Category: Society
On The Hypocrisy of Voters: The politics of economics redux
This is from Gallup: Overall, 46% of Americans believe the federal government "poses an immediate threat to the rights and freedoms of ordinary citizens," little changed from the prior reading in 2006. However, during that time, Republicans’ and Democrats’ views of the government as a threat have shifted dramatically. The results suggest that Americans’ perceptions
Sheryl WuDunn on Empowering Women
The Clinton Global Initiative annual conference ended on Thursday. But, I wanted to highlight one issue the conference spotlighted as one of four action areas – and that is the need for empowering girls and women. We know from recent US census statistics that American women suffer disproportionately from poverty in the US and that
“I’m as mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore!”
Marshall Auerback e-mailed "I’m having another Howard Beale moment" and sent a link to this wonderful piece of 1970s cinema as a visual. Enjoy. P.S. – Are they yelling in Atlanta? Source: Network (1976) – Internet Movie Database
Just What Is The Economist Up To In Its Seeming Crusade Against Catalunya?
Well, this is certainly not the first time I have had cause to complain about the quality of the journalism and economic reporting served up over at the Economist, and I’m damn sure it won’t be the last. But this latest example of shoddy (I would almost even go so far as to use the
A Mid-Summer’s Reflection
A personal note of reflection from Mike Farrell, CEO of Annaly Capital Management. It had been a long time between vacations. Credit crunch, lending implosion, sovereign credits going into default, currency devaluations, government intervention. It was hard to break away while trying to keep our business growing and focused. The coinciding events of my son
Mexican Repatriation: The Great Depression and Immigration Policy
When the United States last experienced an economic downturn greater than the present day depression, immigrants were often seen as a problem more than a solution because of high unemployment. As a result, Herbert Hoover authorised the Mexican Repatriation Program, which was the removal – by force if necessary – of both American Citizens of
Ghost Town Detroit
This is a post on demographics inspired by a conversation I had earlier today. Detroit was, in its heyday just after World War II, when the US auto industry was literally firing on all cylinders, the fourth largest in the U.S., Its population was 1.85 million in 1950. Today, fewer than half that number reside
Craig Venter on Synthetic Life
Synthetic life is a controversial subject. But a breakthrough has just recently been made which is sure to stoke more controversy on the subject. Below is a video of Craig Venter talking about the Synthetic Life project and breakthrough. It’s pretty technical stuff and more about process than anything else. So you have to wade
Lena Horne: 1917-2010
Sources Lena Horne Dies at Age 92 – Art Beat Lena Horne – Wikipedia Lena Horne Obituary – The State, SC Remembering Groundbreaking Jazz Icon, Actress Lena Horne –
A few thoughts on the difference between blogs and news
I am on my way to a conference called Facing the Fracture: The Media and the Economic Crisis at Columbia University sponsored by the Roosevelt Institute and I wanted to run a few thoughts on blogging by you. What I am going to say applies as much in the political blogosphere as it does in
Immigration bill may require biometric data of all workers, including teenagers
I almost have to laugh at this. But, a proposal is afoot to require all employed persons in America submit biometric data as a control against illegal immigrants. This is part of an Immigration Bill now wending its way though the Senate. The Wall Street Journal writes ID Card for Workers Is at Center of
Kahneman: The riddle of experience vs. memory
Daniel Kahneman says a refusal to admit complexity leads people toward a simplistic view of their own self image. He sees a difference between our "experiencing selves" and our "remembering selves" and how these two “selves” perceive happiness. His insights have implications for economics, policy and our own sense of self. Take a look