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Re-unite sweethearts Jim and Mary in each of 20 increasingly-tricky platform levels using problem-solving skills, timing, and sharp reactions: Jim Loves Mary is a funny, platform-based, puzzle adventure game for one or two players where you must help two lovebird characters to get back together. Control both characters separately, and try to overcome the various wacky obstacles separating the cute couple (including Mary's rolling pin-throwing Mom!).
Skills required: This highly entertaining and interactive teamwork-based brain teaser game requires fast reactions, savvy key control, good observation and anticipation skills, lots of stamina and determination, and the ability to learn from your mistakes (through good old trial and error). Smart problem-solving skills and strategy also come into play in later levels when you must figure out a solution to the obstacle-strewn mazes.
How to Play: A Flash-based, 1 or 2 player platform / puzzle game for notebook, laptop and desktop PC / Mac (with certain browsers). In each of the 20 progressively-challenging levels, your task is to simply bring (guide) sweethearts Jim and Mary together. When the duo make contact with one another, you progress to the next level. Control Jim's movement using the WASD Keys on your computer keyboard, and Mary's movement using the Arrow Keys.
Avoid contact with the parents of Jim and Mary at all costs. Likewise, contact with spiky obstacles results in a failed level. Collect red hearts in each level to increase your chances of progression. For each red heart you collect, one of the characters can survive contact extra with one of the bad guys.
If this Flash-based game no longer works on IE11 on your PC / MAC, try playing on Chrome or Firefox browser.


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Illustration: Peter C. Espina/GT
China Unicom, the country's second-largest telecom operator in terms of overall subscribers, has recently launched an unlimited data plan, joining its overseas counterparts in the trend of unlimited data offerings as hungrier users are in need of heavier yet more convenient data usage.
A comparison of China Unicom's data plan and those offered by major US mobile carriers reveals the bold move taken by the Chinese telecom operator. Meanwhile, Unicom's domestic rivals have remained more conservative about entering the unlimited data race.
The move, even in China Unicom's case, by no means indicates that the rise in cellular data usage is threatening the prevalence of Wi-Fi, just as the growing popularity of unlimited data plans in the US won't replace Wi-Fi for the foreseeable future.
To be more frank, the much-hyped unlimited data plans are more a play on words rather than being technically unlimited, a shared dilemma for mobile carriers, or actually the users, across the Pacific.
China Unicom's new data plan with the fancy name, bingjiling, which literally means ice cream, not only instantly makes the State-owned telecom operator sound cool - a trait that seems to be more often associated with the private Internet firms thriving in the country - but also puts the struggling telecom operator again in the limelight.
China Unicom arguably did a good job in the 3G era using its partnership with Apple, the iPhone maker, to lure in a multitude of high-end users. However, the iPhone dividend has gradually been tapering off as China's two other major telecom operators - China Mobile and China Telecom - also partnered with Apple to sell subsidized iPhones. China Unicom's strength dwindled further with the arrival of 4G. The latest operating statistics from the three operators show that China Mobile had a total of 552 million 4G users by the end of January, with China Telecom coming in second with 127 million users and China Unicom in third with 111 million.
It's thus possible that China Unicom feels compelled to stay abreast with the unlimited data plan hype in an attempt to get back into the competition for high-spending premium users. This has driven the telecom operator to launch the "ice cream" data plan which comes in two versions - one for 198 yuan ($28.65) per month for unlimited data usage plus 1,500 minutes of free calling and the second for 398 yuan per month for unlimited data usage and calling. Adding temptation to the mix, China Unicom is offering a 50 percent discount on the 398 yuan plan until the end of March so long as users prepay at least 1,000 yuan.
China Mobile is reportedly launching a similar plan, named aboluo, or "Apollo." The plan is expected to include a flat-rate fee of 198 yuan per month, however no official announcement has been made. China Telecom has no similar plans.
Both China Unicom's and China Mobile's plans will be more affordable than similar offerings from major US mobile carriers like Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T, where monthly starting points range from $60 to $100. Certainly, unlimited data offerings are more diversified in the US market where the unlimited-plan battle is much more fast-paced. In a sign, T-Mobile did away with its old plans in August 2016 in favor of a single unlimited plan.
With the announcement of the more generous data plan, China Unicom apparently is looking to attract users with a heavy reliance on data usage. Nonetheless, it will be harder to justify the need for cellular data usage over Wi-Fi in China. Executives at Verizon, the largest carrier in the US as measured by total subscribers, have repeatedly downplayed the need for unlimited plans, even as the carrier has recently announced its unlimited data plan. The emergence of unlimited plans is not a new phenomenon but rather a revival of offerings as current technology makes it plausible to open the floodgates on cellular data usage.
Still, unlimited data barely poses a threat to Wi-Fi, regardless of the upcoming 5G era that touts much faster connectivity. In addition to spotty cellular coverage, a host of unlimited plans are not exactly "unlimited." For example, users of Verizon's unlimited plan face the risk of throttling their data speeds after going over 22 gigabyte of data, and the plan also stipulates mobile hotspot will be reduced to 3G speeds after 10 gigabyte of data usage per month.
China Unicom's unlimited plan seems more appealing, with its 398 yuan plan offering 40 gigabyte of data per month at 4G speeds before being reduced to 3G. But it comes with caveats that include a daily limit of up to 2 gigabytes of data at 4G and a monthly data limit of 100 gigabytes.
For truly heavy data users who prefer to do everything on their mobile and may be tempted to switching to an unlimited plan, 2 gigabytes of high-speed data per day is hardly enough, considering that streaming videos easily use 1 gigabyte an hour. For those who still prioritize Wi-Fi wherever and whenever it is available, there's no need to trade in old mobile plans for unlimited ones.
With plenty of limits behind the unlimited plans, it's more realistic to envision these mobile plans as still coexisting with Wi-Fi usage.
The author is a reporter with the Global Times. firstname.lastname@example.com

subset: commoncrawl


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Fun look and energy to this video for PJ's track "One Missed Call" by Brooklyn-based artist Daveion Thompson (previously featured here). Great cinematography by Drew Bienemann.
Director: Daveion Thompson
Director of Photography: Drew Bienemann
Production Company: Couscous Saumon
Executive Producer: Salim El Arja, Jordan I. Cardoso
Producer: Ben Narich, Thomas Duchene
Video Commissioner: Alex Bittan
Label Producer: Kelsey Hack
Marketing: Kendra Ellis
1st AD: John Evangelista
2nd AD: Amy Campione
Steadicam: Aaron Gantt
1st AC: Paolo Arriola
2nd AC: Sam Schmiedeskamp
DIT Ace: Cereterro
Gaffer: Valentina Martinico
Best Boy Electrician: Steve D'haem
Electric #1: Justin Sadle
Key Grip: Chris Bauer Best
Boy Grip: Beau Beagles
Grip: Joel Bezemer
Production Designer: Terry Watson
Art Director: Phi Tran
Set Decorator: Abigail Childs
Hair Stylist: Queen Sy
Makeup Artist: Reginald Dowdley
Background HMU: Kay Cunningham
Background HMU Assistant: Tanosha Tee
Wardrobe Stylist: Charlie Brianna
Background Wardrobe Stylist: Penelope Strintz
On Set Stylist: Emily Desimone
Choreographer: Christina Alba
Production Assistant: Atoki Ileka, Brandon Mcclover, Izzy Hameed, Esther Ancrum
Editor: Matt Schaff
Visual Effects: Max Colt
Colorist: Kristopher Smale
This video was submitted by Daveion Thompson and selected by our team. Click here if you have a project you'd like us to check out!


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Thursday letters: FBI director's dilemma
Curious timing
Regarding "Trump fires Comey" (Page A1, Wednesday), the oddly-timed firing of Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey can't be allowed to halt the investigation into President Trump's ties to Russia. What role did Trump play in the manipulation of the announcement of the FBI investigation of Hillary Clinton?
Americans need to know who owns their president.
Patricia Roberts, Bellaire
Pandora's box
Regarding "AP Analysis: Trump thrusts U.S. presidency into perilous area" (Chron.com, Wednesday), it's obvious Trump is trying to stop the investigation by firing the people doing the investigating. But, by firing Comey, Pandora's box has been opened. Whatever information Comey had I'm sure it has been shared with others. The investigation is not going away. If anything it is going to get more interesting.
Arnold Kintu, posted via Facebook
Find prosecutor
An inspector general's inquiry was actively looking at Comey for most of the issues used as an excuse for his firing. A cynical person would have to ask: Why now, why not wait for the outcome? And their answer would possibly be that this is another example of a purposeful-chaos strategy the Trump administration has used to distract the public each time a situation such as the recent powerful testimony of former acting Attorney General Sally Yates gets close to exposing any Trump-Russian connection.
We only need to recall House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes claiming that breaking news derailed Yates from testifying the first time.
The reason used by the administration for the firing was to avoid a crisis of confidence in the FBI, but this action has created a crisis in confidence in the working of our government and calls for an independent special prosecutor.
Ron Curtis, Houston
Domino effect
President Obama should have fired Comey back in early July for improper conduct in office. On July 5, when Comey publicly and improperly disclosed the outcome of the FBI investigation into Hillary Clinton's email malfeasance and then failed to turn over the damning evidence to the Justice Department, Obama should have fired him right on the spot. If Loretta Lynch did not act on the referral, Obama should have fired her as well.
Had Obama been a true champion of justice, the Democratic Party at its convention weeks later would have dropped Clinton and wisely dumped Bernie Sanders as well because he was unelectable. Joe Biden, the darling of the media, would now be our president.
Ironically, because of Obama's partisan failure to seek justice, Trump is now our president.
Jim Lloyd, Houston
The liberals are shocked that Trump is still draining the cesspool that was the Obama administration. [They're] also the same liberals who were calling for a public hanging of Comey on Nov. 10, 2016.
David Smith, posted via Facebook
Beyond politics
This isn't an elephant and donkey thing. This is a valid question about the sovereignty of our nation regardless of personal views. If foreign powers are possibly manipulating our leaders, it's a civic duty, not a partisan hit job, to investigate fully and independently.
Scott Reynolds, posted via Facebook


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News: Please be patient while modifications are made to the new themes to add in familiar menus and features.
