December 2006

So long, sugar tits! By Rebecca Traister
Disgraced ministers, D-list divorces, Screech's sex tape and celebrity crotch shots all helped make 2006 a year of libidinal surprises. (12/31/2006)

Folk revival By Andrew Marcus
The spirit of folk was everywhere this year, with a slew of tribute albums to various new hybrid forms -- from freak-folk to folk-punk and beyond. (12/30/2006)

My favorite things By Thomas Bartlett
The 20 tracks -- all exclusive to Salon -- that make up the best of this year's free downloads. (12/30/2006)

Saddam: The death of a dictator By Juan Cole
Through the bumbling of the U.S.-backed regime, justice becomes revenge, and a despot becomes a martyr. (12/30/2006)

Stars will be stars By Scott Lamb
A statistical slice-and-dice of the celeb stories that had us talking: The marriages, divorces, babies, drug arrests and bathroom brawls -- from Britney to Mel and beyond. (12/29/2006)

"Miss Potter" By Stephanie Zacharek
Renée Zellweger gives a winsome, disciplined performance as the woman behind "Peter Rabbit." (12/29/2006)

Red State Update: Gerald Ford By Kerry Lauerman
Remembering a great American -- and other ones, too. (12/29/2006)

John Edwards makes it official By Cynthia Joyce
The first major Democratic '08 contender throws his hat in the ring from the Crescent City's devastated Ninth Ward. (12/30/2006)

Editor's picks 2006: Opinion
Our pundits and analysts on the Danish cartoons, maddening airport security, Howard Dean's 50-state strategy, the GOP's outrageous rap sheet and more. (12/29/2006)

Hurray for Indiewood! By Andrew O'Hehir
Al Gore and "Little Miss Sunshine" shone brightest at the box office. But which indie films did we warm to the most? (12/28/2006)

Editor's picks 2006: Books
A look at one woman's journey into the man's world, a conversation with Karen Armstrong, great couch potatoes of history and more. (12/28/2006)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
Coming this season, the show you fondly remember from the early '70s ... "Brandon Hooper." (12/28/2006)

The man who ended our Nixon nightmare By Walter Shapiro
Although ultimately an ineffective leader, Gerald Ford was the right person for the presidency in the wake of the Watergate crisis. (12/28/2006)

Cinema to savor By Stephanie Zacharek
Salon's critic picks the movies that mattered, from the extraordinary OutKast musical "Idlewild" to the imaginative Bond adventure "Casino Royale." (12/27/2006)

Editor's picks 2006: A&E
Our winner of the liberal-guilt-inducing Oscar, we give Dane Cook the superfinger, "Borat," Paris and Perez Hilton, and more. (12/27/2006)

The K Chronicles By Keith Knight
Help indie hip-hop band the Coup recoup their losses. (12/27/2006)

WayLay By Carol Lay
Going vegan in 2007 (12/26/2006)

Running low on role models By Kate Shindle
Miss Nevada's out, Tara Conner's wobbly reign continues, and we're left wondering: What are beauty queens for, anyway? (12/26/2006)

Editor's picks 2006: News
Our groundbreaking reports on buried evidence from Abu Ghraib, Bush judges who broke the law, NSA spying online, George Allen's dark past and more. (12/26/2006)

A decisive year for "the decider" By Walter Shapiro
The Bush presidency plunged into a death spiral as the reality of Iraq spurred Americans to hand over Capitol Hill to the Democrats. (12/26/2006)

"Children of Men" By Stephanie Zacharek
This smoldering picture, based on P.D. James' dystopian novel, may be the bleakest movie you'll ever want to see twice. (12/25/2006)

This Modern World By Tom Tomorrow
Interlude: How quickly the seasons fly by. (12/25/2006)

Editor's picks 2006: Life
Anthony Bourdain in Beirut, anti-birth-control activists, the insecurities of post-baby sex and much more. (12/25/2006)

Coal in the stocking
So what's the cruddiest gift you got? In honor of the holiday, the members of Salon's community, Table Talk, share their trashiest treasures. (12/25/2006)

It's not a wonderful life By Heather Havrilesky
Tired of chirpy carols and stale sugar cookies and your whole annoying family? Here's a delectably dark holiday TV viewing guide -- an antidote for anyone burned out on holiday cheer. (12/24/2006)

A very Cheney Christmas Eve By Kerry Lauerman
The night before Christmas, and all through the house, a creature was stirring. . . (12/24/2006)

The man in the red suit By Mary Lisa Gavenas
An endearing enigma in a scarlet fur-trimmed jacket, Santa has spent the past 150 years spreading joy -- and shilling for Macy's, Maxwell House and Dewar's scotch. (12/23/2006)

Robo Ball By David Puner
Sources predict pinstripes. (12/22/2006)

"The Good Shepherd" By Stephanie Zacharek
Robert De Niro's pic about one man's role in the birth of the CIA is all cloak and no dagger. (12/22/2006)

The Fix By Scott Lamb
Another pageant scandal. Trump keeps firing, while Rosie stays mum. Plus: Court demands Anna Nicole DNA test? (12/22/2006)

Exclusive Daily Download: "I Sing Silence," Plush
A world-exclusive sneak preview from the band's upcoming album. (12/22/2006)

Happy Hanukkah from Arnold By David Puner
The governor of California with a holiday message. (12/22/2006)

"Oh it's the Santa Claus race" By David Puner
You've seen one, you've seen them all. (12/22/2006)

"We Are Marshall" By Stephanie Zacharek
Matthew McConaughey and Ian McShane star in this college football fumble. (12/22/2006)

Rosie vs. Donald: The highlight reel (so far) By Kerry Lauerman
The O'Donnell/Trump wars, in one tidy compilation. (12/22/2006)

My 13-year-old still believes in Santa Claus By Cary Tennis
Should I tell her the truth -- to save her from the derision of her friends, if nothing else? (12/22/2006)

Sexless and loving it By Rebecca Traister
Dawn Eden, author of a new memoir about chastity, gets frank about why she thinks forsaking sex has made her a better Christian, a better lover and a better friend. (12/22/2006)

Dobson vs. Cheney Carol Lloyd
Mr. Focus on the Family critiques Mary Cheney's pregnancy in the pages of Time. (12/22/2006)

More on gender testing in sports Page Rockwell
Slate does some research into what might have prompted Indian runner Santhi Soundararajan to lose her Asian Games medal. (12/22/2006)

Rape charges dropped in Duke case Page Rockwell
So what happens now? (12/22/2006)

Broadsheet's year-end roundup Tracy Clark-Flory
Veil vitriol, lactivism, the Duke case and more! (12/22/2006)

Win some, lose some By Amanda Griscom Little
The 109th Congress did its best to boost clean energy, but Republican lawmakers still used their waning authority to expand offshore drilling. (12/22/2006)

Newt Gingrich's "outsider" act By Alex Koppelman
As he eyes the White House, the former speaker tries to distance himself from the Bush administration, but he helped the president make his biggest mistake. (12/22/2006)

Too little, too late By Mark Benjamin
Despite being armed with fat cash incentives, recruiters may not be able to meet Bush's call for a bigger Army -- even if they keep lowering standards for new recruits. (12/22/2006)

Keep hope alive By Joe Conason
Despite their vote of confidence in Democrats this November, voters doubt Congress' ability to lead. Swift reforms could prove them wrong. (12/22/2006)

Rosie Trumps the Donald By Joan Walsh
The building tycoon and reality TV star is not a pop-culture hero. He's a bully with a combover. (12/22/2006)

Prager condemned by Holocaust Memorial Alex Koppelman
The controversial talk-show host's words about Representative-elect Keith Ellison are condemned by the members of a board on which Prager himself serves. (12/22/2006)

Quote of the Day Alex Koppelman
Ann Coulter, on why everything would be all right if only the antiwar forces hadn't been right so early and so often. (12/22/2006)

Iraq, Iran, what's the difference? Alex Koppelman
Fox News slips up. (12/22/2006)

King Kaufman's Sports Daily
Studying the hardcore fan: The design firm that went deep with some young dudes to help plan NBC's new football show. Plus: NFL Week 16. (12/22/2006)

The shopping news
In the season of spending, members of Table Talk, Salon's reader community, discuss the ways they resist the seductive allure of affluenza. (12/22/2006)

Ask the pilot By Patrick Smith
The year's most notable air travel stories (who can forget the overblown liquid-bomb terror scare). Plus: A second look at the midair collision in Brazil. (12/22/2006)

The Fix By Scott Lamb
The Trump vs. Rosie year-end smackdown! More Regan allegations come to light. Plus: Madonna marriage woes? (12/21/2006)

Exclusive Daily Download: "No Education," Plush
A free download from Liam Hayes' lost masterpiece. (12/21/2006)

Beyond the Multiplex By Andrew O'Hehir
Forget the blockbusters: Try the sumptuous "Curse of the Golden Flower," the ambitious "Perfume" or the unflinching "The Dead Girl." (12/21/2006)

"Venus" By Stephanie Zacharek
Peter O'Toole, a hottie for the ages, in one of the year's great performances. (12/21/2006)

Dick Morris: If Hillary wins, I'm leaving By Kerry Lauerman
The zany GOP talking head is freaked out about another President Clinton. (12/21/2006)

Trump trachea-rips Rosie By David Puner
But are we reading his body-language correctly? (12/21/2006)

Entertainment detainment? By David Puner
Radio personality makes a declaration. (12/21/2006)

"Love Corner" By David Puner
Roll the dice and take your chances. (12/21/2006)

The negotiator By Matt Steinglass
James Traub's examination of Kofi Annan reveals a patient and wily leader who managed to outwit John Bolton and elevate the United Nations. (12/21/2006)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
U.S. moon base set to open: Moon mall now operational! (12/21/2006)

I'm a Brazilian girl -- why do I fall for French and Italian guys? By Cary Tennis
I'd been hurt before -- but then it happened: An amazing married Italian! (12/21/2006)

