odds and ends (updated)

I have not had time to post much lately. Here are a few interesting links that I found on other blogs.

Calculated risk looks at the credit markets and finds them improving.

Brad Delong puts our standard of living, and that of the past, in perspective.

Behavioral economics talks a lot about the endowment effect. Here is an article that says the endowment effect can be triggered just by touching an item.

The Fed's statement after its recent FOMC meeting suggests the economy may begin to improve later this year, or maybe not.

The number of people getting married in the UK hits an 111-year low. Incentives matter.