It’s not health, but favoring some businesses over others (and over consumers) that’s the concern of Connecticut’s regulators: Here’s the description of the Institute for Justice’s video: Teeth-whitening services are popular and increasingly available at spas, salons and shopping malls. This has been a boon for consumers because these businesses offer whitening services at a…
Business
Animals, Business, Economy, Food, Laws/Regulations, Liberty
Idaho legitimizes small-scale raw-milk producers
by JOHN ADAMS •
The potato state bests America’s Dairyland in common sense and consumer choice: “There were a lot of illegal raw-milk sales throughout the state,” Patten said. “Across-the-fence sales, let’s say.” So, in early 2010, instead of drawing guns and raiding those operations, the state of Idaho–with the help of raw-milk advocates and a less-enthusiastic dairy industry–modified…
Business
Small Business Saturday
by JOHN ADAMS •
It’s Small Business Saturday in America on 11.26.11. I’ve been critical of government’s intervention in the marketplace (between chains and local stores), but there’s much to recommend local merchants who find success through their own, private efforts. Shoppers don’t need a politician or bureaucrat’s guidance. (“Consumers should be able to decide for themselves without the…
Business, Food, Holiday
How Tubes of Tofu Become Tofurky
by JOHN ADAMS •
Business, Technology
Adventures in Phone Shopping
by JOHN ADAMS •
I asked readers last week whether I should get an iPhone or stick with an Android one, having previously had three Android phones and more than that number of BlackBerry models still earlier. Comments were mixed, with some support either way. Poll results heavily favored the iPhone, and The Phantom Stranger’s recommendations (always reliable) made…
Business, Economy, Free Markets, Laws/Regulations, Planning
How Anti-Dumping Laws are Bad for American Jobs
by JOHN ADAMS •
Here’s a brief video (perfect for classroom use!) on how anti-dumping laws – designed to protect American jobs from foreign competition — actually inhibit American production, raise Americans’ prices for goods, and stymie domestic job creation. Restrictions on importation may not be sensible as economic policy, but they’re a great gain for a few protected…
Business
Journal Sentinel: Generac to add 300 – 400 jobs (in total) at Waukesha, Whitewater, and Eagle plants
by JOHN ADAMS •
Business, Food, Free Markets
The Charitable Power of Food Trucks
by JOHN ADAMS •
There’s a story at the Los Angeles Times about schools’ use of food-truck nights as fundraisers. Angel Jennings reports that Outdoor food courts are popping up in the parking lots of at least a dozen high schools across Southern California with more on the way. Financially strapped public schools – hit hard by budget cuts,…
Business, City, Economy, Government Spending
The Housing Market and Public Budgets
by JOHN ADAMS •
There’s a story in the Washington Post about Pres. Obama’s latest initiative to help underwater homeowners (Government announces new program to help ‘underwater’ homeowners), following an earlier story — anticipating today’s announcement — about failed, past efforts (Obama’s efforts to aid homeowners, boost housing market fall far short of goals). The former story pours cold…
Business, City
Tenure as Curse and Code
by JOHN ADAMS •
Generally, a long tenure in a job or office is a bad thing – too much time in one place, without enough exposure to other people and practices. It’s a stagnant pool, as against the more vigorous environs of rushing waters. Most people see this, and understand this, easily. They move willingly from one position…