Know what really grinds my gears?

Out now in the current issue of The Atlantic is my piece for an article on the state of the U.S. economy, especially with regard to innovation and new business creation. Hint: it's not great. Why? Because we have a pretty serious monopoly problem in this country, that is looking increasingly like the gilded age of the late 19th century. As the article explains, nearly every industry is concentrated into a few humongous corporations that control a vast majority of the market in their respective sectors. Whether it's clothing, health insurance, airlines, cable, supermarkets, publishing- you name it- it's an oligopoly.

Pick up a copy, or read the article here. Thanks to, Paul!

Where the sun don't shine

Actually, this is about a place where the sun is shining, compared to it's surrounding area. For Milwaukee Magazine, this illustration accompanies a story on Wauwatosa, or simply 'Tosa, a suburb of Milwaukee that the recession/depression most of the country is feeling has apparently skimmed over. The economy of 'Tosa is actually doing better now than it was before the crisis, while the surrounding areas trudge on through high unemployment, and low growth.

Here's the full page:

Thank you, Kathryn! Coming soon: 5280 and L.A. Times...