I found this interesting. The journalist makes a lot of good points on the issue of manipulating stock prices. The kids involved are very bright and have some good input as well.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Hah, Aww
I know I tend to sympathize with libertarian causes, but there is no denying this is humorous.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
They Watch TV So You Don't Have To
Correspondents from the Economist commentate on New Hampshire coverage. It's more entertaining this way, I think.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
I Love BloggingHeads TV
This is a good one. Kerry Howley and Will Wilkinson discuss guest work. They're so cute.
My favorite part is when they talk about America's Next Top Model and Will laughs about still-born fetuses.
My favorite part is when they talk about America's Next Top Model and Will laughs about still-born fetuses.
Uh-Oh!
Didn't see this coming. Haha, just kidding... everyone totally saw this coming. Recall a previous post linking to an article in which Cato calls the energy bill, which provides subsidies for American biofuels, "a moment of idiocy".
Turns out, researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute are attributing recent increases in the deforestation in the Amazon to the billions of dollars in subsidies for the production of corn. To briefly summarize, U.S. is the world leader in soy bean production. However soy farmers are switching to corn in order to qualify for subsidies. Soy production in the U.S. fell 15 percent. This of course, means downward pressure on supply creates upward pressure on price. An upward movement price will entice new producers to enter the market to take advantage of the favorable return until the supply is driven back up to is original equilibrium and price is driven back down as well. Brazil is the worlds second largest soy producer.
So maybe nobody's first guess was deforestation of the Amazon, but there are certainly people out there that voiced that this would have untold impact on markets and economic conditions as well as environmental consequences.
Turns out, researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute are attributing recent increases in the deforestation in the Amazon to the billions of dollars in subsidies for the production of corn. To briefly summarize, U.S. is the world leader in soy bean production. However soy farmers are switching to corn in order to qualify for subsidies. Soy production in the U.S. fell 15 percent. This of course, means downward pressure on supply creates upward pressure on price. An upward movement price will entice new producers to enter the market to take advantage of the favorable return until the supply is driven back up to is original equilibrium and price is driven back down as well. Brazil is the worlds second largest soy producer.
"High soy prices affect the Amazon in several ways. Some forests are cleared for soy farms. Farmers also buy and convert many cattle ranches into soy farms, effectively pushing the ranchers further into the Amazonian frontier. Finally, wealthy soy farmers are lobbying for major new Amazon highways to transport their soybeans to market, and this is increasing access to forests for loggers and land speculators."
So maybe nobody's first guess was deforestation of the Amazon, but there are certainly people out there that voiced that this would have untold impact on markets and economic conditions as well as environmental consequences.
I'm Not Sure I'm Convinced....
Although I am admittedly not a fan of Clinton, I'm not sure I'd exactly call this crying. I think people are just confused because for once she answered a question without all the barking and chest pounding we're used to seeing from her. Was it sincere emotion? I find it highly unlikely.
Now, I'm not a big crier... but I could whip up a better patch of fake tears easier than Pillsbury biscuits. Would I do it while trying to win the respect and votes of the nation? Not a chance. I don't even cry to get out of speeding tickets, that would be demeaning for me. I see this as an act of desperation, which has seemed to work to some extent. I say save it, you'll have something to cry about come November.
Now, I'm not a big crier... but I could whip up a better patch of fake tears easier than Pillsbury biscuits. Would I do it while trying to win the respect and votes of the nation? Not a chance. I don't even cry to get out of speeding tickets, that would be demeaning for me. I see this as an act of desperation, which has seemed to work to some extent. I say save it, you'll have something to cry about come November.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Impressive
I realize my posts today may come off a bit whiney, so here is a fun link to teach you how to open about bottle of champagne with a sword. I would be impressed.
I Get It Now!
The graphics on the SWAT team page that I link to in the previous post make so much more sense now. Here it is again.
Now, keep that image in mind when you read this article about how the Lima SWAT team shot and killed a mother of 6 and wounded her 1 year old child during a drug raid. Also, keep in mind the police knew the children were in the house.
Now, keep that image in mind when you read this article about how the Lima SWAT team shot and killed a mother of 6 and wounded her 1 year old child during a drug raid. Also, keep in mind the police knew the children were in the house.
Most Terrifying Police Department.... EVER
I'm glad to not be a resident of Charlottesville, Florida. Their police are terrifying! In September, after barreling down pedestrians in a crosswalk an officer pushed a women to the ground and arrested her and her boyfriend. Full article here. Recently, the 911 call from a witness has been released. Then in October, the police entered a journalists home at 4am, guns drawn and ready because they were investigating a call that there was a burglar in the neighborhood. Read more here.
On a similar note, Reason has a humorous link to the Lima, OH S.W.A.T team page.
On a similar note, Reason has a humorous link to the Lima, OH S.W.A.T team page.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
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