EIA, map of job losses, new wave of research, and Caterpillar

Env-econ re: BCA vs EIA, OK?

This is a very interesting map of job losses and gains around the country since 2004. It'd be nice if it showed percentage loss/gain rather than net, but it's still illuminating, I think.

Will Google Wave change how research is done?

Caterpillar sees "encouraging signs" of economic recovery. The construction industry, many say, is a pretty good leading indicator.

Bailout money, underwear, and good news.

Banks are paying back bailout money, with interest. Sounds like it was a pretty good deal!

Another strange economic indicator: underwear. The worse times are (and, presumably, the less money you have), the more willing you are to wear tattered underclothing. Who's gonna see? Also, people attempt to cut their own hair (with hilarious results).

Some regions are seeing potential growth! Seems a little early to be sure, though. Building contracts are up in the Houston area.

There is now increased productivity. Not a surprise, really. When firms lay people off or slow hiring (as they have been doing), they presumably hold on to more productive people in order to achieve this very effect--higher productivity at proportionally lower costs. This goes hand-in-hand with higher profits, which leads to all sorts of benefits in the economy. Yet another sign that we're in recovery mode.

Silver bullets, aid money, institutional reform, and Texas

Dennis Whittle tell us about the attraction and myth that is the developmental silver bullet.

Here's an interesting graphic on monetary flows of developmental aid. Aid in Israel has shrunk a lot, apparently.

Another of development: William Easterly reminds us that institutional reform may help developing nations, but we don't know what that means. I disagree that the term is meaningless, though. It helps us to narrow down what types of reforms might be most helpful, and then a more detailed analysis of the factors of institutional reform may help us pin down specific actions.

The economy in Texas is looking strong! Or, at least, looking to rebound soon. I don't expect commercial real estate construction to start up very strongly soon, though.