Many of Spain's historic paradores are getting makeovers to appeal to travelers who want spas and Wi-Fi access along with palatial surroundings and 16th-century friezes.

Spain’s Ageless Beauties

Alex Rodriguez's failures loom large, literally and figuratively, over the Yankees.

For Rodriguez, a New Way to Disappoint the Yankees

Israel’s preparation now seems to be less for a ground invasion than for more punishing airstrikes on Hezbollah military assets.

Troops Ready, but Israel Bets on Air Power

The Jets' receiver Laveranues Coles seeks peace from the reminders of his past.

A Sanctuary for Coles

Floyd Landis finished third in the 19th stage of the Tour de France and appeared to secure the overall title. The final stage is Sunday.

On the Turn for Home, Landis Has the Lead

Iran has been Hezbollah’s prime patron for decades, but many Iranians are wary of their government’s commitments abroad.

In Iran’s Streets, Aid to Hezbollah Stirs Resentment

After two years of renovating his West Village apartment, a Manhattan novelist was ready to give his first housewarming party. 

Decorated in Technicolor

As payments on mortgages balloon, many Americans have found a way to put off the day of reckoning.

Re-Refinancing, and Putting Off Mortgage Pain

It is becoming clearer that at some companies almost everything about stock options is apparently a mirage.

At the Options Buffet, Some Got a Bigger Helping

How did politicians go from stoic interaction to kissing stomachs, giving back rubs and touching “sort of the side of my leg?”

The Politics of Good Touch, Bad Touch

At American Airlines, the only old-line domestic airline that has never filed for bankruptcy protection, a grand experiment is playing out.

Anger Management at American Air

Going veggie is not the gas-and-go type of driving Americans are accustomed to. You’ll get no points from the E.P.A., but you could get more than 50 miles per gallon.

Grease Is the Word: Fill It Up With Fry Oil

Some Republicans say Elizabeth Dole is faltering as leader of the Republican effort to hold the Senate this fall.

In G.O.P. Fund-Raising, Dole's Star Power Dims

From Koreans to Greeks, the immigrant presence in Flushing, Queens, has fueled an entrepreneur-driven boom.

In This Chinatown, Chinese Is Just a Start

María Celeste Arrarás’s high-profile sally into national network television, in the spot previously occupied by Katie Couric no less, was groundbreaking for a Spanish-accented broadcaster.

Breaking the Sound Barrier

A car was out of the question for her Bronx family. Still, autos have loomed large in her life, as objects of aspiration, and of desperation.

Cars and Freedom, Cars and Fear

A combination of overcrowding, narrow streets and numerous restaurants has made Chinatown a place whose garbage, in volume and variety, is one of the wonders of the city.

In the Land of Wrinkled Noses

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has illuminated the sweeping changes that are reshaping the entire Middle East.

For the U.S., a Newfangled Compass

An increasing number of tenants are slipping in the back door to avoid paying thousands of dollars in fees.

Cheating the Broker

Does it matter if there is less room for a middle class?

Cities Shed Middle Class, and Are Richer and Poorer for It

John C. Reilly may have appeared in nearly 40 movies in less than 20 years, but that doesn’t mean people can necessarily match his face to his name. 

One of These Days Audiences May Remember John C. Reilly’s Name

As Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice heads to Israel, U.S. officials are seeking ways to peel Syria away from its alliance of convenience with Iran.

U.S. Plan Seeks to Wedge Syria Away From Iran

Many United Nations diplomats see John R. Bolton as a stand-in for the arrogance of the Bush administration.

Praise at Home for Envoy, but Scorn at U.N.

After filming on Fire Island, the cast and crew of a new ABC reality series took the hint: residents didn’t want them there. Seeing a town portrayed as all bars and hookups makes residents real angry.

Reality TV, the Unwelcome Guest

The Middle East is exploding. Darfur is dying. The serious people of the serious games movement are reaching for their joysticks.

Saving the World, One Video Game at a Time

Brother Jean-Paul Desbiens, Frère Pierre-Jérôme, F.M.S., OC was a Quebec writer, journalist, teacher and member of the Catholic institute of Marist Brothers.

July 23, 2006

Headlines from July 23, 2006

Spain’s Ageless Beauties

For Rodriguez, a New Way to Disappoint the Yankees

Troops Ready, but Israel Bets on Air Power

A Sanctuary for Coles

On the Turn for Home, Landis Has the Lead

Billboard 200

American V: A Hundred Highways

Loose

Testimony: Vol. 1; Life & Relationship (Bonus Track Edition)

Taking The Long Way

St. Elsewhere

Notable Deaths

Historical Context for July 23, 2006