CAMDEN MARKET IS A GO!!!You can now find us here 11am-6pm, 8 days a week, like John Lemon. - - - - PROMO TIME - - - -Im feeling pretty giddy in the new site excitement so heres the deal:Save a picture of Sean Bean as your phone background prior to ordering Show us said background Get a free treat The magnitude of the freebie will be dictated by how much your picture of Beany lad makes me laugh. You have until the 18th of Jan to take advantage of my uncharacteristically good humour


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John Kenny elected as 2009-10 RI president
In his acceptance remarks, Kenny expressed his gratitude for the support and encouragement that he and his wife, June, have received.
"We have come from a small country of five million people with three Rotary districts," he said, "and it is therefore a special honor to be the first Rotarian from Scotland to be president in the history of Rotary -- and only the fifth from the British Isles."
Kenny reminded the audience that Rotary's connections with Scotland go back to the start, noting that Rotary founder Paul Harris's wife, Jean, was from Edinburgh, which in 1921 was also the location of the first Rotary convention to be held outside North America.
"I am conscious of the tradition of Rotary and that I am following in the footsteps of illustrious predecessors in the office of president," Kenny said in his remarks, "and I shall endeavor to uphold the dignity of the office to the best of my ability."
Rotarians responded with applause as he said, "I believe that high ethical standards in our business and private life are as important today as they were in the early days of Rotary.
"I am here today because someone invited me to become a member of the Rotary Club of Grangemouth, a club whose membership I have enjoyed for 37 years," he said. "Indeed, one of the things I shall miss these next two years is attending the meetings of my club each Thursday at lunchtime."
"Communications may make our world seem a smaller place, but there are still too many who are vulnerable, homeless, starving, even without hope," Kenny concluded. "With your help and dedication, I am sure we can try to help alleviate their plight. Do not let us fail to try."


text: Eleni Kotoula 2 Report post Posted August 18, 2016 Dear CHI community, The Yale Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage and the Yale Computer Graphics Group have released CHER-Ob (CULTURAL HERITAGE-Object), an open source platform developed in an attempt to enhance analysis, evaluation, documentation, sharing and management of 3D and 2D visualizations as well as textual and conservation science data. The development of CHER-Ob is intended to offer a flexible, expandable integrated platform for collaborative cultural heritage research. It is compatible with commonly used imaging data types (2D and 3D images, RTIs, CT) and textual information. CHER-Ob offers an enhanced annotation framework and metadata schema, automatic report generation, bookmark, screenshot, searching, sorting and filtering options. Project webpage: http://graphics.cs.yale.edu/site/cher-ob-open-source-platform-shared-analysis-cultural-heritage-research Source code: http://github.com/WeiqiJust/CHER-Ob I'll be pleased to provide any further details. Best wishes, Eleni 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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What Matters in Hollywood Today
What's news: The BAFTA nominations are in, and the results may surprise you. Plus: Oprah Winfrey 2020 chatter heats up, ABC and Shonda talk Netflix at TCA, CBS finds its Charlie Rose replacement and the annual CES technology conference rolls out in Las Vegas. — Ray Rahman
[Note: To receive this Today in Entertainment newsletter by email each weekday, click here.]
BAFTA Weighs In
The biggest film awards outside the U.S. has unveiled its full list of nominees for 2018, writes Alex Ritman:
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri came away with nine nominations, with many across many of the major categories (including film, actor, director and both supporting shortlists), matched by Joe Wright's Darkest Hour (including best film, actor and supporting actress). But, thanks to the technical categories, it was The Shape of Water that emerged in the lead with 12 nods (including film, director, actress and supporting actress). See the full list.
+ The Best Picture category: Call Me By Your Name, Darkest Hour, Dunkirk, The Shape of Water and Three Billboards.
+ Surprises and snubs: Steven Spielberg's The Post was shut out completely while the British sleeper Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool pulled in three noms. Another glaring snub: Dee Rees' Mudbound, which also came away empty-handed.
Three other awards favorites, all with U.S.-centric storylines, were passed over by BAFTA in the best film and best director categories but got recognition elsewhere: Get Out, Lady Bird and I, Tonya. Read more.
+ Who's up and who's down? The U.K.'s version of the Academy also sent mixed-messages about a number of films, Scott Feinberg says. Full analysis.
+ Joanna Lumley replaces Stephen Fry as host. The Absolutely Fabulous star is set to take over from Fry, who revealed last week he would be stepping down after hosting 12 times.
Elsewhere in film...
? Roman Polanski update: L.A. prosecutors won't bring criminal charges against the director after a woman alleged that he molested her in 1975 — when she was 10 years old — because the statue of limitations on the case has expired.
? Deadpool 2 keeps T.J. Miller: "We're in the final editing," producer Lauren Shuler Donner said when asked if Miller would be replaced in the film following allegations of sexual misconduct. "I don't think so."
? New Black Panther footage: A new look at Ryan Coogler's Marvel film debuted last night during the the college football championship, helping tide fans over until the film's Feb. 16 release date. See it here.
^Alison Brie interview: The actress discusses becoming picky after landing Glow, working alongside husband Dave Franco in The Disaster Artist and the audition process for her role in The Post: "After I got the role, [Spielberg] told me, 'I don't like to rehearse, so good luck and I will see you on set.' Which gave me a weird amount of confidence because I thought, 'If he isn't worried, then I shouldn't be.'" Q&A.
? R.I.P, Alan Bleviss: The iconic voiceover actor, who provided the baritone voice for Bill Clinton's U.S. presidential campaigns and movie trailers like Scarface and Dirty Dancing, passed away at 76.
[icon:therace] Feinberg Forecast: An updated snapshot of the Oscar race after the Golden Globes. See the list.
ABC Day
Monday was the Alphabet's turn at the TCA press tour. Among the highlights: ABC boss Channing Dungey addressing the Disney-Fox deal and Shonda Rhimes' Netflix pact, writes Lacey Rose:
During her 20 minutes, Dungey was asked just one question about the $52.4 billion deal. The exec simply said that "at the moment, my focus is on everything that lies directly in front of me." She shut down any follow-ups by stating clearly that she and the company had said all that it would until a regulatory process in complete.
The conversation led to a line of questioning about Shonda Rhimes, who, after years as the unofficial face of ABC, signed a mega-deal at rival Netflix. "I've known for a while that Shonda was interested in stretching a different set of creative muscles," the exec said after asserting that her relationship with Rhimes is "as strong as it's ever been" and that she was "really excited about the three shows we have on the air and the two we're about to launch." Full story.
+ Shonda Rhimes talks, too. The powerful producer discussed the state of Shondaland after the Netflix deal: "There's a misconception. We're already at Netflix. Our deal with Netflix already began. It's not as if we're going to pack our bags. We have five shows at ABC and are developing another. All our new shows will be at Netflix. It's not as if we're going anywhere. It's not as if there's a separation date." Read more.
+ The Bachelor Winter Games: You read that right. The show is going international with a seasonal Winter Olympics-themed spinoff series set to premiere Feb 13. Meet the cast.
+ Jenna Fischer talks The Office revival: "I think that's for networks to figure out if I were to be asked," Fischer said during the panel for her upcoming ABC comedy Splitting Up Together. "I haven't been approached about it and don't know anything about it. … But I love Pam!"
+ Roseanne lets loose: "I'd be a better president" than Oprah, Susan Sarandon, or Trump, Barr said during a wide-ranging appearance that dug deep into her — and her revived show's characters' — political beliefs. Full story.
+ American Idol: No more William Hungs? Showrunner Trish Kinane said ABC's version won't rely on bad auditions for humor: "It doesn't feel comfortable to put borderline unstable people up on stage and laugh at them."
+ ABC news and notes: Shondaland's For The People will debut Tuesday, March 13 ... Zach Braff's Alex, Inc. launches March 28 ... The Goldbergs' 1990s-set pilot Schooled, which was passed over last season, is getting a second chance: it will air as special Goldbergs episode Jan 24 ... Nancy Kerrigan will play herself on Jan. 30 episode of Fresh Off the Boat ... The Mike Myers-hosted The Gong Show was picked up for a second season ...
Elsewhere in TV...
? Oprah talk heats up. "I absolutely don't think that her position has changed. I don't," Gayle King said on CBS This Morning today when pressed about Oprah Winfrey's chances of running. "She's intrigued by the idea. I do think that."
+ Ivanka Trump raised eyebrows yesterday when she tweeted her support of Oprah (though not necessarily in a campaign context), calling her Globes speech "empowering & inspiring."
+ How real is this? Politico ran a story titled "Democrats say 'O yes!' to Winfrey," saying "hardened political operatives from both parties are taking a potential 2020 bid seriously — and say she'd be formidable." Even Newt Gingrich is quoted in the story as someone touting her credibility as a candidate. CNN's Brian Stelter reports that people close to Winfrey say she's "actively thinking" about it.
+ White House response: "We welcome the challenge, whether it be Oprah Winfrey or anybody else."
? John Dickerson to replace Charlie Rose: HuffPost reports that the Face the Nation host is set to replace Rose on CBS This Morning, joining Norah O'Donnell and Gayle King as co-anchor.
? Louis C.K. show scrapped by TBS: Weeks after suspending production of the disgraced comedian's animated entry The Cops, the network has nixed the 10-episode straight-to-series comedy altogether.
? Tavis Smiley eyes return: The former PBS host, dropped after misconduct claims came to light less than a month ago, announced a new online show called The Upside With Tavis Smiley that will stream on The Word Network — a move comparable to Bill O'Reilly's post-Fox News retreat to an online series.
? White House addresses the Stephen Miller-CNN flap: "He left on his own will," a White House press official said, refuting reports that Miller had to be escorted out of CNN's studio by security.
? Viacom creates new role: Chief People Officer. Fukiko Ogisu, a 10-year veteran of the conglomerate, was promoted into the new position, which will manage human resources the conglomerate's security efforts and diversity goals.
^Kimmel's tough gig: Following Meyers. Michael O'Connell reports: "The future Oscars host says he did tune in for Seth Meyers' Globes night — and that it's too soon to say how much Hollywood's current narrative will play into his own monologue." Full story.
+ Oscar poster: "What could possibly go wrong?" asks ABC's Kimmel-centric official poster for the Oscars, a reference to last year's Best Picture flub.
? FX vs. Versace: "A work of fiction," the Versace family said in harsh terms of the upcoming American Crime Story: Versace season. FX defended its work, saying the series "is based on Maureen Orth's heavily researched and authenticated nonfiction best-seller ... We stand by the meticulous reporting of Ms. Orth."
