Hubbert’s Peak is the highest point on an oil well’s bell curve. Because the downside comes next, it represents the beginning of the end of our oil supply. And just the beginning of our story… Peak Oil Supply M. King…
Demand, Supply, and Markets
How to Plant Marijuana Markets
The issues are surprisingly similar for a tiny island like Nantucket and a huge state like California. Both are figuring out how to create the marijuana markets that they legalized. Legalizing Recreational Marijuana Last November, Massachusetts and California voted to…
Why We Will or Won’t Stand in Line
Apple’s iPhone X went on sale Friday. At their Palo Alto store, the first person in line arrived Tuesday evening at 9:30. By late Thursday the queue was described as “75+ chairs long.” This is the video of the Palo…
The Mystery of France’s Disappearing Butter
Recent headlines have said that France is suffering from a “Pastry Panic” and “Milk Fat Mayhem.” They also tell us that “Croissants are in Crisis” as “French Bakers Crumble.” Really though, the problem is a butter shortage. Why is Butter…
Clarence the Tortoise and the Metric Mixup
For Clarence the 75-year-old Galapagos tortoise, an extended visit to Moorpark College was going to be good. His mate had recently died and the College had an exotic animal training program. Clarence would benefit from the new temporary home while his…
The Economics of the Pumpkin Slingshot
For the next bite of a doughnut or the next try at a pumpkin slingshot, economist Alfred Marshall’s marginal analysis helps you decide whether to say yes.
Why China’s Scientists Got the Wrong Message
In 2016 it appeared that China had become a research powerhouse. In 2017 they discovered a problem. This is the story of how incentives can have unintended consequences. Chinese R&D In 2016, the numbers told a phenomenal story. China was…
Why It Helps to Have (Emoji) Standardization
We know that transactions are easier when weights and measures and times are standardized but do we need emoji standardization?
Fracking and India’s Guar Bean Bubble
Used in ice cream, India’s guar gum is also so necessary for fracking that the rise of oil prices created a guar bean bubble.
Surprising Culinary Status Symbols
Including celery and pineapples, past and present culinary status symbols are examples of foods preferred by an elite group.