The Economist, Aug. 1

(posted Saturday, Aug. 1, 1998)

The cover editorial joins the chorus proclaiming the Clinton presidency is on the brink. If Kenneth Starr can persuasively link Flytrap to Whitewater, Filegate, and the like, Clinton could be toast. ... An article mocks the sophisticated models that economists are now building to predict the next currency crashes. Economists couldn't predict the Asia crisis; why should they suddenly have become more prescient? ... A story describes the work of Turkish historians debunking the myths shrouding the venerated founder of their modern state, Kemal Atatürk. Turks debate his role in the Armenian genocide and whether he was atheistic, alcoholic, and authoritarian. (A cause of the current controversy: Actor Antonio Banderas accepted, then rejected, the role of Atatürk in an coming biopic.)

New Republic, Aug. 17 and 24

(posted Friday, July 31, 1998)

The cover story trashes health care reforms put forth by both Democrats and Republicans. GOP plans improve health care quality for the young and healthy at the extreme expense of the older and sicker. Democrats' "patient-protection" plans do slightly better but still don't go far enough--you wouldn't be able to choose your own doctor, and HMOs could still deny you treatment they deem too expensive. The only valid solution: national health care with guaranteed universal coverage. ... An essay claims the Modern Library's 100 best books list proves one thing above all else: There haven't been 100 great books written in English in the 20^th century. The author's contention: Maybe 10 or 20 great books have been written in that time. (Slate has also written extensively about the Modern Library list. Click here to see Jacob Weisberg's parody, here to read Culturebox's defense, and here to read a roundup of critical responses.)

New York Times Magazine, Aug. 2

(posted Thursday, July 30, 1998)

The cover story warns that antibiotics may soon stop working: Bacteria are quickly developing immunity to even our strongest medicines. When antibiotics are no longer effective, simple medical operations could lead to deadly infections. ... A story profiles Terry Lenzner, White House gumshoe. Lenzner's private investigative group dug up dirt on Paula Jones, Richard Mellon Scaife, and "presumably ... the independent counsel." Lenzner's ease in finding sensitive personal info leads the piece to conclude that "the power once held by J. Edgar Hoover--someone who worked behind the scenes, who knew all the secrets and exerted enormous influence on public affairs--has passed into the hands of private men." ... A bizarre, six page photo essay titled "Put Your Ad Here" displays kids wearing clothing with corporate logos (Tide, Apple, Microsoft). Oddly, the first six pages of the magazine are also photos of kids wearing logo clothing (Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, DKNY), except this time the pages are paid advertisements.

Business Week, Aug. 3