patriot Act would provide? (12/21/2005)

Daily Download: "Don't Hold Your Breath," Calla
(12/20/2005)

The war on "Munich" By Michelle Goldberg
Neoconservatives launch a preemptive strike on Spielberg's latest, which dares to break the rules of post-9/11 political correctness. (12/20/2005)

The Fix
Britney takes action over sex tape report. Schwarzenegger to return hometown's "ring of honor." Plus: Clinton hearts Elton! (12/20/2005)

Lawrence of Arrythmia K.L.
Letterman cracks wise on Dick Cheney's trip to Baghdad. (12/20/2005)

Aw Eds.
Yong Yong, doggie survivor. (12/20/2005)

Nancy full of Grace H.H.
The Graceful charms of CNN Headline News' biggest star. (12/20/2005)

Meat the press Eds.
A C-SPAN caller baffles a congressman. (12/20/2005)

Ice queen By Katharine Mieszkowski
In Antarctica, Gretchen Legler found a tribe of eccentrics living at 70-below under the biggest ozone hole on earth. She also found love. (12/20/2005)

WayLay By Carol Lay
The Bad Attraction (12/20/2005)

Calling Christian college girls! Emily Biuso
A new blog tells devout women that getting an education won't make them bad wives, mothers or Christians. (12/20/2005)

My therapist has troubles of her own By Cary Tennis
I'm not getting the attention I need. Plus: A reply to the right-wing blogosphere. (12/20/2005)

Pro-choice, or anti-sperm? Page Rockwell
AlterNet proposes renaming our most entrenched positions. (12/20/2005)

How does your "Sweet Spot" feel today? Lori Leibovich
Yes, there is an entire line of beauty products devoted to the vagina. (12/20/2005)

Adam Corolla: Busted! Lori Leibovich
A feminist magazine editor tells the former "Man Show" host his face is like an "ass." (12/20/2005)

Barbie, meet Badness Lori Leibovich
Why not buy a black lesbian action figure for the little girl on your holiday list? (12/20/2005)

Sex Fifth Avenue Rebecca Traister
Christmas! Shopping! Playmates! It's the holidays! (12/20/2005)

And the brides wore suits Lori Leibovich
Lesbian couple gets hitched under new British law. (12/20/2005)

Violence Against Women Act extended Lori Leibovich
New provisions focus on healthcare and early intervention. (12/20/2005)

That's it! I want a postnup! Page Rockwell
A new kind of legal agreement lets you haggle over your assets while remaining married. (12/20/2005)

Harvard sophomore says feminism is so 1975 Page Rockwell
We can go to Harvard! We can stay home with the kids! We can achieve orgasm! What more do we want? (12/20/2005)

Who gives more to charity: Rich men or rich women? Page Rockwell
A study of America's wealthiest donors has some interesting findings about gender differences in charitable giving. (12/20/2005)

Sex Fifth Avenue, take two Katharine Mieszkowski
Columnist Katha Pollitt won't be shopping at the Playboy-bunny-happy Manhattan department store anymore. (12/20/2005)

Bush attacks Dems on security, again By Michael Scherer
In a replay of 2002, Republicans are using the Patriot Act battle to accuse Democrats of being wimps on national defense. But will it work this time? (12/20/2005)

Bush's illegal spying By David Cole
The president defied a major Supreme Court ruling to authorize hundreds of wiretaps inside the U.S. (12/20/2005)

Uncle Sam is listening By Bruce Schneier
Bush may have bypassed federal wiretap law to deploy more high-tech methods of surveillance. (12/21/2005)

Bush, spying and the I-word Tim Grieve
Barbara Boxer and John Lewis raise the specter of impeachment. (12/20/2005)

Report: The New York Times knew about spying before the 2004 election Tim Grieve
The Los Angeles Times says editors delayed publishing a story until it was clear that a book by a Times reporter would break the news anyway. (12/20/2005)

From both sides of the aisle, a call to investigate Tim Grieve
Republicans join Democrats in expressing "profound concern" over Bush's secret spying program. (12/20/2005)

Conyers calls for select committee to study impeachment Tim Grieve
As others focus on the president's secret spying program, Conyers keeps his eye on Iraq. (12/20/2005)

Bush: Happy holidays to all, and thanks to some Tim Grieve
The president's messages for Christmas and Chanukah pay tribute to the troops. His message for Kwanzaa does not. (12/20/2005)

Did Bush lie about wiretaps to cover up his spying program? Tim Grieve
John Kerry points to contradictions in calling for an investigation; Howard Dean invokes the specter of Nixon. (12/20/2005)

Daily Download: "Blood and Marrow," Amandine
(12/19/2005)

Is "Samson and Delilah" a fake? By Edward M. Gomez
Just in time for London's big Rubens exhibition, a challenge to one of the heroic Flemish painter's most celebrated pictures heats up again. (12/19/2005)

The Fix
Time names its Persons of the Year. Nathan Lane talks trash about "Brokeback Mountain." Plus: Denis Leary's naked banister slide? (12/19/2005)

Road show Eds.
(12/19/2005)

Longer listens: Making "Brokeback Mountain"
(12/19/2005)

Perpetual war! H.H.
Bush terrifies nation about terrifying global terrorist movement (12/19/2005)

Top 10 books of the year By Laura Miller and Hillary Frey
From a coming-of-age story set in Japan to the biography of a legendary crooner, we pick the most pleasurable reading experiences of 2005. (12/19/2005)

This Modern World By Tom Tomorrow
The year in review 2005: Part 1 -- A heckuva job! (12/19/2005)

How do I tell my new boss I'm pregnant? By Cary Tennis
I promised to stay a certain amount of time -- I didn't expect this to happen. (12/20/2005)

Gynecologist from hell Rebecca Traister
Seattle women sue the Health Department for ignoring complaints of an abusive OB-GYN. (12/19/2005)

Divorce, lesbian style Rebecca Traister
The nation's first lesbian civil union dissolves. (12/19/2005)

Baby, we were born to breast-feed? Rebecca Traister
A San Diego billboard grabs the attention of the blogosphere. (12/19/2005)

Die, Barbie, die Rebecca Traister
Research into why girls mutilate America's favorite big-breasted plaything. (12/19/2005)

Girls drink more than their mothers think Rebecca Traister
A new study shows that mothers are not aware of how much alcohol their daughters are consuming. (12/19/2005)

Iraq veteran announces candidacy for Congress Rebecca Traister
Broadsheet hearts Tammy Duckworth. (12/19/2005)

The fetuses were hung by the chimney with care ... Rebecca Traister
Ring in the holidays with some antiabortion Christmas tree ornaments! (12/19/2005)

Bush, on bended knee but firing back Tim Grieve
The president comes off as contrite even as he marginalizes his critics. And then there's Cheney. (12/19/2005)

Cheney on spying: 9/11, 9/11, 9/11 Tim Grieve
Cheney says that the Bush administration might have prevented 9/11 if only it had had the "capability" that the president gave it afterward. But the administration did. (12/19/2005)

Gonzales: Bush had "inherent" authority to violate spying law Tim Grieve
The legal defense begins, and it is breathtaking. (12/19/2005)

Deconstructing the president's defense By Tim Grieve
If Bush has inherent authority to spy on Americans without warrants, why didn't he use that authority to prevent 9/11? (12/19/2005)

Playing chicken with the Patriot Act Tim Grieve
Forty senators are willing to extend the act to avoid the expiration date Bush fears. Why is Bill Frist saying no? (12/19/2005)

Bush: Trust me on spying Tim Grieve
Revealing the program was "shameful," Bush says, and talking about it only helps the enemy. (12/19/2005)

China and Elvis -- at home in the Memphis airport Andrew Leonard
The FedEx/Northwest Airlines hub makes it easy to be a tourist from Asia. (12/19/2005)

I Like to Watch By Heather Havrilesky
Why TV not only keeps you happy, but also binds the galaxy together. Plus: The predictable charms of "The O.C." (12/18/2005)

