Friday, July 4, 2008 Last Update: 8:02 PM ET

Betancourt, in France, Details Her Captivity

Two days after her rescue from the clutches of guerrillas in the Colombian jungle, Ingrid Betancourt shared some painful details of her long ordeal.

Jesse Helms Dies at 86; Conservative Force in the Senate

The former North Carolina senator had a courtly manner and mossy drawl and turned his hard-edged conservatism against civil rights, gay rights, foreign aid and modern art.

Web Political Column

At their convention, Republicans want President Bush to pass the torch without John McCain getting burned.

Michael Kamber for The New York Times
Photographs Pictures of the Day

About 1,200 American service members attended a re-enlistment ceremony at Camp Victory in Baghdad.

Merrill Lynch in Talks to Sell Its Bloomberg Stake

Merrill Lynch, seeking capital, may sell its 20 percent stake in the financial data company, people involved said.

Shifting Winds and Timber Fuel Calif. Fires

A fast-moving fire north of Santa Barbara has forced 2,000 residents from their homes, one of 60 active fires across the state of California.

Iran Issues Response to Nuclear Offer

In its response to a proposal aimed at halting the country’s nuclear program, Iran failed to address whether it would stop uranium enrichment activities.


A New York Slice of America, July 3: 128 Riders United

Riders reflected much of the tapestry of New York City between two stops on a Q train.


 
Olympics Editors

Sandy Keenan and Jason Stallman answered questions from readers.

Times Topics
Independence Day

Recipes for picnics and grilling, slide shows of fireworks, the text of the Declaration and more.


Movies »

Leaping Tall Buildings, Hung Over

Leaping Tall Buildings, Hung Over“Hancock” is a satisfying addition to the superhero genre.

A Dark Labyrinth

A Dark LabyrinthThe complex thriller “Tell No One” is pure, nasty fun.

Beyond Fear and Loathing

“Gonzo” is a fascinating history lesson.

My Portfolios »

Property Values
What You Get for . . . $400,000
What You Get for  . . . $400,000

A two-bedroom condo in Edenton, N.C.; a two-bedroom town house in Baltimore; and a four-bedroom house in Memphis.

2009 Nissan Murano
City Slicker’s Urbane Makeover

2009 Nissan MuranoShoppers seeking a fewer-tears alternative to a midsize S.U.V. are likely to like what they see in the Murano.

Submit photos and view and comment on other readers’ cars. Also, view and submit events to the Automotive Events Calendar.

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NYtimes.com / Monster

Preoccupations
I Freed Myself From E-Mail’s Grip

I Freed 
Myself From E-Mail’s GripTo reclaim productivity lost to responding to e-mail, an I.B.M. employee shifted his means of communication to other tools.

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Opinion »

Blazes in California Take a Toll on Fireworks
A Journey Back in Maritime
Storm-Tossed Visionary of Light
Huddled Statues, Working to Be Free
Letters: To Celebrate Our Freedoms Today