From New York, Black & Blacker: A look at the racial politics of the Obama marriage; an article on the well-meaning origins of our national stalemate on race; and why isn't Obama doing better in the polls? The answer no one wants to hear. An article on how Obama won the nomination, and an interactive timeline on the lives of Barack Obama. From Slate, ads we hate: The most annoying commercials in the universe. Competitive poetry might seem like an oxymoron, but this cathartic, performative form has a wide following. Why did Neanderthal man become extinct — was it interbreeding with humans, or did our ancestors wipe them out? From The Monkey Cage, a review of "Sovereignty and the UFO" by Alexander Wendt and Raymond Duvall (and a response and a reply). From Esquire, here's John Yoo in his own words. A review of Habits of Empire: A History of American Expansion by Walter Nugent (and more and more). From New Statesman, PR scum are human, too: A review of The Fame Formula: How Hollywood's Fixers, Fakers and Star Makers Created the Celebrity Industry by Mark Borkowski; and a review of books on capitalism's woes. One great brain v many small ones: Doughty free-marketeer Milton Friedman sparks controversy from the grave. Economists predict whether China will win the most Olympic medals.
