Economist, March 28

(posted Saturday, March 28)

The Economist, like everyone else, is baffled by Boris Yeltsin's recent dismissal of his Cabinet. The cover editorial says Russia is in surprisingly decent economic shape, but Yeltsin's infirmity could quash reforms and lead to "crony capitalism" or possibly even communism. ... An editorial slams India's recent moves toward becoming a nuclear power. Hemmed in by unreliable neighbors (China and Pakistan), India has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, and will shortly hold a confidence vote to explore going nuclear. The move would boost the government's popularity but would provoke worldwide trade sanctions and heighten regional tensions. ... A story explains a new theory that algae create wind. Algae on the surface of the ocean emit gases that heat the air. The pressure change stirs up wind, which lifts the algae off the water and up into the clouds. The algae then travel in the clouds and are redistributed by rain.

New Republic, April 13

(posted Friday, March 27)

A story warns of the flood of Monica merchandise about to hit stores. Scandal-related T-shirts, wigs, berets, dolls, and sex toys are all part of what novelty sellers hope will be an $80 million payday. A pro-Clinton group called Patriotic Profits hopes to block the exploitation. ... The "TRB" column says blacks score poorly on standardized tests because they don't take test-prep courses. A prep course, which typically costs $900, can boost LSAT scores 7 points on a 60-point scale. ... An article argues that, Buchananites to the contrary, the United States is not a nativist, xenophobic country. Americans generally support immigration, and our laws still welcome law-abiding, self-supporting aliens.

New York Times Magazine, March 29

(posted Thursday, March 26)

The cover story argues that Kofi Annan's success in Iraq marks his arrival as the first important U.N. Secretary-General since Dag Hammarskjöld. Annan was chosen partly because the United States thought he would be "more secretary than general," but he has proved to be a wily negotiator, restrained and persuasive. He now must convince the United States to accept a powerful United Nations--and to pay the $1 billion it owes the organization. (For Slate's take on Annan, see David Plotz's "Assessment.") ... A story follows Mary Bono's bid to assume her late husband Sonny's seat in Congress. Widowhood wins votes: Between 1916 and 1993, "84 percent of first-time female candidates for the House who were running to succeed their dead husbands won their races." Only 14 percent of other first-time female candidates won. Bono leads all opponents despite lacking any political experience. On her side: Her main opponent is best known for having played Pa on The Waltons.

Time and Newsweek, March 30