Inside the Mania for Fashion as Art

Poe at 200 -- Eerie After All These Years

Publishers, historic sites and the U.S. Postal Service line up to commemorate America's first master of horror.

The Joy of the Bail

The Skate II from Electronic Arts has made falling a competitive exercise with a "bail" command that lets you to abandon your board and plummet to the ground.

Popping Up Your Collar

There's nothing foppish about turning up the collar on leather jackets, coats and some shirts, writes Teri Agins.

A Snowthrower Smackdown

Gwendolyn Bounds tests out electric and gas-powered snowblowers.

Nursery Tale: Baby Goes to Market

We test registries programs that help parents-to-be prepare for a newborn.

Questions for: Greg Miller

The Utah Jazz CEO discusses the NBA, the economy and taking over the family business on short notice.

Strauss's Success: 'Elektra' in Concert

American conductor Kent Nagano led the Singapore Symphony Orchestra in a performance of interpretive intelligence.

The Globalfest Melting Pot

For its sixth-annual event held at New York's Webster Hall, Globalfest hosted acts from around the world that eagerly explored musical hybrids.

• Song Clip: "Ya Rabba" by Kailash Kher

Angel of the Avant-Garde

A tribute to Betty Freeman, an influential music patron who helped launch the careers of big-name composers John Adams, Philip Glass and John Cage.

Google Earth Zooms In On Spain's Art

Spain's Prado Museum has teamed up with Google Earth for a project that allows people to zoom in on the gallery's main works, even on details not immediately discernible to the human eye.

The Eye of the Met's Director

A Met exhibition pays homage to the influence of retiring director Philippe de Montebello and looks at the works acquired in his time, over 80,000 in all.

• Photos: The Philippe de Montebello Years

In This Puccini Work, Only a Dream Dies

The Metropolitan Opera's production of "La Rondine" is a less-than-stellar vehicle for diva Angela Gheorghiu.

Specialist Takes on Italy's Museums

Former head of McDonald's Italia, Mario Resca is generating a storm of controversy after being tapped to become the first supermanager of Italy's national museums and archaeological sites.

All the Presidents' Literature

Rare is the leader who can actually write well, but those who do offer a window into their governing style. Jonathan Raban on the best presidential writers, and what Barack Obama's memoirs say about how he'll lead.

Taming the Nuclear Dragon

Stephen Younger on how a global nonproliferation treaty is in danger of falling apart.

• Excerpt: Younger's 'The Bomb: A New History'

Understanding the 'Rough Sleepers'

Alexander Masters's biography of Stuart Shorter explores how someone ends up on the street. (Discuss)

Tasting the $100,000 Tuna

Two Tokyo restaurants are serving up the year's "auspicious" bluefin. How does this expensive fish taste? Smooth, succulent and a little on the light side.

When Bad Times Make Good Movies

Hollywood kept hope alive for Depression-era Americans. Can today's movies do the same?

The U.N.'s Temporary Building

Last May, the U.N. broke ground on a 175,000-square-foot building on the North Lawn. And it's already slated for demolition.

• Photos: Artwork From the U.N.'s Collection

Bad News for Martini Drinkers

Noilly Prat, the dry vermouth considered by many devotees to be the only choice for a well-made Martini, is changing its U.S. formula.

• Podcast: Eric Felten on the New Noilly Prat

Wright's House of Wax

Frank Lloyd Wright's design for S.C. Johnson's headquarters takes us back to the future of the '30s.

From Laughter to Tears

Donald E. Westlake, who died on New Year's Eve, was the funniest mystery writer who ever lived. Fans will miss his comic gifts.

I've Just Met a Girl Named Josefina

A revival of the musical "West Side Story" bets on a little-known actress from Argentina.

The Co-Pilot of 'Slumdog'

How a little-known Indian filmmaker helped shape the acclaimed movie, "Slumdog Millionaire."

Winemakers' Dinners

A look at the winemakers' dinners being held at Volunteer Park Café, the Simon Pearce restaurant, Garré Winery and more.

Designers Lobby for Red-Carpet Presence

As sales of designer goods have plummeted, Hollywood's awards season has become all the more important to fashion brands.

A Quest for the Perfect White Shirt

Christina Binkley has embarked on a mission to discover the ingredients of a distinguished dress shirt.

• Photos: The Men's Classic White Shirt Test
• More: What to Look For in a Well-Made Shirt

Slowdown at Sundance?

Gloomy economic news may dampen bidding at the Sundance Film Festival.

A Boldface-Name Season for Broadway

Broadway's 2009 spring season is heavy with big-name actors such as Will Ferrell and Jane Fonda, as producers play it safe with the recession-hit public.

Wines for the Times

Six wine experts discuss how they're adapting to uncertain economic times and recommend some low-cost wines that don't sacrifice quality.

• Video: How Ratings Are Given | Finding Bargains

The Marketing of Erin McCarley

Erin McCarley's debut album has been enveloped by the kind of hype that could turn off thoughtful listeners -- and that would be a shame: It has a depth that demands repeated investigation.

Nets Arena May Be Scaled Back

Developer Bruce Ratner is considering scaling back his ambitious plan for a $1 billion Gehry-designed arena for the New Jersey Nets basketball team in Brooklyn.