Before the new normal, a former Rhodes Scholar told me that after the Soviet Union collapsed, 84 Soviet "briefcase nukes"—each a potential Hiroshima—were "lost." When "found," any Bill Gates with a double-Y chromosome could become a nuclear power by signing a check. So? >>

Designers stole a page from the scorebook when they put together Spring's clothes, riffing off soccer, track and bowling with an Uber-retro feel. Zach Braff trades in his scrubs for what's cool. >>

Time was when the clothes you competed in were best left in the locker room. Today's a brand-new game. Designers are thinking way beyond staid argyle, starchy whites and monochromatic Lycra. Five athl >>

Throughout the evolution of Western civilization, the tie was the sign of a gentleman. Now it's a date-killer. J.R. Moehringer mourns its passing. >>

Until recently I had never watched "The View," a spirited little gabfest on ABC that is, apparently, trying to destroy America. Of course, I'm referring to co-host Rosie O'Donnell's remarks suggesting there was some sort of conspiracy behind the collapse of World Trade Center 7 on 9/11 and that the British—in an incident involving the detainment of 15 of its sailors by Iranian forces—might have intentionally been trying to provoke Iran as a prelude to some larger action, a la the Gulf of Tonkin. "Google it," Rosie told her viewers. >>

Lovely views—stark, unimaginative interiors from which to gaze at them ("Dreamscapes," by Barbara Thornburg, Home Design Issue, March 18). What happens at night, when all is black outside and the inside is spare and bleak? I guess you have to wait for clear skies and a full moon. >>

Patt Morrison gets it ("Goodwill Hunting," Style, March 11). She's a true pro thrift shopper, or "picker" if you will, and I should know because I am too. We pity those who have an attitude against thrift shopping for the simple reason that they'll never know the pure joy of it. >>

Janet Fitch hit a home run ("In Sights," Home Design Issue, March 18). Most of us live our somnambulist lives, never bothering to really see who and what is around us. But if we could, I believe we would be the better for it. Fitch's essay forces us to examine where we fit and to be more fully engaged in who we are. >>

Thanks for featuring the Backstage Cafe & Bar in Beverly Hills (A Day In, by Jessica Gelt, March 18). It's a place where the local folks can walk for a weeknight dinner. It's too bad you couldn't feature the popular community-centered independent bookstore, Dutton's, which is now gone. >>

In Los Angeles, men's streetwear retailers—many of whom consider themselves the ultimate fashion outsiders—have embraced the vibrant Fairfax district, where Canter's Deli is still thriving and local residents shop for Sabbath dinner. Among the bakeries and produce and fish markets, male shoppers now can cruise hip-hop, skate and punk-inspired boutiques crammed with the latest in graphic Ts, footwear and denim. It's a big multicultural fest, and the new kids on the block are excited. >>

It's interesting that someone besides me has noticed that most politicians have full heads of hair ("Mein Hair," by Dan Neil, 800 Words, March 18). There are some with thinning hair and the unfortunate comb-overs, but they are few and far between. >>