When a Small Leak Is a Big Problem

Made worse by leaky pipes, European water shortages could become a bigger problem that requires short showers.

How Beef Croquettes Are Like National Parks

Whether asking about the allocation of beef croquettes or national park reservations, the answers take us to the three economic systems.

How Covid Caused a Bagels and Cream Cheese Crisis

Covid’s impact on factory labor, truck drivers, and packaging supplies has resulted in a New York City cream cheese shortage.

How French Fries Are Like French Cheese

Global lockdowns have created supply problems for Belgian French fries and French cheese because households cannot make up for decreased commercial demand.

The Beer That No One Wants to Buy

The firms that produce craft beer and the farmers that grow Idaho potatoes have somewhat similar pandemic supply problems.

Where We’ve Been Scrambling For Eggs

Whereas toilet paper shortages have been in the news, the headlines could also have included surging egg demand, especially in Israel.

Why We’ll Have a 2019 Valentine’s Day Candy Shortage

First there was the Great Necco Wafer Panic of 2018 and now we have a Valentine’s Day candy shortage of the conversation hearts that are a national favorite.

Deciding Who Gets Medical Help During Disasters

Remembering Hurricane Katrina and the decisions one isolated medical staff had to make for patients, a group in Maryland has recommended triage tradeoffs.

Japan’s Potato Chip Crunch

Creating a run on potato chips, Japan’s potato crisis is a classic supply and demand story that starts in the field and ends in the store.

How Supermarket Shelves Influence Us

Depending on its location, a supermarket’s grocery shelf space can have a high or low value that will determine its product placement.