New Republic, Nov. 15
An article traces the similarities between Edmund Morris’ Dutch and a 1994 short story by Daniel Voll. In both works, a drowning narrator is saved by lifeguard Ronald Reagan. Both narrators eroticize Reagan and reveal their secret debt to him on the final page. … The cover book review scoffs at the misplaced sympathy for men in Susan Faludi’s Stiffed. Faludi’s poorly written tome ignores “the resurgence of male bravado,” which is evident in the candidacy of Donald Trump and the popularity of Howard Stern. Her assertion that women have the upper hand in the porn industry is laughable.
Economist, Oct. 30
The cover story says that corporate boards are firing CEOs more often than they used to. Institutional investors insist upon sacking nonperforming bosses, and board members fear that lackluster leadership will damage their own reputations. … An editorial warns that the bombardment of Chechnya could ignite a war in the Caucasus. Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia are convulsed by internal political turmoil. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe should press Russia to cease fire and grant Chechnya autonomy. … An article tells what movies are popular in which countries. Japan and Mexico dig thrillers. The United States, Sweden, Germany, and South Africa crave romances.
New York Times Magazine, Oct. 31
The cover story investigates the quest for justice by the survivors of school shootings. The parents of Columbine victim Isaiah Shoels are suing the killers’ families for $250 million. The Shoelses have no sympathy for the perpetrators’ parents because, as Isaiah’s father says: “Who else do we blame? I taught my son right from wrong. My son wasn’t shooting people up.” Parents of West Paducah, Ky., and Jonesboro, Ark., victims are also suing killers’ parents. … A writer takes consumer advocate Ralph Nader for a spin in the $135,000, 3-ton Mercedes-Benz Gelaendewagen. Nader says the SUV is for “knuckleheads.” Arnold Schwarzenegger owns two of them. (For more on overgrown cars, see Slate’s exclusive ad for the Godzilla SUV.)
Time, Nov. 1
The cover story gives a mixed review to low-carbohydrate diets, the latest weight-loss trend (Atkins, Sugar Busters, and Carb Addicts are the best-known diets). Eating lots of fatty meat and few carbs forces the body to meet its energy needs by burning fat. Many dieters have lost weight, but doctors warn that low-carb, high-fat diets cause dehydration, constipation, heart disease, and bad breath. … In an interview Al Gore claims that Bill Bradley’s health-care plan would eliminate Medicare, drive up insurance premiums for federal employees, and fail in its aim to insure all kids.
Newsweek, Nov. 1
The cover story examines how the biblical story of the Apocalypse catalyzed important historical events. The Crusades were launched to prepare for the Revelation; the Reformation was inspired by Martin Luther’s identification of the papacy with the Antichrist; and Christian fundamentalists support Zionism because they believe that Christ will return to earth only when the Jews return to Israel. … A related article reveals that 18 percent of Americans expect the world to end during their lifetime. House Majority Whip Tom DeLay has a plaque in his office that reads, “This could be the day.” … A column questions the value of an Ivy League education. Research indicates that after adjusting for SAT scores, parents’ income, and race, graduates of elite universities do not earn more than other college grads.
U.S. News & World Report, Nov. 1
The cover story says 17 million workers are expected to change jobs this year, 6 million more than five years ago. The piece attributes the record job-jumping rates to the overheated economy and the ease of finding work online. … An article contrasts the “lost years” of George W. Bush and Al Gore. Bush supported the war in Vietnam but signed up for the National Guard. Gore opposed the war but enlisted in the Army. After his service, Bush lived off his savings, lounged around a singles apartment complex, and drank to excess. Gore, by contrast, smoked pot, worked construction, attended divinity school, and muckraked at a Tennessee newspaper.
The New Yorker, Nov. 1
An article condemns the Department of Justice’s handling of the Waco controversy. Justice fueled conspiracy theories by limiting access to Waco evidence and stubbornly denying embarrassing facts. The FBI continues to deny it fired at the Branch Davidians, despite videotapes that appear to show gunshots. … In a column that stops just short of endorsement, Joe Klein admires Bill Bradley’s ability to disarm crowds and praises the candidate’s authenticity and “amiable cleverness.” Al Gore is portrayed as “severely synthetic.” (For a different perspective, read Slate’s ” The Quayling of Al Gore.”) … “Talk of the Town” drafts George W. Bush’s inaugural address: “It is time that we recognize that we are all Americanians, whether we be Caucastic, Africanoodian, Asiadontic, or Hispanicky.”
The Nation, Nov. 8
The cover story draws parallels between the rejection of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and the impeachment crisis. Both issues were driven by right-wing Republicans over the opposition of the American people. Republicans are turning their backs on arms control because of the mistaken belief that a pumped-up American military can unilaterally guarantee international stability. … An article calls George W. Bush “Big Tobacco’s Best Friend.” His political guru, Karl Rove, worked for Philip Morris while advising Bush on tort reform, one of the industry’s top priorities. Bush, who backs tobacco price supports, has already accepted about $300,000 from pro-tobacco donors.
Weekly Standard, Nov. 1
The cover story welcomes the defeat of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Arms control is an illusion. The strength of America’s military and nuclear arsenal ensures global stability, treaties can’t.
Business Week, Nov. 1
The cover story examines the revival of religion in the workplace. There are 10,000 workplace prayer groups, and the Dalai Lama’s Ethics for the New Millennium is a business best seller. Marketplace Ministries provides workplace chaplains to firms such as Taco Bell franchises, which welcome religion in the kitchen because studies show that spiritual programs increase productivity and reduce turnover. … An article explains why businesses are not opposing a proposed minimum-wage hike. Republicans decided that passage was inevitable and resisting a hike might hurt them in the next election. To make the bill palatable, the House leadership loaded it with tax breaks, including increased deductions for business meals.
