From Monthly Review, Bruce Robbins is Against Literary Imperialism: Storming the barricades of the canon. Tim Harford reviews Superfreakonomics: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner (and more and more and more). A world redrawn: When America showed up on a map, it was the universe that got transformed. Where the news comes from: Jeff VanDam walks back a single day’s top stories. Rich People Things: Chris Lehmann on how the rich rehab differently, like by hugging horses. For and against foreskin: here's a comprehensive investigation into the pros, cons, and controversies of circumcision. A look at a study of the controversies surrounding the circumcision of Jesus Christ. American literature, words without borders: This year’s National Book Award nominations suggest that the American idea not only translates, it disregards national boundaries. Let us now praise the cliche: It’s concise, time-tested, and instantly familiar — what’s not to love? The Predictioneer's Game: Bruce Bueno de Mesquita on using the logic of brazen self-interest to see and shape the future (and more). The creators of "The Simpsons" and Fox lawyers did everything they could to stop John Ortved's unauthorized history — here's the inside story of why he wrote it anyway (and 10 things you never knew about the Simpsons). A nation of attention whores: Balloon boy's bizarre dad, Meghan McCain's tweeted cleavage, the Gosselins — why is everyone so starved for fame? The Sweet Life on the D-List: Kathy Griffin wins big as a Hollywood loser.
