New York’s currently: running its 10th day in a row of depressing weather

 Unlike past wars, National Guard soldiers are one-third more likely to be killed in Iraq than full-time troops.

 Frist prepares “nuclear option” to surpass Democrats’ filibusters and confirm Bush’s judges.

 Poor people need low prices. Wealthy people love low prices. Dollar stores draw well-heeled customers and the manufacturers who serve them.

 Road blocks in the hunt for bin Laden in Pakistan: Mountains, mud, and hatred for the U.S.

 Nine Iraqis killed by suicide bomber; seven marines killed on patrol.

 The Times does the year in ideas; e.g., see-through concrete and cartoon underwear.

 This too shall pass, this too shall pass. What it takes to dance all day as a Rockette.

 Americans who “totally got” the Beatles in 1964 tested to see if true love doesn’t die, now that Meet the Beatles! is back.

 Scissor Sisters’ singer Jake Shears describes 12 months of success.

 How celebrity weeklies goad celebrities into defending themselves against questionable stories.

 While Giuliani apologizes to Bush for Kerik’s nanny, a maelstrom of bad news erupts around Kerik.

 MP3s: Swervedriver, live.

 Now that it’s time for a free election in Iraq, the EU, NATO, and Arab League are wringing hands.

 Your stomach does not have teeth—so chew well. Posters of wisdom.

 The Guardian’s best music of 2004, the Washington Post’s best books.

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