Issue of January 5, 2009

Breathers
You might as well spend.
by Adam Gopnik

Q. What is Gopnik's gift for writing this kind of essay? Does he explain the mechanics of the financial problem as well as the emotions?

Whistle-blower
The woman who kick-started an investigation into Chicago graft.
by Nina Burleigh

Q. Does Davis' story restore faith in government or add to the cynicism?

Kosher Takeout
The inspection business booms.
by Patricia Marx

Q. Is kosher certification a scam or a public service? Chinese food, anyone?

It Took a Village
What the Voice started.
by Louis Menand

Q. What makes the Villiage Voice "New York"? Is there a D.C. equivalent? Why should or why couldn't there be?

“The Joy of Sex,” updated.
by Ariel Levy

Levy discusses “The Joy of Sex” and its relevancy.

A portfolio of images from “The Joy of Sex” and “Our Bodies, Ourselves.”

Q. Does "Joy" have relevance in 2009 or is it simply a historical oddity? Is Levy serious in her essay or just trying to amuse? Are there hetero/homo slants to her article?

“Pal Joey.”
by John Lahr

Q. Does Lahr improve our understanding of the show and his critique by including the history of the original source and production? Should revivals always be compared to debut? Can they not?

“Valkyrie,” “Waltz with Bashir.”
by Anthony Lane

Q. Good movies? Good reviews? Sincere? Convincing?

Tom Wolfe