WSJ.com: Weekend Journal

Harry Potter and the Rival Teen Franchise

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:07:34 EDT

As “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” hits theaters, the franchise faces a new challenge: competing with the cooler, fang-baring kids of “Twilight.”

Jack White's Third Act

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:52:29 EDT

White Stripes frontman Jack White is turning mogul, seeking to build a brand on his retro aesthetic as he launches a new band.

A Woman for All Seasons

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:52:29 EDT

The musical theme of “(500) Days of Summer” is fitting for star Zooey Deschanel, who has balanced film roles with working as lead singer of indie folk duo She & Him.

Passing the Baton

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:28:29 EDT

For two years, the New York Philharmonic has been grooming Alan Gilbert, who will be the first native New Yorker to conduct the U.S.’s oldest orchestra, and at age 42 one of the youngest ever in the post.

Portrait of a Kennedy

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:52:29 EDT

“Teddy” kicks off a new HBO documentary series that looks at the life of the ailing senator.

Rufus Wainwright's New Aria

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:54:09 EDT

The singer-songwriter unveils his first opera, “Prima Donna,” in England.

Job Sites Get Personal

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:33:31 EDT

Finding a job in a recession is tough, let alone one that suits your background and interests. Several sites now offer to identify ideal career opportunities for job hunters for free.

Francis Collins as Culture War Statement

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:46:46 EDT

Obama's appointment of Francis Collins to run the National Institutes of Health is significant as a culture war statement.

Hide the Jewels: Don't Tempt the Tax Man

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:44:10 EDT

Conspicuous consumption is so 2007.

The Bucks Stop, but Will Colleges Notice?

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:56:57 EDT

Even the politically correct aren't safe in a recession.

The Holy Father Tackles Globalization

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:01:23 EDT

Pope Benedict's Encyclical Letter is not quite the "progressive" document that it has been trumpeted to be.

A Histrionic Horror Show

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:36:10 EDT

Francis Bacon's "strange taste for horror" is on display at the Met, where the artist is being honored with a centenary retrospective.

Memories Without Tears

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:34:57 EDT

Agnès Varda's latest film, "The Beaches of Agnès," is a cinematic autobiography that touches on her movies, her marriage to Jacques Demy and a lifelong mission to explore and prod.

Holden Caulfield, Grumpy Old Man?

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:51:56 EDT

J.D. Salinger is fighting to block publication of a book that depicts his most famous creation, Holden Caulfield, as an irascible 76-year-old.

Critter-Friendly Grows Up

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:33:31 EDT

A growing number of manufacturers are launching stylish shoes marketed as vegan and animal friendly for women who don’t want any animal products in their footwear.

Of Jackets and Blazers

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:46:03 EDT

Teri Agins on how to make the jacket-with-jeans look work.

Dove, O'Keeffe's Inspiring Relationship

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:03:32 EDT

An exhibit at the Clark Art Institute places the paintings of Modernists Georgia O'Keeffe and Arthur Dove side by side to show how the two artists defined a movement.

Jackson Family, Stars Bid Farewell

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:03:03 EDT

Michael Jackson was eulogized in words and song Tuesday by an all-star list of musicians, athletes and other celebrities during a mournful ceremony.

The New Yard-Sale Rules

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:33:31 EDT

A consumer-product safety law makes it illegal to sell recalled products—and that applies to goods sold at yard sales, flea markets and Internet sites like Craigslist.

Off the Beaten Track: Cocoa Beach, Fla.

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:51:56 EDT

Reporter Kelly Greene and editor Rick Brooks on the beach known as part of “Florida’s Space Coast.”

Fast Times for Jobless Runners

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:33:31 EDT

Laid-off workers are pursuing fitness goals like never before. Marathons, triathlons and road races are filling up in record time—and times are getting faster.

A Hard Slog Up Mount Denali

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:03:32 EDT

Twenty-hour days. Cold, raking winds. Michael Ybarra chronicles his climb up Mount Denali, North America's highest mountain.

The Sisterhood of Bluegrass

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:03:32 EDT

Women weren't always encouraged to lead in bluegrass music. But three bright lights in the genre have eached released CDs recently. That they all belong to the same music label is no coincidence.

'Ballhawks' Play Hardball With Homers

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:20:05 EDT

Ballhawks stake out stadiums with hopes of grabbing any balls that fly into the stands -- especially milestone balls. These fans will trade balls back to players, but for a price.

Ferrari Left in the Dust

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:33:31 EDT

Ferrari, the top team in Formula One history and arguably the only dynasty in a major sport today, is in the midst of a shocking collapse.

Pina Bausch, Visionary

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:14:09 EDT

Pina Bausch's works elicited distaste as well as acclaim. But for Robert Greskovic, his own feelings of awe surfaced only after he understood her unconventional aesthetics.

Ping Pong on the Vegas Strip

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 13:11:54 EDT

The Hardbat Classic wants to do for table tennis what the World Series of Poker did for the card game. Is a $100,000 purse enough to spark a ping pong revival?

A Tight Squeeze for Men's Fashion

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:09:12 EDT

Skinny jeans seemed like a flash in the pan when they appeared in stores a few years ago. Today, sales are going strong.

Guitar Maker Revives No-Frills Act

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 04:43:56 EDT

C.F. Martin guitar makers has survived the slow economy by introducing a no-frills guitar that recalls a stripped down model from the 1930s.

The Triumph of the Random

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:33:31 EDT

From banking to baseball, winning streaks owe much to the laws of chance.

Bachelorettes in the House

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:07:13 EDT

“Girls Night” tries to lure partying women to Off Broadway.

The Dare That Went Too Far

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:28:42 EDT

The new independent comedy “Humpday” has a provocative theme about a sexually-charged dare, but the uncomfortable subject matter may be a tough sell even for the indie movie crowd.