I confess: I enjoy professional wrestling non-ironically. A few years ago I got back into it and have let my interest lapse somewhat—I cancelled my subscription to the WWE Network and haven’t watched a show in some time), but I enjoyed professional wrestling a lot as a kid and still enjoy it as an adult. […]
Sometimes It Pays to Pay for First Class
A funny thing happened on the way to Asana. As I’ve been learning the program and working with my assistant Leanne, I’ve dropped a few things that haven’t found their way into my field of vision when they should have. To use one example, I learned late on a Friday that I needed to have […]
Expert Economic Judgment: We Need to Do Better
This morning, I appeared on the Birmingham Business Journal’s 2016 Economic Forecast panel. For a lot of reasons, I’m not confident enough to offer secure predictions beyond that which is reflected in my personal decisions and asset portfolio. I’ve bought in to Birmingham by moving to Southside, I still think stocks are a good investment over […]
Performance Art: Growing Tomatoes in My Office
Here’s how I harvest tomatoes: I teach economics, which requires me to grade assignments. For an explanation of what’s happening, here’s a discussion of the Iowa Car Crop. I explain further here: And here:
C.S. Lewis on Tyranny
“Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own […]
Economics And Statistics Don’t Care About Your Feelings
Here’s a great article from the New York Times that discusses one of my pet peeves: “I feel like.” The law of demand doesn’t care how you feel. The statistical properties of data don’t care how you feel. Things like the law of comparative advantage are not matters of emotional intuition or feelings. They are […]
New On Kindle & Audible: Rosaria Butterfield & Jordan Ellenberg
New on the Kindle: Rosaria Butterfield, “The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert” Amazon Product Description Rosaria, by the standards of many, was living a very good life. She had a tenured position at a large university in a field for which she cared deeply. She owned two homes with her partner, in which they […]
How I Roll; How I Pack For Travel
I just reorganized my travel gear for a trip to Washington DC. Here’s how my backpack is laid out. The large pocket closest to me has three things in it. First, and probably most important, is my MacBook Pro. Second, I have the packet of readings for the summer workshop I’m leading at the American […]
The Delta Security Videos Make Flying Easier
Safety demonstrations on planes. Is anyone really paying attention? Delta’s security demonstration videos are pretty funny. They make it easier for the uninitiated to pay attention, and they add a bit of levity to what can be a stressful process. Good job, Delta. Thanks for making flying more enjoyable.
Magic City Con 2016: See You Next Year
I took the family to Magic City Con at the Hyatt Regency in Hoover, Alabama, June 10-12. I’m already planning to go back next year. I’m a giant nerd: I love Star Wars. I enjoy professional wrestling non-ironically. I watch The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead. I was a big fan of the Battlestar […]