March 2011

Why machines can never beat the human mind, how skyscrapers can save the city, Justin Bieber's teenybop perfection, and more

Features

How Skyscrapers Can Save The City

As the world's mega-cities expand to the bursting point, building up rather than out becomes ever more important. But history shows that skyscrapers do more than provide space: they connect people, foster creativity— and accelerate social progress.
Interview: Why measures aimed at saving our cities may actually threaten their survival.
Infographic: The ceaseless climb of the world's skyscrapers is a story of ever-evolving challenges. Here's how we reached the heights we have—and where we might go from here.
Book Review: Benjamin Schwarz on how Louis Sullivan—arguable inventor of the skyscraper and creator of some of America's greatest buildings—is finally getting his due.

Mind vs. Machine

Artificial intelligence has advanced to the point that computers can very nearly pass for human. What are they telling us about ourselves? To find out, the author enters himself in a famous battle of wits pitting man against computer.
Slideshow: Some of humanity's fears and dilemmas resulting from technology, from the Industrial Revolution to Y2K and beyond.

Inside the Secret Service

Granted exclusive access, our correspondent follows the agency on one of its toughest assignments.
Graphic—The Presidential Motorcade: A detailed look at security detail that moves the president on the ground.

Dispatches

Herman Cain, the GOP Wild Card

An unlikely candidate may disrupt the GOP's 2012 field.

Boca on the Black Sea

Stalin's subtropical paradise, now seeking sunbathers

Saying No to $1 Billion

Why the impoverished Sioux Nation won't take federal money

Putting Poppies in the Gas Tank

Can the CIA turn the Taliban's favorite crop into biofuel?

Rebirth of the Guinea Hens

In the wilds of Pennsylvania, a beleaguered flock of fowl rebounds.
Video: The Atlantic's national correspondent shows off his home and his guinea hens.

Doha: The New Movie Mecca

Qatar imports a film festival—and a Hollywood ethos.

What Perfection Sounds Like

How 3-D sound—coming soon—will change the way we hear 

Books

The Moral Crusade Against Foodies

Gluttony dressed up as foodie-ism is still gluttony.

A Remembrance of Things

A memoir uses an exquisite collection of figurines to evoke one family's devastating history.

From Berlin to bin Laden

A history of the Baghdad Express illuminates the resilience of politicized Islam.

Cover to Cover

Academe on the latrine; the nuances of O'Nan; and more

Columns

When Freedom Is Bad for Business

In Iraq, American intervention has made it extremely hard to start a business.

Daydream Believer

How Justin Bieber found teenybop perfection


Video

Miami: The Next Big Start-Up City?

How the city became a center for innovation

Video

Video

A Brief History of Romantic Comedies

From The Atlantic's Chris Orr

Video

Life in 'the New Arctic'

A moving portrait of a fading landscape

Video

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The Rise of New York City

A fascinating look at Manhattan in the 1940s

Video

What Is Methane Hydrate?

"Flaming ice" is a vast natural energy source

Video

NASA's Time-Lapse of the Sun

Now with epic dubstep music

Video

Shaken Not Tuned: Cocktail Experiments

Can a tuning fork improve a cocktail?

Video

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Is He Cheating? A 1950s Guide

'That little blonde secretary from the office?’

Video

New Yorkers: Vintage Vacuum-Tube Amps

Risking electric shock to restore old amplifiers

Video

The DIY Piano-Bicycle

Everybody needs a hobby

Writers

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