The fate of the dollar often seems like one of the most boring economic subjects around.  But in the end it will determine how well Americans live.

Gambling Against the Dollar

The New-York Historical Society wants to begin a $20 million renovation of its landmark building that would also allow a developer to build a 23-story glass apartment tower behind the society’s museum and library.

New Historical Society Project Would Stir Up Skyline, and Residents

Scribner is publishing new edition of Joy of Cooking, most popular cookbook in America, in time for its 75th anniversary; 1997 transformation was well-engineered but unpopular and highlighted feud among author Irma Rombauer's heirs; review of new edition; history of book and family; photos (L)

Does the World Need Another 'Joy'? Do You?

Eric Asimov profiles Jancis Robinson, author of The Oxford Companion to Wine; Robinson is one of world's foremost wine experts; photos (M)

A Master of Wine Takes a Fresh Look

Anyone could see the tattoo on her left forearm, in dark blue ink — 2318. She would tell anyone who asked what the number meant.

Numbers Prompt a Story Told in Words

The Yankees’ principal owner was hospitalized Sunday after feeling faint as he watched his granddaughter perform in “Cabaret” at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Steinbrenner Is Doing Well After Hospital Stay

It took eight years and three trials, but federal prosecutors finally convicted the former chairman of the Cendant Corporation of accounting fraud.

Chief Guilty at Cendant in 3rd Trial

Rapper Lil Wayne releases fifth album Tha Carter II, first CD without longtime partner producer Mannie Fresh; release party in New York was filled with hip-hop fans and featured performance by Lil Wayne and Birdman; photo (M)

A Rap Star at His Peak, With Fans to Let Down

The actor from “Lord of the Rings” created Perceval Press, which now puts out about eight offbeat books a year, all shepherded by Mr. Mortensen in his “nitpicky” fashion.

Viggo Mortensen’s Unusual Role: Indie Publishing Mogul

Prime Min Nuri al-Maliki demands removal of US checkpoints from streets of Baghdad in bold gambit that is part of increasingly tense struggle for more independence from his American protectors; US troops abandon positions set up with Iraqi forces to hunt for missing US soldier, to jubilation of Shiites in Sadr City; photos; Maliki's declaration, implying he has power to command US forces, seems to overstep his authority in order to placate Shiite constituency; initial US reaction strongly suggests it was not issued in concert with Americans; US Embassy says hours later that order results from Maliki meeting with Amb Zalmay Khalilzad and Gen George Casey; abrupt declaration also follows visit by national security adviser Stephen Hadley to discuss reversing slide to all-out civil war; violence continues; at least 50 civilians are kidnapped and two more US soldiers die; Maliki was under Shiite pressure to lift eight-day cordon around Sadr City, where kidnapped American soldier is believed held; Iraqis who say they are his in-laws identify him as Ahmed Qusai al-Taei (M)

Iraqi Demands Pullback; U.S. Lifts Baghdad Cordon

David Pogue column reviews highlights of consumer technology developments in 2006 in computers, digital video recording and cellular telephones; drawings (M)

A Look Back at the Buzz of 2006

John Legend, the neo-soul crooner with a hip-hop swagger, practiced some lover-man moves at the Nokia Theater on Monday night.

Charms of the Not-So-Bad Boy

A local battle is being waged in South Dakota over a statewide ballot measure that would ban most abortions. 

National Battle Over Abortion Focuses on South Dakota Vote

The investigation of whether Brooke Astor’s signature was forged in changes to her will appear to go beyond paper and ink.

Recollections of Witnesses to Astor Wills Are Cloudy

CVS is said to be in talks to buy Caremark, the biggest pharmacy benefits manager, for more than $21 billion.

CVS in Talks to Buy Drug Middleman

Many teenagers in New Orleans are living on their own or with relatives, separated from their displaced parents.

After the Storm, Students Left Alone and Angry

Jancis Robinson is not merely one of the world’s foremost wine experts, but a passionate wine lover.

Selena Roberts Sports of The Times column discusses problematic NFL culture, which includes number of high-profile player arrests and positive drug tests (M)

Testing to Transgression, N.F.L. Is Swathed in Teflon

Community opposition expected as New-York Historical Society asks Landmarks Preservation Commission for permission to renovate its building and allow developer to build 23-story glass apartment tower behind museum and library; drawing (M)

Battle in South Dakota over ballot measure to install one of country's strictest anti-abortion laws is playing out in television ads, yard signs and church sermons; photos; national advocates on both sides watch closely, saying outcome could send national debate swerving in new directions and set tone for fate of similar laws in other states; ban was passed by Legislature but pushed to statewide vote by opponents; law makes it felony for doctor to perform abortion except to prevent death of pregnant woman; intentionally sweeping ban is described by Gov Mike Rounds as 'full frontal attack' on Roe v Wade decision (M)

With kinks still to be worked out, Lincoln Center chooses Billie Tsien and Tod Williams, an architectural team that it can talk to.

Lincoln Center Picks Husband-and-Wife Team for Harmony Atrium Redesign

Skateboarder Bob Burnquist built $280,000 skateboard ramp, largest in world, in his backyard in Vista, California; photos (M)

A Skateboarding Ramp Reaches for the Sky

David Leonhardt column on why former Goldman Sachs head Robert E Rubin's logic to bet against US dollar by buying options on other currencies made perfect sense, why it sill does and why most people who have made similar bets in recent years have taken a bath; notes bet turned out to be very bad bet; graph; photo (M)

 GRIM OUTLOOK FOR VIOLENCE -- An American military barometer from two weeks ago, detail above, shows Iraq edging toward chaos, with a sharp rise in sectarian violence since a Shiite shrine was bombed in February.   PAGE A12    U.S. DEATHS OUTSIDE BAGHDAD -- About two-thirds of American troop deaths in October occurred outside Baghdad, notably in Anbar Province.   PAGE A14  

THE REACH OF WAR

Floor-to-ceiling glass storefront at malls is beginning to give way to elaborate walls that make it impossible to see inside; outside of Ruehl No 925, new chain from Abercrombie & Fitch, is brick facade that mimics front of townhouse; exterior of its corporate sibling, clothing store called Hollister, resembles beach shack, its windows covered by wooden shutters; entrance to Martin & Osa, new retailer from American Eagle Outfitters, is long wooden wall with thin strip of dark blue glass; if plate-glass windows say hello, walls that are replacing them say go away; photos (L)

Are We Shopping? Is This a Store?

Adrienne Shelly was an American actress, film director, and screenwriter. She gained recognition for her roles in independent films, particularly Hal Hartley's The Unbelievable Truth (1989) and Trust (1990). She later wrote, directed, and co-starred in Waitress (2007), which was released posthumously and later adapted into a Broadway musical.

Adrienne Shelly, American actress, director, and screenwriter (born 1966)

Adrienne_Shelly

William Clark Styron Jr. was an American novelist and essayist who won major literary awards for his work.

November 1, 2006

Headlines from November 1, 2006

Gambling Against the Dollar

New Historical Society Project Would Stir Up Skyline, and Residents

Does the World Need Another 'Joy'? Do You?

A Master of Wine Takes a Fresh Look

Numbers Prompt a Story Told in Words

Billboard 200

Press Play

The Open Door

The High Road

FutureSex/LoveSounds

Long Trip Alone

Notable Deaths

Historical Context for November 1, 2006