1021. Bulging Biceps Don’t Win Modern Wars
An argument that modern warfare relies more on technology and intelligence than physical strength, criticizing misguided military leadership and outdated notions of masculinity in combat.
1022. Government shutdown could delay key economic reports at an especially sensitive time
A government shutdown is expected to postpone important economic reports, notably the monthly job market update, at a critical time for the economy.
1023. MBA:Mortgage Applications Decrease in Latest Weekly Survey
Mortgage applications fell significantly due to rising rates, impacting refinance activity and purchase applications, influenced by broader economic conditions and job market health.
1024. Network State, or a Network of States?
The post explores the concept of network states, highlighting challenges in their formation and proposing solutions for creating stable, functional communities in a digital age.
1025. Devotees of the mysterious Mothman descend on its West Virginia hometown
Bill Chappell discusses how the legend of Mothman has revitalized tourism in its West Virginia hometown, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
1026. Why China's ride apps are asking for odor ratings
Anthony Kuhn discusses how China's ride-hailing companies address issues of cleanliness in vehicles where drivers often sleep due to long working hours.
1027. Change is brewing in the coffee industry. What lies ahead?
James Doubek discusses the challenges coffee growers face, including climate change, labor shortages, and low incomes, highlighting the industry's current state.
1028. Guest Contribution: “How do UK and Australia relations with China react to US-China shocks”
Menzie Chinn discusses the evolving geopolitical relations between China, the UK, and Australia in response to US-China dynamics.
1029. Save the Whales by Pricing the Ship Noise Externality
An argument that maritime shipping noise negatively impacts whale populations, suggesting economic solutions to mitigate this environmental externality while balancing trade benefits.
1030. Conference Board: “A sharp deterioration in consumers’ views of the current economic situation weighed on confidence”
Menzie Chinn discusses the decline in consumer confidence and its implications for economic sentiment and consumption patterns across different income groups.
1031. Tuesday's Assorted Links
The post highlights various stories illustrating economic principles and trends, including consumer behavior, pricing strategies, and perceptions of government.
1032. A few Comments on the Seasonal Pattern for House Prices
An argument that house prices exhibit a seasonal pattern influenced by distressed sales, with recent trends showing increased seasonal swings despite fewer distressed sales.
1033. What Is A Value Added Tax?
The post explains value added tax as a non-discriminatory consumption tax, contrasting it with tariffs and discussing misconceptions held by politicians.
1034. Spotify's Daniel Ek announces that he'll step aside as CEO
The founder of a major music streaming service announces his transition from CEO to Executive Chairman, with two co-CEOs taking over leadership.
1035. 'Like ice melting': Journalists warn press freedom is in decline across Asia
An argument that press freedom is deteriorating across Asia, exemplified by the imprisonment of citizen journalist Zhang Zhan in China.
1036. Fossil Fuels and Fossilized Minds
Paul Krugman discusses the irrationality of Trump's support for coal over wind power, highlighting economic realities and the cultural motivations behind energy policy.
1037. BLS: Job Openings Unchanged at 7.2 million in August
Bill McBride discusses the unchanged job openings at 7.2 million in August, along with related labor market statistics from the BLS report.
1038. Case-Shiller: National House Price Index Up 1.7% year-over-year in July
Bill McBride discusses the July home price indices, highlighting a 1.7% year-over-year increase and the cooling trend in the housing market.
1039. Germany thrived in the first China Shock. But the next one could prove catastrophic.
An argument that Germany's successful adaptation to past economic shocks may not suffice against future challenges posed by China’s economic rise.
1040. Federal workers who took Trump's buyout get final paychecks and an uncertain future
Andrea Hsu discusses the challenges faced by federal workers who accepted Trump's buyout, including fear and uncertainty about their future.