In another universe, I finished my dual BA in physics and economics and went on to study the things that Alex Tabarrok does (I only got the degree in physics). Or I took the scholarship I was offered from Washington University in St. Louis to research appropriate Third World development technologies, which would have put me in much the same place.
I think I’m happier doing what I do now, but I do like to follow these folks’ work. My morning reading includes the Marginal Revolution (co-written by Alex) and Freakonomics blogs, amongst others.
Consider me a fan.