No adoption for you Carol Lloyd
New Chinese regulations block overweight, disabled and frequently divorced prospective parents from adopting. (12/21/2006)

Maternal profiling Carol Lloyd
Think employers shouldn't be able to ask prospective employees about their marital or familial status? Check your state's employment laws. (12/21/2006)

What else we're reading Carol Lloyd
Do American women need to be more disciplined about beauty? Plus: the kibosh on black cohosh. (12/21/2006)

Post-traumatic futility disorder By Mark Benjamin
Disillusionment with war is an overlooked psychological liability on the battlefield, experts say -- and could lead to higher rates of PTSD among U.S. soldiers in Iraq. (12/21/2006)

Another sad record Alex Koppelman
76 unidentified bodies are found in Baghdad. (12/21/2006)

King Kaufman's Sports Daily
The Pittsburgh Penguins fiasco: Another bad day for the NHL. Plus: NFL Week 16, Part 1. Farewell for Favre? (12/21/2006)

Attack of the mutant artificial Christmas trees -- from China Andrew Leonard
Non-biodegradable, nonrenewable and, worst of all, they contribute to the trade deficit. (12/21/2006)

The war on Christmas goes global Andrew Leonard
But the only thing we have to fear is fear itself, preached by religious extremists. (12/21/2006)

On holiday Andrew Leonard
How the World Works will return January 3rd. (12/21/2006)

Once "Lost" By David Puner
In send-up of TV show, one guy gets off the island. (12/20/2006)

The Fix By Scott Lamb
Trump spares hard-partying Miss USA. Britney's cheating heart? Plus: Fred Goldman files O.J. suit. (12/20/2006)

"The Painted Veil" By Stephanie Zacharek
This lush, romantic melodrama, starring Naomi Watts and Edward Norton, is an act of mainstream daring. (12/20/2006)

"Rocky Balboa" By Andrew O'Hehir
Of course this movie is silly and implausible and completely over the top, but you just can't help rooting for Sylvester Stallone. (12/20/2006)

Daily Download: "Blue Honey," Pop Levi
A glammy, psychedelic rocker from the U.K. (12/20/2006)

Classic Stallone: "Cobra" revisted By David Puner
On the occasion of "Rocky Balboa" opening. (12/20/2006)

"Letters From Iwo Jima" By Stephanie Zacharek
Clint Eastwood shows us the Battle of Iwo Jima from the viewpoint of the Japanese soldiers who fought and died there. (12/20/2006)

Rocky Day musical tribute: Apollo Creed By David Puner
Looking back as we open a new chapter. (12/20/2006)

Sin Destroyers' "Gift to the World" By Kerry Lauerman
A heavy-metal holiday tribute to Jesus Claus. (12/20/2006)

Affleck: Mr. Groper By David Puner
"Actor" gives hands-on interview. (12/20/2006)

Advertisements for myself By Buzzy Jackson
A hilarious collection of self-deprecating personals from the London Review of Books illustrates the gulf between high-minded Brits and Americans looking for love. (12/20/2006)

The K Chronicles By Keith Knight
Life's little victories, holiday style! (12/20/2006)

Dealing marijuana put me through college but ruined my relationship By Cary Tennis
My girlfriend became suspicious and went through my stuff! (12/20/2006)

Panic rooms Catherine Price
The British government puts up funds for domestic-violence victims to build safe rooms in their homes. (12/20/2006)

American Girl: Lessons in shopaholism Tracy Clark-Flory
The brand's superstore introduces young girls to the all-American shopping spree. (12/20/2006)

Clinton vs. Obama Kathleen Langan
To look at early '08 election coverage, you'd think race and gender were the only issues on the table. (12/20/2006)

What else we're reading Tracy Clark-Flory
Who's weaker: Insecure men or insecure women? Plus, girls' hormones make them customize everything. (12/20/2006)

Yankee Republicans, go home! By Walter Shapiro
Don't look now but New Hampshire may be casting a blue shadow over the '08 presidential race. (12/20/2006)

Dreaming of a white Christmas By Garrison Keillor
With a Mayan epic in movie theaters and Rudy Giuliani running for president, it feels like anything can happen this holiday season. I just hope it snows. (12/20/2006)

Behind Bush's "new way forward" By Sidney Blumenthal
A battered group of neocons delivered the president his latest war plan, letting him reject the grave warnings of the Iraq Study Group and deny that we're losing the war. (12/20/2006)

Gates in Baghdad Alex Koppelman
The defense secretary makes a surprise visit to the area that has come to define his new employer. (12/20/2006)

Bush: "We're not winning, we're not losing" Alex Koppelman
The president changes his tone on Iraq, conceding for the first time that the U.S. is not winning there. (12/20/2006)

Key anti-bioterror program killed Alex Koppelman
A program to develop a new anthrax vaccine, plagued by problems from its inception, has been stopped. (12/20/2006)

Quote of the Day Alex Koppelman
Bill O'Reilly says leftists are furious that he's won in the "war on Christmas." (12/20/2006)

Mr. President, meet reality Alex Koppelman
Bush says "I ... don't believe most Americans want us just to get out now." He's wrong. (12/20/2006)

What's in a name? Katharine Mieszkowski
Bashing Sen. Obama for his middle name. (12/20/2006)

A stretch, even for Drudge Alex Koppelman
The Drudge Report, digging ever deeper to find evidence of media bias, hits bottom. (12/20/2006)

The deadliest year for journalists in Iraq Katharine Mieszkowski
With murders on the rise, who will be left to tell the story? (12/20/2006)

King Kaufman's Sports Daily
Selling mixed martial arts: UFC president Dana White on a sport that's exploding in popularity. (12/20/2006)

YouTube: I think I'm turning Japanese Andrew Leonard
Japanese copyright holders demand action! It's all about the cartoons. (12/20/2006)

In China, the revolution will be LCD televised Andrew Leonard
Cheaper flat screen TVs are sweeping the world, but they're on the fast track in Asia (12/20/2006)

Lifestyles of the the poor and unknown Andrew Leonard
Survey shows: People living in extreme poverty still have disposable income. (12/20/2006)

Exclusive Daily Download: "Your Childish Dreams," Oren Bloedow
A free exclusive from an Audiofile favorite. (12/19/2006)

The Fix By Scott Lamb
Posh Spice to become Thetan bride? Regan feared "Jewish cabal"? Plus: Spears' striptease! (12/19/2006)

The diva-making "Dreamgirls" song By David Marchese
The angry anthem at the heart of the musical has its very own cult following. (12/19/2006)

Moron gives cop the finger By David Puner
Possible police brutality ensues. (12/19/2006)

Rosie digs deeper By David Puner
Tries to make amends and fails. (12/19/2006)

Matt Damon: Draft the Bush daughters! By Kerry Lauerman
Actor says: "Maybe they should go [to Iraq], too." (12/19/2006)

"Fat Soap"? Fat chance By David Puner
Nothing about this product is "Jurassic." (12/19/2006)

WayLay By Carol Lay
Man's best friend? Think again. (12/19/2006)

My stepson is impossible! What's a stepmother to do? By Cary Tennis
I've been a stepchild myself, and as a mother I've raised kids with stepparents -- but I never had problems like this. (12/19/2006)

Nothing but nog By Robert Sietsema
It's got a mysterious history and a texture that's more lubricant than libation. But old-fashioned eggnog is still America's holiday cocktail of choice. (12/19/2006)

When marital advice trumps whale vomit Catherine Price
A simple list of questions to ask before marrying currently tops the Times' "most e-mailed" list. Why? (12/19/2006)

"Mom lit" is born Catherine Price
Oh, great -- another cute category to encompass consumer-driven light reading as well as serious literature by women. (12/19/2006)

Miss USA keeps her crown Catherine Price
And we read up on pageant qualifications, just for fun. (12/19/2006)

No women allowed Catherine Price
The Tattersall's Club in Brisbane, Australia, once again votes to keep women from becoming members. (12/19/2006)

Americans get it on Catherine Price
Abstinence-only sex ed be damned -- a new survey demonstrates the enduring popularity of premarital nooky. (12/19/2006)

Tracking sex offenders with GPS By Katharine Mieszkowski
Strict new laws call for sex offenders to be electronically monitored for life. Critics say the technology won't stop crimes but is fueling hysteria -- and is even counterproductive. (12/19/2006)

The other Israel lobby By Gregory Levey
A new alliance, including financier George Soros and former Bill Clinton advisor Jeremy Ben-Ami, aims to take on the powerful lobbyist group AIPAC -- and reshape U.S. policy. (12/19/2006)

Victory, or Bushmills in the bunker By Gary Kamiya
A play for the holidays, in which President Bushmills, President of Vice Chainsaw, and Secretary of Hate Rice-Cakes take cover from their trademarked war on terror. (12/19/2006)

Joint Chiefs oppose troop "surge" Alex Koppelman
The administration is at odds with top military officials, who think sending additional troops to Iraq will do more harm than good. (12/19/2006)

Brownback drops block on judicial nominee Alex Koppelman
The conservative senator will allow Janet Neff's nomination, which he had blocked because she attended a same-sex marriage, to proceed. (12/19/2006)

Insurgents cutting off Baghdad's power Alex Koppelman
A report in the New York Times says that in the battle over Baghdad's power supply, the insurgents are winning. (12/19/2006)

Dear Mr. President: Al-Qaida isn't the problem in Iraq Alex Koppelman
A new Pentagon report says that the army of radical Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is the biggest threat in Iraq. (12/19/2006)

Pentagon still juking the stats Alex Koppelman
Former CNN head Eason Jordan says that the Pentagon is still underreporting the number of attacks in Iraq. (12/19/2006)

Rep. Van Hollen to head DCCC Alex Koppelman
Nancy Pelosi announces her pick to head the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. (12/19/2006)

