New parents are rethinking consumerism and forgoing luxury purchases.

For Firstborns, Secondhand Fits the Bill

Too late for regrets, haute couture creations in Paris turn sober and chic.

A Snub (of Sorts) to Fancy

The journey of a family trying to forge a new life in the Xinjiang region ended with the death of a son in ethnic riots.

Migrants Describe Grief From China’s Strife

On television and on the Internet, tens of millions of viewers tuned into Michael Jackson’s star-studded memorial service, making it one of the most-watched farewells in history.

Blowout Ratings for a Farewell, Online and Off

The labor movement’s allies control the White House and Congress, but union leaders have been distracted by disputes.

Infighting Distracts Unions at Crucial Time

Google promises that its Chrome operating system will put an emphasis on speed, simplicity and security.

In Chrome, Hints of a Real Rival to Windows

A New York Times analysis found that transportation stimulus funds went disproportionately to rural areas, which advocates say could stall economic progress.

Cities Lose Out on Road Funds From Federal Stimulus

The Obama administration has had to adjust its plans for banks because many do not like the strings attached to government programs.

U.S. Unveils More Frugal Bank Plan

Senator Pedro Espada Jr. returned to the Democrats as majority leader, ending a monthlong stalemate that has hobbled New York State government.

Albany Impasse Ends as Defector Rejoins Caucus

“Brüno” offers both succor and sucker bait for liberal-minded viewers who may feel harassed by prevailing cultural sensitivities.

Teutonic Fashion Plate Flaunts His Umlauts

Security experts fear Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb has turned a corner in becoming a greater security threat.

Qaeda Branch Steps Up Raids in North Africa

To get a real taste of the state’s tidewater region, grab a mallet and knife, and start cracking crabs.

The Crab Houses of Maryland’s Eastern Shore

A study of monkeys suggests that people could in principle extend their life span by following a calorie-restricted diet.

Dieting Monkeys Offer Hope for Living Longer

The Audi Q5, a compelling small luxury crossover, lets owners feel they’re making a purely rational choice even as they spend a bit more.

What’s Become of the Wagon?

“Les Éphémères” is a haunting new production from the French theatrical auteur Ariane Mnouchkine and her company Le Théâtre du Soleil.

Everyday Intimacies, and the Intensity of a Ringing Phone

An array of early parties, some outdoors, have become a destination for electronica fans.

Dance Floors for People With Day Jobs

In “Drop Dead Diva,” a Lifetime series that begins on Sunday, a ditzy model dies and is transported to the body of a recently deceased lawyer who is smart, fat and frumpy.

Chubby Legal Beagle, Meet Your Inner Skinny Siren

After five decades in America, Honda has come to be accepted as a reliable provider of technologically elegant and reliable products.

For Honda in America, 50 Years of Going Its Own Direction

While some of the cult status behind “SpongeBob” has worn thin of late, the series celebrates its first decade as popular as ever.

A Fun-Loving Sponge Who Keeps Things Clean

Given the turbulence in the recorded music sector, and the ownership of libraries like Michael Jackson’s up in the air, they’ll likely have a wealth of assets from which to choose.

Partners Fancy a Trove of Songs

A mother focuses on critical thinking and problem solving for the summer —  starting with a nap.

Relax, I’m Honing My Skills

The Memo From Myanmar article on Monday about diplomatic failures to win the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the opposition leader held by the military junta, misidentified the organizational affiliation of a regional expert who said Aung San Suu Kyi’s global prominence makes her Myanmar’s “800-pound gorilla.” The expert, Maureen Aung-Thwin, is the director of the Burma Project/Southeast Asia Initiative of the Open Society Institute. She is not with the International Crisis Group.

Corrections

An article last Thursday about a European Union debate on how to pressure Iran in the aftermath of its post-election crackdown on protesters misidentified Iran’s biggest trading partner within the European Union. It is Italy, not Germany.

An article and a picture caption last Thursday about Vatican investigations of American nuns characterized incorrectly the advice that one nun, Sister Sandra M. Schneiders, gave to others on how to respond to the inquiries. In a private e-mail message that became public and was widely circulated, she urged restraint and caution; she did not tell nuns “not to cooperate.”

An article on June 20 about the fragrance industry’s use of detailed sales data from the NPD Group misspelled part of the name of one company on which NPD does not collect data. It is Mary Kay, not Kaye.

July 9, 2009

Headlines from July 9, 2009

For Firstborns, Secondhand Fits the Bill

A Snub (of Sorts) to Fancy

Migrants Describe Grief From China’s Strife

Blowout Ratings for a Farewell, Online and Off

Infighting Distracts Unions at Crucial Time

Billboard 200

The E.N.D.

Lines; Vines And Trying Times

Far

Big Whiskey And The GrooGrux King

Relapse

Historical Context for July 9, 2009