Bad education Rebecca Traister
The Women's Office of the Department of Health and Human Services offers up some really crappy sex ed. (12/19/2005)

Spying on Americans: Did Bush break the law? Tim Grieve
"Even in a time of war, you have to follow the process." (12/19/2005)

Helpless By Martha Baer
As Felicia's mentor, I've rescued her from a meth jag and taken her calls after her abusive boyfriend beat her. But after five years, I'm not sure I've done any good. (12/17/2005)

McCain to Congress: No more pigs at the trough By Michael Scherer
Bush's nemesis proposes a bill that would cut back on the loot lobbyists shower on lawmakers. (12/17/2005)

Daily Download: "Oil in the Fields," Paul Duncan
(12/16/2005)

"The Family Stone" By Stephanie Zacharek
Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Dermot Mulroney and the rest of the cast rise above mediocrity in this innocuous family comedy. (12/16/2005)

"The Producers" By Stephanie Zacharek
Watching Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane's ultra-broad shtick is a little like watching a 3-D Imax film without the special glasses. (12/16/2005)

The Fix
Schwarzenegger dissed by hometown. Spears widely searched. Nancy Grace claims no knowledge of stalker suit. (12/16/2005)

Aw . . . sort of Eds.
Cat and "mouse." (12/16/2005)

The Donald double dips H.H.
"The Apprentice" says no to "The Apprenti" (12/16/2005)

No biggie! H.H.
Letterman applauds the Iraqi elections (12/16/2005)

Around the Web: The Smiths, Mary J. Blige and Bono
(12/16/2005)

Unemployed, angry crank: Paging Fox! K.L.
A classic in honor of Bob Novak, who exited CNN, stage right (12/16/2005)

Blood and betrayal By Gary Kamiya
After four years of the badly botched "war on terror," are we ready to hear the hard words of Robert Fisk -- a gutsy war correspondent who says the West has wronged the Middle East? (12/16/2005)

I can't stop accusing my boyfriend of cheating By Cary Tennis
I know there's nothing going on, but I'm afraid to trust him. (12/16/2005)

Face transplants -- just for the ladies? Page Rockwell
The New York Times ventures into deepest Manhattan to report that women want Angelina's face. (12/16/2005)

Yarmulkes for women Page Rockwell
A snazzy holiday item lets women wear the traditional toppers. Just ... not on their heads. (12/16/2005)

Her fetus was riding shotgun Katharine Mieszkowski
A pregnant woman in Arizona says she should be able to drive in the carpool lane. (12/16/2005)

Afghan teacher murdered for teaching girls Katharine Mieszkowski
The Taliban lives, and a teacher dies. (12/16/2005)

Mona Lisa was happy, disgusted, afraid and angry Katharine Mieszkowski
Emotion-recognition software unravels the mystery of her enigmatic smile once and for all. (12/16/2005)

Pregnancy among homeless teens on the rise in Illinois Page Rockwell
Many girls become homeless because they're pregnant. (12/16/2005)

Like a virgin Farhad Manjoo
Now available at a plastic surgeon's office near you: Hymenoplasty! (12/16/2005)

Rove's moment of truth? By Joe Conason
To believe his various tales about his involvement in the Plame affair requires ignoring some glaring facts. (12/16/2005)

The president's plan for spying on Americans Tim Grieve
The National Security Agency is monitoring telephone calls and e-mail messages without first obtaining warrants. (12/16/2005)

Everyone had the same intelligence on Iraq? Not exactly Tim Grieve
A new report confirms that the executive branch routinely has access to more intel than Congress sees. (12/16/2005)

Don't jam the line if you can't do the time Tim Grieve
Former GOP official convicted in telephone dirty tricks scheme. (12/16/2005)

How long did the Times hold its news? Tim Grieve
The paper says it waited "a year" before publishing a story on the president's secret spying plan. Did it know the truth before the 2004 election? (12/16/2005)

Novak is out at CNN, but questions about him linger Tim Grieve
Who was his source on Plame? Why does he think that Bush knows the truth? (12/16/2005)

The president, on message Tim Grieve
Bush schools Jim Lehrer on the story of the day. (12/16/2005)

Short cuts
Christmas, kids and Eugene McCarthy -- brevity is the soul of TT this week. (12/16/2005)

Ask the pilot By Patrick Smith
Setting the record straight on security. Plus: Annie Jacobsen lives! (12/16/2005)

"Freedom": No documents found By Stephan Faris
America's most popular Internet companies are helping China crack down on free speech. (12/16/2005)

Pond scum to the rescue Andrew Leonard
Algae could offer a promising source for biodiesel fuels. But not if the feds can help it. (12/16/2005)

China online: Will the censors ever crack? Andrew Leonard
Even as American corporations abet thought control, a surging civil society will not be denied. (12/16/2005)

Trump you up! H.H.
Hen and Bunny present a rich character study of Donald Trump (12/15/2005)

Daily Download: "The Doon," the No Neck Blues Band
(12/15/2005)

Beyond the Multiplex By Andrew O'Hehir
Tommy Lee Jones on his striking, darkly funny directorial debut. Plus: Two movies tailor-made for fans of the truly peculiar. (12/15/2005)

The Fix
Kazakhstan cybermuzzles Borat. Nancy Grace sues alleged stalker. Paris Hilton named worst dressed. Plus: Just how big is Superman's package? (12/15/2005)

Surgically enhanced beauty and the beast H.H.
Jimmy Kimmel pokes fun at Paul Stanley of Kiss (12/15/2005)

Makeup secrets from Donald Trump K.L.
You always knew he was cheesy. (12/15/2005)

Take my tie, please! H.H.
The Donald gives Conan his tie (12/15/2005)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
How the Grinch started a war on Christmas! A Fox News Christmas story. (12/15/2005)

How can I improve relations between the sexes? By Cary Tennis
I'm a guy in my 30s, and I really think men and women should get along better. (12/15/2005)

A Russian pop star fights domestic violence Hillary Frey
After 10 years of silence, Valeria speaks out about how she suffered at the hands of her husband. (12/15/2005)

Educational baby videos: Smart or a scam? Sarah Karnasiewicz
Parents shell out hundreds of millions of dollars for products designed to make their children smarter. But what do videos like "Baby Einstein" really teach kids? (12/15/2005)

Mothers, daughters, sisters -- behind bars Sarah Karnasiewicz
Two articles look at the challenges facing women in prison and on parole. (12/15/2005)

Have a very menstrual Christmas with ornaments made of tampons Sarah Karnasiewicz
A roundup of inspiring holiday craft ideas for bleeders everywhere. (12/15/2005)

May-December romance, or child abuse? Sarah Karnasiewicz
The New York Times reconsiders the age of consent and the definition of sexual abuse. (12/15/2005)

It's the Mr. Hetero contest! Michelle Goldberg
An evangelical pastor searches for Massachusetts' straightest guy. (12/15/2005)

This is your penis; this is a condom on your penis Sarah Karnasiewicz
A North Carolina teacher makes sure sex education is comprehensive and anatomically correct. (12/15/2005)

More on educational videos for infants Sarah Karnasiewicz
"There's only one thing better than having a baby, and that's having a smart baby." (12/15/2005)

Jolting Joe By Michelle Goldberg
Liberal Democrats are enraged at Joe Lieberman for supporting the Iraq war. But will attacking the Connecticut senator make the party stronger -- or alienate its moderates? (12/15/2005)

Rove's lawyer rolls the dice By Michael Scherer
In a highly unusual tactic, Robert Luskin is using his own conversation with a reporter to try to exonerate Karl Rove. But the move could backfire. (12/15/2005)

Fishing for progress By Amanda Griscom Little
Can a more scientific approach to fishing regulation save dwindling U.S. stocks? (12/15/2005)

Britain's Bush clone By Sidney Blumenthal
New Tory leader David Cameron is imitating Bush's campaign -- even claiming to be a "compassionate conservative." (12/15/2005)

