Commentary Archive:
How Stupid is it to Buy a Diamond?
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:
Beware of Greeks Bearing Bonds
13 Sep 2010I 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.
It’s from Cracked magazine, so not entirely accurate – still an entertaining read, though.
Wall Street Grifters
19 Feb 2010I don’t post many editorials, but I love Matt Taibbi’s gonzo journalism style and his insights about cracks in the financial system.
Blame the Smart People?
18 Oct 2009A WSJ op-ed that presents a convincing argument that we can’t blame stupid people for the financial crisis (though they certainly helped).
Terrorism Worry Tree
15 Sep 2009Why 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.
Poor Design as Scare Tactic?
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:
What Will It Take to Stabilize the Banks?
30 Mar 2009A decent article by Martin Baily and Douglas Elliot on how big the crisis is – and comparisons of different estimates of the remaining problem:
Central Bank Salaries
30 Mar 2009An amusing list of central bank salaries. (Bernanke’s underpaid)
Of course, they don’t mention their incomes before or after service.
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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.