Politically motivated hit job or serious work of art? That’s the looming question about Oliver Stone’s W., his new movie about the life and presidency of George W. Bush. To answer it—or more accurately, to speculate about the answer—we convened a discussion between two Hollywood pros, an eminent historian, an ex-Bushie, and a film critic who learned all he knows about the Kennedy assassination from watching JFK .

I’ve always had a connection to bees: I bought my first hive in 1971, and I raised them for honey all through high school. That’s why the disappearance of colonies across the U.S. has hit me so hard.

Find out by taking our quiz.

Yes, yes, new baby and new movie— but what Matthew McConaughey really wants to talk about is the cushion of the flip-flop, the skooching of hoodie sleeves, the proper thickness of koozies, and his coming career as the arbiter of redneck-Buddha chic.

After Randy Reynolds sat on his hands as the Texas Youth Commission scandal exploded, everyone wanted the district attorney of Ward, Reeves, and Loving counties bounced from his job. Everyone, that is, except the people of Ward, Reeves, and Loving counties.

Introducing the Dean of Doors, in all his doorificence.

Both parties have wrapped themselves in the mantle of change this year. Only one appears capable of making it happen.

Is the answer to our energy crisis really offshore?

Why the closing of a footbridge to Mexico is bad for Candelaria.

A plug for new appliances.

The Jessica Simpson oeuvre.

Tut’s treasures; aural art; the poetry of Laurie Anderson.

A not-so-sleepy suburban haven.

Chapter Ten of “Twin Wells,” by Diana López.

Rooting for Goliath.

Hilmar G. Moore on being mayor.

Can I buy my dateless daughter a homecoming mum?

“I still think there’s a place for the evening news.”

Jill Greenberg, Dwight Romanovicz, and Katy Vine.