Table of Contents: January/February 2007
Volume One, Number Two
Departments
From the Editor
Editor-in-Chief James K. Glassman introduces this month's issue of The American.
The American Scene
The ten best business novels of all time, whipping Kelo, a wary look at Democratic mutual funds, and more.
The Young Economist
A star at 26, Jesse Shapiro has researched whether newspapers are slanted, how people get fat, and if prison hardens criminals.
By Shawn Macomber
Americana
Barbie vs. American Girl.
By Amity Shlaes
the american Interview
Bob Greifeld, CEO of the Nasdaq Stock Market, talks about fitness, physical and intellectual.
Techno-Ideas
Build your personal car, shoe, or postage stamp.
By Nick Schulz
Q&A
Everything you wanted to know about the trade deficit, including that it isn't as bad as you may think.
By Chad P. Bown and Rachel McCulloch
Geopolitics
In Iraq and Afghanistan, we need the calm continuity of farming.
By Victor Davis Hanson
Entrepreneurs
How to encourage business start-ups? Make it easier to fail.
By Aparna Mathur
Big Ideas
The "attention" economy.
By David Robinson
Features
COVER STORY
The Mile-High Skyscraper
Americans are designing mega-buildings all over the world, and a 5,280-foot one is coming soon. Why the boom? Towering egos plus a dash of economics.
By Philip Nobel
From Russia With Oil
It's awash with the stuff, but Russia's foolish attachment to statist economic policy is severely undermining economic progress.
By Leon Aron
'Closed for Business'
America's corporate taxes—higher than France's!—are driving business offshore.
By Kevin Hassett
The Road to Tibet
A firsthand look at a controversial new railroad, the highest in the world, that's linking Beijing and Lhasa—and opening China's west to commerce.
By John Makin
Discovered in Congress: Ten Economic Literates!
We found them—six Republicans and four Democrats, of diverse ideology but similar smarts.
By Tory Newmyer
Inside 'The Office': A Peek at the Boss
A look at the U.S. and British versions of the TV comedy series asks whether, as a boss, it is better to be feared or loved. Or ridiculed?
By James Bowman
Wine by Mail: The Legal, Political, and Gastronomic Issues
A Supreme Court decision hasn't ended restrictions on sending wine across state lines. Still, if you live in the right places, you can buy direct from excellent California vineyards. We pick five of the best.
By Amy Cortese
Send in the Amateurs
In economics (and elsewhere), they often explain, analyze, and advocate much better than the professionals.
By Tom Bethell
Can Business Cure Africa?
Without fanfare, businesses are fighting disease in Africa—some effectively, some poorly. The key to benevolence turns out to be the profit motive.
By Roger Bate
Europe Flies Cheap
Discount airlines in Europe, even more than in the U.S., are changing travel and business.
By Craig Winneker
Washington's Five Greatest Hits
The federal government sometimes takes obscure actions that help the economy, big-time. We pick some of the best ever, including the advent of the 401(k) and the axing of Reg Q.
By Matthew Rees