If you’re like me you have specific research, teaching, and service goals in this new year and new semester. If you’re like me, you’re also wondering what you need to change in order to make those goals happen. Here are a few things that have helped me: 1. Turn off all your notifications on your […]
Eleven People You see At The Gym And How They Can Inspire You
I’ve finally gotten into a very solid workout routine, to the point where I don’t feel right if I don’t work out regularly. It’s a good feeling. The following kinds of people have inspired me, and they can inspire you when you don’t feel like doing that last rep. 1. You’re chiseled. Do I envy […]
A Multitasking Superduo: Noise-Cancelling Headphones & Mic
I dictated what’s below while walking into the wind: The next few minutes are going to be a test of the voice to text capabilities of the Bose noise canceling headphones boom microphone. In a couple different contexts, I’m going to see whether the noise-canceling boom microphone that I just bought does, in fact, cancel the […]
EconTalk on Immigration, Exploitation and The Sharing Economy
EconTalk is one of the best resources on the internet. In light of current fury over immigration, inequality, and such, here are six excellent episodes that you should listen to for more insight. 1. George Borjas on Immigration (2017). Borjas is probably the leading immigration “skeptic” in the economics profession. This is a fascinating discussion […]
Some Relatively Recent Reading
George Eliot, Middlemarch. I just re-started this (again) after 200 pages because I’m having a heck of a time with my mind wandering while I’m reading. A BBC poll rated Middlemarch the greatest British novel. Jonathan Anomaly, et al., eds. Philosophy, Politics, and Economics: An Anthology. This was the reader for my Jan Term special […]
Silence The Monkeys
You’ve been going to the gym for a couple of days, and you feel great. It’s awesome. You’re on a high of sorts, and you feel like you could bench-press mountains. As any of us who have worked to get in shape and then fallen off the wagon can tell you, this doesn’t always last. […]
Would You Pay $1 A Day For More Peace And Quiet?
If so, you need to get a pair of Bose QC35 headphones. I got a pair for myself and one for my wife a few weeks ago, and after having them for a while I’m absolutely thrilled with the purchase. I’ve told people I felt my pulse slowing when I put them on for the […]
Investing Advice For My Teenage Self
Greetings, teenage self. You’ve done a good job working hard and earning money, and I’m glad you want to put the money to work for you. Here are four key principles of investing: 1. Invest. This seems obvious, but as a friend of mine says, the best predictor of your retirement portfolio’s performance is that […]
Feeding Friends in Need
So, something has just happened to a friend or family member where your assistance might be extremely useful. This could be a time for joy or a time for weeping. It could be a birth, a death, a wedding, a divorce, or any of a variety of big, life-changing events. It’s an opportunity to show […]
Four Months at Planet Fitness and Going Strong
I joined Planet Fitness at the beginning of September, and I’ve lost 10-15 pounds and gained muscle doing elliptical and their “30-Minute Workout” circuit. The 30-Minute Workout is perfect for people like me who don’t want to make a ton of decisions, aren’t really sure what exercises they want to be doing, and who sometimes […]