A Chalabi invades the U.S. press By Farhad Manjoo
Why did Slate hire Ahmad Chalabi's daughter to write tediously about the Iraq elections? (12/15/2005)

George W. Bush, on the couch and naming names Tim Grieve
Hey, Brit, you forgot to ask about his mother. (12/15/2005)

The right kind of rollover from Ford Tim Grieve
Facing a backlash from gay rights groups, the automaker changes course on a decision to pull its ads from gay publications. (12/15/2005)

Fermes ta gueule Tim Grieve
In the latest in a string of antidissent diatribes, the U.S. ambassador tells Canadians to put a cork in it. (12/15/2005)

The coalition of the not-so-willing-anymore Tim Grieve
As Iraqis go to the polls, one more foreign government announces that some of its troops are headed home. (12/15/2005)

Bugging the White House about Valerie Plame Tim Grieve
Robert Novak says Bush knows the truth. So why won't the president come clean? (12/15/2005)

Hey, Jude, a grudging tip of the hat Andrew Leonard
How the World Works owes nothing to supply-side economic theory. Nothing! (12/15/2005)

Peru's bio-piracy gestapo terrorizes the West Andrew Leonard
Peru and other developing nations are using the WTO to complain about biotech imperialism. (12/15/2005)

Daily Download: "The Horse," Sound Directions
(12/14/2005)

"King Kong" By Stephanie Zacharek
He's big, he's back, and he's ready to sweep you up in his warm, hairy palm and take you on a rollicking romantic adventure! (12/14/2005)

The Fix
Britney battles sex tape/divorce rumors. Cruise promotes cooking-oil cure. PETA denudes Anna Wintour. Plus: Stern rips into Leno. (12/14/2005)

CSI vs. CGI K.L.
The crime show delivers some truly scary animation. (12/14/2005)

Edge of "Seventeen" K.L.
The race to become MTV's teen queen. (12/14/2005)

Merry, buried H.H.
"Daily Show" spotlights O'Reilly's holiday tantrums (12/14/2005)

Chappelle is back?!! H.H.
Comedy Central's tricky "Chappelle's Show" promos (12/14/2005)

Best bedtime stories By Sarah Karnasiewicz
In time for the holiday shopping crunch, Salon recommends four fantastic kids books that will delight parents, too. (12/14/2005)

The K Chronicles By Keith Knight
Salt, salt, salt! (12/14/2005)

Living single By Rachel Safier
In a new book, sociologist E. Kay Trimberger says the "new single woman" is successful, social, smart -- and loving life on her own. (12/14/2005)

My boyfriend can't handle my past By Cary Tennis
He asked me how many and I told him. Now how can I be pure enough for him? (12/14/2005)

A march to stop murders in Juarez Hillary Frey
NOW and other women's groups try to bring awareness to the senseless violence on Mexico's border. (12/14/2005)

"Caught in the Storm": The harsh toll of natural disasters on women Lynn Harris
A new report says women suffer disproportionately after hurricanes, tsunamis and earthquakes. (12/14/2005)

This just in! Males like cars, females like dolls Lynn Harris
A study of vervet monkeys proves that humans make a lot of assumptions. (12/14/2005)

Power Gloria Rebecca Traister
Gloria Steinem is an unapologetically hot, foulmouthed geezer in this week's Observer. (12/14/2005)

Pittsburgh to abortion clinic protesters: Back off Lynn Harris
City Council approves ordinance requiring antiabortion activists to keep their distance from clinics. (12/14/2005)

Are women too nice to be columnists? Lynn Harris
Shut the hell up already, says Katha Pollitt. (12/14/2005)

Fred Meyer loves the ladies? Lynn Harris
Supermarket chain in Washington state helps make getting E.C. easy. (12/14/2005)

Happy birthday, Bitch! Lynn Harris
The feminist magazine turns 10. (12/14/2005)

Cosmo, it ain't Lynn Harris
True Girl magazine for Catholic teens to launch in January. (12/14/2005)

The real Eugene McCarthy By Garrison Keillor
How the media got it all wrong about this rare politician from small-town Minnesota. (12/14/2005)

Don't like limits on torture? Just change the rules Tim Grieve
Is the Pentagon pulling a bait-and-switch on John McCain? (12/14/2005)

Going deeper on DeLay: Muddying the waters or connecting the dots? Tim Grieve
DeLay's Texas prosecutor seeks documents related to the Randy "Duke" Cunningham bribery case in California. (12/14/2005)

Ken Lay: I'm a victim of prosecutorial terrorism Tim Grieve
The former Enron chairman spins his story as his trial date nears. (12/14/2005)

The Pentagon may be watching you Tim Grieve
A database of "threats" and "suspicious incidents" suggests that the military is monitoring the peaceful activities of U.S. citizens. (12/14/2005)

National Review says Rove's camp is nervous; Novak says Bush knows Tim Grieve
Rumors and speculation in Plamegate. (12/14/2005)

Are they feeling a little jittery in Frist's office, too? Tim Grieve
The majority leader's chief of staff goes ballistic on a reporter who asks about Frist's suspiciously timed stock sales. (12/14/2005)

The rise and fall of T.O. By Camille Paglia
Terrell Owens enjoyed mythical status in America's toughest sports town. His fall from grace traumatized Philly sports fans -- and poisoned race relations. (12/14/2005)

The war against Prius "smugmobiles" Andrew Leonard
The Wall Street Journal says that hybrid owners aren't saving fuel. Are they jealous, or just crazy? (12/14/2005)

Lessons from George Orwell on how to talk about offshoring Andrew Leonard
Former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors N. Gregory Mankiw has some advice for free trade proselytizers. (12/14/2005)

Leave it to the Weavers HH
Hen and Bunny capture the suffering Christians of "The Amazing Race" (12/13/2005)

Daily Download: "The Clown," Elefant
(12/13/2005)

Betting on bird flu By A.J. Daulerio
A growing market allows investors to make money off of disease and natural disasters. And so far, their predictions have been dead-on. (12/13/2005)

The Fix
Moby calls out Eminem. Jenna Bush loses her wallet. Plus: What do Colin Farrell's "man boobs" have to do with his drug addiction? (12/13/2005)

Tookie who? K.L.
Rita Cosby finds the human angle of a death penalty story: Herself! (12/13/2005)

Make-up my day, punk H.H.
Jack says no to make-up in "King Kong" (12/13/2005)

Reviewed: Anthony Hamilton's grown-up R&B, Beck's remix record, and Ludacris' posse project
(12/13/2005)

Be very afraid By Joshuah Bearman
In "The Monster at Our Door," "City of Quartz" author Mike Davis warns that urban poverty has created the perfect conditions for bird flu to kill millions of people. (12/13/2005)

WayLay By Carol Lay
Don't touch the art! (12/13/2005)

I'm a yeller from a family of yellers By Cary Tennis
I thought it was normal to yell, but it hurts my boyfriend's feelings. (12/13/2005)

Early intercourse is not necessarily a bad thing Lori Leibovich
This and other findings from a government-sponsored sexual dysfunction survey in Britain. (12/13/2005)

President Ciccone Penn Richie? Rebecca Traister
In an unreleased Madonna song the singer claims that if she were a man, she'd be president. (12/13/2005)

He's just really into TV Lori Leibovich
The coauthor of a wildly successful dating guide gets his own talk show. (12/13/2005)

Celebrity-replica vibrators Rebecca Traister
Someday every woman will be able to have sex with 50 Cent. (12/13/2005)

Tina Fey makes Broadsheet's day Rebecca Traister
The first female head writer of "SNL" wins a well-deserved award -- and her acceptance speech tackles workplace feminism, higher education and crying at the office. (12/13/2005)

Drink more tea Rebecca Traister
A new study shows that it may prevent ovarian cancer. (12/13/2005)

Everything's broken By David Weir
Real hurricane relief for the poor is coming not from the government or big charities but the kindness of strangers. It was always thus in America. (12/13/2005)

