Fearless commentary on finance, economics, politics and power

“We see ATM blasts all over the world, but the intensity that we experience in Germany is really in a league of its own.”

Tensions are high and the US has made a move to increase its already substantial military forces in the Middle East

Affordable housing built with attention to ventilation, windows, sealing and other details saves energy and utility costs

~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, Syndemics; Kamala on the cover of Time; Trump files suit against DOJ for political persecution; Thomas Frank on liberals; Front Porch Forum in Vermont ~

Using data across US commuting zones over the period 2000-2020, this column presents evidence that AI adoption has reduced employment, except in high-paying occupations and those requiring a degree in STEM disciplines

A closer look at “algorithmic wage discrimination” used at gig companies (and increasingly across all industries), one potential tool to stop it, and how the FTC is zeroing in on the practice. 

A new study by the Financial Times on the early results from Biden Administration IRA spending raises as many questions as it answers.

For those of you, like me, who have grievous little understanding of Myanmar, this presentation provides a history, particularly of British misrule and the major ethnic groups, discusses the interests and actions of the major powers, and reviews the recent fighting and the prospects for Myanmar. The look of this video is a bit homespun, […]

Mask bans passed in North Carolina and Nassau County, NY; mask bans considered in New York State, Chicago, IL, and Los Angeles, CA.

The mindset at the root of the ecological crisis will continue to drive destructive patterns, until we are forced to confront it.

Schemes to boost birth rates to bolster growth are generally ineffective and more important, miss the real problem.

If you have shopped at Kroger, please consider boycotting them over them over their surge pricing grifting plans.