This weekend saw a very interesting documentary. It was called "Commanding Heights" and it was a history of the struggle between those who advocate open markets versus a centrally planned economy. While it leaves a fair amount of questions open, it is good background.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/commandingheights/

Of course, I may be a little biased. An old college buddy works at CERA (Author D. Yergin's company). ;-)

I had a local speaker from the Sierra Club come to our community association this past Tuesday. I was notified just before the meeting that he injured his hand in a car accident on the way to the speech. Would you believe he showed up (bloodied arm and all) and insisted on giving his speech. It was a great speech on how to fight sprawl and overdevelopment.

Of course right after the speech I drove him to the emergency room. Fortunately he only needed some stitches. I can only say: Don't mess with the Sierra Club. ;-)