Wrap Up for May 2021

Noah Smith examines connections between labour and the value it actually creates. Plus, knowledge is power, even when it makes us uncomfortable.

Some (inside) historical perspective for the University of Chicago.

A look at the light side of modal papers.

An overview of the Texas power failure.

Emily Hamilton on housing affordability.

The feedback loop in traditional education is too slow. 

On the relevance of human networks.

Finally, a bipartisan agreement for updating water systems.

A new normal for wind and solar.

Innovations in technology can take decades to appear in productivity statistics.

A defense of inflation.

"Everything that determines the success or failure of a country has turned upside down."

An in depth YouTube discussion re right to repair.

States have been rejecting right to repair legislation.

A look at the bright side: restored forests.

When material interests turn the right away from free markets.

Buchanan believed that individuals should be trusted to help formulate market solutions.

There's still plenty of confusion re savings and investment in near zero bound conditions.

And, "Might savers prefer digital cash to zero interest bank accounts?"

The lack of good statistical infrastructure created problems for pandemic efforts.

On the link between QE and risk taking.

For hospitals, the insurance company is the real customer.

"Transit thrives on density, which parking undermines, and parking and walking don't mix."

The strong association between population and regulations.

Why are recent debt burdens perceived as necessary?

"It is perplexing that we humans have felt so safe from fungi when we have known for centuries that our crops can be devastated from their attacks."

An apt example, how important flexibility is for surviving long term.

The politics of housing reform is no simple matter.

Anton Howes reflects on the long road to (gradually) increased state capacity.

JW Mason distinguishes aggregate demand from aggregate supply in hysteresis

The worst chip shortage is actually in chips which are not cutting edge.

What makes inflation such a touchy subject? 

Democrats have a "messaging problem".

A more inclusive approach to real estate ownership.

Diane Coyle reviews Ages of American Capitalism. Also, Bettering Humanomics.

A "new model of the macroeconomy". Or is it?

"The inflation expectations of U.S. firms"

Mark Carney discusses his new book with David Beckworth.