? Is Fox's 911 a hit? The Ryan Murphy show's premiere numbers popped after streaming, jumping 50 percent and reaching 10.5 million viewers — enough to tie Modern Family as the top series of the week.
? P!nk at the Super Bowl: The pop star has been tapped to perform the National Anthem before Super Bowl LII, joining Justin Timberlake as part of the evening's musical attractions.
? Hulu has given Marvel's Runaways and Future Man second season renewals.
? Sorry, Cheers fans: John Ratzenberger says a reboot isn't likely. "I don't think they want a bunch of geezers sitting at the bar," laments the actor who played Cliff Clavin. But he said he'd be game: "I would love to see it, and I think the cast would, too. The audience is still there." Read more.
Art Stars
Hidden Figures star Aldis Hodge and painter Harmonia Rosales are debuting their collaborative works at an upcoming L.A. art show, writes Maxwell Williams:
When Aldis Hodge DM'd artist Harmonia Rosales on Instagram to compliment her paintings, he never expected to kick off a collaboration. But the Hidden Figures actor — who next stars opposite Kevin Bacon in Showtime police pilot City on a Hill — showed Rosales some of his paintings, and she told him they held a beautiful sadness.
"I was surprised someone responded to my work in that way who was not named 'Mom,'" he says. Now the duo are bowing two new works via the Simard Bilodeau gallery at the L.A. Art Show, Jan.?10 to 14 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Read more.
^Jewel at CES: The singer/songwriter has partnered with Zappos on a new corporate benefits startup, Whole Human, that focuses on employee health and well-being over free meals and other perks. The program also plans on addressing sexual harassment: "We're telling men how they behave isn't acceptable, but we're not telling them what is acceptable," she says. "We have to think about what information we're filling that void with." Full story.
+ CES reporter's notebook: Media day brought a big Samsung TV, new Oculus headset. Interested in a 146-inch modular television called "The Wall"? Everyone at CES is. Read more.
What else we're reading...
— "Darkest Hour and other Golden Globe winners find success in a sea of franchises." Ryan Faughdner writes: "The strong results - especially for movies that typically cost less than $20 million to make — have been heartening for indie distributors and producers. They say the numbers are evidence that there's still a big audience for prestigious adult dramas, as long as they are critically acclaimed and distinctive while also appealing to a broad audience." [L.A. Times]
— "CES has a diversity problem. And it's time we fix it." Brenda Darden Wilkerson writes: "The tech trade show turns 50 this year. It needs to start treating female executives and other women technologists with the respect they deserve." [Recode]
— "For your reconsideration: Supporting whom, exactly?" Wesley Morris writes: "'Supporting' acting is now where lead acting goes, either when odds in the lead categories seem grim, as they apparently do for Armie Hammer, or, in the case of Viola Davis, when there's a clearer path to certain victory." [New York Times]
— "Silicon Valley reconsiders the iPhone era it created." Tripp Mickle writes: "A tussle between prominent investors and Apple over iPhone use by young people comes amid a nascent re-evaluation of the smartphone's social consequences within the industry that spawned it." [Wall Street Journal]
— "Why is Will Smith trying to be the next Jake Paul?" Ann-Derrick Gailot writes: "More and more mega-celebrities are turning to vlogging." [The Outline]
What else we're seeing...
+ "Michael Wolff: You should believe all of Fire and Fury." [Late Show]
+ "Meryl Streep on Mariah Carey: 'Bitch stole my seat.'" [Jimmy Kimmel Live!]
+ "Taraji P. Henson proves actresses over 40 are action heroes." [Tonight Show]
What else we're hearing...
+ "Tom Hanks: Interview." The beloved actor reflects on his tumultuous childhood and becoming a dad at 21; why he grew tired of playing "pussies," and how he managed a remarkable career reinvention capped by Oscars in back-to-back years. [Awards Chatter / THR]
+ "Lisa Nishimura: Interview." Scott Feinberg sits down with Netflix's vp of original documentary and comedy programming. [Awards Chatter / THR]
+ "How #MeToo played out at the Golden Globes." New York Times reporters chat with Lehrer about Sunday night. [Brian Lehrer Show / WNYC]
Today's Birthdays: Nina Dobrev, 29, Kate Middleton, 36, Joey Lauren Adams, 50, Dave Matthews, 51, Al Jean, 57, Imelda Staunton, 62, J.K. Simmons, 63, Jimmy Page, 74.


text: Kai Germany Beretta Europe Store Verified Purchase 23/10/2018 - 14:31 Permalink Report Abuse 1 out of 1 people found the following review helpful 5 out of 5 Very nice soft case & superfast delivery The soft case is huge enough for my 692 Sporting (76 cm) and is of an pretty nice quality. I love ordering at the Beretta Online-Shop. Delivery in less than 24 hours from Italy to Germany. Keep on going Beretta :-) Would you recommend this product to a friend? Yes Comment | Was this review helpful? Yes | No Name Leave a Comment Submit Comment


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On this final episode of Contra Krugman after nearly five years, we analyze Krugman's horrified response to state reopenings after the lockdowns. Show notes for Ep. 225
With his usual magnanimity, Krugman declares that the epidemiologists have been completely accurate in their warnings during the pandemic, whereas those who want to reopen the economy are trying to kill workers. Tom and Bob beg to differ. Show notes for Ep. 224
In his attempt to praise Powell and criticize Trump, Krugman admits that the "real economy" is in terrible shape, and that the stock market has done well only because of low interest rates and the Fed's emergency actions. Krugman says this pattern holds not only for our post-covid world, but ever since the mid-2000s. He thus ironically agrees with Austrian critics who've warned for years that the Fed was blowing up massive asset bubbles. Show notes for Ep. 223
Krugman is unhappy that the "right wing" is more apt to listen to people he considers quacks than to people he considers experts, and he says the COVID-19 problem is yet another example. We are unconvinced. Show notes for Ep. 222
Guest co-host Richard Ebeling -- who was one of Bob's own economics professors -- joins me to discuss Krugman's qualified support for the $2 trillion coronavirus relief bill recently signed into law, and why we shouldn't be cheering. Show notes for Ep. 221
This episode delves into all the key questions surrounding the economics of the coronavirus crisis: bailouts, Federal Reserve policy, payments to individuals, the effects of the shutdown, and more. Show notes for Ep. 220
In a perhaps surprising move for someone who said "deficits matter again" upon Trump's election, Krugman now makes the case for perpetual budget deficits in the range of 4% of GDP. This will facilitate much-needed "stimulus spending" in an era of weak growth and low inflation. Tom and Bob point out the fallacies in this thinking. Show notes for Ep. 219
What really matters, says Krugman, is financial regulation. And only Elizabeth Warren can deliver, because Bernie will expend his political capital on unwinnable issues, and Bloomberg's heart isn't in it. We respond, as usual. Show notes for Ep. 218
Krugman complains that during the Obama years, when deficit spending was desperately needed, obstructionist Republicans opposed it out of what they claimed was principle, but was mere spite. Now, he says, with a Republican in the White House, they couldn't care less about deficits. What's really going on here? That's our topic for this episode. Show notes for Ep. 217
Krugman says Greta Thunberg is closer the economics mainstream than are her critics. Quite a few whoppers to deal with in this one, as you can surely imagine. Show notes for Ep. 216
That's Krugman's message now. Interestingly, back in 2003 the very indicators he's now using to tell us not to worry were actually less pronounced, and yet back then he was warning of a "fiscal train wreck." In any case, today we discuss what the genuine problems with the deficit are, and why it makes perfect sense to be concerned about it. Show notes for Ep. 215
Krugman blames the "austerity" that began a decade ago for ensuing economic ills and political instability. This is a fashionable enough view, but the evidence against it is more or less overwhelming. Enjoy! Show notes for Ep. 214
Although details are still emerging, a deal has evidently been reached between China and the United States regarding trade. Did Trump accomplish anything (from his standpoint)? Was the whole thing a waste of time and resources? Did it create uncertainty in the business world? What should we think about trade deficits? It's all in here, folks. Show notes for Ep. 213
We discuss the impeachment, Krugman's selective praise for whistleblowers, and what the correct approach to the problem of "crony capitalism" should be. Show notes for Ep. 212
We recorded this episode before a live audience at -- of all places -- the Austrian central bank in Vienna, where the Austrian Economics Center held a two-day academic conference. We respond to Krugman's key claim: namely, that Eurosclerosis is long over, and that Europe can no longer be cited with any plausibility as evidence that significant social spending and regulation retard employment. Show notes for Ep. 211
Krugman is impressed by the detail and alleged seriousness of Elizabeth Warren's Medicare for All plan and how it will be paid for. Bob and Tom, by contrast, are not so impressed. Show notes for Ep. 210
Krugman criticizes Democrats who think automation is behind American job losses. But just when he's sounding sensible, he jumps back into "inadequate spending" being the problem. Show notes for Ep. 209
We got a lot of requests for an episode on debt after Krugman tweeted that "debt is money we owe to ourselves." What's the real truth? Show notes for Ep. 208
Historian and podcast host Brion McClanahan joins Bob to discuss Krugman's defense of Elizabeth Warren against the big bad plutocrats, who apparently are threatening to support Trump if she's the Democratic nominee. Krugman dismisses the possibility that these wealthy people might oppose Warren's wealth tax, and instead suggests that the real reason they hate Warren is that she hurt their feelings. Show notes for Ep. 207
Krugman says people on the political right get inordinately worked up over minor regulations that have a clear public benefit, and that such people now have a champion in the White House. Could there be a reason other than derangement for why people get upset about various kinds of regulation? Bob and Tom discuss. Show notes for Ep. 206
Krugman argues that an undemocratic, authoritarian regime is being built in the United States, and cites Sharpiegate and Trump's treatment of the auto industry as prime examples. Show notes for Ep. 205
We take listener questions in this episode, from Krugman's worst blunders, to how the Fed might return interest rates to their natural level, to a former Fed official's implication that the Federal Reserve ought to make Trump's reelection more difficult. Show notes for Ep. 204
Because Krugman is a bore, Tom and Bob field questions from the listeners. They handle objections about their recent arguments concerning the economics of slavery, clear up apparent contradictions in the libertarian handling of free trade and the welfare state, and explain Rothbard's view of debt repudiation. Show notes for Ep. 203
David Stockman, director of the Office of Management and Budget under Ronald Reagan, joins Tom (Bob is on vacation) to explain what's really happening with the current inverted yield curve, as well as how to tell real growth from phony growth, and a lot more. Show notes for Ep. 202
The ordinarily serene Bob Murphy is genuinely outraged in this episode, in which we cover Krugman's casual claim that Donald Trump is trying to establish an "authoritarian, white nationalist regime." Needless to say, it does not matter what your opinion of Trump is. This idea is out of some sort of alternate reality that in no way corresponds to the real world, but which in classic Orwellian style is presented as if all reasonable people just know it to be true. Show notes for Ep. 201
Bob minds the store and explains what is interesting about Krugman's discussion on bonds vs. stocks as ways to forecast recession, how an inverted yield curve signals problems, and the precise way that Trump could be depressing investment. Yet even though these abstract discussions are instructive, Bob argues that they don't really work in the cases where Krugman deploys them. Show Notes for Ep. 200
