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DIAMOND-WATER PARADOX: The perplexing observation that water, which is more useful than diamonds, has a lower price. If price is related to utility, how can this occur? This paradox was first proposed by classical economists in the 19th century and was subsequently used as a stepping stone for developing the notion of marginal utility and the role it plays in the demand price of a good. The paradox is magically cleared up with an understanding of marginal utility and total utility. People are willing to pay a higher price for goods with greater marginal utility. As such, water which is plentiful has enormous total utility, but a low price because of a low marginal utility. Diamonds, however, have less total utility because they are less plentiful, but a high price because of a high marginal utility.
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UNSTABLE EQUILIBRIUM Equilibrium that is not restored if disrupted by an external force. Few economic models have an equilibrium that is unstable, reflecting the observation that the real world adapts to changes and maintains a fair degree of stability. However, there are situations where an unstable equilibrium more accurately reflects economic phenomena. The alternative to an unstable equilibrium is a stable equilibrium.
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GREEN LOGIGUIN [What's This?]
Today, you are likely to spend a great deal of time visiting every yard sale in a 30-mile radius hoping to buy either a rechargeable battery for your camera or a coffee cup commemorating the first day of spring. Be on the lookout for slow moving vehicles with darkened windows. Your Complete Scope
This isn't me! What am I?
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A half gallon milk jug holds about $50 in pennies.
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"Nobody can be successful unless he loves his work. " -- David Sarnoff, TV pioneer
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AGI Adjusted Gross Income
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