Author Archives: Yves Smith

Announcing the 2019 Harry Shearer “Double Your Donation” Challenge!

Harry Shearer is making a big reader challenge! Will you take him up on it?

Links 10/11/19

Uber to Owe UK >£1 Billion in VAT if It Loses Appeal on Suit on Driver Status, Also Loses Liability Insurer

More bad news for Uber.

Does France Have an “Exorbitant Privilege”?

Why exorbitant privilege may not necessarily result from having the reserve currency, but instead from the tax games multinationals play.

Links 10/10/19

The Best Part of This Week

Some messages from around the world this week.

Unsustainable California: No Easy Remedy for PG&E Blackouts, Fire Risks

California prototypically lead the US. It’s PG&E infrastructure failure and lack of good remedies to escalating wildfire risks are the latest example.

Trump’s Withdrawal From Syria: Betrayal of Kurds or End to Endless War?

President Trump’s plan to withdraw from Syria generated widespread outrage in the US. But what would it mean for the key players in the Middle East?

Marketers Want Even More Control Over Hospitals

Another distubing example of MBA infestation at hospitals.

Another Generous Reader Steps Up With a 20 Donation “Double Your Donations” Challenge!

Another benevolent reader makes a fundraiser “Double Your Donations” challenge. Please take up this generous offer. Thanks so much!

Links 10/9/19

Naked Capitalism: An Incomparable Educational Institution

How Naked Captialism helps you learn to see through charlatans like mainstream economists.

Herd Behaviour in Asset Markets: The Role of Monetary Policy

Data supports the idea that lax monetary policy contributes to bubbles. Yes, Virginia, some regard that claim as controversial.

To Stop Threat of ‘For-Profit Surveillance,’ Rights Groups Demand End to Partnerships That Give Cops Access to Amazon Ring Data

Civil rights groups demand that Amazon Ring’s spy program be put behind bars.