The execution of Stanley Tookie Williams By Adam Shemper and Jonathan Stein
Outside San Quentin prison Monday night, under the floodlights, death penalty opponents prayed, sang hymns and cursed the Terminator. (12/13/2005)

"We have tortured an elf" Tim Grieve
A war on Christmas? Maybe there should be one. (12/13/2005)

Did Hadley tell Rove about Plame? Tim Grieve
A Washington Post reporter seemed to connect some dots on "Hardball," but his colleague says he misspoke. (12/13/2005)

The president admits a mistake -- but not on Iraq Tim Grieve
He says it's his fault that people think he's uninformed. (12/13/2005)

Not perfect? For Bush, that's pretty good Tim Grieve
As Iraqis head for the polls amid violence, the president sees an uptick in his approval rating at home. (12/13/2005)

When is the Washington Post not the Washington Post? Tim Grieve
It's not a trick question. Not really. (12/13/2005)

Hadley? Libby? Rove? Whatever Tim Grieve
A reporter misspeaks. (12/13/2005)

Biodiesel: Bane of the rain forest? Andrew Leonard
Southeast Asian nations are razing tropical forests to make way for palm tree plantations. (12/13/2005)

The Sinoblogospheric conversation Andrew Leonard
Online discourse is a cacophony that leads to clarity. (12/13/2005)

Exclusive Daily Download: "The Aristocrats," Sarah Silverman
(12/12/2005)

Stephanopoulos, doggie style K.L.
The strange White videos of Barney and Miss Beazley. (12/12/2005)

Basic instinct Eds.
Our first video iPod giveaway candidate (12/12/2005)

The Brancato Jr. reel H.H.
Lillo Brancato Jr. from "The Sopranos" said to be involved in cop's death (12/12/2005)

"He was a funny motherf---er" By Dana Cook
Richard Pryor's friends and colleagues -- Gene Wilder, Miles Davis, Nina Simone and others -- share their first impressions of the comedic bad boy. (12/12/2005)

The Fix
Condi unamused by dog-puke joke? Madonna flirting with Uma's beau? Plus: Demi ... sings! (12/12/2005)

Battle of the baby bulge H.H.
"Saturday Night Live" takes aim at the impending arrival of the TomKitten (12/12/2005)

Battle of the ice lords! H.H.
CBS makes retired ice skaters seem sexy (12/12/2005)

Longer listens: Free downloads of comic legend Richard Pryor Ira Boudway
(12/12/2005)

Uh, could you repeat that? H.H.
Bizarre local ad features insane appliance salesman (12/13/2005)

This Modern World By Tom Tomorrow
The world according to Bill O'Reilly (12/12/2005)

Should I leave grad school to be an activist? By Cary Tennis
I love teaching radical philosophy. But when is it time to practice what I teach? (12/12/2005)

'Tis the season to obsess about food By Ayelet Waldman
Thanksgiving yams, Chanukah latkes, Christmas cookies ... for me, they all add up to a holiday-size serving of self-hatred. (12/12/2005)

I want my men TV Rebecca Traister
Apparently, men like complex creepy characters on television. And why shouldn't they? (12/12/2005)

Prada for tots Rebecca Traister
News of designer nursery rhymes for children. (12/12/2005)

When sexes collide at the bookstore Rebecca Traister
Father and son tackle the big questions while inspecting the bestseller shelf. (12/12/2005)

Conversation or a nice rack? Rebecca Traister
Tips from abstinence-only sex education programs. (12/12/2005)

Carnival of feminists Rebecca Traister
Where we get introduced to a passel of blogging sisters. (12/12/2005)

More broadsheets Rebecca Traister
India's all-female newspaper. (12/12/2005)

Abortion and trauma Rebecca Traister
A controversial new study claims that abortion causes more mental trauma than miscarriage does. (12/12/2005)

Romney backs down Rebecca Traister
Massachusetts governor withdraws his plan to exempt private hospitals from having to offer emergency contraception. (12/12/2005)

Maureen Dowd takes on the networks Rebecca Traister
The Times columnist lashes out at the network news on gender grounds. (12/12/2005)

Put your infants to work Lori Leibovich
After all, shouldn't they earn their keep? (12/12/2005)

Rise of the new black leaders By Chris Thompson
A new generation of black politicians is striving to put racial patronage and civic corruption behind it, and unite an increasingly diverse nation. (12/12/2005)

Against the wall By Eilene Zimmerman
Homeland Security is using newfound power to wall off Tijuana from San Diego. Critics warn it will destroy protected lands and lead to the death of immigrants. (12/12/2005)

Sen. Eugene McCarthy remembered By Dana Cook
Russell Baker, David Frost, Larry King, Gloria Steinem, Tip O'Neill and others recall their encounters with the legendary senator. (12/12/2005)

Sex, drugs and cable TV By Michael Scherer
Under pressure from the FCC, cable companies will offer a "family-choice" package. But will anyone pay for TV without "South Park" and "Sex and the City"? (12/12/2005)

Viveca Novak on Karl Rove, or Miss Run Amok, Vol. 2 Tim Grieve
The Time reporter leaked about the leak, then kept her role secret from her editors as she continued to cover the Plame case. (12/12/2005)

Viveca Novak's testimony: What does it mean for Karl Rove? Tim Grieve
Rove's lawyer says his conversation with the Time reporter sent him looking for evidence. Why did it take so long to find it? (12/12/2005)

Do you have to be crazy to criticize Bush? Tim Grieve
Fox's Chris Wallace says his father has "lost it." (12/12/2005)

The president takes questions Tim Grieve
And the world doesn't stop spinning. (12/12/2005)

A setback for DeLay and an embarrassment for Justice? Tim Grieve
The Supreme Court will hear challenges to the former House majority leader's Texas redistricting plan. (12/12/2005)

Fallen hero -- or freight? Tim Grieve
A San Diego TV station reports on what happens after those flag-draped coffins leave Dover AFB. (12/12/2005)

The World Cup cometh By Andrew O'Hehir
The U.S. may not survive the first round against Italy, the Czech Republic and Ghana. But nobody said getting respect on the global soccer stage was going to be easy. (12/12/2005)

What's so evil about the WTO? Andrew Leonard
The Hong Kong meeting of the World Trade Organization will likely fail. Whose fault is that? (12/12/2005)

South Korean farmers: The WTO's most lethal enemy Andrew Leonard
Is the price of rice in South Korea worth suicide and despair? (12/12/2005)

I Like to Watch By Heather Havrilesky
Looking to "Survivor's" Cindy and North Korea's Kim Jong-il for lessons on how to lose big, lose early and lose often. (12/11/2005)

It's a McWorld after all By Ira Boudway
A writer and a photographer visit 30 families around the world to show us what the world eats -- and how industrial food is creeping into every corner of the globe. (12/10/2005)

Incalculable pain By Mark Benjamin
The Pentagon is underreporting the number of American soldier casualties in Iraq, say House Democrats. (12/10/2005)

Daily Download: "At the Hop," Devendra Banhart
(12/09/2005)

Around the Web: Opening Pandora's box, 50 Cent's sex toys and Kanye West thinks he's earned a Grammy or two
(12/09/2005)

"Memoirs of a Geisha" By Stephanie Zacharek
Pile into the rickshaw for a slooooooow ride: This very serious, very long, very pretty picture never really gets moving. (12/09/2005)

"Mrs. Henderson Presents" By Stephanie Zacharek
Bring on the naked girls. This movie about a wartime London topless show is all facade -- and what a facade! (12/09/2005)

Andraé the Giant Emotional Wreck H.H.
"Project Runway" presents one of the most melodramatic humans on earth (12/09/2005)

"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" By Stephanie Zacharek
Forget the scary hype: This magical movie, based on C.S. Lewis' beloved novel, is as familiar and comforting as a favorite sweater. (12/09/2005)

Drunky rides again H.H.
Ryan of "The Apprentice: Martha Stewart" gets wasted on the job (12/09/2005)