Bush wants to expand the military Alex Koppelman
In an interview with the Washington Post, the president says he wants to increase the size of the military, but offers no proposals for how to do so. (12/19/2006)

Exiling Dick Morris Katharine Mieszkowski
If Hillary Clinton wins the Democratic nomination, the political pundit pledges to leave the United States. (12/19/2006)

Cheney on the stand? Alex Koppelman
Scooter Libby's defense attorneys say they plan to call Vice President Cheney as a witness in Libby's perjury trial. (12/19/2006)

King Kaufman's Sports Daily
The real culprit behind brawls like Saturday's in New York is childish whining about running up the score. (12/19/2006)

Houses made of copper Andrew Leonard
Housing starts rebound, but metal traders see no joy. (12/19/2006)

Gross international unhappiness Andrew Leonard
Thailand's junta promised a new approach to economic management. The global financial community just gave it an F-. (12/19/2006)

The Song Search winner!
After hundreds of songs, three months and five finalists, we have a grand-prize winner. (12/18/2006)

Exclusive Daily Download: "And Now the Day Is Done," Ron Sexsmith
The singer in beautiful elegiac mode. (12/18/2006)

The Fix By Scott Lamb
Judith Regan reportedly canned for anti-Semitic remarks. Britney wears underwear -- photographic proof! Plus, Mamet: "Hollywood is like cocaine." (12/18/2006)

Knicks vs. Nuggets By Kerry Lauerman
A basketball brawl like none we've seen in a long time. (12/18/2006)

Powell: "Army is about broken" By Kerry Lauerman
Fighting words from Bush's former Secretary of State. (12/18/2006)

Timberlake's holiday grab bag
SNL writes T. Lake a "dick" sketch. (12/18/2006)

"Twingasm" By David Puner
Cindy and Mindy's irreverent look at all things truly important. (12/18/2006)

Road safety made sexy By Kerry Lauerman
Danish officials cause hearts to race with speed limit PSA. (12/18/2006)

Nation building By Jonathan Shainin
Palestinian-American historian Rashid Khalidi explains why Palestinians have failed to create a nation and discusses the grave situation in the Middle East. (12/18/2006)

This Modern World By Tom Tomorrow
An extremely subjective and admittedly incomplete year in review. Part 2: This too shall pass. (12/18/2006)

My boyfriend freaked out because I had a threesome By Cary Tennis
It happened before we were together, but he can't handle it and he's being a real jerk. (12/18/2006)

Finding my religion By Patricia Dunn
Fifteen years ago, I converted from Catholicism to Islam. My mother still doesn't understand my choice, but there's not a day that I regret it. (12/18/2006)

More good news about breast cancer Page Rockwell
A low-fat diet may help reduce women's risk of a breast cancer recurrence. (12/18/2006)

Not woman enough? Tracy Clark-Flory
An Indian athlete's medal is being revoked because she failed a "gender test." (12/18/2006)

The Episcopal Church's gay problem Page Rockwell
A group of Virginia parishes secedes over same-sex marriage and a gay bishop. (12/18/2006)

Boys club Page Rockwell
If men and women have equal opportunity in business, why are so few women at the top? The New York Times takes a look. (12/18/2006)

The terrorist you've never heard of By Alex Koppelman
Unlike alleged al-Qaida terrorist Jose Padilla, right-wing "dirty bomber" Demetrius Crocker was investigated and prosecuted the old-fashioned constitutional way. (12/18/2006)

Not in my backyard, either By Debra J. Dickerson
After the poor kids next door took advantage of me, I felt sympathy for the people of Houston, who've suffered crime and violence because of struggling Katrina exiles. (12/18/2006)

The case of the disappearing candidates By Walter Shapiro
Evan Bayh says no thanks, while John Edwards is reportedly running. But will the star power of Clinton and Obama shrink the presidential field before Democrats cast a single vote? (12/18/2006)

Powell: "We are losing" Alex Koppelman
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell makes a rare criticism of the administration, says the "active Army is about broken" and there are no more troops to send to Iraq. (12/18/2006)

A U.S. citizen, detained in Iraq Alex Koppelman
The New York Times tells the story of a contractor detained in Iraq and the conditions he suffered. (12/18/2006)

Escape in Iraq Alex Koppelman
A former Iraqi-American minister of electricity, held on corruption charges, has reportedly escaped from prison. (12/18/2006)

Ahmadinejad: Not really Hitler? Alex Koppelman
Putting the lie to hawks' claims about Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's power, influence and Hitlerian dreams, parties affiliated with the Iranian president face an electoral setback. (12/18/2006)

Bush administration gags scientists again Alex Koppelman
New Bush administration rules put even more limits on what government scientists can say. (12/18/2006)

Quote of the Day Alex Koppelman
Dennis Prager, the conservative who attacked incoming Rep. Keith Ellison for wanting to take the oath of office on the Quran, speaks out. (12/18/2006)

Failing up Alex Koppelman
Weekly Standard editor and Iraq war advocate Bill Kristol gets a gig at Time. (12/18/2006)

Pentagon reports Iraq violence at highest level Alex Koppelman
The weekly average of attacks in Iraq over the past four months is worse than at any point since the transfer of sovereignty, Congress was told today. (12/18/2006)

King Kaufman's Sports Daily
What an inspiring weekend in the wide world of sports! Which did you like better, the brawling or the spitting? (12/18/2006)

The Wal-Mart dialectic Andrew Leonard
For business reasons, Wal-Mart allows Communists to get organized. Meanwhile, China's middle class gets restive (12/18/2006)

Do it yourself microfinance Andrew Leonard
Poverty alleviation meets online dating, with a dash of eBay. (12/18/2006)

Zune: I am brown -- I am invincible Andrew Leonard
India strikes back against those who disrespect Microsoft's tint of sepia. (12/18/2006)

I Like to Watch By Heather Havrilesky
"The Amazing Race" ceases to amaze, HBO's "Tsunami" sinks like a stone, and the dream of a race-themed "Survivor" dries up like a raisin in the sun. (12/17/2006)

The week that was! By Kerry Lauerman
What you might have missed, in 4 minutes or less (12/16/2006)

Salon Person of the Year: S.R. Sidarth By Michael Scherer
The Virginia native and son of Indian immigrants changed history with a camcorder and introduced Sen. George Allen -- and the rest of us -- to the real America. (12/16/2006)

Bye Bayh, Here's Johnny Michael Scherer
One Democratic White House contender throws in the towel, as another prepares to toss his hat into the ring (12/16/2006)

Daily Download: "Look Up, the Sky Is Beautiful," Sachiko Kanenobu
A classic track from the woman who's considered Japan's first female singer-songwriter. (12/15/2006)

"Charlotte's Web" By Stephanie Zacharek
Some pig? Some spider! Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey et al. give voice to this childhood favorite. (12/15/2006)

Stop! In the name of love By Stephanie Zacharek
The Supremes embodied soul music with a light touch in the face of heartache. "Dreamgirls" stomps on the band's legend. (12/15/2006)

Perez Hilton's gay witch hunt By Japhy Grant
The MSM's favorite "gossip gangsta" claims he outs celebrities in the name of civil rights. But to his detractors, he's a self-serving lowlife. (12/15/2006)

"The Pursuit of Happyness" By Stephanie Zacharek
Will Smith plays a struggling salesman in a picture that's less about "getting" than about "not having." (12/15/2006)

"The Good German" By Stephanie Zacharek
Clooney looks great -- again -- in black-and-white. But "Good German" is no "Good Night." (12/15/2006)

Poignant Coldplay cover By David Puner
Singing it perdy. (12/15/2006)

The Fix By Scott Lamb
Jolie-Pitts to adopt again. Pam confirms that "Borat" drove Kid Rock crazy. Plus: Rosie apologizes, sort of. (12/15/2006)

Ninjas beat by singer-songwriter By David Puner
Yahoo Video's new king: Rex. (12/15/2006)

Bulimia PSA By David Puner
The finger talks; is the message received? (12/15/2006)

National Lampoon's "Apocalypto" By David Puner
They like to splice. (12/15/2006)

Maya in the Thunderdome By Marcello A. Canuto
In "Apocalypto," Mel Gibson paints a feverish, childish version of the Maya -- and mangles decades of scholarship about this complex civilization. (12/15/2006)

Tony Snow contrition By David Puner
Toes were crossed! (12/15/2006)

Your favorite books
Salon readers and staffers weigh in on their picks from 2006 -- from Bob Woodward to Kathryn Davis to Stephen King. (12/15/2006)

Should we go home for Christmas -- even if we can't afford it? By Cary Tennis
We lost our house in Katrina. The family is scattered but gathering. Should we go? (12/15/2006)

Reproductive rights under attack in Poland Page Rockwell
Citing the country's dwindling population, a far-right alliance is restricting contraception and sex ed, and pushing for a total abortion ban. (12/15/2006)

What's best for breasts? Page Rockwell
Research suggests a connection between breast cancer and hormone-replacement therapy. Time to blame the estrogen? (12/15/2006)

Out of the veil, into the Army Tracy Clark-Flory
A Muslim woman transitions from family life in Saudi Arabia to the U.S. military. (12/15/2006)

A Duke case update Page Rockwell
The accuser is pregnant, early-admission applications to Duke are down and the defense team wants the Durham police's rigged lineup thrown out of court. (12/15/2006)

The Lieberman maneuver By Joe Conason
Regardless of Sen. Tim Johnson's health, Bush could easily hand the Senate back to the GOP -- by appointing the Connecticut senator to fill Bolton's slot at the U.N. (12/15/2006)

Another Bush judge on the hot seat Will Evans
Appellate court nominee faces scrutiny for political contributions. (12/15/2006)

Bush plan: Sleep well, send more troops? Tim Grieve
Officials say the White House could send 40,000 more troops to Iraq. (12/15/2006)

