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Table of Contents

November 17, 2008 Issue

Cover Story

Obamaism

In New York, reverence for Barack Obama has long been approaching the level of worship, and last week’s spontaneous eruption over his election had the feel of an ecstatic religious celebration. But the peculiar thing about this faith is that it is rooted in a belief above all in reason—and underlying all the excitement on the streets was the wonder of what it might be like to belong to a reality-based nation again.
On the Cover: Grace Isabela Mills, born at Lenox Hill Hospital on November 4, 2008 at 5:34 p.m. Photograph by Fiona Aboud for New York Magazine.

Features

Geek Pop Star

Malcolm Gladwell’s elegant and wildly popular theories about modern life have turned his name into an adjective—Gladwellian! But in his new book, he seeks to undercut the cult of success, including his own, by explaining how little control we have over it.

Two Bucks a Dance

In bailarina bars, you can rent a girlfriend by the song. For $40, she’ll sit with you for an hour. For $500, she’s yours for the evening. That’s when the relationship gets complicated.

Intelligencer

GOP’s Got Love for Old Nemesis Hillary

Breaking through the polarized ceiling.

YSL’s Opium War ‘Loot’ Up for Auction

China welcome to bid.

Hope for O Gig? Gaspard’s Your Guy

Suddenly, he’s quite popular.

Stateside Sarko Takes Edgy Art Home

Koh, no!

Pricey Schools Prepare for Problems

Downturn dropouts?

Jinxed Corner Braved by New Eatery

No fear in Il Bordello.

It Happened Last Week

As President-elect Obama addressed the nation, New York erupted in celebration.

Help for Election Addicts

Recovery strategies for those coming down off a two-year campaign binge.

Revenge of the Black Nerd

Finally, an end to the myth that being bookish means you’re “acting white.”

Tear Downs

Credit crunch crushes MoMA’s houses of the future.

A Rebellion in Albany

One-party rule threatened by Democratic insurrection.

Recession Index

A numeric summary of our troubled times.

Columns

Let the Infighting Begin

He won by being No Drama Obama. Should he now stir some up?

Strategist

Hands First

Warm the extremities with the latest crop of winter gloves.

Bargain of the Week

Eyeglass lenses: $50.

Ask a Shop Clerk

Veronica Leslie of Macy's.

The Job Hunters

They’re out of the workforce and want back in. We sent three candidates to experts for candid advice.

The Look Book

"In this economy, you have to be creative."

The Restaurant Review

Ryan Skeen gives Irving Mill a pork makeover.

In Season

Despite its Superfood status, broccoli is not an easy sell.

Here for the Game? Or the Flirting?

The Place: The Hill, a new sports bar in Murray Hill.
The Mission: Talk to every football fan in the house.

Lonely at the Top

Super-luxury buyers slam on the brakes—at least for a moment.

Culture

Slumdog’s Underdog

Danny Boyle’s new film, a Hindi love story made for peanuts, could be 2008’s best picture.

An Animated Best Picture Race

Slumdog Millionaire will get an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. But what of the other four slots?

The Movie Review

Daniel Craig’s 007 needs an injection of bon vivant. Plus, a splendidly dark Christmas tale.

Repo Man: Anthony Stewart Head

Anthony Stewart Head clearly appreciates a cult following.

Personality Plus

Comedian Chris Lilley is a big star down under. Up here, HBO is hoping he translates.

Night at the Museum

Look at those curves! Who wouldn’t want a one-night stand with the Guggenheim?

The Book Review

Roberto Bolaño’s brilliant, messy everything novel.

The Classical Music Review

Douglas Cuomo draws on ethnic musics of every variety—with a mongrel result.

The Approval Matrix: Week of November 17, 2008

Our deliberately oversimplified guide to who falls where on our taste hierarchies.

Agenda

Saturday Styles

Paper dolls, meet fashion-forward kids.

Big Fish, Big Pond

The Spotted Pig is a hard act to follow.

Departments

Comments: Week of November 17, 2008

We remember New York TV critic John Leonard, and readers sound off on the election.

Artifact: The Part of Most Significant Conductor in New York History Will Be Played Today By…

Findings from the streets, files, and hard drives of New York.

Write a Letter to the Editor

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