Economist, Oct. 8
The cover story on Communist China’s 50th anniversary argues that the hardest part of its economic liberalization is to come. China can only save itself from its current stagnation by fixing its banking system, addressing environmental hazards, controlling government debt, and democratizing. … An article condemns “positive discrimination” in South Africa. Well-educated blacks are “mercilessly head-hunted” for high-paying jobs, while uneducated blacks suffer from high unemployment and poor public services. … A piece says Jamaica is being destroyed by drug trafficking. A trans-shipment haven for Colombian cocaine, the island nation is in an economic tailspin, drug violence is rampant, the army patrols the beaches, and tourism is stagnant.
New Republic, Oct. 18
Tuesday’s resignation of Editor Charles Lane and the appointment of Peter Beinart to replace him are not mentioned. … A cover profile of financial guru Suze Orman, author of the best-selling The 9 Steps to Financial Freedom, argues that her simplistic philosophy–be thrifty–is good advice in an age of escalating consumer debt. … An article applauds Al Gore’s call for a “21st Century Teacher Corps.” The corps would offer money toward college tuition in return for a commitment to teach after graduation. A similar program successfully improved teacher quality for 17 years, until President Reagan killed it in 1981.
New York Times Magazine, Oct. 3
The cover story explains why Jerusalem could be the tripwire for World War III and profiles the delusional extremists who could ignite it: Jewish fanatics who want to retake the Temple Mount by force, Christian apocalypse-awaiters who want to see the temple rebuilt, and seething sheiks who will wage war before ceding authority over the Dome of the Rock. … A pig could save your life, according to an article. Swine engineered with human DNA and birthed by surrogate sows could serve as spare-parts factories for people with failing organs. Pig farms await regulatory approval of cross-species transplant trials. … A piece profiles a group of white-hat hackers called “Lopht,” the Ralph Naders of the online world. They crack computer systems of companies and agencies to reveal their security holes. Crackees, including Microsoft, appreciate the warning.
Newsweek, Oct. 4
The cover story excerpts the controversial Edmund Morris biography of Ronald Reagan. Morris initially found his subject a “shatteringly banal” cultural “yahoo.” He was “miserably blocked” until he thought of inserting his fictionalized self into the narrative. Revelations: Reagan lost half his blood after John Hinckley’s assassination attempt, and he approved the arms-for-hostages deal while woozily recovering from cancer surgery. Other highlights: In Chapter 1, Morris gushes with schoolboy crush describing his first fictional encounter with 15-year-old “Dutch” Reagan: “His purposeful body moved on, exuding liniment. I dropped the candy wrapper I had been holding–and as I reached for it, his wet sleeve brushed my hand.” One excerpt, in the form of a screenplay fragment, floats Nancy Reagan’s view that Jane Wyman roped the Gipper into marriage by feigning a suicide attempt.
Time, Oct. 4
The cover story rehashes the conventional wisdom about Bill Bradley. He calls for bold liberal reforms. Though he abstains from showbizzy campaigning, he markets his virtue and “exploits his legend.” His proud reserve–a product of 40 years in the spotlight–is refreshing but does not bode well for his capacity to shepherd big ideas through Congress. … An article marvels at the revival of religion in China, now used by the Communist Party to control a restive population. Christians, Taoists, and Buddhists may practice as long as they support the state. The party still feebly pushes secularism: It just inaugurated an annual Hero of Atheism award.
U.S. News & World Report, Oct. 4
The cover story explores modern treasure-hunting. Entrepreneurs now use cheap new technology, such as remote-operated vehicles, to salvage artifacts from ancient wrecks. “Salvors” sell their finds online, stage exhibitions for profit, and auction film rights. Archaeologists argue that treasure-seekers wreck artifacts. … An article notes that roughly half today’s female juvenile offenders were raised by mothers who were arrested or incarcerated. Many of those mothers were casualties of the ‘80s crack epidemic.
The New Yorker, Oct. 4
An article argues that patients have too much control over their treatment. Doctors used to dictate treatment, but in the past decade the pendulum has swung too far toward patient autonomy. Physicians should inform patients of their options but step in when patients make bad choices or are too distressed to choose rationally. … An essay in the fall books section praises “collaborative filtering” as a substitute for the independent bookseller. You enter your preferences and a software programs spits out the favorites of folks who share your interests. This “doppelganger search engine” will help sleeper books thrive in the era of superstores.
Business Week, Oct. 4
The 70th anniversary issue looks forward to the Internet age, predicting that the U.S. economic boom is just the start of a period of massive, technology-driven global growth. … A piece touts the Web as a tool of revolution. Grassroots movements fund raise, recruit, and plan mass protests online. When China bullied service providers into blocking pro-democracy sites, cyberactivists tapped into off-shore servers.
The Nation, Oct. 11
An article concludes that courts cannot be counted on to end racial profiling. Judges have upheld traffic stops that are mere pretexts for searches and erected evidentiary boundaries to ending profiling. Only political action will eventually end racial profiling.
Weekly Standard, Oct. 4
The cover story earnestly deconstructs pro wrestling, mourning it as evidence of America’s moral decline. The disappearance of the traditional Soviet or Arab villain symbolizes the weakening of the nation-state and the spread of moral relativism. The popularity of narcissist wrestler Hulk Hogan presaged the election of unprincipled rogue Bill Clinton. … An article excoriates U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s “power grab.” Annan argues that any use of force in international affairs is illegitimate unless authorized by the Security Council. This specious doctrine could hamstring American national security.