Mary Cheney for president Tim Grieve
A poll suggests Americans would be happier to elect a lesbian than a member of Bush's Cabinet. (12/15/2006)

Is Obama safe? Tim Grieve
The would-be candidate says he'll have to consider security if he runs for the presidency. (12/15/2006)

Yoo-hoo! Dick! It's me, George, over here! Tim Grieve
Cheney says he's never learned more from a boss than he learned from Donald Rumsfeld. (12/15/2006)

King Kaufman's Sports Daily
NFL Week 15's biggest tilt: League vs. Time Warner. Plus: Picks. (12/15/2006)

To have and have not
Feel guilty about what you've got -- or envy over what you don't? Selections from this week in Salon.com's reader community Table Talk, where members weigh in on the ways privilege is relative. (12/15/2006)

Ask the pilot By Patrick Smith
Two U.S. pilots involved in a collision over the Amazon jungle were held in Brazil for more than two months. Should pilots involved in aviation accidents be treated like criminals? (12/15/2006)

Daily Download: "Wonderland," The Robot Ate Me
A disquieting song from the "Kill Rock Stars Winter Holiday Album." (12/14/2006)

The Fix By Scott Lamb
Dylan concerned about Sedgwick film. Ono shaken down by driver. Plus: The Golden Globe nominations are in! (12/14/2006)

Dr. Phil draws the line By David Puner
Line seemingly drawn into script before taping of show. (12/14/2006)

Beyond the Multiplex By Andrew O'Hehir
Samuel L. Jackson stars in a heartfelt drama about Iraq veterans; Tim Robbins and Sarah Polley find love on an oil rig. (12/14/2006)

"Nuckin' Futs!" By David Puner
JibJab's year in review. (12/14/2006)

Street drummer By Kerry Lauerman
Other drummers pale in comparison with this guy. (12/14/2006)

"Xmas in Afghanistan" By David Puner
Singers: no oil, Santa no care. (12/14/2006)

Still with Busey By David Puner
American treasure is particular about giving interviews. (12/14/2006)

One furry toddler By David Puner
You've got to be shi (12/14/2006)

"The Family That Couldn't Sleep" By Salon staff
Read more about D.T. Max's investigation of killer insomnia in the following interview and excerpt. (12/14/2006)

"Sweet and Low" By Salon staff
Read more about Rich Cohen's singular family -- and book -- in the following interview and excerpt. (12/14/2006)

"The Omnivore's Dilemma" By Michael Pollan
Michael Pollan looks at the supermarket with fresh eyes in the first chapter of his latest book. (12/14/2006)

"The Lost" By Daniel Mendelsohn
Daniel Mendelsohn remembers the strange effect he had as a boy on his kin in this excerpt. (12/14/2006)

"James Tiptree, Jr.: The Double Life of Alice B. Sheldon" By Salon staff
Julie Phillips introduces the fascinating subject of her biography: A sophisticated, adventurous woman who wrote science fiction like a sophisticated, adventurous man. (12/14/2006)

Finding "The Lost" By Andrew O'Hehir
Salon Book Award winner Daniel Mendelsohn discusses his search for missing relatives, the "overfamiliarity" of the Holocaust, and why we should listen to our elders. (12/14/2006)

Best nonfiction of 2006 By Laura Miller and Hillary Frey
Forget the political treatises. This year, the nonfiction books that captivated us most told stories: Of food, of family, of secrets. (12/14/2006)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
Getting ahead at the office. (12/14/2006)

West Bank or U.S.? Boyfriend or job? Seeking two-state solution By Cary Tennis
Should I sacrifice the job for the boyfriend, or sacrifice the boyfriend for the job -- or can I have both? (12/14/2006)

Media feeds on killing spree Carol Lloyd
Five women have been killed in Suffolk County, England, and news outlets can't get enough. (12/14/2006)

Hell for the holidays Carol Lloyd
The American Psychological Association says the season is rough on women -- but news stories remind us that shopping is fun! (12/14/2006)

Geckos gone wild! Carol Lloyd
Female mourning geckos reproduce without the aid of males -- and their numbers are booming. (12/14/2006)

Saved, or sacrificed? Carol Lloyd
Infanticide and abortion of female fetuses remain major problems in India, but some parents believe they're sparing their daughters lives of hardship. (12/14/2006)

From Russia with lies By Michael Mainville
Beneath a deepening web of conspiracy theories rests the enigma of poisoned ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko and some dark truths about Putin's regime. (12/14/2006)

Diana's last days By Andrew Brown
The rumors swirling around Princess Diana's death were nonsense. But after her celebrity, the royal family, and England, will never be the same. (12/14/2006)

Mugged by reality By Sidney Blumenthal
Once the warrior queen of neoconservatism, Jeane Kirkpatrick died a critic of Bush's unilateralism. Her death illuminates the conflicting legacies of the movement she helped found. (12/14/2006)

Don't believe the hype about murder By Jill Leovy
The real story of homicide in America is one of hope, especially for black men, who have long suffered the most. (12/14/2006)

Johnson in critical condition after brain surgery Tim Grieve
Control of the Senate hangs in the balance. (12/14/2006)

Poll: McCain trumps Clinton Tim Grieve
And Obama who? (12/14/2006)

Johnson update: an "intracerebral bleed" Tim Grieve
Capitol physician says it's "premature" to assess his long-term prognosis. (12/14/2006)

In Baghdad, McCain and Lieberman call for more troops Tim Grieve
The American public grows more pessimistic. (12/14/2006)

The waiting game Tim Grieve
Bush says a decision on Iraq must await the swearing in of Bob Gates. So why hasn't it happened yet? (12/14/2006)

Tony Snow, body counts and "impressionistic answers" Tim Grieve
What is George W. Bush doing, anyway? (12/14/2006)

Johnson update: An "uncomplicated" recovery from surgery Tim Grieve
Capitol physician says South Dakota Democrat is "responsive" to voice and touch. (12/14/2006)

King Kaufman's Sports Daily
Could baseball's profligate spending be good for busines? Plus: Anti-doping exposé. And: Thursday night NFL. (12/14/2006)

Home, home in the Kalahari Andrew Leonard
Justice is served in Botswana -- the Bushmen can return to the desert (12/14/2006)

Plastic fantastic beer bottles Andrew Leonard
The latest, greatest advances in food packaging technology, brought to you by the good folks at Nano Inc. (12/14/2006)

Barbarians in Beijing Andrew Leonard
A statement of moral admonition from Wu Yi to Henry Paulson (12/14/2006)

Daily Download: "Décider," Prototypes
A high-energy burst of French electropunk. (12/13/2006)

Conversations: Laura Dern
The actress talks about the refreshing unpredictability of working with David Lynch. (12/13/2006)

Teach your pop stars well By David Marchese
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer David Crosby talks about touring, political engagement and why he doesn't listen to Britney Spears. (12/13/2006)

The Fix By Scott Lamb
Angelina waxes romantic about Brad. Lohan adamantly sober. Plus: Scarlett calls nude shoot "surprisingly comfortable." (12/13/2006)

"Jackass II" DVD extra? By David Puner
The boys hit the Saudi highway. (12/13/2006)

Pauly Shore hoax By David Puner
Did comedian think beat-down would punch-up career? (12/13/2006)

Fainting goats - just horsing around? By David Puner
Genetic disorders in animals are wacky. (12/13/2006)

"A Disorder Peculiar to the Country" By Salon staff
Divorce meets 9/11 in this interview and excerpt from Ken Kalfus. (12/13/2006)

"Wizard of the Crow" By Salon staff
The Kenyan author explores his experience with dictatorships in an interview and excerpt from his novel. (12/13/2006)

"What Is the What" By Dave Eggers
A scary interaction in America makes Valentino long to be back in a Sudanese refugee camp. (12/13/2006)

"The Amalgamation Polka" By Stephen Wright
Protaganist Liberty Fish's mother, Roxana, brings him into the world. (12/13/2006)

"Twilight of the Superheroes" By Deborah Eisenberg
In this excerpt from the story "Revenge of the Dinosaurs," a character visits her aging grandmother. (12/13/2006)

Best fiction of 2006 By Laura Miller and Hillary Frey
This year, stories from five extraordinary writers about Africa, 9/11's aftermath and the Civil War captivated us the most. (12/13/2006)

The K Chronicles By Keith Knight
The longest-running show on and off Broadway: "Gravestones and Nightsticks"! (12/13/2006)

I need money to get a Ph.D. -- should I do some fetish videos? By Cary Tennis
I sold my underwear to a skeevy dude and was shaking for an hour after he left. (12/13/2006)

Coming clean about "cruelty free" By Rebecca Clarren
The label sounds nice but doesn't guarantee those expensive soaps and lotions were created without being tested on animals. (12/13/2006)

Fighting cervical cancer around the world Page Rockwell
Will poor women worldwide have access to the new HPV vaccine? (12/13/2006)

Chinese shame parade Page Rockwell
Authorities in the city of Shenzhen march prostitutes through the streets and jail them without trial. (12/13/2006)

Love, or biology? Adrienne So
Research suggests that women prefer men whose genetic makeup differs from their own. (12/13/2006)

Male circumcision cuts HIV transmission Tracy Clark-Flory
Should adult men in areas rife with unprotected sex and AIDS be encouraged to go under the knife? (12/13/2006)

"Condo commitment" Nona Willis-Aronowitz
Realtors are agog at the unexpected sight of single women buying real estate. (12/13/2006)

The virtual John Kerry By Michael Scherer
With an e-mail list 3 million strong, the newly reformed liberal is primed for another White House run. But strategists warn against relying on the Internet to win in 2008. (12/13/2006)

"These people should be court-martialed" By Alex Koppelman
Former Air Force officer Mikey Weinstein says evangelicals are trying to turn his beloved military into a "frickin' faith-based initiative." (12/13/2006)

Season of bragging By Garrison Keillor
Don't expect a newsletter trumpeting Keillor family achievements. My kid was a horsie in the church Christmas pageant, and that's good enough for me. (12/13/2006)

