Reading

Steve Landsburg's blog post recommends David Friedman's *The Machinery of Freedom* and links to a free pdf of the book.

via The Big Questions

Bryan Caplan of EconLog shares a thought-provoking passage from All Quiet on the Western Front and poses a question to readers about the causes and beneficiaries of war. via The source of this content is Econlib.

Research explored in this article shows that people may enjoy the planning stages of a vacation more than the trip itself.

A Psychology Today article explores the psychology of masturbation, covering animal behavior and sexual fantasies, while challenging the notion that fantasies stem from deprivation. It references a Scientific American piece for further details on the topic. via Mind Hacks

This 2010 article discusses a judge's decision to overturn the Obama administration's moratorium on offshore oil drilling.

via Econlib.

Arnold Kling examines the conditions under which government intervention is preferable to private solutions for market failures, arguing that mainstream economists focus too much on ideal market conditions. via Econlib.

John Cassidy, in his concern over the global shift from economic stimulus to deficit reduction, argues it could hinder economic recovery. via The New Yorker

Bryan Caplan argues that while economists often say bad policies succeed because the benefits are more visible than the costs, war is a counterexample as people are easily persuaded of war's non-obvious benefits. via Econlib.

Bryan Caplan of EconLog expresses strong disapproval of the school practice of separating twins into different classrooms and discouraging "best friendships".

via Econlib.

Steven Johnson responds to Nicholas Carr's views on multitasking, suggesting that busy urban environments, rather than hindering, actually foster innovation.

Arnold Kling compares and contrasts two Washington Post articles: one discussing negative outcomes for children conceived using sperm donors and a second examining Alvin Greene’s unexpected primary win.

The Daily Beast encountered a 404 error while trying to access a specific page about the World Cup. via The Daily Beast