July/Aug 2009

Pop Nihilism: Advertising Eats Itself

Since its inception, mass media’s codependent relationship with advertising has made it destined to fail. Now, as the recession is forcing corporations to slash their ad budgets, both the commercial media and the ad industry have finally met their waterloo.

The Soul of Japan

After the Second World War, Japan became America’s most passive and dependable Pacific ally. But now, after more than 60 years of mistaken idolatry, Japan is turning its back on America’s cultural influence.

Happinomics

Unlike neoclassical economics – which measures success only by the production and distribution of goods and services – the field of social capital takes well-being into account. Ian Bullock takes to the streets to explore how interacting with total strangers effects his happiness levels.

The Creative Destruction of Neoclassical Economics

Now that the global financial crisis has proved that neoclassical economic theory doesn’t work, it’s time to reevaluate the field altogether.