No good choices Tim Grieve
Saudis reportedly threaten to back Sunni insurgency if Bush pulls out of Iraq. (12/13/2006)

Been there, done that By Tim Grieve
Tamping down Obama-mania, John Edwards says it isn't all about the love. Plus: Enter Kucinich. (12/13/2006)

You've got to know when to walk away Tim Grieve
The Pentagon eyes a plan for "doubling down" in Iraq. (12/13/2006)

Is Cheney seeking some distance from Iraq? Tim Grieve
A longtime associate says the vice president doesn't want to get stuck holding "Bush's baby." (12/13/2006)

Don't rush him. He's listening Tim Grieve
Bush says he won't be pushed into a hasty decision in Iraq. (12/13/2006)

South Dakota senator suffers apparent stroke Tim Grieve
Democrat Tim Johnson was conscious when taken to the hospital from his Washington office. (12/13/2006)

King Kaufman's Sports Daily
Will Boston sign Japanese ace Matsuzaka? Red Sox Nation frets, but: Yes. (12/13/2006)

Zionist environmentalism Andrew Leonard
Celebrating Hanukkah with compact fluorescents, and recalling the awesome power of ancient biofuels (12/13/2006)

Nano-Berkeley, revisited Andrew Leonard
A word of clarification from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (12/13/2006)

Argentina's tango with globalization Andrew Leonard
President Nestor Kirchner: "No one is known to have succeeded in getting their money back from the dead." (12/13/2006)

Nimble Steven Seagals take Orlando By David Puner
Yahoo "Talent Show" benefits "urban ninjas." (12/12/2006)

Daily Download: "Wishbone" (Franc Tetaz Remix), Architecture in Helsinki
The remix makes the better song. (12/12/2006)

Floridian elfin magic By David Puner
Smile: you're on elfdar! (12/12/2006)

The Fix By Scott Lamb
Drugged-out Nicole Richie arrested for freeway antics. Britney snapped smooching new man. Plus: Paris on Spears' "partying ethics." (12/12/2006)

Senator Obama makes an announcement By David Puner
Appears on "MNF"  puts on hat. (12/12/2006)

HornyManatee.com By David Puner
"Late Night" builds it; fans flock. (12/12/2006)

Rabbit Bites: "Flavor of Love" By Kerry Lauerman
Our favorite VH1 degenerate, through the eyes of bunnies. (12/12/2006)

Best debuts of 2006 By Laura Miller and Hillary Frey
The creator of a wisecracking high-school sleuth and a moving graphic memoirist wowed us this year with outstanding first books. (12/12/2006)

"Special Topics in Calamity Physics" By Salon staff
In an interview with Marisha Pessl and an excerpt from her book, we meet Blue van Meer, this year's most appealing teen. (12/12/2006)

"Fun Home" By Salon staff
Step inside Alison Bechdel's graphic memoir with this interview with the author and an excerpt from her book. (12/12/2006)

WayLay By Carol Lay
In the no (12/12/2006)

The Julia Child of Malaysian food By Tracie McMillan
James Oseland, editor in chief of Saveur magazine, talks about culinary colonialism, his love of home cooking and why Malaysian cuisine may be the next big thing. (12/12/2006)

I moved to be near my mom but my mom moved away! By Cary Tennis
Now I'm saddled with a 3-year-old, cut off from family and friends. (12/12/2006)

Better than Fletch Rebecca Traister
Posthumous honors for a pioneering female spy. (12/12/2006)

Coconut, curry and nutmeg cookies By James Oseland
Spice up your next dinner with four recipes from Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. (12/12/2006)

Choice momism? Rebecca Traister
A piece about the decision to be a single mother and the sloganeering that accompanies it. (12/12/2006)

It's a soy! Rebecca Traister
More perplexing health news from soybean central. (12/12/2006)

Fashion victims get victimized again Rebecca Traister
Another day, another story about Nancy Pelosi's outfits. (12/12/2006)

Friends and mothers Rebecca Traister
Frustration from a childless woman about the world of mommyhood. (12/12/2006)

World's oldest person dies Rebecca Traister
Great-great-great grandmother to 220 passes away. (12/12/2006)

Obama's magic By Walter Shapiro
With his rock star visit to New Hampshire, the highflying senator continues to tantalize Democrats with intimations of a White House run -- and a buzz not felt in American politics since JFK. (12/12/2006)

A bombshell with a long fuse By Gary Kamiya
The Iraq Study Group report may be DOA. But it shows the Washington establishment is finally confronting reality in the Middle East. (12/12/2006)

Et tu, Teddy? Tim Grieve
Kennedy says he may not support Kerry in a repeat White House run. (12/12/2006)

I say what I mean and I mean what I say Tim Grieve
Tony Snow: Sometimes different words mean different things. Sometimes they don't. (12/12/2006)

Rumsfeld's Iraq regret: Calling the war a "war on terror" Tim Grieve
The outgoing defense secretary says he has no advice for his successor. (12/12/2006)

Snow: Bush will bring us together on Iraq Tim Grieve
A new poll shows that he has a long way to go. (12/12/2006)

What, me hurry? Tim Grieve
Bush's new plan for Iraq is coming -- next year. (12/12/2006)

King Kaufman's Sports Daily
Rex corrects, but all's not right with him or the Bears. Plus: America's new team. And: NBA's new old ball. (12/12/2006)

Doha, Darfur, what's the difference? Andrew Leonard
President Bush: Not who you would call "a details guy." (12/12/2006)

Nine billion or bust! Andrew Leonard
The peak of world population growth is in sight. Is Gaia breathing a sigh of relief? (12/12/2006)

"Poor people are like bonsai trees" Andrew Leonard
Muhammad Yunus accepts his Peace Prize, and tells us what he thinks of the free market and globalization. (12/12/2006)

Nano-Berkeley Andrew Leonard
Where federal regulators dare not tread. (12/12/2006)

Daily Download: "Give It Lose It Take It," Field Music
A sneak preview from the group's upcoming album. (12/11/2006)

The city of lost children By Heather Havrilesky
The fourth devastating season of "The Wire" leaves America's doomed urban youth far, far behind. (12/11/2006)

The Fix By Scott Lamb
The U.S. caught spying on Princess Di. Vogue's editor campaigning for healthier models. Plus: "Apocalypto" atop the box office. (12/11/2006)

Pinochet: does death cheat justice? By David Puner
Former dictator lived long life. (12/11/2006)

Welcome to the Terrierdome By David Puner
"Barney's Holiday Extravaganza" (12/11/2006)

Instantly aged wine By Kerry Lauerman
Any oenephile's wet bar dream. (12/11/2006)

Terrifying TV By David Puner
Man tries to kill himself on Italian program. (12/11/2006)

Song Search -- stayed tuned!
Make sure to check back soon for a Song Search announcement. (12/11/2006)

"The Thing About Cynthia" By Kerry Lauerman
Filmed before a live studio audience -- or something else entirely? (12/11/2006)

Salon Book Awards By Laura Miller and Hillary Frey
Our five-day book extravaganza kicks off with Erica Jong, Malcolm Gladwell, Curtis Sittenfeld and some of our other favorite authors weighing in on the best reads of 2006. (12/11/2006)

This Modern World By Tom Tomorrow
An extremely subjective year in review, Part 1. (12/11/2006)

May I dip my English muffin in my egg yolk, please? By Cary Tennis
My wife seems to think it's not proper English to dip the muffin. (12/11/2006)

So long, Paris By Rebecca Traister
For years we've been paralyzed in the tractor beam of her brainless celebrity. Now it's time to kiss the creepy dollie goodbye. (12/11/2006)

Epidurals bad for breast-feeding? Page Rockwell
A study suggests that pain relief for laboring moms may result in breast-feeding problems later. (12/11/2006)

Self-fulfilling stereotypes Tracy Clark-Flory
Even subtle gender cues influence women's interest in math vs. the arts. (12/11/2006)

Veiled woman sprints to gold Tracy Clark-Flory
Ruqaya Al Ghasara says her hijab was anything but a hindrance to her win. (12/11/2006)

Racism vs. sexism, Part 2 Page Rockwell
Are Americans more ready for a black president, or a female president? (12/11/2006)

Raising Cain By Debra J. Dickerson
When I found out I was having a boy, I wondered: How can a feminist raise a man without becoming a hypocrite or a castrator? (12/11/2006)

Bush's criminal confessions By Karen Greenberg
Despite its penchant for secrecy, the Bush White House has left a remarkable paper trail of crimes in its "war on terror." (12/11/2006)

Farewell to a torturer in chief By Marc Cooper
A former associate of Allende's remembers Pinochet -- and wonders what's in store for the North American enablers who are now under international scrutiny. (12/11/2006)

There must be a pony in here somewhere Tim Grieve
The president listens . . . and listens . . . and listens about Iraq. (12/11/2006)

A drive to oust al-Maliki? Tim Grieve
He's the "right guy for Iraq," after all. (12/11/2006)

Our farewell gift for Donald Rumsfeld Tim Grieve
Remember: "Taxpayer dollars must be spent wisely, or not at all." (12/11/2006)

The party of ideas Tim Grieve
Nobody said they had to be good ones. (12/11/2006)

Message: I listen Tim Grieve
"The way forward is the way forward to achieve our objective." (12/11/2006)

Who among us does not love football? Tim Grieve
Barack Obama will make an announcement tonight. And no, it's probably not that one. (12/11/2006)

King Kaufman's Sports Daily
Just how bad are all those good teams? Handicapping the NFL playoff race after a wild Sunday. (12/11/2006)

Sold! Dubai Ports World's chunk of the red, white and blue Andrew Leonard
But Arab or American-owned, it's still all in the globalization family. (12/11/2006)

Save the rain forest -- boycott organic? Andrew Leonard
Chemical fertilizer fans play a game of green-upmanship. (12/11/2006)

