Monthly Archives: December 2006
Gift giving: One problem, two explanations, same conclusion
At an interview a few years back I was asked if I would give cash to someone, or buy a gift. The traditional economics answer is of course to stump up the dosh, uless you can buy a gift that … Continue reading
Kept awake at night
I had imagined that becoming a father during an Ashes series held in Australia would make the night feeds a bit more bearable. But England’s performances have been has much pain to the eyes as Baby Boot’s screams are to … Continue reading
Money, lost in translation
An oft-repeated argument against Government intervention is that it can have unintended consequences that often contradict the original intention. An example would be how the mandatory wearing of seatbelts encourages drivers to behave more recklessly and increase accident rates (though this … Continue reading
Apparently I’m one of the wealthiest people on the planet
A new study on the World Distribution of household wealth has been published by the UN University. The research finds that assets $2,200 per adult placed a household in the top half of the world wealth distribution in the year … Continue reading
Why extend copyright terms?
The former editor of the Financial Times, Andrew Gowers, releases a report on the structure of the UK’s intellectual property framework today. One issue under discussion is the extension of copyright terms to 95 years from 50. Lawrence Lessig outlines … Continue reading