ZackB @thekazath@qoto.org

Hey #econtwitter et al., I'm also now on Bluesky and the EconSky feed over there @thekazath.bsky.social (thx to the organizers of that).

@matthias_weber
How long has #sciences.social been around, and does it look likely to last? I've been on #qoto the whole time: I love the community here, and it's a long-running solid server (that preceded the Twitter implosion). But not much econtwitter-type stuff here which was one of my original objectives getting on Mastodon. Sounds like BlueSky may be where I need to go...

#econtwitter & others, I need some new podcasts. I've found myself being very picky about what I want to listen to lately in 🚗 & walking🐕‍🦺. About all I can stomach right now are some old school NPR shows & NYT Hard Fork or an audio book. Suggestions?

Wheels up for #AAEA

to be clear, some of this has already been happening - & I'm certainly not the first person with this idea... I just think it should be pushed to the absolute max
https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-announces-42-billion-approved-public-service-loan-forgiveness-more-615000-borrowers-october-2021
https://www.npr.org/2022/10/26/1131461940/student-loan-forgiveness-pslf

In light of Supreme Court decision on student loans: With the bulk of the $1.6 trillion student loan debt backed by Federal gov, and with major challenges to filling civil and military service, this seems like a huge opportunity of the moment for a vast expansion of the Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program. Kind of like a GI bill in reverse. I wonder how much expansion would be allowed without Congressional action?

Atlanta aquarium blew my 5yo's mind on Fri

@osc @Rothtran
I agree re. BlueSky... and partly from what I see, one difference is a coordinated marketing effort there with some big names throwing their weight behind & active recruiting of high-profile figures. Even though it's a PBLLC, it appears to have a more aggressive marketing effort

Just wanted to share with the world some great performances I've seen last few weeks- a blazing set by Keb' Mo' last night at Carolina Theater, another blazing set by Sierra Hull at Shakori Hills with the family this past weekend & a side-splitting evening with David Spade a couple weeks back at Durham Performing Arts Center- which far exceeded expectations. (Keb' Mo' & Spade tix were both from buddies whose dates bailed on them, lucky for me!)

@osc @Rothtran
This is a fascinating thread- thanks for stimulating discussion. I've been trying to get back on the Mastodon wagon lately (now that I'm finished teaching).
Have to say I haven't experienced anything like over #qoto instance, which has been chill & welcoming in all my interactions - though I haven't posted anything about experiences with racism, so can't speak to that. One theory for stagnating growth is simply that Mastodon has no real marketing plan/effort (that I can see) v. centralized, profit-oriented alternatives...

Also, discovered a fantastic group that got people *movin* - Electric Piquete
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6X4aoAjzLbobdpgbn9vj8J

Grades in on Friday & had a magical time with the family watching a monster set by Sierra Hull & co. at Shakori Hills this weekend. Summer's off to a good start...

Interesting discussion of a somewhat more scientific poll on this topic than mine: "The coin is more popular than Vladimir Putin" https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2023-04-26/new-poll-on-minting-a-trillion-dollar-coin-to-lift-us-debt-ceiling

(My non-economist wife's reaction is in line with the broader poll results- she was completely unaware of this possibility until I described it last week, and then she thought it was crazy. )

But I'm telling you, I think there's a larger probability of this happening than the average person appreciates...

It was a rewarding privilege teaching PhD-level resource economics to 6 engaged & motivated students this semester. Still plenty of room to grow, but I learned a lot about how to teach this material as effectively & practically as possible.

@leightjessica 1883 was more my speed than Yellowstone. Jaw-droppingly beautiful & poetic. (Jury's still out on 1923, IMO.)