November 30, 2009 Issue
Cover Story
Show Me the Money
AIG’s new CEO, Robert Benmosche, is fighting government pay czar Kenneth Feinberg—and the populist wind at his back—for every penny he can get to pay his furious traders, who are threatening to walk and take the U.S. economy down with them. By Gabriel Sherman
On the Cover: Photographs by Donat for New York Magazine. Baby
head by C.J. Goldman. (Head was originally used as a prop on a Canadian children’s-television show.) Model: Jonathan Finkelstein. Go here to watch the baby dance.
Features
Repeat Defender
After taming crime in Los Angeles, Bill Bratton has won over the skeptics who doubted his success in New York. But all he really wants is his old job back.
The Political Fictions Project
In which we invite seven writers to submit short stories featuring contemporary political figures. (And you can play, too.)
Intelligencer
Bullet Points
Last year, NYPD officers were involved in 105 shooting incidents, the fewest on record.
Holiday in the Sun
Decadence returns to Art Basel Miami Beach this year. Is the economy back? The art world sure hopes so!
Vote for Business!
An anti-labor party.
The Neighborhood News
Our roundup of news from around the city.
Cranky Science
John Paulson’s grumpy market advantage.
127 Minutes With Lou Dobbs
The longtime anchor is free at last to crusade for his country and peddle his vanity merch.
Austerity Program
Paul Auster likes French girls on bicycles, isn’t afraid to be alone.
Columns
Trying Question
Why putting Khalid Sheikh Mohammed on trial downtown is the right thing for the U.S.—and the city.
Strategist
Best Bets
Glasses for a fine single malt, the end-of-year new-store boom, and more.
The Look Book
“I like wearing one-pieces. If I can’t wear leotards, I want something resembling a leotard.”
Workspace As Calling Card
Interior designer Harry Heissmann’s new office packs his design philosophy into 400 compact square feet.
The Restaurant Review
Tony May’s SD26 trips over gimmicks, while Abe & Arthur’s produces decent food amid meatpacking glitz.
In Season
It defies logic, but this year, two local farms brought ginger to market.
Restaurant Openings
Week of November 30, 2009: East Side Social Club.
Café Variety
As the coffee scene grows ever more specialized, one restaurant group searches for less common grounds.
Northern Exposure
A tiny meat counter in Boerum Hill introduces deliphiles to pastrami’s Canadian cousin.
The Non-Hot Hot Spots
Where are sellers hungriest to make a deal?
Culture
Eminent Victorian
Emily Blunt trades Prada for prudery to play a young queen.
Is Supporting Actor the Charm?
How Colin Farrell and Jude Law are restoring their images with humble turns as supporting men.
A Holiday Movie for Every Stocking
The age-old dilemma: What movie will Dad not hate? Is there any film the whole family can agree on?
The Movie Review
With Broken Embraces, Almodóvar gets his most ravishing performance from Penélope Cruz.
The Art Review
The German master deploys ultrapowerful technique to evoke 9/11.
The Theater Review
In the Next Room or the vibrator play is pure pleasure. Plus: The strains of Ragtime.
Up-and-Comer: Laura Benanti
Since the age of 18, Laura Benanti has been working at a breakneck pace.
The Pied Piper of Craft
Todd Oldham is creating art nerds, one kid at a time.
The Classical Music Review
From the House of the Dead comes alive at the Met.
Agenda
Talk Pork
East Village sandwich shop Porchetta offfers a turkey alternative for Thanksgiving.
Departments
Comments: Week of November 30, 2009
Readers sound off on Twilight, the Knicks, and more.
The Approval Matrix: Week of November 30, 2009
Our deliberately oversimplified guide to who falls where on our taste hierarchies.
Write a Letter to the Editor
Letters may be edited for space and clarity. Please include a daytime phone number.
- Mail to
-
- New York Media
- 75 Varick Street
- New York, NY 10013
- NYletters@newyorkmag.com
Join the Discussion
Read All Comments | Add Yours
Recent Comments On This Article