Posted: 11/28/2007 9:35:21 AM EDT
| I apologize if this is a dupe, but what's the ARFCOM consensus? I'm trying to listen to the audio CD and it's putting me to sleep so far. |
I'm just finishing it myself. Basically it is the writings of a 'rogue' economist, a guy who isn't interested in normal economic stuff like the deficit and interest rates and whatnot, but rather how you can use the research tools that economics provides to find out how the world really works. He exposes some very interesting things like massive test fraud within the Chicago public school system by teachers who know their jobs depend on their students performing well on standardized tests, and he also explores how inner-city gangs sell drugs using a business model almost identical to any major corporation such as McDonalds (only with more stabbings). Very interesting look at the world from a viewpoint you've never seen, and the writing style is entertaining and not too cerebral at all. |
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Ah, good old John Lott. He was the guy that made the assertion that concealed carry reduces crime. Good for him. He's a bit controversial, as many economists think he is tinted by his politics, and his models used to prove his points as constructed with an inherent bias. Also, he's been busted writing positive reviews of his own books on amazon. Steven Levitt is a superior economist who isn't tinted by politics, and has been attacked from both sides of the aisle EQUALLY. I think I'd rather listen to Mr. Levitt. |
Will have to read that as well. Just finished Freakonomics last week. Interesting read and a bit thought provoking on abortion, gang activity, drugs, and how folks name their kids. All I kept thinking about was how XX% of statistics are made up. |
I didn't get a political vibe at all from Freakanomics. I thought Leavitt did an excellent job of leaving his own personal feelings out of it. If you can cite something specific, please do. I certainly missed it. |