Sometimes it’s helpful to take a step back from all the political theater we see each week and think about exactly what is going on in Washington. What was the real point of the Super Committee? They were supposed to find some low-hanging fruit that could result in compromises and save a trillion or so [...]

How Much of a $100k Salary is Taxed Around the World: You could move to Europe and pay more taxes, or go to Russia and pay less. Or, America, you can maybe not complain so much. (Economist) How the Plummeting Price of Cocaine Fueled the Nationwide Drop in Violent Crime: Need I say more? (The [...]

Back in 2006, enough people in Washington agreed on a behavioral economics principle to pass a law about it (Pension Reform Act).  It gives employers the authority to automatically enroll employees in 401(k) plans.  The intent is that many people don’t enroll in retirement accounts because they are simply lazy.  The idea works, and companies [...]

Amazon.com is one of my favorite things in this world.  Not only can I do my shopping in my underwear, but I don’t have to drive anywhere either.  Amazon is of course not the only site out there, but it is the biggest. The downside of online shopping is the lack of instant gratification and [...]

The CEO of Zappos has famously explained why they don’t really do coupons and crazy deals.  They don’t want to attract the customer that is only hunting for deals.  They want customers that are loyal shoppers and appreciate their unique brand and service. Most retailers don’t operate that way.  Zappos’ own parent company doesn’t operate [...]

Good for reading while your spouse preps the food, and impressing people at the dinner table with your useless knowledge. The economics of turkey: Do turkey prices go up around Thanksgiving?  Or do they fall?  If they fall, why would they fall when everyone buys turkey at the same time?  How much turkey can you [...]

Back in 2009 I gave readers a guide to turkey-day talk given the economic and political environment at the time. The list was pretty straightforward, don’t talk about these things: Employment How good the food was last year (if someone different is now cooking) Family drama (if applicable) Finances Jon and Kate The economy Sarah [...]

Anakin: I don’t think the system (democracy) works. Padme: How would you have it work? Anakin: We need a system where the politicians sit down and discuss the problem… agree what’s in the best interest of all people… and then do it. Padme: That’s exactly what we do. The trouble is that people don’t always [...]