The Fix
Jackson losing Neverland? TomKat welcoming baby boy? Plus: Paris sings and Mike Wallace has some questions for President Bush. (12/09/2005)

Rumsfeld: "To find the truth takes weeks!" K.L.
Rumsfeld: The media's killing people (12/09/2005)

Colbert's picks: "Brokeback's" wholesome family fun K.L.
"You can practically smell the leather." (12/09/2005)

Win a video iPod! Eds.
Send in the best video, and win a video iPod (12/09/2005)

"Brokeback Mountain" By Stephanie Zacharek
Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger play two cowboys in love in this mainstream movie that is not nearly as brave as it might have been. (12/09/2005)

My husband is a high-achieving alcoholic, seven years sober By Cary Tennis
Should we finally tell the kids? (12/09/2005)

You can buy the clothes -- just don't try to design them Page Rockwell
Women are having trouble getting ahead in -- of all places -- the fashion industry. (12/09/2005)

The gift that keeps on vibrating Rebecca Traister
Divorce author pimps vibrators. (12/09/2005)

Pregnant women warned about Paxil Katharine Mieszkowski
The popular antidepressant is linked to heart problems in newborns, the FDA cautions. (12/09/2005)

Vroom-vroom: Victory for Dykes on Bikes Katharine Mieszkowski
The U.S. Patent and Trademark office decides the word "dyke" isn't offensive after all. (12/09/2005)

Honor killings in the liberated Iraq Farhad Manjoo
In Iraq, the practice of killing rape victims to preserve a family's honor persists. And Americans aren't doing much to stop it. (12/09/2005)

Have a Paris Hilton holiday! Sarah Karnasiewicz
Forget Santa. The infamous heiress makes for much hotter lawn decorations. (12/09/2005)

The latest on the Abercrombie "girlcott" Page Rockwell
The girls who got the "I make you look fat" T-shirt pulled off the shelves meet with A&F to pitch some girl-positive design ideas. (12/09/2005)

Thinking of having kids early? Think again Page Rockwell
A new study shows that early motherhood results in lower wages. (12/09/2005)

American Girl vows to "Save Girlhood" Sarah Elizabeth Richards
The doll retailer's new ad campaign laments that girls are growing up too fast. (12/09/2005)

A man's right to choose, take five Farhad Manjoo
Dalton Conley, the academic who argued that men should have a say in abortion decisions, now says his position is "feminist." (12/09/2005)

An atheist and divorced single mom for president of Chile? Juliana Bunim
Michelle Bachelet, a socialist, is the frontrunner in the Catholic country's upcoming election. (12/09/2005)

The politics of injustice By Alan Berlow
The testimony of one bogus witness put Larry Fowlkes away on murder charges for 45 years. Will presidential hopeful Gov. Mark Warner set him free? (12/09/2005)

Should we stay or should we go? By Farhad Manjoo
Surprisingly, a bipartisan consensus is emerging for bringing home our exhausted troops, yet President Bush clings to his chimera of total victory. Inside the escalating debate over Iraq. (12/09/2005)

The party lines Compiled by J.J. Helland and Juliana Bunim
21 leading Democrats who voted for the Iraq war resolution -- and what they're saying now. (12/09/2005)

After Murtha By Mark Benjamin
Can Democrats criticize Bush's war while taking a united stand on what to do next? (12/09/2005)

Mission to be decided By Joe Conason
Now that so many Americans -- even Democrats! -- seem to agree that we should withdraw from Iraq soon, it's time to figure out how. (12/09/2005)

Did torture provide a basis for the war in Iraq? Tim Grieve
The detainee behind claims of a link between Iraq and al-Qaida says he made them up to get better treatment from his captors. (12/09/2005)

Rumsfeld: Some deaths count more than others Tim Grieve
The secretary of defense suggests that Americans are looking at the wrong numbers on Iraq. (12/09/2005)

Inconsistent stories on Rove's refreshed recollections? By Tim Grieve
Is Patrick Fitzgerald getting conflicting stories from Rove's lawyer and a Time reporter? (12/09/2005)

The good old days of the press Tim Grieve
Mike Wallace says he has a question for George W. Bush. (12/09/2005)

A broader investigation into pay-for-play in Iraq Tim Grieve
In addition to placing stories in the Iraqi press, the U.S. military has been paying Iraqi journalists. (12/09/2005)

The voice of God and other quotable quotes Tim Grieve
We don't make this stuff up. Well, most of it, anyway. (12/09/2005)

Red, white and blue -- and inky
The measure of patriotism, the price of war, and pleasure of the twilight, this week in TT. (12/09/2005)

The war on terror: Miami By Patrick Smith
The shooting of Rigoberto Alpizar wasn't just a horrible mistake. It was also a major setback for sane airport security. (12/09/2005)

China's newest sweatshops Andrew Leonard
What was science fiction in Salon a year ago is now front page New York Times news. (12/09/2005)

Yahoo bets on the group mind Andrew Leonard
Why the purchase of del.icio.us by the search giant is part of the narrative of globalization (12/09/2005)

Daily Download: "Lake of Fire Memories," Nels Cline/Wally Shoup/Chris Corsano
(12/08/2005)

Imagine all the people By Dana Cook
Howard Cosell, Jerry Lee Lewis, David Crosby, Kate Millett, Timothy Leary, Geraldo Rivera and others recall their encounters with John Lennon, who died 25 years ago today. (12/08/2005)

Beyond the Multiplex By Andrew O'Hehir
The most important political documentary of the decade suggests that the "war on terrorism" is a dark delusion -- and there's no such thing as al-Qaida. (12/08/2005)

The Fix
Nicole dumped? Brad refused? Trump a breast man? Plus: Kate Moss plays blame game. (12/08/2005)

Aw K.L.
Peaceable Kingdom: Moose and kitty. (12/08/2005)

The real 9/11 threat K.L.
Colbert to 9/11 Commission: "Shut the f*** up!" (12/08/2005)

Cheesy K.L.
Evil Kraft ad team? You're crumbelievable. (12/08/2005)

Samba baby! K.L.
The first dance-off contestant is here (12/08/2005)

Drunky goes to Hollywood H.H.
Meet Lisa, the real star of "America's Next Top Model" (12/08/2005)

A playwright speaks out By Michael Billington
In a fierce critique of U.S. foreign policy, Nobel winner Harold Pinter asks, "How many people do you have to kill before you qualify to be described as a mass murderer?" (12/08/2005)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
"Intelligent Design to the Rescue" -- or, "Hey, Are Those Designer Genes?" (12/08/2005)

We're married, but do we have to live together? By Cary Tennis
I love my husband, but I need my own place. (12/08/2005)

More women needed at the head of the class Sarah Karnasiewicz
A group of elite-university presidents pledges to close the gender gap at the professorial level. (12/08/2005)

Heidi Klum shows off her postpartum panties Sarah Karnasiewicz
Only eight weeks after giving birth, Klum unveils her supermodel -- not supermommy -- bod in an electrified thong. (12/08/2005)

A (really) few good men Cecelie Berry
For years men dominated college campuses. Why should we worry that women now have the educational upper hand? (12/08/2005)

Melania's monstrous mams Rebecca Traister
Donald Trump holds forth on the joys of his pregnant wife's blimplike body. (12/08/2005)

Mary Kay is calling ... Chinese women Sarah Karnasiewicz
The Texas-based cosmetics company is selling capitalism -- and pink Cadillacs -- to hundreds of thousands of Chinese entrepreneurs. (12/08/2005)

Domestic violence takes a toll in the workplace Lori Leibovich
A new study finds that victims are exhausted and miss work, co-workers are scared, and productivity plunges. (12/08/2005)

When is it time to stop "canoodling" with our children? Lori Leibovich
An essay in the New York Times explores the sensual attraction between mothers and kids. (12/08/2005)

A victory for Mumia By Dave Lindorff
A court rules that Mumia Abu-Jamal can appeal his murder conviction on three separate grounds. (12/08/2005)

