"All, without any exception, are in decline--some in terminal decline, " says Mehdi Varzi, a prerevolutionary NIOC official who now runs the consulting firm Varzi Energy in London.

FORBES: Running Dry

In my experience, the immigrant workers that I have had the pleasure of knowing have, almost without exception, all worked harder than any native UK resident I know, for a fraction of the pay and benefits.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Magazine | Secret life of the office cleaner

What's startling is that the invented elements have been done so well. (One tolerable, perhaps inevitable, exception is a moist, uplifting coda.) Without giving any plot points away, I can tell you that a climactic scene turns on a marvelous surprise, and promise you frequent spasms of suspense that will grow almost unbearable.

WSJ: 'Argo,' on Fake Film, Is Real Sensation | Film Review by Joe Morgenstern

Being somewhat hyper critical, it is extremely rare for me to visit any hotel, not matter how good, without some crotchety complaints, and the Peninsula is no exception.

FORBES: Peninsula Chicago: Celebrating 10 Luxurious Years With Deals & Meals

Almost without exception, top American diplomats will not discuss Kabul Bank, the investigation into Mahmoud Karzai, or any other investigation of senior Afghan officials.

NEWYORKER: The Afghan Bank Heist