Krugman says that since Trump's tax cuts amounted to nothing but a giveaway to wealthy shareholders, and since many of those are foreigners, the tax cuts amounted to a perverse foreign aid program. Show notes for Ep. 199
In an "op-ed from the future," Krugman speculates about a world in which "the rich" have access to life-extending technology. Should they be allowed to have it if not everyone can afford it? This episode gets to the heart of the left-liberal worldview. Show notes for Ep. 198
Krugman suggests that although it makes sense for much of the economy to be in private hands, there are some sectors where private control would yield perverse results. He devotes particular attention to so-called private prisons. So we set him straight. After all, that's why we're here. Show notes for Ep. 197
There aren't any real socialists running in the Democratic Party, says Krugman, because none of them want to abolish private ownership of the means of production. Republicans level the accusation because they're ignorant idiots. Krugman wonders what would happen if Republicans began to be routinely referred to as fascists (as if isn't happening every day). Show notes for Ep. 196
Krugman is horrified at Trump's pressure on the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates. Yet he thinks a case can be made for doing precisely that. What is Krugman to do? Show notes for Ep. 195
Krugman is very impressed by Elizabeth Warren, who he thinks has a whole bunch of very good, detailed policy proposals. This is precisely what the world needs more of, he says: public policy proposals based on the best scholarly literature. He proceeds to misrepresent that literature. We nail him. Show notes for Ep. 194
Krugman is horrified that Donald Trump has been critical of the National Health Service (NHS) in Britain. Why, the NHS is doing a great job! We put Krugman's arguments under a microscope. Show notes for Ep. 193
We do another Q&A episode this week, a good portion of which revolves around the Federal Reserve: the best ways to undermine it, how we might transition away from it, whether a reckoning has to come even if the Fed never raises interest rates, and a lot more. Plus: would we rather debate ten duck-sized Krugmans or one Krugman-sized duck? Show notes for Ep. 192
Bob flies solo to point out a shocking admission in Krugman's column: He actually thinks Democrats are lucky that Trump backed out of an infrastructure deal, even though Krugman also believes the deal would have helped the country. Bob goes on to explain what's wrong with Krugman's economic arguments for more government infrastructure spending. Show notes for Ep. 191
Bob and Tom take some outstanding and very important and helpful listener questions in this episode, such as: what is one legitimate contribution a Keynesian has made? Can trade deficits be bad? What are the best critiques of Austrian economics you've heard? And plenty more. Show notes for Ep. 190
The issue of international trade is not a simple one of a difference of opinion: Trump genuinely appears not to understand the subject. We sort it all out in this episode. Show notes for Ep. 189
After having predicted that the election of Trump would lead to economic hard times as far as the eye could see, Krugman's new line is that of course the economy is strong: federal deficits have been driving it! Show notes for Ep. 188
Krugman addresses the claim that Bernie Sanders, who until recently had been railing against "millionaires and billionaires," is a hypocrite since he's now a millionaire himself. Krugman proceeds to explain that among the super rich, most are right-wing and evil. Show notes for Ep. 187
Had the Mueller report truly vindicated Krugman, we can be certain his victory-lap column would have come swiftly. Now that he's finally gotten around to mentioning it after a curious delay, he's jumping on the bandwagon of the Orwellian "Mueller proves we were right all along" segment of the American media. Show notes for Ep. 186
Greg Mankiw, a professor of economics at Harvard, wrote an article for the New York Times urging America to preserve the Federal Reserve he loves. And what is that? A nonpolitical, nonpartisan, scientific economic management agency staffed by selfless advocates for the public good. David Stockman, director of the Office of Management and Budget under Ronald Reagan, joins us to dismantle it. Show notes for Ep. 185
Krugman is very unhappy about the nominations of Stephen Moore and Herman Cain to the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors. (Cain's nomination now seems likely to be abortive.) Krugman devotes particular attention to Moore, whom he considers a partisan hack who changes his recommended policy depending on who is in power. We consider Krugman's accusations, and also discuss what the best monetary policy is regardless of the state of the economy. Show notes for Ep. 184
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the controversial left-wing member of Congress, got into a Twitter war when she observed that a mere croissant at La Guardia Airport goes for $7, yet some people think $15 is too much to ask for a whole hour of human labor! She started it, we finish it. Show notes for Ep. 183
In paying his respects to the recently deceased Alan Krueger, author of the widely discussed 1994 Card-Krueger study on the minimum wage, Krugman praises him for changing the way economists think about that subject. According to Krugman/Krueger, the labor market is more complicated than we thought, and increases in the minimum wage appear to have little to no effects on employment. Here's our reply to all this. Show notes for Ep. 182
Krugman starts off more or less all right in this one, arguing that robots aren't the reason wages aren't higher. But then he goes off into cloud cuckoo land, blaming the problem on a decline in labor unions. We also discuss the controversy about the connection (now broken, say some) between productivity and wages. Show notes for Ep. 181
Krugman can't get over the stupid things his opponents get upset about, and how full of irrational rage they are -- quite unlike today's left, you understand. Show notes for Ep. 180
This week, although we do cover Krugman a bit, we use a recent Caitlin Johnstone article as a springboard for discussion. With social media and traditional media in swarm mode against perpetrators of thoughtcrime, what is the best approach to maintain one's good name? Show notes for Ep. 179
This week Krugman endorses Elizabeth Warren's plan for subsidized child care at the federal level. It's so cheap, and it would help so many people! Meh. Show notes for Ep. 178
Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) is picking up steam (thanks to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders), to the point that even Krugman is alarmed. Yes, he says, you will have to raise taxes to pay for what progressives want. This is the episode folks have been asking us for. Show notes for Ep. 177
Socialism isn't all that radical, insists Krugman. Plus: virtually all people who call themselves socialists just want to be like Denmark, not Venezuela or the Soviet Union. They just want poor people cared for! Anyone who thinks nicey-nice socialism like this could lead to bad outcomes is crazy and unreasonable, he says. So, as usual, we respond. Show notes for Ep. 176
Krugman says nobody really supports free-market (what he calls "conservative") economics. Racists tolerate it because it's the only way they can get their racism fix; the Republicans, who give them the racism they seek, cling to "conservative" economics, so racists grudgingly accept it. But most Americans are far left on economics, which is why Howard Schultz, who's trying to combine some kind of fiscal restraint with social liberalism, is encountering so much hostility. It's a nutty column, but...more
The proposals to tax the rich much more heavily are coming fast and furious from Democratic presidential candidates. We examine the ideas and so-called economics behind it all. Show notes for Ep. 174
Krugman says that the case for putting the government directly in charge of approximately one-third of the economy is very strong. We're not so sure it's quite so strong. Show notes for Ep. 173
Krugman points out that even though Republicans have been calling for limited government for as long as anyone can remember, now that the federal government shutdown is upon us they're desperate to get emergency funding for various government functions. In this episode, we discuss this argument, as well as whether the shutdown is really a "big libertarian experiment," as Krugman claims. Show notes for Ep. 172
Paul Krugman loves Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and says her suggestion for a much higher top marginal income tax rate is actually well founded and economically sound. Now if the column were just about that, it'd make for a great episode of Contra Krugman. But the way Krugman speaks of "the rich" is downright sinister, and we hit that head on as well. Show Notes for Ep. 171
Krugman can't believe that the same people warning about expansionary monetary policy under Barack Obama are suddenly concerned about contractionary monetary policy under Donald Trump. You already know part of the answer: Krugman is as inconsistent as the folks he criticize are. But we have much more for you, particularly: what's so bad about the Federal Reserve's intervention into the economy? Show Notes for Ep. 170
Why can't Krugman be a plain old economist who speaks in a nonpartisan way? That's what supporters asked after hearing him speak dispassionately about trade on a recent podcast. His answer: people who oppose me on fiscal and monetary policy are partisan cranks with no scientific standing, so they deserve to be smashed. In this episode, we do the smashing. Show Notes for Ep. 169
Newly elected member of Congress Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been calling for a "Green New Deal," which she says will at once confront the dangers of climate change and also provide good jobs at living wages and overturn racial and gender injustices. We are unconvinced. Show notes for Ep. 168
We take on additional hard questions for libertarians: quarantines (for infectious/incurable diseases), terrorism, Somalia, and climate change. Show notes for Ep. 167
Krugman took questions last week on Quora, and they spanned a wide range: -- Has Keynesian economics failed America? -- What are the causes of inequality? -- What will Trump's long-term economic legacy be? -- Why haven't wages increased alongside corporate profits? -- Would universal basic income work? -- Can Krugman refute "trickle-down" economics? -- and a whole bunch more. In this episode, we critique Krugman's answers and offer our own. Show notes for Ep. 166
Brazil's economy was booming and everything looked great, and then it suffered a severe slump. What the heck happened? Well, whether or not you're interested in Brazil you'll be interested in Krugman's attempted answers and our replies. (You'll also be shocked to learn that Krugman has quietly changed his position on Brazil, hoping no one would notice. No such luck, Paul.) Show notes for Ep. 165
Krugman laments that the Senate disproportionately represents people he obviously dislikes. we use that as a springboard for a lively discussion of the recent midterm elections and what's really going on in American politics. Show notes for Ep. 164
The apparent murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the hands of the Saudis was the subject of this Krugman column, which discusses and criticizes the Trump response. Foreign-policy expert Scott Horton joins us for this chilling episode. Show notes for Ep. 163
Aboard our third Contra Cruise, we take on some of the hardest questions libertarians have to answer: roads, the poor, defense, and more. Show notes for Ep. 162
During and after the financial crisis the Fed increased the monetary base to an unprecedented extent. Everyone hailed it for its wisdom. but that alleged solution is now a major problem hanging over the economy. What if anything can the Fed do now? Show notes for Ep. 161
The media is delighted that William Nordhaus shared this year's Nobel Prize in economics. Why, he warns about the damage likely to be caused by climate change, just as we do! Not so fast, alarmists. Not so fast. Show notes for Ep. 160
Krugman insists that the Brett Kavanaugh controversy is all about entitled, envious white men terrified of losing their status and privilege. We SLIGHTLY disagree. SLIGHTLY. Show notes for Ep. 159
