In: Commentary Culture History
29 Oct 2010This classic Atlantic article explains in detail how the USA was manipulated into thinking diamond rings are a classy expression of your love – when in fact they are just a ripoff. While reading it I couldn’t help but see multiple parallels to what happened to the housing market and the “american dream”.
Here is a chart of diamond prices, 1960-2010:
I rarely post articles that are not graphics related, but Michael Lewis qualifies for the occasional exception by offering remarkable insights into financial and economic issues. Read this article if you want to understand the Greek crisis in a very accessible and hilarious way.
I don’t post many editorials, but I love Matt Taibbi’s gonzo journalism style and his insights about cracks in the financial system.
A WSJ op-ed that presents a convincing argument that we can’t blame stupid people for the financial crisis (though they certainly helped).
Why have there been no more 9/11’s? Click on each of the theories to bring up the relevant essay, and make up your own mind.
In: Commentary Graphic Design (general) Innovative US Economy
23 Jul 2009The Good blog discusses the Republican/Democratic scuffle about the below graphic and health care reform issues. (note: clicking on the below brings up a larger version on another blog).
Here is a better designed graphic (with some chart junk of it’s own, admittedly) from Good showing problems with the existing heath care system:
A decent article by Martin Baily and Douglas Elliot on how big the crisis is – and comparisons of different estimates of the remaining problem:
An amusing list of central bank salaries. (Bernanke’s underpaid)
Of course, they don’t mention their incomes before or after service.
An addictive collection of beautiful charts, graphs, maps, and interactive data visualization toys -- on topics from around the world.
Households Like You
In: Commentary Interactive Source: NYT
20 Jun 2011Select your household type (married, kids, rooomies, etc) and view some summary statistics from the American Community Survey.