After mulling it over (and not posting for what seems like a lifetime), I have decided to start a new series of posts in this Journal portion of my site. The section will be published weekly, and will consist of a collection of articles, posts, and information that I have found interesting in the course of the previous week. This new section shall hereby be appropriately named The Aggregate. These posts will include minimal commentary (although your thoughts are very much appreciated and encouraged). Therefore, in this spirit of brevity, here’s the first Aggregate post.
1
Instead of holding our leaders to a higher standard, we’ve merely lowered the bar. From the JFK to Clinton to Stanford and back, how much is what we’ve tolerated in the past setting standards for the future?
2
In celebration of the release of his new book Dear Economist, Tim Harford checks in with those who wrote him letters to see the about the effects of his advice. For those that do not know, Tim Harford is an economist who, for the past six year, has responded from the economic perspective to “Dear Abby”-type letters. Very funny, and enlightening, all at the same time.
3
Stratfor’s George Friedman looks at Russia’s history in order to better understand its actions today. His analysis is both thorough as well as insightful, helping understand the lens through which Russia sees the world.
4
Although I do not remember how I came about this clip, but this 1961 Reagan speech resonates as if it was written yesterday. While we’re on the subject, be sure to check out Reagan’s amazing response to Sam Donalson’s serious question.
5
One response to an off-topic discussion on the Structural Engineers Association International listserv. Written by Bill Polhemus, the post careful outlines the problem with our current so called “economic recovery,” and explains exactly why the Republicans deserved everything they lost in 2006 and 2008.
