Monthly Archives: January 2009
No Experience? No Problem!
[This post was originally written for my employer’s blog, Show-Me Daily.] There’s an interesting post on the Freakonomics blog about the computer game SimCity and how it relates to a new web application from the Kansas Department of Transportation. In SimCity, you play the role of the concerned and active government planner, taxing, zoning, and … Continue reading
thoughts on stealing food?
http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/15/is-a-wave-of-scuppie-shoplifting-upon-us/ thoughts?
‘No Pain, No Gain’ Meets the Hippocratic Oath
[This post was originally written for my employer’s blog, Show-Me Daily.] It is no surprise that the American health care system has severe problems. Add this one to the list: third- (or fourth-?) party agencies hired by insurance providers in an effort to economize costs of pharmaceuticals, even to the point of contravening doctor’s recommendations. … Continue reading
The More You Learn …
[This post was originally written for my employer’s blog, Show-Me Daily.] Remember when I mentioned that everyone could probably benefit from learning more about retirement saving? Well, in a Wall Street Journal article with something of a Missouri focus, I learned that Edward Jones still employs financial Fuller Brush Men who discuss investment options with … Continue reading
The Rich Get Richer Share of the Tax Burden
[This post was originally written for my employer’s blog, Show-Me Daily.] Thanks to our former intern Calvin Harris for pointing out this great Freakonomics blog post. Excluding federal taxes, the income tax base here in Missouri is a great deal flatter, unless you happen to live in St. Louis or Kansas City. Thankfully, there are … Continue reading
Advance Your Career While Advancing Liberty
[This post was originally written for my employer’s blog, Show-Me Daily.] There’s a fantastic offer on the table for anyone interested in promoting the cause of free markets and individual liberty — the Charles G. Koch Summer Fellow Program. Included in the offer: $1,500 stipend Housing allowance, up to $2,000 An eight-week internship at the Show-Me … Continue reading
New Anti-Lead Law Designed to Help the Poor Will Definitely Hurt the Poor
[This post was originally written for my employer’s blog, Show-Me Daily.] There’s a Post-Dispatch article that’s really worth a read. It briefly describes, then goes on the illustrate the impact of, a new federal law aimed at protecting children from dangerous lead levels in clothing and other products sold to children 12 and under. And, … Continue reading
Would You Like a Comfortable Retirement With That?
[This post was originally written for my employer’s blog, Show-Me Daily.] MSNBC has a nice article — with a real focus on St. Louis, no less — about the very generous retirement program offered to McDonald’s employees. It’s not exactly efficiency wages, but it certainly turns the spotlight on benefits packages and the issue of … Continue reading
Minimum Waaaaaage! Hyah!
[This post was originally written for my employer’s blog, Show-Me Daily.] Missouri’s minimum wage cranked up last week, as reported in the Columbia Tribune, a welcome relief for struggling workers in our present economic turmoil. Well, it’s a relief for some of the people who were making less than $7.05 per hour; everyone else has … Continue reading