What Economists Say On Valentine’s Day

From graphs to behavioral economics and free trade, our Valentine’s economics again illustrates that economics is everywhere.

When a Small Leak Is a Big Problem

Made worse by leaky pipes, European water shortages could become a bigger problem that requires short showers.

What an Economist Might Say on Valentine’s Day

As poems, or graphs, or cartoons, economic Valentines are one of many reasons why economics need not be the dismal science.

Why Water Is a Worry

Looking at Cape Town, South Africa and 12 U.S. cities we can see why the basic water tradeoff involves a choice between conservation and affordability.

The Airline Seat Size Squeeze

The problem of airline seat size getting smaller and people getting larger is difficult to solve because comfort and revenue tend to conflict.

Why a Lifetime Pasta Pass is About More Than Spaghetti

The unlimited pasta that Olive Garden’s Never Ending Pasta Pass winners consume reflects a massive change in marginal utility.

Why Songs Are Shorter

As music industry technology has shifted to streaming, so too have the incentives that are multiplying shorter song tracks.

When to Worry About Water

Approaching Day Zero, the people in Cape Town South Africa were conserving water by singing two minute shower songs and using 50 liters (13 gallons) a day.

Why Albums Are Longer

We are streaming more of our music with the newest albums having as many as 45 tracks. Where are we going? To some marginal thinking. But first, a bit of history… Music Industry Revenue Does anyone remember LP records? In…

Our Weekly Roundup: From North Carolina to Norway

SUNDAY 10.19.2014 The reason the Russian McDonald’s is shrinking…more MONDAY 10.20.2014 The economic impact of ebola fear…more TUESDAY 10.21.2014 How more valuable women lead to less marriage…more   WEDNESDAY 10.22.2014 Why Norway has so many Teslas…more   THURSDAY 10.23.2014 The damage…