Life, liberty and the pursuit of wireless connectivity Andrew Leonard
We hold these rights to be inalienable: Cheap cellphones... (12/11/2006)

I Like to Watch By Heather Havrilesky
It's official: "30 Rock" is the funniest new show on television. Plus: Tyra Banks' condescending clown routine reaches new heights of absurdity. (12/10/2006)

The week that was -- in 4 minutes or less! By Kerry Lauerman
O'Reilly on Britney! Laura Bush, dressed for distress! Mary Cheney births a controversy! And a dark week for the Bushes (12/09/2006)

"I Yam What I Yam!" By Douglas Wolk
A great new collection of early Popeye comics exposes the nutty sailor as an independent-minded brawler whose good humor masked a determinedly tough life. (12/09/2006)

What else we're reading Tracy Clark-Flory
BlackBerry orphans! Plus, a wardrobe crisis at the White House. (12/09/2006)

If you meet the Buddha in Salon By B. Alan Wallace
The author and Buddhist responds to readers who called him anti-science and challenged his belief in reincarnation. (12/09/2006)

The Fix By Scott Lamb
Scary Spice says Eddie's the daddy. "Borat" looking for Oscar. Plus: Paglia on the Madonna/Britney "kiss of death." (12/08/2006)

Laura Bush's red dress inspires re-dress By David Puner
News: first lady wears elite uniform to event. (12/08/2006)

Daily Download: "Enter the Wu-Tang," Wu-Tang Clan
An early classic, plus a treasure-trove of solo tracks and unreleased freestyles. (12/08/2006)

"The Holiday" By Stephanie Zacharek
Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz trade places -- and fall prey to one of cinema's leading schlockmeisters. (12/08/2006)

"Blood Diamond" By Stephanie Zacharek
This diamond-industry drama starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Connelly aims for clarity but lacks sparkle. (12/08/2006)

"Apocalypto" By Andrew O'Hehir
Mel Gibson's latest pretends to care about the fall of man, but it really only wants to impale, flay, disfigure and torture him. Sound familiar? (12/08/2006)

Your body is changing By Kerry Lauerman
Vintage advice for boys confused by what Mother Nature has in store. (12/08/2006)

"The World's First Jewish Social Network" By David Puner
A curious commercial for a curious operation. (12/08/2006)

They coulda been contenders
In advance of crowning a winner, these already eliminated Song Search entries deserve a second listen. (12/08/2006)

The Dukes of Holland By David Puner
High-flying antics from the Netherlands. (12/08/2006)

First Republican senator asks for immediate Iraq withdrawal By Kerry Lauerman
Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Oregon, suggests war maybe "criminal" (12/08/2006)

My mother tithes 10 percent -- but she can't make her house payments By Cary Tennis
We're happy to help with her second mortgage -- but not if the money goes to her church. (12/08/2006)

Ahmadinejad's song and dance Tracy Clark-Flory
Iran's president is under fire for allegedly watching a performance featuring female singers and dancers. (12/08/2006)

"Empty gestures" for women's rights Page Rockwell
Surprise -- the U.N. say Middle Eastern countries are slacking off when it comes to gender equality. (12/08/2006)

No more waifs on the runway? Tracy Clark-Flory
Fashion insiders fight anorexia with "a national manifesto of self-regulation." (12/08/2006)

The Pill -- now more delicious Page Rockwell
Today: chewable, flavored pills. Tomorrow: a yummy gel center? (12/08/2006)

Fetal pain bill fails Tracy Clark-Flory
The legislation didn't secure the needed two-thirds majority in the House. (12/08/2006)

Next stop, Mars By Adrienne So
Science writer Timothy Ferris examines the latest evidence of water on the red planet -- and why millions of people could end up living there. (12/08/2006)

Military readiness lowest since Vietnam War By Mark Benjamin
Expert advisors to the Iraq Study Group say the U.S. military now faces a cold, hard truth: It can't muster many more combat troops for the war. (12/08/2006)

The last neocon By Joe Conason
The Iraq Study Group shot down Bush's failed war strategy. Yet John McCain stubbornly supports it -- calling for more troops and promising unattainable victory. (12/08/2006)

Will Bush choose his new friends over his old? By Juan Cole
The president's Shiite allies in Iraq really don't like some of James Baker's Sunni-friendly suggestions. (12/08/2006)

Pessimism from the ISG, pessimism from the public Tim Grieve
More than 70 percent of Americans disapprove of the way Bush is handling Iraq. (12/08/2006)

Frist finds religion on his way out the Senate door Tim Grieve
In his last speech as majority leader, Frist decries the tone he helped create. (12/08/2006)

George Allen, past and future Tim Grieve
On his way out of the Senate, Sen. Macaca says he could have run a better race. (12/08/2006)

Memo to Rummy: Don't read the ISG report Tim Grieve
On his way out at the Pentagon, Rumsfeld says he stopped reading about the Civil War because so many people died. (12/08/2006)

Foley, Haggard -- it's suddenly 2006 all over again Tim Grieve
A friend of the fallen minister says that counselors are trying to determine whether he's a homosexual. (12/08/2006)

Burying the Kirkpatrick doctrine Scott Rosenberg
Former U.N. ambassador Jeane Kirkpatrick died today -- but her big idea was discredited long ago. (12/08/2006)

Ethics Committee: House leaders were negligent on Foley Tim Grieve
A source says the committee found no rule violations. (12/08/2006)

Ethics report: Page says Kolbe tried to silence him Tim Grieve
A former Kolbe page says that Foley sent him an inappropriate instant message in the fall of 2001. (12/08/2006)

The truth? It's two-on-one against Hastert's chief of staff Tim Grieve
Did Scott Palmer hear about Foley's problems? Did he confront Foley about them? Stories diverge. (12/08/2006)

Shimkus: I kept Foley e-mails secret because of the Democrats Tim Grieve
House Page Board chairman explains why he didn't tell others about inappropriate e-mails. (12/08/2006)

"A disconcerting unwillingness to take responsibility" Tim Grieve
The House investigation into the Mark Foley scandal says virtually no one did his job. (12/08/2006)

Rep. Jim Kolbe's untold story Michael Scherer
The House Ethics Committee report raises far more questions than it answers about the Arizona congressman's behavior. (12/08/2006)

King Kaufman's Sports Daily
Lords of Baseball: We need a salary cap! Well, those five weeks of harmony were nice. Plus: NFL Week 14. (12/08/2006)

Celebrity skin
Why can't stars avoid bad behavior? Table Talkers weigh in this week. (12/08/2006)

Ask the pilot By Patrick Smith
It's nonstop to Africa for the first time in 15 years. Why should we care? (12/08/2006)

Iraq Study Group: "Learn Arabic, you morons" Andrew Leonard
1,000 people work in the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. Guess how many speak Arabic? (12/08/2006)

Transgenes gone wild! Andrew Leonard
If we can't stop creeping bentgrass from running amok, how can we hope to contain energy super-crops? (12/08/2006)

The Fix By Scott Lamb
More odd e-mail from Lohan. Spears apologizes. Plus: Tom and Katie dis Oprah, again. (12/07/2006)

Daily Download: "Palimend," Benoît Pioulard
A crackling, beautifully produced track from a home-recording wunderkind. (12/07/2006)

Conversations: David Lynch
The director talks with film critic Andrew O'Hehir -- a Salon podcast. (12/07/2006)

Beyond the Multiplex By Andrew O'Hehir
David Lynch discusses his film "Inland Empire," his new signature coffee blend, and why movies should make you dream. (12/07/2006)

They love this game By David Puner
Fans go wild in Belgrade. (12/07/2006)

BFJ By Kerry Lauerman
As the temperature drops, the jackets blow up. And up, and up. (12/07/2006)

G forcing it By David Puner
"Lookin' real good," if "good" means bad. (12/07/2006)

Bush issues new bumper sticker: "It's bad in Iraq" By David Puner
The president says he understands. (12/07/2006)

Closing act for Kramer: Rosie? By David Puner
Yeeeeouch! (12/07/2006)

Mean streets By Scott Thill
Serbian photographer Boogie discusses taking to New York's seedy streets and capturing the true lives of junkies and gangsters. (12/07/2006)

Tom the Dancing Bug By Ruben Bolling
This week's episode of God-Man: "Men in Red Suits"! (12/07/2006)

I love journalism but I hate asking uncomfortable questions By Cary Tennis
Have I chosen the right field? Or am I too shy? (12/07/2006)

A hard rock By Peter Birkenhead
I thought picking out a "conflict-free" diamond engagement ring would be romantic. But I might as well have been signing a mortgage. (12/07/2006)

What Mary Cheney should expect while she's expecting By Louis Bayard
Forget morning sickness and weight gain and get ready for nine months of right-wing hand-wringing and embarrassed silence. (12/07/2006)

Glaxo's guinea pigs Carol Lloyd
The pharma giant is accused of putting pregnant women at risk in unethical drug trials. (12/07/2006)

Holy lesbian matrimony! Carol Lloyd
Two women wed in the Indian state of Orissa, and receive surprising community support. (12/07/2006)

When the perpetrator is the victim Carol Lloyd
Under Utah law, a 13-year-old girl may be treated as a sex offender and a victim for the same act. (12/07/2006)

Hating the haters Carol Lloyd
Does denying campus antichoice groups funding help protect women's rights, or discriminate against unpopular views? (12/08/2006)

What's wrong with our food? By Alex Koppelman
E. coli at Taco Bell, Listeria in our Thanksgiving turkey, a report of unprecedented contamination in our chicken. Michael Pollan, author of "The Omnivore's Dilemma," explains why. (12/07/2006)

Beating off the rescue party By Sidney Blumenthal
Just as he ignored accurate intelligence on Iraq, Bush will dismiss the Baker Commission's tough-minded proposals for salvaging his botched war. (12/07/2006)

