WBUR is currently running a series entitled "Boston @ the Crossroads" that focuses on the social, economic, and academic factors that have shaped and are shaping Boston economic competitiveness. Interestingly, former MIT $100k (formerly $50k) winners were mentioned on part 3 of the series.

5/24/2006 4:15:19 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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Yesterday's interview with Tom Friedman on radio program Fresh Air with Terry Gross was excellent. It was one of the most thought-provoking (yet rational) views I have heard on foreign affairs and policies in recent months. Friedman talked about foreign affairs ranging from the recent Palestinian and Israeli elections, Iran, war in Iraq, and American energy policy. Definitely worth listening if you care about what is going on around the world. You can still listen to the interview here.

4/1/2006 12:01:24 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)

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Errata... As it turns out, the Economic review class that I mentioned on my last blog is for TPP students only. It is not the same as the one that is offered for the MBA students.

There were reports of theft in my apartment building's mailboxes recently. Coincidentally I have not received my last 2 issues of the Economist. So, I am delighted to finally receive this week's issue of the Economist in my mail.

Speaking of Economics, I heard this on Marketplace (the radio program) while driving yesterday. It seems that the U.S. dollar is losing its appeal to overseas. Reports shows that confidence in greenbacks is falling, which is reflected in the low dollar value against the Yen and Euro. In today's economy, we import much more than we export. With the ever increasing trade deficit, we are becoming more dependent on foreign investment to stabilize the dollar. On the political front, deliberate resistance to halt foreign acquisition of U.S. assets may send yet another bad image that investments in U.S. is more of hassle than it is worth. But the bigger question is why should foreign investors be buying dollars now, only to invest in our public debt? Perhaps, the looming budget deficit may be the biggest factor in turning investors away from investing in the U.S. economy. If all this is true, this means that the dollar will continue to decline and inflation will eventually rise. Interesting piece...

8/20/2005 1:57:24 AM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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I can't believe this... Citing financial shortfall and poor program ratings, WBUR is ending their flagship radio program, the Connection, in 3 weeks. I am still not buying to the officials' argument of poor program ratings. The show airs from 10am to noon and from 9pm to 11pm; while these hours aren't prime-time, they still fall within good listening hours. I am a big fan of this program and it would be sad to see it go.

7/15/2005 5:29:10 PM (Eastern Daylight Time, UTC-04:00)

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