ABSTRACT
References to the 21st century do continue to crop up in planning documents and political references. More commonly there was no effort at argument, in contrast to the considerable debate that had preceded the 20th century and that, in the English-speaking world, had led to the correct chronological decision. Clintons 1996 campaign referred so often to "bridges to the 21st century" that the span risked erosion. But all the media commentary seems to focus on the millennium, using it for many of the purposes to which a more careful approach might put the century. A new plastic surgery chain was organized under the label Millennium, featuring "cosmetic surgery for the 21st century." Clearly, it was time to get ready, as millennial enthusiasm was getting the wrinkles out. Thus the Economist named Genghis Khan "man of the millennium," a somewhat surprising ploy for a respected publication.
