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The delicate subject of patents
Written by Gavin Chait
Obesity is proof, if ever we needed it, that human beings have an innate lack of understanding of how much the society in which we live has changed.
Our evolutionary antecedents lived in a world of uncertainty and anxiety, more so than today. Food was seasonal, and seasons could be good or bad. All the more reason to tuck in and put on the fat while the going was good. Those with a better ability to store weight would better survive future famine, drought, fire or flood.
Circumstances have changed. Our intelligence has allowed us to circumvent circumstance. We don’t need to store fat against future lack; we can just head down to the supermarket.
Read more: The delicate subject of patentsA return to subsistence farming won’t aid economic recovery
Written by Gavin Chait
Being a child in the world’s poorest nations is not idyllic. Widespread poverty means that many have to work to support their families. This limits their access to education and damages their health. The Food and Agriculture Organisation estimates that over 150 million children under the age of 18 work in agriculture. For that, read subsistence farming.
Poverty is a result of inefficiency; of repetitive tasks performed in such a way that it imposes the maximum burden on a person’s time and effort while returning the bare minimum for their survival. The specialisation that results from division of labour leads to a greater return on that effort. It also leaves time for innovation. That innovation triggers further division of labour and creates more opportunities and wealth.
Read more: A return to subsistence farming won’t aid economic recoveryAmerican healthcare reform is merely a warm-up for the rest of us
Written by Gavin Chait
Those opposed are accusing US President Barack Obama of attempting to set up death committees to kill the aged. Those in favour suggest that their opponents are delusional traitors.
Welcome to the debate over US healthcare reform. The world’s wealthiest nation is in a lather over a proposal that hasn’t even been officially formulated yet. Both sides yank in the UK’s National Health Service as proof of their cause.
Read more: American healthcare reform is merely a warm-up for the rest of usGetting the most out of a toaster
Written by Gavin Chait
Those in the market for a new household toaster are spoiled for choice. There are colours and styles to suite all tastes and budgets; from the cheapest Sunbeam at around $10, right through to the epically-priced Bosch Porsche for over $200.
If the kids are showing a ravenous appetite for hot-buttered, jam-covered toast, you might splash out on a hardwearing, daily work-horse for around $75. If it lasts two years and you make five to six slices a day, then that works out at about 1.8 cents a slice.
Read more: Getting the most out of a toasterCash for junk, will it revive economies?
Written by Gavin Chait
The global economic crisis has created a cascade of financial problems. Banks won’t, or can’t, lend. Consumers move to protect their incomes and stop spending. Retailers order less stock and lay off staff. Manufacturers produce less, and lay off staff. Which produces fewer consumers, who spend less.
The cycle repeats with production being chased down by falling spending. Governments have responded in a number of ways: by increasing government expenditure on large state-driven projects, like healthcare or infrastructure or IT; by lending vast amounts of cash to banks at low interest rates with the proviso that they then lend to consumers; by intervening directly to give cash to consumers.
Read more: Cash for junk, will it revive economies?Page 9 of 50
