In yesterday’s WSJ, Philip K. Howard writes that public-union pension abuses are so common that they’re taken for granted.  Some examples: 1.  “Spiking” union pensions with excess overtime in the last year of employment.   2. Until recently, over 90% … read more >

“In the December 2011 issue of Vanity Fair, Michael Lewis profiles Nobel Prize–winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman, who pioneered research into “heuristics,” or the shortcuts humans use when making decisions. At this link, take a 5-question quiz to see how your … read more >

WASHINGTON POST — “The U.S. trade deficit fell in September to the lowest point this year as foreign sales of American-made autos, airplanes and heavy machinery pushed exports to an all-time high. The deficit narrowed 4 percent to $43.1 billion, … read more >

YAHOO NEWS — “When it comes to mobile carriers, consumers may have four major choices, but they’re all starting to look the same — and that isn’t a good thing. But a new provider, Republic Wireless, headquartered in North Carolina, … read more >

The total volume of U.S. international trade activity (exports + imports) reached an all-time record high in September (not adjusted for inflation, BEA report here) of $404 billion, slightly higher than the previous record of $401 billion in July 2011 … read more >

Intrade odds for Rick Perry to be the Republican nominee fell from 10% a few days ago to 4.3% today.