What is an economist who wants to see a Hannah Montana show to do?
Here is the true story of one such escapade. (The economist in question has asked me to keep his identity secret, out of fear that his reputation as a doting father will eclipse his economic accomplishments.) His story starts just the way you might expect: I had been working especially long hours recently. My family capital was running dangerously low. My oldest daughter Annika is a huge Hannah Montana fan. I figured it would be a good time to refill the tank and spend some quality time with Annika, so I announced gloriously in the morning that Annika and her papa were to see Hannah Montana that evening. Our hero had not, however, mentioned to dear Annika that he didn’t actually have tickets to that night’s concert. I quickly realized how out of touch with reality I am—the event was “sold out” and the ticket prices on various scalper sites were beyond reach for this academic’s salary. I concluded that I would take Annika to the local Wal-Mart and buy her a Hannah Montana CD and doll in
