Haunted House Economics

Haunted house economics could make entrepreneurs hesitate when contemplating a new Halloween business venture.

The Price of Pandanomics

With the National Zoo’s giant pandas soon departing, we can decide if their massive expense is worth their presence.

Why the Swiss Matterhorn Matters

Decisions made by Toblerone’s parents company mean that the Swiss chocolate bar will need to shed some of its “Swissness.”

How Valentine’s Became a Chocolate and Card Day

Smithsonian Magazine tells us that India wants to rebrand Valentine’s Day. Urging their citizens to shift to their own culture from a Western tradition, the Modi government proclaimed that February 14 would be “Cow Hug Day.” In the West also,…

When (Unintentionally) Alexa Boosts Music Revenue

After looking at the unintended consequences of New Jersey’s plastic bag ban, we can add to our list of surprises. This time, Alexa has the story. When Song Titles Matter Our story starts with a mom admitting that poop is…

The Life of a Christmas Tree: From Seedling to Six-Footer

Looking at the life of a Christmas tree from seedling to six footer, we can see why it will cost us approximately $75.

What We Might Not Know About Big Tech

Comparing the companies called big tech, we can see the similar ways that they grew, diversified, and became increasingly powerful.

The Colors That We Care About

By standardizing color through a number for each hue, one firm boosted accuracy for millions of businesses and consumers.

Why Amazon Is Buying a Freighter Fleet

Just 16 years ago, we needed a $25 minimum order to get Amazon’s free Super Saver Shipping for an 8 to 10 day wait. An extra $9.48 got us two-day delivery and $16.48, one day. But then in 2009, they…

Why Champagne Is Like OPEC

With champagne sales plunging because of pandemic lockdowns, growers and Houses like LVMH are behaving somewhat like OPEC.