

This is a summary of why the Fed's hikes haven't crashed the economy so far: they're actually quite small compared to the level of inflation we've seen. The blue line is where the interest rate "should" have been based on a simple calculation from Paul Krugman back in 2010. This also says to me that interest rates could get a lot higher still.


I haven't finished reading the whole thing, but one item that stuck out: simple text conversations with doctors are way cheaper than office visits, and they seem to be very effective, reducing unnecessary emergency room visits by half in one cited study.
Threads
β’ Short thread about recent arguments over lab leak and mask effectiveness. TL;DR: "The full truth is a mess. The lab leak is neither obvious fact nor myth. Poor-quality masks, worn poorly, work poorly, and they're everywhere. High-quality masks, worn properly, work well. Asking people to wear masks often works, except very often it doesnβt work at all." You've gotta just learn to love the mess.
β’ Thread about why Xi would want to give Putin weapons, considering Russia is not exactly an amazing ally. TL;DR: There aren't many nuclear armed autocrats, and Xi may be worried that if Putin falls, his replacement will be less friendly.