How Two Producers of ‘Transparent’ Made Their Own Trans Lives More Visible
A profile of former couple Zackary Drucker and Rhys Ernst—producers of Amazon’s Transparent, who are transgender themselves—in which they discuss “Relationship,” the book-length photo essay they both shot and appear in, and the importance of having transgender people act not just as subjects, but as the authors of works on the topic.
Fortress of Tedium: What I Learned as a Substitute Teacher
This New England novelists’ view of the world is always singular. Baker recounts how he became a low-wage, revolving door educator in order to better understand American education and the ways it makes “interesting things dull.” “Explain your answer,” said the assignment. “No, thank you,” said Baker.
Edward Snowden’s Long, Strange Journey to Hollywood
A behind-the-scenes look at how Oliver Stone’s “Snowden” got made.
Making House: Notes on Domesticity
Is a home something to be lived in, or looked at — or both? Rachel Cusk meditates on the duality of a life simultaneously constructed and experienced.
Inside Facebook’s (Totally Insane, Unintentionally Gigantic, Hyperpartisan) Political-Media Machine
John Herrman meets the social media marketers whose political memes are taking over Facebook.
‘I Have No Choice but to Keep Looking’
Five years after a devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, a husband is still searching the sea for his missing wife, joined by a father looking for his daughter.
The Mysterious Metamorphosis of Chuck Close
Not just a fascinating profile of the legendary artist—undergoing major life changes at 76—but also a lovely tribute to late-stage creativity and a glimpse of how Hilton navigated what he should and shouldn’t disclose about Close’s illnesses and relationships.
Marie Kondo and the Ruthless War on Stuff
Brodesser-Akner profiles Marie Kondo, the best-selling Japanese author has started a formal training program for her organizing methods. Kondo has devoted followers, but also many detractors from the National Association of Professional Organizers, who find her methods too draconian.
Refugees Encounter a Foreign Word: Welcome
In Canada, ordinary citizens are clamoring to sponsor Syrian refugees and welcome them into their homes. The Times spent five months interviewing families and refugees about their experiences, which have been largely positive.
Bill on Bill
Legendary New York Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham died this weekend. In this 2002 article for the Times, Cunningham writes about how he got his career started.