Economist, Oct. 23

The cover editorial argues that the United States is an uncertain colossus, despite its military and economic dominance. The rejection of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and cuts to international peacekeeping funds demonstrate the spread of American unilateralism. But the United States can't guarantee global stability by might alone: It must work with allies. ... A survey piece argues that Germany has replaced France as the dominant player in the European Union. ... An article explores McDonald's Hamburger University--one of 1,600 corporate universities operating in America. HU teaches the fundamentals of hamburgerology in 26 languages to 7,000 students a year. Its new dean hopes to acquire the accreditation to award graduates official diplomas.

New Republic, Nov. 8

The magazine celebrates its 85^th anniversary with a cover essay claiming that liberalism has triumphed in the realm of ideas during the 20^th century. Each nation values liberalism in a different way. In nations such as India, democratic freedoms are most fundamental. In nations such as Korea, negative rights--guarantees against government interference--supercede democratic values. In China, positive freedoms--primarily welfare guarantees--trump democratic and negative freedoms. ... An article says recent natural disasters are not evidence of global climate change. The real evidence for global warming is two long-term trends: The incidence of heavy downpours is increasing and the "frost-free" season is lengthening.

Harper's, November 1999

An article describes Big Sugar's stranglehold on public policy. Taxpayers support an irrigation system that facilitates Florida sugar growing but ruins the Everglades. Sugar barons have funneled $13 million to federal officeholders in the past eight years to block any cuts in sugar subsidies, which add $1.4 billion to consumers' food bills. ... A reflection on Woodstock '99 concludes that the concert was a slow-motion riot clogged with overflowing sewage, overpriced concessions, and acoustic atrocities. The crowd's attempt to raze the festival grounds symbolizes the collapse of communal bonds and boundaries.

New York Times Magazine, Oct. 24

The cover story claims that the Reform Party's greatest asset is its pop-culture appeal. The piece echoes the familiar line that party members are a nut stew of United Nations haters, pot-legalizers, and campaign-finance reformers. Juicy detail: Jesse Ventura views Pat Buchanan as a shill sent by the traditional parties to sabotage the Reform effort. ... An article marvels at a "linguistic big bang" in Nicaragua, where deaf kids have invented their own language in a generation. Teachers at a school for the deaf were so inept that the assembled kids improvised a complex sign system, demonstrating that language is innate, but requires community to grow. This is the first time linguists have observed a language's birth. One creative sign: Daniel Ortega is identified by a tap on the wrist, a mockery of the ex-president's gauche Rolex.

Forbes, Nov. 1

An article explores McDonald's niche offerings. Since the hamburger market is plateauing, McDonald's allows franchisees to offer new food stuffs such as McBrat, the bratwurst on a bun in Wisconsin. McLobster Rolls are reviving New England sales; Indophilic Brits are eating McChicken Tikka; and Indians can enjoy the new Maharajah Mac.