Bob and Tom discuss the work of Bob's favorite economist, Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk. Böhm-Bawerk refuted many an economic fallacy in his day, including Marxism itself. We discuss the arguments he made as well as how he made them. Show notes for Ep. 158
Krugman surprises us by writing about economics. He tells us that in the wake of the financial crisis, the public and even other economists have drawn the wrong lessons. Contrary to what you've heard, says Krugman, the Keynesian macro model did great during the crisis, while microeconomics is overrated. Well yes, we agree that Krugman's model did great...if we overlook all the times it blew up in his face. Show notes for Ep. 157
This week's column, which makes hysterical claims about Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, is a combination of baseless assertion and historical ignorance. Joining us for this week's dismantling is special guest and James Madison biographer Kevin Gutzman, professor of history at Western Connecticut State University. Show notes for Ep. 156
We take a listener question -- early-bird registrants for the Contra Cruise got this as a bonus -- about what would happen if one country went completely stateless, but the rest of the world stayed the same. Lots of potential consequences here, and we do our best to sort them out! Plus the usual fun. Show notes for Ep. 155
The Cato Institute recently issued a ranking of economic freedom in the 50 U.S. states. Krugman thinks they're defining freedom too narrowly, for surely workers in New York, where they have many protections, feel freer than workers elsewhere. He further suggests a positive correlation between economic freedom and infant mortality. These and other Krugman claims are ground into sausage. Show notes for Ep. 154
Senator Warren has proposed sweeping changes to how corporations would be allowed to operate in the United States -- no longer will they cater to stockholders only, but they will have to take into account the needs of a wide range of "stakeholders" (workers, communities, etc.). Special guests Gene Epstein and Peter Klein join Tom. Show notes for Ep. 153
Krugman calls Nancy Pelosi "by far the greatest speaker of modern times," and says she "surely ranks among the most impressive people ever to hold that position." He credits her with helping push along financial reform, Obamacare, the stimulus, etc. -- and that gives us a chance to smash all those things. Show notes for Ep. 152
Krugman advances two main arguments against cryptocurrency. One of them, it turns out, applies equally well to the U.S. dollar, a point Krugman fails to acknowledge. Neither argument carries much sting, and in fact cryptocurrencies can parry Krugman's criticisms without breaking a sweat. Show notes for Ep. 151
There's been plenty of discussion of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, says Krugman, but it's been focused mainly on his views of presidential power, and not on his opinions on business and workers. On this, too, he's atrocious, says Krugman. We say: Krugman is leaving out 95% of the argument. Show notes for Ep. 150
Krugman is on vacation this week, so we take a topic suggestion from someone who's joining us on this year's Contra Cruise: how to unwind the welfare state peacefully as the fiscal crisis becomes impossible to evade. Show notes for Ep. 149
We recorded this episode before a live audience at the Mises Institute's Mises University summer program. What a blast! Show notes for Ep. 148
During the 2016 campaign Krugman was critical of Bernie Sanders, but all of a sudden he can't see anything wrong with "radical Democrats" like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. We help him see more clearly. Show notes for Ep. 147
The economy may be doing well, says Krugman, but when you look closer at what Trump touts as his great economic victories, they've been neutral to negative. (Also: winners of the Contra Cruise contest announced!) Show notes for Ep. 146
The Libertarian Party's Mises Caucus held a special event last weekend during the Libertarian Party's national convention, and we both spoke. We recorded this episode with three other speakers as guests: Jordan Page, Michael Heise, and Murray Sabrin. Show notes for Ep. 145
In this episode, Bob flies solo and fields another Contra Cruiser request. Specifically, he explains the standard Austrian approach to air pollution, and then talks about the risks of catastrophic climate change. Do libertarians just have to hope nothing really bad happens? Show notes for Ep. 144
We get this question all the time: what did Krugman win it for, and can you explain it in an episode? It involves trade, and we're discussing it today. Show notes for Ep. 143
Krugman tips his hat to the neoconservatives, whom he describes as "sincere," but says the rest of his right-of-center opponents are unprincipled shills. Why, they support Trump's government support for coal! Uh, nope. Show notes for Ep. 142
It's one thing to find problems with the current monetary system. It's quite another to recommend an alternative. Switzerland has establishment commentators going berserk over its own proposal -- why, this would return us to the "Dark Ages," warns Business Insider. We're less interested in Switzerland than we are in figuring out what changes would move us in the right direction, and what changes would amount to the cure being worse than the disease. Show notes for Ep. 141
Krugman bewails the mistakes and poor judgment of the establishment on both sides of the Atlantic, because the result has been a popular revolt tending towards fascism. We also discuss the euro, and Krugman's claim that "austerity" caused great damage to Europe. Paul Gottfried is our special guest. Show notes for Ep. 140
Krugman is unconvinced by the Trump plan to get Americans lower drug prices, and tries to figure out why those prices are so high. Let's just say that in this episode we help him do a better job of that.... Show notes for Ep. 139
Krugman makes fun of the idea that conservatives and libertarians are treated particularly unfairly. Why, people criticize Krugman, too, and that's all right by him! Well, we have more fun in this episode than in any episode in recent memory. Not to mention: Tom says something fairly outrageous and decides to edit it out -- then let himself be talked into keeping it in the episode. You'll know it when you hear it.... Show notes for Ep. 138
Philip Goff argues that libertarians make a variety of unsupported and unsupportable assumptions when they claim that taxation is theft. We defend the libertarian claim against Goff. (What else did you expect us to do?) Show notes for Ep. 137
Are Republicans at war with schoolteachers? Krugman thinks so: their state-level tax cuts have wrought havoc on education budgets, and it's teachers' salaries that have suffered. We discuss the real truth of that question, plus the more general claim that education funding has suffered or that money or lack thereof accounts for how good the results are. This one's a smash. Show notes for Ep. 136
Krugman says renewable energy is getting less expensive and more realistic as a power option all the time, and that the only thing standing in the way are shills for the various fossil-fuel industries. Really? Show notes for Ep. 135
In this column Krugman suggests that the decline in the moral and scholarly rigor of conservative intellectuals has to do with the intellectual bankruptcy of the Republican Party, which has no interest in science or truth. So to get ahead or even to be heard, intellectuals have to say ridiculous things that the Party wants to hear. Left-liberals, by contrast, are overwhelmingly committed to the dispassionate examination of evidence, are not sycophantic toward those in power, and readily admit ...more
Opponents of protectionism sometimes misrepresent what the real danger of it is. It isn't going to cause a depression or mass unemployment. But it does do something -- beyond just raising domestic prices -- that undermines everyone's standard of living. Show notes for Ep. 133
Krugman insists on the validity of the Phillips Curve, which purports to show an inverse relationship between unemployment and inflation, but the causal mechanism Krugman sees between them is straight out of Keynesian la-la land. Show notes for Ep. 132
Krugman says Trump is surrounded by people who are wrong on trade: first, the neo-mercantilists, who view trade as a zero-sum game of winners and losers, and second, "neo-goldbugs," who favor a strong dollar and won't concede the merits of a weak currency. Krugman isn't wrong about the neo-mercantilists, but he's wrong about plenty else.... Show notes for Ep. 131
Today we branch out a bit and take on one of Robert Reich's popular (but obviously simplistic) videos about what's gone wrong with the economy. Why, we once had strong labor unions, education, and health care, and then big money corrupted politics and we don't have any of these things, and that's where our problems come from. We're further told that the financial crisis was caused by banks "gambling," and by fraud. (He never asks why the banks should suddenly have started gambling at a particula...more
Trump's tariffs are bad economics, so Krugman isn't entirely wrong, but his cheerleading for some of the well-known trade agreements needs the gentle correction we're known for on this show.... Show notes for Ep. 129
Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) is gaining traction. Its adherents think it's just common sense, but it's actually destructive nonsense. Why, governments can never "run out of money," because they have a printing press! OK, it's a little more sophisticated than that, but not nearly as much as they think it is. More inanities smashed courtesy of Contra Krugman. Show notes for Ep. 128
Krugman insists that Republicans are unique in refusing to admit to making mistakes, lying about their intentions, etc. Of course, these are characteristics of the entire regime, but Krugman, who is deeply tied to that regime, can never admit this. Bob and Tom, however, are subject to no such constraints. Show notes for Ep. 127
Krugman can't believe Republicans who worried about deficits under Obama -- when, according to Keynesianism, we needed deficits to help the struggling economy -- have no problem with them today, at a time when Keynesianism would consider them unnecessary. Yes, there are plenty of Republican hypocrites, whom we do not spare in this episode. But Krugman and his friends might want to be more careful when accusing other people of hypocrisy.... Show notes for Ep. 126
Krugman insists that "the stock market is not the economy," and that downturns in the stock market need not portend bad economic times. But he takes the opportunity of stock market volatility to evaluate the present condition of the economy and its prospects for growth. We respond. Show notes for Ep. 125
Krugman thinks Bitcoin serves no good purpose, except perhaps for people who are up to no good, and is powered by libertarian fantasies and paranoia. Bob and Tom have some fun banter on this one. Show notes for Ep. 124
Krugman complains about Trump again this week, and blames him for (among numerous other things) the loss of U.S. credibility abroad. We take a stroll down (recent) memory lane to add some perspective: there's plenty of presidential crappiness to go around. Show notes for Ep. 123
This week we bypass Krugman's columns to discuss the different schools of Keynesianism, how and when they emerged, and what their differences are. Show notes for Ep. 122
Krugman hits a bunch of themes in this one, among them Alexander Hamilton, Russiagate, and the claim that no president ever acted on the desire to imprison his opponents. We restore a bit of perspective by glancing back at American history. Show notes for Ep. 121
Immediately after the 2016 election, Krugman predicted markets would "never" recover, but after a strong 2017, Krugman is suddenly reminded that presidents don't have much influence over the economy after all. But if we should need more stimulus, he says, we'll be sorry we don't have a Keynesian in office. Show notes for Ep. 120
In this episode, Bob once again flies solo, burdening the listeners with his odd sense of humor. But along the way, he tackles Krugman's objections to Bitcoin, and also discusses the relevance of Mises' regression theorem to the cryptocurrency. Show notes for Ep. 119
In this episode, Bob flies solo when analyzing a Krugman interview with Vox's Ezra Klein. Being close to the holiday, it's only appropriate that our Keynesian Nobelist seems to be contradicting the ghost of Krugman past. Show notes for Ep. 118
