On July 1st we held a celebration on the steps of Giannini Hall as Angie Erickson retired after 33 years of service in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ARE) and seven years as my Assistant (I actually favor the old fashion term Secretary because it implies the keeper of secrets, or confidant). Retirements […]
The retirement of Angie Erickson- an end of an era Read More »
When I was an undergraduate student in Israel, I remember asking one of my professors, ‘Who is the greatest economist in the world today: Samuelson or Friedman?’ His answer surprised me: Arrow. I was embarrassed not to know him, and asked “Who?!” My professor replied, “If you go to graduate school, you’ll learn about him.”
Ken Arrow – A Great economic theorist, but an even Greater humanist Read More »
I was very sorry to learn that Irma Adelman passed away February 24, 2017. A brilliant woman whose life story and achievements were truly awe-inspiring, Irma lived through some of the most important events of the 20th century and her research tools and ideas have impacted the lives of countless people. We were privileged to
Irma Adelman (1930-2017): A leading economist and outstanding Berkeley faculty member Read More »
I first encountered the debate on climate change in the 1980s when I helped to organize a workshop at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. Our aim was to discuss the findings and implications of emerging research on climate change. As I recall there was not yet a consensus among meteorologists and other scientists about interpreting
Food Evolution is a documentary about GMOs. It is an excellent film that mixes a few compelling stories with interesting interviews that inform viewers without losing their attention. As someone that has worked in agricultural biotechnology for 30 years, I find the contents accurate and insightful. The lynchpin of the movie is the story of
Is ‘Food Evolution’ propaganda? No! Just an accessible presentation of a tough topic Read More »
I have been on a search for leaders ever since I founded the Beahrs Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) in 2000. Presenting real-life examples of leaders and role models is among the most effective ways to train future leaders. Last week in Israel, while participating in a workshop honoring the memory of Professor Yair Mundlak, who
Remembering Yair Mundlak, scholar and leader Read More »
This year was a mixed bag for our family. We welcomed a new grandchild: Geo Jones Benaderet, who was born to Shie and Leigh in February in Seattle. Amazingly, Geo already walks and babbles away to himself in a language we will soon learn to understand. His 18-month-old Bostonian cousin, Arlo, loves dancing and music;
My Annual Review – 2014 Edition Read More »
The year 2013 was a year of renewal for me and my family. We welcomed two grandchildren: Arlo, born to Eyal and Beth in Boston, who is now 7 months and Adelaide, a New Yorker born to Aytan and Davina, who is now 3+ months and next year we are expecting another grandchild of Shie
My Annual Review – 2013 edition Read More »
As some of you may know, every summer during the past few years I have participated in the Bioeconomy Conference in Italy, which is generally held in Ravello. This year, I added Prague and Vienna to the annual Bio economy event, and it was worth it (even though I feel guilty missing the early days
Many of you have been wondering why I missed my ASSA session in Chicago. Here is what happened: On the Thursday before the conference, I boarded my flight from San Francisco to Chicago. I had had only a small breakfast and a dark chocolate (consistent with my famous diet) for the entire day. On the
My Chicago “Resurrection” Experience Read More »