Lost: Still a good show, but lost a bit of its edge. Discuss in comments. Committed: In the running for worst sitcom in a generation. I’ve long enjoyed Heather Havrilesky’s columns, but how could she like this show? A woman likes tea, in balls. That of course gives the male protagonist the chance to say […]

Speaking of the J-curve… the BLS released data this morning on the price of imports into the US. Import prices rose by nearly 7% during 2004, which is a considerably faster rate of growth than the 2.4% rise during 2003. This was due to two things: the rise in oil prices (which comprises a large […]

Airbus is ready roll out its monster jet… This new plane has the potential to cement Airbus’s position as the world’s leading producer of commercial aircraft. Figures released this week show that, for the second year in a row, Airbus delivered more new aircraft than Boeing. In addition, Airbus continues to land more orders for […]

Exports demand continues to struggle. This has been a longer-term issue than the past few months. Real exports (2000$) fell from $1096.3 billion in 2000 to $1031.8 billion in 2003. Treas. Sec. Snow blames weak growth in the other G7 nations: NEW YORK (Reuters) – Treasury Secretary John Snow said Wednesday key trade partners will […]

Bruce Bartlett’s latest raises the standards of NRO economics just a bit: It is not clear what is driving the urgency of Social Security reform. It is desirable, to be sure, but nothing will happen to anyone’s benefit for some time to come. By contrast, the Medicare system is on the verge of collapse, according […]

Ramesh Ponnuru writes: “I don’t read [DeLong’s] blog very much”. But Ramesh – you should as Brad strives to present the insights from economists both liberal and conservative. Maybe limiting your horizon to the Kudlow-Luskin-Moore axis of mendacity and stupidity is a mistake. You might start by sharing the latest insights from Max Sawicky with […]

The US trade deficit hit a record high of $60bn in November. That means that the US imported $60bn more of goods than it exported that month. This is a large, large number. How large? Think of it this way: $60bn is about what a medium-sized economy or two (like perhaps Mexico, or Australia plus […]

I have to hand it to AB for his perfectly timed lead-in in the previous post; because as of today, I’m back. Sorry about the extended hiatus. I spent some time with my family, did a bit of traveling, and generally recharged after what was for me a rather draining fall. But I’m now ready […]

If you’ll look to the left, you’ll see that I’ve added a new section, “Social Security Insurance” to the Topics list. I won’t put every post mentioning SSRI there, but I’ll add the more substantive ones as they arrive. Then look right, where you’ll see two new economics blogs on the blogroll, David Altig’s blog, […]

Here’s a nice example of an accurate headline, from CBS MarketWatch: Fact-checking Bush on Social Security President exaggerates problems in retirement system By Rex Nutting, CBS.MarketWatch.com Last Update: 4:20 PM ET Jan. 11, 2005 WASHINGTON (CBS.MW) – President Bush made several factual errors Tuesday about Social Security’s long-term financing problems at a photo op event […]