Two gems

I was lucky to encounter two gems just days apart.

First I rented and watched Brothers (directed by Susanne Bier; pointed out to me by Bob Hessen), which is stunning and moving. Just when you begin to despair and think that movies have to be stupid, get this one to see what the possibilities are when talented people get everything right.

Second, I bought The Concise Encyclopedia of Economics (edited by David Henderson). I have not yet read all the essays but my sampling has been great fun. The essays are readable and worthy. I typically avoid these sorts of volumes and find them to be dry. This one is the first exception that I have found.