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December 31, 2012 - The politics of parking meters

Patrick Emerson PhD , OSU Economist Oregon Economics Blog One of the most important lessons economists try and teach new economics students is that costs are both monetary and non-monetary and that in economics costs include opportunity costs: the value of the next best thing you give up by choosing […]




December 28, 2012 - Subsidies Make Streetcars Costly

Randal O’Toole senior fellow at Cato Institute & author of Gridlock: Why We’re Stuck in Traffic and What to Do About It. San Antonio officials who believe an expensive streetcar line will promote mobility and economic development are doomed to disappointment. Streetcars are obsolete: they move slowly; are hazardous to […]


December 27, 2012 - Portland foreclosure rates increase

Portland foreclosure rates increase  Portland foreclosure rates rose to 2.74 percent, an increase of 0.18 percent compared to September 2011. The state’s rates rose to 3.12 percent, an increase of 0.15 percent. Nationwide, the foreclosure rates fell to 3.52 percent, a decrease of 0.27 percent. Oregon’s foreclosure recovery has lagged […]


December 26, 2012 - Portland Metro area regained 60% of jobs lost since 2008

Study reveals Portland-metro’s progress of economic recovery — Value of Jobs Coalition reports high productivity, job gains, but low median incomes Portland Business Alliance Business and civic leaders released the latest economic study of the Portland-metro area, examining how the region is performing compared the U.S. metro average and other […]


December 25, 2012 - A Keynesian Christmas (video)

by Bill Conerly, Oregon economist Conerly Consulting, Businomics If you are a little skeptical about claims that spending more will spur the economy, listen to John Papola’s “Deck the Halls with Macro Follies” (hat tip to Russ Roberts at Cafe Hayek)


December 24, 2012 - Retailers test same-day delivery

Retailers test same-day delivery Oregon Small Business Association: Giant retailers are offering same-day delivery in selected cities to try to gain a competitive edge. Amazon started same-day delivery several years ago, filling orders from its own warehouses. “Amazon created this monster and everyone has had to jump on board to […]


December 23, 2012 - US Chamber: UN internet rules a terrible idea

U.S. Chamber Comments on Proposed UN Internet Regulations By U.S. Chamber of Commerce Voices Strong Support for U.S. Government’s Refusal to Sign Agreement in Current Form The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer David Chavern today issued the following statement regarding the United Nation’s International […]


December 22, 2012 - Sales spike 400% for armored backpacks for kids (video)

The Wall Street Journal interviewed the Vice President of Business Operations of Bullet Blocker which created a bullet-proof backpack for school kids. The idea is their backpack can be a lifesaving lightweight shield against mass shooters. Bullet Blockers said they saw sales rise 400% since the Newtown shooting.