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Big TFP data mystery! (Probably solved!)

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NOTE: Mystery probably resolved! See update below. Here was the original post, for posterity: While recently complaining about the overselling of static-efficiency policies, I asserted that rich countries have all grown at about the same long-term rate, despite decade-long divergences. I was talking, of course, about Total Factor Productivity, which at long horizons should be determined by technology. I had been under the impression that over the last three decades or so, the rich countries had all experienced similar rates of TFP growth. My source for that was the OECD's time-series on multifactor productivity ( another name for TFP). Here is a chart of those OECD productivity numbers since 1985: As you can see, most rich countries grew their TFP at the same average rate, consistent with the idea that TFP mostly measures technology in the long term, and that technology spreads rather easily between rich countries. A few countries, like Korea, Ireland, and Finland, did much bett...
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Remembering Thomas Keating

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(Photo from the Tribute page of Contemplative Outreach San Diego ) I was sad to learn of Father Keating's passing two weeks ago, but only joy springs to mind when I think of him. He taught many modern pilgrims the concept of apophatic prayer and meditation with his centering prayer retreats and writings. He ushered many into the profound beauty of resting in silence and emptiness before God. At the website for the Center for Action and Contemplation are three short remembrances of Fr. Thomas Keating from Cynthia Bourgeault, James Finley, and Richard Rohr. There is also a link at that site where you can view the memorial service on Nov. 16. For Further Reading: “ Thomas Keating, pioneer in centering prayer, interfaith dialogue, dies at 95 ,” an extensive article in the National Catholic Reporter about Father Keating which also includes a couple of brief words of his from video recordings. “ Father Thomas Keating Is a Rebel with a Cause ,” a cover story in 5280 Denver’s Mile High M...
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Is Firefly overrated?

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The whole world is in need of a break from the madness, and someone on Twitter asked me to do a blog post about whether Firefly is overrated. So instead of econ or politics or serious stuff, let's talk about a television show that got canceled 13 years ago! :-) The answer to the question in the blog post title is: "Of course not." In the strictest sense, no sci-fi show is overrated, because people in general ought to watch more sci-fi and less of whatever they're watching now. Science fiction has taken over movies , but not TV. Fortunately, with great programs like Black Mirror, Stranger Things, etc., there's still lots of good stuff out there. But Firefly, more than probably any other show, holds a special place in the heart of my generation of geek-Americans. And it really is a great show. It's consistently at the top of user-generated lists of the best sci-fi shows ever. It's the subject of countless...OK, I'm not even going to finish this paragra...
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