Economist, May 30

(posted Saturday, May 30, 1998)

The cover editorial deplores rich Americans' lack of charity. The newly wealthy don't give enough and don't give creatively. They are breaking the "unspoken contract that underpins the American dream." ... An editorial urges strong sanctions for Pakistan in light of its nuclear tests. We must deter potential future testers by making an example of Pakistan, despite Pakistan's inevitable claims that India started it and that India is a richer country, better able to withstand sanctions. ... Latest Viagra angle: Can it save endangered species? Among the endangered animals poached for aphrodisiacs are tigers (for their penises--made into a soup) and rhinoceroses (for their horns--made into a powder). We'll pass on "nine-penis wine," apparently a hit in Southeast Asia.

New York Times Magazine, May 31

(posted Saturday, May 30, 1998)

The cover story follows investors seeking opportunity amid the economic chaos in Southeast Asia. Western investors will determine which countries and businesses bounce back and which don't. (Bet on Thailand and Korea to make it.) Big surprise: The opening of Asian companies' books has shown they were horribly run, debt-laden messes, even during the boom years. ... A story wonders why Jerry Brown wants to be mayor of Oakland. Once governor of the entire state, Brown now seeks to fix potholes. Minority mayoral candidates see paternalism in Brown's campaign. (Oakland is 43 percent black.)

New Republic, June 15

(posted Friday, May 29, 1998)

The cover piece says Democrats have a new strategy for winning back Republican congressional seats: Be Republicans. Some of the "Democratic" candidates currently supported by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee are pro-life, pro-death-penalty, anti-union, anti-gun-control, and pro-school-prayer. Party leaders will do anything to regain a House majority. ... A story defends the Scholastic Assessment Test. SATs are blamed for perpetuating racial bias at elite schools, but actually they are a good measure of where kids stand and of what sort of education best suits them. ... A story praises the experiment of a public boarding school in New Jersey. The school, which receives half of its funding from donations, distances inner-city kids from the distractions they face at home. While not workable on a grand scale, the idea holds promise for areas where donations would be plentiful.

GQ, June 1998