Politics
Herman Cain's Big Announcement
[4 min 36 sec]
'Cosh And Carry': Smiley's colleague Peter Guilliam (Benedict Cumberbatch, left) runs the MI6 division charged with blackmail, kidnapping and other rough stuff.
Gary Oldman Steps Into A Spymaster's Shoes
()In a new film based on John le Carre's Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, the veteran actor reinvents an iconic character — and finds a darker George Smiley than the one Alec Guinness created for British TV.
Newt Gingrich
Gingrich's Popularity: A Winning Boost?()
December 3, 2011 The former House speaker is now the focus of the race to become the GOP presidential nominee — and with that comes the heat. Despite recent criticism, Newt Gingrich insists he'll stay positive. The big question is whether he can sustain his surge in the polls.
Simon Says
What's In A (Baby) Name?()
December 3, 2011 A list of America's most popular baby names for 2011 has just come out. So many end-of-the-year lists detail something trivial. But sometimes those lists can help us appreciate something obvious.
Europe
Turks Enjoy A Little Schadenfreude At EU's Expense()
December 3, 2011 After years of seeing their bid to join the EU stalled, Turks are trying not to show too much pleasure at the doom-laden economic news emanating from Europe. However, economists warn, Europe's debt crisis could easily spill in Turkey's direction.
Strange News
Haiku Traffic Signs Bring Poetry To NYC Streets()
December 3, 2011 New York City's Department of Transportation has taken an artful approach to safety: colorful traffic signs written in haiku. "Poetry has a lot of power," says artist John Morse. "The idea is to bring something to the streetscape that might catch someone's eye."
Art & Design
Liz Taylor's Jewel-Dripping Collection On The Block()
December 3, 2011 After a world tour, Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry, clothing and memorabilia is on view in New York City. After 10 days on display, some 2,000 objects from the film star's life will be up for auction, both at Christie's and online.
Architecture
Hollywood Architect Drew Nature Into Designs()
December 3, 2011 An artist with an idyllic childhood might be as rare as a house with walls made of air, but both play a part in the story of architect John Lautner. Aesthetically influenced by his Northern Michigan upbringing, Lautner's designs have been featured in several films, including The Big Lebowski.
Economy
Behind Unemployment Figure, A Nuanced Outlook()
December 3, 2011 The U.S. unemployment rate took a big tumble in November, from 9 percent to 8.6 percent, according to the government's monthly jobs data. Still, it's probably too soon pop the champagne corks. A combination of forces caused the big drop, some good and some bad.
Around the Nation
White House Decks The Halls In Military Brass()
December 3, 2011 A group of more than 100 volunteers helped decorate the White House this year, covering the mansion in Christmas trees, cookie ornaments and several versions of the Obamas' dog, Bo. The real stars, however, were the military families who joined the celebration.
Music Interviews
Olof Arnalds: An Icelandic Take On Heartland Rock()
December 3, 2011 The experimental rock singer says she found her own way to English-language pop music.
