The Best Trends Of 2009 (PHOTOS, POLL)

Rachel Strugatz, 12.26.2009

Fashion and style writer

This year was overwhelmingly the year of Michelle Obama. Sartorially speaking, the first lady was a perennial "best," looking impeccable whether dress...

The Worst Trends Of 2009 (PHOTOS, POLL)

Rachel Strugatz, 12.26.2009

Fashion and style writer

The fashion climate for 2009 was a frosty one, and we're not just saying that because New York recently endured its first blizzard of the season.

Best Books For Your Christmas Wishlist (PHOTOS, POLL)

Lena Tabori, 12.22.2009

Publisher, Welcome Books

Books are beautiful objects, and to me there's nothing more alluring than one produced with all the stops pulled out: on uniquely gorgeous paper and practically ready for the museum glass case.

The Rise of the 'Guido'

Aviva Yael, 12.21.2009

Writer, producer, comedian

If you haven't seen Jersey Shore yet, you need to get on the couch and witness America's most recent obsession: the subculture of the self-proclaimed "Guido."

10 Best Books That Are Years (PHOTOS, POLL)

Laurence Hughes, 12.24.2009

Book Flack, Writer

Instead of focusing on books that were published this year, how about focusing on years that have been published as books?

"Avatar" Movie Spawns Geeky Guide Book (PHOTOS)

Dirk Mathison, 12.18.2009

Writer and Editor

It's not easy messing around in the fictional sandbox of a famous director, especially one as exacting as James Cameron.

From Bhutan to the Bronx (PHOTOS)

Misha Cohen, 12.18.2009

Freelance photographer and journalist

On February 3, 2009, The Timsina family arrives in New York City. It's a moment they dared not dream of during the years they spent in a refugee camp in Nepal.

Copenhagen: Climate Change Affects More Than Polar Bears (PHOTOS)

Alun Anderson, 12.17.2009

Former New Scientist Editor-in-Chief and author of "After the Ice: Life, Death, and Geopolitics in the New Arctic"(HarperCollins, on sale now)

Climate change may seem as if it is a worry just for the people who want to "save the planet" but really it is about saving our current standard of living. And once you get the Arctic angry it will go for a long, slow revenge.

Perfect Christmas Gifts For All Your Pretentious Friends (SLIDESHOW!)

Carolita Johnson, 12.17.2009

cartoonista, etc.

Tiger, Letterman, Madoff And More: Eight Lessons From The Decade's Biggest Flameouts

Robbie Vorhaus, 12.16.2009

Communications, crisis and reputation advisor

Get HuffPost Books On Facebook and Twitter! ...

Audrey Hepburn: Rare Magazine Covers Revealed (PHOTOS, POLL)

Lesley M. M. Blume, 12.16.2009

Author, journalist, contributing style editor

Some stars rule Hollywood for a decade or so, only to see their legends fade into obscurity. For example, how many contemporary theatergoers are fami...

5 iPhone Apps To Turn You Into Your Favorite Celebrity (PHOTOS)

Megan Berry, 12.12.2009

Evangelist for Mobclix, social media junkie, blogger, and recent Stanford grad

It seems like just about everyone is making iPhone apps, and celebrities are no exception. Why limit yourself to seeing your favorite celebrities on TV when you can sing or dance along with them?

Anatomy Of The Tea Party Movement

Alex Brant-Zawadzki, 12.11.2009

Alex Brant-Zawadzki is a writer and journalist living in San Francisco.

The Tea Party movement gained national attention for their unified protests against big government. But the movement itself is far from a cohesive, organized body of supporters.

The Real Victims Of Climate Change Have No Voice In Copenhagen (PHOTOS)

Alun Anderson, 12.11.2009

Former New Scientist Editor-in-Chief and author of "After the Ice: Life, Death, and Geopolitics in the New Arctic"(HarperCollins, on sale now)

Look north and you will see the biggest and fastest change to our planet ever caused by humans. It won't go away as a result of talk or promises. The frozen Arctic seas are melting away now.

Sasha Lazard Puts The Boom in Boom Boom

Sabine Heller, 12.11.2009

Writer, Editor and Creative Consultant

Sasha Lazard, a classically trained opera singer, who rebelliously pioneered her own musical genre, kicked off a monthly concert series last night with André Balazs, putting the boom in the space formerly known as Boom Boom Room.

RFK's Assassination, The Reagans Dancing, The Clintons Kissing: The Photographs Of Harry Benson (PHOTOS)

Harry Benson, 12.10.2009

Photojournalist

I followed Bobby out through the kitchen. I heard the scream and it told me everything I needed to know. I knew this was it. We had walked out of happiness into hell.

I'm Giving Up My 37th Birthday!

Alyssa Milano, 12.09.2009

Actress

I have everything I could ever want or need. All I want is to provide life-giving water for 10 communities, 500 families and 2,500 people. This is my birthday wish.

Exclusive Engagement: Scott Carter's VIP Play

Tina Daunt, 12.07.2009

Contributing Editor

There was a time when playwrights tried their new work out in Connecticut.   Nowadays, it's the living rooms and private theaters of the rich, famous...

Eastern Congo: "We are Forced to Flee Every Two Months"

Peter Biro, 12.06.2009

Senior Communications Officer for the International Rescue Committee

"Many people were killed in the crossfire," Ruti says, as she escorts me to her makeshift shelter. "I saw bodies lying dead in the street. The only thing I managed to bring with me was a frying pan. "

Alanis Morissette and Author Anna Thomas Make "Love Soup"

Alanis Morissette, 12.04.2009

Grammy-winning musician and actress.

A few nights ago, I invited the luminous Anna Thomas to come to my house, along with 25 of my girlfriends, to learn how to make soup from her. She just released a book called "Love Soup".

Christmas Gifts 2009: The Most Beautiful Books Of The Year

Lena Tabori, 12.08.2009

Publisher, Welcome Books

All of these books are exquisitely made -- designed and produced with passion and creativity. None are boring, nothing to pick up and put down. Each will leave you different than you were before.