The Gas Price Story of Hurricane Sandy
For those schooled in economics, the gasoline shortage during Hurricane Sandy last November was no surprise. Demand for gas goes up. Supply lines are …
economics
How Digits Are Reinventing the World Order
Most people today use technologies without a clue to the larger picture of what is really happening to the structure of the world because …
The Patent Bubble and Its End
“Then they pop up and say, ‘Hello, surprise! Give us your money or we will shut you down!’ Screw them. Seriously, screw them. You …
Bankruptcy: The Glorious New Beginning
You remember when Hostess declared bankruptcy last November? There were outcries that the iconic snack pastry would be gone forever. Speculators began to stockpile …
Dumb Ways (for an Economy) to Die
[Doug French is coauthor of this piece] A viral video from Australia, complete with a clever song and dance step, describes the many dumb …
Elections and the Illusion of Choice
The political season has unleashed its predictable frenzy, much to delight of people who make a living off it. But to what end? There …
Nicaragua and the Cold War Political Theater
Some friends and co-workers spent their holidays at Rancho Santana in Nicaragua, where you can live like a king on a pauper’s salary. The …
Unemployment Solutions: Weird and Scary
There was a brief moment of joy at the news that retailers hired 206,000 new people in November. But only one day later, the …