When economists focus on measuring happiness, they look at money and time and health and GDP for conclusions that might not be quantifiable.…
When Free Money Didn’t Do What It Was Supposed To Do
The preliminary results for Finland’s two-year guaranteed income experiment appears to have created more questions than it answered.…
Changing EU Times
European Union time zones could change if individual nations get to choose if they want perpetual summer time or winter time.…
Where Your Mailman Could Be Your New Lawn Mower
In Finland, the person delivering mail will also mow your lawn because lower letter volume from digitization has created postal service financial problems.…
One Reason to Worry About A Guaranteed Minimum Income
While the characteristics of guaranteed minimum income program proposals vary, the common denominator is unpredictable incentives.…
Debating the Size of the Social Safety Net
If Finland replaces benefits with a monthly check, the tradeoffs for its safety net programs will be domestic and international.…
The Smell Test That Some EU Cheese Makers Failed
Just like tariffs and other trade barriers, the Russian embargo of EU cheese helped Russian cheese makers as increases in supply and demand raised prices.…
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.…
One Reason To Drink Coffee in China
How can you show your friends (in China) that you have ascended to your country’s middle class? Starbucks. First, some background… A 2010 BusinessWeek article on the world’s most caf…
Oligopoly: Selling Ice Cream in Finland
The first Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Store was in a renovated garage near the University of Vermont. According to Ben and Jerry, ice cream and Vermont winters complement each other because you …