Demand, Supply, and Markets

December 13, 2017

Why a Starbucks Christmas Tree Frappuccino Has a Brief Life

The Christmas Tree Frappuccino had a short life. It was here Thursday and gone Monday. But Starbucks had a good reason. Frappuccino History The Christmas Tree […]

November 1, 2017

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 […]

October 26, 2017

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 […]

October 22, 2017

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.

September 17, 2017

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.