Krugman is claiming that everything he said regarding housing and the financial crisis has been vindicated. The problem, he says, was a general collapse in "demand." Contra Krugman co-host Bob Murphy, on the other hand, has shown in his own writing that in fact the crisis was not caused by a problem with "demand" in general, but with problems in particular sectors, brought about during the inflationary boom. Show notes for Ep. 117
Krugman is upset that more Republicans aren't speaking out against the tax bill that's been in the news. But there's one bright light for Krugman: the neocons. Lots of them have been soundly anti-Trump, and Krugman appreciates their adherence to principle. (Funny, we don't recall Krugman ever admiring Ron Paul's adherence to principle, and his led to far fewer deaths....) Show notes for Ep. 116
In one of the most heated episodes ever, Bob and Tom take apart Krugman's apologies for not fully appreciating the extent of his "white privilege," and for the things he says he once appreciated about America that are now disappearing: toleration (no, he's not criticizing people who shout down speakers), environmental protection, respect for truth and evidence, respect for intellectuals, etc. It's brutal. Show notes for Ep. 115
No Krugman column this week for us; instead we step back and look at the big picture: what exactly do Keynesians get wrong in their understanding of the economy? Show notes for Ep. 114
Krugman argues that the GOP tax plan, even on its own terms, would blow up the trade deficit and lead to millions of lost manufacturing jobs. We teach the economics behind his argument, but also mention--get ready for this--that Krugman leaves out two big factors that completely undercut his case. Show notes for Ep. 113
Krugman says Republicans are expecting too much from the corporate income tax rate cut they're proposing. Is he right? Show notes for Ep. 112
This week, Krugman disputes the claim that reductions in corporate tax rates help anyone but the super-rich. So we explain to him how they work. Show notes for Ep. 111
Krugman thinks everyone who disagrees with him on monetary policy has been decisively refuted and ought to be ridiculed or ignored. The Fed has done great work, he says. He also insists that unlike him, we refuse to admit our mistakes. That's a lot of fodder for one episode. Enjoy! Show notes for Ep. 110
Krugman is a fan of Richard Thaler, winner of the Nobel Prize in economics, and speaks in favor of Thaler's argument that real people often don't act like the calculating robots of neoclassical lore. Thaler is right about that, but we've got a bunch of punchy responses to his more dubious claims -- responses that are all the more fun to listen to because delivered before a live audience aboard the Contra Cruise! Show notes for Ep. 109
Krugman is concerned that Trump will appoint a hands-off Fed chairman who hasn't learned the lessons of history. We challenge the hidden premise in there. Show notes for Ep. 108
Krugman complains that what we know so far about a potential Trump tax reform plan is not good -- it would give most relief to millionaires and billionaires. We discuss Rand Paul's opposition to the plan, and what genuine tax reform should really do. Show notes for Ep. 107
Krugman says: who cares if high marginal income tax rates make people work less, or lower rates would give them an incentive to make them work more? It's all a wash, says Krugman: if they work more they also earn more, so they get all the gains and society gets nothing. This is smashed like nothing we've smashed before. Show notes for Ep. 106
The Graham-Cassidy bill is yet another version of Obamacare repeal -- but is that what it does? We cover the ongoing debate, with plenty of the usual fun. Show notes for Ep. 105
Krugman observes the anniversary of the attacks of September 11, 2001, with a column about the unique wickedness of the Republicans, and no acknowledgment of the bipartisan War Party. Scott Horton joins us for some real history from those terrible days. Show notes for Ep. 104
Bob flies solo in this episode, as Tom & Family evacuate for the hurricane. Krugman makes some good observations about the economics of immigration, but (as usual) he misrepresents his opponents (while accusing them of being liars). Bob offers his own views on how libertarians might better approach this controversial subject. Show notes for Ep. 103
Krugman blames the destructiveness of the hurricane partly on climate change and partly on Houston's lack of zoning. We take these on, and also defend the "price gouger," who genuinely saves lives. Show notes for Ep. 102
Even if Republicans don't get their way on taxes or spending, don't be fooled, says Krugman: they have lots of other ways to make workers miserable. Show notes for Ep. 101
Ron Paul joins us as our special guest on episode 100! We cover health care, the Trump foreign policy, trade, the splintering of the "liberty movement," and more. Enjoy! Show notes for Ep. 100
Krugman claims the downturn of 2008 was caused by inadequate "demand." The Austrians claim the downturn was more complicated: it involved problems in particular sectors that had been artificially expanded, not a system-wide problem of not enough spending. Thankfully, we can resolve this dispute swiftly enough -- and we do, in this episode. Show notes for Ep. 99
Republicans are incorrigibly wrong on issue after issue, from taxes to health care, says Krugman. They have no respect for experts, for data, or for the truth itself. And yet it turns out that the guy who's wrong is...(you'll never guess). Show notes for Ep. 98
How do central banks hurt the common man? That's the theme of our discussion in this episode, recorded live at the Mises Institute's annual week-long instructional program for students. Professor Jeffrey Herbener of Grove City College and Ph.D. candidate Louis Rouanet join us. Show notes for Ep. 97
On his blog, Krugman responds to fellow columnist Bret Stephens, who argues that the conservative movement has fallen a long way since the days of William F. Buckley. Krugman responds that the conservative movement was never any good, and never had any kind of golden age. Believe it or not, we get more worked up in this episode than probably any episode thus far. You won't want to skip this one. Show notes for Ep. 96
Krugman reviews economic ideas that he says no longer apply today. Is there anything wrong with his thinking? Show notes for Ep. 95
Is a trade war in the offing? There's plenty of protectionist talk coming from the White House. Will it "save jobs"? Show notes for Ep. 94
The official study commissioned by the city of Seattle is painting a grim picture of the consequences of the minimum wage increase in that city thus far. Show notes for Ep. 93
Well well well, in a splash of serendipity, the one week Tom leaves the show in Bob's hands, Krugman devotes his column to zombies--and vampires. Specifically, the GOP idea that tax cuts on the rich are great for the economy is an idea that just won't die. And the Republican plan for health insurance reform must be kept hidden from the sunlight. (Just like a vampire, get it?) Bob brings on Cato Senior Fellow Dan Mitchell to talk about the alleged supply-side failure in Kansas. Show notes for Ep....more
Krugman says Trump is wrecking the ship of state: the president's worse than even his harshest critics warned. Trump's petty politics on health care is causing insurers to hike premiums, while his foreign policy moves indicate corruption and recklessness. We point out Krugman's flip-flopping on health insurers, and you'll also learn how to pronounce "Qatar." Show notes for Ep. 91
Krugman wrote two columns in a row on Donald Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Accord and the abdication of American leadership on climate change, and we reply to them both in this episode. Our thanks to Marcus Brown for the Contra Cruise jingle! Check out his comedy podcast, Make My Day. Show notes for Ep. 90
Krugman says Donald Trump is all wrong to want to give regulatory relief to the coal industry. That industry can't ever be revived to where it was in the old days, says Krugman, and it would be silly to try, especially when all these abundant clean alternatives are available. In fact, to try would amount to putting "the whole planet's future at risk." (Krugman also makes a side remark about Trump's blasphemy on NATO, and we also comment on that.) Show notes for Ep. 89
This week Krugman complains that workers are becoming less free: Obamacare is in danger of repeal, and more and more workers are being required to sign noncompete agreements. These things limit people's choices, says Krugman, so in a very real sense they are being made less free. Is any of this true, and is Krugman's understanding of freedom coherent? This is all especially good fodder for Contra Krugman. Show notes for Ep. 88
For the second time, we recorded a live episode of the show in Seattle. We hit health care, foreign policy, taxes, and more. Thanks to the energetic crowd! Show notes for Ep. 87
You probably know what Paul Krugman thinks of Brexit and Marine Le Pen, but in this column he urges European elites not to treat them as if they can be brushed aside. The populist wave is strong and real, says Krugman, and it's in part a response to the lousy job European politicians have done. Show notes for Ep. 86
On the one hand, people are telling pollsters that they're bullish on the economy, but on the other, the economic statistics (like retail sales) aren't reflecting this kind of confidence. What's going on here? Krugman has a theory.... Show notes for Ep. 85
Krugman can't believe people still think tax cuts (particularly on "the rich," who of course pay most of the taxes) might have good and substantial effects on the economy, or that they could believe that the ensuing economic growth could make up some of the lost revenue. We look at the facts of the matter. Show notes for Ep. 84
Krugman (correctly) wonders about all the emphasis on manufacturing employment, when many other perfectly honorable lines of work have also witnessed declines. Why the emphasis on manufacturing? Why, because white people tend to hold those jobs, says Krugman. What a surprise.... Show notes for Ep. 83
Krugman says Trump's recent strike on Syria is typical of the man: a one-shot action masquerading as policy. He also says that Obama was right to stay out, since there was no clear way through the morass there. Special guest Daniel McAdams, executive director of the Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity and co-host of the Ron Paul Liberty Report, joins us for this episode. Show notes for Ep. 82
Krugman wonders what became of Trump's bluster about trade -- so far, the proposed changes to trade policy are minor. Bob and Tom discuss President Trump as compared to candidate Trump. Show notes for Ep. 81
This week (with Krugman discussing Obamacare yet again) we decided to hop into our time machine and revisit a golden oldie: Krugman's response to one of Bob's articles on capital theory and business cycles. Now that's an episode! Show notes for Ep. 80
Conservatives suffer from the delusion that government spending is generally waste that doesn't do anyone any good, says Krugman. Now that they're in power, they're seeing how great and important government is, and how much voters love it. So where are their promised budget cuts going to come from? Bob and Tom sort through it all! Show notes for Ep. 79
Krugman's opponents all live in a fantasy world where facts don't count. That's his dispassionate assessment of our present situation. He also can't believe anyone would think the Congressional Budget Office's reports might be politicized. Too bad he himself made that precise accusation in 2015.... Show notes for Ep. 78
Republicans are now figuring out that really, the Democrats have been right all along, which is why it's so hard to devise a true alternative to Obamacare. That's Krugman's argument in this column. They're also flubbing the way they're corporate tax reform. This isn't because their leader, Donald Trump, is a bozo, but because they themselves are shysters who are good at sloganeering but bad at governing. Show notes for Ep. 77
We've covered Obamacare quite a bit on this podcast, but we had to address Krugman's claim -- advanced by many on the left -- that Obamacare has surely saved lives, and its repeal would undoubtedly involve the loss of life. Then we look at Krugman's worry about the prospect of a media in the regime's pocket, and private individuals and companies feeling pressured to toe the regime's line. Yeah, we've never seen anything like that before! Show notes for Ep. 76
Krugman says the Trump Administration is wrong to expect economic growth in the range of 3 to 3.5 percent a year. We look at Krugman's analysis of what does and doesn't cause economic growth -- and why he thought it was reasonable to expect 3 percent growth a year under Obama, which never happened in any year. Show notes for Ep. 75
