NY Theater

My family and I have spent the past several days in New York City enjoying some theater (and fine dining). We much enjoyed A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder. But the revival of Cabaret with Emma Stone as Sally Bowles and Alan Cumming as the Emcee was amazing. It is open only for a few more months. I strongly recommend you see it if you can.

Getting a Raise from Vladimir Putin

An American expat reflects on the falling value of the ruble.

The Peltzman Effect

My friend Allen Sanderson points out these headlines in today's Wall Street Journal:

Safety Gear Helps Reduce U.S. Traffic Deaths

and

Cities Target Elevated Levels of Pedestrian Deaths

As Sam Peltzman pointed out years ago, when cars get safer, drivers are less careful, increasing externalities on pedestrians.

The Affair

The best new TV show this year, at least among those I have seen, is Showtime's The Affair. It is a compellingly written and acted drama and crime story told, alternately, from two perspectives. If you want to check out the first episode, you can do so here. (One of the lead actors is Dominic West, who played McNulty in The Wire, another of the all-time great TV shows.)

From the Harvard Holiday/Skit Party

After Obamacare

Republicans in Congress talk regularly about repealing the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare.  They have not, however, said much about what they will replace it with. One possibility is the plan described here.

Who pays for government?

Source. Click on graphic to enlarge.