The theory of efficient markets, when applied beyond financial markets, is proposed by those who bridle against government regulation of business. Their idea is that markets will punish bad behavior of individual firms or even whole industries and thus create incentives for firms to produce goods and services without harming employees, consumers, or the environment. […]
For the past few weeks we have heard a Northern Bobwhite singing in our neighborhood. This is a bird we associate with Southern New England, so we were surprised to hear it in Eastern Maine. My first thought was, here is yet another bird whose range has moved north in response to climate change, a […]
In many faith communities it is common for adherents to sacrifice. The Shakers embraced celibacy, though some might find that a flawed “business plan” for the endurance of the sect. Catholics for years avoided eating meat on Fridays, a practice good for fish mongers. Likewise, many Jews and Muslims forsake pork in their diets. Dietary […]
When most people hear the word economics they think of money. I remember visiting a local Maine historical society and the excitement the caretaker felt when he learned that I was an economist. He immediately assumed that I would want to see their collection of 19th Century currency in circulation in Maine. I did not. […]
One of the fun stories from Maine this year to help take our minds off natural disasters, Presidential elections, and ill-behaved Olympic athletes is the tale of Wessie. In case you have been living under a rock, Wessie is the affectionate name given to the large snake reported in the Presumpscot River in Westbrook. Reported […]
After my recent blog on the ethics of wildlife management, I got a call from Bob Duchesne. Bob is a birding tour guide, Legislator, and host of the weekly radio show Bob Duchesne’s Wild Maine. Bob suggested that we sit down and discuss some of the issues that my blog raised for him. I think […]
The numbers of some bird species in North America are in steep decline, in part due to human activities. For some people this is of little concern, birds are not of interest to them. But for many humans, birds are an important part of their lives. Economists would say that many people value birds. By […]