Will Bush listen to reason? By Walter Shapiro
Victory in Iraq is out of reach. But at least the recommendations of the bipartisan Baker Commission could help the U.S. find an exit strategy. (12/07/2006)

A "wake-up call" on Iraq? The rest of us were already up Tim Grieve
The mainstream media says that the ISG will change the "national debate." That debate is already over. (12/07/2006)

On Baker, the White House gets a little snippy Tim Grieve
"Jim Baker can go back to his day job." (12/07/2006)

A "repudiation" or just "reality"? Tim Grieve
Tony Snow tries again. (12/07/2006)

Phoning it in Tim Grieve
Angry over the notion of a five-day workweek in Congress, a GOP representative says he can work from home via BlackBerry. (12/07/2006)

Bush: Americans want a new strategy Tim Grieve
But they'll have to wait until he does a little more absorbin'. (12/07/2006)

Hell, let's call it a week Tim Grieve
Bush on Iraq Study Group report: It's so important that I actually read it. (12/07/2006)

We've all got our priorities Tim Grieve
While everyone else focuses on Iraq, Hillary Clinton and Joe Lieberman are talking about video games. (12/07/2006)

King Kaufman's Sports Daily
ESPN's terrific "Ali Rap" may overplay the champ's influence on hip-hop but gets everything else right by letting him speak. (12/07/2006)

Canada's oil sands industry: Made in China? Andrew Leonard
A wild plan to cut costs by building synthetic crude oil rigs in Asia and floating them to Alberta (12/07/2006)

Housing dominoes continue to fall Andrew Leonard
Time to build that new deck? The lumber industry is hurting and prices are crumbling. (12/07/2006)

One kazillion Google searches and counting Andrew Leonard
Break out the kazoos! How the World Works is one year old today (12/07/2006)

In search of the perfect QQ girl Andrew Leonard
Virtual money is challenging the real thing in China. As usual, the sex industry is partially to blame. (12/07/2006)

The Fix By Scott Lamb
Aniston and Vaughn split. Family services eyeing Britney? Plus: Murphy says Spice baby may not be his. (12/06/2006)

Daily Download: "Plantage," Under Byen
A Danish singer with a distractingly Björk-like voice. (12/06/2006)

Colbert finds job for Rumsfeld By David Puner
Then laments about "boring" Gates' confirmation. (12/06/2006)

Fox News: "YouTube, YouLearn, YouSteal" By David Puner
Lock-picking 101 report  you decide. (12/06/2006)

Roberts' shiner? By David Puner
Did he borrow his former network's eye logo and put it on his own face? (12/06/2006)

How Edward Said took intellectuals for a ride By Gary Kamiya
The famous professor and Palestine advocate claimed that bigoted Western stereotypes about the Orient support imperialism. But Middle East scholar Robert Irwin proves it was Said who didn't have the full picture. (12/06/2006)

The K Chronicles By Keith Knight
Sunday softball. (12/06/2006)

Jumping jack flash By Mary Elizabeth Williams
Naughty "striptease" workouts may be the hottest new fitness craze, but when it comes to female sexual power, I'm not sure I want to take my cues from Carmen Electra. (12/06/2006)

My husband's father is crowding me out of my own house By Cary Tennis
As a U.S. Marine, my husband is away on duty, but that doesn't mean there's room for his dad here. There isn't! (12/06/2006)

Islam to end female genital mutilation? Tracy Clark-Flory
One activist pushes a faith-based opposition to the practice. (12/06/2006)

Why women aren't funny Page Rockwell
In the forthcoming issue of Vanity Fair, Christopher Hitchens explores one of life's great questions. (12/06/2006)

Littlest Cheney will have two mommies Page Rockwell
Yep -- unto Mary a child shall be born. (12/06/2006)

Kissing controversy Adrienne So
Westernization causes consternation in India after Bollywood actors lock lips. (12/06/2006)

What else we're reading Page Rockwell
Modern-day witch trials, more Gina Lollobrigida news, Conservative Judaism on same-sex marriage and more. (12/06/2006)

Big Apple no longer Fat City By Katharine Mieszkowski
If they can ban trans fat there, they can ban it anywhere. (12/06/2006)

The un-Rumsfeld By Michael Scherer
Robert Gates wowed senators by admitting the U.S. invaded Iraq without enough troops and isn't winning the war. But he left details of what he'd do instead for another day. (12/06/2006)

A Christmas carol for 2006 By Garrison Keillor
Bob Cratchit builds condos, Tiny Tim is on MySpace, but we can still enjoy classics like "Silent Night." (12/06/2006)

"There is no magic formula" Tim Grieve
A grave assessment from the Iraq Study Group. (12/06/2006)

"How much longer do we have to get shot at or blown up?" Tim Grieve
In Ramadi, U.S. troops want a change. (12/06/2006)

"Grave and deteriorating" Tim Grieve
The Iraq Study Group warns of chaos, collapse and catastrophe. (12/06/2006)

Iraq Study Group: Diplomacy and "milestones" Tim Grieve
The United States should dial back support for the Iraqi government if it doesn't make progress soon. (12/06/2006)

The Democrats' war on families? Tim Grieve
Republican representative says marriages will suffer if members of Congress have to work five days a week (12/06/2006)

Can Bush change course? It's the question Baker won't answer Tim Grieve
A punt and then a dodge from the Iraq Study Group member who probably knows best. (12/06/2006)

A game of reduced expectations Tim Grieve
Lee Hamilton on the shifting goals for Iraq: "We want to stay current." (12/06/2006)

Report: 10 more U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq Tim Grieve
Bush vows to consider Iraq Study Group proposals in a "timely fashion." (12/06/2006)

Tony Snow on Iraq, or how "winning" is the same as "not winning" Tim Grieve
"It's a pretty dynamic situation." (12/06/2006)

More troops for Iraq? Study Group says not necessarily Tim Grieve
More troops should be embedded with Iraqi forces, but they could come from those already in Iraq. (12/06/2006)

King Kaufman's Sports Daily
Backwards World: The NBA bumbles while the NHL gets it right. For now. (12/06/2006)

Nobody expects the subprime inquisition Andrew Leonard
Housing prices plummet, borrowers fall behind on mortgage payments, Wall Street is shocked. What's wrong with this picture? (12/06/2006)

Next challenge for outsourcing: Ingenuity Andrew Leonard
Could a staunch opponent of offshoring IT jobs be mellowing a bit too soon? (12/06/2006)

Mel Martinez is Spanish for Harriet Miers? Andrew Leonard
English First goes on the warpath against the nominee for chair of the Republican National Committee. Three cheers! (12/06/2006)

Matthews hearts Rep. Sanchez By David Puner
A soft declaration by the "Hardball" host. (12/05/2006)

Daily Download: "Let's Go Driving," Barzin
A song haunted by pedal steel guitar. (12/05/2006)

Love me tenor By David Marchese
Opera's romantic new pop stars are as big as Timberlake -- and as authentic as Fabio. (12/05/2006)

The Fix By Scott Lamb
Simpson fumbles Dolly. Madonna's adoption plans upsetting Ritchie? Plus: Paltrow "proud to be American." (12/05/2006)

"Tempe StreetBeat" receives heat By David Puner
Cop rocks town through rap. (12/05/2006)

The Fonz honks By David Puner
This and a leather jacket will keep you safe. (12/05/2006)

New Flight 77 video released By David Puner
FBI response to FOIA lawsuit. (12/05/2006)

Who's the Bush now? By David Puner
In possible unrelated fact: H.W. didn't win a second term. (12/05/2006)

Wings of the ... pigeon? By Ben Cosgrove
According to Andrew Blechman, those red-legged head-bobbers are actually a whole lot faster, kinder and smarter than we give them credit for. (12/05/2006)

WayLay By Carol Lay
"Here's looking at you, kid." (12/05/2006)

I love my house but hate the payments and upkeep! By Cary Tennis
I'm thinking of selling to downsize -- but I really love my neighborhood, and my sunny front porch. (12/05/2006)

Dining room diplomacy By Andy Isaacson
As bombs fell on the Middle East, I cooked a gourmet meal for a group of Arab artists -- and between bites of roasted tomatoes and baby lettuce, the world seemed at peace. (12/05/2006)

Firehouse harassment Tracy Clark-Flory
Female firefighters come forward with stories that go beyond locker-room high jinks. (12/05/2006)

Not exactly repentant Rebecca Traister
Evangelical pastor Mark Driscoll faces protesters and learns some life lessons. (12/05/2006)

House to hear fetal pain bill Tracy Clark-Flory
The rushed legislation would require abortion providers to offer patients fetal anesthesia. (12/05/2006)

Women golfers take it off Tracy Clark-Flory
Are they saving the sport? Or just changing it entirely? (12/05/2006)

What else we're reading Tracy Clark-Flory
Pedophile blames bingo for his transgressions. Plus, celebrity armpit-hair trends! (12/05/2006)

North Beach forever By Gary Kamiya
"It was the end of the continent; they didn't give a damn," Jack Kerouac said of San Francisco. But what happens when you and your city grow up? (12/05/2006)

Two parts hubris, one part paranoia By Cintra Wilson
9/11 gave America amnesia about the real Rudy Giuliani. He's an authoritarian narcissist -- and we don't need another one of those in the White House. (12/05/2006)

If Bush isn't "troubled," shouldn't the rest of us be? Tim Grieve
The decider says his job is to "absorb and listen to everything that's being said." (12/05/2006)

But seriously, you've got to try the Barney cookies Tim Grieve
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have taken such a toll on military equipment that many units are now deemed "unready" to deploy. (12/05/2006)

Gates: The U.S. isn't winning in Iraq Tim Grieve
Bush's defense secretary nominee says that the next "year or two" will make all the difference. (12/05/2006)

Bush: I feel the power of prayers Tim Grieve
The president says the prayers of the people make his load "not heavy." (12/05/2006)

