Thoughts from a respected Economist

Check out this article from renowned economist, Greg Mankiw. It is a very insightful commentary about the economic problems this country will face in the near future. Dr. Mankiw is an economics professor at Harvard, and he served as head of the Council of Economic Advisors under President Bush. He has also written numerous textbooks on Economics.

The Baby Name Wizard

This is a fun little site. It tracks the popularity of thousands of different baby names. Check out the historical trends. Check out your name and see where it falls on the timeline.

The Death of the CD

This is a short article about downloaded music sales surpassing CD sales by the year 2012. Will CDs go the same route as LPs, 8-tracks, and cassetes?

The Secret to Raising Smart Kids

This article raises the point, it's all about effort and not about talent and ability. What are your thoughts?

The Law of Unintended Consequences Strikes Again

"What do a deaf woman in Los Angeles, a first-century Jewish sandal maker and a red-cockaded woodpecker have in common?"
Politicians would do well to remember a basic principle of Economics, "the law of unintended consequences."

Is it time to say goodbye to the Penny?

Has the venerable $.01 piece outlived its usefulness? Check out the website for some of the arguments in favor of eliminating the penny. What do you think?

Pigou would say, Hooray for the Irish!

A Pigovian tax, named for British economist Arthur Pigou, is a tax aimed at diminishing an activity seen as harmful to society. An example would be a pollution tax on companies guilty of polluting the air or water.
The Irish have taken this step to rid their society of plastic bags. Could we do the same here? Should we? Can you think of other activities that could be taxed?

World Clock

Check out this facinating website. Did any of the numbers surprise or even frighten you?

Bail Bonds; A Purely American Tradition

I did not realize that the use of bailbondsmen was unique to the American Justice system. Read this article and comment; What are your thoughts on allowing people to pay a percentage of their bails to bondsmen in order to get out of jail while awaiting trial? Is it free enterprise at its best? or Is it a practice that needs to be done away with?