The 2.18.24 Issue

Highlights

Great Performers
Actors in the Wild
The best performers of the year — when they’re not on film.
Photographs by James Nachtwey and Interviews by Amy X. Wang·
CreditJames Nachtwey for The New York Times
Screenland
Tubi Is Reviving a Lost Joy: Watching Really, Really Bad Movies
Their films have gone viral for their awful production values. But their success says fascinating things about what comes after prestige TV.
By Niela Orr
CreditPhoto illustration by Max-o-matic
The Ethicist
Is Shoplifting OK if the Shop Owner Is Awful?
The magazine’s Ethicist columnist on the moral implications of a friend’s stealing habit.
By Kwame Anthony Appiah
CreditIllustration by Tomi Um
The Ethicist
Should I Keep Trying to Pay a $700 Bill? I Think They Forgot to Charge Me.
The magazine’s Ethicist columnist on the duty one has to rectify an unpaid bill.
By Kwame Anthony Appiah
CreditIllustration by Tomi Um

Listening to Music Is Better When It’s a Conversation Among Friends
At group listening sessions, everybody gets a turn to speak by choosing a song.
By Tim Davis
CreditIllustration by Georgette Smith
Letter of Recommendation
A Sweet-and-Sour Tofu That Balances It All
A bright, orange-inflected dish unites hot and cold, the Persian way.
By Yotam Ottolenghi
CreditLinda Xiao for The New York Times. Food stylist: Sue Li. Prop stylist: Sophia Eleni Pappas
Eat
Judge John Hodgman on the Husband Who Loves to Vacuum
His weird hobby is unsettling to his family.
By John Hodgman
CreditIllustration by Louise Zergaeng Pomeroy
Judge John Hodgman