A Generation of Very Focused Accountants
If deliberately practicing your way to success seems like a lot of work, there’s always the prescription drug route. In The New Yorker, Margaret Talbot explores the increasing use of cognitive-enhancement drugs. Tests have indicated that the drugs improve concentration but their effect on abstract thought and creativity is unclear. As one scientist put it, Read More »
Saez Takes Home the Clark Medal
Congratulations to Emmanuel Saez, winner of this year’s John Bates Clark medal given to the most influential economist under the age of 40 by the American Economic Association. Emmanuel’s work focuses on issues of inequality and taxation. He has made both theoretical and empirical contributions. I remember vividly the first time I met Emmanuel. I Read More »
Are the Obamas Bad for the Paparazzi Economy?
The paparazzi are like 18th-century pirates in that it’s hard to understand and control them until you realize that they’re rational, economic actors. The Obama administration seems to understand this. The White House has been strategically releasing photos of the Obamas in an attempt to drive down the value of paparazzi shots. The avalanche of Read More »
How Is a Computer Worm Like a Pack of Cigarettes?
You’ve probably already forgotten about Conficker, the computer worm, since it declined to wreak havoc as feared on April 1. Rest assured, Conficker has not forgotten about you. It’s currently operating on millions of computers around the world, and it’s still spreading and changing. Nobody knows what it will do next. As Bruce Schneier points Read More »
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