You know the drill: Krugman says Republicans--including but not limited to Donald Trump--are blithering idiots who are actually proud of their ignorance. There are plenty of right-wingers we dislike too, but as usual Krugman's claims are utterly biased. We remember some of President Obama's "greatest hits" when it comes to diplomatic gaffes and botched policy execution. Show notes for Ep. 74
In this episode we talk tariffs, taxes in general, and whether business can really "pass on" a tax to consumers. Show notes for Ep. 73
Donald Trump was elected in part to keep manufacturing jobs in the United States and reversing that sector's decline. Krugman says his program will do the exact opposite. Show notes for Ep. 72
Trump and his supporters live in a bubble and manufacture their own reality, says Krugman. That's Krugman talking, we remind you. Krugman is speaking about other people manufacturing their own reality. This from a guy who manufactures whatever reality conforms to the partisan demands of the moment, as we've shown in drearily copious detail. Show notes for Ep. 71
We decided to depart from our usual format this week, given the significance of the Obama-Trump transition, to look back at and offer some thoughts about the Obama years. Show notes for Ep. 70
Krugman actually had the nerve to write a column called "Deficits Matter Again." We demolish this column. We prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that Krugman is simply a hypocrite, despite his protestations to the contrary. His reasons for why the deficit suddenly matters were all in effect months ago, yet back then Krugman didn't care about the deficit at all. Show notes for Ep. 69
Trump promises to be the most corrupt president in U.S. history, says Krugman, who offers hotel reservations as a key example. Democratic and bipartisan corruption is of course ignored. Oh, and two more times -- in a single column! -- Krugman links to something he claims is saying one thing, but which when you click on it you discover is saying quite another. In all, perfect fodder for Contra Krugman. Show notes for Ep. 68
Krugman disagrees with Trump's trade policies and thinks they're grounded in falsehoods (e.g., China as a "currency manipulator"). You'll never guess what Krugman has said in the past when Democrats have flirted with protectionist ideas.... Show notes for Ep. 67
So Paul Krugman is suddenly shedding tears over the fate of the republic. Of course, he cheered every step that brought us here. Show notes for Ep. 66
That sounds totally realistic and not at all like it was concocted by spooks. Show notes for Ep. 65
Let's keep the part about covering pre-existing conditions, say Donald Trump and many other Republicans, and just get rid of the parts we dislike. Unfortunately for them, that can't be done. Show notes for Ep. 64
In Krugman's column on cronyism and profiteering, Bob and Tom pay particular attention to the section on education, where Krugman discusses school vouchers and "privatization." Wait till you hear how Krugman summarizes the results of these policies.... Show notes for Ep. 63
Funny: Krugman used to be happy about any kind of fiscal stimulus. But when it's a Republican doing it, he has to come up with a laundry list of reasons to oppose it. But his own economic theory virtually requires him to favor it, so we have a little fun with the poor guy. Show notes for Ep. 62
Well, well, well: guess who's suddenly worried about the deficit and the debt! After just telling us that increasing the debt in any way for any reason would be a good thing, to boot! Show notes for Ep. 61
Even though Donald Trump supports massive infrastructure spending financed by debt in order to put people to work (sound familiar), Krugman is of course horrified by the election result. This week we're joined by David Stockman, director of the Office of Management and Budget under Ronald Reagan, to review what Trump is likely to accomplish, what the Democrats will block, and what it all means for the economy. Show notes for Ep. 60
The big problem this election cycle, according to Krugman, are all the media attacks -- on Hillary Clinton. The scandals surrounding her are manufactured out of nothing by the right wing. On Twitter last week, Krugman expressed his outrage at people who make evidence-free insinuations, and five seconds later speculated that FBI Director James Comey was trying to help GOP senators in the 2016 election. Show notes for Ep. 59
Krugman can't believe people who worry about the national debt are taken seriously. There are no serious budgetary or financing problems on the horizon, so if there's anything to be concerned about at all, that concern is surely misplaced today. Instead, we should be worried about climate change! Krugman has things exactly backwards, as usual. Show notes for Ep. 58
Both Donald Trump and Paul Ryan, each in his own way, spin crazy dystopian stories about America, says Krugman. Our country isn't perfect, but where are they getting these crazy ideas? We sort out who's crazy and whether things really are dystopian. Show notes for Ep. 57
In this special episode recorded before a live audience on board the Contra Cruise, which Tom and Bob are hosting this week, your hosts take on Krugman on tighter fuel efficiency standards of automobiles, Krugman's anti-scientific statements on climate change, and more, including audience questions. Show notes for Ep. 56
Krugman says it's not just Trump who's an ignoramus, but his economic advisors, too: why, they seem to think a foreign VAT (value-added tax) hurts US exporters. We investigate, and turns out these guys are against fiscal and monetary stimulus -- how bad could they be? Yes, there are some problems in the Trump white paper, but there's a lot of good in it, too. And its key fallacy on trade accounting is something Krugman himself has pushed in other contexts. Show notes for Ep. 55
All the Republicans want to do is cut taxes on the rich, says Krugman, but Hillary has lots of programs she wants to enact for "working families." And each one is obtuse in its own special way. Show notes for Ep. 54
Krugman sternly lectures millennials: DO NOT vote for Gary Johnson. You are wasting your vote. Plus, the Libertarian Party platform is nuts! We respond, in one of Tom's favorite episodes of Contra Krugman. Show notes for Ep. 53
Krugman suggests that the image of Hillary Clinton as particularly untruthful is a fabrication of the right-wing noise machine. We remind him of some uncomfortable truths. Show notes for Ep. 52
This week, Krugman is unhappy about the adverse health effects of lead paint, which only Hillary Clinton wants to eradicate. This is typical, Krugman says: Republicans (which in his mind is synonymous with free-market people) hate science and love when poor people are unsafe and die. Show notes for Ep. 51
Why have mortality rates among pregnant women in Texas doubled in recent years? There's no one explanation, Krugman admits -- and then proceeds to pounce on one explanation: cuts to Planned Parenthood. And you'll never guess: Krugman is full of it! Show notes for Ep. 50
The bad news keeps piling up for Obamacare: Aetna, for example, is pulling out of a lot of the exchanges. The failures are everywhere now. According to Krugman, a little tinkering here and there would fix it, if it weren't for all the unreasonable right-wingers. OK, Paul. Show notes for Ep. 49
We know how to do some things, Krugman says, like deliver health care to everyone, provide for people's retirement, and increase the wages of low-income people. But economic growth? That's a tough nut to crack, he says. We can try infrastructure spending, but maybe even that won't work. We bring some Contra Krugman awesomeness to this pile of confusion. Show notes for Ep. 48
With long-term interest rates low and no shortage of ideas for public-works projects, Krugman says now's the time to do -- wait for it -- lots of borrowing and spending. Actually, you know what it's really time for? Show notes for Ep. 47
This week, Krugman appeals to Republican opponents of Donald Trump and says: Hillary won't be a disaster, in all likelihood, even from your point of view. If she continues the center-left policies of Obama, we'll continue to have a good economy. We're unconvinced. Show notes for Ep. 46
In this special episode of Contra Krugman, recorded live at the Mises Institute's Mises University summer instructional program for college students, Bob and Tom are joined by three other professors: Peter Klein (Baylor University), Lucas Englehardt (Kent State University), and Mark Thornton (Mises Institute). Show notes for Ep. 45
Is a rising stock market an indication of economic health? Not necessarily, says Krugman, and on that he's of course correct. But what accounts for rising stock prices today? He says a lack of alternative options for investors -- another way of saying the economy stinks, even though he devotes half his columns to defenses of Obama. Show notes for Ep. 44
This week, Krugman considers several possible explanations for why long-term interest rates are so low around the world. The one he settles on: investors have concluded that the weak economy is the new normal, so to speak, so they're willing to accept low yields. But this explanation contradicts Krugman's repeated insistence that the Obama recovery is stronger than ignorant right-wingers give it credit for. Which is it, Paul? Show notes for Ep. 43
This week, Krugman is unhappy that Donald Trump has earned a reputation as a defender of workers. How can he be, wonders Krugman, if he doesn't support Obamacare, more privileges for labor unions, higher taxes on the rich, and so on? Show notes for Ep. 42
Krugman urges the British to remain in the European Union, and thinks free-market arguments against it are mere fantasy. In fact, British exit from the EU would be a great step forward for freedom, as Bob and Tom show in this week's episode. Show notes for Ep. 41
This week, Krugman suggests that the Republican Party attracts scammers and shysters who build email lists of gullible conservatives and then market fearmongering products or "get-rich-quick" schemes to them. Thank goodness the Democrats never do anything like that! They teach that the only way to prosper is through hard work and individual initiative, and.... Well, anyway, this is a juicy episode. Listen to it, or the world will end. Show notes for Ep. 40
Krugman admits the recent job numbers aren't so good, but says there's an easy solution: fiscal stimulus. Waiting for actual examples of successful fiscal stimulus? You won't find them in this column, and for good reason.... Show notes for Ep. 39
This week, Krugman makes one decent point: successful businessmen aren't necessarily any good on economics. No argument there. Krugman doesn't quite get why his insight is true, but at least it's something. Bob and Tom discuss (1) why government can't be run like a business, (2) why falling wages need not be a catastrophe for "aggregate demand," (3) whether it makes sense to speak of a "manager" of the economy, and more. Show notes for Ep. 38
In this column, Krugman takes things to a whole new level. He tries to draw lessons from the Clinton boom in the 1990s, which he incorrectly says was better than the Reagan boom, even though he himself admits there are no applicable lessons from that boom. It's awful, and we beat him to an intellectual pulp. Show notes for Ep. 37
This episode was recorded before a live audience in Seattle on May 21, 2016, as part of the Mises Institute's event in Seattle. Krugman had been giving us thin gruel all week, but then, the day before the event, he gave us such a whopper of a column it was like a giant gift with a big red bow on it. Show notes for Ep. 36
You'll never guess: Krugman contradicts himself this week, but only Bob Murphy, who knows Krugman's columns inside and out, caught him. This week the topic is whether it's a good idea at some point to repay the national debt at less than face value. Krugman is horrified, so maybe it's a good idea.... Show notes for Ep. 35
Surveying the economic stagnation in Europe, all Krugman can come up with is an alleged need for more government spending. Show notes for Ep. 34
According to Krugman, we should embrace the ideas of Alexander Hamilton, particularly his view that the national debt is in fact a "national blessing." We are unconvinced! Show notes for Ep. 33
Krugman is now blaming poor economic times (but hasn't he been trying to tell us things are much better than the stupid right-wingers say?) on a lack of competition. Lax antitrust enforcement is the problem! Sure it is. In fact, antitrust itself is the problem, as we show in this week's episode.
