The mobile phone carriers are some of the worst offenders of monopoly power. Case-in-point is the pricing of the text messaging system. A recent New York Times article explores it in some detail - but I don’t think they go quite far enough. Consider that the average per-message cost (assuming you don’t [...]
I heard about the upcoming revision to the Star Wars Role-Playing Game, Saga Edition a while ago, and my first reaction was to groan in annoyance at the money-grubbing materialism of the publisher. I own both the original and revised editions of d20 Star Wars, and while both have their high points, I really [...]
The Ultimatum Game is a demonstration of either human irrationality or an inherent desire for “fairness.” While I would like to believe that, were I the responder, I would choose rationally to accept any non-zero sum offered, I don’t think that would be the case. In thinking about my choice, I would undoubtedly [...]
Apparently there is no boundary to the inanity of the MPAA. They’re currently lobbying a bill that would require end users to register any “home theater system.” The reason? Just by purchasing a DVD, we don’t actually have the right to invite our friends over to watch it. Correct me if [...]
During my recent business trip, we decided to rent an SUV to help haul all the various computer paraphenalia. As the senior tech on the trip, I was responsible for acquiring said rental, which brings us to the crux of the post. Hertz has two options for purchasing fuel. The first option [...]