New York’s currently: making friends with the radiator

 Two-thirds of Katrina funds were spent in initial recovery, which doesn’t leave much for the expected years of rebuilding.

 No word yet on Jill Carroll.

 After week of violence, Iraq’s Sunni bloc returns to negotiations.

 Halliburton subsidiary to be paid nearly all of its disputed costs—more than $250 million—on Iraq contract.

 Inmates in Afghanistan seize control of jail, issue demands.

 South Dakota closing in on abortion ban, “morning-after pill” entering court battles along red-state/blue-state lines.

 Russia, Iran reach deal to produce non-weapons-grade uranium on Russian soil.

 Distraction of Rio’s Carnival helps thieves get away with a Picasso, a Matisse, a Monet, and a Dali.

 H&R Block forgets to carry the one on its tax return.

 Obits: Frederick Busch, Don Knotts, Darren McGavin.

 Blonde women evolved for attractiveness, and people have been trying to get into their loincloths ever since.

 Bigger is better doesn’t apply to U.K. publishers (e.g., a list of presses).

 Op: Award ceremonies are perfect substitutes for not thinking about art.

 Worried your professor is a biased liberal? Well, does he smell like Phish?

 National Archives footage now on Google Video.

 When Morrissey and I started The Smiths, we thought pop music was the most important thing in the world. Johnny Marr on The Queen is Dead.

 How to game the SAT essay section.

 Japanese military book remade with maid dolls.

 There are some spooky vibrations in Maine.

 I will not require Caliban to hump Stephano’s leg while telling him about Miranda, no matter how big a laugh it will get. The things I will not do when I direct a Shakespeare production, on stage or film.