The New York Times Magazine finds that the early episodes of Sesame Street wouldn't please today's parents.

Today, Other Magazines reads through the New York Times Magazine, Time, the Economist, Texas Monthly, and the Atlantic to find out what's worth reading—and what's not.

Must Read
The New York Times Magazines revisits the first episodes of Sesame Street, the packaging of which warns that the shows "may not suit the needs of today's preschoolers." The writer discovers an abundance of "disturbing" content in early Sesame Street, such as one scene where "two brothers risk concussion while whaling on each other with allergenic feather pillows."—D.S.

Most Pessimistic Editorial
The cover story of the Economist predicts an economic recession for the United States and wonders if a slowing American economy will "drag the rest of the world down with it."—M.S.

Best Statistics
In pursuit of the average American, Time's cover story looks at "America by the Numbers." The article is full of statistical jewels, including this peculiarity: "[M]ore than 90% own a Bible, but only half can name a single Gospel, and 10% think Joan of Arc was Noah's wife."—E.G.

Strangest Endorsement
From the Atlantic's cover, Andrew Sullivan launches an endorsement of Barack Obama. The reasoning? "First and foremost: his face. Think of it as the most effective potential re-branding of the United States since Reagan."—G.H.

Best Political Piece
In Texas Monthly, Kinky Friedman offers his suggestions for reforming the Texan political system based on his experience running for governor. Many of his solutions, such as reforming lobbyists and redistricting rules, would be well heeded on the national level as well.—J.M.

Best International Story
The Atlantic hosts the story of a reporter who fell in love with Afghanistan, stayed there permanently, and exchanged her microphone for a small soap business that, in spite of an unimaginative American aid establishment, is doing well.—G.H.

Best Diplomacy Piece
The Economist offers its take on the exchange between Spanish King Juan Carlos and Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez (where the king told Chávez to "just shut up"), noting the YouTube video of the scene has "brought delight to countless thousands who have suffered Mr Chávez's chronic verbal diarrhoea."—M.S.

Best Profile
Texas Monthly profiles of Samir Patel, the "Dan Marino" of spelling bees. The article follows the five-time Scripps competitor as he prepares for his final spelling bee and discusses the pressure and disappointment of coming oh-so-close to winning time and again.—J.M.