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New research suggests that simply touching an item while shopping can lead to a sense of ownership, making you willing to pay more for it.

via The source of this content is Marginal Revolution.

This article uses a Burger King promotion as a jumping-off point to discuss the difficulty of valuing Facebook, ultimately concluding that its value is tied to its network effect and the increasing number of users and connections.

Jason Kottke shares some of his favorite posts from 2008, covering topics such as single-serving websites and the final season of The Wire. via kottke.org

Jason Kottke shares a list of skills from Popular Mechanics and notes that his father taught him many of them. via kottke.org

A study found that heavy drinkers contribute slightly more to Social Security than non-drinkers due to higher average lifetime earnings and earlier deaths.

This 2008 blog post discusses the potential collapse of the North Korean communist regime and speculates on the implications for reunification with South Korea.

Freakonomics explores the hidden side of everyday things from firefighters to romance novels. via The source of this content is Freakonomics.

Alex Tabarrok playfully challenges the "Golden Arches Theory of Conflict Prevention", suggesting a humorous alternative in light of the 2008 Russia-Georgia conflict. via The source of this content is Marginal Revolution.

Alex Tabarrok of Marginal Revolution discusses a video about simplified spelling by Ed Rondthaler of the American Literacy Council. via Marginal Revolution

This article from kottke.org profiles Joe Ades, a charismatic vegetable peeler salesman in Manhattan known for his unique sales techniques and refined style.

Jason Kottke finds a linear word clock impractical but lovely.

via kottke.org

A 2008 blog post discusses a 1958 research study about children's behavior when locked in refrigerators. via Crooked Timber