The Lost Border Working for 19 years on the fringe of the Iron Curtain, photographer Brian Rose captured the landscapes of central Europe with Bruegel’s sensitivity for how a setting tells a story. A conversation about his work, and a gallery of photos from his odyssey.

Talking with Alex Ross Classical music was said to be dead in the 14th century, so why are we still holding it hostage? Rosecrans Baldwin talks to New Yorker music critic Alex Ross about the state of the art, which composers might appeal to different segments of rock fans, and exactly what he listens to at dinner.

Battle of the Giants One has the world’s best culture; the other, perfect weather. Both are dirty, defined by expensive rents, and full of citizens who say their city’s the best. A fair and balanced guide to choosing between New York and San Francisco.

Claudia Brown Fashion plate and all around artist Claudia Brown answers the five questions, liking Haruki Murkami and Thomas Friedman.