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N.Y. / Region
Councilwoman Bruised Feelings in Zoning Fight
After a nonprofit won a zoning change with help from Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito, it donated to her campaign.
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Russia will need some help if this continues.
Schumacher's Condition Unchanged, Manager Says
3 days ago ... The former racecar driver Michael Schumacher was stable, with no significant changes in the 24 hours since his doctors met reporters on ...January 1, 2014 - - Sports / Auto Racing - Article - Print Headline: "No Change for Schumacher"
Edward Snowden, Whistle-Blower
2 days ago ... Considering the value of his leaks and the N.S.A. abuses he has exposed, Mr. Snowden should be offered clemency or a plea bargain.January 1, 2014 - - Opinion - Article - Print Headline: "Edward Snowden, Whistle-Blower"
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Technology
Adventures in the Sub-Luxury Category
A California company has introduced a “sea flying” submersible craft that it says can dive to 120 meters, travel as fast as a cruising shark, and breach the surface like a whale. The craft is aimed at people with yachts, plus resorts.
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N.Y. / Region
Bratton and Miller Back in Blue for Round 3
As New York City’s police commissioner, William J. Bratton will reunite with his friend and sidekick, John Miller, a prominent CBS News reporter.Tribalism, Biology, and Macroeconomics
I’m a bit late to this party, but Pew has a new report about changing views on evolution.
The big takeaway is that a plurality of self-identified Republicans now
believe that no evolution whatsoever has taken place since the day of
creation — let alone that evolution is driven by natural selection. The
move is big: an 11-point decline since 2009.
Obviously there hasn’t been any new scientific evidence driving this rejection of Darwin. And Democrats are slightly more likely to believe in evolution than they were four years ago.
So what happened after 2009 that might be driving Republican views? The answer is obvious, of course: the election of a Democratic president
Wait — is the theory of evolution somehow related to Obama administration policy? Not that I’m aware of, but that’s not the point. The point, instead, is that Republicans are being driven to identify in all ways with their tribe — and the tribal belief system is dominated by anti-science fundamentalists. For some time now it has been impossible to be a good Republicans while believing in the reality of climate change; now it’s impossible to be a good Republican while believing in evolution.
And of course the same thing is happening in economics. As recently as 2004, the Economic Report of the President (pdf) of a Republican administration could espouse a strongly Keynesian view, declaring the virtues of “aggressive monetary policy” to fight recessions, and making the case for discretionary fiscal policy too. (Naturally, the only form of discretionary fiscal policy considered was tax cuts, but the logic was straight Keynesian, and could have been used to justify public works programs equally well.)
Oh, and the report — presumably written by Greg Mankiw — used the “s-word”, calling for “short-term stimulus”.
Given that intellectual framework, the reemergence of a 30s-type economic situation, with prolonged shortfalls in aggregate demand, low inflation, and zero interest rates should have made many Republicans more Keynesian than before. Instead, at just the moment that demand-side economics became obviously critical, we saw Republicans — the rank and file, of course, but economists as well — declare their fealty to various forms of supply-side economics, whether Austrian or Lafferian or both. Compare that ERP chapter with the currency-debasement letter and you see a remarkable case of intellectual retrogression.
And look, this has to be about tribalism. All the evidence, from the failure of inflation and interest rates to rise despite huge increases in the monetary base and large deficits, to the clear correlation between austerity and economic downturns, has pointed in a Keynesian direction; but Keynes-hatred (and hatred of other economists whose names begin with K) has become a tribal marker, part of what you have to say to be a good Republican."
Obviously there hasn’t been any new scientific evidence driving this rejection of Darwin. And Democrats are slightly more likely to believe in evolution than they were four years ago.
So what happened after 2009 that might be driving Republican views? The answer is obvious, of course: the election of a Democratic president
Wait — is the theory of evolution somehow related to Obama administration policy? Not that I’m aware of, but that’s not the point. The point, instead, is that Republicans are being driven to identify in all ways with their tribe — and the tribal belief system is dominated by anti-science fundamentalists. For some time now it has been impossible to be a good Republicans while believing in the reality of climate change; now it’s impossible to be a good Republican while believing in evolution.
And of course the same thing is happening in economics. As recently as 2004, the Economic Report of the President (pdf) of a Republican administration could espouse a strongly Keynesian view, declaring the virtues of “aggressive monetary policy” to fight recessions, and making the case for discretionary fiscal policy too. (Naturally, the only form of discretionary fiscal policy considered was tax cuts, but the logic was straight Keynesian, and could have been used to justify public works programs equally well.)
Oh, and the report — presumably written by Greg Mankiw — used the “s-word”, calling for “short-term stimulus”.
Given that intellectual framework, the reemergence of a 30s-type economic situation, with prolonged shortfalls in aggregate demand, low inflation, and zero interest rates should have made many Republicans more Keynesian than before. Instead, at just the moment that demand-side economics became obviously critical, we saw Republicans — the rank and file, of course, but economists as well — declare their fealty to various forms of supply-side economics, whether Austrian or Lafferian or both. Compare that ERP chapter with the currency-debasement letter and you see a remarkable case of intellectual retrogression.
And look, this has to be about tribalism. All the evidence, from the failure of inflation and interest rates to rise despite huge increases in the monetary base and large deficits, to the clear correlation between austerity and economic downturns, has pointed in a Keynesian direction; but Keynes-hatred (and hatred of other economists whose names begin with K) has become a tribal marker, part of what you have to say to be a good Republican."
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I last ran a wood lathe 44 years ago.
I do not own one.
The proper material is burl. Possibly holly or pear. Rock maple is nice wood but open grained.
Fine stainless steel ladles come from China.
The Chinese do not understand flatware.
They do a good job on other things.
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He has been bad for elementary and secondary schooling.
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12
Sports
N.C.A.A. Faces Prodding on Concussions
The National College Players Association will fly a banner over the Rose Bowl on Monday urging the N.C.A.A. to earmark money to treat and prevent concussions.
13
Magazine
Ronan Farrow, Reluctant TV Star
A new MSNBC show for a man who’s tried to leave his looks — and family — in the background.
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Movies
‘It’s Just How He Carries Himself’
Chiwetel Ejiofor’s eyes and the way he carried himself made him the director Steve McQueen’s first choice for the lead role in “12 Years a Slave.”
18
Style
No Gifts, Please. Just Praise My Good Intentions
If a child chooses donations for a charity instead of gifts for her birthday, does seeking praise for her generosity negate her good intentions?
19
Technology
FireEye Computer Security Firm Acquires Mandiant
The deal, melding detection of hacking with sophisticated response to the threat, is worth more than $1 billion.
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Home & Garden
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