The Biden Freefall

Ny Mag explains why Biden’s approval ratings are falling. The so-called ‘honeymoon period’ ended in June, just as Biden’s approval ratings had peaked at 53%, according to 538. The recent decline is consistent with past presidents, the only exception being George Bush, who only served a single term, so it’s not like it’s that accurate… Continue reading The Biden Freefall

Characteristics of Good and Bad Opinions (Updated for 2025)

In an online world oversaturated with content—now amplified by AI-generated material—the ability to express opinions clearly and persuasively is more critical than ever for standing out in the noise. While crafting successful opinions isn’t an exact science, the odds of success can be improved by studying the qualities of well-received opinions and their phrasing, as… Continue reading Characteristics of Good and Bad Opinions (Updated for 2025)

More about Inflation: Do Not Expect the Fed to Do Anything

Interesting Noah Smith article Inflation is real; now it’s up to the Fed I generally agree with Noah that Biden is powerless to reduce inflation, and that it will either require the fed abruptly raising rates a lot (which will not happen), a crisis or recession (also very unlikely, IMHO), or simply inflation returns to… Continue reading More about Inflation: Do Not Expect the Fed to Do Anything

On the False Epistemological Overconfidence of Social Media

A typical Twitter exchange might go like this: “Coal kills _____ millions of people per year.” (Possibly a link to a related article, which only .01% of people who see the tweet will actually read in its entirety.) And then someone like Jordan Peterson will reply or re-tweet an argument along the lines of, “Such… Continue reading On the False Epistemological Overconfidence of Social Media

Even more skepticism about the ‘loneliness epidemic’

A Google search shows considerable interest in the so-called loneliness epidemic: I have long argued that the purported loneliness epidemic is a creation of the media/pundits and does not exist. By writing hundreds of articles about it, people will be influenced to believe it is real. 1. America has high rates of domestic violence and… Continue reading Even more skepticism about the ‘loneliness epidemic’

The New Gilded Age

All over Reddit there are tons of posts of people getting richer than ever. It’s like the gilded age all over again, but the top hats, canes, and horse-drawn carriages have been replaced by inconspicuous button-down dress shirts and Teslas. They, the ‘new rich’, are not losing sleep over the ‘national suicide’ that Eric and… Continue reading The New Gilded Age