In Lehmann's Terms

Pick-up lines for economists

Tyler Cowen marks Valentine's Day with a brief examination of the economics of pick-up lines. Here are a few I think might be up his alley.

• I couldn't help but notice your monetary base. Do you let a guy get to M3 on a first date?
• You have a boyfriend? That's ok. The wife and I are into credit-swapping.
• I'm not like other guys. I'd never withdraw my deposits without at least offering a wraparound.
• Baby, that booty is a moral hazard!
• When it comes to you, my demand curve slopes upward.
• Do you have a job? Because I thought maybe we could enjoy some frictional unemployment together.
• I know there are competitive bidders, but ask any of the girls here, and they'll tell you my tongue has absolute advantage.
• Are you a Keynesian? Because you sure make my monetary policy inflate.
• You've got the loveliest supply curves I've ever seen.
• I know it's a Saturday, but do you think you'd be open for some direct deposits later?
• I think you and me would have great potential output.
• So, what kinds of permissable nonbank activites are you into?
• If you want to invite your friend, perhaps we could explore multilateralism.
• C'mon, it's getting late, and we both know I'm your lender of last resort.
• Let's blow this popsicle stand and see what happens when we let our indifference curves intersect.

My New Favorite Bank

I just may have to switch accounts, after this news:

BB&T Corporation today said it will not lend to commercial developers that plan to build condominiums, shopping malls and other private projects on land taken from private citizens by government entities using eminent domain.

“The idea that a citizen’s property can be taken by the government solely for private use is extremely misguided, in fact it’s just plain wrong,” said BB&T Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Allison.

“One of the most basic rights of every citizen is to keep what they own. As an institution dedicated to helping our clients achieve economic success and financial security, we won’t help any entity or company that would undermine that mission and threaten the hard-earned American dream of property ownership.”

Now THIS is the kind of "socially responsible investing" I can get behind!