Why You Might Want Some “Price Gouging”

Called “price gouging” by many of us, an increase in prices as a hurricane approaches could be a productive incentive for supply and demand.

How Phish-Tarping is a Tragedy (of the Commons)

While we know that overused resources can include the ocean, the air, and a pasture, we also should include beaches and seats.

Why Aretha Franklin Should Have Earned More From “Respect”

Looking at who did not pay Aretha Franklin for “Respect,” we can see why music copyright law is being rewritten by the Congress.

New Figure Skating Music…But Who Pays?

Now that music with words can accompany Olympic figure skating, there is less classical music, more hip-hop and Beyoncé, and some questions about intellectual property rights.

Our Taxi Tips

For every cab ride, NYC records the place, time, fare (and the tip if a credit card is used). Using the taxi database, Gawker was able to figure out Kourtney Kardashian’s and Judd Apatow’s tips because of time stamped photos that included a taxi medallion number. We…

Weekly Roundup: From Calories to Climate

Our economic news summary included climate talks and externalities, “missing women” and Asian marriage markets, seniors’ spending and manufacturing supply.

Weekly Roundup: From Lost Jobs to Fewer Tips

Posts Roundup Sunday 10.11.15 Why we stick with a brand…more Monday 10.12.15 The many meanings of the minimum wage…more Tuesday 10.13.15 How a drone port solves road problems…more Wednesday 10.14.15 Development surprises from a new Nobel winner…more Thursday 10.15.15 Finding disappearing jobs…more…

A Lesson From a Grapefruit

The Florida citrus industry and especially the grapefruit market have demand and supply problems that incentivize structural adjustment with new crops.

When Your Ability to Pay Determines Your Punishment

In Finland, for some traffic violations, the rich have higher fines than those with less because of day fines that are similar to progressive taxation.

Weekly Roundup: From Raisins to BBQ

Our everyday economics includes property rights, sovereign debt, default,, externalities, regulation, Pigovian taxes, incentive, state taxes, and oligopoly.