Paul Krugman, unmasked
Paul Krugman, Princeton economist and New York Times columnist, has been very outspoken of late in his criticism of the Bush administration, no doubt earning him many enemies both within the administration itself as well as the well-oiled Republican machine. Apparently a detractor was hoping to dig up some personal dirt on him, and offered $100 on Google Answers (a princely sum in that forum) to whoever could answer the following inquiry:
"I would like to acquire as much information as possible about the
personal and professional life of Paul Krugman, the Princeton
economics professor who writes a column for the New York Times. For
example, it is publicly known that he was a paid consultant to Enron
-- what other consulting, advisory or employment arragements has he
had with other companies or organizations? What is known about his
family -- who were his parents, other relatives; is he married,
children? What is his lifestyle like -- what is is compensation at the
New York Times (salary, options, bonus, whatever) and at Princeton
(salary, retirement, whatever). How about royalties from books,
speaking engagements, and so on? What kind of house does he live in?
What kind of car does he drive? Is anything known about his personal
life (hobbies, sports, sexual orientation, etc)? How about his career
-- he's taught at quite a few colleges, why has he moved around so
much? Were there any problems? I will pay $100 for this as a starting
point, and if satisfied, will tip generously and may ask follow-up
questions for which I will pay also (but don't play Scheherezade on
me, now)."
...to which Krugman promptly responded himself, collecting the $100 fee. Very funny. Link via kottke.
