I think it's might have been a knowing ommission. This piece is pretty much a transcript of Tim Harford's series "50 Things That Made the Modern Economy". The episodes for that series are only 8 minutes long, so there isn't much time for extra biographical info without sacrificing the main story of the piece. I wouldn't be surprised if this article wasn't just written up by a scribe from the show's script and Harfords byline slapped on it.
Harford also presents the excellent series More Or Less, which is all about numbers and statistics in the news. Rosling gets mentioned fairly often, and is clearly something of a personal hero (and friend I think) of Tim's. He knows exactly who he was and what he did. I just don't think there was the time in the programme to cram that in.
If I were POTUS I would have weekly dinners with three to four people I admire. From different fields, but some connecting subject. Presumably the guest would find that stimulating, as well. Everything off-the-record, in an informal atmosphere (some chairs by a fire maybe). Afterwards, the guest list is published (for transparency – but not the subjects that we talked about).
I mean, you can have anybody! Nobody declines such an invitation.
Do presidents actually do this? I feel it would be the greatest perk.
Lets put petty political posturing aside. If you have any issue you care about, the opportunity is singular. It would be a great waste to decline, no matter the dinner faire.
Harford also presents the excellent series More Or Less, which is all about numbers and statistics in the news. Rosling gets mentioned fairly often, and is clearly something of a personal hero (and friend I think) of Tim's. He knows exactly who he was and what he did. I just don't think there was the time in the programme to cram that in.