Condi's trail of lies By Sidney Blumenthal
Condoleezza Rice's contradictory, misleading and outright false statements about the U.S. and torture have taken America's moral standing -- and her own -- to new depths. (12/08/2005)

Speaking truth to power
In his Nobel Prize acceptance speech, playwright Harold Pinter condemns the Bush administration's assault on human dignity. (12/08/2005)

Can't win in Iraq? Somebody told us that we already had Tim Grieve
So Howard Dean is a "bloodthirsty traitor" for expressing "pessimism" about the war? Remember what the president once said? (12/08/2005)

Plamegate: It isn't over yet Tim Grieve
Fitzgerald meets with new grand jury, deposes second Time reporter. (12/08/2005)

Turning the screws on Jack Abramoff Tim Grieve
A Florida paper says another business partner is about to plead guilty and testify against the lobbyist. (12/08/2005)

Who among us does not love tax cuts? Tim Grieve
The holidays are coming, and Congress is in a giving mood. (12/08/2005)

A compromise, of sorts, on the Patriot Act Tim Grieve
Six senators -- three from each party -- say it's a missed opportunity for needed reforms. (12/08/2005)

John Bolton to U.N. high commissioner: Shut up Tim Grieve
An outburst from the undiplomatic diplomat. (12/08/2005)

Patrick Fitzgerald has questions -- for Karl Rove's lawyer Tim Grieve
CNN says the special prosecutor has deposed Robert Luskin. Why? (12/08/2005)

A pro-globalization minifesto Andrew Leonard
The Inuit don't want to be footnotes of the global economy. But that doesn't mean they have to be anti-globalization. (12/08/2005)

Is Wal-Mart the solution for the unruly French? Andrew Leonard
An economist argues McJobs might stave off future riots. (12/08/2005)

Exclusive Daily Download: "The Tower," Pearls and Brass
(12/07/2005)

The Jesus symbol, the witch and the wardrobe By Laura Miller
The religious right is hyping "The Chronicles of Narnia." But just how Christian is C.S. Lewis' masterpiece? (12/07/2005)

All quiet on the gay western front By Scott Lamb
Not wanting to give their foes free publicity, right-wing Christian groups say they won't boycott or picket "Brokeback Mountain." (12/07/2005)

Cut from a different cloth By Heather Havrilesky
"Project Runway" winner Jay McCarroll talks about fame whores, the spoils of his victory and the challenges of designing clothes that aren't intended for some rich guy's wife. (12/07/2005)

Easy Internet riders, raging bull H.H.
"The Daily Show" pokes fun at a very fervent Jack Valenti (12/07/2005)

Domo arigato, a-holes! H.H.
Buster of "Arrested Development" says thanks to Mr. Roboto (12/07/2005)

Travel now, die later H.H.
Old folks just love a morbid sales pitch (12/07/2005)

The Fix
Kidman's sister slips up. Spears' husband blowing through the bucks? Plus: Oprah's "Color Purple" getting big green. (12/07/2005)

The dancing cadet
The greatest viral video of the year. (12/07/2005)

Domo arigato, 2! K.L.
The "Arrested Development" joke that's even better than we thought. (12/07/2005)

O'Reilly vs. Stern K.L.
A bigger bully enters the "No-Spin Zone" (12/08/2005)

Mistress of horror By Hillary Frey
With her creepy, suspenseful stories of desperate people in tight situations, Rachel Ingalls could be the next Patricia Highsmith. (12/07/2005)

The mafia, the coup and the murder By Lamar Waldron with Thom Hartmann
The authors respond to David Talbot's review of "Ultimate Sacrifice." (12/07/2005)

The K Chronicles By Keith Knight
Crips vs. Bloods, revisited (12/07/2005)

Fargo fiasco Rebecca Traister
Interim police chief appointed despite having once had a girlfriend who had an abortion. (12/07/2005)

Action figure or doll? Who knew? By Cary Tennis
Years later I learn this one little word was a big deal to my roommate. (12/07/2005)

Apple juice, straight up? Lynn Harris
Brooklyn bar declares war on strollers. (12/07/2005)

101-year-old woman gets frisky with hockey star Juliana Bunim
A Canadian centenarian celebrates her birthday with some serious mullet love. (12/07/2005)

A man's right to choose, take four Lynn Harris
A wise granddad puts some fellas in their place. (12/07/2005)

Religious conservatives: All women should be pregnant! Oh, except you Lynn Harris
Calif. fertility doctors refuse to inseminate an unmarried lesbian. (12/07/2005)

Rush Limbaugh finally gets some Rebecca Traister
Some Boise State University vagina enthusiasts send the radio host a provocative lollipop. (12/07/2005)

L.A. press to the Gray Lady: Start your bitching! Lynn Harris
Publisher slams New York Times for omitting book title with B-word. (12/07/2005)

Talk about blaming the victim Lynn Harris
Oregon woman who never recanted found guilty of filing false rape charges. (12/07/2005)

Performance anxiety: Now the ladies have it too Lynn Harris
U.K. women report pressure to "deliver fantastic sex." (12/07/2005)

Pregnant Iraqi women fear trip to hospital Lynn Harris
Dangerous nighttime roads lead to rise in scheduled C-sections. (12/07/2005)

Michael Schiavo joins the fray By Michael Scherer
Terri Schiavo's husband starts a PAC devoted to defeating the Bible-thumping politicians who used his comatose wife as a football. (12/07/2005)

Love your enemies By Michelle Goldberg
Peace activist Tom Fox has lived in Baghdad by the words of Jesus. Now he faces murder by terrorists. Was his mission in vain? (12/07/2005)

A walk on the ice By Garrison Keillor
With a little dose of courage and grandeur, who needs therapy? (12/07/2005)

Pearl Harbor Tim Grieve
Four years into this war, Americans are still fighting -- over here and over there. (12/07/2005)

A "loss of will" and capitulation "to the worst elements in our culture" Tim Grieve
People, it's just a Christmas card, for Christ's sake. (12/07/2005)

A delay for DeLay's sake Tim Grieve
Dennis Hastert postpones the people's business so that Tom DeLay can tend to his. (12/07/2005)

Fitzgerald meets with a new grand jury Tim Grieve
The special prosecutor's investigation is continuing. (12/07/2005)

Inside the Judith Miller saga Tim Grieve
Vanity Fair dishes on the former New York Times reporter. (12/07/2005)

An air marshal shoots and kills; the GOP cuts the funding Tim Grieve
A Republican-controlled conference committee deleted additional aviation security approved by the Senate. (12/07/2005)

Coach By Susan Straight
Afraid he'd blow it, my ex-husband didn't want to coach our daughter. He changed his mind -- and we all won. (12/07/2005)

How does the "How the World Works" blog work? Andrew Leonard
A wonky, geeky, ranty exploration of how the global economy fits together. (12/07/2005)

Detroit plays the blame game Andrew Leonard
Pointing fingers at cheap offshore labor is an easy excuse for stumbling car companies in the U.S. It's also a massive cop-out. (12/07/2005)

The polysilicon intersection Andrew Leonard
Solar power heats up, at the expense of the chip industry. (12/07/2005)

Three words you should never say to Bjork K.L.
Björk takes down a reporter in Thailand. (12/07/2005)

Probst, master of the segue H.H.
Hen and bunny reenact a scene from "Survivor" (12/06/2005)

Daily Download: "Another Sunny Day," Belle & Sebastian
(12/06/2005)

Aw Eds.
Peaceable Kingdom: Hippo and mouse. (12/06/2005)

Lunesta: The Vampire Butterfly K.L.
The full trailer for the new pharmaceutical horror film. (12/06/2005)

The Fix
Aniston steamed about topless pix. Elton's getting hitched. Stern promises more flilth. Plus: Simpson ditched by assistant? (12/06/2005)

Bah Humbugians unite! H.H.
Colbert asserts that Christians are an oppressed minority (12/06/2005)

