(This content is taken directly from the left nav bar on the magazine’s website.)

Evan Osnos gets advice on how to pick a pet in Shanghai.

George Packer admires Wendell Steavenson’s book on Iraq.

Steve Coll seeks a role model in the stimulus.

James Surowiecki looks at the new unemployment numbers.

Hendrik Hertzberg listens to Bob Dylan on Barack Obama.

The Front Row: What to screen at Ghetto Film School.

Sasha Frere-Jones shakes his head at Chris Brown.

News Desk: Iowa’s turn on gay marriage.

The Book Bench: Wells Tower on his stories and his name.

The Cartoon Lounge: String, yarn, rope, kinks.

Goings On: Eminem is back.