Time for a More Sensible, Permanent Calendar?
An astronomer and an economist suggest the world would be a more sensible place if it dropped floating days of the week and leap years by switching to their Hanke-Henry Permanent Calendar.
Rating LA’s Safety Levels by ZIP Code
A new scorecard for violence prevention in Los Angeles puts hard numbers on hard problems, and does it for every ZIP code in the sprawling city.
Feds Poke Hole in Needle Exchange Funding
Despite evidence that needle exchange programs for drug users slow the spread of AIDS, the new U.S. government spending bill once again defunds such programs.
Why a Democracy Needs Uninformed People
In a lesson taught by schools of fish, researchers determine that uninformed individuals are actually a benefit to democracy by sanding off extreme views.
Scientists Deflated by Obama’s Policy Decisions
After swooning over promises that science would always trump politics in his administration, some observers are troubled by President Obama’s decisions on smog and contraception.
Don’t Tax Soda, Tax Sweeteners
Efforts to slow obesity by taxing sodas hit the wrong target, argue three economists who propose a better-aimed tax on sugar and syrup that even they admit still sidesteps the real problem.
Tarring Opponents as Extremists Really Can Work
Political scientists have determined that labeling supporters of stands that otherwise might be unassailable can have a sleazy efficacy, although not everyone falls for tactic.
Despite Bad Marks, For-Profit Colleges Still Passing
While for-profit higher education draws federal ire over student loans and unrealistic promises, the sector still fills an important vocational niche.
Imagine There’s No Law; It’s Easy If You Try
Law professor David Friedman offers a libertarian thought experiment in which the concept of law — i.e. rights enforcement — is determined by the marketplace, and not the political process.
Employer Health Costs Rise Faster Than Medicare
The upward spiral in U.S. health insurance costs is especially acute for employers that offer the benefit and employees shouldering more of their own costs.