The Return of the Disappearing Avocado

If avocado has returned to your favorite veggie wrap, you can ask your economist to explain avocado prices with supply and demand.

Seeing Gander on 9/11 Through a Different Lens

While Gander’s hospitality on 9/11 is an example of considerable graciousness, it also can be remembered for its economics.

Why Super Bowl LII Won’t Be a Financial Bonanza

Probably having overestimated the amount of Super Bowl spending, Minneapolis will not find that a huge sports event is a financial bonanza.

What Santa Would Add to the GDP

Estimating Santa’s salary is a specific task that takes us to the broader issue of whether the GDP should include unpaid work.

Why We Give The Wrong Gifts

When we receive presents that disappoint us, gift giving creates deadweight loss that diminishes the economic boost from holiday spending.

Thanksgiving Top Ten List For 2017

Looking at our Thanksgiving meal through a turkey top ten list, you can see how economics is about so much more than money.

Dollars and (Hotel) Scents

Because we retain smells longer than what we see and hear, hotel scents have become a branding tool that accompanies price and service.

There’s No Such Thing As A Free Reward

Although there is no such thing as a free reward, consumers rarely consider the rewards programs costs that they wind up paying.

The Mystery of the Disappearing Restaurants

Used to be we would prepare dinner at home while eating out was occasional. No more. Now, especially for lunch and dinner, someone else prepares the food. The Mystery The Atlantic called it “The Great Convergence.” The difference between what…

Surprising Culinary Status Symbols

Including celery and pineapples, past and present culinary status symbols are examples of foods preferred by an elite group.