New Republic, Oct. 26
The cover story welcomes the decline of rational-choice political science. Rational-choicers, who have dominated the field for two decades, sought to explain political behavior through mathematical modeling. The theoretical fad permanently handicapped political science by encouraging academics to disengage themselves from the practice of politics. Two professors have now proved that rational choice is based on dubious assumptions about political actors’ motives. … An article explores the workplace paranoia industry. Consultants profit from advising employers on how to prevent office rampages and training managers to spot unhinged workers, but office homicides are declining, and all the fretting may just exacerbate fear.
Economist, Oct. 17
The cover editorial argues that free trade benefits the environment by increasing economic growth and giving poorer countries the resources to clean up. The related cover story applauds the World Trade Organization’s efforts to find common ground with environmentalists. The WTO should consider the environment but not use trade sanctions to enforce environmental agreements. … An article questions the success of women’s liberation. A worldwide poll found that while 93 percent of women feel they are in a better position than their grandmother was, a majority of respondents say that they are no happier than granny was.
Brill’s Content, November 1999
The cover story identifies the 25 people who most influence what we read, watch, wear, and think. Predictable picks include the managing editor of Time, Rush Limbaugh, and Tim Russert. Surprising choices include the creator of Gap ads, the managing editor of Yahoo!, and Martha Stewart. … An article details how the New York Times muffed its coverage of the Chinese spy “scandal.” The paper got the facts wrong, played down dissenting views, and inferred the worst from the leaks it received. The Times acknowledged too late that it did not know how much information was stolen or whether it had any impact on China’s nuclear program. … An item reports that an unidentified major cable network is negotiating to air Bare Essentials News–a nightly national news program featuring anchors in bathing suits.
New York Times Magazine, Oct. 10
The cover story, adapted from Michael Lewis’ forthcoming The New New Thing, depicts Jim Clark as the personification of Silicon Valley’s spirit of relentless reinvention. In less than 20 years, Clark founded Silicon Graphics, Netscape, and Healtheon. His latest company aims to put medical records online and to allow Web-based insurance payments. … An article hopes that the confrontational Cardinal John O’Connor will be replaced by a more conciliatory leader. The archbishop of New York, traditionally the most powerful American Catholic, is expected to step down soon. His successor should be a peacemaker who can bridge the ethnic differences that increasingly divide the American church.
Talk, November 1999
A profile of Arnold Schwarzenegger reveals that he contemplates running for California governor–and that he loves to paint pottery. The Terminator decorates his ceramics with butterflies, flowers, and hearts. … An article explains that Al Gore enlisted for the Vietnam War out of fealty to his father and distaste for draft dodgers: Gore deplored “the inequity of the rich not having to serve.” Gore is not asked what he thinks of President Clinton’s draft ducking. … Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner David Kessler describes how an ex-R.J. Reynolds employee–“Deep Cough”–leaked the feds information about the tobacco company’s manipulation of nicotine levels. FDA investigators also found a Philip Morris scientist who was silenced and fired after his research demonstrated nicotine’s addictiveness.
Newsweek, Oct. 11
The cover story marvels at the “Wild Bunch” of egotistical celebrities (including Warren Beatty and Donald Trump) who are pondering third-party runs for the presidency. The quasi-candidacy of Beatty proves that “Monica Madness” collapsed the distinction “between the serious and the circus.” Unsurprising conclusion: The appeal of the provocateurs stems from disaffection with two-party politics. … A profile of Gov. Jesse Ventura argues that the former “sideshow freak” of the “political carnival” has become the ringmaster. Pat Buchanan is courting his support, and the Donald consults with him regularly. … A piece reports on a new treat for kids: yogurt in a tube. “Go-Gurt” rang up $37 million in sales during its first year of limited distribution. Expect a torrent of foodstuff in tubes.
Time, Oct. 11
The cover story is ambivalent about laser eye surgery. This year 500,000 Americans are expected to spend about $2,500 per eye to have their corneas sliced open and reshaped. The 15-minute surgery immediately improves the vision of most patients, but 10 percent-to-15 percent have to undergo a second procedure, and 1 percent-to-5 percent suffer permanent impairments such as double vision. … A disgruntled laser-surgery patient relates how she must apply artificial tears every 15 minutes or have her tear ducts surgically plugged–and she still can’t see her kids clearly. … A profile applauds California Gov. Gray Davis for a fearless first year. The supposedly timid Davis pushed through bold HMO reform, an aggressive assault-weapon ban, mandatory high-school exit exams, and peer review for teachers.
U.S. & News & World Report, Oct. 11
Critically ill patients are being misled into acting as guinea pigs for experimental treatments, frets the cover story. Pharmaceutical companies pay physicians to test new drugs, and research institutes pressure them to recruit human subjects. Researchers sometimes prey on patient desperation and fail to obtain informed consent. In one drug trial, a 2-year-old died even though traditional chemotherapy could almost certainly have cured her cancer. … An article ridicules the recent spate of books on human behavior. Books on the cultural and biological roots of crying, love, disgust, laughter, and gossip fuel readers’ self-obsession.
The New Yorker, Oct. 11
An article hypes women’s interest Web site iVillage for its savvy marriage of content and e-commerce. The founders recruited advertisers by offering “integrated sponsorships”–that is, advertisers contributing content. By offering free e-mail, daily horoscopes, and online discussions with sex coaches, the site has recruited 2.1 million members. All those eyeballs have given unprofitable iVillage a stock valuation of nearly $2 billion.
Business Week, Oct. 11
A profile of India’s MTV generation finds that young middle-class Indians are zealous entrepreneurs who idolize Bill Gates. High-paying technology work has displaced the civil service as the most desirable career. … A sympathetic profile of Bill Bradley claims that the candidate’s biggest asset is his appeal to “NBA Dads,” independent baby boomers unattached to either party.
The Nation, Oct. 18
The cover story predicts that spending on federal campaigns in 2000 could reach $3.5 billion, while issue advocacy ads will inundate the airwaves. Republicans are right that campaign finance reform is “class warfare”: It would wrest from the hands of the moneyed elite the disproportionate political power it now wields.
Weekly Standard, Oct. 11
A piece accuses avant-garde artists of “cultural blackmail.” They demand subsidies and threaten to brand the middle-class with philistinism if it resists. The “Sensation” exhibit is “just the usual … celebration of the blasphemous, the criminal and the decadent.” (Click here for Slate’s “Dialogue” on the exhibit.) … An article assesses George W. Bush’s chances of clinching the general election by winning California. The Spanish-speaking W. appeals to Hispanics and has tons of money for advertising. A network of high-tech supporters is pumping Silicon Valley for donations, while even Hollywood honchos are buddying up with Bush.
