Reading

Created
Sat, 18/04/2026 - 04:00

“A.I. capacity may soon displace oil or enriched uranium as the resource that dictates the global balance of power. [Open AI’s C.E.O.] Sam Altman has said that computing power is ‘the currency of the future.’” — The New Yorker

- - -

Gather around, everyday working people, and allow me to lay out a grand vision for a brave new world. A world in which all economic functions are done by computers and robots. A world where the very concept of having money no longer exists (for all of you).

“How does this work?” You ask in excitement and awe. “Surely there must be some form of standardized economic unit that facilitates the exchange of goods and services.” And yes, there will be, of course. But you don’t have to worry about that, because you will simply have none of it. Only I and like twelve other people will have it.

Created
Fri, 17/04/2026 - 22:00

I’m reaching out because, well, I’ve got this shipment of 2.1 million barrels of crude oil, and I would LOVE it if I could just squeeze on by and pass through the Strait of Hormuz? Honestly, no worries if not, though!

It’s just that the vast amount of crude oil I have aboard is the lifeblood of several regional economies. Without it reaching its destination, millions will be unable to afford to heat their homes and fuel their cars, causing those economies to become increasingly unstable, undermining, in turn, the stability of the world at large. But if it’s a no, that’s fine!

I know you’re super committed to whichever geopolitical concern has driven you to block the Strait, and listen, I totally get it. That sounds really stressful and complicated. You’re doing an amazing job, by the way! I’ve heard that, like, no one is getting through, and that must be such a pain to deal with day in and day out.

Created
Fri, 17/04/2026 - 18:14
Assorted Haiku Haiku #2511 Tourists wait in lineto enter Machu Picchu.Oh, look! A high queue. Haiku #564127 how dare you suggestI have a short attentionspanish omelette Limeraiku There once was a younglimerick from Kew who turnedinto a haiku. The Constraints of Haiku Tied up all night witha haiku dominatrixand her three-line whip. Shakespearean Haiku Shall…
Created
Fri, 17/04/2026 - 08:26
Debating econometrics and its shortcomings, yours truly often gets the response from econometricians that: “OK, maybe econometrics isn’t perfect, but you have to admit that it is a great technique for the empirical testing of economic hypotheses.” But is econometrics really such a great testing instrument? Econometrics is supposed to be able to test economic theories. But […]
Created
Fri, 17/04/2026 - 06:12

Behind claims of neutrality, the UAE has emerged as a key player in the war on Iran — providing surveillance, hosting operations, enabling strikes from its bases and aiding Israeli false flags while portraying itself as a victim on the world stage

The post Not Neutral: Inside The UAE’s Shadow Role In the US-Israeli War on Iran appeared first on MintPress News.

Created
Fri, 17/04/2026 - 05:55

As the NBA playoffs tip off this weekend, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry are under growing scrutiny — not just for their play, but for links to Israeli drone technology and security firms tied to Israel’s military operations that are used to commit war crimes in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.

The post From Dunks To Drones: The NBA Has an Israel Problem appeared first on MintPress News.

Created
Fri, 17/04/2026 - 02:47

As Israel fails to advance beyond a few kilometers into Lebanon, Bint Jbeil has become the latest battleground where resistance forces are exposing the limits of Israel’s military campaign –echoing the long standing “spider web” warning about Israel's fragility in prolonged war.

The post The Battle for Bint Jbeil: Israel Revisits A Symbolic Defeat As Resistance Holds The Line appeared first on MintPress News.

Created
Thu, 16/04/2026 - 23:00
Anthony Savagar, Misa Tanaka and Jagdish Tripathy With increased availability of big data and computing power, more firms are adopting algorithmic and AI-powered pricing to adjust prices rapidly in response to changing economic conditions over time and across consumers. This post reviews the existing research, draws implications for central banks, and identifies areas for further … Continue reading What machines taking over pricing means for central banks