Features

Murdoch Hacked Us Too

As America gawks at the grotesque British phone-hacking scandal, it’s worth exploring just how pervasive—and insidious—the Murdochization of our own culture has been. By Frank Rich.
Plus: Aaron Sorkin imagines a conversation between Rupert and Joel “Lady Macbeth” Klein.

The Womanizer’s Wife

Billionairess Anne Sinclair stood by her man when just about everyone else in the world believed the maid. Is it that she knows Dominique Strauss-Kahn? Or that she doesn’t? By Vanessa Grigoriadis

The Comeback That Wasn’t

When Martha Stewart returned from prison, the future looked awfully bright. By Benjamin Wallace

Intelligencer

Chambers of Doom

Is this the worst congress ever?

The Ugliness Penalty

Do the homely need legal protection against discrimination?

Leak With Care

Pro tips for whistle-blowers-to-be.

The Neighborhood News

Our roundup of news from around the city.

We Are All NFL Running Backs Now

League’s recession parable.

92 Minutes With Martha Plimpton

A victory lap with the theater vet turned small-screen star, her doted-on pooch in tow.

Strategist

The Best Bet

John Barrett's braid bar, a slew of retail newcomers, and more.

The Look Book

Meeting the newlyweds on day one of marriage equality in New York.

The Underground Gourmet Review

A Williamsburg impresario turns his gaze to an American icon.

In Season

No, it isn’t October already. The Turkish orange eggplant is available at the Greenmarket now.

Fleeting Eating

Twenty things to gobble and guzzle before the summer’s over.

Loft Imitates Art

A couple of gallery pros remake their home into a livable exhibit.

Topping Out?

Developers try to push Fifth Avenue luxury past 96th Street.

Culture

Aziz Ansari’s East Village Crawl

An evening of puppies, cocktails, and snacks with the Parks and Recreation and 30 Minutes or Less star.

Old-School Ties

A coffee-table history of Def Jam, New York’s hip-hop Harvard.

Her Hunger Game

Elizabeth Banks hates cold, clammy hands and sort of wants to be Cameron Diaz.

The Book Review

Amy Waldman takes a trip into the uncanny valley of ground zero.

Maid in America: Allison Janney

The actress talks about her role in The Help.

Amy Winehouse’s Intelligent Soul

Nitsuh Abebe on why the pop star should’ve faked it.

The Movie Review

Cowboys & Aliens and Attack the Block are both bubblegum fun. But only one feels like it has a soul.

One Cheer for the Fringe Festival

On hoping for the best, every August.

Agenda

When Raisinets Just Don’t Cut It

Trying out chef Saul Bolton’s brunch menu at Nitehawk Cinema.

Departments

Comments: Week of August 8, 2011

Readers sound off on the New York Times, Lloyd Blankfein, and more.

The Approval Matrix: Week of August 8, 2011

Our deliberately oversimplified guide to who falls where on our taste hierarchies.