Image

Afghan War Casualty War: July 19-25

At least 55 pro-government forces and 54 civilians were killed in Afghanistan during the past week.

Image

Poem: 636 Lyons Avenue, Apartment 1A

A tender, devastatingly succinct poem that positions us directly in the cross hairs of a generation-spanning despair.

Image

Judge John Hodgman on the Sound of Flossing

Should the dogs be involved in a dispute about disgusting mouth noises?

Image

For Years, Alcohol Was My Only Comfort. Then It Nearly Killed Me.

“If you lived my life, you would drink, too.” I knew I was an alcoholic, but under no terms did I want to do anything about it.

Image

Letter of Recommendation: Arcadia Publishing

The goal of Arcadia’s books is to reconnect people to their past through “hometown history.”

Image

How to Dive for Pearls

Feel for the mussels in the muddy riverbed. Check the ones with misshapen shells. Don’t expect to make a living this way.

Image

TimesVideo

Watch the ‘Diagnosis’ Trailer

A new documentary series from The Times and Netflix follows Dr. Lisa Sanders as she solves medical mysteries — with help from Times readers.

Image

The Army’s Failure to Train and Equip Troops in Afghanistan

The recent deaths of U.S. service members in Afghanistan are part of a larger issue resulting from the Pentagon’s struggle to contend with multiple wars and new global threats at once.

Image

Afghan War Casualty Report: July 12-18

At least 92 pro-government forces and 45 civilians were killed in Afghanistan during the past week.

Image

Poem: Midway

This gently ironic self-assessment not only pays tribute to the luck that has propelled him through life but also eulogizes a loved one less fortunate — that ghost from his youth.