Reviewed: Lohan gets raw, Eminem gets nostalgic and Korn gets over losing a band member to Jesus
(12/06/2005)

Marissa, Marissa, Marissa H.H.
"The OC" torments its favorite victim. (12/06/2005)

The real Calamity Jane By Margot Mifflin
America's favorite cross-dressing, gunslinging frontier woman was less (and more) than her legend would have you think. (12/06/2005)

WayLay By Carol Lay
Doubledee and Doubledum tumble into Liquor World! (12/06/2005)

The stay-at-home mystique By Rebecca Traister
A new magazine, Total 180, is targeted at moms who have "opted out." But its pages are full of despairing screams, no sex, and women who are "let out" weekly by husbands. (12/06/2005)

My nephew was murdered in a drug deal. Do my young kids have to know? By Cary Tennis
We told the children a white lie, but on the holiday visit the adults are sure to talk. (12/06/2005)

Making "Goodnight Moon" safe for children Lori Leibovich
When did childhood become so dangerous? (12/06/2005)

Google: Nice work if you can get it Lori Leibovich
The company is a family-friendly model for corporate America. (12/06/2005)

Happily ever after for Kathy Griffin Curtis Sittenfeld
"D-List" actress reunites with menschy husband. (12/06/2005)

More ways to live like a geisha! Hillary Frey
First cosmetics, now kimono sleeves: Sony hopes "Geisha" tie-ins will sell movie tickets. (12/06/2005)

Condom in a can Rebecca Traister
China welcomes a new and yak-worthy form of contraception. (12/06/2005)

Have a wrinkle-free holiday! Lori Leibovich
This seasons hottest gifts include Botox gift certificates and vouchers for hand vein removal. (12/06/2005)

Can marriage make you sick? Cecelie Berry
New research reveals that marital strife is bad for your health. (12/06/2005)

Banking for broads Sarah Karnasiewicz
Ka-ching! Germany now has a bank dedicated to serving women. (12/06/2005)

"Goodnight Moon" -- now safer than ever Lori Leibovich
Stop the presses! Jeers prompt HarperCollins to change its mind -- sort of -- about airbrushing the cigarette out of the children's classic. (12/06/2005)

Fear and loathing in Iraq By Dieter Bednarz, Erich Follath, Georg Mascolo and Bernhard Zand
Nightly shootings, daily suicide attacks, deadly kidnappings and a hundred-headed insurgency have made life increasingly unbearable. (12/06/2005)

Saving the rain forests of the ocean By Jeff Greenwald
How greens and villagers, and a bunch of big ceramic snowflakes, are reviving the devastated coral reefs of Indonesia. (12/06/2005)

Ten ways to argue about the war By Michael Schwartz
How to talk back to die-hard war supporters. (12/06/2005)

Did the CIA lie to Italian police to cover up rendition? By Tim Grieve
And is this what Condoleezza Rice means when she talks about respecting the sovereignty of other nations? (12/06/2005)

Tom DeLay has friends in high places, sort of Tim Grieve
The vice president stands by his man, but why didn't the Republican senators from Texas join him? (12/06/2005)

A jolt for Joe-mentum? Tim Grieve
Former Gov. and Sen. Lowell Weicker says he may run against Lieberman to challenge him on the war. (12/06/2005)

If quality is job 1, where does truth fit in? Tim Grieve
Like Microsoft before it, Ford says that its distance from gay issues is just business. (12/06/2005)

A sex scandal for the GOP? Tim Grieve
Inquiring minds want to know. (12/06/2005)

Sam Alito, the anti-Grinch Tim Grieve
He'll gut Roe! He'll save Christmas! (12/06/2005)

A CIA victim strikes back Tim Grieve
A man taken into custody and then sent to Afghanistan on a "hunch" goes to court for vindication. (12/06/2005)

Hillary takes a stand -- on flag burning Tim Grieve
She may waffle on Iraq, but she knows what to do about that menace back home, sort of. (12/06/2005)

Bush on Iraq, again: No military backdrop, but no questions, either Tim Grieve
The president will stand by the troops at the Council on Foreign Relations. (12/06/2005)

Exclusive Daily Download: "Oceans of Weep," Ariel Pink
(12/05/2005)

The Fix
Pitt to adopt Jolie's kids. Plus: Marilyn Manson's tasteful wedding, the Rev. Al's TV show and Madonna's "blood lust." (12/05/2005)

Longer listens: Who owns Narnia?
(12/05/2005)

Unfortunate juxtapositions K.L.
(12/05/2005)

Neighbors from hell K.L.
(12/05/2005)

This Modern World By Tom Tomorrow
The administration manipulated prewar intelligence? Says who? (12/05/2005)

The carpet guy By Anne Lamott
He made me angrier than I'd been in years. He lied to my face and cheated me. But my rage took me into a dark place. (12/05/2005)

Should I move -- with my kids -- to be with the man of my dreams? By Cary Tennis
My kids are still in school -- but we feel like four years is too long to wait to be together. (12/05/2005)

Wacky PMS gift idea! Rebecca Traister
The crazy press releases come early and often at this time of year. (12/05/2005)

Jennifer Aniston's sagging bristols Rebecca Traister
A National Review columnist weighs in on when a woman is most attractive. Hint: It's when she's under 20. (12/05/2005)

The secret history of five first wavers Rebecca Traister
A new book profiles five women who helped change all of our lives. (12/05/2005)

A bitch weighs in on "King Kong" Rebecca Traister
Blogger Angry Black Bitch has something to say about the big black ape and his frenzy over white womanhood. (12/05/2005)

Girls on television Rebecca Traister
The Museum of Radio and Television celebrates television made by women. (12/05/2005)

The real hot 100 Rebecca Traister
Feministing wants you to nominate some really hot chicks. (12/05/2005)

Abortion's underground railroad Rebecca Traister
New York magazine explores New York's role and future as the abortion capital of the United States. (12/05/2005)

Cybill slights Rebecca Traister
Martha Stewart and Christine Baranski turn their least favorite blond into Christmas cookies. (12/05/2005)

America can't take it anymore By Mark Follman
The Bush administration has embraced torture as a key part of the "war on terror." Finally, members of Congress, the military and the CIA are speaking out against the abuse. (12/05/2005)

Republicans don't flip-flop, do they? Tim Grieve
In a reversal, Florida Rep. Katherine Harris say she'll return tainted cash -- or at least most of it. (12/05/2005)

Secrets and lies Tim Grieve
What happens when the United States seizes the wrong man and then holds him in secret. (12/05/2005)

Joe Lieberman for secretary of defense? Tim Grieve
The rumor -- and John Kerry's response. (12/05/2005)

Limbaugh: It's all the fault of New Orleans Tim Grieve
He's back on the air after Katrina, but some locals aren't exactly overjoyed. (12/05/2005)

"God help us if we have another attack" Tim Grieve
As Condoleezza Rice lectures Europeans about the war on terror, the 9/11 Commission raises some questions back home. (12/05/2005)

If this is the strategy for victory ... Tim Grieve
Iraq's vice president disputes Bush's claims about progress in standing up Iraqi security forces. (12/05/2005)

The Tom DeLay and Dick Cheney show Tim Grieve
For $4,200, you can catch it, too. (12/05/2005)

Wells Fargo, Ford and the "radical homosexual agenda" Tim Grieve
The religious right targets a bank, an automaker and just about everyone else. (12/05/2005)

For DeLay, half a break isn't much of a break at all Tim Grieve
(12/05/2005)

I married the coach's daughter By Gene Lyons
It was the wisest decision of my life -- and not just because she tolerates cheerleader ogling and other male vices. (12/05/2005)

I Like to Watch By Heather Havrilesky
Who's got more swagger -- Tyra Banks, the fashion designers on "Project Runway" or the avian flu virus? (12/04/2005)

Finding "Little Nemo" By Douglas Wolk
At the legendary comic strip's centennial, Winsor McCay's "Little Nemo in Slumberland" gets the treatment it deserves in a huge, lush new collection. (12/03/2005)

