A round-up of noteworthy articles in the print edition of January 7th – January 14th 2007. In this week’s podcast: the United Nations; the execution of Saddam Hussein; Lloyds’ of London; and why bats are good for agriculture.

A round-up of noteworthy articles in the print edition of December 23rd 2006 – January 6th 2007. A second selection, of longer articles, from the Christmas double issue. In this week’s podcast: the art of conversation; assisted reproduction; Britain’s tabloid press; and American country music.

A discussion with Daniel Franklin, executive editor, The Economist, and editor, The World in 2007: “We have to have confidence that over time elections will tend to advance democracy and we just have to accept that there will be some reversal in the process.”

A round-up of noteworthy articles in the print edition of December 23rd 2006 – January 6th 2007. In this week’s podcast: happiness and how to measure it; the Google model for corporate software; the soaring cost of rare violins; and the death of free will.

Sotheby’s in the spotlight: A great Rembrandt goes to auction.

As good as it gets: Nikon’s new camera favours quality over quantity.

A discussion with Graeme Maxton, Corporate Network director in Hong Kong, the Economist Intelligence Unit: “Chinese carmakers are the most ambitious and they had very big plans to export cars to both Europe and the U.S. in 2007, but suddenly found their technology is just not up to it.”

A discussion with Robin Bew, editorial director, the Economist Intelligence Unit: “2006 has been very strong, but as we go forward I expect the balance of growth to change.”