Has anyone read Freakonomics?

[seaborneq]

I have heard a lot about this book, and I am about to purchase it. Tell me a little about it.

[Wheell]

It is a good book. Other options include predictably irrational, the undercover economist, discover your inner economist, blink, and the tipping point.

If you are ready to step up to the tougher texts let me know.

[MrX]

Good read. Some good examples of how to draw meaningful conclusions from data.

Highlights are a controversial look at abortions and crime rate, and strong evidence of match-fixing in sumo wrestling.

[zentiense]

It is a good book. Other options include predictably irrational, the undercover economist, discover your inner economist, blink, and the tipping point.

If you are ready to step up to the tougher texts let me know.

Hey man, along the lines of The Tipping Point, do you know anything about "social network theory?" I'm looking for some good material on this subject, especially how it relates to the study of history.

[Sinister Cat]

Entertaining book, quick read. I recommend it. Baby names chapter is kind of interesting/funny.

[Wheell]

Hey man, along the lines of The Tipping Point, do you know anything about "social network theory?" I'm looking for some good material on this subject, especially how it relates to the study of history.

My knowledge of the subject suggests that the social network theory is inaccurate. In terms of researching the effects of memes on history... hmm. I'm trying to remember which book covered it best. Jared Diamond did some good work on the subject. I'm not remembering who else covered it well. If I do I'll post the book.

[pico]

i am naming my son jamel and daughter latisha and see how they do in the real world

[Arilou]

I'm trying to decide if those names hurt them in zero-sum situations, in which case I should encourage you, or if they hurt them without helping anyone else, in which case you're shrinking my tax base. My guess is, it's mostly zero-sum effects.

[Brock Landers]

yeah, bits and pieces.

i liked the position he presented about why crime had gone down, Abortion was leagalized in 1972, many of those who would have been of the age to start commiting crimes were never born due to this.

[BrentCrude]

Here is my observation on how to be a success in our false economy.Nice guys finish last.Hound your grandparents,relatives and parents for money and inheritances.The hell with your brothers,sisters and cousins getting any of it.

Find a wife with a rich family.Make her work too.If you can't find a rich wife,find one that is on SSI dissability collecting a steady income.

From the time you are a kid,schmooze,brown nose and network.Even if you don't like someone,big deal,if you can kiss their butt and get favors and advancements in life,do it.Always be involved in popular causes.If everyone in your area is a socialist democrat,be in junior government in school going to DC for junior achievement etc.and stand up for social justice for unions and affirmative action.That's taking the Clinton route.Cheney did it as a neocon.Neither had much going for them and did not come from privilege but they scratched and clawed their way up the ladder by self promotion.

Get any government grant or loan you can get your hands on.If you go to banks for personal loans or start a company and you flounder and go bust,go bankrupt.Always demand that you have the biggest and best whether you can pay for it or not.

If your wife gets sick or fat,leave her and disgard her for something that will fill your needs.

I could add about 200 more disgusting things to this list.I have seen everyone of these things being implemented by people to further their stature in life.Nice guys do finsih last,it's the truth.The more heartless and ruthless you are,the better your chances of success.If you suck at anything,still hold your head up high and pretend you are the best at it.Being humble gets you nothing.

All you have to do to see that my point is valid is to look at who we elect to office.They are all the most inept losers imagineable and have put the country into dire straights but they pretend to be rock stars.Most all are criminals and live off of ill gotten gains.Ted Kennedy's wife's family was one of the biggest welshers and recipients of the tax payer dollar bailout of the savings and loan debacle.Do you think Ted and her after all their antics should be living in shame under a rock somewhere?Hell no,he just got a standing ovation yesterday when he entered the senate for the 1st time since he was diagnosed with brain cancer.Hell,the guy should have been diagnosed with brain cancer not while being a senator but a prison inmate.

We have selective socialism and a false Keynesian economy.Very few people actually produce anything of value and earn their keep.

