Random Thoughts - The Lancelot Lounge

Should the Government Subsidize Profitable Companies? A Question of Efficiency and Equity

By Edward Franklin April 8, 2025Economics | Business

The topic of government subsidies is contentious. While subsidies can play a crucial role in supporting essential industries or promoting innovation, whether governments should subsidize already profitable companies raises serious…

The Illusion of Equality: Proportionality vs. Impact in Taxation

By Edward Franklin March 28, 2025Economics | Business

We often hear about tax rates and percentages, but do we understand their real-world impact? Even when two people pay the same tax percentage, the effect on their lives can…

The Rise of Algorithmic Medicine: Are We Ready to Trade Bedside Manner for Efficiency?

By Edward Franklin March 16, 2025Politics | Society, Science | Technology

The landscape of healthcare is undergoing a seismic shift. We're witnessing the dawn of an era where AI and robotics are no longer futuristic fantasies but tangible realities transforming how…

The Customer Service Myth: Why Price and Quality Trump “Being Nice”

By Edward Franklin March 16, 2025Economics | Business, Random Thoughts | Theories

We've all heard the mantra: "Customer service is king!" Entire industries are built on the promise of exceptional customer experiences. But let's be honest: How much does customer service matter…

The Entropy of Human Interaction: How Disorder Impacts Group Dynamics

By Edward Franklin March 16, 2025Politics | Society, Random Thoughts | Theories

Entropy: A Quick Refresher In thermodynamics, entropy is often described as a measure of disorder or randomness in a system. The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of…

The Microwave and the Expanding Waistline: A Complex Correlation

By Edward Franklin March 12, 2025Politics | Society

The humble microwave, a symbol of modern convenience, has become a ubiquitous fixture in kitchens across the United States. Yet, its rise in popularity coincides with another concerning trend: the…

Deflation in a World of Abundance: Rethinking the Role of Money in a Future of Near-Zero Marginal Cost

By Edward Franklin March 12, 2025Economics | Business, Politics | Society

In traditional economic theory, deflation is often viewed as a negative phenomenon. It's associated with falling prices, decreased consumer spending, and a potential economic downturn. However, this perspective is primarily…

The Illusion of Unluckiness: Reclaiming Your Narrative

By Edward Franklin March 12, 2025Random Thoughts | Theories

We've all been there. You stub your toe on the coffee table, spill your coffee, and miss the bus, all within 15 minutes. "I'm so unlucky!" you exclaim, convinced that…

AI: The Lazy Person’s Dream?

By Edward Franklin March 12, 2025Politics | Society, Science | Technology

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has sparked numerous debates about its impact on society, the economy, and the future of work. One interesting perspective suggests that AI can be…

The Illusion of Efficiency: Why Privatizing Prisons May Cost Us More Than We Think

By Edward Franklin March 10, 2025Economics | Business, Politics | Society

When governments outsource essential services like prisons to private companies, the promise is often efficiency and cost savings. The argument goes that private companies are driven by profit, so they…