Category Archives: economics

voluntary simplicity is trendy

September 6, 2010 – 5:02 am

It was 1990 when Keith Russell first introduced me to the concept of voluntary simplicity aka simple living. He was researching construction of a log house in rural Saskatchewan. Soon after I adopted it as my personal philosophy. Garth linked to a related article in the Globe and Mail. Some of the talking points: … [...]

By rickmc | Also posted in philosophy | Comments (2)

price of movie rental = $1

August 24, 2010 – 5:02 am

The cost of infinitely reproducible digital ‘goods’, transferred via the web, will approach zero. In the States, McDonalds has dropped the price on very good, fairly recent movies to a dollar a night. And that’s for a DVD with real production and transportation costs. Some of the big Hollywood production houses try to fight Redbox. [...]

By rickmc | Also posted in movies | Comments (0)

I want to PAY for my motorcycle accident

August 21, 2010 – 5:03 am

Coming from Canada, I’m still shocked at the number of Americans riding hogs without helmets. … Motorcycle helmets greatly reduce injuries and fatalities in motorcycle accidents, thus many countries have laws requiring acceptable helmets to be worn by motorcycle riders. These laws vary considerably, often exempting mopeds and other small-displacement bikes. In some countries, most [...]

By rickmc | Also posted in government | Comments (2)

I need to start texting …

August 18, 2010 – 5:02 am

Lest I become a dinosaur. The cost of a cell phone and SMS plan compared to that of a computer and a broadband connection has made texting extremely popular in developing countries, and “unlimited messaging” plans have made it the communication medium of choice for teens everywhere (beating face-to-face conversation and e-mail in popularity). … [...]

By rickmc | Also posted in friends | Comments (5)

who’s rich in Aspen, Colorado?

August 14, 2010 – 1:57 pm

I’m surprised such an affluent town is so unpretentious. The rich and the (homeless) poor dress equally badly. … Is the modern western culture the first where it’s so difficult to identify the wealthy? … I like it. I’ve seen none of the famous residents.

By rickmc | Comments (0)

why a FREE MARKET won’t work

August 10, 2010 – 5:02 am

In response to Google and Verizon trying to circumvent FCC rules on Net Neutrality: The Economist: If companies always agreed with regulators’ rules, there would be no need for regulators. The very point of a regulator is to do things that companies don’t like, out of concern for the welfare of the market or the [...]

By rickmc | Also posted in Google, government | Comments (0)

breaking – politicians are lying scumbags

July 20, 2010 – 5:02 am

Who knew … Only those of us who live in tents and don’t drive vehicles can righteously criticize the Alberta oilsands. … Oops. Actually I own a vehicle now. Therefore I support the oilsands. Garth linked to an article in the Montreal Gazette criticizing their own Premier and other politicians for disingenuous grandstanding: Oil patch [...]

By rickmc | Also posted in government | Comments (2)

why we won’t run out of oil

May 25, 2010 – 5:01 am

Surprising. But obvious, once you see the history laid out by Richard Sears from MIT. Click PLAY or watch it on TED. UPDATE: Check the comment from Peter.

By rickmc | Comments (2)

Decline of the American Empire

May 24, 2010 – 5:03 am

Years ago I read in Economist Magazine that the USA will lose the rank of #1 economy by 2020. China will surpass the States. That would give the American Empire about 120 years of supremacy. It seems inevitable. In 1945 the Yanks produced 50% of global GDP. Today it’s about 20%. Students of Economics will [...]

By rickmc | Comments (0)

should Canada separate from Quebec?

May 16, 2010 – 12:19 pm

The two times Quebec voted on separation from Canada, I had mixed feelings. I could see the logic. And pondered whether, ultimately, both Quebec and R.O.C. (Rest Of Canada) might be better off. Neither vote passed. Today Quebec manages to convince the rest of Canada that they are a “have not” Province. That Québécois should [...]

By rickmc | Also posted in bad news, government | Comments (2)