Economist, Oct. 25

(posted Saturday, Oct. 25)

A cover editorial praises Bill Clinton for softening his policy toward China. He once threatened to withhold MFN; now he engages China through trade. Engagement, coupled with an active military presence in the Far East, will keep China from endangering the world. A story recommends that baseball teams share television revenue. Currently, teams in small television markets can't afford to pay great players and thus can't compete. An essay lauds the creative charity of George Soros, who eschews boring gifts to wealthy colleges and museums. Instead Soros funds drug decriminalization, immigration reform, and Eastern European democracy--projects that may change society. Utterly Predictable Department: A review showers yet more praise on the universally acclaimed Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain.

New Republic, Nov. 10

(posted Friday, Oct. 24)

An article says UNICEF doesn't deserve your Halloween money. Donations feed its wasteful bureaucracy, not starving children. A story mocks America's burgeoning dread of germs. New, incredibly popular "antibacterial" products rely on fear to boost sales, yet are largely ineffective in fighting bacteria. The piece also notes that bacteria aren't so dangerous that we need to be constantly paranoid about them. "TRB" urges liberals to embrace school vouchers. The poor should be able to flee bad schools just like the rich, and the competition will strengthen public education.

New York Times Magazine, Oct. 26

(posted Thursday, Oct. 23)

A cover story ponders the medical and ethical issues raised by post-menopausal pregnancies. Thanks to donated eggs and sperm, women in their 60s now can give birth. Older mothers face high health risks and, as they become elderly, might not be up to the job of parenting. It's just plain unnatural, some doctors say. A feature story says Detroit Piston Grant Hill is ready to dominate basketball. The fourth-year forward hopes to shed his deferential reputation: "I think I can be the best player in the NBA, and I want to show it."

Time and Newsweek, Oct. 27