Krugman is upset this week at a judicial ruling that held that the government's case for naming MetLife a Systemically Important Financial Institution (SIFI) was inadequate and should be thrown out. Sure, it's impossible to nail down what the criteria for a SIFI are, says Krugman, but so what? We take on the whole issue -- not just MetLife, but the whole idea of extra regulation for so-called SIFIs. Show notes for Ep. 31
Krugman argues that blinkered conservatives and cynical progressives alike have failed to appreciate the successes of the Obama presidency. He concentrates on four areas: the economy, health care, financial reform, and climate change. We concentrate on those areas, too -- and come up with rather different conclusions. Dan Mitchell, Senior Fellow of the Cato Institute, joins us as a special guest this week. Show notes for Ep. 30
This week Krugman says we ought to acknowledge that there are losers in international trade, and that we should introduce government subsidies, rather than trade restrictions, to help them. He says right-wing ideologues have failed to make note of these losers, even though he himself failed to mention them in his own scholarly work on trade. But we spend much of the episode defending the unpopular view that globalization is overwhelmingly and indisputably a good thing. Show notes for Ep. 29
We managed to dig out some economics from yet another standard Krugman attack on the Republican Party. This time it's his skepticism about the existence of very much income mobility in America. We'll say this: if government programs had the record of success in this area that the (hampered) market economy has, Krugman would never let us hear the end of it. Show notes for Ep. 28
Krugman discusses how economists should respond to the growth in sympathy for protectionism. Along the way, his Keynesian assumptions lead him to oddball conclusions. Bob and Tom also spend some time explaining the classical case for free trade and discussing whether that case has been vitiated in light of modern conditions. Show notes for Ep. 27
Krugman says both Trump and Romney get the economics of trade wrong, but as usual, it's Krugman who makes his share of mistakes. With Bob on a lecture tour of Europe, Tom is joined this week by David Howden, chairman of the department of business and economics at St. Louis University's Madrid campus. Show notes for Ep. 26
Bob and Tom use Krugman's column as a springboard from which to try to come to grips with the Trump phenomenon. Krugman does get a bit of it right this week, as it turns out, but whom are you going to look to on this, Krugman or Bob and Tom? Show notes for Ep. 25
Paul Krugman criticized Bernie Sanders again last week, arguing that the numbers in his economic proposal don't work. In particular, he went after economist Gerald Friedman of the University of Massachusetts, arguing that his projected growth figures are far too high to be plausible. Friedman and others fired back, arguing that they were using Krugman's own models to reach their conclusions! Bob and Tom discuss and enjoy this exchange, and then give the Austrian view of the whole thing. Show no...more
We couldn't pass up this column, called "On Economic Stupidity." If you want to rein in the Fed or not run deficits during a recession, you're just stupid. Here's our reply. Show notes Ep. 23
Krugman accuses Establishment man John Kasich -- of all people -- of supporting hard money. Then he tells us that balancing budgets hurts depressed economies. A tone-deaf understanding of American politics, plus old-fashioned Keynesianism -- that's Krugman, and that's what we discuss today. Show notes for Ep. 22
Krugman evaluates the claims of market monetarists, who blame the Fed for the crisis because its policy was allegedly too timid. Krugman doesn't agree (and on that he's correct!), and he also finds it weird that "free-market" economists would say the Fed "caused" the crisis by not intervening. Isn't not intervening what free-market economists are supposed to favor? Show notes for Ep. 21
You'll never guess how Krugman apportions blame for the polluted water fiasco in Flint, Michigan. Wait, you probably will. Bob and Tom exonerate libertarianism in this episode! Show notes for Ep. 20
Krugman wonders how rich "we need" the rich to be. A strange question, but you know the answer: less rich than they are now. We're then treated to a lecture on income inequality. We don't like lectures. Is this the best episode yet of Contra Krugman? Tom thinks so.... Show notes for Ep. 19
This week's column is classic Krugman. No matter what happens, he can claim to have predicted it. Or when a country obviously follows his advice, he finds some loophole on which he can blame the ensuing disaster. In this column Krugman discusses the recent plunge in Chinese stock markets, and what if anything it portends for the rest of the world. Finally, a column about economics, at least! Show notes for Ep. 18
Krugman reassures progressives that Barack Obama really has had some accomplishments. Think of how radically different America would be under Mitt Romney! Top marginal tax rates might differ by a few percentage points, and Obamacare might have been slightly modified! Oy vey. Show notes for Ep. 17
Krugman says the GOP presidential candidates have all embraced the radical, anti-government views of George W. Bush. First, we were speechless. Then, we recorded an episode of Contra Krugman. Lew Rockwell joined us this week. Show notes for Ep. 16
This one is a doozy. Krugman called for low interest rates in 2001 precisely to stimulate housing, even calling for a housing bubble (this was "a joke," he later claimed). Now he says the artificial stimulus to housing had to do with crooked Wall Street shenanigans, and had nothing to do with the Fed or government policy at all. We ain't having it. Show notes for Ep. 15
The Paris agreement on climate may have saved civilization, says Paul Krugman. The usual fact-free analysis then follows. But as you know, Paul Krugman is the bologna, and Contra Krugman is the slicer. Show notes for Ep. 14
Krugman says the economy isn't really so bad! And the good parts are due -- of course! -- to what little Keynesian policy the stupid American rubes have permitted. You think he's going to get away with that, with Contra Krugman around? Show notes for Ep. 13
Krugman correctly identifies one of the reasons housing is so expensive in New York. What else could the explanation be if not the salutary influence of Contra Krugman? Show notes for Ep. 12
This week Obamacare got some terrible news: rising premiums, lackluster enrollment (which is why the pool is sicker than anticipated), and major losses being suffered by insurance companies participating in the Obamacare exchanges. These are problems, Krugman magnanimously concedes, but not a big deal. Oh, yeah? Wait until you hear this episode! Show notes for Ep. 11
Krugman's commentary on the Paris attacks is partly correct, with the usual nonsense thrown in. Even better his is blog post earlier this week, assessing whether there might be good economic effects from the terrorist attack if the French government spends enough money in response. That kind of analysis is why Contra Krugman exists, folks. Scott Horton joins us this week. Show notes for Ep. 10
On the one hand, Krugman says we really don't know why mortality rates for middle-aged white men have been on the rise. On the other, it's probably because of his political opponents. We have a much more plausible explanation for this rise, and it isn't because conservatives have been warning about bad economic times. Listen in!
This week, Paul Krugman claimed that the economy does better under Democrats, and that the wild growth promises of "free market" Republicans never materialize. Without being water carriers for either party, we set Krugman straight -- after all, that's what we're here for!
Says Krugman this week: poor Mitt Romney. Now he wants to take credit for paving the way for Obamacare, but the rubes in the GOP will rip his head off. But Mitt is right, says Krugman, and in any event the Affordable Care Act has been a great success! None of the terrible things opponents predicted would happen have come to pass.
Is Denmark a good model for the United States? Krugman thinks so, and claims the large welfare state there, combined with that country's prosperity, disproves free-market claims about the impoverishing effects of heavy government spending and intervention. To make his case, Krugman has to contradict his own textbook from six years ago. It isn't pretty, folks.
Paul Krugman says Paul Ryan is an empty suit whose budget plans are ridiculous. No arguments there, as we'll show. But the problem with Ryan isn't that he's an Ayn Randian, as Krugman absurdly suggests, or that his proposals are too draconian. As usual when Krugman gets one right, he gets it right for the wrong reason. Ryan's proposals are much too timid, they take domestic "savings" and pour them into military boondoggles, and don't do a thing about entitlements.
This week, Krugman says only GOP intransigence, and devotion to Big Energy, can account for conservative hostility to renewable energy. Wind and solar power aren't for hippies anymore, he says; they're growing by leaps and bounds and becoming more and more plausible as substantial energy sources for the United States. We disagree, and we've got the numbers on our side.
Paul Krugman says Donald Trump is right to question supply-side orthodoxy about taxation of the wealthy. And Krugman says it's a myth that cutting those taxes helps the economy. Lots of great stuff in today's episode: even Keynesian researchers disagree with Krugman; it's not true that the job creation numbers under Obama are better than in the 1980s; and how Krugman can claim to be right no matter what happens.
Paul Krugman says that all the concern over debt is misplaced -- that what we need, in fact, is still more government debt. All we can say is: it's time for Contra Krugman.
Welcome to Contra Krugman! In this inaugural episode, Tom Woods and Bob Murphy explain what they're seeking to accomplish with the podcast, what the format will be, the occasional guests they'd like to see, and much more. Enjoy, and please subscribe to the show!