MSNBC — “America’s love affair with the irreverent, tacky and politically incorrect is making millions for at least one business. Carson Home Accents, a 41-year-old, family-owned company based in Freeport, Pa., struck gold recently when it started manufacturing and selling … read more >

Click to enlarge. Source: Retronaut via Tim Harford

1. Wall Street Journal — “Shale-gas production is spurring construction of plants that make chemicals, plastics, fertilizer, steel and other products. A report issued earlier this month by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC estimated that such investments could create a million U.S. manufacturing … read more >

Don Boudreaux poses an excellent series of about 16 thought-provoking questions in his most recent Pittsburgh Tribune-Review editorial, here are six of my favorites: 1. Why are the pundits and politicians who most fear the motives and the power of … read more >

1. The Incredible Story Of De Beers Diamonds: How It Created And Lost The World’s Most Powerful and Longest-Lasting Monopoly in History (HT: Craig Newmark) 2. FOLLOWING THE COCAINE TRAIL: How The White Powder Gets Into American Hands 3. 11 Incredible Facts … read more >