Why oh Why Can't we Have a Better Press?

And why am I not surprised to constant press badgerer Brad DeLong hasn't pointed this 'howler' out:

This is why the deficit jumped under the last two tax-cutting presidents (Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush) and fell under the last two tax-raising presidents (George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton).

Is Leonhardt serious? The deficit went up precipitiously during H.W.'s presidency. Draw whatever conclusions about economics you want, but let's not outright lie about the basic facts, okay?

In the news

Sort of. Got pointed out in Numbers Guy quiz on probability that I was one of few to notice problem with question 4. And yes, I noticed it prior to reading the NY Times piece about the Monty Hall problem.

Framing

This helps show me the power of preconceived notions. If you think someone is threatening in general, then when they leave a plea for friendliness and understanding, you are likely to interpret it as menacing. Good to keep this in mind.

I can't believe I haven't seen this until now

Quite possibly the best sketch I've ever seen that doesn't involve Dave Chappelle. Pretty good at first, then ends great. The hair detail is awesome.

Racism, Government, and Society

I'm not quite sure what Tyler thinks he's showing with this post. I think he thinks it shows that government isn't the only source of racism. Duh. To me it affirms that government doesn't really matter. If people are racist, having Jim Crow laws is largely redundant. If people are racist, having anti-discrimination laws is useless. If people are not racist, anti-discrimination laws are unnecessary. If people are not racist, Jim Crow laws only matter marginally. It's individuals that matter, not government.

Stache!

With the caveat that I haven't seen every mugshot ever taken, but I do believe that this is the best one. Ever. Possibly the best one possible.

Drink up

Celebrate the 75th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition with a beer. Or with whatever your favorite alcoholic beverage is. Great day.