Gates: A "clarification" on Iraq Tim Grieve
After saying earlier that the United States is not winning, Bush's nominee for defense secretary says U.S. troops are winning the battles they fight. (12/05/2006)

Obama, Gingrich and the Bush twins Tim Grieve
Discuss among yourselves. (12/05/2006)

King Kaufman's Sports Daily
The Eagles show some life, but the real NFC question is under center in Chicago. Plus: The '06 Gators and the '21 Staleys. (12/05/2006)

We wish you an Indianized Christmas Andrew Leonard
Australia's Boymongoose has some issues with "totally insufficient dowries." (12/05/2006)

Mystery Cassandra Andrew Leonard
A prudent man offers a prescient warning on riotous living and peak oil. (12/05/2006)

How not to start a trade war Andrew Leonard
Don't pretend China is an equal to the U.S.; instead, take Barney Frank's "grand bargain" out for a spin. (12/05/2006)

And the finalists are ...
Our five finalists in a winner-take-all face-off: May the best song win! (12/04/2006)

The Fix By David Marchese
Richards to meet offended clubgoers. Lohan joins A.A. Plus: "Daily Show" honcho's moving on. (12/04/2006)

Daily Download: "Salvador Sanchez," Mark Kozelek
A track from the Red House Painters singer's new live album. (12/04/2006)

Awards show fisticuffs By Kerry Lauerman
The Aussies show how to make a statue-fest worth watching. (12/04/2006)

SNL elevator "Lost" again By David Puner
Another slow ride to nowhere -- this time with Matthew Fox (12/04/2006)

Every given sunday By David Puner
Giants lose another game - will Strahan point finger this week? (12/04/2006)

Awards show fisticuffs By Kerry Lauerman
The Aussies show how to make a statue-fest worth watching. (12/04/2006)

Martin Scorsese's Sesamean streets By David Puner
Tell me clearly how to get to "Sesame Streets." (12/04/2006)

"This is not hockey" By David Puner
Ice Capades in Asia: Big-time brawl. (12/04/2006)

This Modern World By Tom Tomorrow
Tom Tomorrow's Guide to Holiday Punditry! (12/04/2006)

How to care for my aging mother? By Cary Tennis
I'm thinking of buying a duplex for her and me -- but I'd like a little buy-in from the relatives, too. (12/04/2006)

Sex and the single septuagenarian By Liz Langley
HIV and STDs are on the rise among senior citizens. So when it comes to safe sex, it may be time to teach America's old dogs some new tricks. (12/04/2006)

Ladies, no test spin for you Tracy Clark-Flory
Saudi women can buy and sell cars -- they just can't drive them. (12/04/2006)

A vote for more cooked intelligence? By Mark Benjamin
Little-known documents link Rumsfeld replacement Robert Gates with the kind of trumped-up reports that unleashed the Iraq war. (12/04/2006)

Race matters By Debra J. Dickerson
Black History Month is coming soon. I wonder: Will anyone pay me to be black for them this year? (12/04/2006)

Dems gear up for oversight By Amanda Griscom Little
Hearings on the Bush administration's energy and environmental policies will be part of a delicate Democratic balancing act. (12/04/2006)

Monday morning coming down Tim Grieve
"Near panic" in the Middle East, civil war in Iraq and new fears in New Orleans. (12/04/2006)

Worst president ever? Tim Grieve
Even the mainstream media feels comfortable with the question now. (12/04/2006)

White House: Bolton will leave U.N. post Tim Grieve
The White House avoids a confirmation fight it was going to lose again. (12/04/2006)

Quote of the Day Tim Grieve
Stephen Hadley on the thin line between success and that other thing. (12/04/2006)

John Bolton, or Bush's bad bet Tim Grieve
By using a recess appointment to name his U.N. ambassador, the president created the problem he faces today. (12/04/2006)

777 days, 20 hours, 8 minutes, 13 seconds -- but who's counting? Tim Grieve
Even White House staffers are counting down now. (12/04/2006)

King Kaufman's Sports Daily
It's an outrage! Florida will play Ohio State for the title. Michigan would have been an outrage too. (12/04/2006)

In memoriam: John R. Bolton Andrew Leonard
The quintessential ugly American falls on his sword. (12/04/2006)

Monsoon Katrina Andrew Leonard
A harder rain is already falling, in India. (12/04/2006)

The Chinese sweatshop paradox Andrew Leonard
Watchdogs can't stop labor violations, but U.S. employers oppose worker-friendly laws. (12/04/2006)

Live, on Oprah: Microfinance! Andrew Leonard
Who's sexier? Leonardo DiCaprio or Muhammad Yunus? (12/04/2006)

I Like to Watch By Heather Havrilesky
"The Nine" and "Standoff" do for post-traumatic stress disorder what "Everest: Beyond the Limit" does for suicidal ideation. (12/03/2006)

Dangerous liaisons By Stephen Amidon
"Casanova's Women" shows that the world-famous rake spread joy -- even empowerment -- among his 116 lovers, not to mention V.D., pregnancy and social disgrace. (12/02/2006)

Left turn at Saddleback Church By Tim Grieve
Barack Obama received a warm welcome at an AIDS conference held by Rick "Purpose-Driven Life" Warren. But that doesn't mean evangelicals are ready to lay down their cross for Democrats. (12/02/2006)

Miho Hatori has a favorite
The Cibo Matto frontwoman plays Song Search judge. (12/01/2006)

The Fix By Amy Reiter
Lohan undone by BlackBerry, laughed at by Ferrell and Gore? "Apocalypto" a disgusting "torture-fest"? Plus: Richards' religious confusion. (12/01/2006)

Exclusive Daily Download: "Fearanoia," Summer Hymns
A pleasantly smooth Beach Boys-esque track -- an exclusive free download. (12/01/2006)

"The Nativity Story" By Stephanie Zacharek
Ecclesiastical tastemakers are buzzing about this respectfully drab depiction of the birth of Jesus. (12/01/2006)

"10 Items or Less" By Stephanie Zacharek
This intimate, actor-centric movie's bare-boned simplicity is its greatest strength. (12/01/2006)

Does this make Barbara Imperial Wizard? By Kerry Lauerman
Fox analyst: "The View" is like a klan meeting. (12/01/2006)

Inconceivable? By David Puner
Polonium 210 or iocane powder? (12/01/2006)

Hard to be a mustache man By David Puner
Free at last. (12/01/2006)

Ricky Gervais and Christopher Guest, for your consideration By Kerry Lauerman
Director and star discuss the creative process. (12/01/2006)

My husband beat me. Should I divorce him? By Cary Tennis
I am conflicted and tied up in knots; he has tried to make it up to me, and wants me to come back. (12/01/2006)

Men and the pill Rebecca Traister
Male contraception's not going over well with males. (12/01/2006)

RU-486 and breast cancer Rebecca Traister
New evidence that the abortion pill may help to prevent breast cancer. (12/01/2006)

Paxil alert for pregnant women Carol Lloyd
The antidepressant is deemed risky for mothers-to-be and their babies. (12/01/2006)

Cries of fake baby cause car crash Katharine Mieszkowski
What lesson did the 17-year-old driver learn? (12/01/2006)

5-year-old victims expected to face their rapists Tracy Clark-Flory
Sex abuse of girls is prevalent in Africa, where victims' resources are often next to nil. (12/01/2006)

Who poisoned the KGB agent? By Alex Koppelman
Only a state with a highly sophisticated nuclear program could kill a person with a radioactive toxin. (12/01/2006)

It's McCain by a head By Michael Scherer
A bevy of political touts line the rails at a Washington conference to handicap the 2008 presidential race. (12/01/2006)

The madness of George By Joe Conason
The president's likely refusal to pursue the diplomatic solutions recommended by the Iraq Study Group is simply senseless. (12/01/2006)

No graceful exit By Walter Shapiro
We blundered into Iraq for made-in-America reasons. Now our absorption in domestic politics will dictate our blundering out. (12/01/2006)

Voting machines "cannot be made secure" Alex Koppelman
A new report decries the state of the country's electronic voting equipment. (12/01/2006)

Rush plays the sympathy card Alex Koppelman
Rush Limbaugh is talking about stem cells again -- and this time, he's the victim. (12/01/2006)

The House Intelligence Committee gets a chairman Alex Koppelman
After weeks of very public deliberation, Speaker-to-be Pelosi makes her choice. (12/01/2006)

Romney '08 over before it begins? Alex Koppelman
Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is accused of hiring a company that employed illegal immigrants. (12/01/2006)

Strange bedfellows Alex Koppelman
As the U.S. considers withdrawing its support from Iraq's Sunnis, Iran is reportedly arming the Shiites with whom the U.S. may side. (12/01/2006)

Supreme Court to take bong hits 4 Jesus Alex Koppelman
Justices agree to consider the case of a high school student suspended for displaying a banner that read "Bong Hits 4 Jesus." (12/01/2006)

Howard Kurtz ignores George Will's distortions Alex Koppelman
The Washington Post's media critic fails to condemn the columnist's selective editing. (12/01/2006)

Here comes Bayh? Alex Koppelman
Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh looks ready to kick off a presidential campaign next week. (12/01/2006)

Key Defense Department official resigns Alex Koppelman
Stephen Cambone, the undersecretary of defense for intelligence, will leave at the end of the year. (12/01/2006)

King Kaufman's Sports Daily
Media goal: Divide the New York Giants. Mission accomplished! Plus: NFL Week 13 picks. (12/01/2006)

Size matters
Weighing in this week on weight, and why the measure of a woman shouldn't be in ounces. (12/01/2006)

Ask the pilot By Patrick Smith
Banished breast-feeders, impertinent imams, and big new changes for Boston and Bangkok. (12/01/2006)

More fun with tariff history Andrew Leonard
A reader writes: Southern Democrats used to be pro-trade, and Northern Republicans were pro-tariff (12/01/2006)