The only way out By Joe Conason
All the plans the Democrats have offered on Iraq rely on wishful thinking. Here's one that might actually work. (12/03/2005)

Camille Paglia's disco playlist
A history in songs: From soul and funk to disco, 1960s-'80s. (12/02/2005)

Exclusive Daily Download: "C'est Aujourd'hui Grande Fête," Keith Murphy
(12/02/2005)

"Transamerica" By Stephanie Zacharek
Felicity Huffman bends gender and rises above bad makeup as a pre-op transsexual in this red state-blue state road movie. (12/02/2005)

Dancing as fast as she can By Camille Paglia
Madonna cannibalizes herself in a misguided attempt to appeal to today's youth. Who is she becoming? The crazed Joan Crawford of "Torch Song"? The pathetic Bette Davis in "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane"? Charo? (12/02/2005)

The Fix
Affleck and Garner become parents. Vaughn and Aniston pulled over by cops. Plus: Kidman to wed? (12/02/2005)

Around the Web: 50 Cent channels Queen. Scott Stapp goes on a rampage. Plus: The "Brokeback Mountain" soundtrack
(12/02/2005)

I'm married with kids -- and in love with a prostitute By Cary Tennis
I know it's crazy, but she's the woman of my dreams. (12/02/2005)

Hillary Clinton, the "ex-wife from hell" Katharine Mieszkowski
The senator from New York is coming to San Francisco. Local conservatives are already rolling out the welcome wagon! (12/02/2005)

The Dowd-Miller catfight is not to be Farhad Manjoo
Maureen Dowd and Judy Miller quietly agree to disagree. (12/02/2005)

Suspended from work over emergency contraception Katharine Mieszkowski
Walgreens takes a stand -- sort of -- with pharmacists who refuse to dispense the drugs. (12/02/2005)

Newsweek's anorexic cover girl Rebecca Traister
Is she too glam a poster girl for a dangerous teenage plague? (12/02/2005)

"Sexy" outfits bad for women's careers? The hell you say! Page Rockwell
A new study breaks the bad news that women suffer under double standards. (12/02/2005)

Yes, Gwen; or, Grrl Power, 2005 version Andrew Leonard
Gwen Stefani shows who's boss at the Oakland Arena. (12/02/2005)

How do I love thee, Oprah? Let me count the ways. Farhad Manjoo
Wherein a writer falls head over heels for a talk show host. (12/02/2005)

A man's right to choose, take three Farhad Manjoo
Yet another look at Dalton Conley's call for men's rights in abortion decisions. (12/02/2005)

Principal tattles to mom, lesbian teen sues Katharine Mieszkowski
A 17-year-old can sue her school district and principal, after she's outed to her mother. (12/02/2005)

Is CAFE kaput? By Amanda Griscom Little
As old fuel standards head out the window, enviros consider ways to revamp regulations. (12/02/2005)

Why Karl Rove came clean about Matthew Cooper Tim Grieve
Did another Time reporter remind Rove -- or force his hand? (12/02/2005)

How many military bases are there, anyway? Tim Grieve
Cheney will speak on Iraq next week. You'll never guess where. (12/02/2005)

The TSA's plan for tricking terrorists Tim Grieve
Scissors and screwdrivers are welcome, but you'll never know if you're going to have to take off your shoes. (12/02/2005)

In Iraq, December turns deadly for U.S. -- already Tim Grieve
Ten Marines are killed in Fallujah. (12/02/2005)

The Democrats' disarray, the Republicans' delight Tim Grieve
Can the opposition party come together on Iraq? (12/02/2005)

If the dealer makes a deal Tim Grieve
What if Jack Abramoff cooperates with prosecutors? (12/02/2005)

King Kaufman's Sports Daily
NFL playoff picture emerges: Your team's fine if it wins out. Maybe. Plus: Goodbye for now. (12/02/2005)

The good, the bad, and the good again
Heroes, housemates, and the ones we remember, this week in Table Talk. (12/02/2005)

Ask the pilot By Patrick Smith
All hail the 747, about to be born anew. And don't you dare call it humpbacked! (12/02/2005)

Welcome to Video Dog The Editors
Salon's new video blog (12/01/2005)

Aw Eds.
Peaceable Kingdom, a daily Video Dog photo feature of cute shots from the animal kingdom (12/01/2005)

Dog days K.L.
Bush's "We're for puppies" ad campaign (12/01/2005)

"You're right. You're totally right" K.L.
Bill O'Reilly chooses love over hate. (12/01/2005)

Daily Download: "Hearts," Bonnie "Prince" Billy
(12/01/2005)

The exploding whale K.L.
The infamous 1970 video that documents how not to get rid of an 8-ton whale. (12/01/2005)

Beyond the Multiplex By Andrew O'Hehir
Get out your hankies: Here are three don't-miss documentaries that will break your heart -- and renew your hope in humanity. (12/01/2005)

Tyra-nosaurus strikes again! H.H.
Tyra Banks confronts Naomi Campbell on her talk show (12/01/2005)

The Fix
Jackson a baby daddy after all? Moss beau arrested? Spelling knocked up? Plus: Jayson Blair on Judy Miller. (12/01/2005)

"Ultimate Sacrifice": An excerpt By Lamar Waldron with Thom Hartmann
In a blockbuster story unrevealed until now, the mob tried to kill Kennedy just days before he was gunned down in Dallas. (12/01/2005)

Case closed? By David Talbot
A new book about the JFK assassination claims to finally solve the mystery. (12/01/2005)

The top five books on the Kennedy assassination By David Talbot
An expert's guide through the perplexing thicket of JFK assassination books. (12/01/2005)

Footnotes
Footnotes for Chapter 56, "November 18, 1963: The Attempt to Assassinate JFK in Tampa." (12/01/2005)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
News of the Times: Supreme Court nominee sending mixed messages! (12/01/2005)

I wish my stepchildren would go away By Cary Tennis
I don't really like them and I feel terrible about it, but I only have love for my own daughter. (12/01/2005)

A new look at anorexia Sarah Karnasiewicz
Doctors now believe the eating disorder is a product of nature, not nurture -- and has reach far beyond rich, white teens. (12/01/2005)

In 2005, the face of AIDS is female and black Sarah Karnasiewicz
Why are American black women contracting HIV in record numbers? (12/01/2005)

In the battle over choice, what about dads? Sarah Karnasiewicz
A provocative New York Times Op-Ed says fathers should have the power to veto abortions. (12/01/2005)

Alito's advice on how to stop abortion Lynn Harris
Judge's legal brief is a smoking "cannon." (12/01/2005)

A man's right to choose -- a second take on Dalton Conley Farhad Manjoo
The New York Times opinion writer is a little bit right: A man should also have the right to abort his baby. (12/01/2005)

"People shouldn't die because they have sex" By Sarah Boseley
Europe rejects Bush's abstinence-only strategy, declaring that condoms are the most effective weapon in battling AIDS. (12/01/2005)

The Woodward coverup By Sidney Blumenthal
What a shock it was to learn that the man who exposed the Watergate scandal had been keeping his own big secret. (12/01/2005)

Bush warmed over, or Nixon revisited? Tim Grieve
How many times can the president deliver a "major" speech on Iraq? (12/01/2005)

Can anyone beat Hillary? Not in New York, it seems Tim Grieve
Republicans call on a would-be Clinton challenger to drop out of the race. (12/01/2005)

Back to the future Tim Grieve
Nixon in 1969. Bush in 2005. (12/01/2005)

What's that adage about the first casualty of war? Tim Grieve
The president cites fighting at Tal Afar as proof of progress in Iraq. A reporter who was there says it didn't happen the way the president claims. (12/01/2005)

The president's season of hope and happiness Tim Grieve
Is the White House taking "Christ" out of Christmas? (12/01/2005)

King Kaufman's Sports Daily
The Grey Cup: If only NFL players played by CFL rules. That goes for refs too. (12/01/2005)