New from the Business & Media Institute
The Trouble with Forecasting [1]
The media have been hyping higher costs for home heating this winter. The
trouble is, forecasting natural gas prices can be about as accurate as
predicting the weather. The Energy Department's projections for winter
have dropped for the past two months, but broadcasters continue to warn
consumers without acknowledging the good news
the energy supply recovered quickly from Hurricane Katrina.
Media at Large: Foxs Changing Climate [2]
Home heating shouldnt be a problem much
longer, if the medias full acceptance of global warming is any indication
of whats really happening with the earths climate. The usually-balanced
Fox News departed from its norm this week for a one-sided special that has
some scientists up in arms. Unfortunately, the show also muddled the
debate with misinformation.
Media Wrong about Dollar [3]
The Business & Media Institute continues to track media prophecies and their
undoing. In this edition: the economy was supposed to grind to a halt
because of a falling dollar. What happened? Its still growing.
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly [4]
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly tracks the best and worst media coverage of
business and economics. Readers are invited to submit suggestions or news
tips to staff writer
Ken Shepherd [5].
This week: The Gray Lady pans tax hike in Germany; CBS shades
solar energy report; Fox News burns fair and balanced motto in The Heat
Is On.
Also from BMI:
CBS Begins Week-Long Gut Check [7]
All of the Benefits, None of the Costs [8]
Research, News & Commentary
Culture and Government
Research [10]: A sneak peek at a forthcoming Michigan Law Review article on J.K. Rowlings view of government and markets in her Harry Potter series of novels.
Wal-Mart
Commentary [11]: AEI gives three cheers for Wal-Mart in the face of heightened criticism of the retailer.
Commentary [12]: Is Wal-Mart a problem? Is it beating down the little guy? Just ask John Stossel.
Energy
Research [13]: The Heritage Foundation points out that it might be time rethink federal subsidies for electric power, especially in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
Litigation
Commentary [14]: The AEIs Kevin Hassett chronicles the Justice Departments vendetta against Oracle and why that might result in another Harriet Miers-esque backlash.
Health
Research [15]: The Heritage Foundation looks into the viability of Health Care Tax Credits, suggesting a new consumer approach to health care and a great opportunity to make providers more efficient.
Commentary [16]: As if one wasnt enough, here are eight reasons to delay the prescription drug benefit that went into effect earlier this week.
Taxes
Commentary [17]: John Fortier explains that despite the deadweight floating around in Washington, tax reform is far from dead.