My best childhood friend from the time I was born till about the age of 22 is a CEO of a company.He did all of the crap I mentioned at the beginning of my rant to succeed in life.This guy is the clone of Dick Cheney.When you get him one on one,he's back to being a simple carefree normal guy who shoots the bull and is humble.Get him with a group of people and he turns into the world's most pretentous phoney.He turns into a regular phoney bologna,plastic banana game show host.I think Rush Limbaugh is like that where deep down he's an insecure normal guy but when you get him in the limelight he turns into a bloviating farse.

[Bostongambler]

Once bitten, twice bitten....classic

[seaborneq]

Here is my observation on how to be a success in our false economy.Nice guys finish last.Hound your grandparents,relatives and parents for money and inheritances.The hell with your brothers,sisters and cousins getting any of it.

Find a wife with a rich family.Make her work too.If you can't find a rich wife,find one that is on SSI dissability collecting a steady income.

From the time you are a kid,schmooze,brown nose and network.Even if you don't like someone,big deal,if you can kiss their butt and get favors and advancements in life,do it.Always be involved in popular causes.If everyone in your area is a socialist democrat,be in junior government in school going to DC for junior achievement etc.and stand up for social justice for unions and affirmative action.That's taking the Clinton route.Cheney did it as a neocon.Neither had much going for them and did not come from privilege but they scratched and clawed their way up the ladder by self promotion.

Get any government grant or loan you can get your hands on.If you go to banks for personal loans or start a company and you flounder and go bust,go bankrupt.Always demand that you have the biggest and best whether you can pay for it or not.

If your wife gets sick or fat,leave her and disgard her for something that will fill your needs.

I could add about 200 more disgusting things to this list.I have seen everyone of these things being implemented by people to further their stature in life.Nice guys do finsih last,it's the truth.The more heartless and ruthless you are,the better your chances of success.If you suck at anything,still hold your head up high and pretend you are the best at it.Being humble gets you nothing.

All you have to do to see that my point is valid is to look at who we elect to office.They are all the most inept losers imagineable and have put the country into dire straights but they pretend to be rock stars.Most all are criminals and live off of ill gotten gains.Ted Kennedy's wife's family was one of the biggest welshers and recipients of the tax payer dollar bailout of the savings and loan debacle.Do you think Ted and her after all their antics should be living in shame under a rock somewhere?Hell no,he just got a standing ovation yesterday when he entered the senate for the 1st time since he was diagnosed with brain cancer.Hell,the guy should have been diagnosed with brain cancer not while being a senator but a prison inmate.

We have selective socialism and a false Keynesian economy.Very few people actually produce anything of value and earn their keep.

My best childhood friend from the time I was born till about the age of 22 is a CEO of a company.He did all of the crap I mentioned at the beginning of my rant to succeed in life.This guy is the clone of Dick Cheney.When you get him one on one,he's back to being a simple carefree normal guy who shoots the bull and is humble.Get him with a group of people and he turns into the world's most pretentous phoney.He turns into a regular phoney bologna,plastic banana game show host.I think Rush Limbaugh is like that where deep down he's an insecure normal guy but when you get him in the limelight he turns into a bloviating farse.

I'll start teaching my daughter this immediately. Thanks BC.

[BAUS]

i am naming my son jamel and daughter latisha and see how they do in the real world

LMAO!

Very good read. Enjoyed it.

BAUS

[seaborneq]

The book is on its way. I will be able to understand better what you guys are saying.

[Justin7]

I enjoyed the book. Fascinating topics, and a very easy read.

[seaborneq]

Freakonomics arrived today. Let's see what this is all about.

[trytrytry]

this is a great book read this book.

[seaborneq]

Read the book. A good read. Now I am working on The Blind Side.

[tacomax]

Read the book. A good read. Now I am working on The Blind Side.

The follow-up, imaginatively titled Super Freakonomics, has recently been released which I should hopefully get around to reading shortly.

[seaborneq]

The follow-up, imaginatively titled Super Freakonomics, has recently been released which I should hopefully get around to reading shortly.

You will have to tell me about it. I was not that impressed that I need a second does of it.

[pico]

let me just sum it up. taking higher risk = potential higher return.

taking higher risk by risking things that'll destroy the country = became a billionaire or president